The next morning was crisp and clear, perfect for an adventure. Madeline was eager to explore more of the palace grounds, But she found herself bumping into Edmund, Peters younger brother.
"Good morning, Madeline!" he called out, his eyes twinkling with excitement. "Ready for another adventure?"
Madeline smiled, feeling a flutter of anticipation. "Good morning, Edmund. What do you have in mind?"
"How about a hike up the mountains? The view from the top is worth every step," Edmund suggested, his enthusiasm contagious.
Madeline frowned a little. "An hike?"
"Come ooonn, it would be fun." Edmund said grabbing her hand and taking her with her.
They gathered their supplies and set off towards the mountains, the trail leading them through the dense woods that surrounded the palace. The fresh scent of pine filled the air, and the sounds of birds chirping above provided a soothing soundtrack to their journey.
As they hiked, Edmund kept up a steady stream of light-hearted chatter, regaling Madeline with stories of his past adventures and pranks. Madeline found herself laughing at his antics, feeling more at ease with each step.
However, as the trail grew steeper, Madeline began to struggle a bit. The incline was challenging, and her pace slowed as she tried to keep up with Edmund, who seemed to navigate the path effortlessly.
Edmund noticed her struggle and turned back with a teasing grin. "Come on, don't tell me you're tired already, We've barely started."
Madeline huffed, a smile tugging at her lips despite her exertion. "I'm fine, just taking in the scenery."
Edmund laughed, his voice echoing through the trees. "Taking in the scenery, huh? Well, if you need a break, you can just tell me.I wouldn't want you to miss out on all the beautiful views because you're too busy huffing and puffing."
Madeline rolled her eyes good-naturedly. "I can handle it, Edmund. Just you wait."
As they continued, Edmund kept up his playful banter, making jokes and teasing Madeline at every opportunity. "Are you sure you're not part tortoise? I think I saw one pass us a little while back."
Madeline laughed, her spirits lifted by his humor. "Very funny. Just wait until we get to the top. I'll show you who's slow."
Despite his teasing, Edmund was attentive, making sure to adjust their pace and offering his hand to help Madeline over particularly tricky spots. His playful mockery was always accompanied by a reassuring smile and a steadying hand, ensuring she never felt overwhelmed.
"See, that wasn't so hard, was it?" Edmund said with a grin as they reached a relatively flat part of the trail.
Madeline took a deep breath, grateful for the brief respite. "Not at all. Just pacing myself for the grand finale."
Edmund chuckled. "That's the spirit! Though if you need me to carry you the rest of the way, just let me know. I'm sure I could manage."
Madeline swatted at him playfully. "Not a chance. I'll make it to the top on my own two feet, thank you very much."
Their playful exchanges made the hike more enjoyable, and before long, they reached the summit. The view from the top was indeed breathtaking, with the entire kingdom spread out before them, bathed in the golden glow of the morning sun.
Madeline stood at the edge, taking in the sight with wide eyes. "Wow, Edmund. This is incredible."
Edmund smiled, watching her reaction. "Told you it was worth it. And you made it up here all by yourself. I'm impressed."
Madeline turned to him, her face flushed with both exertion and happiness. "Thanks, Edmund. I couldn't have done it without your... encouragement."
Edmund laughed. "Well, I do try my best. You did great, Madeline."
They found a comfortable spot to sit and enjoyed a picnic lunch, sharing stories and laughter. Edmund's playful teasing continued, but now it was mixed with a genuine admiration for Madeline's determination.
"So, what do you think of our little adventure?" Edmund asked as they packed up their things to head back down.
Madeline smiled warmly. "It was amazing, even with all your jokes. Thank you for bringing me here."
"Anytime, Madeline," Edmund replied, his tone sincere. "I had the best time ever."
As they made their way back down the mountain, Madeline felt a deeper sense of camaraderie with Edmund. His playful teasing had made the hike challenging yet enjoyable, and she appreciated his ability to make her laugh even in the most trying moments. Their bond had grown stronger, and she looked forward to many more adventures with her new friend.
———-
Word count: 768
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BENEATH THE CROWN || P. PEVENSIE (1)
Romance"You and I are friends, we will always be." Madeline said softly. "Friends?" Peter said as his voice raised a bit. He felt betrayed. "Friends Madeline?" Madeline knew she messed up her sentences. "I'm in love with you!" Peter shouted as he began...
