Got a video for you too if you're not certain about this story. It's a little trailer I put together. Just follow these directions written below.
Directions:
1. go to YouTube
2. type "Heal Lee" in the search box
3. click the button "video" and change to "Channel" then click search
4. when you find me you'll find the video
Hope you enjoy. Peace :)
MUST READ SUMMARY FIRST BEFORE READING AHEAD…
The White Witch, in ghost form, surprises Susan after she and her siblings returned to England and left the full duty of Narnina to Caspian. The witch offer Susan a chance to go back to the time when the Telmarines invaded Narnina, knowing full well Susan misses the place dearly. Susan accepts after much hesitation, but when she returns back to the past, she wakes up being captured by the Telmarines and discovers Miraz's son was born far earlier and is now a man. She grows miserable after realizing she is a prisoner, and accepts to marry Miraz's son after he threatened her of killing her siblings and the very last existence of Narnians. But how can she keep her friends alive from Miraz and his son when she reconnects the flaming love to Caspian after she becomes a married woman and a Telmarine queen?
This fanficiton was inspired by one of my favorite Korean dramas called Goong Princess. I loved that story, it made me cry, laugh, and laugh, and..Well, pretty much laugh. There aren't many similarities between the comedic Korean drama with this fanfiction, but the main obstacle of how a loveless marriage is pulling both Susan and Caspian back is what inspired me to write this. Anyway enjoy!
The Pevensies has once again adapted to the reality after being released from Narnia; under the control of the trusted Prince – well now crowned king – Caspian. There is no worry in each one of the hearts of the orphans, but instead desire to see that enchanting land once again.
Susan Pevensie is the great example to such depression for the open life that she entered in just a wardrobe in the professor's fine house. Besides the great title she was known for in Narnia and the laws of nature such a land broke, the one thing she desired most in her heart is Caspian. Before she went through the portal in that magical tree with her siblings, the exchange of an unexpected embrace and kiss made the memory of the dashing prince worthwhile. Ever since she returned back to England – reality – she never looked at any boy who approached her with great fondness the same way she did to Caspian. There were – actually, in clarification, to this present day, there are a few boys who have considered Susan quite a satisfying girl. But every time each one of them approached her, she only frowned or didn't speak a word until they left her alone. Sometimes she used the company of her siblings as an excuse to avoid the idea of talking to them.
In the mornings, she is silent and only talked when someone talked to her, then she would be in school and meet up with her siblings in the train station in order to get home. But in nights, things become more unbearable, she dreams of the adventurous days and years she spent in Narnia – wars, the head-strong fauns with their long curled locks, the brave and also meant not to be underestimated mice; mostly Reepicheep comes to mind to her, the soft and courageous Aslan, and..and her first love, Caspian. Whenever her mind turns to Caspian, the image of the young man can't seem to leave her mind – his long hair reached down to his ears, the smile he makes that makes hers go away and replace the paleness of her cheeks to blush, his broad muscles that his clothes sometimes can't hide from young ladies' eyes, and his courage that has always encouraged her to never believe he is no weakling or a traitor.
But as the days go by the same way, the main thing that haunts her most is the truth.
She will never return to Narnia.
Those six words are incredibly simple and plain by speaking with the tongue. But in the heart, in Susan's heart, it feels like a disease spreading into the body that pulls a person physically and emotionally down into an eternal death valley with no open doors to escape from it.
The day Aslan explained to her and Peter before they left, she understood and accepted her time has ended from ever returning to Narnia for she was growing older and no magic or miracle can change that. But when she caught a glimpse of Caspian awaking from his sleep when she was beside her brother and the almighty lion, her mind betrayed her that made her have second thoughts. Her conscious told her that day that not only would she be saying goodbye to her second home, but also to the man who she has ever liked for the first time.
Of course, Peter and Edmund and even Lucy also has their pains from leaving such an incredible wonderland. But they have moved on with their lives, yet carried the precious memories of their memorable stay in Narnia.
~ Nightfall fell and the Pevensie siblings closed the doors of their rooms to retire. Susan, already dressed in her nightgown, laid in bed with her body turned to her side, using her arm as a pillow and her bed sheets covered up to her stomach. But her eyes are wide open, despite the late hour.
Her body does feel exhausted and wishes to shut down for a good night rest. But Susan continued her fighting against her tiredness to stay awake.
She is afraid to dream again, like she always does. She's afraid to feel how real her dreams are and how close they are it almost feels like she's back in Narnia surrounded by her friends, followers, and fighters.
