Disclaimer: Zip! Zero! Zilch! Nada! I own not a thing included in this story!
Yeah, this just came to me while I was fretting about the next chapter in The Quest... All I can say is that everyone might hafta wait awhile. I also thought of it because one of my friends doesn't understand the concepts of 'royalty' or 'responsiblility'...
Wave in. Wave out. Wave in. Wave out. Yet another wave came crashing in. I tried to lose myself in the lull of the ocean, and use it to hide from the dark thoughts that threatened to fill my head. I started intently at the miniature shape of Lucy, down playing on the shore, and wished I could be as carefree. But only about three months had passed since Aslan had crowned me High King of Narnia, and already I could find no rest, find no time to spend with my siblings.
What had happened to the old me? What had happened to Peter Pevensie? I was a total stranger to myself. When I had entered Narnia for the first time, I had been unsure of my place but trying hard as I could to look confident. The others had needed me then. They didn't now, as far as I could see. And so I had changed; always locked in my chambers, either doing paperwork or pretending to. I even looked very different. Occasionally, passing a mirror in the halls, I paused and wondered who that young man staring back at me was. He had dark circles under his eyes and a weary look that seemed to be determined to stay.
At least the others didn't have so many duties. Sure, Susan or Edmund was occasionally needed in court. Of course Lucy was sometimes called to welcome an ambassador. But Susan stayed the warm, kind, loving person she had become within her first week of Narnian life. Edmund was still the witty, wise, brave person he had become upon meeting Aslan. Lucy… Lucy had never changed. Ever since she had been born, I had known her as innocent and inquisitive. Yes, the other three at least were okay.
"Peter?" A voice from behind made me jump.
"It's okay, it's only me." I looked to my side as a much-welcomed figure came to stand beside me: Susan.
She spoke, "You seem upset. No, don't fib or change the subject. I want to know. You've been acting oddly for a few weeks now, and don't think I can't tell."
I started, "I… Susan, you wouldn't understand, It's not your-"
"Pe-ter." She drawled.
I smiled softly, "I don't like the voice you're using, so I'll tell you. I'm just feeling a bit… overloaded with things."
"Only overloaded? I think being High King is weighing down on you. Have you seen yourself? Peter, you are like the living dead and aren't admitting it. And you are so stubborn that you never ask one of us to do a little work for you." Susan said sternly. I considered this fact, but at present it didn't help as much as I'd have liked it to.
Susan continued, "I've seen the loads of paperwork in your room. And I bet Lucy, Edmund, or I could handle at least half of it for you. Three quarters if we all played a part."
I sighed. I knew she was right, but it was easier said than done. "But you're all so… young, little, you shouldn't spend all your time with this… none of you are High King… it wouldn't be fair for me to dump it all on you!" I said in the end.
Susan looked me in the eye and said in her most authoritative voice, "Peter Pevensie, you go to your room, into your bed, and get some sleep. I will handle today's paperwork."
"I guess I can't refuse…" I tried to say, but it turned into a yawn.
Susan smiled, "From now on, only ask if you need help with things. Even if Edmund and Lucy are busy, you can count on me."
I gave a huge sigh of relief and said, "Thank you."
