Sun and Shadow
Chapter VII
Caspian's breath hitched in his throat for a brief interminable moment as he stepped into the room through the open doorway, Drinian following.
The woman immediately sat her book aside on a small round table and stood smoothing out her red brocade skirts with sure, pale hands.
She dipped into a low courtesy, the heavy braid her dark hair was plaited into falling over her shoulder.
A blast of sunshine suddenly burst into the room as the doors that opened onto the gardens were flung open carelessly and a boy with a mop of blonde hair skidded in it seemed on a ray of light itself.
"Corl," the woman called admonishingly, her blue eyes flickering pointedly towards Caspian.
Caspian felt his breathing even, his heartbeat resume its normal rhythm as the woman stepped towards the identified Corl, her nimble fingers reaching out to pluck leaves and such debris from the boy's flaxen hair.
She wasn't Susan, Caspian thought bitterly. For a brief moment he thought perhaps the impossible, the miraculous, the most longed for had happened and that Susan had somehow returned to Narnia…but it wasn't.
At first glance, perhaps to the untrained eye, the woman resembled Susan. But in barely a few seconds Caspian could distinguish that she was nothing like his Gentle Queen.
She had the same blue eyes, same rich burnished hair and fair skin; but so too was Drinian blue-eyed and dark-haired and Caspian would say that the woman no more resembled Susan than Drinian did.
Caspian was fleetingly aware that Drinian was watching him with abated breath; the Captain's usual easy humour seemed to have fled.
The woman nudged Corl discreetly and the young boy stumbled into a low clumsy bow with eyes as wide as saucers, "have you come to put me in the dungeons Sire?" he squeaked. And yet despite the boy's evident fear, faced with the Narnian King he had ungainly concussed previously, Corl still tilted his chin up proudly. A true Archenland royal.
Caspian felt a smile break across his face and the simple responsive gesture seemed to shake him from his trance.
This woman wasn't Susan, and though she had unwittingly served as a bitter reminder, Caspian was able to push the thoughts and memories and painful longing away as he did every other time. It wasn't the first time he had perhaps glanced too quickly and had imagined he had saw Susan amongst crowded halls or out of the corner of his eye.
"Nay I am not here to throw you in the dungeons," Caspian replied, hunkering down so he could be at eye-level with the young boy.
Her pale hands rested lightly and reassuringly on the boy's shoulders, acting as a comfort but also as a reminder to stand straight in front of the King.
A relieved grin split Corl's face. "I didn't think you would," he answered cheekily, and Caspian and Drinian chuckled.
Drinian subsequently relieved by Caspian's seeming indifference to the woman that so resembled the gentle queen.
"Corl," her voice sounded again; the volume hadn't raised a decibel, but the tone held a note of clear reprimand.
The boy glanced up innocently, his small brow puckered with confusion before realisation dawned and he looked to Caspian anew, a sheepish expression gracing his young face.
"I am really sorry though – I really didn't mean it, I thought you were Ressy," Corl explained earnestly, "and when I saw it was you I – I…I thought you were dead!" Corl exclaimed with wide eyes and a vigorous little nod.
Caspian chuckled, "well as you can see no harm was done – none lasting anyway," Caspian allayed his worries, reaching out a hand to ruffle the boy's fair hair, dislodging a few specks of dirt and blades of grass.
Corl grinned, already shuffling his feet in eager impatience to be off exploring and causing mischief and knocking unsuspecting Kings off their feet.
Caspian straightened to stand and unintentionally caught her blue eyes resting on him knowingly.
And Caspian realised that as he bent down to speak with Corl she must have seen the gash at the back of his head. Caspian shot her a meaningful look not wanting to bring it up and distress Corl – who was looking very much relieved now – but he need not have bothered. Her blue eyes comprehended perfectly.
Caspian taking the initiative spoke. "My apologies Lady for my rudeness. I do not think we have met," Caspian inquired courteously. Caspian knew for a fact they had never met.
The woman tilted her head slightly in respect, a slightly mischievous twinkle in her eyes. "Nay Your Majesty, though I have spent an entire night in your bedchamber we have not been properly introduced," she confirmed, and Drinian chortled while Caspian smirked even as he pinked slightly.
She swept into a graceful courtesy then, despite the close quarters not requiring such deep displays of subservience to royalty.