A shadow of a spare of feet appeared beneath the gap of the door. Then, the doorknob turned slowly and the door opened slowly. Susan pulled herself to sit upright. There by the door stands her little sister Lucy with a candlelight held on her hand.
Lucy smiled, closing the door behind her with her foot. "Sorry, did I wake you?"
Susan shook her head. "No. What is it, Lucy? You have something to tell me?"
Lucy walked toward her sister's bed and first placed the candlelight down on the bed stand before sitting on the bed near her sister. She reached into her pocket and took something out. With excitement she showed whatever it is in her hand to Susan. Susan looked at it and smiled as she picked up the object that appears to be a broach. The broach is light and has a beautiful golden head of a fierce lion roaring, almost resembling beautiful Aslan.
"Beautiful." Susan whispered, swallowing the tempting tone of sadness away.
"You like it?"
Susan nodded. "I love it. Where did you get it?"
"I was walking in the street and there was an open market. I walked passed it and caught the sight of some broaches. You're graduating in just two days, so I figured a present would be decent to buy as my way of congratulating you for finishing high school," Lucy smiled as she looked at the broach, feeling proud of herself, "It looks like Aslan, doesn't it? I wanted you to receive your honors with your school robe on with something that reminds all of us of our second home."
Susan smiled and pulled Lucy for a hug. "It's a fine choice you made. Thank you. I won't forget to wear it."
She released her little sister and tried on the broach on the ride side of her breast. Lucy nodded, agreeing it suits her.
"You know I wonder if Aslan ever changed. Last I saw him I saw a hint of grayness in his fur."
"Well, he has to grow just like how much you do. Sooner or later, Lucy, you'll be almost taller than Edmund."
"Pshh," she waved her hand with a shake of her head, "that'll never happen, Susan. And I bet Edmund will make sure of it too," she chuckled as she said that. Then after giving a light squeeze on her sister's shoulder, she stood up and picked up the candlelight again.
"Well, I better go to bed. Goodnight, Susan. Sweet dreams."
"Goodnight, Lucy."
Susan watched Lucy tiptoe out the door, once she disappeared, Susan laid back down on the bed. Her eyes wandered in the dullness of the ceiling. She still does not wish to sleep, but as her fingers touch the cold metal of the broach it gave her comfort to have something that reminded her of her wonderful wonderland.
~ "Susan...Susan..Wake up. Open those eyes," a icy feminine voice echoed, somehow it sounds gravely familiar.
Susan slowly did, squinting from being awake after going through an impossible process to stay up all night as possible before sleep forced her body to shut down. Once her vision steadied, words disappeared from her voice as she saw the sight of the White Witch floating so close to her face but in a ghost-form. Before she tried to roll herself to get off the bed, the White Witch pressed her down in place with her hands.
"This is impossible, you're supposed to be dead."
"I am dead. Just a ghost."
Susan looked down at the ghost hands. "Then if you're a ghost, how come I can feel your own hands?"
"I made a deal with the Keeper of an island you're not familiar with. He controls the lair of mist. He gave me a chance to enter this world only for a short time after I gave myself to be his servant in the Dark Island. It wasn't easy, but its all worth for me to be here after signing by my own name to be a death collector."
"Why did you come here?"
"To give you a chance that you have so desired."
"And what is that?" She looked around her to find anything near her that she can use as a weapon.
"Narnia, of course."
Susan stopped and slowly returned her eyes to the frighteningly looking ghost. "And why would you help me?"
The witch looked down at Susan's attire, and chuckled once she saw the broach. "Your memories of your dear friends in Narnia has never left your mind, now has it?"
"Answer my question, you witch."
"Very well. I want you to return back to time, back when those damn Telmarines ruled Narnia that way you can set things right, now that you know exactly what will happen. My followers were alive then before they were wiped from extiniction. I still hate you orphans and those Narnians who looked down upon me. But those Telmarines are my greatest enemy. I want you to save my followers and keep them alive. If not, kill those enemies more brutally than before. The night they were killed the Keeper did not spare their suffering or gave any mercy, they are damned in that eternal pit, burning alive. With my role as the death collector, I can lead them out of their sufferings. But with my chance to turn back time, you can help me avenge for what has happened to them."
"How can you possibly send me back? You have no magic."
"I don't. But the Keeper does. All you need to do is to agree and accept this offer, or refuse and remain the rest of your life in this pitiful reality."
"I need time to think." She looked away, closing her eyes.
The witch grabbed her chin and centered her head. "Open your eyes, Daughter of Eve."
Susan did.
"This offer is limited. I can feel the Keeper calling for my presence. Make your decision now before I fade away into thin air."
