After an hour of sleeplessness, Charlotte was about to give up. She tried counting sheep. She tried yawning excessively. She tried tea. Nothing would work, so she just laid there. She just stared at the canopy draped over her bed, until her mind went numb. Sitting in the dark, Charlotte came to a conclusion. This was boring. She needed to do something.

Suddenly there was a tap on the window. Charlotte tried to ignore it, thinking it's just a tree moving in the wind. Then it happened again. Being the curious person she is, she walked over to the window. When she got there she realized there was no tree, or plants anywhere in sight. She opened the window, and looked toward the ground. Before she could even get a chance to get a good glance, a rock came hurtling toward Charlotte's face. Quickly dodging, Charlotte whisper yelled at the culprit.

"Hey! Watch where you throw those rocks!" She hissed. She didn't mean for it to come out that way, but between the tiredness, and almost getting pelted in the face; She was slightly irritated.

"Sorry!" The voice shouted back, in a whisper. Charlotte leaned over the railing.

"Peter?" She said looking at him in confusion.

"What are you doing out here? Shouldn't you be, I don't know, asleep!" She said.

"I wanted to see you." He stated

"Peter, you just me an hour ago." She replied.

"Yes, but I wanted to show you something." He said.

"What is it?" Charlotte asked him. He was so interesting.

"Come here." He said motioning her down.

"I'm not even dressed. I'm in my nightgown." She argued.

"Please."

"Fine."

"Jump down." He instructed.

"What?" She asked.

"I'll catch you."

"Are you crazy? I'm too heavy." She said.

"No, you're not."

"Yes, I am. I will meet you down there."

"The doors are locked." He said smugly.

"Are you kidding?" She asked, irritated. He shook his head, and she walked over to the railing.

"Are you sure?" She asked. He looked at her.

"I already gave you my answer." Charlotte slid to the edge, and lept. She landed in Peter's arms, bridal style.

He let out a loud groan.

"I am so sorry!" Charlotte said, eyes growing wide.

"Are you okay?" She asked.

"No, wrist. I think it's sprained."

"I am so, so, so, sorry." She said, honestly worried. His mouth grew wide, in a evil smile.

"Relax, I was kidding." With that sentence, Charlotte slapped him in the arm.

"Ow!" He exclaimed.

"You're an idiot." She said smiling.

"You are really light, you know." He said.

"You scared the living daylights out of me! Don't do that again." The girl in his arms exclaimed. She jumped out of his arms, and stood dusting herself off.

Peter looked at her, quickly getting sheepish. She looked beautiful, even when she didn't try.

"So, what did you want to show me?"

"This." He said, grabbing her arm. Peter pulled her out into a gazebo, with a glass dome over head. Vines and flowers were growing all over the pillars that held up the gazebo. She looked at Peter and he stuck up a finger, signalling to give him a second.

"It's really dark out." Charlotte said, trying to kill the awkward silence.

"Wait." He persisted. She watched him carefully as he opened his palm. A single lightning bug landed on his hand. It seemed so calm, and at peace. Almost, waiting for something. Peter looked at the tiny bug in his palm. Then with his other hand, he snapped his fingers together. Suddenly, in a miraculous display of light, hundreds of fireflies lit up the gazebo. They all flew through the sky, with grace. They filled the open air, that surrounded them. They were each like a tiny bulb of light. The atmosphere went from being almost pitch back, to being beautifully dim.

"Wow." Was all Charlotte could manage to muster, in her awestruck state. Peter looked at her, with love in his eyes,but she was too captured, and enthralled in wonder to see his longing glaze.

"Did you know the only reason fireflies light up, is to find their mate?" He said, still looking at her. Charlotte had always thought the idea of it all was so romantic. They mated for their entire life. She nodded at the young king standing next to her. He took a step closer.

"Charlotte, I think I found mine." He looked directly into her eyes. His blue eyes glistened in the lights that surrounded them. He grabbed her hands.

"Peter, I-" She started.

"I really, really like you, but I don't belong in your world. You are a King. I am a commoner, who just happened to get lucky, to find such a great guy as you." Charlotte finished, looking down. Peter took his finger, lifting her head up.

"I know you don't think you belong in my world, but I don't like my world without you in it." He said to her, making her smiled.

"I love you." Peter spoke, sincerely.

"I am not afraid to say it. I am in love with Charlotte Emmeline. No social rank, or person will ever change that." She was shocked. It was a good shocked. Her shock slowly spread across her face, curving upward into a smile. She smiled a lot. Maybe it was Peter. He seemed to be the reason she was always happy.

"Peter." She paused.

"I love you too." Charlotte could tell he was holding his breath, by the way he exhaled after she said it back. Peter grabbed her, pulling her into a hug. She wrapped her arms around his neck. Their faces were inches apart.

