Chapter One
Susan's heart leap in her chest at his words and she felt all her logic slip away. There was no use for logic here. Not when he was on his knee, offering his heart. Tears of joy blurred her vision and she let out a little choked laugh.
"I will be your wife." She answered, "For now, for always."
Rapture lit Caspian's face and he rose to his feet, fluidly capturing Susan in his arms and lifting her off her feet. A roar of cheers came up from the crowd of townspeople that were still gathered behind them. Susan and Caspian froze, having forgotten that they were there. They looked at the crowd, then back at each other. Joyous and giddy laughter tumbled from their lips.
Caspian lowered Susan back to the ground and Lucy instantly had her arms around sister's waist. Edmund and Peter went to Caspian and shook his hand.
"Welcome to the family." Peter said with a smile.
Caspian laughed happily.
"I am honored." He said, smiling widely.
Susan picked up Lucy and gave her a squeeze. There were no words that could describe her joy. Lucy giggled as Susan lowered her to the ground. A silence hushed through the crowd and the Kings and Queens as Aslan stepped forward.
"I am happy for you both." He said to Susan and Caspian, "This is a joyous day in Narnia and for you. May your love be as strong as your reign."
The couple bowed their heads to him as he turned to the townspeople.
"May you join in celebration of the marriage of King Caspian and Queen Susan as the sun sets on the seventh day."
The crowd cheered and Caspian and Susan laughed heartily. The King wrapped his arms around her waist and drew her in for another kiss.
The sun set over the western waters, basking the world in a halo of pink and gold. Susan watched as the sun dipped below the ocean from her chamber balcony. A smile still played upon her lips, it hadn't faded since Caspian asked for her hand. She still couldn't believe it. She was to be married to him within a week. Her heart fluttered wildly in her chest as she thought of him.
He was handsome, strong, brave, and would be a great leader to his people. He was also wonderful kisser. She could still feel his lips on hers. Susan closed her eyes, her hand coming up and absently traced her collar bone. She sighed deeply and let her hand drop, willing herself to act like a Queen and not a love sick teenager.
But it was no use. She was in love. Love beat out logic. And she knew in her heart it always would. Susan crossed the balcony and entered her room. It was large, possible even larger than her old room at Cair Paravel. She sat down on her bed and sighed again. She was feeling restless, as if her skin could not contain her.
Susan got to her feet. She grabbed her night cloak and fastened it around her shoulders. It was elegant, made of a fine, lilac colored silk. She left her room and wondered down the hallways, learning her way around the castle. She found herself walking into the northern courtyard, finding it lit by soft lamps and large lanterns.
In the middle of the courtyard, Caspian lay on the grass, his eyes gazing up at the stars. He turned as he heard her step into the grass. Caspian sat up and a smile lit his features.
"Hello, my darling." He said softly.
Words left Susan at his term of endreament and a blush involuntarily flushed her cheeks. She liked that he called her his. And she knew she would grow to love it more and more each day.
"What are you doing?" she asked, sitting down on the ground beside him.
"Watching the stars." He answered, "I loved to watch them as a boy. My father use to teach me all the constellations."
A smile touched Susan's lips.
"My father use to too." She said softly.
She snaked her hand through the grass and found his hand. Their fingers entwined together, lacing together in a perfect fit. Their eyes met and they smiled. Caspian brought his other hand up and cupped the side of her face.
"I love you, Susan." His words were clear, yet gentle.
"I love you too, Caspian."
They leaned in, their lips touching for the third time that day. And as with each kiss, her heart leapt in her chest and she felt a sense of completion. They broke the kiss, both of them slightly out of breath.
"Six more days and you will be my wife." He murmured.
"Mmm." Susan smiled, "I can't wait."
"I will be counting the days." Caspian vowed, placing a soft kiss against her forehead.
With a contented sigh, Susan rested her head against his shoulder and closed her eyes. This truly was paradise.