Susan is speechless. She does not wish to witness the horrible deaths Narnians went through when the Telmarines were their enemies, and nor does she want to make any deal with such evil people like the White Withch herself and this Keeper she does not know much of. But...But will it be worth it for her to see her friends again, but in a more saddening situation? This is the only chance she has to ever return to Narnia, only time will be different, and her friends won't know her as well as they did.
"What is your answer, Susan? Just say it."
"Will.." Susan took a deep breath, organizing her thoughts, "Will everything be the same as it was? I mean, the time when the Telmarines invaded."
"Exactly as it was."
"...Then I accept."
The witch's mouth curved into a pleased smile, releasing her grasp on Susan's chin and body.
"How does this work?" Susan asked.
"Just close your eyes. It's that easy..In just a brief moment, you will see."
Susan closed her eyes and meditated. The White Witch, giving the girl a last wicked smile, faded into thin air.
~ Susan's body felt strange and different. She feels a great pain on her wrists and ankles as if some kind of tight metal is holding her down. And the comfort of her soft bed now feels like the cold floor yet covered in bits of pebbles and scratchy hay.
She opened her eyes and found herself lying down in a dark and cold room. She pulled herself up to sit upright. She gasped as she looked down at the braces locked on her wrists and ankles connected to a long chain hammered in a thick rusty metal ring against the wall. Her eyes wandered around in the cramped space and discovered the room to be a cell once she looked at the metal bars imprisoning her in the filthy dark space.
Her weapons are gone and even her siblings. But the clothes she wears are the exact ones she changed into when she and her siblings found their treasure chests back in Cair Paravel.
What has happened to me? This wasn't supposed to happen. I'm pretty sure nothing like this has happened to me at that time..
Only two Telmarine soldiers guarded her cell. She crawled toward them but could not reach to the point that her fingers can touch the bars.
"Hey, you! What happened to me? How did I get here?"
The solider made no reply.
"Answer me!" She shouted.
But he still didn't.
She sighed and crawled to the wall to lean against on. She folded her legs and hugged them close to her chest.
The misery of not being in Narnia back in England was completely unbearable for her. But now, for some reason being locked up in the Telmarine prison, fills her mind with regret for ever sealing the deal with the White Witch.
She lied to me. She said everything will be exactly as it was..Oh what a fool I am. A complete fool.
~ A few hours passed but the sun doesn't seem to go down. Susan desperately wishes to get out of the smelly cold cell for she has stepped on more than four rats and eighteen cockroaches, and refused to sleep in case any cockroaches or rodents might crawl on her.
Another Telmarine solider appeared with a plate of stale bread on his hand along with a metal mug of water – unclean with bits of hay and small lumps of mud floating above the liquid. One of the soldiers unlocked the gate for him to enter. He placed it on the ground and left. The gate locked itself once one of the soldiers closed it.
Susan, feeling quite hungry, reached for the mug and plate and started to eat. The bread is tasteless and look completely unappetizing. She broke it into pieces and forced herself to swallow in order to silence the growling in her stomach. As for the water, she picked the bits of hay and mud with her fingers and drank only some of it to safe it for later.
She placed the plate away from her as far as possible for the rodents to feast on. And she crawled to her small corner with the mug of water held close to her chest as she sat down with her knees folded in the same position as she always was in the moment she woke up.
The only comfort she has in the cell is the barred window that she can look up at. The sunshine shone through the depressing bars that lightened slightly in the cell. Susan stood up, and looked through the window. It's not a pleasant sight, but it's better to look at then the cell she's in. She can see the great architecture of the Telmarine castle and a slight sight of the gates that protects it. Easily she can also see a group of Telmarine soldiers, dressed in their heavy armor, training.
"Come on, you can do better than that!" A voice started.
Susan looked carefully and finally saw a young man, obviously aged a few years older than her from the signs of his short beard covering his chin to his upper lip, walk in with a sword in his hand. He laughed as his friend tried to attack him with his sword. But her heart leaped into excitement once she realized the friend the first man is playing with is Caspian.
How is that possible? Caspian was supposed to runaway. He should have been with the other Narnians by now. His disappearance is the only reason why Miraz started war. Why is he here? And who is that other man?
Questions swam in her mind as she continued to watch the young men fighting each other with their weapons.
"Have you been training? Since last summer I defeated you in just a first try. But now look at you, we've been doing this for what? An hour? I thought that tutor of yours only filled your minds of history and dull books. Where did this skill come from, Caspian?"
Caspian kept his eyes in every hit he received from his friend's steel sword, and blocked it with his. "I haven't been training from my professor. Observing the soldiers out here training gave me useful ideas of how to fight properly. I'm glad its more effective."
