Summary: Peter didn't want to go. He was scared of what he might find- or what he wouldn't find. Was the news true?

A/N: Just a short fiction that came up when I realized that it was only Peter who went into Aslan's tent. Set before the battle in LWW.

Disclaimer: Don't own it...I don't even own the font.

I told Oreius of what the dryad had told us immediately. Why would Aslan do this? How could He leave on the eve of battle? Why did he leave on the eve of battle?

" We must see if this is true," Oreius suggested.

" But, it was a message from Susan and Lucy," I said having complete faith in my sisters.

" Remember, Your Majesty," said Oreius. I was still trying to get accustomed to be called "Your Majesty". " Not all the trees are on Aslan's side."

" Well, then," I said, swallowing a lump in my throat. " Some one had better check."

A small crowd had formed while we were discussing this. They all stared at me. Now I understand Susan's discomfort when we first arrived. Their eyes...all filled with hope or doubt- I couldn't tell.

" Peter," Edmund said quietly. " You're the future high king."

And? What did that imply?

Oreius read my mind. " Your Majesty, it is your duty, and your right, to enter the tent of Aslan."

I nodded, holding my head up high. But, inside, a battle was raging. Why me? I turned and faced the tent. I was terrified what I would find inside. What if he wasn't there? Would I have to lead battle? The only reason I felt somewhat confident was because of Aslan. If he wasn't there...

I considered leaving. But how could I? I was too attached to Narnia now. I remembered the conversation that morning. I told my siblings that I could stay behind and help. The truth was I wanted to stay behind and help.

I look over at Edmund. He gives me an affirming nod. He seems to understand too. Something happened when Aslan spoke with him. Something in his eyes are different. It was in that moment, I knew he would forever be my counselor, my encouragement.

I turned back to the tent and entered. My heart dropped; my stomach twisted. Empty. He wasn't there. He was dead.

I fell to my knees in the tent. One thought ran through my mind... I can't do this...I can't do this...

How long I was there, I don't know. I stood when I heard the crowd murmuring in worried tones.

I slowly emerged from the tent.

" He's gone."

Gasps travelled through the crowd. Kings were supposed to encourage their people in times of crisis. And I brought them bad news.

I leaned against the table Oreius had brought. Already,a map and strategy tools were laid out.

" I can't do this," I said quietly.

" We need to fight," Edmund contradicted.

I looked up at him, dismayed. How? How would I, barely a teenage boy, lead a people into war?

" Look at them, Peter," he continued.

" They're ready to follow you."

" But, Ed-"

" Aslan believed you could," he said finitely. " And so do I."

My heart swelled. Edmund's words sunk into my heart; I would fight...for him...for Susan and Lucy...for Narnia...for Aslan. Yes, I would fight for Aslan.

" Your Majesty," Oreius approached. " We await your orders."

I looked down onto the map as battle plans tossed into my head. Yes, I could do this.

A/N: I wrote this months ago. But, I decided to pull it out and revise it when I had a Narnia marathon over Christmas break. Thanks for reading :) Reviews are nice and welcome!