A/N: Hi again! Wow two chapters in one day. I'm on a roll. This chapter was hard to write, but I believe it is the best one so far. You'll see why. Enjoy!
Chapter Three
Peter stared up at the tall castle ceiling, studying the intricate design up above him as he lay upon his bed. He fingered back and forth between his hands a small, leather ball, and tossed it up towards the ceiling and the designs that speckled it. His eyes glanced toward the window for what seemed like the twentieth time. Edmund had had a history of fabricating extreme stories to get his siblings' attention in the past, why should now be any different? The fair-haired prince sighed, rolled over onto his side, and decided to ignore the nagging feeling that seemed to want to draw him to the window. It was probably nothing to worry about.
"Peter, are you alright Love?" Peter felt the ball drop onto his face as the small bed's weight shifted to accommodate his mother. "I've been trying to get your attention for the past five minutes."
Peter rubbed the sore spot on his forehead as he smiled up at his mother. "Sorry Mum, what was that?"
"I asked if you had seen Edmund. I sent him up here to wait for me." Helen's brow came together in a worried line.
Peter sat up and shrugged. "Last I saw him was this morning. I thought he was in the library."
"I bumped into him in the Southeast corridor and he seemed to have no intention of going to the library." Helen shook her head. "Maybe your father knows where he is. Come on."
Mother and son walked carefully searching every corner of the castle on their way to the study of their patriarch.
Helen sighed knocking erratically. "Your Majesty!" A small faun who looked no more than ten years old looked up with wide eyes. "Grandfather and King Frank are sorting things. D'you want me to tell them you're here?"
"Please do Tumnus." Helen said.
"Aye Ma'am."
Moments later the three Pevensies sat in the study, the king with his head in his hands. "You don't suppose he went out do you?" Frank sighed.
"Pardon me my King, but I would not put it past him." The elderly faun said. "Your boy does have quite a mischievous streak."
"That is quite enough of that Sir Humbald. Leave us." Frank's tone became clipped as close to anger as he dared.
"Aye Your Majesty. I apologize. I crossed a line." Humbald bowed. "I shall prepare a search party."
"Thank you Sir." Helen rose before sitting back down as the door clicked shut. She turned to her husband. "Frank?"
The king stood his hand clenched on his sword as he took heavy breaths. "Don't wait up." Frank slammed the door open as Peter jumped up running after him.
"Dad!" At Peter's shout, Helen stood running after her son and stopping dumbfounded outside the door of the study.
"Mum… what's going on? Where's Father going?" Susan poked her head out of the library door before walking over and standing next to her mother.
Helen said nothing, embracing her daughter as tears flowed freely.
"Dad!" Peter's shout sent mother and daughter running outside where the King's steed waited.
Peter went slack jawed as Susan gasped. "What is this?" The whole of the castle grounds was covered in blinding white. The trees were bare and not one bud of green could be seen for miles.
"Who could have done this?" Helen covered her face with her hands. "What evil?"
Frank's eyes flared as he mounted his steed. "That is what I intend to find out."
Peter ran to his father planting himself in front of the horse. "I'm going with you!"
Frank shook his head as he dismounted the horse handing the reigns to Humbald. "No Peter." The king sighed crouching in front of his son as the boy held back unshed tears.
"But I have to find him! He's my brother Dad!" Peter swallowed back hiccups.
Frank sighed. "I know my boy, but you have a responsibility here. We don't know what dangers are out there and someone has to look after the girls. Promise me Peter." Frank grabbed Peter's shoulders.
Peter nodded leaning into Frank's chainmail. "I will Dad."
Frank nodded. "Good man." He rose walking to where Helen stood whispering softly but urgently as Peter walked back to his sister in a daze.
"Peter, what's going on?" Susan looked at Peter, her eyes widened with worried tears. "Where's Edmund?"
The young prince embraced his sister rubbing her back as she collapsed in tears.
A/N: Did you enjoy it? Let me know. More questions. What's your favorite Narnia movie adaptation and why? And here's one having to do with the story: What do you think would be a good pseudonym for Edmund? Review with your answers and if you wonder why I'm asking the second question despite the summary, review and I'll try to explain the best I can without giving anything away. May Aslan be with you.