"Extremely actually. But I'm still going to win."
Caspian chuckled, amused by this competition. "Oh don't be so sure about that, Erlian."
Then, Doctor Cornelius appeared with his usual heavy attire on. He removed his spectacles away from his eyes as he neared the two boys.
"Your Grace, it is time to return to your studies."
"Very well, professor. One moment," Caspian ducked then before Erlian's blade touched his sword, and now standing behind him he tripped his friend until he fell on the floor and inched his blade closer to his neck.
Erlian laughed and nodded, agreeing to his defeat. "Alright, Caspian. You're the winner."
"Now that's something you never say very often," Caspian took Erlian's hand and helped him to stand, "I'll see you later after I'm finished."
As Caspian placed his sword back to its sheath that hung on his belt, Doctor Cornelius suspiciously looked around his surroundings for a brief moment. But then, his eyes reached to where Susan's face appears through the barred window. She almost jumped but instead of looking away, he gave her a pitiful look and nodded at her.
Susan slowly lifted her hand and gave him a small wave before he turned around and left with Caspian on his side.
The sound of the gate unlocking started. The two soldiers walked in and Susan turned around.
"What is it now?" She asked.
"You have to come with us."
The two took both her arms separately and escorted her out. She kept her eyes on the floor before they reached to the exit of the prison. It was painful for her to see many of the prisoners reaching their arms out through the gaps of the bars, begging for food and water and freedom.
She lifted her head as she walked across the groups of soldiers she saw before training. But then, she also saw Erlian himself. He briefly slashed his sword that made a swishing noise as practice. But once he saw Susan's face, he observed her body up and down and gave her a smile when she reached to another door. Boys back in England may stick to her like glue. But never as she ever seen any one of them look at her in such an uncomfortable manner, especially from a prince.
The two soldiers came to a stop when they reached a specific room from inside the palace. One of them opened it and dragged her inside. Susan didn't even pay attention to her surroundings but only at the man who sits on a fine chair by the fireplace, Miraz.
He signaled to the soldiers with a wave of his hand. And they pushed her down that forced her to kneel. Miraz signaled them again and the two left the room.
Susan lowered her head, looking down at the floor, not wanting the horrible man to see her looking defeated and trapped.
Miraz scratched his chin, observing the features of the girl carefully before speaking. "So you are the queen of Narnia?"
"One of them," she whispered.
He stood from his chair and crouched down in front of her. He grabbed her chin and lifted it up to see her face. A simper curved his mouth as he saw a single betraying teardrop rolling down from one of her eyes.
"Tears, I see. Do you already miss your darling siblings?"
"What have you done to them?"
"I've done nothing to them, just not yet, of course. They ran away on time unlike you who happen to be the first to be captured."
"How did I get here? This wasn't supposed – "
Susan bit her tongue. She mentally yelled at herself to shut up. This Miraz isn't the one who got murdered in the battlefield by Lord Sopespian. Instead this Miraz is the man who is still in charge and has the complete control of Narnia just under his thumb.
"You don't remember? I guess my men hit you too hard on the head. According to the report I received from my men, it states that you killed two of my men to save some Narnian but luckily my general sent a boat of spare men in case such situation of possible rescuing might happen. They attacked but for some reason your little friend and family escaped all except you."
She sighed, feeling relieved that her siblings are at least okay.
"Then why have you kept me here? Why didn't you order your men to kill me? There's no use for me to you to have me still alive when you have me in your little trap."
"The idea of killing you was the first thing that came to mind, however, I don't wish for your savage Narnians to attack my palace and kill some of my men. My people may outnumber yours. But I treat my men like a deck of cards. Even when I lose a few, I grow absolutely angry to lose them when I could have kept them alive for good use."
"So what is your intention to keep me alive?"
"Simple," he looked at her face and down to her chest, "To what age are you, Queen Susan?"
"How do you know my name?"
"That's not important. How old are you?"
"Eighteen," she replied, releasing a sigh once he stopped looking at her chest.
The simper on his mouth changed into a full, wide smile that reached his dangerous eyes. "You're very young, but in a good age in such a womanhood. My son is just a few years older than you."
Wait. Could it be that Erlian is Miraz's son? But..But that can't be. Erlian is supposed to be an infant by now. How is it that he is full grown?
"What are you getting out of this?"
He released her chin and pulled out a folded paper out of his breast pocket. "This is your death warrant. I'm giving you a decision to what I have been thoroughly thinking about while you were locked in the cell."
"You don't have the power to sign that. You're not a king, Miraz."
