Disclaimer: I don't own Narnia, C.S. Lewis is the Father of Narnia and that's that.

A/N: This is a revised version of a story that I wrote 6 years ago. Please take note that I'm not completely changing it, as I would like to maintain the spirit with which I first wrote it, but just refining it in areas that I felt drastically needed improvement, this may include tweaking characters and maybe even changing their names. This originally had a prequel, which I took down several years ago, but it can still be read as a standalone.

CHAPTER ONE: UNEXPECTED SHIPMATES

It had been over two years since the four Pevensie siblings had returned from their second visit to Narnia.

The summer had begun in Finchley, with new graduates seeking to conscript for the war and girls bustling about to help their mothers with the work to be done while they fussed over the things they could be doing instead with their high school sweethearts. Peter had resumed his studies, this time with old Professor Kirke back in the country side in his small cottage. No one quite knew how it was that he lost his large manor, but there was nothing that could be done about it anyway. Susan had gone off to America with their parents for sixteen weeks. Edmund and Lucy envied her for her luck, being able to explore more of their boring old world would have brought at least a bit of adventure into their lives, but it would be nothing compared the land they loved so much. It would certain that she would find more excitement in American than back in England.

Unfortunately, the same couldn't be said for the last two Pevensies.

Edmund sat at the edge of Lucy's bed as she stayed across him at the headboard, both having an animated debate over the difference between the politics of England and Narnia. Ever the optimist, Lucy believed that the monarchy would be a more suitable form of ruling that she thought England would do well to re-establish. Her brother on the other hand, though having been a King once, countered her by pointing out that though a Monarchy was all well and fine, the country had to adapt to the changing of society. To entrust total power to a single Monarch was too risky nowadays. Since their return to Finchley, they hadn't been able to snap out of their nostalgic state; there was so much more to speak of compared to their first return. It was a dreary day. The house was silent, the two siblings were lonely, and they were craving for adventure, but all of this didn't seem to be caused by their return from Narnia, for the two siblings had been in their Aunt Alberta and Uncle Harold's house, saddened to be under the same roof as their infuriating cousin; Eustace Clarence Scrubb (and he almost deserved it).

"You're lucky you get a room of your own. I've got to share a room with that stinker Eustace." moaned Edmund, his eyebrows arching together in irritation merely at the thought of being within a ten foot radius with his cousin.

"I'm sure we'll be back soon, Aslan said so himself…right?" asked Lucy, holding her knees to her chest; the expression in her dark blue eyes was hopeful, desperate actually.

Edmund shrugged, leaning lazily against the wall as he gazed at the painting across the bed. It had been a painting of a ship, looking as if it were sailing right towards them. The prow of the ship had been shaped like the head of a dragon with a wide open mouth. It reminded him so much of Narnia, the colours and design of the ship was far too distinct for him to forget about or even ignore, "The question is…whether it doesn't make things worse, looking at a Narnian ship when you can't even get there." he murmured.

"Even looking is better than nothing right?—and she is such a Narnian ship." sighed Lucy solemnly.

Narnia…

Edmund could almost imagine her there, waiting for him along with her brother and the rest of the Narnians—growing older each day he stayed in this world. How many years have passed already? How was she doing? So many questions occupied his mind almost every day, each and every single question left unanswered.

"Still playing your stupid little games?" asked a voice in an arrogant sneer, the derision was almost too easy to sense from the sight of his awful posture.

Edmund and Lucy turned to the opened door, seeing their pompous younger cousin, Eustace. He had been about two years younger than Lucy; he was spoiled, was engrossed in reading books about pinning insects, and probably played the meanest tricks on unsuspecting victims (and this was coming from Edmund of all people). His snooty looking face was twisted in a smug smile that glinted with beady dark eyes; Edmund had been so tempted to shove Eustace out of the room headfirst and slam the door at his nose. That wasn't much of a shocker, considering that nearly anyone who set their eyes on Eustace wanted to do as much.

"You're not wanted here." Edmund interrupted through gritted teeth. "I'm trying to think of a limerick." said Eustace, unfazed by the glare that his older cousin directed his way, "Something like this; some kids who played games about Narnia—Got gradually balmier and balmier—"

"Narnia and balmier don't even rhyme." cut Lucy in defence, Eustace was not exactly the most talented poet, granted that he read about nothing else but bugs. His creativity was as small as the insects he loved so much. "It's an assonance," he replied, a grin creeping its way up his pursed lips.

