POV: Edmund

The time passed quickly, and before I knew it, it was the 25th of Fairdawn. Preparations were in full swing for the party, and the whole Cair was abuzz and bustling. I had managed to slip away to see Jenny one last time to make sure all was in readiness. Now that Peter and Susan knew where I was going, they were far less tense, and their lack of worry set Lucy at ease. It had not, however, convinced Oreius to leave well alone; two eagles circled in the clear sky above me as I made my way from the Cair to the cave's entrance. I'd brought Coriakin's volume with me so I'd have something to read in case I had a long wait ahead of me, but I needn't have bothered. When I reached the pool I found Jenny waiting for me, her face a mask of anxiety.

"What's wrong?"

"Oh Edmund, I'm so sorry! My papa says a horrid storm is brewing out at sea. It's sure to strike the coast tomorrow afternoon."

"I'm guessing 'the coast' includes Cair Paravel?"

She nodded sadly.

"There's nothing for it, then," I said, opening Transmogrification to the 1,630th page.

"Edmund, you mustn't!"

"I promised Lucy. Besides, it's not only a risk for me. If something goes wrong, you could be hurt as well, or stuck with legs for good."

She blanched at that.

"Not having a voice forever sounds worse than having legs for the rest of my life."

"You're willing to try it, then?"

"As long as you're not the only one taking the risk, yes."

"Lion bless you, Jenny. I owe you a great debt."

"You owe me nothing, Edmund. We haven't done anything yet."

"Ready?"

"Ready."

I looked down at the page, then back to Jenny, who gave a reassuring nod. With a tremble in my voice, I began to read:

"Sun and moon, land and water, each in their place.

Hear me now, Land of Narnia, home to many a race.

By the bright stars, I command you, hear my call.

Grant legs and feet to Jenny, who hath none at all.

I beg you, upon the land let the daughter of the ocean walk.

And ne'er again, 'til the spell be broken, shall I, Edmund, talk!"

A blinding light filled the cavern, and I heard Jenny cry out in pain. I tried to too, as it felt like a hot poker shot through my tongue, mouth, and throat. I managed to set the book down on the stalagmite throne as I fell to my knees, gasping in agony. I brought my hands up to my face to wipe the tears from my eyes. As the pain subsided, I saw Jenny standing in front of me. She wore a dress the colour of the ocean on a clear day, and when she moved it shimmered with greens and aquamarines and the colour of sea foam. She knelt next to me and placed a hand on my shoulder.

"Edmund! Oh dear, are you alright?"

I nodded gingerly, half expecting the hot-poker-pain to return. When it did not, I stood up, then pointed to Jenny.

"What? Oh, yes, I'm alright. It doesn't hurt anymore, but I think it will take me a while to get used to these legs."

I offered her my arm, and together we began the journey back to Cair Paravel.

By the time we reached the Cair the sky was cloudy and grey. Jenny had gotten her land legs and could keep her balance without leaning on me. Indeed, considering how long she'd had legs and feet, she was actually quite graceful; not quite ready for The Nutcracker, but graceful nonetheless. She stopped short and gazed ahead at the Cair.

"Edmund – thank you! It's so beautiful! I'd seen it before, from the Eastern Ocean, but this..."

She grasped my hand.

"This is so lovely. Thank you."

I just smiled and squeezed her hand before leading her onward through the Cair to the small study where we Four had tea every day; it was early enough in the day that Jenny be safely hidden from Lucy, who had an irritating habit of roaming about and trying to find her presents early. I pointed Jenny to the bookcase that lined one wall, smiled, and sat down at the desk Susan had insisted be kept in the room, facing toward the balcony. I quickly scribbled a note to Peter, asking him to bring Susan to the study. After sealing it with Peter's seal, I poked my head out the door and waved at the faun guard who stood on duty at the end of the hall. He marched over and saluted smartly.

"Yes, King Edmund?"

I handed him the note.

"Who am I to deliver it to, Majesty?"

I pointed at the seal. He looked puzzled for a moment before it dawned on him.

"The High King?"

I nodded.

"Right away, my liege."

I was sitting on the edge of the desk, looking toward the door, as Peter strode into the room about ten minutes later.

"Now, Ed, what is so important that you have to summon me by letter?"

I nodded toward the balcony behind me, where Jenny sat reading a book on wood nymphs. Peter's gaze lighted on her, and his mouth dropped open, his eyes full of fear.

"Edmund, what did you do?"

Jenny looked up from her book and fairly danced across the room, took Peter's hand, and curtsied before him.

"Hello, King Peter! King Edmund cast a spell to give me legs so I could come to the Queen's birthday celebration. Oh, Cair Paravel is so beautiful-"

Peter removed his hand from hers and raised it, palm outward, gesturing for silence.

"Forgive my rudeness, Lady, but I fear I do not understand. The party is to be held on the beach. Why do you need legs to attend?"

Before Jenny could reply, Susan glided into the room. She saw the Mermaid at once, and though no on else could have seen it, I knew that she was slightly uneasy. Smilingly placidly, she enquired:

"Who, pray tell, is your friend, Edmund? I don't believe I've had the pleasure of being introduced."

"This is the Lady Genevieve," Peter said, his voice sounding as if he'd just swallowed a stone.

Now Susan's face made plain her fear and agitation.

"The Lady Genevieve?"

"Aye," Peter replied.

"I see," Susan said icily, as she turned and locked the door. Pointing to our tea table, she addressed Jenny:

"Pray take a seat, Lady Genevieve, and tell us your tale. I pray you, of your courtesy, to leave out no detail."