Another Heart Calls

A Susan/Caspian Fanfiction

Chapter Two – Love With A Motive

DISCLAIMER; all characters here are copyright to C.S. Lewis.

AN; I hope you like this chapter. It was quite easy to write, and it all came pretty easily, which I'm glad of. I must warn you that I won't normally have so little space between getting out chapters, normally I require at least a week, as I have other commitments. I hope you like the chapter, and please review! I was quite astounded at the lovely response to my chapter, as I'd imagined getting none!

Especially thank you to StardustFromThePlanetGallifrey since she was really the one who made me want to contine this, being the first reviewer! Although a BIG thank you to everyone who reviewed – you're all stars!


True to his thoughts, the next day was hell. He awoke, feeling groggy and tired, a headache radiating throughout his mind. He pulled on fresh clothes, raked hands through his forest of waves, brushed his teeth meticulously, and then opened the door, embracing the new day that was sure to be one full of hardships and problems.

He heard nothing as he passed by Hera's chambers, holding his breath and gliding by on his tiptoes, that was a confrontation he'd save for later. When he got to Susan's, he found himself knocking on the door, hesitant and scared of what she'd say. He shrugged it off. He was the King of Narnia, he shouldn't be scared of what a girl would say to him! Only he was, of course. This was Susan. Queen Susan of the Old. It wasn't just any girl, it was the girl he loved, who didn't love him back.

He sighed as there was no reply, not that he had expected her to answer the door. She had a right to be angry at him, anyone would have been.

Just as he was turning away, frowning and trying to soothe his headache, thinking of how he was going to handle announcing to the entire Kingdom that he was breaking off his engagement to Hera, and that their beloved Queen Susan had returned without any of the other Pevensie's. He badly needed to consult with Aslan, who rightly knew everything about what went on in Narnia, to find out why Susan had returned, and when she would be going back. He found himself sadly thinking, that when she did return, he'd never feel exactly the same again. Her stepping out of his life, had been hard the first time, but he knew that now he had her back, it would be worse.

There was a sweet, timid voice behind him as he walked from the door, trying to take his troubles with him.

"Caspian?" Susan whispered, before she remembered to be angry, he had turned around the next minute, breaking out into a breathless smile.

"Susan?" he felt his heart break out into a stampede of beats, trying to force its way out his chest. The kind smile fell from her face in an instant, a deep frown furrowing its way into her forehead. She looked at him with as much wrath as she could muster, shaking her head.

"I'm still angry at you, you know," she whispered through clenched teeth, thinking at that very moment, of how beautiful he looked this morning, how radiant he had seemed when she'd called out to him. That was shattered with her anger re-emerging. "Don't imagine that this will blow over in a night, Caspian, you've hurt two people hugely."

"I know," he felt tears prickle at his eyes, angrily wiping his eyes, trying to stop them. It wasn't right for a King to cry in front of anyone, even the girl he loved. "I'm sorry, truly. I know you won't believe me, but I am. I didn't plan for any of this."
"I'm not angry about you kissing me, or Hera seeing us, or any of that!" she found herself barking, tears threatening to sting their way through her eyes too. "I'm angry because you became engaged to another woman five minutes after I'd left, and I waited for you with all my might! I had options! I met soldiers and men in America who thought me pretty and asked me to dance! But you know what I said? I said no, I've got someone already!" she felt herself cry, though she wished she wasn't, felt the tears seep through and fall down he cheeks. She cried out in anguish, wishing she could be strong and forceful in front of him, when all she wanted to do was collapse against his chest and tell him that she loved him, to feel his lips on hers . . .

"I'm sorry, Susan," she heard him say, but she didn't hear it, because he'd already said it and it didn't mean anything. Words were fine and good, but it was actions that counted more, and he'd already displayed what he really felt by being on the verge of marrying another woman.

