Caspian relished as the cooling water ran down his face. The rough storm was surprisingly soothing as he listened to the steady rhythm of the rain. Or perhaps it had more to do with his surroundings then the weather. Ever since he started the project of rebuilding his dear friends home, he had always felt an overwhelming calmness when he visited the construction site.
Now that it was near completion, he made a point to visit frequently, and for the majority of those visits he would come alone. His council and guard had protested at first, but all it took was a stern glance from Trumpkin for them all to cease their protesting. The stern dwarf made both the Telmarines and Narnians nervous to cross his decisions. And it seemed none but King Caspian's closest friends understood his need for solitude in a place that was regarded as sacred.
It had been three years since the Pevensie family left Narnia to return to their homeland. And while the pressures and problems that came with rebuilding a kingdom and uniting two warring races certainly kept him busy, he couldn't quite repel the loneliness he felt.
True, he had Doctor Cornelius, as well as Trumpkin, Glenstrom, Reepicheep, to support him and provide their friendship. Yet, they couldn't quite fill the void of the four siblings who had become the closest thing to family he had had since his parents died. And nothing could replace the ache he felt at the loss of The Gentle Queen.
"Oh Susan," Caspian sighed as the despair that had first drawn him out of his castle to Cair Paravel for an unplanned outing this morning.
"King Caspian!"
Caspian looked up from his desk to see the small soldier mouse entering with great haste.
"You had better come see this, sire," Reepicheep explained quickly before turning around to leave the way he came.
The King quickly rose from his chair and followed the little mouse out into the hallway. He found his friend, along with Trumpkin and the Doctor standing on one of the balconies overlooking the main entrance to the courtyard. As Caspian peered over the edge, he was surprised at the busy hustle of many carriages being emptied into his castle in order to avoid the rain that was just beginning its slow drizzle.
"What's going on?" he questioned those around him. "I don't remember being informed of an immediate visitors to the castle."
"We were wondering the same thing, sire," Trumpkin answered.
"I believe I know who might have extended the invitations," Cornelius sighed. "Perhaps, you should go and speak with your council, Your Majesty."
The council had quickly been gathered, with Caspian's four good friends sitting in as well. Once everyone was in his or her seats, the King went straight to the topic that was concerning him.
"Would anywhere care to tell me why my home is beginning to look like a common inn?" he raised his voice sternly, quite uncommon for the usually temperate King.
The council of advisors began to murmur amongst themselves, most in confusion themselves. A small group of Telmarine members stood from their seats after a couple moments had passed. Lord Montegro stepped forward, marking himself as spokesmen.
"Forgive me, my king, for not having received your permission before hand. But it was out of concern for you that we acted," he explained.
"What exactly has you and others so concerned, my lord?" Caspian questioned, his annoyance only growing by the minute.
"For the past three years, you have accomplished a great many things, my King. There was much to be done in terms of restoring peace, so certain matters that are usually chief priority after a monarch's coronation were pushed to the side," Lord Montegro explained as he walked from the council seats to the center of the room, so he may address his King. "But the time has come where they can no longer be ignored."
"Save my your flattering words, my lord," Caspian snapped. "You have yet to answer my question and my patience is beginning to wear thin. What exactly is the issue you believe needs to be addressed so boldly?"
"The issue of your Queen and heir, Your Majesty."
"You've got to be kidding me," Caspian heard Trumpkin grumble as quiet murmurings began to spread around the room. "This matter has been brought up several times in the past year and the majority of us were in agreement that it is not as pressing as you make it seem, Lord Montegro."
"True, Master Trumpkin," the lord continued as the room began to quiet again. Caspian felt members of the council watching him closely, trying to gauge their King's reaction. "I and several other lords thought we might best assist our King by bringing potential suits from our neighboring allies to him. There is no pressure for him to pick one this instant, but there is also no harm in His Majesty meeting the ladies we have selected."
More questions and objections came from the seats around him, but Caspian no longer listened to what they were saying. He was focusing very strongly and reducing the rising anger inside of him. How dare they go behind his back like this? He wanted to scream at them. They should know better.
When the subject of his marrying came up nearly a year ago, Caspian had made it quite clear that as his heart belonged to one he could not have, he would give his attention to his people for the time being. It wasn't a surprise to any of the council as they were all present that day at the tree when the great Kings and Queens of Old departed Narnia. They were all witnesses to the farewell between himself and Queen Susan.
