Disclaimer: all property of C.S. Lewis, with a twist ;)

A/N: Wow! Thanks for all those reviews! Fantastic! (grins) You are all too good to me and here I am, making you wait far too long for the next chapter.

Apologies for that long wait but now that finals are done and I'm home for the summer, I should be able to update more regularly.

As always, your reviews, comments, suggestions, fav parts/characters are very welcomed and extremely appreciated!

Issues

By the end of the banquet, Edmund could no longer take Rouffian fawning over him. He gave the Prince a very forced smile and it took everything he had not to punch Rouffian. "My dearest Prince," he began, inwardly gagging. "Will you please excuse me? I need to freshen myself before my royal sister's birthday celebration."

"Of course, my dear," said Rouffian, clasping his hand. Edmund tried not to cringe, slipping his hand away from Rouffian as fast as he could without appearing to be rude. He didn't really care at this point but Susan would never let him hear the end of it if he offended the prince.

Edmund gathered his dress, which still felt rather awkward, and hurried away as fast as he could without tripping. Susan spotted this and saw her chance, knowing that this would probably be the only time she'd be able to talk with Edmund before the celebration began. Excusing herself from Shalamane, she hurried after her brother. It was still odd seeing herself and it felt like she was quite mad but then again, all of this was nutters. He is not going to leave me to talk to that war council without any sort of information! I can't look like a fool!

"E – Susan!" she called but Edmund didn't stop. She glanced around to make sure no one was around and called, "Ed!"

Edmund halted, turning to face Susan. "I thought you were Ruffles!" he hissed, looking obviously relieved. Before Susan could speak, Edmund jabbed a finger at her. "Don't even begin to lecture me about the banquet. I don't know how you can stand that obnoxious, pompous, bag of ruffles –"

:"I'm not here to discuss him, Susan," she snapped and Edmund frowned.

"Then what are you here for?"

"Did you forget to mention something? Something about a little war council meeting where you needed to discuss some sort of plan?"
Edmund's eyes widened. "The meeting! By Jove, I completely forgot about that!"

"Yes and now I have to handle it. I don't know anything about strategies or battle-planning, Ed. Or did you forget that? You better tell me everything, right now before I go to that meeting. They're going to expect me to know what I'm talking about."

Edmund nodded. "Of course."

"My beloved!" called a voice and Edmund cringed.

"By the Lion," whispered Edmund. He grabbed Susan's hand. "Come on. First we need to find a place to be interrupted." I don't want him fawning over me anymore. It's just a bit uncomfortable!

"Are you going to be avoiding him these next three weeks?" asked Susan as Edmund pulled her into a spare room, shutting the door.

"If luck is on my side, then yes. Ruffles is – well too ruffly for my tastes."

"Just give him a chance. And stop calling him Ruffles."

"You give Shalamane a chance then and I'll call him whatever I want."

"I'm being perfectly polite to Shalamane!"

"Well be closer! Or did you forget that I'm courting her. Don't mess this up!"

"I'm not going to get that close! And don't mess things up with Ruff – Ruffian!"

Edmund snickered. "You almost called him Ruffles. See, it's true isn't it, he is Ruffly."

Susan sighed exasperatedly. "I did not. Now are you going to explain to me these plans of yours or not? I am you remember, and how well I perform at that meeting depends on how well you explain everything to me. Are you absolutely sure there isn't some way to postpone it? Give me some time to figure this out?"

Edmund shook his head. "No, we've got some issues in the Western Wood that Ivaylo brought to my attention. Ivaylo departs tomorrow and he needs the plans."

Susan ran a hand through her hair, sighing softly. "Well, then you had better start explaining everything and fast."

"Just don't mess this up, it's extremely important."

Susan gave him an exasperated look. "Obviously. Now start talking."

Edmund sighed and began to explain his plans.