"Don't bother. It's your wedding day, even if it is called off, I suggest you go and think of some way to explain to your loyal subjects about me and you and Hera and this God damned wedding day!" she re-entered her chambers, catching a glimpse of his beautiful face, now hurt and weakened, before slamming it shut.

Caspian didn't know what to do. On one hand, he felt for her, he really did, he knew that he was in the wrong, but what was he expected to do? He was the King of a country, in which he was expected to take a bride. They'd both said they'd move on, sure he hadn't entirely moved on, but he was trying to. He didn't expect her to ever return! What was he supposed to do? He couldn't wait forever. He had to move on, as did she. It was unexpected that she returned, but it wasn't a bad thing. He just couldn't make a decision without knowing for how long. If it was for a matter of weeks, months . . . He felt his heart jolt. The thought of losing Susan again made his heart slam against his chest in anger. Why hurt them both even more? It was hard enough saying goodbye once, he didn't know if he could handle it again.

He walked down the ornate stairs, down to the wide courtyard, in which Trumpkin was standing, arms full of a bouquet of white roses. There was decorations everywhere, and people milling around, frantically preparing things. Oh, dear . . .

"Caspian!" Trumpkin hissed, the minute the King stepped down from the last step. "You have to help me!" he tried to shove the bouquets into the Kings already open arms. "I've got about a million things to do, and Hera isn't up yet, Ramandu isn't either . . . I've got to get the guests into the church for . . ."
"Trumpkin."
" . . . and then I've got to track down Aslan, since you'll want him there. You were right to position some of your men over in Cair Paravel, they managed to find him. Finally! He's such a free spirit, drives my head in. Then there's . . ."
"TRUMPKIN!" Caspian wasn't in the mood for a long wait for Trumpkin to stop babbling. He needed him to listen now. "Queen Susan is here." Trumpkin dropped the plates he'd been holding, eyes wide as the saucers that had been in his hands, mouth falling open. He looked flushed and confused, and eager.

"Just Queen Susan?" he asked, a hint of regret in his voice. Caspian knew, that out of all the Pevensie's, Trumpkin favoured Queen Lucy the most. "Not any of the others?"
"No." Caspian's voice was grave. "I need your help. I need to find Aslan - I need answers."

Trumpkin nodded at once. Caspian felt a flush of happiness flutter through him, at least one person was going to help him. Trumpkin hadn't even asked about Hera or the wedding. That wasn't such a surprise though. Trumpkin detested Hera – she wasn't battle-ready and strong like Susan – and found the idea of Caspian marrying so soon wrong. If only he'd listened to him, he probably wouldn't be in this mess.
"You said Aslan is in Cair Paravel?" he remembered briefly the ancient runes of the Queens and Kings of the old, now restored and beautiful, in memory of them. Aslan had marvelled at how wonderful the restoration was, it wasn't any wonder that he spent most of his days there. Caspian was very lucky to have found him, Aslan never stayed in the same place for too long, but even if he hadn't, Caspian was certain Aslan would have summoned him at some point. He had to have answers to why Susan was here – and no one else – to what purpose this served for either of them. Trumpkin nodded, taking it all in.

"Yes. I expect you'll want to set out immediately. It's about a day or twos travel, is it not? I'll ready some men. Apparently there's been some resistance in the forest, some of those revolting Telamarines aren't pleased, and the dwarfs are getting rowdy. Missing their Queen I expect." Trumpkin made a snorting sound, muttering under his breath. He was of course referring to the Ice Queen. Not Lucy or Susan, and it was just like the dwarfs to ruin everything. Caspian was more worried about the Telamarines that the dwarfs, however. They Telamarines may have agreed to live peacefully with the Narnians, but it wasn't coming easily or quickly for that matter. What had he expected? Not everyone was happy he was King. Some required more convincing than others, the Telamarines and the dwarfs were not alone in their troubles.

"I see. I'll need to try and resolve this conflict. I doubt it'll be easily, but hopefully it can wait until we return-"
"Just as long as they don't get you on your way there!" Trumpkin guffawed.