"I know I'm not. But I know how to turn the minds of the council. Believe me, I have the power to do anything that I see fit. So these are the options I am going to give you. The first option is to refuse any offer from me so you can return to the cell and wait for the day of your execution, which I assure you it will be very very soon. The other option is for you to keep your mouth shut when I present you to the council, and announce you accepted an arrange marriage to my son."
"What?!" She gasped.
"My son, Erlian, is one of the heirs to this land. But his rival is Caspian. Despite the fact he is older than him, the former king's will confirms that Caspian will be crowned as king. But a formal marriage to force an alliance with your people will convince the council to abandon the will; a simple idea of voting will give my son a higher chance to change his title from a prince into a king."
"The council hates me and my people. What makes you so sure that an arranged marriage will help crown your son as king?"
Miraz chuckled. "Because if you accept this and marry my son, I am going to imprison your people into the camps of my land to do harsh labor of production to our resource; a lot of the labors are increasing injuries and severe deaths to the workers, living animals like your people can spare their pains. And after a few days, you will, in your own mouth, will announce to both Telmarines and your miserable Narnians that you have officially betrayed Narnia and accept yourself as a Telmarine queen."
"Never," she hissed.
"It's not a bad future if you think about it."
"I would rather die than be the wife of your own son. I mean, what kind of father are you? Don't you think I am capable to murder your precious Erlian?"
"Oh you won't. If you accept my offer, you have nothing against me, I will have your people and can kill them one by one if you ever harm my son."
Susan silence herself.
This is a complete nightmare. She never wished this much to go home ever since that boy from Hendon House asked her for her name even when she gave him the clear message she's not interested to befriend him or become his girlfriend.
Whatever decision she chooses will end her life drastically. If she dies, she'll never see her siblings again nor ever walk down the aisle in her graduation robe to receive her honors. But if she marries Erlian, she'll leave her friends to believe she betrayed them and she'll never be able to make Caspian fall in love with her again.
"What is your decision, Susan? I am waiting."
"This..This is too much for me to deal with right now. Can't you give me some time?"
"I would but the council is soon to be gathered for another meeting. By then I will either be convincing them to sign the death warrant after having you present yourself for them to see you or announce your engagement to Erlian."
"What will you do to my siblings?"
"If you accept the proposal of marrying my son, I will allow you to decide of what I should do with them. But if you prefer to die with honor, then I will have them killed."
Aslan will surely come to rescue us..Although he does not show up after a while, but he will save Narnia like he did before with the White Witch. Yes, he will. The very existence Narnians still have hope.
"Tell me your decision, Susan."
"I..I choose..."
~ The council, already gathered in the throne room, whispered quite loudly amongst each other involving the discovery of Narnians and one of their queen now captured and taken to the Telmarine prison.
Miraz walked in. "Lords of the council, my apologies for being late." He walked up the short stairs of the low centered stage that carries the high throne chair that is only meant for the king. Since he is not, he only stood not too far from it.
"I have an announcement to make to all of you, my lords, so I thank you for giving me your spare time. I am sure most of you have heard rumors that a queen from extinct Narnians has entered to our ground a few hours ago as our prisoner. Well, earlier before I have presented you proof of a Narnian, so may I present you this time the very queen of those savage cockroaches to allow those spreading rumors to rest. Bring her in, general!"
General Glozelle, who's been standing by the door all this time, gave Miraz a nod and opened the door. Two of his men entered, they dragged a bounded Susan who's head is covered with a bag. They left her on the center of the place after removing the filthy bag off her head. Miraz dismissed them as he gestured his hand straight at her.
The council grew louder as they examined the girl from a distance.
"Now I doubt we Telmarines wish to stand by for these fairy tales to take over our land. They may not be much, but having a queen suddenly appearing, to me, makes the idea of wiping them out more appealing."
The council started to agree, even nodding their heads.
To Susan, seeing these men only made her nervous. She kept her eyes low to the floor as Miraz continued to speak.
"But I have come up with another suggestion," he lowered his hand down to his side, "I have given this girl a few suggestions and after much thought she agreed to the decision to marry my son and accept her race as a Telmarine and no more as a Narnian."
The council immediately felt displeased. Three of them stood from their chairs, raising their arms in the air to demand a refusal to such a decision. Others just spoke out suggestions such as "kill her" and also "we don't need no prisoner, death is quicker".
Then finally, one of them spoke to Miraz more calmly other than joining the others. Lord Sopespian, still seated on his chair, pointed a finger straight at Susan.
"That is no queen, but a girl. But if you are correct, what makes you so sure she won't walk away from everything and murder your son? And also, if death is far from your mind, what will happen to those Narnians who are still living?"