"I am so glad I have you." He said, pulling their lips together. His lips were so tender.

Charlotte wanted to just kiss him forever. Forever. She wanted all of this to last forever. She wanted them to grow old together. She could just picture their grandchildren running around the castle. The pitter of tiny feet on the tile floor. This is what anyone should picture when being with the one they love. A future. What is the point of being with someone, if spending the rest of their lives together wasn't an option?

The two spent the next hour, just laying there at the foot of the gazebo, watching the stars, until they fell asleep in eachothers arms. When the sun rose, and morning came they were woken. Charlotte was the first to wake, seeing a dark figure standing over them. She couldn't make out a face, seeing as the blaring sun was behind the person. She covered her eyes from the light, as she continued to tap Peter.
"What-What's going on?" He mumbled, as lifted himself from the ground. The person coughed, as to get their attention.

"You two love birds get cozy last night?" The man said with a laugh. He was young. Charlotte squinted to get a better look. It was Edmund.

"You two put the whole castle in a frenzy, looking for the missing guests." He said.

"Did they really think we were missing?" She asked groggily.

"Well when Peter never showed up last night, and you weren't in your room with the window open, one would only assume." He explained.

"Sorry." Peter mumbled. Edmund laughed, shaking his head one last time before offering a hand to the girl lying on the lawn. He helped her up quickly as Peter stood up next to her.

"You two, need to get ready. Aslan called a meeting with everyone in the kingdom. Caspian is already gathering all of the citizens, so you may want to hurry."

"Where does he want us to meet him?" Charlotte asked.

"He wants you to meet where everyone else is. You will see a big crowd at the bottom of the stairs, by the tree." He explained to her, then turned to his brother.

"He needs to see you, and Susan before the matter." He spoke to his older brother. The two continued talking as they walked away.

Charlotte quickly ran up the stairs. She wandered the halls, until she found her room.

"I will figure this place out, eventually." She told herself, walking in the door.

"Where have you been?" Was the first thing she heard, when she walked in the door. There stood Alma, hand on hip, looking very upset.

"I fell asleep outside." She said.

"Was the High King with you?" Alma asked. Charlotte nodded, causing the older woman to huff.

"You had me worried sick." She said, walking across the room, and grabbing a pair of clothes.

"Get dressed. You are needed at the base of the square." Alma said, walking out. The door closed behind the woman, as she went to tend to other matters. Charlotte unfolded the clothes, laid out for her. It was a simple green dress with flowing sleeves, and a black corset around the waist. Charlotte wanted to feel bad for staying out last night, but she had too many things on her mind at the moment. She thought it best to just do as she's told, not to upset anymore people. To be honest, for her, the night before was well worth all of the stress.

As soon as she got dressed, and brushed her hair, she went down the stairs. What on earth could Aslan need to meet with all of the citizens about? Was it an emergency? Charlotte was anxious to find out. Navigating the corridors, seeming to be getting the lay out of the palace wing, she walked out the door. She paused midstep, seeing Caspian running down in front of her. He seemed distressed, looking for something. The king came to a halt, as he saw Aslan, and the two oldest Pevensies talking. He was about to turn around when a voice caught his attention.

"Your Majesty?" The great lion said, in his deep voice. Caspian looked at them, then lowered his head, seeing how conflicted they were. Susan looked at Caspian with sad eyes. Tears were just starting to form on her water line. When she got upset, her eyes turned a crystal blue, like Peter's. It must be genetic, because not one either of them had ever known had that beautiful eyes. He didn't like seeing her upset. He didn't like seeing anyone upset for that matter. Especially her.

"We are ready. Everyone has assembled." Caspian said, tearing his eyes away from the maiden that sat weeping before him. Susan tore her gaze away as well, looking at the two that stood before her. She started to walk away, causing the others to follow. Caspian turned away, just as the others had. He walked in the original direction he was going before he was stopped.

"Caspian!" Charlotte yelled. Running down to him. She realized what she had said.

"I mean, Your Majesty." She corrected walking up to him.

"Are you okay?" She asked him.

"Is anyone ever okay?" He said, running his hand through his hair.

"What happened?" She asked her dreary friend.

"This whole thing. It's just upsetting." He said.

"I try to cover it up, but I know what is going to happen."

"And what is that?" She asked sympathetically.

"Saying goodbye." Caspian said. He wasn't utterly torn, but he still was upset.

"Is that what this is about?" She asked, and he nodded.

Part of Charlotte knew what was going to happen, she just didn't want to accept it. The other half was making excuses, as to why they won't leave. She didn't want the Pevensies to leave. They are like family to her now. She couldn't bare to see them go. Especially Peter. They had just admitted they were in love with each other. It was too soon. They could have had a future. They could have gotten married. They could have grew old together. Now that couldn't happen.