"Don't you mean us Trumpkin? I did imagine you'd like to come along . . ."
"I'd be honoured, majesty!" Trumpkin looked flushed and hot, but Caspian knew he was pleased.

"My pleasure."

"About the wedding? Sire," Trumpkin suddenly asked him, while he fetched a broom to clear up the mess of plates. "And Hera?"
"I can't marry her," Caspian found himself telling Trumpkin, shaking his head. "I don't know what I feel any more. On one hand I love Susan more than my life, on the other, who knows when she'll be gone again? Hera is a realistic option. But first, I need to talk to Aslan. I can make my decision once I have a clearer mind." Trumpkin nodded, knowing this was the best choice.

"I take it the wedding won't be today then?"

"No." Caspian said it clearly and crisply, without any hesitation. It made Trumpkin give him an odd look, he never expected his King to seem so happy about not wedding the woman he was supposedly madly in love with. It made him wonder.
"All right, then. Shall I go and tell everyone? I expect someone should go see to Queen Susan, one of the maids will do, and to Hera, I suppose. I bet she's not happy," he offered Caspian a conspiratorial wink. "It's a shame, but what can you do?"

"Thank you Trumpkin. Once you've got everything sorted, we shall set out. I think it's best if I handle Hera this morning, she requires all the answers I've got. They're both mad at me – of course – and I've already tried talking to Susan this morning, but she doesn't want to know right now. Perhaps Hera will be kinder," as he said it, he watched Trumpkin pulling a face, muttering something like 'is she ever kind?' but he wasn't sure if he heard him correctly.

"Take care, sire," Trumpkin dashed off eagerly, delighted that his King had decided not to wed the evil little trollop Hera after all. At least for this moment, he hadn't.

Caspian knew that venturing to see Hera wasn't a good idea. Especially since he'd heard crying, shouting, swearing, all night long, each time he woke, it would be louder, almost as if Hera was working herself into a frenzy.

He didn't think it was a good idea at all as he stood outside her room, knocking on the door, hearing someone shouting, another moaning. He was tempted to run off, but he didn't. He wasn't that much of a coward.

Saoirse answered the door, looking pale and tired, hair scrapped back from her wan face. She stared blankly at Caspian for a moment, until Evelyn loped over, face a picture of anger.

"Oh, it's you," she muttered, turning around for a moment, saying something to Hera, he presumed. "She doesn't want to see you." But Hera leapt up at that, sweet, angelic voice crying out,

"Oh! No! Evie!" she didn't sound too pleased. "I want to hear what he's got to say, at least!" She looked lost and unsure, her hair sticking up, as if she hadn't even thought to brush it. Caspian felt himself gasp, as he took in her blemished, unkempt appearance, dirty clothes and tired, lost eyes. He'd never seen Hera looking so different, so unlike the person she was always presented as. He felt himself gulp.

"Hera."
"Caspian," she looked on the brink of tears, which she wiped away immediately. She shouldn't be crying, she should be angry. He'd hurt her! And now that stupid Queen Susan was back in the picture, she didn't imagine he'd want anything to do with her. She was an afterthought, not good enough to be Queen now that Caspian's truest of true loves had returned. She felt bile rise to her mouth, the familiar taste of acidic venom about to drip off her tongue, but she held it. She couldn't push Caspian any further away. She had to reel him in, not force him to choose Susan.

"It wasn't what you thought. Hera, I love Susan, I really do, but my love for her has nothing to do with us. I fell in love with her before I met you, before I even imagined loving her romantically. It just was always there, it still is, and I'm not going to lie to you about it, however much it'll hurt us both." He was glad he said it, the tightening feeling in his chest a little less prominent now, that he'd been honest with Hera. But still, the way her face crumpled in complete pain, it made his heart sink in his chest. This was the woman he'd once imagined spending his life with, how had it changed so suddenly? Was he that fickle?