"As you heard from the stories, there were two kings and two queens of Narnina. This girl was not alone when she was captured, so the royal rulers are coming together. Her siblings will certainly gather their people to prepare an ambush. By then, our soldiers can capture them and imprison them in spare 'camps' to work for us. We can save the dangerous labors from our people and instead force those savages to do them instead. Having the power over those creatures will force this queen to do as she says."
Lord Sopespian placed his hand down, now rising up to his feet. "You mean to tell me she really has accepted the offer to marry your son, with her own lips?"
Miraz's eyes looked straight at Susan. A teardrop rolled down from one of her eyes as Miraz replied 'yes' to Lord Sopespian's question. The meeting closed to an agreement to the marriage after awhile and Miraz ordered Susan to be sent away but not back to her cell yet instead a suitable chamber. Susan did not lash out at the soldiers as she did before, and instead allowed their strong hands to drag her away.
~ Two female servants prepared Susan to look more suitable before introducing her to Erlian. They striped her off her clothes – burned them for they reeked – and washed her in the steaming bathtub. Susan grimaced as they harshly scrubbed her skin for they didn't have the heart to be gentle with the many bruises on her wrists and ankles. She even coughed many times due to them dumping her head in the water to make her smell sweet, and also added over five different kinds of perfumes into the water and along with two whole buckets of flower petals. After the bath, Susan gladly got out of the water and the two servants dried her skin dry, one of them wrapped her hair with a towel.
They pushed her down by the window and released her hair from the towel so the sunshine can dry her damp hair. With Susan covered with a towel, the painful experience of getting clean didn't end there. The two servants took hold of her ankles and hands and cleaned her nails with needles. It hurt for they again refused to be gentle with the sharp end object that scraped the dirt from the insides of her nails.
The process for some reason lasted for a long time. But when her hair was almost dry, the two servants dressed Susan into an attire they chose for her themselves. Susan only found out how it looks after they finished the corset that holds the dress - she held her breath and held onto the bed rail as they tightened far too tightly and quickly. It's a light sea colored long dress that's over another deep white one, a heavy golden belt blessed with a single jewel in the center is wrapped around her from the waist by weighs down that touches her pelvis, the bodice is low – probably meant for Erlian to feast his eyes on her cleavage – and has a thin-layered golden fabric sewn below the bodice and reaches to the shoulder blades. Susan sighed as she flapped her arms twice like a chicken for the sleeves on the dress is long and has a long tail that reaches almost to her knee. The purpose of choosing this dress seems clear to Susan now because the design of it not only makes her attire attractive and beautiful, but also covers the bruises that ruins her beauty if the prince ever sees it.
As time shortly passed, the servants finished her look by putting her hair up in a loose bun, allowing small locks to fall and twirled by its ends to bring out more of its curls. Once Susan wore the shoes they also chose for her, soldiers knocked on the door. The two servants gave a slight bow to Susan and headed to the door. They opened it and left right after the Telmarine soldiers escorted Susan out of the room.
~ Doctor Cornelius held out Susan's horn to Caspian. Caspian looked a bit uncomfortable as his tutor laid it on the table.
"Tell me, Your Grace. Were you the one who blew on this last night?"
Caspian never lied to his tutor in his life. As much as he wants to now, the old man has known him too well to do such an action. So Caspian simply nodded his head.
Doctor Cornelius sighed. "Why did you do that?"
"I'm sorry, professor, I was only curious what it was for. I didn't meant to touch your things."
Doctor Cornelius paused for a moment, turning his head to make sure no one is outside. He then took Caspian's hand as he spoke. "This is not just a horn, Your Grace. Nor does it belong to me."
"Then why are you so upset that I used it last night?"
"Do you remember the stories I have told you of the great wonders of Narnia?"
Caspian nodded his head."
"This horn," Doctor Cornelius eyed at the white horn still laid on the table, "belongs to one of the queens, The Gentle was one of the titles she was titled by. The royal rulers have never been heard of for over 1300 years. But now that Narnia is in trouble, it is very possible they can be called back to this day."
"How is that possible? They should be already dead. And how does this relate to this horn?"
"This horn is magical, Your Grace. If you blow on this horn then it calls the kings and queens of the Old back to this world. And because of you, they've returned. But unfortunately, one of them is captured now."
"Captured? I thought that prisoner were just rumors."
"I'm afraid not, Your Grace. She was trialed not to long ago. It has not been announced yet of what will become of her."
"She? The queen? Which one, professor?"
"The owner of this horn, Your Grace."