"I am Aenna; royal tutor to the children of Princess Nieva of Archenland."
"The children?" Caspian echoed.
A fond smile graced Aenna's lips, a twinkle of laughter shining in her eyes as she glanced down for a moment at Corl. "Yes, Corl is not alone in his mischief," she answered. "He is blessed with two sisters; Della and Arressa." Then she winked conspiratorially at Caspian, "or Ressy for short," she added and Corl scowled at the mention of his troublesome sister.
"Ressy doesn't play by the rules," he piped up indignantly, looking to Caspian with a long-suffering sigh.
"You will find that ladies have a habit of making their own rules," Drinian intoned with a grin.
Corl nodded his little head emphatically, his blonde brows drawing down into a very serious expression. "My sisters do it all the time – and mother too! It's girls – they're always changing the rules…"
Caspian and Drinian did their best to stifle their chuckles as Aenna cleared her throat pointedly, halting Corl's tirade.
Corl looked up to her, gulping. "Well I didn't mean you of course Aenna," he intoned obviously.
Aenna nodded sagely though her eyes still shone with suppressed laughter. "Nevertheless, it is most ungenerous of you to speak of your mother and sisters so – especially in front of the King," Aenna said gently, and Corl sucked in his bottom lip guiltily.
"Sorry Aenna," he murmured, his round blue eyes sincere.
Aenna clearly couldn't repress her smile any longer as it broke across her face and she chuckled. "Very well little soldier," she accepted as she released her hold on him, discharging her ward to his mischief.
Smile once more firmly in place Corl whirled lightly on his toes, readying to make a hasty farewell before he raced off into the gardens again to enjoy the bright sunshine.
Only his tutor's tactful clearing of her throat reminded the young boy he needed to properly take his leave of the Narnian King.
Corl straightened up to his full height – barely reaching Caspian's elbow – and then the young Archenland royal swept into an elaborate bow.
"Your Majesty," Corl addressed Caspian sombrely and the three adults in the room bit back indulgent smiles. Corl was evidently a long way yet from strictly adhering to perfect courtly etiquette, yet his efforts were admirable. However in the next moment the amenities of being a royal were shrugged from his young shoulders and Corl was just a young boy again. Caspian was glad, for Corl possessed too impish an air, that it would be a shame to quash it so soon in exchange for dull and impeccable courtly manner.
The boy's tutor – Aenna seemed to be of the same opinion. For although censure rested in her eyes rebuking Corl's easy manner with the King of Narnia, the secretive smile on her lips betrayed her. Indeed had Caspian asked her, Aenna would have at that moment admitted she often encouraged Corl's mischievous streak. Despite the tutor knowing it violated the strict and formal behaviour she was meant to be instilling in the young royal.
Caspian couldn't help but wish longingly for a moment, that he too could as easily discard the trappings of his title. To be able to challenge Farzán out-rightly for his deceitfulness like a man, rather than remain unbiased and above such matters as a King. To be able to love a woman, Susan and not have to sacrifice his own happiness in order to provide his kingdom with the heir they demanded.
And yet the bitter longings were fleeting, for Caspian considered there to be no greater honour than to serve his people as their chosen King. Hence no sacrifice was too great, even if it would break his heart to see the kingdom's will done.
"Caspian?"
Caspian blinked rapidly at the prompting touch to his elbow that tore him from his musing thoughts. He had not realised that his sudden muteness and faraway look had not gone unnoticed.
Drinian's face was lined with concern, his perceptive eyes looking to Caspian worriedly.
Caspian glanced around him and saw Aenna's gaze resting on him just as knowingly.
The young King cleared his throat a little awkwardly, irked by his own preoccupation. He knew the cause easily enough. But it had been long years since thoughts of Susan had affected him so strongly in his daily affairs.
He looked to Aenna again, her reminiscent yet utterly unfamiliar blue eyes that had caused Caspian's distraction. Her eyes shone clear with worry as her gaze flickered to Drinian.
"Caspian is it your wound?" Drinian murmured discreetly, his concerned hold on Caspian's elbow tightened lest his King should drop before him.
It was only then however that Caspian noticed another pair of eyes watching him. Silver-blue orbs framed with golden lashes peered up at Caspian inquiringly.
"Corl dear, why don't you go and play in the gardens," Aenna suggested softly, reaching out a white hand to nudge the immobile boy.