"Don't ask him what it is, he only wants to be asked. Say nothing and maybe he'll go away." said Edmund. You'd expect Eustace to feel the exact way Edmund felt, angry and hot-tempered. But he didn't seem to care, he did nothing but talk and talk and talk…

"Do you like that picture?" he asked, his eyes pinned to the Narnia painting in the same sharp manner that he studied his pitiful bugs.

"Don't let him get started about Art and all that, Lucy." interrupted Edmund in exasperation, he began to tap his head lightly against the wall behind him, keeping count as a form of remaining calm. Having no qualms about disregarding her brother's words, the girl was quick to reply to their nuisance of a cousin, "Yes, I do. I like it very much."

Edmund swore he saw Eustace's eyes flash maliciously with his signature sneer, he wondered for a moment if he had ever been as antagonising as his younger cousin. He was probably even worse, constantly caught between acting like a sweet sibling and terrorising Lucy when she least expected it, it was probably the only reason why he had yet to throw a punch in Eustace's direction.

"I hate that picture."

"You won't see it if you get out." Edmund countered, his voice oozing with mockery. Though known to have become level-headed as he aged, he had never quite lost his taste for dry humour and sarcasm. "Why do you like it?" Eustace asked, ignoring Edmund's suggestion. At the rate that his two younger companions were ignoring him, the third Pevensie considered the idea that maybe Lucy was actually in on a prank with Eustace.

"Well…for one thing…I like it because the ship looks like it really is moving towards us. And the water looks really wet. And the waves really look like their moving too."

Edmund, Lucy and Eustace took a closer look at the picture. Edmund grinned at the sight of his cousin turning green; Eustace hated the sea. When he went to the Isle of Wight with his parents, he was sea sick for days on end. The delight he took in his cousin's nausea soon shifted to the feeling of his mouth shaping itself into an 'O' at the same time as his two younger companions. The waves really were moving.

And so was the ship.

Wind suddenly burst into the room as it began to lift the books off the tables and bed like a hurricane. It's cool feeling began to bring Edmund's eyes to slightly tear, "Stop it! It's really some silly trick you two are playing on me! Stop it! I'll tell Alberta! Ow!" squeaked Eustace in a horrified tone.

"Ow!" screamed Edmund and Lucy, taking a step back from the artwork with their arms hovering over their faces for protection.

"I'll smash the rotten thing!" exclaimed Eustace, running towards the painting.

"Look out! Eustace! Don't be an idiot!" Edmund grappled for Eustace as Lucy did the same, forgetting to take a moment to analyse the situation. Before Edmund himself realised, he felt cold water splashing against his entire body as he floated about within the room, struggling to stay up as he kept hold of panicking Eustace. Lucy swam on her own; it had been a good thing that she practised swimming last year, or else Edmund would have been managing two drowning companions. There wasn't enough time to register the blue sky above them or the white clouds that moved with the gentle winds, he pulled Eustace along and swam behind Lucy as she made for the ship that said in their direction. A figure then jumped into the water as they neared the ship, screaming for a rope. Edmund paid no heed to the stranger's act of courage as the man jumped into the water and took Lucy into his arms. Her face had grown terribly pale, he lurched forward at the realisation that she began to lose consciousness from the piercing cold. He took the rope along with their saviour, tying it around Lucy's waist. Though weak, she managed to grab hold, looking for support as she coughed out some sea water.

"Pull her up!" exclaimed the familiar voice.

"I will take him up!"

Edmund could only see the blurred face of their saviour, for the salt water that came in contact with his eyes only brought pain as his eyes began to redden. He said nothing, allowing himself to leave Eustace with the stranger and be lifted up into the ship. He was too relieved to simply decline, what would have been the point of swimming towards the ship if you were to refuse the help offered to you? Edmund ignored the soldiers who helped untie him and rushed to Lucy's side. She had been shivering, seated on a bench as she rubbed herself warm.

"Are you okay?" he murmured, rubbing at his numb arms as he sat beside her, waiting for Eustace to be heaved up as well.

"Caspian what's going on?" exclaimed a familiar voice as well.

Caspian?

Edmund turned his head to where his saviour stood, seeing a slightly older version of the Prince they had helped save Narnia and reclaim his throne. He sported a beard now, drenched as he unhanded a hysterical Eustace. "Ca-Ca-Caspian?" Lucy stuttered, looking up at their dear old friend in bewilderment.

"Edmund?"

Before Edmund could even turn his head, he felt warm hands encircle his waist and pull him close into a tight embrace, "You're back!" the person cried out.

