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Author's Notes: Here's the next chapter of The Royal Diaries. My sister actually wrote this, since I have no idea how to write from a girl's point of view. Anyway, enjoy!
Queen Susan's journal, an excerpt.
Twenty-first day in the month of Longsun, 1000 YL.
It's been four days now since I've been crowned and named Queen of Narnia. Queen Susan the Gentle. These past days have been busy with meetings and parties. I like the idea of royal balls, luncheons, and dinners, but I don't like the meeting parts. I guess it's part of being royalty. You have to know your subjects, and you also have to know the rulers from the neighbouring regions. That's not my cup of tea. Lucy and I let Peter and Edmund handle those lengthy meetings. I thought that Edmund was joking, the other day, when he said that a duke from Archenland had his sights set on me. I just had to laugh at it! What a preposterous idea! I have seen this duke that Edmund spoke of, and I can tell you, I am not taken with him!
Today, the Archenlanders demanded an audience with all four of us—Edmund, Peter, Lucy, and I—and with all of Narnia. The duke sent a letter to Peter, demanding he honour him with games, starting with a joust. They have challenged Peter and Edmund. The conditions are these: if the duke or any Archenlander defeats Peter, Edmund, or any Narnian in the games, he shall have my hand in marriage. Why have suitors been lining up to ask for my hand, lately? Some are from Archenland, and some are from Telmar, and some were from Calormen. I detest them all! I can't be given in marriage to any of them!
The games began today, early in the morning. There were jousts on horseback, which involved Peter and Edmund. Like I said, I don't want to be given in marriage to any of my suitors. I have nothing against Archenland—they're our allies. But the duke who's been paying attention to me, lately, creeps me out so much.
I ask a Centaur for armour, and I wear it. I disguise myself as a man, in case Peter and Edmund go down. I could save them both, and humiliate the duke, as well. That way, I can save myself. So, there I was, on horseback, dressed as a knight, lance in hand. I defeated three Telmarines! Imagine that! Also, I brought down seven Archenlanders! I just hope they don't break our friendship, just because of that. Archenland is a very important ally to Narnia. I wouldn't want Archenland to sever those ties, just because of me. I couldn't bear the thought of that.
Also, I brought down three Calormenes. They nearly beat me in sword fighting, though. It's not my style. I'd rather use a bow and arrows. Which, of course brings me to my next topic. Archery. Now, that's when things took a turn for the worst—for my suitors, that is. See, I've been reading Robin Hood, and I remembered that part where he disguised himself, and no one knew who he was. I thought I might give it a try, so I did. I put on long robes with a hood, and I never took the hood off.
I stood in line, placed the shaft of my arrow on the bowstring, stretched, and then fired. Everyone was stunned. They didn't know who I was. I was looking down! I didn't even look at the target! And when I looked up, there it was! Right in the centre! Bull's eye! Everyone fell silent. But a dwarf blew my cover! He shouted, "It's Queen Susan! It's Queen Susan!" I cannot believe it! I thought my disguise was pretty swell! I didn't think someone would recognize me! The
Telmarines and the Calormenes were grumbling amongst themselves. Some Archenlanders complained, but some held their peace.
Some Archenland leaders have demanded a meeting with Peter, later today, saying they have been violated, since I cheated. What do I do? I don't like any of my suitors! Besides, if I didn't save Peter or Edmund in those games, they would have won, and I would have to marry anyone who wins!
At least, Peter is on my side. I've never seen him this protective of me, before. I greatly feared for my position, at that moment. As a queen, I am responsible for the lives of my people. We can't risk another war. And if that can't be avoided, we can't lose an important ally. I will be the one to blame, if Archenland severs its ties with Narnia, all because of me. The responsibility will be on my shoulders, and blood will be on my hands.
It has been a lengthy meeting between Peter, Edmund, and the Archenland nobles. Here I am, sitting, waiting. I am writing these things down in my journal, while I wait. It is excruciating! I wonder what on earth could they be meeting about... Have they arrived at a decision yet? Will Peter approve? What would Edmund say? Does he have a say in this, at all? Oh, this courtship is driving me mad! Today, I shouted at Lucy. I didn't mean to, really. But these last four days have been really trying on my nerves! She went berry picking, by herself, and went to go visit Mr. Tumnus.
I really wish I were more like Lucy. So worry-free. So carefree. I don't know how much more I can take! If this is what it means to be a queen, then I quit! No, I shouldn't be saying that! Forgive me for saying such a thing, Aslan. What am I saying? I hope Peter makes a law that prohibits any of my suitors from courting me. But that can't be. But I have no interest in any of
my suitors! Oh, this is such a quandary I'm in. Whatever do I do? My suitors don't seem to give up! I know the law says that two royals must be given in marriage, in order to seal an alliance. Edmund is so protective of me, as well. I'm thankful for that. I wouldn't know what to do without these two. I think I hear footsteps from one of the chambers. I think the meeting is done, and the deal is sealed! I am so anxious. Did Peter handle it well? Do I still have to be given in marriage, in order for Archenland and Narnia to seal their alliance? Or have Peter and Edmund negotiated well? I can't wait for the answer to that! But at the same time, I don't want to hear it! I hear the bolts being unlatched, now. The meeting must be over, I am sure. The doors swing open, and Peter and Edmund come out, with a triumphant smile on their faces, followed by the noblemen from Archenland. I must stop, right here, and close my journal, for now, for I am anxious as to what transpired in the meeting.
Authors Notes: So, did you like it? I wasn't really supposed to post this chapter yet, since I don't see any reviews. I only posted this chapter because someone had it on Story Alert. But I won't be so kind, next time. Unless I see a review, I won't update. I wouldn't know whether you liked it or not. So, next time, please be so kind as to leave a review...
