The throne room was quiet. Only a few servants could attend the hasty wedding, and they were all aware of the circumstances surrounding the event. None of their close friends were there: Mr. Tumnus had a fever and the Beavers were busy with their new cubs.
Somehow Lucy had managed to set up a few decorations: Susan's throne was covered in white silk and the floor around it was strewn with flowers. The windows had ribbons looped across them, and every candle holder held a pink or red rose.
Peter and Lucy stood beside their thrones at the end of the hall, Lucy looking very much like she had when Aslan had died. Peter gazed out solemnly, eyes fixed on some spot on the wall behind Susan. Edmund pulled Susan down the hall gently, something she was grateful for since she doubted her legs would move of their own accord.
They stopped in front of Peter and Lucy. The hall, once so vast took only a moment to cross. Edmund squeezed her hand before moving to stand beside Peter. Susan trembled a little, her last security gone.
Peter cleared his throat. "Lord Gregory of Archenland, do you intend to marry our royal sister, Queen Susan the Gentle?"
A young man standing to the left stepped forward to stand beside Susan. "This is my intent, your majesty," he replied. His voice was strong and sure.
Peter turned to Susan. "And do you, Queen Susan, intend to marry this man?" He looked at her pleadingly.
"That is my intent." Her voice was very small, but in that unnatural silence everyone heard it.
"Then we shall proceed with the ceremony." Peter motioned Lucy forward.
"Our sister will make a good wife." Lucy's voice was loud, painfully so in that dead silence. "She's gentle and kind, and we all love her, and you will too, sir, when you get to know her." Peter shifted uncomfortably at the reminder. "She can sew and cook, and she dances wonderfully, and there's no one better with a bow."
"I am honored to be chosen as Queen Susan's consort," Lord Gregory replied.
Now Peter gestured for someone else to step forward. A girl, smaller than Lucy, who could only be Lord Gregory's sister that Loris had mentioned, moved to stand by her brother.
"Gregory will make a good husband," she said tremulously. "He's a wonderful brother, and he takes care of me. Our people are prosperous under his care, and all love him. He is honorable, and is able and willing to devote his life to the defense of Narnia." She finished stronger than she had begun, but her voice still shook.
Susan tried to say her part, but began to cry softly. Peter turned white, Edmund stared awkwardly at the floor and Lucy searched frantically for a handkerchief. It was Susan's sister-in-law to be that rescued her, shyly handing the weeping queen a plain blue handkerchief.
There were more parts to the ceremony after that, but Susan simply stood, clutching the hanky desperately. She knew what the pieces of the ceremony were supposed to be; she had performed some herself, but her own was simply a blur.
She awoke to her siblings looking at her expectantly. She knew what she was supposed to say, but her voice failed her again, and she simply nodded.
Susan was surprised when a warm hand took hers and turned her towards its owner. She swallowed hard, and looked at the face of her husband for the first time.
All the reports had been correct: he was handsome. Deep green eyes, wavy light brown hair, Lord Gregory was not a bad looking man. He was younger than Susan had thought, with a kind look in his eye. He gently kissed her hand.
Susan could barely sense her family leaving, drawing the others with them. Lucy paused to hand Susan another handkerchief before following, rushing up to Lord Gregory's sister and beginning a quiet conversation.
Lord Gregory smiled at her. "I am sorry, your majesty, that I cannot remain and get to know you better. I must arrange for a suitable steward for my lands, and there is business I must attend to there as well. My sister Meriol shall remain and help organize living arrangement suitable to your."
Lowering his voice, he continued. "I am sorry for your pain in this. I wish there was another way to do this." He swallowed, and Susan realized he was as nervous as she was. "I admit that I am pleased to be your husband: you are as beautiful as your reputation says, and I am sure you are as kind. I realize I am not your choice of a consort, but I am immensely honored that I was chosen, your majesty…."
"Susan."
He looked at her, slightly surprised. "Very well, Susan. I hope that in spite of circumstances we may become friends."
Susan smiled at him, her first since the fatal news of the morning. "Having met you, Lord Gregory, I am more hopeful for the future then I was."
"Please, Susan, simply Gregory. Or Greg, and my sister calls me."
"Very well, Gregory." Susan curtsied to him. "I look forward to getting to know you."
Gregory hesitated, then kissed her gently on the cheek. He bowed, and walked away quickly. He stopped at the doorway and turned back, looking at Susan thoughtfully.
Susan was surprised to find her heart pounding a little as he looked back at her, his hair turning golden in the setting sun. Then, in an instant, he was through the door and she was alone.
