Pain…loss…anger…betrayal…fierce betrayal; those were what he was feeling. He knew not which feeling was stronger, only that all were threatening to overwhelm him. But can any Narnian blame him? He was tortured, beaten and thrown to the very pits of hell by their sworn enemies. Only the thoughts of vengeance fed his hope and his desire for justice made the taunts of his tormentors bearable. But what came of justice? What came of rightness? If what he has heard is true, his patience and his hope were for naught… for they have yielded to the enemy. Was it folly that they placed their trust in Cornelius? Was it madness that a thousand years of planning involved but a horn? Cornelius failed them, for the Kings and Queens of Old did not give the deliverance the Narnians were seeking.
"Visitors to see you." Said a curt voice. Visitors? He wondered. Who will the elves allow to visit a traitor? Better yet, a Narnian traitor? He pulled his chains, its clanking and dull sound, a reminder that it was fruitless to escape. He looked up and perceived a silhouette of a man of medium height. Only then when the figure came closer did he realize that his visitor was a lot younger than he surmised.
"Don't be afraid." Said a calm voice of a boy on the verge of adulthood. "Are you Nikabrik? Friend of Trumpkin?"
"Who's asking?" the dwarf answered back, brusque and voice dripping with distrust. He moved closer to the bars and squinted to get a better view of the boy who knew his name.
"I am King Edmund." Was the reply. "I'm here to set you free."
"King Edmund?" he scoffed. "King Edmund was no boy! Were you sent by General Eladar to further torture me?!" This was definitely a new kind of attack. "I will not speak still, no matter the provocation!"
"'Tis true Nikabrik." Said a voice behind the boy. "He is King Edmund the Just, Duke of Lanterne Waste and Count of the Western March."
"Trufflehunter?" he asked incredulously. "What did you say?" A badger then appeared behind the boy and approached him.
"I am King Edmund. Your troubles are over kind sir." Edmund said his voice calming and wise even to the skeptical dwarf. "We commend you for your bravery and I know in my heart that you never betray Aslan and Narnia." The king then motioned to the stationed guard to open the bars. "Please unchain him." He asked.
"Is it true then?" Nikabrik's voice cracked, his worst fears confirmed. "You have made a pact with these evil savages!" He spat as he saw the guard Fenmarel smirk and tug his chains. "Soldier! Gently!" ordered Edmund, his tone commanding.
"Nay Nikabrik!" the badger replied before Edmund could open his mouth. "Not a pact but a barter for our lives and freedom."
"A barter?" he asked rubbing his wrists. "What could they possibly want from us other than our deaths?!"
"This is not the place nor the time for us to argue." The King said. "I understand the pain you went through and the hopelessness for I too was imprisoned once." Only then did Nikabrik look at the eyes of the one who set him free and saw wisdom beyond his years. King Edmund then placed his hand on the dwarf's shoulder and said: "The price was great. It was not the freedom we prayed for but more than what we could hope for." He then signed and continued. "It was paid by my sister and your queen."
Looking down with confusion Nikabrik kept silent but his anger was not to be dismissed. He will wait and will see but He will not forget nor will he forgive.
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Legolas stumbled through the hallway anxious to reach his chamber. He felt as if lead weights were bringing him down and iron chains were wrapped around his chest. He took huge gasps of air as he finally reached his room. He managed to close the door before collapsing on the carpeted floor.
"Noooooo….." he moaned as he saw the Great Eye staring at him and pinning him in a timeless grip. Last he felt such pain was when he banished his father and killed his uncle Tethrin to seize the throne. Was it his conscience that caused it? Such emotions could be his undoing. But he had no reason to feel regret. Not when he just gained Susan's hand…
"Ahhh!" He whimpered trying to rein the pain in. He felt a strong stab to his heart and brain as the image of the queen came to him.
"Yield to me…" a deathly hollow voice said in his mind.
He braced himself and tried standing up, holding on to his bed for support. He grabbed the ring hanging on his neck and felt it burn. He immediately thought of his kingdom, his minions and his greater power now that he has control of the Narnians. Willing himself not to think of the beauty he just kissed, the pain lessened as his mind wandered to the gifts he may possess thru Rhindon and Queen Lucy's serum.
As if pacified he heard a hissing sound, strangely calming and he lied down on his bed. Queen Susan is just a pawn, a strategy to dominate more people and lands. He will not be deceived and distracted by this small bundle of hair, curves, eyes, lips…"Sweet Erú!" he exclaimed. "Those lips…" he whispered as a fresh wave of pain hit him.
