Their Majesties' Boots
In which the High and Just Kings and the Gentle and Valiant Queens learn that names, like shoes, can sometimes fit more than one person.
AN: Yes, this is another four-and-one that tries to be cleverly disguised. Yes, I am ashamed at my apparent obsession with this form. No, I regret nothing. ;P
Chapter 2. Gentle
Peter knocked softly on the partly-open door before slipping through it. Lucy was sitting on the edge of the bed, hands twisted in her lap, back stiff as she obviously tried to hold her composure together. Sighing, Peter sat beside here and wrapped an arm around his littlest sister's shoulders.
"I don't understand," the young Queen said in a small voice. "I can almost—almost—forgive her for denying Narnia, but, oh Peter! She says she doesn't even remember Aslan!"
Pleading eyes looked into Peter's face, begging for an answer. His brows drew together as he tried to think of a way to explain what he knew in his heart.
"She's grieving, Lu," he finally said. "She loved Narnia and Aslan as much as we did, and…and she feels like He's sent her away…" he trailed off, knowing Lucy, with her heart full of faith, wouldn't understand. "Look," he tried again. "It hurts her, not being able to go back; and so, instead of hurting, she chooses to forget, and it's easier for her."
Lucy's eyes grew bright and she sniffed. "It's not easier for us."
Peter enfolded his sister in a close embrace and fought back his own tears.
"No," he said quietly, "no it's not."