New Girl In Town

Colt and Chippy walked ahead of me and Peter, but every now and then Colt would turn his head back to make sure I was alright; I would only smile and nod.

“What happened to your arms and leg?” Peter asked quietly as we walked. I let out a light laugh.

“Well when Colt saw Chippy, he kinda went after him…while I was still holding on to his leash,” I laughed again. I could tell Peter was fighting the urge to laugh, but instead he asked if I was ok. I smiled.

“I’m fine; its ok you know, you can laugh. You should have seen how far I slid when I fell down,” I said; this time he laughed slightly.

“No, don’t make me laugh; it’s rude,” he said, still with a smile on his face. This time I couldn’t hold back the urge to roll my eyes.

“It’s only rude if you laugh when someone’s hurt,” I corrected him, all in good fun; he laughed again.

“Oh, my mistake; I had it all wrong,” he smirked at me. I could see the smile in his deep blue eyes. I got the butterflies again, but tried to suppress it.

“Good, I’m glad you understand now,” I said, still playing along.

“You know,” he started out seriously, “most people wouldn’t correct a King,” he ended in a joking manner.

“Oh, well I am so sorry, your majesty,” I said as I bowed to him.

“No, no; women do not bow, they curtsey,” he corrected me this time. I laughed before stepping in front of Peter and curtsying.

“How is that, your majesty?” I asked while rising one eyebrow.

“You are a natural,” Peter joked before gently pulling me into him and holding on to my arm like he was before. I couldn’t help but turn away and blush.

I don’t know what has come over me; I never was this comfortable around a guy back home. There was just something about Peter that made me feel comfortable; I just couldn’t put my finger on it.

Soon we reached a river where a beautiful dark brown horse was having a drink of water. I gasped at how beautiful it was.

“There’s no need to be afraid,” Peter whispered to me as we slowly walked towards the horse. I looked at him like he had grown a second head. He had misunderstood my gasp; he thought I was scared.

“Afraid? I’m not afraid. I’ve always wanted a horse, but I don’t think I’d ever have the time to take care of one,” I said not being able to take my eyes off the beautiful creature.

“You’re an odd girl,” overhead Peter mumble.

“And why is that?” I asked, trying not to take it as an insult.

“The girls I’ve met from other countries are all afraid of horses; my sisters are the only girls I know who aren’t scared of them,” I rolled my eyes.

Great…I’d better not have to be friends with one of those little prissy girls who are scared to get their hands dirty…At least his sisters can ride…

“Other countries?” I asked trying to ignore my sudden irritation.

“Yes; the only female humans in Narnia are my sisters. All other humans are from surrounding countries; the one’s I was naming earlier. I thought you might have been from one,” he finished as he reached his horse.

A country without humans? What kind of country is that?

“Dusty, this is Rose. She’s going to be riding with us back to Cair Paravel, so go easy alright?” he asked kindly as he stroked Dusty’s muzzle.

“Of course, your highness,” I jumped at the horse’s response.

“He talked,” I said stunned. Peter and Dusty laughed.

“Of course he did; I thought you’d be use to talking animals by now,” Peter said with a grin. I couldn’t help but return the smile.

“Well I just wasn’t expecting it,” I admitted.

“All creatures in Narnia can speak. That’s what Narnia is, a country made up of all kinds of creatures,” Peter said proudly. I could tell that he was a good king…weather I was crazy or not.

That’s why there are only 4 humans in the country…because animals make up the rest. Makes sense now…I guess.

Peter then climbed up onto Dusty and held out his hand for me. I decided to play the feminine card and accept his offer. I gently grabbed his hand as he pulled me up onto Dusty and in front of him.

“Hold on to the reigns with me,” he whispered into my ear as I gently picked up the reigns; he then softly placed his hands on top of mine. I could feel those dang butterflies again, but this time they were accompanied by a slight blush that I couldn’t control.

“Dog,” Peter started.

“His name is Colt,” I told Peter quietly.

“Oh, uh, sorry; Colt and Chippy, we’ll ride on the slower side so you two can follow us. If you ever need a break, speak up and let me know,” Peter said with authority in his voice. It was easy for anyone to see, king or no king, that he was true leader.

“Next stop Dusty, Cair Paravel!” Peter exclaimed.