"I know that," her heart felt heavy in her chest. She wasn't used to people loving another more than she. She always got her way, always. "Everyone knows that. You love her, it's a fact. You'd rather have her than anyone else, I know." While she pondered knowing so much about his love life before her, her mind was on overdrive. How was she going to make him forget about Susan? She'd been so close to being his wife, he'd been inches away, and now it seemed like miles. She had to reclaim what was rightfully hers. She walked into the room, gathering her skirt, wishing she'd taken care in dressing this morning. She hated feeling vulnerable in front of him, in front of anyone. Evelyn and Saoirse exchanged looks as Caspian stepped in, sighing and muttering under their breath. Hera looked at her two best friends, wondering what it was they expected her to do. She couldn't just give up now, when there was so much at stake. She was a fighter, they should know that. She'd never give up, however much he hurt her, seeing as the prize was so grand. It wasn't about Caspian any more, she was angrier than she'd ever felt before over him. No, she told herself, it wasn't because of Caspian that she was even more certain she'd try and claim her rightful throne. It was because of the principle, and of the throne, of course. She hungered to be Queen, in fact, it was her greatest desire. She craved respect, power, money, beauty, and she knew that she could achieve this forever, if she was Queen of Narnia. She'd be remembered then, people would know her name and worship her. She'd go down in history. It was that, that would keep her pursuing Caspian, keep her wanting to be his bride. That alone and nothing else, not even his good looks. He was over who he was as a person by now, he'd hurt her too deeply. He'd embarrassed her in front of her friends, secretly she wondered if it was the mortification that kept her wanting to be his bride. If she was close to him, she'd be able to seek revenge more readily, and show him how it felt to be embarrassed in front of people that he loved. Suddenly, this idea awoke a thought inside her, and she smiled in secrecy. She'd just thought of the perfect plan, and the perfect way to execute it. Oh, happy day.

"And I understand, completely." Evelyn and Saoirse jumped at her words, both looking at one another wordlessly. Their friend understood her fiancées actions with another woman?! How was that possible? Who would understand!

"Hera, you understand?" Caspian was astounded. He hadn't imagined she'd understand immediately, if at all. There was an element of speculation that was evident in his voice.

"Yes." Evelyn narrowed her eyes, gauging her friends expressions, which were nothing but serene and happy. Something wasn't right. Hera saw her friend looking at her curiously, and she winked, a tiny flutter of the eyelid, but enough to keep Evelyn from jumping in and wondering aloud. Enough for the moment, at least.

"I didn't imagine you would!" Caspian couldn't keep the shock from his voice as he suddenly pulled her to him, hugging her shoulders lightly. Hera immediately stiffened in his vice, tensing. "I'm glad that you do though, even if just a little." He released her, smiling. Thank God, I thought it would be a lot harder to convince her that my actions weren't mean to hurt! But this wasn't normally behaviour from Hera. She wasn't won round so easily usually, above all things, even her beauty, kindness and grace, Hera was stubborn and determined to the bone. If she got an idea in her head, it was almost impossible to deter her from seeing it through. Caspian couldn't help feeling speculation and suspicion course through his veins, he had to be wary of Hera. Her intent might not be honourable.

"Don't worry. I'm sure we'll all move on from this," Hera delighted at her acting skills. She had mixed the perfect amount of happiness, fluidity, with just the hint of regret. It seemed to have won over Caspian at least, who was looking at her with a wide-eyed joy. How perfect. Her fiancée really was clueless. "I just wonder what the outcome of us will be?" she tried to appear innocent, but that was far more difficult. She was becoming less innocent everyday, and so, couldn't quite maintain her integrity as she batted those glossy eyelashes and stared lovingly at the man that was once hers. "I know the weddings off, indefinitely, but is that forever? Do you have any idea why Queen Susan came back now?" She'd decided to just accept that it was Susan. She was sure Caspian wouldn't be fooled, and the minute that annoying troll Trumpkin, or that little gnat Reepicheep saw her, they'd know on instinct. As would the allusive Aslan, whom she was yet to meet.

