Chapter 9: An Unwelcome Proposal
"Come, Lucy," said Edmund. They followed Hyreus out and down towards the main reception room.
"Edmund, what are we to do?" she whispered. "If the king suspects—"
"Do not worry," he answered. "We will think of something." He hugged her tightly to him for a moment. "You and I are certainly the cleverest ones of the four of us." He gave her a wink, and Lucy smiled, in spite of the situation.
But Lucy was again feeling worried by the time they entered the room. Cirdon was pacing the room, and three of his men stood uneasily, eyeing the Narnian guards who stood watch by the door. As they entered, Cirdon exclaimed, "Your Majesty! What is the meaning of this? Your guards made it very hard for me to refuse your—" He caught sight of Lucy, and stopped.
"I am very sorry, Your Highness," said Edmund. "The High King felt it necessary to speak with you immediately. However, I've received word that your father is on his way, presumably to ask why his son was roused from the guest house and brought up here. I must make haste if I'm to head him off. The High King will be here shortly." With that said, Edmund made a quick retreat. Now left alone, Cirdon turned to Lucy. Without hesitation, he took her hands in his, and pulled her close, so that they were only inches apart. "My queen, did you receive my note?" he whispered.
Lucy was a little alarmed to be held in such a way by the prince, but she replied, "Yes, and you have my thanks. Your man Terian is safe. Do not fear. My brothers already know that your father poses a threat, and are guarding themselves against treachery."
"Regardless, my actions will have forced his hand." He seemed to be talking more to himself than to Lucy, but when he looked at her, she could see that his eyes were shining. "If I have caused you or this great house any heartache, please know that I do it unknowingly, or unwillingly. Your friendship has meant . . . more than you realize." He drew her hands up, and kissed them.
There were voices in the hallway, and they heard Tumnus saying, "This way, Your Majesty, just follow me . . ." Lucy and Cirdon turned around, and Lucy saw Hyreus standing by the door, watching it intensely. King Marlan's voice came next, saying, "I demand to see the High King immediately!" and Cirdon's men stood tall, eyes darting to the prince for instructions. Cirdon quickly let go of Lucy's hands, and gestured towards his guards. "Do nothing without my command," he said to them quietly.
The door burst open and Marlan entered, red-faced and angry, followed by Terebinthian soldiers and a very pained-looking Mr. Tumnus. Hyreus stepped out in front of the king and bowed. "Your Majesty," he said, "may I be of service to you?"
Marlan wrinkled his nose at Hyreus and said, "Not another one of these creatures! Are there no humans to greet a king?" Hyreus' eyes narrowed, but stepped out of the way. Cirdon looked at his father crossly. "Father, you forget your place," said Cirdon. "These Fauns are subjects of the High King."
"As I have heard," he replied disdainfully. Seeing Edmund enter a moment later, he said, "Why have you dragged my son up here? How dare you send soldiers to summon him! He is the Crown Prince of Terebinthia."
"And the High King of Narnia—" Edmund began in a huff, but Lucy cut him off. "It is entirely my fault, Your Majesty," she said, stepping forward and curtseying to the king. She could sense her brother stiffen at what he surely saw as a gesture beneath a queen, but quickly went on, "I was the one who sent the messengers to the prince. For you see," she said, in her most humblest and sweetest voice, "His Highness and I have grown accustomed to having tea together each evening, and taking a stroll in the gardens before retiring for the night. When he hadn't arrived, I became worried, and sent word for him to return to the castle." She bit her lip and lowered her eyes, hoping that it made her look like a harmless maid. "I never realized that my actions would cause such a fuss." She risked a glance towards Edmund, and nearly regretted it: his mouth was contorted to keep himself from laughing, and she nearly giggled in spite of herself.
A moment that seemed to take much longer elapsed, but to Lucy's surprise and everyone's relief, the king smiled wide. "Well, my dear Lady, if that is the case, all is forgiven. I did not realize that you had such a deep friendship with my son. I am honored that you care so much of his well-being." He reached out and took her hand, patting it reassuringly. Turning to Edmund, he said, "I still wish to see King Peter, however. Shall we let these young ones go on their way?"
