The Chronicles of Narnia" are the property of the estate of C.S. Lewis, Walden Media, Walt Disney Pictures, et cetera. No profit is or shall be made from this fan work. The author also wishes to make known that she does not endorse or encourage the misuse of any alcoholic beverage.
The Pevensies, rulers of Narnia, were resting and reclining in a small family room after a particularly grand ball. Extremely exhausted from the noise, the dancing, the day's competitions and the long week of celebrating, the four monarchs had retired early from the merriment.
The week-long celebration had been in honor of Lucy's upcoming birthday. There had been hunts and tournaments of all sorts. Royalty from many nations had been invited. Princes and nobles by the score had shown up in honor of Queen Lucy's birthday and to try their hand against the kings in the various tournaments. With no problems in Narnia, the siblings had planed to take another tour of their country, a sort of vacation after the festivities were ended.
Gentle ocean breezes blew through the room, cooling and refreshing the tired monarchs. Through the open door the music from the ball could still be heard faintly. Knowing the Narnians love of celebrating, feasting, and wine, they knew the merriment would probably go on all night and into the early morning hours.
"Wasn't that wonderful?" Lucy sighed contentedly.
"I agree Lu. Ed's dancing was the best entertainment I've seen in a long time," Susan laughed.
"Hey! That last lady was stomping on my feet," Edmund grumbled. "Peter dancing with that marshwiggle lady was hardly better. Besides, it's not my fault he never learned to dance," he finished with a smirk.
Despite the gaiety of the night's celebration and the excitement of that night's ball, Peter was miserable. He had felt sick all day and a headache from a nasty nock in the morning's tournament hadn't helped any. Of course, he hadn't had the heart to tell Lucy. Besides, once his secret was out they would force him to stay in bed. He now regretted not having spent the day resting, enduring the teasing and mothering, as the excited chatter of his two sisters' conversation made his headache agonizing. Looking around the room, Peter spotted one of their faithful servants
standing in the doorway waiting to be noticed.
"Come in, Dalia."
"Your Majesties," she said, curtsying while balancing a tray with four goblets of steaming liquid. "I've brought you some warm milk. It will you to help relax. The other servants mentioned that Your Majesties had retired early and might be feeling weary and in need of refreshment," the young girl finished in her strong Galman accent.
"Ah, thank you," Peter sighed, picking up a goblet of warm, spiced milk. "To many years of peaceful rule, and to Lucy!"
"To Lucy!" they cheered, raising the goblets then each took a sip.
"Dalia, wait," Susan called as the girl made her way toward the door.
"Yes, Your Majesty?" Dalia asked, her soft voice shaking momentarily with nervousness.
Motioning the girl back to her side, Susan inquired, "There's something unusual about this milk. Are you sure this milk is fresh? The milk from kitchens is never like this."
"Yes, Your Majesty, I'm sure it's still quite fresh," Dalia replied, smiling with apparent relived confidence.
"What are you talking about, Su? Are you sure the wine hasn't gotten to you?" Lucy asked jokingly as Susan dismissed Dalia with a wave of her hand.
"Here Edmund, have a taste of this," Susan said, handing the nearly finished goblet of milk to her brother.
He took a sip and frowned. His eyes furrowed deeper as he consumed several more sips, then the rest of the contents.
"You're right, Su, it is different," Edmund agreed, setting the now empty chalice on the table before them as he licked his lips. "It's delicious," he said as he suddenly collapsed lifeless in his chair, his head lolling to the side.
Peter sat up, suddenly fully awake, fear written across his face as he silently prayed to Aslan that this breath would not be his brother's last.
"Edmund!" Susan screamed and Lucy darted over to the dark-haired king's side. As she leaned worriedly over him, he placed a small kiss on the tip of her nose.
"Edmund Pevensie! You sly trickster!" Lucy yelled in relieved frustration, beating her laughing brother with a pillow as the castle guard headed by General Oreius, rushed in.
"My apologies General Oreius, King Edmund was merely playing a trick upon us. We are all well," Peter said sleepily to his general, dismissing them. Turning to his siblings he said "Well I don't know about you three, but I'm ready for my bed.
"I agree," said Susan as a yawn escaped her lips. "Come on, Ed."
Pushing himself up, Edmund followed his siblings to their quarters, and as his oldest sister turned to disappear into her room, Edmund nearly half asleep himself, voiced a heart-felt apology.
"Fair Sister, I must confess my regret is deep over the fear I caused you and our dear brother and sister this night. I see now it was a very childish and not the caliber of my stature or age."
"Oh Ed, I forgive you. Where would we be with you not to make life interesting and fun?" Susan said as she hugged him.
Still troubled, Edmund walked to his quarters, collapsing fully clothed into his spacious bed.