A/N: Another chapter. Finally.
Lord Belisar is actually a character from Prince Caspian. But for the sake of this story, lets pretend he's not.
Disclaimer: I don't own anything. Simple as that.
"Sir Edmund!"
The sharp, commanding voice of Bront suddenly snapped me out of my reverie. I glanced up the see the centaur captain glaring at me, broadsword in hand. He opened his mouth and said,
"I realize that this week will be tough for you, but I would appreciate it if you would pay attention because, I will guarantee you, those trying to kill you will not stop to consider what is going on in your life when attempting to take it."
I flushed at his words, knowing the truth of them all too well, and mumbled,
"Sorry Sir, you have my full attention." He surveyed me through dark eyes for a moment, then nodded and replied,
"Very well then," he paused before instructing me once again, "Now, adjust your shield; it will do no good to you if you lose it." Groaning, I fumbled with the leather straps of my shield as I fought to adjust them with thick armored gloves. I made a face and complained,
"I don't get the point, it's not like I actually use it often." This was true. While my brother opted for the more traditional style of combat of using sword and shield as meanings of both defense and offense, I found the heavy piece of metal to be a burden. More than once it had gotten in the way while we were sparring and, as Peter always swears, almost decapitated him.
"It is necessary," Bront said.
"It is cumbersome," I retorted. I saw he fought back the urge to smile at the tone of my voice.
"So it is…" he trailed off, giving me a pondering look, "I think…maybe it is time for you to try dual swords." I stared at him in shock. I had been pleading with Orieus for months to let me train with dual swords but he had insisted I learn how to use sword and shield properly first.
"Are you serious?" I stuttered. A true smile broke through Bront's well composed features. It was just thrilling the effect I had on people.
"I think that you have earned that right," his eyes twinkled down at me, "Come," he gestured, leading me off of the training grounds and towards the armory. Once there, I cast my shield aside and waited impatiently while Bront disappeared among the numerous weapons. He came back into view carrying three swords of similar size to my own. I tested each to find the most comfortable and ended up with the one that was almost identical to Shafelm. Bront nodded, pleased with my choice,
"Back to the grounds. And keep a proper grip," he ordered. Awkwardly, I gripped onto the pommel of the sword, shifting the weight constantly trying to get used to the feeling of using my non-dominant hand. I had just found a somewhat reliable hold when Bront held out a massive hand. I stared at it in confusion.
"You must learn how to walk before you run young king," he clarified. Reluctantly, I handed back the sword, moving mine own to my left hand.
"Now…"
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Without Peter there, I got twice the attention I usually received. By the end of the session, I was exhausted beyond words. I trudged towards the dining chamber, peeling away the outmost layer of my grimy under-armor tunic as I did. My hair was plastered flat against my forehead, matted with sweat, newly formed calluses marked my palms, and the signs of a bruise were starting to show across my cheekbone. All this must have accounted for Susan's startled exclamation when she came across me.
"Edmund!" she said taking in my worn out appearance, "Where on earth have you been?" I paused and raised my eyebrow, wondering why she asked this since she knew full well Peter and I trained every morn,
"Where I always am in the morning," I replied. Flustered, she hastily said,
"Yes, yes, I know. Well then, why don't you hurry along and clean up, hm?" She gave a gentle shove, pushing me in the direction of my room. I glanced down the hall,
"Actually, I was going to get some breakfast first…" I protested.
"No, you really should get clean first," she insisted practically pushing me towards the stairs. Her behavior was bewildering, never before had she objected to me and Peter eating before bathing after our training. Then it dawned on me.
"Lord Belisar is here," This was not a question but a statement. Susan blushed and gave me a sympathetic look.
"Yes, I was hoping for you to not see him until the official welcoming. He dare not insult you in front of your subjects. Even he is smart enough to know that."
"Yet, it says something about a man when he is not brave enough to make mockery of a man in public but is more than willing to do so otherwise," I said bitterly.
