Peter gazed sadly at the scene before him, Lucy lying in bed, pale and sickly, Edmund sitting beside her bed, holding her hand and Susan sitting in a heap on the window seat, weeping quietly.

Peter touched his hand to his forehead, massaging at his temple. He had just come into the room after catching a bit of fresh air.

"How's she doing Ed?" He asked, concern heavy in his voice.

Edmund stood up and went to his older brother's side. Quietly, so as not to be over-heard by Susan, he said, "Not good. I don't think she's going to make it Peter."

Peter covered his eyes with one hand. "Oh Ed." He moaned.

Edmund sighed, started to say something, but closed his mouth and went back to his seat by the bed.

Peter joined Susan on the window seat, wrapping her in his arms. Stroking her hair he held her tightly.

"Oh Peter. What's going to happen?"

"I don't know that yet Su."

Susan rested her head on Peter's chest, her crying coming to a stop. Sighing, she shuddered and closed her eyes. Peter patted her on the back.

"Come on, you need to stretch your legs."

Peter pulled Susan up into a standing position and together they walked toward the door. Peter glanced over his shoulder to see Edmund glaring at them angrily.

"What's wrong Ed?"

Edmund stood up. "You don't care do you?"

Peter frowned. "What are you talking about?"

"You and Susan don't care that Lucy is dieing!"

"What makes you think that?" Peter asked angrily.

Edmund spoke fast, taking a step toward Peter.

"Lucy has been ill how many days? Nine? And every day I have sat with her, prayed to Aslan that she might get well and you and Susan had disappeared every afternoon. You don't care!"

Peter exhaled, unsure what to say. "Ed, it's not like that."

"Why?" Edmund asked, his voice breaking.

"Ed, were different, you and I. You sit around here all day but I can't! I...I can't sit and watch Lucy die!"

Edmund crossed his arms over his chest. "But you can kill in battle." He whispered.

"That's not the same thing and you know it Ed. Lucy's my baby sister! I don't see how you can bear it, watching her like this, day in and day out. It tears me apart, having my baby sister in pain and ill for over a week!"

Edmund's gaze fell to the floor, avoiding Peter's.

Peter went to his brother and hugged him. "I do care Ed. I do."

His words came out in a pleading voice, as if begging desperately for Edmund to believe him.

Edmund resisted the hug briefly, before resenting to it. Leaning against his brother for support he cried, great sobs that racked his body. In the background, Susan slipped out of the room, leaving her brothers with peace.

"Just let it go Ed. Let it all out."

As soon as the words escaped his mouth, Peter regretted them for they caused Edmund to pull away angrily.

"I can't let go Peter! I can't let her go! Lucy and I have grown so close since we came to Narnia."

Peter nodded. "I know."

"Peter...if she dies then we won't be the four kings and queens of Narnia."

Peter felt tears pricking at the corner of his eyes. "Yeah, I don't want to think about that happening."

"I don't think I can go on living if she doesn't make it."

"Ed, don't talk like that." Peter said in a less than demanding tone.

Edmund turned and sat back down in his chair. "Go comfort Susan now. I'm sure she needs you more than I do." Peter gave a half smile at his brother's attitude. He acted as if nothing had happened between them. It was just like Edmund to be bashful.

Peter pushed the wooden door open and started to step out when he heard Edmund say, "Hey Pete?"

"Yeah Ed?"

"Thanks. I needed to talk."

Peter smiled, despite the grief that surrounded his heart, "You're welcome Ed."