~ Prunaprismia paced about the room with her arms crossed her chest. Miraz stopped her by taking his wife's arms. But she angrily yanked them off his grasp.
"Don't touch me. How can you do this to our son?"
"There is nothing bad to this, wife. Erlian now can be king after he marries."
"But to a queen of some mythical, disgraceful make-believe creatures? What are you thinking? I thought you cared for your son. But now you're disgracing his future to be married to a girl like that?"
"Caspian is the rival, if you haven't forgotten, wife. Due to the fact his father ensured his future place in the throne, an accident or death will only make the decision easier to see who will be king," Miraz took his wife's hand and this time she didn't lash at him, "You and I planned to make our son as king. Do you no longer want that?"
Prunaprismia sighed. "Of course not, husband. But –"
"No. Hear what I have to say, wife. Once Erlian is married, those Narnians will be under our control. In the end, there will be nothing but humility and disgrace to them. But for us, there will be joy and victory. No more of dealing with to kill off a different race..And no more of Caspian."
She laid a finger on her husband's lips, looking over her shoulder for a moment. "Hush, husband. Watch your tongue. Someone can hear you."
Miraz took her wrist. "So do you agree to this, wife? Will you give our son your blessing?"
"As long as Caspian at least have some credit to his title – for it'll be fair since he's still family, then I will give our son my blessing."
"Thank you, wife. Just leave it to me. I will protect him every step of the way."
~ Dinner remained quiet. Apparently Erlian heard about Susan's imprisonment but he does not know he is already engaged to her. Caspian who is aware of that fact is more concerned of the trouble he caused of blowing on that horn in the first place.
Miraz chewed on a piece of grape and looked at his son proudly with a smile. "Let us have a toast. Today is a fine day to remember."
"Why do you say that, father?" Erlian asked.
Miraz took his goblet and raised it. "Pick up your goblet, son."
He did as Miraz said and even Caspian.
"My dearest son, this toast is for you. You have grown into a fine young man and although you are preparing yourself as the heir to this land. I trust you can still deal with the challenges of having the responsibility as king."
"Father," Erlian warned, eyeing Caspian who's seated opposite from him.
"There's no need to feel uncomfortable to talk on this subject, my dear son. For it is now clear you are next in line to be king."
"What?" Erlian gasped.
"As I was saying, just this morning the decision has been made that you will be married to the queen who has ruled this land long before the Telmarines."
"You mean Narnia, father? I thought Narninans were extinct."
"They're not, unfortunately. But are you willing to marry their queen."
Erlian leant back on his chair, placing his goblet back down. "I don't even know her."
"You'll get to know her, my son."
Silence took over the extra hour the four spent before departing to their chambers. But during to the conclusion of the dinner, there was nothing but disappointment and worry to Caspian. He has learned so much of the life of Narnia and the great legends of the heroes from the Sons of Adam and the Daughters of Eve. But the guilt weighed heavily in his heart to bring the very existence of Narnians to a doom, and even force upon a future their very own queen does not desire. Caspian always respected his race as a Telmarine. But now knowing that a queen from a distant time he known so much leaves him with pity to have her marry his very own cousin, and live the life in the new changes his own people made on her very own land.
~ The soldiers who escorted Susan out of the chamber she was first sent to left her in a large cold room filled with shelves that carried a great deal of records and books the Telmarines collected and published so far. She remained seated on a marble bench and is now asleep for she waited for at least two hours.
Her body shivered from the cold evening wind now entering the room from the open windows. With her head leant back on the wall, a person finally entered the room. The door creaked open and closed quietly as possible. Then, the sound of footsteps neared her and came to a stop.
Her body stirred.
Erlian smiled as he looked down at her, a memory returning to him the first time he saw her escorted out of the Telmarine prison. In his eyes, he sees not an enemy but a beautiful fair maiden. He never knew she was the queen he is to marry, but he is very happy now that she is and will be his wife in time.
He crouched down in front of her, looking at her face so closely. And stroked her cheek with the back of his fingers.
Her body stirred slowly and the movement awoke her. But once she her eyes opened, she nearly jumped to see Erlian right in front of her. His hand did not move.
Susan rolled her eyes down to her cheek, looking with horrifying eyes at his fingers that continued to stroke her cheek.
"Slept well?" He asked.
She nodded, swallowing hard.
"Tell me. What is your name?"
"Susan," she whispered.
He finally lowered his hand that made Susan feel slightly in ease. She tried her best to look at him straight in the eyes, but every time she did it forced her to look the other way.