By sheer will, he stood up and shook his head as if to clear it. He will not be persuaded to back out of the Ring's promises now. He would harden his heart and deal with the Queen as he has dealt with his other subjects, with an iron fist and a cold heart.
With new determination, he strode towards his wardrobe to prepare for the gathering tonight. He will not be defeated by this he resolved.
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Susan stared at her reflection as she quietly combed her thick long hair. She was still confused by the emotions warring in her, shame, compassion and want. She took in the gown she wore and blushed as she regarded her bare shoulders. She had nothing more regal to wear, one fitting a betrothal soirée than the one she had on. It was an exquisite gown of gold she wore on her 18th birthday back in the Golden Age. 18th birthday? She mused when her body is but almost seventeen. Time in Narnia is perplexing indeed. The gown emphasized her full chest and small waist and not once had she tried looking for another gown to wear, nervous how Legolas may view her. But there was nothing more suitable she thought. She was not ready to admit that the Elvin king's reaction mattered and rendering him speechless was an appealing idea. His blue eyes staring at her like in the Art Room…
"Susan, shall we go and get Peter and Edmund now?" Lucy asked, bringing the older queen to the present.
"Oh!" she said distracted. "What will I do with my hair? I have no clips nor binds to tie it."
"You could leave it as so." Lucy advised but not with trepidation. "It is more beautiful unbound, but…" Lucy was well aware of her sister's beauty and how the Elvin king's eyes would follow her wherever she went. Encouraging him more so by bared porcelain skin shoulders and flowing hair may not be wise.
"Susan…" Lucy queried. "What exactly is happening between you and the king?"
Susan sighed as she contemplated on how to begin. "You know my purpose here Lucy. Aslan wants me to bring him back though I don't know how for the evil things he's done is I think without redemption. And I know I should hate him for what he did but…" Then she paused, unsure of how to go on.
"But what Susan?" Lucy gently asked noting her sister's agitation. "Why did you kiss him back?" She finally asked the question that was plaguing her when Susan related what happened in the Art room and hallway.
"Because…because…you might think it silly but I saw his loneliness and his need." She said. "I felt his need and desperation and like the sap that I am, I wanted to comfort and help him." Then wanting reassurance she asked: "Do I make any sense?"
"I dunno but I understand what you mean." Lucy answered. "Aslan did say he is not beyond redemption. And the way I see it, he's already in love with you though he doesn't know it yet."
"Oh hush Lucy! He doesn't love me. He wants me and clearly wishes to possess me. I have doubts if he's capable of love at this time." Susan said. "I dunno what the future holds. Only Aslan knows…." Her voice trailed off, once more lost in her thoughts she looked at her reflection.
"Come now." Lucy invited. "I believe our brothers are at the door." She said as she heard a strong knock. "Your party awaits…" She said hoping to bring ease to her sister but Susan remained contemplative as she stood up and joined her to meet their brothers.
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"The Kings and Queens of Narnia!" the heralder said as Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy descended from the stairs and into the ballroom. Peter escorted Susan while Edmund did the same to Lucy. They tried not to show their nervousness and discomfort in the face of numerous elves who openly gazed at them, some with calculation and curiosity, some with animosity.
"I wonder what they are thinking?" Susan whispered to Peter as she lightly squeezed his arm.
"I believe that they are as afraid of us as we are with them." Peter answered. "Don't worry Susan. Aslan is with us. We are with you."
Susan suddenly felt teary eyed but was able to control it. She couldn't afford to show weakness now. She scanned the room and saw a familiar and kind elvin face. When she saw Omdír look at her, she gave a perceptible nod which he answered with a smile. His was the only face that was welcoming.
When they reached the bottom of the stairs, they were greeted by the king's court and the next few minutes were spent on hands being shaken and kissed. Susan furtively looked around, for the king's absence was apparent. It was anticlimactic for she braced herself on meeting the Legolas but with him not present, she was able to relax albeit only a little.
"Queen Susan. How are you this evening?" Omdír asked as he kissed her hand as a greeting. Susan can't help but answer his smile with her own.
"Quite well sir. Thank you for asking." She replied. Then in a lower voice she asked: "May I ask what is expected of us? We know not the traditions of elves and I'm afraid we will offend others or flounder thru the night."