Charlotte took a deep breath and looked toward the platform where all of the Narnians were gathered. Reluctantly, she walked up the steps. She crossed the little flat they were on, over to when Trumpkin was standing. She glanced over at Peter who was standing by his siblings quietly. He glanced up, but tore his gaze away, avoiding her eye contact.

Caspian stood in the center of the stage, standing tall and proud. He looked at Aslan, who gave his a quick nod before he started.

"Narnia belongs to the Narnians, just as it does to man. Any Telmarines who want to stay, and live in peace are welcome to. But for any of you who wish, Aslan will return you to the home of our forefathers." Caspian said. Underneath his confident posterior, you can tell he was shaking. He was never good at public speaking. Charlotte was surprised at how well he was doing now.

"It's been generations since we left Telmar." A man in the front row said.

"We are not referring to Telmar. Your ancestors were seafaring brigands. Pirate's run aground on an island. There they found a cave, a rare chasm that brought them here from their world. The same world as our kings and queens." Aslan said, turning his head towards the four standing to his left. They all looked at each other, exchanging glances.

"It is to that island I can return you. It is any place for any who wish to make a new start." He finished. A wave of small chatter, came from the crowd. Head turning, looking around for anyone who will take that chance.

"I will go." A man spoke up. All eyes turned toward the sound.

"I will accept the offer." He said again. Charlotte looked at the man with the scar across his left eye. It was General Glozelle. Caspian nodded his head at the man, in respect, silently thanking him for stepping up.

"So will we." Prunaprismia, Miraz's wife, said joining the General at the base of the stairs with her baby, and a man following her. Everyone's reaction was shocked. No one would have guessed she would have volunteered.

"Because you have spoken first, your future in that world will be good." Aslan said. The lion let out a small breath, that sent chills down everyone present's spine. Then a crackling sound drew all eyes towards the tree, that set upon the deck. Exclamatory remarks filled the air, as the tree unwound, making an archway.

All that had volunteered, stepped forward. They were being watched, by all as they entered the arch. Gasps came from the mouths of men, women, and children alike, as they disappeared. Caspian, in disbelief, stepped over quickly to see the tremendous feat that had just occurred in front of their very eyes.

"Where did they go?" and

"They killed them!" Were all heard from the spectators that surrounded the front of the deck.

"How do we know he is not leading us to our death?" One man yelled, causing everyone's attention to go from the tree to him.

"Sire." A small, but mighty voice rose above the crowd.

"If my example can be of any service, I will take eleven mice through with no delay." The mouse finished. The lion smiled, at his willingness to serve. Charlotte wanted to watch the lion's reaction farther but her eyes were caught on another group. The two oldest children exchanged glances. Peter knew what he had to do. Looking at Charlotte quickly, then away Peter spoke, stepping up.

"We will go." Peter said, causing Charlotte's stomach to drop.

"We will?" Edmund said, confused.

"Come on. Our time's up." He said, looking at his siblings.

"After all, we're not really needed here anymore." Peter said, drawing taking off his sword, guard and all. He extended his arm to Caspian. Caspian grabbed the sword firmly.

"I will look after it until you return." He said looking at Peter.

"I'm afraid that's just it." A voice spoke up. Susan, looked at the king sadly.

"We're not coming back." Charlotte looked at her in shock. Her eye's then fixed on Peter, who was deliberately avoiding her glance again.

"We're not?" Lucy asked, looking to her older sister for an answer.

"You two are. At least, I think he means you two." Peter said, returning to him. The High King looked at the lion.

"But why?" The youngest Pevensie asked, confused.

"Did they do something wrong?"

"Quite the opposite, dear one. But all things have their time. Your brother and sister have learned what they can from this world. Now it's time for them to live in their own." The kind beast said, smiling. Lucy looked sad.

"It's all right, Lu. It's not how I thought it would be..." Her older brother said glancing backward sadly, at Charlotte.

"But it's all right. One day you'll see too. Come on." Peter finished, grabbing Lucy's hand. They all walked slowly over to where their friends stood. Edmund and Lucy went to Trufflehunter, and Trumpkin; Whereas Peter went over to Charlotte.

The two stood there, looking at eachother for a minute, until Charlotte broke the glance. She curtsied to him, looking down. When she stood, she gave him a light smile that quickly faded into a sad frown. He let out a sigh before pulling her into a hug. Charlotte wanted to contain her composure, but found it had when the one she loves is slipping through her fingers, never to return.

"I wish we had more time." He said to her.

"I do too, but it's too late now." She said, a single tear slipping down her face. Charlotte hated showing emotion, but she couldn't help herself.

"You could still come with me." He said, looking into her green eyes, and her into his. Peter's eyes were icy blue.

"I can't Peter. You know that." She said, sadly.

"We have to try something. I cannot lose you forever. Not after we found this. Love." He said.