One of the men crowded around them looked speechless. He didn't look much like an Archenlander, neither was he Calormene nor Telmarine. His skin complexion was too olive to be Calormene, and his thick hair and harsh features could not belong to a Telmarine. What was a non-Narnian doing onboard this ship? Edmund directed his gaze to the person in his arms, she smiled up at him in response; it was a smile he hadn't seen for quite some time now, he grew weary from the emotions that threatened to burst from inside of him. Her hair was different, where he remembered long and silky black tresses he found faint waves of black that didn't even reach her chin. She could have passed for a young boy to anyone who wasn't really observing her, but her feminine face was too much of a giveaway. She still hadn't grown much, standing until the mere tip of his nose, but she changed, not just her hair. A good sort of change, though he didn't have the time to reflect on what that meant to him.

"Calla!" he pulled her body flush against his, relishing in the warmth she offered. They suddenly became too aware of their close proximity; Edmund flushed pink, making no protest when she jumped back and disentangled their arms from one another. There was a short pause as everyone else had noticed Eustace, who seemed to be threatening to call for the British Consul to arrest them all. "Caspian—I can't thank you enough." whispered Edmund, having let go of his female companion to engulf Caspian in a very wet hug as well.

The man with cold eyes cast one last look, much more of a glare, and stormed below deck speaking in a foreign language—Galmian? Lucy embraced Callistine tightly, noticing how the young woman looked slightly older than Lucy once more, despite that Lucy slightly taller than her now.

"Who is your friend here?" asked Caspian, gazing at Eustace with an expression of sincere curiosity. They cousin on the other hand did nothing but burst out into more tears as his face shifted from a greyish hue to a blue one, "Let me go! Let me go back! I don't like it!" he sobbed out, making retching sounds as he curled up on the floor like an infant.

"Let go? But where?" the humoured tone in Caspian's deep voice didn't go unnoticed, the crew snickered, watching with amusement as Eustace pushed himself from the ground and made for the edge of the ship; gazing deep down into the water, he expected to see the frame they had fallen into and maybe catch a glimpse of Lucy's room in it, "Who is he?" asked Callistine, looking up at him with an expression of mirth, though she did her best to shield it with feigned concern. The twitch at the corner of her mouth was enough of a giveaway that she thought Eustace to be as ridiculous as Edmund did.

"That's my cousin, Eustace." feeling shame as they both watched Eustace collapse on the floor and cradle himself as he wept, Edmund could not decide whether to feel smug or pity towards his younger companion. He'd always craved for the chance to pay Eustace back for all the agonisingly frustrating moments he held whenever he was around Edmund.

"Rynelf! Fetch some spiced wine for their majesties." said Caspian. The servant rushed down to the wine cellar, and returned with a silver tray containing a large flagon of wine and five silver goblets.

"You'll need something warm after being in the water for a while." explained their old friend, handing Edmund and Lucy the goblets before pouring some wine into them. Out of common courtesy he offered some to his sister as well, who pretended to be unfazed by the cold she was exposed to thanks to the wet hugs of her friends. She accepted it, taking dainty sips from her glass as the rest of them chugged theirs down in one go. Edmund cherished the feeling of warmth spread about in his body, feeling the heat go down to his toes. Eustace in the other hand began to make disgusted faces as he spat out the wine, sobbing even harder now.

"Quite the perfect travelling companion you've brought along, brother." The Narnia King chuckled, but before Edmund could even turn to Callistine and speak to her, Eustace unsurprisingly began to scream, "Ugh! What on earth is that? Take it away!"

Edmund couldn't blame Eustace for reacting that way, after all, it had been his first time in this world. Who'd expect to see a small mouse wearing a feathered hat and walking on its two hind legs? It had been Reepicheep, the mouse who they first met when they came across Caspian as well. Edmund glanced at Lucy, seeing in her eyes how much she wanted to grab the mouse and hug it tightly in her arms like a stuffed toy. He then glanced at Callistine, who looked at Eustace in disbelief, gazing at him with growing annoyance.

"My humble duty to your Majesty, and to King Edmund as well." said Reepicheep, bowing low as he kissed Lucy's right hand.

"Take it away." scowled Eustace, "I hate mice. And performing animals are pathetic." Reepicheep glared at the mere mention of 'performing animals', "And is this discourteous person under your Majesty's protection? If not—" he asked Edmund, quite ready to unsheathe his sword and charge at Eustace.

Before Edmund could reply, he and Lucy sneezed.