------

Thankfully, the meeting went relatively smoothly, as well as Lucy's birthday celebration, and the next afternoon everyone was down on the beach. Edmund sat on a blanket with Rouffian next to him. Rouffian was going on and on about everything that they had done and could do during his visit in Narnia. Edmund had long since tuned him out, knowing very well he'd only get frustrated and annoyed if he listened to word the prince was saying.

Edmund glanced around, watching as Peter chased Lucy through the surf. Then his gaze landed on Susan, who was chatting with Shalamane. At least she looks comfortable, thought Edmund with a frown. He shifted, glancing at Rouffian who was now talking about something pertaining to his expansive wardrobe. Is Susan blind to this chap? thought Edmund incredulously. He hasn't said one intelligent thing thus far.

"- and perhaps we can work on my archery this weekend," continued Rouffian.

"Yes, yes," said Edmund, not really paying attention to what Rouffian was saying. Will he ever shut up? wondered Edmund with an inward groan. He knew he wasn't acting very Kingly but he couldn't help it! I just hope we get un-switched sooner rather than later! I'm going to go spare if this continues!

Susan, however, was having the opposite experience. She knew she had to stay with Shalamane and originally hadn't looked forward to doting upon the princess. Susan hadn't spent much time with Shalamane, for the princess was with her brother the majority of the time. But now that she was spending time with Shalamane, she found that the princess was quite intelligent and a plus was that she was an archer as well.

" – took me weeks until I didn't nearly shoot one of the servants every time!" said Shalamane with a laugh.

Susan laughed as well. "It took me years before I learned to hit the target and not someone else too," said Susan without thinking.

Shalamane arched an eyebrow. "You shoot, Edmund? I thought you hated archery."

By the Lion! Drat it, thought Susan in horror. Oh dear… "I well – um – it's not that I hate it, but I'm just not good at it. I used to do archery when I was younger but my sister Susan is the expert archer."

"Yes, she is fantastic," said Shalamane with a smile and Susan breathed an inward sigh of relief that Shalamane hadn't questioned her further. Thank Aslan… "Are you ready for the Tournament?"

Not even close! "Of course," said Susan with false confidence.

"You'll do fine," said Shalamane. "You haven't lost yet."

That's going to all change. "Let's hope that continues." Aslan, if there's anything you can do, please help!

"I'm sure it will." Shalamane squeezed Susan's hand lightly before standing. Inwardly, Susan flinched when Shalamane did that, feeling uncomfortable. "It's rather warm out, so I think I'm going to go out into the water with King Peter and Queen Lucy. Then I'll be back."

"After I taught Lucy how to swim, she's always out there," said Susan with a chuckle.

Shalamane arched an eyebrow. "I thought Queen Susan taught her how. I thought you disliked the deep water."

Second time! Sweet Aslan, thought Susan, hitting herself mentally. "I mean, well, yes my royal sister did teach Lucy how to swim. I just – I sort of helped – in a way – I mean, not really, but gave her some basics – " Oh that makes perfect sense, Susan. Good job! she thought sarcastically.

Shalamane looked even more confused. "I see…oh, well, it doesn't matter. Either way," said Shalamane, smiling, "if you need me, I'll be just over there."

Susan nodded. "I should probably attend to matters with the war council. I know that they wished to go over something else this afternoon."

"Of course. Are you sure you don't want to at least come to the shoreline? You are always working."

Susan shook her head. "It's fine," she said with a smile. "Thank you."

"Just be back in time for the fireworks."

"Wouldn't miss it." Susan watched as Shalamane walked away, heading to where Peter and Lucy stood.

-------

Four days later, Edmund was lying on his bed, arms crossed, with a scowl on his features as he stared up at the ceiling. "I don't want to go. My stomach hurts," he said simply.

Lucy bit her lip to prevent a smile from forming. She had a good idea why Edmund had been so moody these past few days and, being the good sister she was, she couldn't wait to see his reaction. Horrid, I know, she thought with an inner laugh. But now he'll understand why we can't always be cheerful.

"Reilian brought in the herb tea, you should try it," said Lucy, motioning to the untouched cup sitting on the bedside table. "It'll help."

