Story Summary: Set 10 years post-LWW. When Prince Cirdon visits Narnia, his reason for visiting seems suspect to Peter and Edmund. Lucy and Susan become caught in the middle, and trust between them is put to the test. Is the prince telling the truth--or is he after something else?
A/N: I usually don't like inserting OCs into stories, but I had the idea for this story and thought I'd give it a try. I hope you give it a try as well. Let me know what you think!
Chapter 1: The Prince Arrives
King Peter was enjoying breakfast with his sisters when Tumnus came in with a letter. "This just arrived for you, sir," he said, handing him a rolled piece of parchment.
"Thank you, Tumnus," he said. "Won't you please join us?"
"No need, Your Majesty," Tumnus replied. "I've already eaten."
"Do join us anyway, please," said Queen Lucy. Tumnus smiled and sat at the table. They began chatting away while Peter opened the letter. After a moment, he groaned.
"What is it?" asked Queen Susan.
Peter sighed and handed her the paper. "It looks as if another of your suitors is coming to stay," he explained. "The prince of Terebinthia, King Marlan's son. He's coming for a visit, and will be arriving in three days."
As Susan perused the letter, Lucy asked, "Why does this trouble you, Peter? Isn't there always a suitor coming to call for our sister?" She laughed, winking at Susan. Susan rolled up the paper and swatted her across the table.
Chuckling, Peter replied, "It certainly does seem that way. Unfortunately, I had planned to visit further down our coast, and check on the status of the soldiers stationed there. I wanted to personally make sure that everyone was set up properly. Now it looks as if I have to postpone the trip." His sisters exchanged glances. Although they had both thought it was a silly policy, Peter always insisted that either he or Edmund be at Cair Paravel when a dignitary came to call on Susan. He always said that he did not want a visiting prince or duke to be in Narnia and be tempted to take advantage of "the lack of a male presence", as he would put it. Peter claimed that this decision was purely for the security of Narnia, but the girls always thought that it was equally to keep an eye on whoever was courting Susan.
"If I may, sir," said Tumnus, "isn't there anyone else who could make the trip for you?"
Peter thought a moment. "Although I trust all of my generals completely, I feel better having a look myself. With Edmund gone to Anvard for at least the next week, I don't see how it will be possible. And I certainly wanted to have returned by the time this autumn weather turned cold."
"The answer is simple, then," said Lucy. "I'll go and check on the soldiers, so that you and Susan can stay to receive the prince." Peter began to protest, but Lucy held up her hand. "Don't you even begin. I am perfectly capable of riding down the coast with the guard and spending a few days sorting things out. All I will need are your instructions. And besides," she scoffed, "you act as if I've never seen battle, or been around soldiers at all. I certainly know a thing or two about what is to be expected."
Without a proper response, Peter conceded to letting Lucy take on his military duty this time. She spent the rest of the day preparing for the journey, which Peter estimated would take four days. Lucy had to admit to herself that she was rather excited to be getting away for a few days. The times when she had ridden to war, she was always accompanied by at least one of her brothers, and seldom had the opportunity to be of any authority over the troops. Furthermore, she was tired of the seemingly endless parade of men who came to see Susan, one arriving every month or so. It always meant wearing formal attire and having uncomfortable meals watching this prince or that duke try to impress her sister. Lucy always felt her time could be better spent elsewhere, but Susan always begged her to stay close by in case the suitor was particularly difficult (especially in the area of not realizing Susan was completely uninterested).
As the sun came peeking over the horizon the next morning, Lucy finished loading her things onto her horse. "Are you sure you understand everything I need you to do, Lucy?" Peter asked her.
"Yes," said Lucy. Her tone was a little impatient, as this was the hundredth time Peter had asked her this question.
Peter smiled sheepishly. "My apologies, madam," he said. He kissed her on her cheek and she hoisted herself onto the saddle. Lucy said a final farewell before she signaled to her horse. Then she was off, accompanied by two centaurs, a hawk, and a mountain lion. He watched until they rode out of sight.