"No," Caspian said far too regretfully, a yearning tugging at the back of his mind. He wanted to run his fingers through Susan's hair, kiss her beautiful lips, hold her to him . . . "I'm going to find Aslan with Trumpkin shortly. I just wanted to make sure you were all right. A maid will be coming to sort you out for the day, and your father will be told, as will the Kingdom," he paused to release a short breath. "I don't know what will happen about us, Hera. I can't make any decisions right now, my mind is fuzzy and unfocused. I don't know how to handle all this. All I know is that I need answers from the only person who can provide me with them, and that's what I intend to do." She nodded, chocolate brown eyes knowing, lips curving into an involuntary smile.

"Take all the time you need. I'm certain we will all feel better if we spend time apart," she bit down hard on her lip, drawing blood. She did hope that Susan didn't go with him, the little fiancée stealing slut, if she had Susan staying here, she could work on getting her plan into action. If Susan went with Caspian to find Aslan, she may just have to go as well . . .

"I will, if this is our last meeting for a while, then good bye, Lady Hera. I hope you will still be here when I return. I hope that whatever happens, we can part as friends," he looked at Hera with a heavy heart, wondering when he would see her again. Hera nodded, allowing him to kiss her hand, before he smiled one last time, turning away. "Good bye, Lady Evelyn, Lady Saoirse," the formalities were back. They were no longer his fiancées friends, but merely Hera's friends, his . . . well he didn't know what she was. She was just her. That was all she could be.

The minute he departed, Evelyn and Saoirse latched onto her with seething annoyance.

"What the hell?" Evelyn blurted the minute the door clicked behind him. Caspian could hear them as he stormed down the hall, running to stop himself from eavesdropping he didn't want to hear, he didn't have to hear.

Back in the room, Hera was spitting venom, the sweet-hearted angel persona dropped with Caspian's fleeting exit.

"I don't know, do I? I'm thinking about this Evie, and I decided that the best way back to my throne-" at this Saoirse looked at her two friends with worry.

"You throne?"

"Yes! My throne!" Hera disregarded her friend, while Saoirse bit down on her lip. This was wrong. It wasn't Hera's throne. If anyone's, it was Caspian's, and who he chose to share it with was his business, not hers. She was a good friend though, and kept her mouth firmly shut, deciding that if Hera was going to make mistakes, she might as well make them by herself. Maybe then she'd finally learn. If there was one thing Saoirse hated about her friend, it was the self-assured arrogance that she carried herself with, as if she held the stars in the palm of her hands and everyone in the world bowed down to her. Truth be told, everyone did, but that couldn't be helped. Perhaps Hera just radiated some sort of magnet to everyone, that made everyone think to themselves that she would be a wonderful person to be friends with. Saoirse knew she'd been caught by the glitter and dazzle, as a Magpie would, only she'd taken on more than a few jewels, she'd taken on Hera.

Perhaps it was because Saoirse was unsure of herself, shy, bumbling, self-confident, or maybe it was just because she'd never been allowed to be anything but. She'd always been Hera's best friend, all the way throughout her life. It was never Hera, Saoire's best friend, it was always Saoirse, Hera's best friend. Then when Evelyn joined them, separating the pleasant group of two, things were downhill from there. She was loud, brash, obnoxious, even more so than Hera, only this time, Saoirse didn't just have to be the unofficial Lady-In-Waiting for one snooty maid, but for two. She thought that Caspian would be good for Hera, seeing as he was renowned for being kind, intelligent, thoughtful, handsome, but she realised, that even if Caspian was the perfect match for Hera, he'd never be enough. She'd always want more, it'd always be love with an ulterior motive. It was such a waste of a wedding anyway, such money spent on a lavish occasion, all to ruin, now. Saoirse felt her jaw clenching, anger burning inside her, but she kept it at bay.