"Caspian, I think we should get them dressed in proper and dry clothes." Callistine cut in, her damp but warm hand loosening around Edmund's cold wet one.

"Yes…how could I forget?" said Caspian with a chuckle.

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"I'm so sorry about this Lucy." said the young woman in guilt, taking out her last dress from her chest; it had been long and crimson with gold embroidery that made her skin look darker by several shades when she slipped it on.

"That's alright Calla, I feel perfectly comfortable wearing tights. I think it's much easier to move in compared to a dress." she replied, facing away from Callistine as she changed as well; the storm that they had experienced a day earlier had left all but one gown wet and unsuitable for Lucy to wear. Callistine laughed, neatly folding her damp clothes before she would have them washed, "When you're finished dressing, fling your clothes on the chair, I'll just place it in the galley later."

"How do I look?" asked Lucy, turning around to face Caspian's sibling. She wore dark blue tights under a baggy white blouse that was held together by a large black belt. With her braids undone, her auburn hair fell in damp waves, she looked slightly older that way.

"Very adventurous, I must say." her companion grinned, admiring Lucy's wonderful waves and pale skin. She looked very different from Lucy, she envied the young Queen and her older sister, "Perhaps you'll find a handsome sailor boy in distress and whisk him off his feet like a Warrior Queen." she added, taking note of the two red spots that grew on the younger girl's cheeks. Lucy slapped Callistine's arm playfully and sighed, "I may not look it, but I still feel like an older sister to you right now." she grinned. The Telmarine girl smiled, "I don't think you can say that you're younger than me, considering that you came here nearly a thousand years before I was even born." Lucy laughed at this statement, sighing as she ran her fingers through her damp waves.

"So how long has it been since we left? You've changed so much, I mean, even your hair! Not that you don't look bad, I think you look wonderful." she began to babble, as soon as she realised this, she closed her mouth and looked to the other girl with embarrassment written all over her face. There was an expression of gratitude for Lucy's compliments that reflected in her companion's dark eyes as she gazed at her. Silence filled the room, Callistine sat up from where she lay on the bed, tugging lightly at the silky dark hair that brushed against her ear, "U'm…well, it's been three years since you came here—"

"You're sixteen! So you're Edmund's age now!" Lucy blurted out, her smile growing larger by the second. Callistine shrugged in response, fighting back the blush that threatened to colour her cheeks; she hadn't been so sure whether Edmund had aged in his world. He had been two years older than her three years ago…and now, he was her age after three years? She suddenly came to a conclusion that the world worked in strange ways.

"Oh, I see. Why don't we go up? I'm sure they're expecting us." the Telmarine Queen suggested, striding over to the entrance of the cabin to lead her old friend through. Lucy complied, following her down the hall and into the study room of Caspian, where they had been expected by their brothers. Standing with them was a man as old as Caspian, who spoke to the two in such a way neither Lucy nor Callistine could understand. He looked quite handsome, the sort of handsome that she found in athletes back in Finchley, Lucy laughed at the strange thought.

"Here the both of you are, we were waiting for you two. This is our captain, Lord Drinian, from Archenland." started Caspian, introducing the two Pevensies to a dark auburn haired young man who went down on one knee to press a kiss to Lucy's hand. "Actually, I'm of both Archanlander and Telmarine descent, if I may correct you, your Highness." Lord Drinian said with a devilish grin.

"Where's your cousin?" asked Callistine, looking around the room to see if the young boy was moping about at any of its corners.

"In bed," replied Edmund, "I can't do anything to really help him." a grin began to touch at his lips as he shifted closer to her; two years ago he would have been mentally reprimanding himself, for what reason, he didn't know. A knock at the door sounded through the room shortly after, it opened at its own accord, bringing with it a young man with dark olive green eyes that sparkled with charm.

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"I believe I've yet to introduce this young man here." grinned Caspian, turning his eyes to the man who was slightly shorter than he was, Caspian must have been about twenty-one now, the air around the man next to him filled with sheepish anxiety and feigned confidence. "This is the heir to the Galmian throne, Prince Nicolao."

Prince Nicolao was quick to drop on one knee and take Lucy's hand, kissing it before flashing her a genuine smile, "It is an honour to meet one of the Kings and Queens of Old." He said, getting back onto his feet with practiced grace. "Thank you, I'm glad to have the chance to meet the successor of Galma." she replied, turning to Edmund with a look of expectance for him to expound. Her brother said nothing, directing a curt nod in his direction, ever the serious Monarch that he was known to be.