Erlian personally is a very handsome man, compared to Caspian. His hair is yet short and is beautifully colored in auborn brown, despite his parents both born with black hair. He's quite tall as well, possibly an inch taller than his cousin. But the one major thing Susan cannot bear from this young man is his eyes. They are dark and dangerous looking..just like his father's. But of course, if Miraz was in Erlian's place right this moment, he wouldn't be smiling so sweetly like what his son is doing right now. For although Susan can see Erlian's effort to be friendly, the smile curved on his mouth appears to reach up to his eyes that forces the smile to have a hint of wickedness.
He lifted her chin up when she looked away gently with his hands. "Why are you refusing to look at me?" His smile widened. "Are you too shy?"
Susan forced her chin off his grasp, looking the other way. "You look like him."
"Like who?"
"..The devil who arranged this in the first place."
She expected him to be a bit insulted and possibly receive a slap on the face, yet she received no such kind.
Erlian nodded, his smile loosening away from his lips. "You do not like my father. I understand that, Susan. As an enemy, why wouldn't you be?"
"Aren't you mad that I despise your father and along with your people?"
"Of course not. But I would be mad if you tell me that you don't..Honesty is important to a married couple, isn't it?"
Susan cringed from hearing him say the word "marriage". Since birth, she never thought about marriage or ever the idea of how her future will turn out as being another man's wife. But being trapped in a different world in a far more early time period brings her to the conclusion that her future is not all going to be about chores, fighting over what to have for supper, or attending to family dinners.
"You're not against the idea of this whole thing?" She asked, bravely lifting her head up to look at him.
Erlian shook his head. "Not in the slightest."
"I was the queen of the land that your people invaded. How is it that you have no fear to be married off to a woman who has the capability to murder you or at least have people on her side who can?"
"A girl with a pretty face is never harmless," he tucked a strand of hair in her ear, "See. You didn't even pull out some weapon and killed me when I just touched you."
"I won't be able to make you happy."
"Nor can I. Are we even now?" He smiled, taking her hand.
She looked at this youn-huh, well considering him as her fiancé is perhaps more appropriate now. She doesn't need a week or two to realize that Erlian's character is high-spirited and avoids any terms of seriousness. It is quite a shock for her since he seems heavily different from his father.
Erlian pulled her up to stand and she did. She looked at him full of disbelief.
"Is this a joke to you? Erlian, you are agreeing to marry me and become responsible to the imprisonment of my siblings and my people. H-How can you take this so lightly?"
He shrugged his shoulders. "You were the one who made the decision to marry me, didn't you, Susan?"
"I only did it to keep my family alive and my use of the word family doesn't only just mean my siblings, it includes my angry Narnians who has been hiding from your people for so long. The other option your father so generously offered me was to have myself sentenced to death. To be quite honest, that option was more appealing than the first."
"But you didn't decide on that."
"One misery is better than offering to hundreds. I can risk myself with you..."
He smiled and lifted her left hand. "Believe me, love, there is no need for risk," he removed a ring from his last finger and slipped it on her wedding finger, "There, now a ring to signify we are man and wife. And all we have to do now is to make the announcement."
"Announcement? What announcement?"
"Come on."
He pulled her by the arm gently and the two left out the door.
~ Outside of the palace gates stands numbers of Telmarine villagers. Miraz stood in the center balcony with his wife beside him. For a few minutes his announcement confirmed a promise to capture the Narnians and an engagement to be held between his son and one of the enemies' queens.
Just on cue, Susan and Erlian appeared behind the married couple. And before she could realize what's going on, Miraz and his wife stepped back as she and Erlian stepped forward to the center. The crowd cheered as Erlian took her left hand and lifted up in the air, making sure for all to see the ring on her finger.
Susan looked at these unfamiliar people shouting the name of her fiancé. All she feels is complete guilt to stand on this ground while holding the hand of a Telmarine prince. Narnians had been desperate for a change for so many years, and they hoped for the present rulers to return. But what would they think of her now once they find out about her engagement? Of course, they might understand it is a forced arrangement. But the rest can lose all hope and resent both the Telmarines and the present rulers of Narnia.
As she looked deeply down at the people raising their arms in the air enthusiastically, across one of the towers hides a large eagle bird-like creature. She knows very well who that is and the wonderful service its ancestors offered during the war against the White Witch. A teardrop rolled down her eyes as she watched it secretly fly away successfully, but the main thing that broke her heart was before it left, she caught the sight of a small human head hiding on the creatures back, a person with dark hair. The boy was Edmund.
I'm sorry, Edmund..Just flee from here. Take Lucy and Peter and run. You all must leave. The Telmarines are coming.