"Oh Ed, do not pay that man any heed," she soothed, "Please, just try to stay out of his way for now. I will send someone up with food, now go." Kissing me softly on the forehead, she scooted me along, and then disappeared down the corridor. When I reached my room, I was promptly attacked, as usual, by my faun valet Gieio. Awhile later, all scrubbed, fresh, and full, I wandered down the hall aimlessly. I paused at the door of the library, wondering if I should go in or not. Boredom got the best of me and I stepped through the threshold and into the quiet, sunny room. I had been in here many times before but had never got around to looking closely at all of the ancient tomes. After a thorough scan of the titles, I picked a thick, leather-bound book and sat down in an armchair for a long read. Back in Finchley, I never really enjoyed reading, but now I found myself incredibly absorbed in the tales of the Kings and Queens that had come before us, and the ups and downs of their rule. I had come to a particularly interesting passage on war strategies when the sounds of stealthily movement caught my attention. Looking up, I instinctively reached for my sword, drawing it out to defend myself at a moments notice. There was a fluttering and a tawny owl suddenly came swooping towards me. She landed on the arm of the chair, took a moment to settle, and then said,
"If you would be so as kind, your majesty, to put that away, I feel as if you are going to stab me through at any moment." I hastily slid my sword back in its sheath and asked,
"What are you doing here Areia? I thought you were taking a leave of absence to spend time with your family?" She turned her large, owl eyes towards me. The depth and understanding in them made me feel like she was looking right through me. I shivered unconsciously.
"Your sister dropped me a hint that I might want to talk to you. About what she did not say," she told be. I huffed crossly. Of course she did.
"It's nothing," I insisted. Areia was silent.
"I'm fine!" I protested, "Susan was just worried because I was a little upset earlier. I'm perfectly happy now." She still said nothing but only stared me down. The way she made me feel like I was guilty of something gave no doubts about why she was the finest judge in Narnia. Finally giving in, I admitted the truth.
"It's just…that Lord Belisar is here. But I can take care of myself, go, don't waste your time on me." I thought that she looked a bit too self satisfied as I told her what was bothering me. She ruffled her feathers and gave an owlish sigh, then proceeded to say,
"That man is tactless. But, then, so are you." I gaped at her, stunned, and a bit hurt, by her words. She saw the shock in my eyes and explained as only she could.
"You are the Just King, are you not?" she asked, staring intently at me. I raised my eyebrows, now slightly amused.
"Yes, I am Edmund," I replied slowly and she shook her head impatiently.
"No, no. I did not ask your name." I waited, wondering what the answer to her question was then. After a moment she repeated her question,
"Are you the Just King, or are you not?"
"I don't see what you're asking me!" I cried out frustrated. Doting on me, she said,
"A Just King is wise with his words. He does not let a man, so low in honor, upset him. Nor does he show his anger towards that man, he, rather, makes that man ashamed of himself, using only words. This way, the Just King retains his honor, and that man, he understands his place." I nodded, slowly beginning to comprehend,
"So, you're saying I should scold him?" I asked.
"No," she replied softly, "I'm saying you should reprimand him, but in such a way that it does not seem that you are. You will see, he will understand, and so will you. Now, if you'll excuse me your majesty, I have some children to go tend to." With a respectful nod of her head, she flew out through the window, leaving me to process what she had just said. A few minutes passed. Then, with renewed purpose, I put my book aside, and went to go search for a certain tome.
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"Ed! Edmund! Where are you?" I heard Lucy call.
"In here Lu!" I yelled. Moments later, Lucy appeared at the doorway, looking at me irritably.
"I've been searching for you everywhere! Everyone has arrived and they're waiting for us. Susan's this close to having a fit; you better get down there quickly." Jumping up, I scurried towards my room to get ready, not wanting to get a lecture from my older sister. There Gieio helped me don my formal wear. Brushing my disheveled hair once over-not that it helped-he handed me my crown, and made some final adjustments as I settled it atop my head. Also not wanting to face the Gentle Queen's wrath, he practically shoved me out of the door. I ran, very un-king like, down to the private entrance of the Great Hall, skidding to a halt before one annoyed sister, and one anxious one.
"For the love of Aslan Edmund, couldn't you have done something about your hair?" was Susan's greeting.
"Well I'm here, aren't I?" Susan rolled her eyes at my response,
"So you are," she turned to Girsc, "We are ready." He nodded and slipped through the door into the Hall. We waited outside, listening for the horn that would signal us inside. As soon as Girsc left, Susan's irritated expression turned into a worried one.