Since that time, Caspian had frequently expressed his sorrow that they could not stay with him, that Susan could not rule at his side as his wife as well as a fellow monarch of Narnia. And every person within in the walls of the castle noticed how he never let her ivory horn out of his reach. He was quite often seen holding in gently in his hand while pondering a question or reviewing proposals in his study.
Every time they made the suggestion that he take a wife, that someone try and step in to HER place, he couldn't help but feel the pressing need to escape the stone wall before he foolishly relieved each and every member from the duties on the council.
"Enough!" Caspian finally shouted over increasing noise in the council chamber. Quiet immediately followed and concerned faces turned towards their King. "In future, any guests must have my approval before arriving. Is that clear?" He waited until he received a response from every representative.
"Now," he continued, "Since I cannot just throw these women out, they shall be permitted to stay for the time being. Lord Montegro is right that there will be no harm done in meeting them. However, I will send them away promptly if I find anything in their character that I find to be inadequate for my future wife."
The entire council seemed to find this fair, agreeing that the guests would be allowed a three-month stay before returning to their home countries.
Before any more topics could be brought up, Caspian walked to the middle of the room. "Since that has been resolved, I will be spending the rest of the day doing an inspection of Cair Paravel. Alone!" he clarified before storming from the room and headed directly to the stables.
Upon arriving, he had come straight to the throne room, his personal tribute to his friends and the room in which he felt their presence the most. But the anger had continued to churn within him, prompting him to step out into the cooling rain. There he had remained, trying to think of as many ways as possible to postpone his return to the castle.
Suddenly he heard a sound over the storm; one that sounded like an object hitting stone. Quickly he turned his head to the doorway into the throne room. Standing on the throne dais, next to his lost love's chair, stood a cloaked figure.
Caspian was outraged at seeing an intruder in the Room of Thrones. This particular room, along with the 2 bedrooms he had set aside for the Pevensie siblings, was strictly off limits as his silent memorial to his dear friends. Their weapons and gifts from Father Christmas, aside from Peter's sword and Susan's horn, lay unused upon the stone chairs that had been rebuilt. Cair Paravel was not yet open to anyone beside him, his council, and the workers. However, this person had dared to enter and, even more so, had the nerve to stand at her chair.
"Who are you?" he called out in anger.
"Good evening, My King."
As the figure stepped down from the platform, he found he had a better view. It was clear to him she was a woman by her tone of voice and the hint of womanly curves beneath her cloak. But the hood was drawn far overhead, hiding her face from view though he could see a few tendrils of wet, brown hair lying against her neck and collarbones.
"What brings you here?" he demanded. "Cair Paravel is off limits until its completion, particularly this room."
"Forgive me, Your Highness," she stated, giving a low bow. "But I bring news from Aslan, regarding the Pevensie Siblings."
Suddenly, his building anger seemed to vanish, leaving him feeling curious and concerned. Her tone hinted that something was amiss, but Caspian prayed to Aslan that her news would be joyful.
"How are they?"
"As well as can be expected. They miss Narnia of course. Their parents took the two eldest to America, another country in the world where they were born. King Peter is traveling with Professor Kirke."
Caspian remembered the man from the teachings of Narnia history he had received from Professor Cornelius. Not only had he come to Narnia, but also it was through the wardrobe in his home that his friends discovered Narnia the first time.
"Edmund the Just and Lucy the Valiant are still in their homeland, living with relations. They continue to wait for their chance to return to Narnia."
"As do I," he paused, waiting for her to continue, but she remained silent. "And Queen Susan, what of her?" Of all the siblings, this was the one he was most concerned to hear about.
"I'm sorry," the woman sighed. "Regarding the Gentle Queen, I bring grave news."
Caspian felt panic shoot through him. "What is it? What's wrong?"
"Queen Susan was staying with her parents at their new home. Unfortunately, Aslan told me that just this afternoon, she was in a terrible accident. She didn't survive."
"You mean she's..." Caspian couldn't say the word. He felt his blood run cold and his strength leave him as he fell on his knees to the floor, he shoulders hunched forward as his gaze fell to the ground. "No," he whispered as silent tears began to splash against the marble floors as they fell from his eyes.
Without his head's command, his hand reached beneath his cloak and withdrew Caspian's most prized possession. He eyes watched as more tears fell against the smooth ivory of The Lion's horn. Caught up in his own thoughts as he caressed the horn, he almost didn't hear the surprised gasp from the messenger.