"You know I don't like tea, Lu," said Edmund, his scowl deepening.

"Yes but still, it's either drink that or feel horrid. You'll have to pick sometime."

"I'd rather not have either." Edmund rolled off the bed, picking up his skirts and walking to the bathroom, shutting the door behind him.

Lucy chuckled quietly and looked out the window that overlooked the southern lands. She could see the mountains in the distance, a faint gray jagged line across the horizon. It was still odd talking to Edmund, but seeing Susan's body and hearing Susan's voice. Even after nearly a week.

A sudden, startled yelp broke Lucy from her thoughts and she jumped up, spinning to face the source: the bathroom.

"Lu!" Then there was a 'thud' and Lucy stifled a very un-ladylike snort, having a very good idea on what Edmund had just seen. Poor Edmund…having to deal with this on top of dealing with Prince Rouffian. She hurried to the bathroom to help her brother.

-------

Susan stood on the balcony in her room, hands resting on the railing as she looked out over the Western Woods. She supposed it was technically Edmund's room, but since she was Edmund for the time being, well, it was hers. She stifled a yawn, having not slept for quite some time. She had never truly realised how much Edmund did and the long hours that were necessary for him to complete everything that needed to be done. After several council meetings alongside Peter, though reluctantly, she found herself learning quite a bit more about battles and tactics. She knew definitely that she did not want to partake in any battles in the near future or the future in general. However, that didn't mean she wouldn't try and at least keep up the pretense of being Edmund. It wasn't like she had a choice.

Between meetings, preparing for the upcoming Tournament, being with Princess Shalamane, and all the work that kept piling up, Susan hardly had any time to herself. She was used to taking care of the castle, fending off suitors, and planning socials with Lucy. She was quickly learning to appreciate how much her younger brother really did and how much he had changed from all those years ago.

A knock on the door brought Susan out of her thoughts. She stood, turning and walking to the door of her chambers. Upon opening it, she saw Princess Shalamane standing there. "Princess, what can I do for you?" asked Susan, unsure as to what the princess was doing there at that time. Everyone was preparing to sleep and Susan had thought she'd be able to actually get some sleep this night. She really did like Shalamane, for the princess was more down-to-earth than most and she could actually have an intelligent conversation. The fact that her brother was courting the princess, however, made things slightly awkward at moments and Susan knew Edmund was probably facing similar problems with Rouffian.

Shalamane looked confused for a moment and Susan swallowed, wondering if there was something else that Edmund hadn't informed her about. "If you wish not to be disturbed, I understand," said Shalamane with a small smile. "I know usually spend the nights together but you've been working long hours lately, Edmund, and so I didn't wish to bother you earlier this week. It's more important for you to rest." She chuckled quietly. "We always end up talking more than sleeping. Would you like me to go?"

Susan, however, suddenly found she had no voice. She stared at Shalamane, gobsmacked. "You sleep with him! – I mean me? I mean – by the Lion." Susan shut the door, staring into her chambers. By the Lion's Mane – I – well – I just – what in the name of Aslan am I supposed to do! I know Edmund's courting her and he has the permission of her father and all that – but – but – Edmund! Susan didn't know what to think at that particular moment, though she supposed she shouldn't be shocked at this turn of events. Edmund, after all, was nearly twenty-three, and he had been with Shalamane for four years but still! To think that her brother, her little brother … Susan put her hands to her head, staring at the floor. I think I need to talk to Edmund – NOW.

Susan flung open the door and saw that Shalamane was heading away, looking quite confused. "Princess," she said quickly and Shalamane turned. "I apologise about that, too little sleep, I do hope you understand."

Shalamane gave Susan a soft smile. "I understand," she said but Susan saw the confusion in her eyes. However, Susan didn't have time to deal with that, for she had a certain royal brother that needed a little talking to.

Susan shut the door, hurrying to her chambers (well, Edmund's now, but that was just a technicality). She opened the door to find her brother in bed, looking rather grumpily at the book sitting on his lap. "Edmund, we need to talk," said Susan sharply, walking over and standing beside his bed.