"Worry not Queen Susan." The elf answered reassuringly. "We are but to mingle, dance, eat dinner and await the formal announcement of your engagement with a toast. Each will be made known by the king's heralder."
"Thank you kind sir." The queen answered gratefully. "I have less to worry now." She said once more offering the General a kind smile.
"Truly General Omdír extends his help where it is most needed." Said an icy voice and Susan immediately stiffened as he heard Legolas' speak. Slowly she turned and faced the king, her heart beating faster as she regarded the towering frame of the Elf leader. Quietly staring at each other for what seemed like an eternity, Legolas finally glanced at his friend and bit: "You may leave us now." Giving his friend a curt nod, the General said: "Your majesty." Then left.
Offering her hand automatically, Susan quivered as Legolas turned her hand bestowed an ardent kiss on her palm after acknowledging her with: "How radiant you look my queen."
"King Legolas." High king Peter said as a greeting. It was curt and not warm. It easily broke the spell between the elf and Susan.
"King Peter." He answered with a nod. "Do enjoy yourself tonight." Then turning to Susan and completely taking her unawares, he asked: "May I have the first dance my queen?"
Wishing to hide but knowing it was impossible, Susan answered softly, As she placed her hand in Legolas': "Yes you may.". Walking towards the middle of the large ballroom, she said not without panic: "I know not the dances of your world."
The elf smirked, enjoying her unease and replied: "The Darahlee is similar to the waltz of your Narnia. I'm sure you will be able to keep up." He then grabbed her waist with his other hand and drew her close to him. Too close, Susan felt.
Not wanting to look up, the queen decided to look at the other dancers as they joined them on the floor. She knew the king was staring at her and it took all her will power not to blush, their last encounter in her mind.
"It seems you have found a friend in my General." Legolas opened. "Or do you willingly offer your smiles to everyone you meet?" Jealousy was not an emotion he was used to. But when he saw Susan direct her beautiful smile to Omdír, when she did nothing but scorn him, he felt the sudden urge to be violent and smite his closest ally.
"He is amiable when no one else wished to be in our presence." Was her solemn reply.
"Stay away from him." He said. "Though he is my general, I will not have my wife getting close to anyone. Understood?"
"I will not turn him against you if that's what you're thinking. " She replied angry and hurt. "I have my loyalties, and so does he."
His arm tightened around her. He then lowered his head and asked, his tone unreadable: "And where will your loyalty lie when you're married to me?"
She decided to look up and say without wavering: "To Aslan and Narnia, for always."
He stared down at her, irritated by her impudence but couldn't help but admire her willfulness as well. And once more as they looked at each other, everything else seemed to fade away. His gaze softened as he looked at her, then his stare went down to her lips.
He stumbled once more as he felt the now familiar pain at his chest. "Are you alright?" Susan asked, her concern angering him. Cursing himself for his folly he looked away and bit back: "I'm alright. Never feign care in my presence my beauty. For I know that no sooner than I turn my back on you, will I find a knife buried on my back."
She gasped, surprised at his vehemence. "My care is never practiced nor rehearsed. Not that you would know the difference between what's real and affected." She suddenly felt cold. He was a complex man, kissing her desperately one moment then attacking her the next. How can she reach this man let alone understand him?
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Susan felt as if the night was interminable. She knew not how she went through the dance after being escorted off the dance floor by such an indifferent elf. She went through the motions of greeting everyone she met, having a cordial smile ready. With the help of her siblings, she was able to live past the dinner and finally the announcement of her betrothal and wedding on the morrow. She was unable to look at Legolas, as he stood up and gave his speech about alliances and unions with his impending marriage to the Narnian Queen. Susan just automatically lifted her glass to the toast and murmured her thanks to the well wishers. Finally with the gathering about to end, she bid her leave together with her siblings and went to their respective rooms.
She sat on her bed dressed in her nightclothes, tired but unable to sleep when she heard a soft knock on her door. Thinking it was Lucy, she stood up and opened it shocked to find Legolas staring down at her with an unreadable expression.
"Legolas?" she whispered, unknowingly making the elf's internal struggle harder.
"Susan…" he began longingly but did not continue but remained still just looking at her. Then with a firm tone that broke no argument he said: "We wed tomorrow. See that you are not late." Then just as abruptly, he left, leaving a bewildered Susan at her door.