"Do not despair, My King, for there is hope," the words rushed from her mouth so quickly, and Caspian immediately felt his hear beat pick up at the word "hope."
"That is not all of Aslan's message." Caspian looked up as her gentle tones reached his ear.
"Hope? How so?" he questioned, holding his breath.
"Though she can no longer abide in her world, Aslan has given the Queen a choice."
"What?" the King asked in earnest.
"To either join Aslan in his country, or... to return to live out the rest of her life here, in Narnia."
The intake of Caspian's breath echoed throughout the hall. He couldn't believe it. Had Aslan really provided a way for them to be together? He had to know.
"What did she decide?"
The cloaked figure began walking towards the kneeling king, while he looked up earnestly at the messenger.
"The time for her final decision has not yet come," she explained, stopping only a few feet in front of him. "Aslan shall come here in three days to receive her final decision. For now she is allowed to stay here in Narnia."
"She's already here? Where?" Caspian shouted out in surprise, jumping to his feet. Why hadn't Susan already come to him then? Did she still have feelings for him, as he did for her?
"She was directed here by Aslan, but waits nearby for now. She has agreed to see Your Highness as soon as you answer this question."
"I'll do anything she requires. What is her question?" Caspian felt excitement fill every inch of his heart, threatening to burst through his whole body.
"Do you still care for her?"
"Of course," he stuttered clumsily. "Her and her siblings are my the dearest friends-"
"That is not what I meant, My King," the messenger interrupted, shaking her head slightly. "She wishes to know if you love her? If the words and kiss at your parting mean as much to you as they have to her?"
Caspian was so caught up in his own feelings; he wondered how Susan could doubt him so. Did she really think that he would forget about her? She had touched his heart the moment they met. As their time together continued she had taken it over piece-by-piece, day-by-day, until the day she was taken from him. By then he knew that she had stolen his heart completely. He spent a long and lonely three years grieving that they were kept from having more time tighter. She was the reason he had remained unmarried, finding any excuse he could to avoid all the suits and alliances placed before him by the council. And she was the cause of every night haunted with dreams of what could have been between him and his Queen.
"If you don't mind, my lady, I would rather tell her that myself."
Susan took a deep breath. It had been difficult at first, being in his presence. He had aged slightly and seemed more man then the boy she remembered. The defined tones of his muscles could be seen against his trousers. Though he wore both a dark tunic and a loose gray shirt underneath, she could still see glimpses of his toned upper arm and shoulder muscles, especially since the cloth was soaked and clung to his skin. The clipped notes of his accent in his voice soothed her heart that had been aching for from the moment she left him. And now, as she stood closer, she could smell his spicy aroma over the scent of rain drifting in from the balcony.
She had observed him closely during their conversation and now felt confident in what his answer would be. The touching scene that unfolded as he mourned her and then pulled out her horn, the one gift she had given him, with such tenderness touched her heart in a way she had only dreamt about. Gathering her courage, she raised her hands and pulled the hood back to let it fall against her back.
She noticed his body tense as he took in a breath and froze where he stood.
"Then tell me, my King," she smiled softly, "if I were to stay here, what answer would I receive?"
"Susan," he breathed out slowly. "Is it really you?" As he spoke, he took a step towards her and reached out his hand.
"Yes," she grinned as she placed her hand in his. As soon as their skins made contact, both sets of fingers instantly reacted and gripped tightly around the others hand; fearing that they would once again be separated.
Needing more reassurance, Caspian pulled on her arm, causing her to fall forward and into his waiting though wet embrace. One hand wrapped tightly around her waist while the other went to her damp hair and gently stroked it while her head and hands rested against his chest.
"I thought you were lost to me forever," he sighed as happy tears ran down his cheeks. He lifted her face up so they were a breath away from each other and simply gazed into her eyes.
"Not yet," Susan whispered. "And you need never lose me again if you answer my question."
"I never stopped loving you, My Queen," he stated with strength and confidence. "I have spent these last three years alone. The only woman who could ever fill my thoughts, who I could imagine a future with was you."
Susan closed her eyes in relief and let her head fall forward slightly, allowing the skin beneath her crown to rest against his forehead. "I was so worried you had moved on. With the time differences, I had no idea whether or not it was too late."