The Prince was rather handsome, with jet black curls quite unlike Edmund's dark brown waves.

'Oh dear, he must be the son of that Galmian Lord who died when the river ate him.'

Lucy kept herself calm and controlled, looking to distract herself from her troubled thoughts by studying the handsome features of the Prince. He had transparent olive eyes, leaving his emotions very easily revealed, and olive skin complexion. The young man was slightly darker than Callistine had been; Callistine was actually a tad bit lighter compared to the last time they had returned to Narnia. No freckles showed on his face unlike Edmund, his lips thick and his nose aquiline like a Greek sculpture.

"Meanwhile we must talk, would you like to join us?" asked Caspian, directing this to Prince Nicolao. The Prince shook his head with a humble smile, "I am afraid that I must go to the forecastle, I believe it's my turn to look out while Sir Rhince rests." he replied, saying nothing else when he made for the door, leaving them alone with the Telmarine siblings and Lord Drinian. Reepicheep barged in not long after, speaking in a tone of delight at his encounter with Eustace.

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"Before you say anything. About time—it's been a year in our time since we left after your coronation. How long has it been in Narnia?" Edmund asked, helping himself to a seat at the meeting table of the room. "Exactly three years." Caspian replied proudly with a wide smile, it was a smile that the Pevensie siblings realised they missed.

"All going well?"

"You don't suppose I'd have left my kingdom for the sea unless all was well." Caspian laughed, "Things couldn't be better. The Telmarines have learned to live at peace with the Narnians, and Callistine has chosen and left Trumpkin, the Dwarf if you recall, to be Regent for the time being." he continued, subconsciously running a hand through his dark hair.

"Dear Trumpkin, you couldn't have chosen anyone better in all of Cair Paravel." sighed Lucy happily, her mind wandering back to their first encounter with the gruff red dwarf. It seemed as though it had just been yesterday that they were fighting side by side, it saddened her that it was unlikely that she would see him this time around.

"Well then, where are you going? And why is there a Galmian Prince onboard a ship of Narnians?" Edmund asked. Callistine straightened up slightly, no longer leaning against the table as she sat next to Lucy; she turned to her brother, her expression remaining nonchalant as their eyes made contact. Caspian looked to the two Pevensies with unease, adjusting his seat at the head of the table before speaking, "During Miraz's rule as Regent, he had sent seven of our father's friends on a Voyage to explore the unknown Eastern Seas, past the Lone Islands. None of them returned. After you and your siblings left, I asked for Aslan's approval that once Callistine and I established peace in Narnia once more, I would sail away and search for them, or learn of their deaths. They were Lord Revilian, Bern, Argoz, Mavramorn, Octesian, Restimar, and Rhoop. That is my main intention. Reepicheep here has hopes of reaching Aslan's Country, thought we've no real idea how to get there, for His country is at the end of the world."

"But do you suppose that it's even possible?" asked Edmund, turning to meet the solemn gaze of his old friend. Lucy seemed rather speechless at the implication of it all, to sail to Aslan's Country was a feat to say the least. She turned to Callistine, who seemed as perplexed as the rest of them, it seemed that there were some things that Caspian hadn't told her about the trip.

"Caspian—" the Telmarine Queen started, only for her to be cut off by Reepicheep's enthusiastic response. "We have our doubts and beliefs your Highness, for when I was merely in a cradle a Dryad had spoken to me in verses:

Where sky and water meet

Where the waves grow sweet,

Doubt not Reepicheep,

To find all you seek,

There is the utter East—

"I've no idea what it means. But the spell of it has been on me all of my life."

"Then where are we now?" Edmund asked.

Drinian stepped forward and brought out a map, spreading it before the table. He pointed to the sea closest to Cair Paravel, "That's our position, or at least when we left Cair Paravel, and stood north of Galma. We docked at the Port for the Duke of Galma had held a great tournament in honour of King Caspian. This chap here had unhorsed many knights, including Prince Nicolao—"

"And got a few bruises myself. Still have the nasty ones on my leg Drinian." corrected Caspian. Well trained in the art of disregarding his King's words, Drinian ignored Caspian's interruption and continued, "The Duke would have been pleased if the King's majesty would have married his daughter, but nothing came of that."

"Squints, and all freckles." interrupted Caspian, who later made an expression of guilt when his younger sister cast a condescending glare in his direction. He remained silent at the realisation that the two Pevensie siblings were guilty of both supposed flaws on different accounts. Callistine stood up from where she sat, resting her hand on her hip, "Well while you go on about why you hadn't taken a liking to poor Eudora, I'm going to go busy myself with more important concerns in the ship." she snapped, turning to leave the room.