Caspian snapped himself from his stupor.
"Forgive me," he murmured, "I have a slight headache," he admitted.
Caspian caught the understanding look that passed between Aenna and Drinian. Only they didn't comprehend at all Caspian thought. They believed his brief lapse to be the result of lingering pains from his head wound, hence their real concern. They didn't understand that Caspian had been suffering a lingering pain for nigh on five years now, and that no healing herb or incantation would cure him of its persistent ache. Caspian didn't expect them to realise the cause of his sudden grief though He had trained long and hard to keep such thoughts from showing clearly on his face. Only recent events with this blasted tournament drove the pained thought of losing Susan ever more forcefully to the front of his mind. Caspian knew, logically, it was silly to think of his impending marriage as losing Susan. He had lost Susan long before that to an entirely different world. Yet the thought of having to kiss another, to love and cherish another; it was worse than losing Susan. It was losing himself. The only factor Caspian could console himself with was the fact that his 'wife' seemed set to be Princess Erinla. She would not expect him to love her given she clearly despised him. The thoughts had been plaguing him relentlessly and with no outlet the young king was being driven to the maddening verge of constant distraction.
And yet, in his loneliness Caspian found that there was a pair of eyes that seemed to understand. To understand more completely than those supposedly older and wiser than he could. Those eyes were Corl's.
"You looked sad."
Every gaze snapped to Corl with an almost unnerving intensity. The young Archenland royal never flinched though as he stared up at Caspian, almost knowingly.
"What?" Caspian breathed.
"You looked sad – just now," Corl repeated, his silver-blue eyes seeming much older than his seven years.
Aenna sunk down to her knees as she broke the unyielding gaze Corl had fixed on Caspian, turning the young boy towards her.
"We must away to the tournament Caspian," Drinian muttered quietly by Caspian's ear. "A visit to the healer on our way would not go amiss either," his friend advised, his face still filled with concern.
But Caspian's attention was otherwise claimed as Aenna had begun to speak to Corl then in dulcet, low tones that Caspian nonetheless heard.
"Corl darling, you must not say such things – remember we discussed this before. Especially not to nobles or Aslan forbid Kings…"
Corl pouted stubbornly, "but he was Aenna! He was sad!"
"Corl!" Aenna said, her tone firming a little, though it clearly gave the tutor no pleasure to reprimand the young boy as her brow furrowed helplessly.
"Please," Caspian interrupted suddenly, finally regaining a hold over the situation. They all looked towards him.
"There is no need to rebuke him," Caspian said gently to Aenna. A slight measure of surprise crept into the woman's face as she hesitantly obeyed. "I was…saddened and Corl noticed. It shows the making of a good soldier to notice things others do not."
Corl grinned appreciatively and Caspian tried not to feel the two sympathetic gazes resting on him.
Caspian had rather effectively worked out now the source of Drinian's previous discomfort. It had been all too evident since Aenna had stepped forward unknowingly.
But the second worried gaze – that of Aenna's herself, surprised Caspian a little. He wondered why the Archenland tutor would be so concerned for a Narnian King's woes.
Drinian made to politely prompt Caspian to leave again for the tournament's starting ceremony. In truth Caspian was dreading it. To spend an entire morning in the sweltering heat, beside Princess Erinla worrying over other more vital matters to do with his kingdom.
Yet before the words could form on Drinian's lips however, Corl had commandeered the conversation. Corl's perceptive blue eyes flitted to the sword at Caspian's hip and an awed gasp suddenly left his lips.
Aenna's gaze had snapped to her young ward, immediately worried by his expletive.
Corl looked up to Caspian intently, an air of quiet solemnity surrounding the young boy, "is that the sword?"
Caspian quirked a brow in polite confusion.
Corl's tutor's eyes followed the young boy's line of vision to ascertain her ward's sudden enrapture.
A small smile curved Aenna's lips then as her gaze fell upon the object of Corl's fascination.
"We are learning the old tales Your Majesty. Our last lesson entailed the gifts bestowed upon the Kings and Queens of Old," she explained to Caspian with an almost sheepish expression.
Comprehension flickered on Caspian's face then as he smiled indulgently down at the young fair-haired boy, stretching forward in eager anticipation.