"Of course, Herry," Saoirse found herself proclaiming happily, fixing a smile on her face.

"Right you are, Saoirse," Hera had a glittering smile for her friend, finding comfort that her oldest friend would always be there. She never challenged her. She never challenged anyone, she thought with a smirk. Good old, Saoirse. Sturdy, practical, reliable . . . Oh, she was making her sound like a table or something!

"What's your plan then?" Evelyn snapped impatiently, exchanging a look with Saoirse. Saoirse did like Evelyn, perhaps a little more than Hera, even, because at least she was truthful, and somewhat straight talking. You never really knew where you were with Hera, but with Evelyn, you always did. She didn't make a fuss or have time for lies, she was simple and constant, if somewhat annoying. "It better be good. I'm sure you didn't miss the way Caspian looked at that Susan, did you?" she sniffed fiercely.

"No, I certainly did not!" Hera narrowed her eyes for a fragment of a second. "But, I have a plan. You see, I think it will be easy to reclaim my throne, by simply, driving that Susan girl away."
"Away? Away where?" Evelyn was missing the point.

"I don't know!" Hera hissed arrogantly. "Anywhere, back to her own land, frankly, I don't care where! All I care about is that she goes."
"OK," Evelyn huffed, raising her eyebrows at Saoirse. "What's your plan then? You do realise it will be difficult to push her away, when it's obvious that Caspian loves her and won't let her out of his sigh-"

"Yes, I realise that."

"Just making sure."
"Well, if Caspian goes off in search of that beastly lion, it'll be easy to move in and push Susan away, show her his bad side, make her jealous of what we have. At any rate, it'll be a lot easier to do if Caspian isn't around," she smirked knowingly. "And if he is, if he decides to take her with him to find the lion, well, I'll just have to make sure I can go too." It was quite a good plan, Evelyn decided, definitely easy for Hera to pull off. Only she had an inkling that Susan wouldn't be so easily put off as Hera imagined. She was renowned for being a fighter, and if Hera was looking to be engaged in a battle for Caspian – Evelyn was certain Hera would get that battle. But whether she won, was another matter all together.


Susan had spent half the night crying. She didn't imagine why she was here. Was it to hurt her even more? What was the purpose, the point? If her heard hadn't been broken before, then it certainly was now. She couldn't stop thinking of her family, of Edmund, Lucy, Peter, her brave, wonderful family, who should be here right now. Oh, how she wished they were here! She wasn't able to comfort and console herself all on her own. She just wallowed in her grief, banging her fists against her chest, crying until her eyes were puffy and pink, all because she was so stupid. Imagining that Caspian would wait for her! She scoffed out loud, simply because she felt stupid and ridiculous, sitting here crying, all alone. She should be doing something more worthwhile, only what? Caspian was probably trying to sort out the mess that was his wedding. Why did she always think of him? Why did her heart beat for him as it did for no other? Those soldiers and men in America had been handsome, perhaps not as handsome as Caspian, but handsome all the same. She might have imagined herself happy with one of them, maybe not blissfully in love, but happy, content, placid. Nothing would ever compare to the wild fire that she felt roar inside of her for Caspian.

She felt the salty tears fall, slipping down her cheeks, spilling onto her dress, making her shudder and sob even more. It was worse than being back home. At least back home she'd admitted defeat and given up all hope. At least the feelings had been beginning to dim, even a little, and she'd been trying to move on. Coming back here was worse than being stabbed with an icicle in the heart. She was feeling crushed, vulnerable, scared, lost. Why would Aslan do these things to her? She wanted answers, no, she needed answers. Now.

She got up, pushing herself from the tangle of sheets with her long limbs. She went to the mirror, brushing down her simple skirt, biting her lip as she stared at her fuzzy, uncombed hair, tear-stained face, plain, rumpled clothes. She looked like Susan Pevensie. Not like Queen Susan of Narnia. Not like anyone who belonged here. If she was trying to allow Hera an easy victory for Caspian's crown, she was going about it the right way.