"I'll come with you." Lucy said hastily, having had quite enough of engagement talk with Royalty from her past experiences with her older siblings. Having to deal with Monarchs who were eager to win a spot on the throne of Narnia was a concern that Lucy was glad she didn't have to concern herself with anymore. The young men snickered as the girls left the room, tailed by Reepicheep, who couldn't seem to relate to his King's supposed issues. Drinian was quick to continue the conversation, having the same ease in his personality that reminded Edmund much of Corin of Archenland.

"Then we sailed away from Galma, along with the Prince with us; he craves for adventure like a water nymph seeks the river, more so even. He wishes to learn from his Highness here. Wanted to learn, so I assigned him for look out myself." Drinian laughed, patting Caspian hard on the back.

"You speak too much of praise!" chuckled Caspian, punching his companion lightly on the arm. Edmund smiled, leaning lazily against the table. Something about both Caspian's and Drinian's laughs did not make them seem very convincing. They seemed almost...suspicious?

"So how has Callistine been these past few years?" Edmund asked, making an extra effort to appear nonchalant before his two companions. Not that it mattered, he was just curious after all. He'd dealt with the girl when she was barely a young lady, with her large brown eyes and gawky form. The King of Old had seen little change in Caspian since they first met a year ago, save for his more mature disposition and beard; seeing Caspian's younger sister as an indecisive woman-child one day and then a sarcastic and reserved young woman the next threw him off a bit. The older man didn't seem to see any problem in his question, and grinned as he collected his thoughts.

"Excellent, she wasn't supposed to take part in the Voyage actually, but she insisted that she not leave my side. My sister has helped me far more than expected of her; she is usually the one I speak to in my time of need. The Narnians have done the same with her as well. They truly love her—starting to build a title for her just like they'd done with you and your siblings. They're probably coming up with some whatnot like Queen Callistine the Humble. It's downright disagreeable though." replied Caspian with a toothy grin, "Ever since she reached her fourteenth year, she's been looking at the mirror more and more often."

Edmund smiled, his mind suddenly bringing up a memory of when Lucy first began to notice her looks, "Well…from what I've learned from Susan's experiences, women enjoy looking good for us men."

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"Oh dear, maybe I should give you a drop from my cordial." frowned Lucy in concern, observing as Callistine pressed her hand against the forehead of one of the crewmen. The young sailor shook his head, his eyes remained downcast and his cheeks flushed a brighter red, "It's just a headache Your Highness. Something like that isn't suited for the likes of me, I wouldn't want to waste a single drop of your magical cordial." he insisted, unable to meet the concerned gazes of the two Queens.

"Just a headache wouldn't have you fainting while you're simply walking." the Queen countered, her lips pressed together in a thin line as her eyes took on a stern and serious countenance. The sailor said nothing, though his cheeks grew significantly more crimson.

"Is there something wrong, Milady?" Lucy turned to see the Galmian Prince making his way down the steps of the upper deck, suddenly feeling awkward when she realised that he hadn't been addressing her. Callistine nodded, pulling her hand away from the young sailor's face to take his wrist in her grip and feel for his pulse, "It seems that Quince is running a fever, he collapsed out of nowhere." she replied, tucking a stray hair behind her ear.

Having lost interest in the protests of the sick young man, Lucy brushed at her tights and made for the lower deck, "I'll go look for Caspian, he must have my cordial." Her Telmarine friend smiled and nodded in response, "I'm sure your cousin will want some of it as well, the cordial is in his second chest. Make sure he escorts you to your cousin first before you come here to help Quince. Perhaps Caspian will tell you of our past victories during your absence, whether it's about the Giants or his unhorsing of many Galmian knights." she laughed, though her eyes strayed back to meet Prince Nicolao's as he scolded the sailor for not calling anyone's attention until he was too weak.

Lucy smiled, closing the door behind her with a small creaking sound.

She didn't miss the look, that look, the look the Prince gave Callistine when he first asked what was wrong. Though he seemed to be a sincerely kind person, he seemed to address the Telmarine Queen with such tenderness that it was unmistakeable. Lucy shook him from her thoughts, maybe she was just reading too much into the situation. It shouldn't have mattered anyway, a suitor for Callistine was inevitable, what with her comely face and title as a Queen to two nations.

Lucy wondered what Edmund would think.

reviews always appreciated