Disclaimer: I don't own Narnia or any of its characters. They are credited to the incredible imagination of C.S. Lewis.
I have never written any Narnia stories before, so I'm sorry if there's something a little off. Please feel free to share your opinions and thoughts on my chapters and advice is always welcome.
I've always been a fan of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien's works. I hope you take some time to read what I have planned for this story.
Peter sat quietly in his study. It seemed that he never had a free moment to spare, anymore. He worked day and night, always shifting through various documents and petitions or complaints trying to sort out the various problems his subjects had. It didn't seem like work, however. Work was something you were involved in to earn money- like a job or something of the sort. But this wasn't all Peter's job; he was stepping up, which was why he was suddenly so busy all the time. It wasn't permanent- at least, that's what he told himself, though it wasn't likely true.
"Peter." Peter turned his head to look up at his sister, Susan, as she entered the room.
"Hello, Su." He replied before turning back to his documents.
"Peter, you can't keep doing this." Susan seemed to glide across the room, her dress brushing lightly on the ground, before she stopped behind Peter and rested a hand on his shoulder.
Peter sighed, "I've got to, Su, it's my duty."
"It wasn't always your duty. You used to have time for us."
"I used to, now I don't. I can't just take time off. Narnia needs me." Peter replied, signing his name to yet another document.
"Yes, Peter, Narnia needs you, which is why you need to get away from this desk for a little while before you drive yourself mad." Susan rubbed his back a little, to indicate that her words meant well.
Peter dropped his pen on the desk and buried his head in his hands, "Sometimes I wonder if it's too late for that. I mean, perhaps I've already gone mad."
"That's nonsense, Peter. You know that."
"Is it?" Peter looked up into Susan's eyes, "I used to be a strong and respected king. 'High King Peter, The Magnificent,' that's how I was known. Enemies used to quiver at the mere mention of my name- of any of our names, yours, mine, Lucy's... Ed's. Now? Now I'm none of those things. I feel as though I've withered away."
"Oh, Peter, that's not true. Aslan knows it's been hard for all of us, but we must keep fighting. We must keep our strength, and you can't do that if you're half starved and sleep deprived."
"I can't sleep, Susan. Every time I close my eyes I have nightmares. I see him. I can't do it." Peter once again buried his head in his hands.
"You can't keep blaming yourself. There was nothing you could do."
"I know, I know. Why would Aslan let that happen?"
"I don't know, Peter, but He must have known what He was doing."
"How? How can this be part of His plan? It's been nearly a year, now, and everything has been miserable. Don't you miss hearing Lucy laugh? She's never happy anymore, none of us are. How can that be part of Aslan's plan?" Peter ranted. He could feel a lump rising in his throat, but was able to keep the tears at bay.
"I don't know, Peter! But we can't lose faith. That's what the enemy wants."
"I can't bring myself to care anymore. At least then the enemy would be able to put us out of our misery!" Peter stood, suddenly, almost making Susan jump.
"This isn't about you!" Susan argued, "This is about Narnia! Maybe you can get out of your head long enough to realize that you have a kingdom to rule!"
Peter stood in stunned silence as Susan turned and walked out the door. He sat back down and rested his elbows on his knees, bowing his head low. They say that time mends all things. Peter has yet to see that as truth.
I hope for my upcoming chapters to be longer. My system is that I won't continue my story if I don't get a review. Let me know your thoughts.