She stopped. Was she really that bothered any longer? For certain, she loved him with her whole heart, with more, but he'd hurt her and she didn't know how long she would be here. Was it right to toy with both of their emotions? Or perhaps could he be happy with the ditzy, blonde Hera, and she with some lumbering soldier? At that moment, the door opened, someone knocking on it. A sturdy maid appeared, with dark hair, darker eyes and a bored look on her plain face. She bowed to Susan, eyes cast downwards.

"Oh, please, don't bow for me!" Susan said indistinctly, noticing the maid smiling.

"If you wish, my lady," the maid spoke in an awkward, stilted tone. Almost as if she was used to speaking another language. "Caspian wondered if you'd like some fresh clothes." Susan finally noticed the small bundle of intricate silk and gold thread in her hands, the makings of a fine dress. She uncurled the bundle to reveal a ruby red satin affair, with a nipped in waist, stitched with golden thread and encrusted in rubies. It was beautiful.

"Thank you," Susan whispered as she carefully took the dress from her hands. The maid also carried a jug in her hands of fresh water, which she poured into a small, round bowl.

"If you require a bath-"
"No, I'll be OK."

"If there's anything else you require-"

"No, I'm OK." Susan felt like a tired parrot as the maid retreated. She immediately scrubbed at her skin, finding a comb and a flannel and tidying herself up the best she could. Then she stripped down, unbuttoning her blouse and skirt, and slipping on the dress. The fabric felt cool on her skin, and immediately she felt regal and proper, as if she was in fact, Queen Susan of Narnia, and not just Susan Pevensie. Her thoughts drifted back to those of her family, and she held back a tear as she imagined them not even realising she was gone. She felt a shiver rippled through her, wishing she wouldn't cry again. She was mean to be brave and strong, not wimpy and willowy. As she halted herself from crying, there was a low knock on the door.
"Come in!" her voice sounded thick, and she didn't think as she said the words, as the person who came in was none other than Caspian, looking at her hauntingly. "Oh," was all she could manage.

Caspian felt his heart pound as he caught sight of Susan, looking lovelier than he remembered in that ruby red frock, hair cascading down her shoulders, cerulean eyes shining.

"Susan," his mouth felt dry all of a sudden, forgetting all formalities once more. "Susan. I'm leaving, shortly, to seek out Aslan. I feel as if we both need answers." She felt her lips curve into a little smile. That was exactly what she wanted. To see Aslan again. He always had the answers. "I'm telling you this chiefly because I have a vain hope that you'll come with me. Not just me, mind you, Trumpkin, Reepicheep, Glendstorm, and several others will all be there. I think it'll be better for us both to seek out our answers if we're both there, don't you?" he stumbled and stuttered and blushed. He wasn't sure how to speak to Susan. He didn't have the words.

"I'll come," she told him confidently. "You're right. I need answers, as do you," she was about to hold her tongue, but she let the words slip. "Is Hera coming?" Caspian was a bit taken aback by the question, but he found himself shaking his head decisively.

"Absolutely not. She has no reason to, and besides, Hera hates travelling almost as much as she hates Aslan."
"Hates Aslan?!" Susan was astounded, mouth falling open, clear cerulean eyes unblinking. "Why would anyone hate Aslan?" her exasperation was evident.
"She just does," Caspian said matter of factly. "I can't imagine why, but she does." Susan raised her eyebrows, wondering for the hundredth time why Caspian had ever wanted to marry Hera. She seemed nothing but moany, self-obsessed and downright evil. Only it wasn't her place, so she said nothing at all. There was an awkward, over-lapping silence next, that made Susan fidget, playing with her hair, biting on her lip, trying to look anywhere but at him.

Caspian felt it too, unsure of what to say or do. Until he remembered another reason he'd came to see her, and so, a smile fell upon his face, as he held out his arm.