It was like looking into a window from the past seeing Corl's wonderment. Caspian could almost picture the scene years before in Professor Cornelius's study. When with dark locks falling over round eyes gleaming with curiousity, he had stretched on his tip toes to peer over the top of the Professor's desk at the numerous scrolls and paintings, that depicted the legendary monarchs of old.
"And how do you like your lessons on the old tales?" Caspian asked.
Corl blinked as though waking from a trance, "they're brilliant!" he enthused.
Caspian placed his hand on the hilt of his sword, grasping the pommel lightly as he glanced to Aenna questioningly, seeking permission.
Aenna smirked slightly but tipped her head in acquiesce.
Corl gave a delighted cry in tandem with the ringing of the metal as Caspian unsheathed his sword.
Corl immediately rushed forward with eyes impossibly wide.
"Corl…" Aenna said quietly, her voice edged with caution.
"I know, I know," Corl called distractedly over his shoulder, "don't touch it."
Caspian and Drinian chuckled as Aenna rolled her eyes, a grin on her face.
"I was going to ask you actually could you remember what words were engraved on the sword?" Aenna said, arching a brow.
At a barely comprehensible speed Corl immediately rhymed off the infamous words, "…when Aslan bares His teeth winter meets its death, when He shakes his Mane we shall have spring again…!"
The three others laughed at Corl's enthusiasm as Corl grinned up at them all with unabashed pride.
"Really Aenna – that one was easy," he said, rolling his baby blue eyes.
Aenna reached out a hand to smooth through the messy golden locks falling across Corl's brow, "I'll have to think of harder ones next time then."
Corl turned to look up at Caspian and Caspian found himself immediately disarmed at the utterly imploring expression on the young boy's face.
"Please King Caspian can I hold it – just for a minute?! I'll be really careful!"
"Erm…"Caspian found himself completely at a loss for words as he stared down into the small earnest face.
"Corl…" her voice brought some clarity to the situation.
Corl whirled around to gaze up at his tutor with the same pleading expression, "please Aenna – I've been good, apart from nearly killing the King – I've been good!" Corl wheedled as he clasped his hands in front of him.
Aenna sucked in a rallying breath.
"And – I asked really nicely!" Corl interjected quickly. His blue eyes were so round and huge it seemed almost possible to drown in their innocence.
"Pleaseeee…"
Aenna sighed in defeat as she looked to Caspian.
"If His Majesty has no objection?" Aenna phrased carefully.
"None at all," Caspian immediately replied.
Corl held out his hand, palm outstretched.
Caspian frowned lightly in worry while Aenna hid a chuckle behind her hand diplomatically. "Maybe use both your hands Corl," Aenna suggested mildly, "seeing as it is such a special sword," she added tactfully.
Corl held out both his hands expectantly and Caspian carefully rested the broadside of the sword against the small palms that had tell-tale smudges of grass on them.
Corl's eyes were completely transfixed on the gleaming metal and Caspian made sure to hold the blade firmly in his hand by the hilt. The last thing he needed, especially considering current political sensitivities, was to injure King Avrain's grandson.
Caspian exchanged a fond glance with Drinian who was grinning once more; his earlier dreading mood having dissipated, though a sliver of worry still shone in his eyes fixed on Caspian.
"Do you think I'll have a sword like this one day?" Corl breathed in hopeful reverence.
Aenna chuckled, "I am sure you will little soldier," she replied fondly, her gaze doting as it rested on the young boy.
Caspian couldn't help but smile at the warmth evidently exuded from Aenna towards Corl. Her face was glowing with pride as she watched Corl and yet her hands hovered cautiously nearby; sure and steady, prepared for any calamity.
When Caspian looked up at her again he saw that Aenna's eyes weren't like Susan's as he had initially glimpsed. Susan's were the brightest blue; endless and daunting like Narnia's skies. One look from those eyes and Caspian felt brave with endless possibilities.
However Aenna's eyes were darker; more indigo than cerulean and they did not have the same sense of bright freedom that Susan's had. There was caution in Aenna's eyes just like there was in her waiting hands; and although mischief danced in their depths, it was evidently more used to being suppressed.
Caspian startled when he realised that during his lost musings Aenna's eyes had turned to him. Her head tilted curiously and a little expectantly.
Caspian shook his head quickly, averting his gaze to concentrate on the conversation that had been taking place while his thoughts had drifted.
"You must come to the show duels today then," Drinian encouraged at Caspian's shoulder.