"Maybe there is some way you can come back. Maybe..." Charlotte's voice faded out. Peter looked at her, pulling her in closer. He held her in such a tight embrace, you couldn't split them up if you wanted to.

"One last kiss?" Peter asked, as he did before entering the arena with Miraz. She nodded. Charlotte gently pressed their lips together. The kiss was not forced, it was not rushed. It was closure.

When they pulled Peter pulled her into a hug again.

"Please don't go." She said sadly. Her voice was quiet, almost being a whisper. He didn't answer. He just placed a kiss on top of her head.

"I'm sure when I'm older I'll understand." Lucy said, causing Charlotte to laugh slightly.

"I'm older and don't think I want to understand." Ed replied, with a smile. Peter pulled apart. This is the end. She looked at him one last time, before he turned away.

"Peter?" She said. He turned around.

"Please don't forget." She said.

"I could never forget you." He said, turning away for the last and final time. One by one they turned, walking into the arch, returning to their own world. Who knows if they will ever return, or if it will even be in their lifetime. Charlotte watched in sadness, as the last Pevensie walked through the arch. When the Pevensie's walked back into the train station, each of them walked forward, retaking in the surroundings. They hadn't been here in months. Peter took one last hopeful look back, half expecting Charlotte would still be there. Hoping she would have come through after him. Much to his dismay when he looked back Peter saw only student bustling about as the train arrived.

As it pulled up, each of the Pevensie's thought, this is it. They all look at each other, caringly until a voice spoke up.

"Aren't you coming Phyllis?" The boy in the striped scarf said, poking fun at her for earlier. She looked at her siblings, and quickly grabbed her luggage. The four piled on next to the boy from earlier when Edmund looked at them all.

"You don't think there's any way we can get back?" He asked. Susan, and Peter shot him a look laced with sadness, and annoyance.

"I left my new torch in Narnia." Ed retorted. This brought out laughter in them all. The doors closed to the train.

"Next time, Ed. Next time." Peter said.

Meanwhile in Narnia, Charlotte looked up at the stars. She just sat there staring, for hours at a time.

"Charlotte?" A voice said from behind her. She turned, looking toward the voice. Caspian approached her, from the stairs. He wandered across the deck to where she was still standing.

"Hi." She said.

"Hello." He said back. He wanted to just blurt out his question, out of nowhere. That is why he came. He couldn't just ask her to be queen so soon after her love left. He needed to ease into it. Charlotte turned back around, staring up at the sky. Caspian followed her gaze.

"Have you ever thought about how big everything is?" She asked him. He shook his head.

"Out there beyond the stars, there's mile, and miles of space. Who knows where it ends." She stated.

"Narnia is big too." He stated.

"All that lies between the lamp post and the great castle of Cair Paravel on the Eastern Sea." Charlotte quoted.

"Exactly." He said.

"It is a lot of land for one person to rule." He said.

"I think you can handle it." She said. He looked at her,

"Look, Charlotte. I am going to be frank with you. What I came out here to ask is if you would want to help me rule the kingdom." He said.

"I really could use the help. I am so new to this myself, and you have been by my side through it all." He bargained.

"You are new to this. That is why you need to do this alone. To help you with that, I have decided I am going away." She said.

"What? Why?" He asked, not wanting her to go.

"You said it yourself. Narnia is a big place. In big places, there are a lot of adventures to be had. Without Peter here, nothing is really keeping me here." She explained.

"What about me?" He asked.

"You are king. You don't need some clumsy, peasant girl in your way." She said.

"You're not pesky. I need you here." He pleaded.

"You say that now, but what will you be saying in a year from now? Three years? Fifteen years?" Charlotte said. He realized then that he was not going to win this argument.

"I will be back. I just need some time." She said, sensing his worry. He nodded.

"When are you going to leave?" He asked.

"Tomorrow." She replied.

"Tomorrow? But that is so soon." He exclaimed.

"Yes it is. Just as you start your official king duties tomorrow, I will start mine."

"Why exactly do you have to go? Why can't you just travel around the areas near here?" He asked.

"If you never leave home, and never let go, then you will never make it to the great unknown."

"Fair enough. I have to see you off though." He said, and she nodded.

Feeling defeated, he walked away. Both of them had suffered so much loss over the past few months. Maybe this was best. For her, and him. Charlotte continued to lean against the railing.

Things have a strange way of working.

Things may change. People may move on. Bad things will come. Everything happens for a reason though. During those times of trouble and pain keep looking ahead. When Peter left, Charlotte realized it wasn't the end of the world. In his world he could find love again. Experience happiness. There is always something waiting on the other side of the rainbow. It's just a matter of when you get there.

The road is long, but you can't keep looking back. You need to soldier on. You need to keep your eyes open. There is always something, and it will be a journey to get there. Just watch for the Journey Ahead.