"Look, Sue, I'm not in the mood," said Edmund as he looked up at her. "I feel horrid, thanks to your girl problem which is now my problem, and well – I don't wish to talk."

Susan opened her mouth to say something and then shut it. Even under the current circumstances, Susan had to chuckle inwardly. Oh dear – I forgot that it was nearing that time. But then she remembered why she was there and suddenly didn't feel so sorry for him. She had her own problems!

"It comes with the territory," she said simply and before Edmund could respond, Susan continued. "And I'll have you know that I was just put into a very very uncomfortable situation! Edmund, why didn't you tell me that you were sleeping with Shalamane! I mean, by the Lion – I am NOT doing that! I don't care how much I love you, royal brother, but that is a line I will NOT cross! It's – it's utterly inconceivable."

Edmund arched his eyebrows. "Frankly, dear sister, it wasn't something that needed to be broadcasted to the entire castle but now that you've yelled it loud enough for Archenland to hear – "

"This is not a time for your wit, Ed!" said Susan, motioning with her hands. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"It's personal."

"You didn't think that I'd need to know, given our situation!"

Edmund closed his book, setting it off to one side and looked up at Susan. "To be honest, I wasn't really thinking about that particular subject and for your information, we don't sleep together like that."

"I'm still not sleeping with her, even if it is just resting!"

"I'm not asking you to," said Edmund exasperatedly, his patience wearing thin. "Shalamane will understand – "

"And what exactly am I supposed to tell her? 'Sorry, princess, but I'm Susan, in my brother's body, and I know I sound completely mad but it's the truth'. She'll think I'm a lunatic. Rather, she'll think you are." Susan folded her arms in front of her chest. "Since you always seem to have a plan for everything, why don't you explain to me how exactly we're going to handle this situation."

"Look, Sue, I'm not saying you have to explain everything. Just tell her that you're not feeling well or something."

"For two weeks? The tournament is still quite a ways away, Edmund."

"Yes, I know. Trust me," said Edmund. "What happened to my cool, intellectual sister that is always quite calm about everything?"

"What happened to my brother who would never put me into this situation?" retorted Susan.

Edmund sighed in frustration. "Look, this is a simple situation that can be dealt with. You can handle it. Now I'm going to try and get some sleep, if I have your permission," he added slightly sarcastically. He closed his eyes and leaned back against the pillows.

"OH! You are infuriating sometimes, you know that Edmund?" Susan turned, storming out of the room and nearly running over Lucy in the process.

"Susan? What's wrong?" asked Lucy and Susan quickly informed Lucy, rather sharply, about the current issue. Lucy chuckled quietly. "Well, now that's some what of an issue. I'll take care of it. You just get some sleep. You're tired and you've been working too hard lately. Between that and Edmund dealing with his own issue, you two are not in the right mood to talk sensibly."

Susan opened her mouth to protest but grudgingly sussed that Lucy was right. She sighed. "Thanks, Lucy," she finally said.

"Welcome. Now sleep. Shoo." Lucy ushered Susan away, watching until Susan went back into her own room. Then Lucy turned, walking away to find Shalamane.

Heh…. Poor Ed and poor Sue. Though I still think Edmund has the worst end of the deal :D

This was a rather short chapter but I'm not going for novel-length like The Way Things Are (grin)

Hopefully this didn't disappoint and hopefully this was well worth the wait! (crosses fingers) You know I want to give you the best story possible and while I wasn't extremely happy with this chapter, I think it worked for what it was meant to.

Chapter Six will be the Tournament, so things should get very interesting! And yes you will find out who or what did this to our beloved Ed and Susan (grins). Oh, did I mention that the mysterious 'figure' from The Way Things Are just might show up in this fic? As the figure of course, not as who they really are. You've got to wait for that one.

Any ideas that you have for other situations I can put Ed and Susan in, let me know!

(I think I lost my funny bone…)

Thanks again for reading!