Caspian sent a small smile to Corl who with a heavy sigh relinquished his hold on the sword. Caspian stood to re-sheathe his blade before addressing them.
"We were planning to Lord Drinian," Aenna replied easily as Corl looked longingly at the infamous sword from his tales. History lessons were undoubtedly his favourite.
"Well the duels begin presently do they not?" Caspian interrupted inquiringly, his gaze flickering to Drinian.
Drinian blinked blankly at his king for a moment before answering, "yes they do," he agreed.
Caspian nodded once, "then would you allow Lord Drinian and I to escort you to the games field?" Caspian addressed Aenna and Corl while Drinian's face registered a new degree of surprise.
Aenna smiled brightly at the invitation before she looked to Corl, "an escort from the Narnian King and Lord Drinian?" she mused aloud.
Corl grinned up at Aenna before his grin slid into a devious smirk, "Ressy will be so jealous," he muttered under his breath with a wicked cackle.
Aenna rolled her eyes slightly in fond exasperation, catching Drinian and Caspian's eyes in turn. They both returned her indulgent smile.
Aenna curtsied then formally, "we thank you for the invitation Your Majesty. We are honoured and accept it most graciously."
Caspian's lips quirked into a smile, "the honour is all ours to escort…" Caspian directed his gaze pointedly on Corl, "such an esteemed and upcoming soldier of Archenland royalty."
Corl's eyes grew round at the praise before he puffed out his bony ribcage with pride.
Aenna pressed her fingertips to her lips to stop her tremulous lips from breaking into a grin in keeping with the solemnity of Corl's demeanour.
"Shall we make our way then?" Drinian prompted them.
"By all means Lord Drinian," Aenna agreed, nudging Corl.
"Please Lady, I would be most grateful to you if you dispensed of my formal title. Drinian would be most welcome," Drinian said respectfully.
Aenna's indigo eyes registered a slight degree of surprise before she nodded accordingly, "by all means Drinian, I would be honoured."
Caspian grinned at the exchange knowing only too well how Drinian abhorred his formal title.
"You see Lady Aenna, Drinian has been at sea these past four months and sailors and pirates rarely bother with titles. His return to courtly manners is quite the adjustment," Caspian teased as Drinian rolled his eyes good-naturedly.
Aenna chuckled lightly. "It seems we must find ways to help Drinian reacquaint himself then," she mused airily, eyes twinkling.
Drinian snorted. "It appears the mischief of your wards has rubbed off on you Lady," he grinned.
Lady Aenna ducked her head, a grin on her lips as a light blush suffused her cheeks. "My apologies Drinian – "
"Pirates! – You fought pirates?!" Corl was gazing up at the dark-haired Captain now with a new-found reverence.
"Corl," Aenna called again lightly while Caspian and Drinian exchanged grins.
"I know you said never to interrupt others unless it was really really important," Corl rushed looking up emphatically at his tutor, "but Aenna – pirates!"
Aenna couldn't maintain her slightly reproving look as she grinned, nodding understandingly, "of course. Fighting pirates is evidently of the utmost importance," she agreed.
"Well I am glad to meet someone who appreciates how important fighting pirates is," Drinian said aloud, tilting his head slightly in respect towards Corl, a smirk teasing at his lips.
Corl looked up at Aenna again, looking confidently smug as he grinned.
A sudden long jovial blast of a horn blew somewhere off in the distance.
"The Games are starting soon," Drinian warned, before smiling as Corl bounced eagerly on his toes.
"Come on Aenna! I want to sit really close to see all the duels!" Corl tugged impatiently at Aenna's skirts.
"Yes little soldier," Aenna acquiesced, "go and fetch your cloak."
Corl whined, "Aenna!"
"I assure you Lady, the day is hot, there is no need for outer garments," Drinian said.
Aenna smiled, but her expression was strained. "Corl has been ill of late Drinian," she said quietly, "I would take no chances."
"Of course Lady, you must do what you deem fit for your wards."
Corl rushed off then to the adjacent adjoining room; the patter of his feet echoing.
"Has Corl's illness been serious?" Caspian queried when the little Archenland royal was out of earshot.
Aenna's expression was guarded again, cautious as were her eyes. Caspian smirked inwardly. Aenna was loyal to Archenland, to the proud royal family of King Avrain not to King Caspian or Narnia. She would admit no weakness of Archenland to him.