"Don't worry Edmund, we'll be right by your side," she mothered. Lucy piped in,
"Yes Ed, you pretty much have the routine down by now. Greet him, and then spend the rest of the evening avoiding him at all costs." I smiled at her but Susan still looked apprehensive.
"Don't worry Susan. I get the feeling that tonight, some routines are about to change." Before she had the chance to reply, the horn sounded and I walked purposely through the door, leading the way. Girsc waited for us to take a seat in our thrones, then announced the arrival of Lord Belisar.
"Greetings your majesties, may Aslan bless," he said bowing before us. The rest of his party stood off to the side with the Narnians.
"Greetings to you too my friends," Susan replied courteously, "Now, if we could enquire as to the nature of your visit?"
"Only some negotiations to be done. However," his eyes glimmered with the pleasure of torment, "if now is not a time deemed fit, we could do it another time." His eyes flickered from Peter's empty throne to me. I held back a glare.
"Now is a good a time as any," I said, voice hard, "But first, let us enjoy tonight, we can attend to business tomorrow." His smile dropped and his tone became a touch colder,
"Yes, of course King Edmund." Tables and food where brought out and everyone settled in to enjoy a delicious meal courtesy of the chefs at Cair Paravel. Once the food and drink were put away, the tables were removed and the floor was cleared for dancing. Immediately, music was struck up and soon the Hall was crowded full of laughter. As King, I made my proper rounds, greeting every visitor personally and dancing with those who requested it, as well as with my sisters. It was late when I finally had the chance to talk face to face with Lord Belisar. I made my way over to the edge of the crowd where he was talking to one of his men. I was about to cut in when I overheard his words,
"It seems that without King Peter, they are daft. Can't even negotiate a simple deal without his presence," he mocked, "If I was him, I'd get rid of the three and just rule myself." The man he was talking to caught sight of me and looked incredibly uncomfortable. I decided then that I would make my presence known,
"Is that so? It is not wise to insinuate that you know the running of our country. Nor is it wise to imply that you could run it better. Words like yours could be taken the wrong way." Lord Belisar wiped around at the sound of my voice. His eyes went wide but he recovered quickly and smiled smugly.
"Apologies your majesty, I suggest no such thing. But I can not but wonder why a traitor would be trusted to rule. You know what they say—" His eyes glimmered, knowing he hit a soft spot. I didn't give him the reaction he wanted though. Cutting him off coldly, I said, "I don't try and pretend that I haven't made mistakes in my past. Yet, since then, I have worked to redeem myself in the eyes of my people. I would like to think that I have done a pretty good job of this. And if I have learned one thing, it is that acting like a child does no good in getting attention, and more so, does no good in earning the respect of those who matter the most." I raised my eyebrows, waiting for a reply. His eyes gave away his shock at my words. He knew what I was implying and flushed slightly with anger. When he gave no reply however, I continued,
"I was given a second chance, so it is only fair that you should receive one too. I advise you not to waste it," I paused for a second and let it sink in, "It is getting late and we have an early day ahead of us, you may go to your room now if you wish." There was no mistaking the tone of my voice. It was not a suggestion, it was an order. He nodded swiftly and gave me a last glare before following me to towards the thrones where my sisters where sitting. I smiled as I noticed that Lucy was already sleeping peacefully. When Susan caught sight of us, she threw me a questioning look but I just shook my head, signaling I would tell her later. I whispered something to Girsc and waited until the horn blew again. Standing in the center of the dais, I held silent until it quieted, then announced in a loud voice,
"It is getting late, and our guest of honor is getting tired. We shall retire for the night for tomorrow will be a long day. Thank you to everyone for coming. Our guests may follow Pala up to your rooms. May Aslan cast sweet dreams upon you." I stood until the last of the guests cleared out and then slumped tiredly into my throne.
"Come on Ed," Susan said, nudging me up, "You did good tonight, Peter would be proud. now go get some sleep. Lucy and I will supervise the clean up. Go on." Not having the energy to argue, I trudged up to my bed. Closing my eyes and letting sleep overtake me, I felt great satisfaction as Susan's words played again in my head,
"You did good, Peter would be proud."
A/N: My life has been crap ass busy this last month :/. And it's not quite over yet, but a few sentences each day and a few hours this weekend and I was able to finish another chapter! Thanks to everyone who has reviewed and story-alerted this story and don't forget to review!