"It's never too late. Do you know what decision you will give when Aslan returns?" he questioned in earnest. Now that he had her back, he knew he would fight to keep her with him always.
"I believe so," she chuckled. "I love you, Caspian. There is no one else I would rather spend the rest of my life with then you. I gave you my heart long before I even realized it was yours."
As soon as she finished, Caspian closed the small distant between them and crashed his lips to hers for a sweet, deep kiss.
When they parted, she found herself once again in his tight embrace before he lifted her feet off the floor and began spinning them around the room as they filled the room with the sweet sound of their laughter.
"We shall have a grand feast when Aslan comes. Until then, you shall return to the old Telmarine castle with me. I have no wish for us to be parted from this day forward," he whispered as he set her down.
"Let's just take one day at a time, my love." Susan smiled at the idea. They really would have the rest of their lives to love each other.
"I have dreamed of this moment since the day you left me."
Susan smiled sadly. Her heart ached for the time they had spent apart. But at the same time, she felt flattered and overjoyed at his devotion to her. "There was not one night where I did not think of you," she told him. "I tried to move on, but my heart wouldn't let me. So I tried my best to convince myself that this place, that you, were simply part of my imagination. However, my heart wouldn't be fooled by what my brain kept trying to tell it. I think somewhere, deep down, I knew that I was waiting for this moment."
"And it has finally come," he breathed out, smiling from ear to ear. He then leaned down and captured her lips with his. Susan sighed softly at the thrill of his lips moving with hers. The feeling of her breath on his mouth caused Caspian to let out a low groan and the kiss quickly turned passionate.
Needing to breath, Susan pulled back and moved her head once again to lie on his chest. There, completely caught up in the moment of being in his arms once more, she couldn't help the tears that began to fall down her face.
Caspian felt the fresh droplets fall to his shirt and pulled back as his hands moved to wipe away her tears. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing, in fact, everything that has happened has made me perfectly happy. It's just..." Susan let her voice drift off. She had only one concern, but she didn't want to dampen the mood of their reunion. She walked away from his embrace towards the opening of the balcony from which he had entered.
"You wish your siblings were here as well," Caspian guessed as he came up behind her.
Not really surprised that he had figured it out, Susan nodded her head as she turned her head to the side to look up at him. "It is the one disappointment I have. However, my only other option is to go with Aslan to his country. I would still be separated from them there, but even worse, I would still be separated from you."
"Then, you will stay with me?" Caspian asked, holding her gaze with his.
"Well," Susan smiled teasingly, "what exactly would I have to look forward to should I say yes?"
"Hmm..." Caspian thought as he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her back against his firm chest. "We would spend every day together, with you ruling by my side as my Queen. And someday soon, we will be surrounded by our children."
"Not too soon I hope," Susan chuckled.
"Well, I should warn you that I am expecting a very large family," Caspian laughed as he moved to place a kiss on the side of her neck, drawing a soft sigh from her lips.
"I suppose we would have to marry first," Susan hinted. It felt like the natural course for them to take now, yet the subject hadn't even been mentioned yet.
"Naturally," Caspian growled out as he continued to kiss down her neck.
"Well, I haven't exactly heard you ask the question yet, my lord," she smiled.
Turning serious now, Caspian withdrew his attention from her neck and walked to her side. Susan turned pressing her back against a pillar and looked up at him as their hands naturally found their way into each other's grasps.
"I feared you would think I was rushing things. I wanted to be sure, that you had decided, Susan; that you knew what you wanted," he explained, looking nervous as he looked down at their entwined fingers.
"Caspian," she called, drawing his attention back up to her face. "True, it may be fast. But I think when you consider that time we have spent apart, yearning for each other; it only proves that we are ready for this. Besides," she added, "if I can't spend my life here, joined with you in every possible way, then the most logical choice is to go with Aslan when he comes."
Caspian cringed at the idea of her leaving him again. Shaking it off, he looked into her eyes as he slid onto one knee. "Well, then. My dear Susan, will you spend the rest of your life by my side as my Queen, the mother of my children, and most importantly as my wife? Will you do me the honor of marrying me?"
"Yes! Absolutely, yes!" Susan called out. As Caspian regained his feet she threw her arms around his neck and pulled his face to hers as she kissed him long and hard.
"We'll announce it at the feast for Aslan?" Caspian asked.
"Sounds perfect," Susan agreed.