Yet, there was worry plain shining in her eyes and pinched her delicately drawn lips.
"I am afraid so," she finally relented quietly.
Drinian and Caspian exchanged worried glances as they heard Corl, having retrieved his cloak racing back towards them.
"Mistress Reani is the healer here at the Cair. I know of no better at her profession than she and adding to her credit she has raised five sons on her own since her husband's death. I would have her examine Corl if my Lady permits it?" Caspian said quietly as Corl reached them, already struggling with the clasp of his cloak.
A fond smile graced Aenna's face as she reached forth with nimble fingers to secure the clasp for her little ward.
Corl pouted stubbornly, "I'm not a baby," he muttered.
Aenna chucked his chin lightly when she finished, "nay little soldier. But even great Kings need help putting on their armour is that not so King Caspian?"
Caspian smiled as he nodded in agreement and Corl was instantly mollified.
The little bundle of energy was not still for long though as he was already darting for the door, skidding across the parquet floors with gleeful excitement. Caspian couldn't imagine the boy before him suffering from any illness.
"I thank you Your Majesty. I am only Corl's tutor though I love him dearly. I would ask your permission to bring your suggestion to Princess Nieva, Corl's mother?" Aenna murmured as Drinian opened the door for Corl.
"Of course, by all means," Caspian assured her, "and if I may be as bold as my friend – I'd request you call me simply Caspian."
Aenna's eyes widened in unadulterated shock. "Nay Your Majesty I could not," she blurted out immediately, before blushing heavily and dropping her gaze.
"Forgive me," Aenna murmured as Caspian smiled indulgently. "I have lived as part of the Archenland royal family for nigh on five years of my life. Never once have I been permitted to drop official titles. Indeed for the first year I referred to Corl as Lord."
Corl snorted as he looked up at Aenna, clearly having caught the end of her words.
"I hated when you had to call me Lord, Aenna," Corl said honestly. Aenna's expression relaxed once more into an affectionate smile. It seemed Corl was the perfect antidote for his tutor. "I don't know little Lord, I rather say you liked it sometimes," she teased.
Corl rolled his silver-blue eyes, attempting an aloof expression as they followed him out of the room. Corl at first walked proudly with a stiff air that was particularly reminiscent of his grandfather. However as the sounds of the growing crowds drifted in through the open windows Corl became impatient and his pompous gait was lost.
He skipped happily along the hallways, calling out to them impatiently, often disappearing. Cair Paravel was a daunting palace and often presented a maze to those unused to its halls.
Each time Aenna's brow would crease with the slightest line of consternation that would melt away at the appearance of her sunny-haired ward again.
"He is an exuberant little urchin," Drinian remarked as Corl reappeared once more, throwing them another grin.
Aenna chuckled lightly, "that, Drinian; is quite the understatement," she corrected, her brows contracting slightly as the hallway fell silent once more with Corl's disappearance.
"Corl," Aenna called; her voice straining to echo along the empty hallway.
Caspian peeked his head in the door he had last saw King Avrain's grandson disappear through. However the room presented only a dusty empty study. Though Caspian's trained eyes effortlessly noted the disturbances in the unsettled dust on the floor in the shape of small boot-prints.
Caspian exited the room ambling down the hall towards where Aenna was standing stationary.
"He was definitely…" Caspian began to say when Aenna silenced him by holding a firm finger to her lips as a signal for silence.
Caspian sketched a brow in silent surprise. It was a rare occasion when someone tried to silence the King of Narnia.
Aenna's finger moved from her lips then as she extended her arm to point.
Caspian followed her direction and noticed the small rounded toes of a pair of tawny boots sticking out from beneath a heavy tapestry.
He smirked slightly just as Drinian emerged from another room further down the hall, frowning thoughtfully as he shrugged helplessly.
Caspian repeated the gesture and Drinian almost laughed aloud at the sight only Aenna reiterated her point by pressing her finger once more firmly to her lips.
"I regret to inform you that I couldn't locate Corl," Drinian said mournfully then.
Aenna's eyes sparkled, "that is most unfortunate," she said emphatically, "whatever shall we do?"
"I propose we proceed to the Games and perhaps Corl is already there," Caspian said lightly.
The boots shifted nervously and Aenna bit back a smile.