Two days later, Peter and Susan were seated in their thrones for the arrival of the prince. Trumpets blared, and the herald called, "Presenting, His Highness, the Duke of Lumenare and Crown Prince of Terebinthia, Prince Cirdon, to Peter, High King of Narnia, Knight of the Noble Order of the Lion." As the herald spoke, a small host of soldiers, all light skinned and fair haired, walked through the doors and down to the dais where the four thrones sat. In the middle was Cirdon himself. When he approached the dais, he bowed low to the king, and his people all kneeled. "Long life to you, High King," he said.
"Welcome, Prince," said Peter. He gestured towards the Terebinthians to rise, and then stood. "Allow us to introduce to you our sister, the Queen Susan." He held out his hand to her. Susan took it and stood as well, then walked down to where the prince stood.
"We are well met," said Cirdon. Susan smiled and offered her hand to him. The prince took it and bowed low again, and gave it a small kiss when he stood. "Your reputation and beauty precede you, Your Highness," he said to her. "I see that you do not disappoint."
Susan choked back a laugh and cleared her throat. Pulling her hand away, she said, "Your flattery is…appreciated, sir." Quickly, she turned to Peter. "Shall we retire with our guest to more comfortable quarters?" She raised her eyebrows to Peter when he did not respond right away.
"Uh, yes," said Peter. "This way, prince." He gestured for Cirdon to follow him and they walked together to an adjacent room. Tumnus was waiting there for them, and he directed two badgers who entered carrying tea things and small cakes. The badgers bowed to Peter before they left, who smiled and gave them thanks. "Please, sit," he said to the prince, as he and Tumnus took two of the chairs.
"Will Her Majesty be joining us?" asked Cirdon, looking at Tumnus confusedly.
"She will be looking after the rest of your men," said Peter. "This is the Faun Tumnus, a dear friend and advisor to our court." The prince nodded a greeting. "I hope you found your journey well?"
"It was excellent, sire."
"Your letter was rather vague as to the purpose of your visit," Peter said. He frowned slightly when Cirdon laughed suddenly.
"Your Majesty certainly does not mince words," he replied, smiling. "But it was well put."
"As king of Narnia," said Peter, "we are used to having visitors to our court. However, it has been two years since we have had the pleasure of receiving a messenger from Terebinthia. For what purpose have you come here?"
"As you may well know, sire," said Cirdon, "my father, the king of Terebinthia, is growing older. There will be a time, and I fear sooner than later, that I will have to take his place as ruler of Terebinthia. Before that day, however, it is my wish to travel the known world, and make myself known to the courts of many lands. I hope to form new alliances and strengthen old bonds before I take the throne. I also hope to learn what I can from good and fair kings such as yourself, Your Majesty, and your brother, King Edmund. You are both known far and wide as a shining example for others."
"I see," said Peter. "Then you have no intentions towards our sister?"
Cirdon looked surprised, but recovered quickly. "Nay, sire. Although the Queen Susan is beautiful beyond words, and has a kind and caring heart, I cannot hope to begin any courtship of her at this time. My hope is solely to reside here for a few weeks, if your grace permits, and allow me to learn all I can of Narnia before I continue my journey. I believe that the better I understand others, the more fully I can understand myself."
Peter and Tumnus looked at each other. "His highness certainly seems to have a wisdom beyond his years," said Tumnus.
Peter nodded. "You are welcome to stay, prince. I hope that you find what you desire here, and I am sure that my brother will be in agreement." He rose, and the others stood as well. "You must forgive me now, as I must take my leave. I have several things to attend to before our meal this evening. Tumnus will show you where you and your men may stay during your visit."
"Of course," said Cirdon. He bowed to the king, and then followed Tumnus out of the room. When the door was closed behind him, he said to Tumnus, "Is His Majesty always like that?"
"I don't know what you mean," said Tumnus.
"He's very straightforward. His confidence is a little frightening."
Tumnus laughed. "Straightforward, yes. As for frightening, I suppose it depends. The only time my lord is that fierce is in battle, or when it comes to his sisters."
Cirdon nodded in understanding. As he walked with Tumnus, he couldn't help but marvel at Cair Paravel, which looked so different from his own home. Tumnus began telling him the meaning behind the architecture of the castle, and but Cirdon could only half listened. He was filled with a nervous kind of excitement. He knew that he would be able to learn a great deal from this fierce king, and the other three monarchs.