AN: As of 11th March 2013, the first three chapters have been slightly rewritten and the title changed from A Queen In All But Name to Checkmate.
Cair Paravel was strangely quiet. Although, it wasn't quiet due to a lack of people or activity. Everyone was waiting. Waiting for the outcome of one event. Click.
Mr Tumnus stood upon the terrace, his hooves tapping a nervous little rhythm on the tiles. He could hear the small sounds coming from the chamber behind him. No-one else was daring to come near this place. They were too fearful. They preferred to wait for someone else to bring them the news they were waiting for.
Another click from inside the chamber. And a small grunt of annoyance.
"My lady, this is foolish. Let us cease this game and discuss the fate of your country," a deep, rich voice said. Click.
"Hmm, I don't think so. After all, what are our options? Let you invade and kill us all? Or try to fight against you while you kill us all?" his opponent replied.
"You Narnians think little of us Telmarines," he replied darkly. Click.
"I am not a Narnian. I am an Islander. There is all the difference in the world." Click.
"Is that so? The Narnians do not think so."
She laughed carelessly and Tumnus turned his head in shock. It had been so long since he had heard her laugh. She had vanished inside herself on that fateful day. He had been shocked when she had somehow found herself and come forward to help them. They would have been very proud of her. If they were still here...
Click.
"They may think that but I am an Islander. I was born there; I grew up there. And now, I suppose I will die there. Unless my fiancé returns."
That last sentence sounded so forlorn. Tumnus shut his eyes. So, she was still in pain. He had thought as much. He had seen how the forced smile on her face had disappeared as soon as she thought no-one was watching her. Click.
"And the chances of that are..?"
"I- I do not know."
Click.
"They look to you as Queen."
"I am as much their Queen as I am a Narnian," she replied crossly. Click.
That made his heart sink. She was supposed to be both. By now she was supposed to be married. By now Narnia could have had its first heir in the making. But no. It wasn't fair.
Click.
"I could make you a Queen. The Queen of two countries, Narnia and Telmar. Would that please you?"
Tumnus gave a small gasp. So that was his plan. That was why he had agreed to her proposition.
"No."
"You are very beautiful. It would be a shame for that beauty to wither without being passed onto further generations."
"No. There is only one man I will marry."
Tumnus relaxed. He felt guilty to have doubted her. Click. He hoped her plan would work. There could have been other plans if they had more time. She shouldn't have to endanger herself like this.
They did not speak again; the only sounds coming from the chamber were the steady clicks.
Eventually he her one of their voices again. They said a single word; their voice overflowing with triumph.
"Checkmate."