"I agree King Caspian," she said, "lets to the Games and hope my Archenland soldier will appear shortly."
"Wait! Wait! – I'm here!"
The frantic cries were muffled as Corl fought to free himself from the swathing heavy tapestry.
Aenna chuckled lightly as they went to help free the little Archenland royal.
After a moment or two a blonde head of ruffled hair poked out. The small face was pink and the eyes round as Corl looked up at them all.
"I was only playing!" he told them earnestly before looking to Aenna with that same utterly pleading expression he had used on Caspian.
Caspian let out a long breath; wondering how Aenna ever managed to refuse the boy anything.
"You weren't really going to leave me Aenna?" Corl asked.
The teasing expression on Aenna's face morphed as she grasped the small chin between her thumb and forefinger firmly, "nay my little soldier. I would never willingly leave you."
Corl's expression immediately brightened once more then, "good," he announced with a grin, "because no one tells stories like you do Aenna."
Aenna released her hold on Corl and that was all the invitation Corl needed as he bounded off down the hallway again with renewed enthusiasm.
Aenna's brow creased again as vague worry shadowed her eyes.
"I'll fetch him and make sure he doesn't find himself in any mischief," Drinian said good-naturedly.
"An impossible task," Aenna warned Drinian teasingly, "Corl is likely to ensnare you in some mischief or other."
Caspian laughed. "I wouldn't worry. Drinian has a rather uncanny gift himself of causing mischief."
"Then I see Corl shall be in kindred company," Aenna murmured wryly as she tilted her head towards Drinian.
"You have my solemn word Lady that I will endeavour to keep Corl and myself out of all mischief until we reach the Games," Drinian solemnly swore, giving an unnecessary bow.
Aenna's eyes twinkled with laughter, "your word is only half fulfilled my lord if the boy in question is still creeping stealthily down halls."
Aenna's gaze flickered over Drinian's shoulder and the Captain turned just in time to see a fair head of hair disappear from sight.
"Duty and my solemn word compel me," Drinian said in parting.
Caspian and Aenna chuckled then as Drinian made his way swiftly down the hall towards where Corl had been lingering moments before with a rather mischievous expression on his small features.
"Lord Drinian is very kind to humour Corl so," Aenna remarked.
Caspian grinned in agreement. "He has numerous nieces and nephews who all adore and extol him as the greatest uncle."
"I can imagine," Aenna replied laughingly. "You also were very gracious to humour him Your Majesty," Aenna added softly. "When Corl is comfortable around people he forgets such things as propriety and dictated custom. I apologise for his somewhat unruly behaviour just now. I…"
However Caspian held up a hand before Aenna could continue.
"Corl is just a boy; something I understand and appreciate well. My Professor would tell you he is not half as troublesome as I was at his age."
Aenna laughed soundly at them, relief easing her features, "not all nobles are so tolerant of boisterous children," she murmured vaguely.
"Oh?" Caspian sketched a brow and Aenna blushed heavily.
"Forgive me Your Majesty, I spoke out of turn. Tis not my place to remark on those above my station."
Caspian frowned lightly, "then whose place is it to criticise high born nobles and even kings when they are wrong?"
Aenna looked at Caspian in mild surprise, "I have never met a noble that questioned their own infallibility."
Caspian scoffed laughingly. "Professor Cornelius would have rapped my knuckles if I told him I believed myself infallible."
Aenna chuckled softly again, the look of mild astonishment still reflected in her eyes, "your Professor seems a wise man," she murmured.
Caspian grinned enigmatically, "he certainly is," he agreed, just as he and Aenna stepped out from the labyrinth of the Cair's winding passageways and into the main greeting halls.
I apologise again and again for the very long wait – it was Aenna. Her character has changed so many times and so drastically that I was becoming so frustrated with her. I had this chapter finished a while ago but just as I was reading over it before I posted it, I changed it all again. So once more, my apologies and I can only hope the changes I made were worth the wait.
Thanks to new favourites / & / follows!
Replies to reviews;
Just Me; Thanks for the review! Oh, I don't want to give anything away :P
LillyZ; Thanks for the review! I'm really glad to hear you're enjoying the story!
sarahwood; Thanks for the review! Susan will be appearing, don't worry! But in the meantime, here's the OC :P
W.H; Thanks for the review; I'm glad to hear you like my characterisation of Drinian. All will be revealed...in time :P!