"Come with me," he beamed at her, as she found herself taking his warm hand, allowing him to drag her along behind him, and out the door. She found herself in the corridor, going down the stairs, keeping right behind his heels. He didn't stop to tell her where they were going, or what was happening, only pulled her down a corridor, turning this way and that. Finally, he stopped for a moment at a thick, oak door, pushing it open and gripping her hand tighter, as they stumbled down some stone stairs, that were blacked out completely.

"Caspian?" she wondered urgently as he turned a corner. She almost fell then, but he caught her, smiling breathtakingly.

"This way," he instructed, turning again. He released her hand after the stairs stopped, the scent of must, memories and something burning filling her nostrils. Flames leaped in front of her face, as he held out a burning piece of wood, placing it into a stone rectangular, that leapt to life immediately. The flames licked along the fire wood, leaves and grass, illuminating the entire room.

"What is this?" she wondered aloud, marvelling at it's wide space, and beautiful artwork on the walls.

"No where. A storage room," Caspian replied, much to her disappointment. She'd imagined he'd take her to some place evidently interesting. He tugged on her hand again, motioning for her to follow him. So she did. He led her to a large golden chest engraved with her initials, and a sparkling crown. It was so huge, it took up almost a quarter of the wall. She couldn't imagine what might be inside.

"I've never seen this before!" she marvelled, stroking it's golden contours.

"I had them commissioned," he explained, gesturing to the three other golden chests, presumably for her siblings. "Open it." She pushed open the lid, revealing the dress she'd been wearing on that day he kissed her, her battle clothes, her crown, her horn, and her bow and arrows. She smiled at that, feeling the cool, wooden curves of her bow, the fine feathery tips of her arrows, the soft feeling of the dress. She wouldn't have remembered to do this for him, if it had been the other way round. He must have cared for her, for all of them.

"Thank you," she murmured, completely entranced by the items. "I know Peter will find some solace in knowing that his prize sword is safe."

"I'm glad," he laughed, thankful that she was back to being happy, and good-natured, at least for now. "Do you wish to take these items with you?" She nodded, going to the golden chest which had Lucy's initials engraved into it. It had much the same items, only instead of the horn and bow and arrow, there was her tiny dagger, and her vial of liquid, made from the juice of Fire Flowers, her magic cordial, which cured wounds and saved those from death. Susan wondered briefly if it was wrong to take Lucy's liquid, but she decided, that since they were going off for a semi-adventure, it was best to take it in case, someone was injured badly. She could smell Lucy all about the clothes, the spicy sweet incarnation, just as she smelt Edmund and Peter about there clothes, as she slipped Peter's sword out, holder, shield and all, crossing her fingers that he'd never find out. She knew how he doted upon the sword. She remembered that Edmund had not received a gift, seeing as he had been under the White Witches control, and upon seeing his own sword, she shut his lid with a snap, sighing. She didn't expect anyone would need a sword except her, and even then, what would she do with Peter's sword? She put it back in the chest, feeling childish and greedy, pocketing Lucy's vial, and slamming all the lids shut. She stood up, turning to Caspian.

"I'm finished here, I think. Shouldn't we go and get ready?" he nodded, pouring sand onto the burning, flickering fire, grabbing her hand, and leading her up the stairs. It was going to be quite an adventure, seeking out Aslan and the answers to their questions. But they both couldn't wait to have their answers, and so, with unwavering speed, they raced up the stairs, fully intent of packing anything they might need, and setting out as soon as possible.

It was a shame neither of them imagined that Hera might want to come too.


I hope you liked the chapter! I certainly liked writing it, and I have plenty of ideas, so I'm pretty certain I'll keep writing this fanfic. I just realised, that I kept Reepicheep in the story, even though it's supposed to take place after the Voyage of the Dawn Treader, and after that he's never seen again in Narnia. Oh well, a minor blip I guess, right? I think him as a character – so he stays – for the meantime. Thank you for reading – please review – I'll try and have the next chapter out shortly!