Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters or places in The Chronicles of Narnia.
"How do you feel, Edmund?" asked Aslan in His melodic baritone voice. Edmund shivered a little and kept his eyes glued to the ground, not wanting to meet Aslan's piercing gaze.
"Tired," he muttered and shuffled his feet. "And depressed."
"Edmund, look into my eyes."
Edmund almost could not do it. He struggled to lift his eyes from the ground. His eyelids felt heavy, and tears began to form. Aslan's gaze, though loving, was stern and commanding. Edmund blinked several times to hold the tears back as regret and sorrow washed over him like a tidal wave. A few tears escaped and rolled down his cheek. Aslan smiled and gently nuzzled Edmund's cheek.
"It is all right to cry, my son," He said kindly. "You transgressed yourself as well as your brother and sisters. That is what comes of trusting the White Witch. She promises power that she cannot and will not give. Do you understand?"
Edmund nodded gravely; he understood all too well. "I-I'm sorry, Aslan, for everything," he stammered.
"I have already forgiven you, and so have your brother and sisters."
Edmund cheered up a little and smiled.
"You must understand, however," Aslan began again. "That what you have done is the most evil of all transgressions, in both Narnia and in your world. It is not easily forgotten."
Edmund nodded numbly. "I understand, Aslan."
"It is good that you have regret over this, but do you feel sorry for committing it or for being caught?"
Edmund answered immediately. "For doing it. I feel like rot."
"I can see that," the Lion laughed softly, musically. "Now, Edmund, I have said that I have already forgiven you, but can you forgive yourself and move on? The place for your transgression is in the past and the past alone."
Edmund thought a moment. "I'm not sure I can forgive myself, Aslan." He glued his eyes to the ground again.
"I will help you, my son." Aslan nuzzled Edmund's cheek again. "For you can do all things through Me who gives you strength."
"Thank you, Aslan." Edmund threw his arms around Aslan's neck and wept into his velvety mane. Even then, strength flowed from Aslan and into Edmund. After a few moments, Edmund felt happier—complete.
"Now," said Aslan. "Your family awaits you."
Edmund turned to see Peter, Susan, and Lucy down near the tents; they were all smiling at him. He smiled back.