Over The Edge Chapter 1

She crumpled up the letter that she had in her hand throwing it into the nearest trashcan. She didn't see the reason why he has been so cruel to her. This was no way to treat a princess and it seemed to happen more often then it should. Princess Vyrina was beginning to wonder why it was that so many men had left her. This was the third suitor to leave her before their marriage. She feared that she would never be married. At the same time she knew there had to be some force behind the mens betrayal.

It had only been three months since her father took the throne to Narnia, and she desperately needed to get married so she could take the throne upon her father's death. Princess Vyrina had only heard stories of the former king Caspian, but he was said to be a noble man. She was getting impatient with her suiters and knew she needed to find out what was going on.

Princess Vyrina called for her maids, the only faithful people she knew, and demanded that they tell her anything they might know. The maids were quiet at first, but the youngest of the four stepped forward to speak. Her name was Saline. She was brought in by Vyrina when she was just a little girl. Saline had lost both of her parents during a horrible fire and was left to live in an orphanage. Vyrina personally picked Saline out of the orphanage and Saline had been faithful to Vyrina ever since.

"I think I have overheard a plot, Highness," Saline said in her soft voice.

"What do you mean?" Princess Vyrina commanded. "Does this have to do with why no man will marry me?"

"I believe it does, Highness," Saline answered. "I fear that this news will upset you more than you already are."

"Out with it, Saline," said Princess Vyrina. "I must know why it is I cannot find a husband."

"Your father, Highness," said Saline. "I believe he has been paying your suitors to leave."

"What!?" said Princess Vyrina, outraged. "My own father? Why?"

"I believe your mother is expecting, Highness," said Saline. "His Majesty wishes for a son."

"That is why my father does not wish me to get married?" Vyrina asked. "He knows that if he passes before the child is born than I can inherit the kingdom as long as I am married."

"I believe so, Highness," said Saline.

"Thank you for the valuable information, Saline," said Vyrina. "I wish to be alone now."

Her four maids exited her room quickly. Saline looked back at the Princess concerned, and then followed the other three. Princess Vyrina walked out onto the balcony of her bedroom overlooking Narnia. It was a kingdom that she had once hoped to attain, but it seemed that her father did not hope for the same thing. She could not believe that her own father would betray her, but Saline was not one to lie.

Vyrina had once thought she had a great life, being the daughter of the Kind of Narnia, but all that had changed. She was determined to inherit the kingdom of Narnia and she was willing to do anything for it. The last thing she wanted was her mother to have another child and Vyrina would make sure the new heir would not take what was rightfully hers. She decided to would play along as if everything was normal because she didn't want her father to be alarmed. Just then someone knocked on the door and entered. The king, Roland, walked into the room. Vyrina smiled as if nothing was wrong and embraced her father.

"How is everything, Father?" Vyrina asked.

"I was going to ask you the same thing," said King Roland. "I have heard that you have been turned down once again."

"Yes," said Vyrina. "I suppose the right man just hasn't come yet."

"I suppose you are right," said King Roland, looking guilty.

"I imagine that you did not just come here to comfort me in my losses," said Vyrina.

"Well I have some news, Vyrina," said King Roland. "Please sit down."

She sat at the foot of the bed waiting for her father to talk.

"I have learned that your mother is expecting another child," said Roland.

"What happy news," said Vyrina. "I have always wanted a brother or sister."

"I'm glad to hear you say so," said Roland. "Your mother is quite happy about the news."

"I'm sure she is," said Vyrina. "Mother did always want a house full of children."

"That she did," said Roland laughing. "I hope you will come congratulate your mother later."

"Of course I will father," said Vyrina, thinking. "It is truly happy news. Have you told the rest of the kingdom yet?"

"Not yet," said Roland. "I wanted to make sure that you knew first."

"I appreciate that, Father," said Vyrina. "I think I am going to go into town today, but do send mother my love and let her know I will come by to see her later."

"Of course, Sweetheart," he said kissing his daughter on the forehead. "Pick up your mother something nice while you are in town, will you?"

"I will, Father," said Vyrina, smiling evilly. "I'm sure I can find something nice."

"I will see you later then," said Roland, beginning to leave the room. "I'm sure that you will find a husband soon."

"Not if you have anything to do with it," Vyrina whispered to herself.

"What was that dear?" Roland asked.

"Nothing, Father," said Vyrina, smiling innocently. "I'm sure that the right man will come to me soon."

Once her father left the room Vyrina began to plot. She didn't want this child to take her place and she felt she knew what she had to do. There was a secret market within the city that would have just what she needed. She put on her traveling cloak and made sure she would have a pocket to sneak what she needed into the castle. Vyrina smiled evilly when she thought of what she was about to do. Her father would truly regret paying her suitors to leave. Narnia will be mine, Father, and there is nothing you will be able to do about it. She thought to herself as she left for the market.