AN: This fic participates in the Prompt Challenge #1: Your heart's desire of the Beyond the Lamppost forum.
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The sea was calm and undisturbed, it's surface tinted with shades of yellow, orange, and red as Edmund stood by the railing of the Dawn Treader, watching the sun sink below the horizon. It's golden glow lit up his face, revealing his strangely pale face, the sad but peaceful expression on his face, and the purple bags under his eyes signaling his lack of sleep. Although he was young in appearance and dreadfully messy-looking with his wild, brown hair, his dark, weary, wisdom-filled eyes told a different story. He was the younger King of Narnia, second to his older brother, King Peter the Magnificent. At least, he was king...That was gone now.
When Caspian, a former Telmarine, became the new king of Narnia, Peter was no longer able to rule at Cair Paravel, nor were his siblings. Which, unfortunately, included Edmund. Pulling out his sword, Edmund held it up to the sun, letting it's light glint off the iron blade as he reaccounted events that he had pushed aside for quite a long time: His betrayal. While Peter's had nearly set the White Witch free, Edmund had actually associated himself with the Witch, betraying his siblings for sweets and promises of power and attention. And though he had been forgiven by Aslan himself for that, he still couldn't quite forgive himself.
Of course, ever since that incident, he had ignored the guilt and pushed it to the back of his mind until recently. The Witch had appeared to him last night, claiming him as her traitor and promising to mark him forever. Fortunately, he had gotten rid of her, for the time being. Still, that encounter had aroused thoughts that he had pushed away ever since his conversation with Aslan before his death and resurrection. Aslan has told him and his siblings not to dwell on the past, but right now it was nearly impossible with the mysterious green mist messing with their heads.
Although, it was a beautiful morning, Edmund felt like storm clouds were hanging over him, casting a shadow of doubt over him. Why did Aslan forgive me? he pondered for the first time since his betrayal. I'm a traitor to Narnia and my siblings. He should have let me die on the Stone Table. The crown should have belonged to my siblings, not me. For the first time, he wondered whether his life was worth all the pain and guilt he felt.
"Son of Adam, you know why I forgave you," a voice rumbled, causing Edmund to turn around to meet the speaker's golden face. "So why do you ponder the cost of your life? Have I not told you that what has passed is in the past?" Aslan warm eyes seemed to gaze into his soul and Edmund bowed his head in shame. "I tell you, Edmund, your life is more than a thousand crowns or a thousand thrones. That I will promise you."
Peace seemed to engulf Edmund in a loving embrace and, for the first time, he dared to hug Aslan. He wrapped his arms around his head and ran his hands through the Lion's mane, feeling how soft it was. "Thank you, Aslan," he whispered, meeting Aslan's eyes as he got up. "Thank you for everything." With a smile, Aslan faded from view and Edmund turned towards his sleeping quarters and walked off, with his burden lifted and overcome by a new peace.