"Of course," Edmund said. He nodded towards Hyreus, who opened the door for them to exit. As she passed by Edmund, he leaned in to kiss Lucy on the cheek, and said to her, "Be cautious still." Lucy nodded and she and Cirdon left, followed by the Faun and Cirdon's men. "Mr. Tumnus," said Edmund, "will you see where my brother is? Please tell him that the king of Terebinthia wishes an audience." Tumnus left quickly, and Edmund called for wine and food to be brought before settling himself in a chair across from Marlan.
"Now that all that is settled," he said, "is there something that Your Majesty desires to say?"
Marlan looked at Edmund evenly. "Perhaps it would be best to wait for the High King to arrive. After all, any agreements we would arrange could be overruled without his consent, correct? Why waste words and waste time?"
Edmund's first reaction was to give a rude retort, but he quickly stilled his temper, a skill he had learned years before after taking the Narnian throne. He is trying to arouse my anger, Edmund thought to himself. This king thinks he is a master of manipulating others . . . and perhaps he is, in his own court. "You may be surprised to learn, Your Majesty, that my brother Peter does not 'overrule' decisions that I or my sisters may make. We each have our own place in this kingdom, and share many responsibilities."
Marlan had an amused look on his face. "Your royal brother is shrewd enough to allow such an arrangement. Naturally he would want to find a place for each of you in his court."
Edmund could feel the heat rising in his cheeks. "I feel it most important to remind Your Majesty that there are four thrones here at Cair Paravel, and it was four monarchs that Aslan himself crowned as kings and queens to rule Narnia."
"Of course, of course," Marlan laughed. "Certainly if the monarchs who are to be left to rule as great a nation as Narnia were not yet approaching adulthood, there would be a need for more than the usual number."
"You may find such a number unusual, as it were," said Edmund coolly, "but it was Aslan's will, as it was through his grace that my brother and sisters and I brought an end to the White Witch's reign. Do you dare to question the command of Aslan himself?"
The Terebinthian king laughed again. "Forgive an old man and his old-fashioned ways, sir. I must beg your patience in my understanding of the unconventional methods that seem to work so well for Narnia." The two men regarded each other closely again. After a moment, Marlan continued, "From all that my son has told me, it would seem as if Narnia has entered a time of renewal, a true golden age. I wish nothing more than to see this prosperity continue. I wonder, however, if Your Majesties have given much thought to the future?"
"In which regard?" asked Edmund composedly. Edmund was incredulous at this new turn in the conversation. This king was surely the most arrogant that Edmund had ever encountered!
"Why, in regard to who will rule when you are gone, of course! As a man who has long since left the flower of youth behind, it is something that I find myself contemplating daily."
"It would seem apparent that your son the Crown Prince would take the throne."
Marlan snorted. "None knows the future, save the great Emperor-beyond-the-Sea. Perhaps Cirdon will rule Terebinthia one day." He leaned in closer to Edmund. "Permit me to give some advice, as a friend who has ruled for many long years and has learned many wise truths."
"Of course, Your Majesty." Edmund folded his hands, trying to keep the bitterness from his voice. But Edmund recognized that despite the insulting nature of the conversation, Marlan was revealing much in what he was saying, and even more in what he was leaving unsaid.
"It is folly to leave the future of your country to chance. It is best to be decided as early as possible. In this way, you can ensure that things will continue as you wish after you are gone." Marlan leaned back in his chair and smiled. "After all, Your Majesties will not be here forever. And which of you will provide the future that Narnia needs to be secure?"
Edmund was unsure of how much more of the conversation he could manage, but luckily, there was a brief knock, and two Dwarfs entered and announced the arrival of the High King. Both men rose and greeted Peter as he walked into the room. After a nod in welcome, Peter said, "My dear King Marlan, it is a surprise to see you again so soon. I understand you desired to speak with me on a matter of much urgency?"
"That is true, High King, although the nature of my need has changed since arriving." They took their seats and he continued, "When I first arrived this evening, it was to find my son, and to know why it was he was ushered back to the castle directly." He smiled wide. "However, your dear sister explained that she had summoned him. It seems that Her Majesty and my Cirdon have been spending their evenings together."
Peter's face remained composed, but when he looked over to Edmund for confirmation, Edmund could see his eyes were wide, containing a mixture of alarm and confusion. Edmund tried to give him a look to show him that he had things under control. "That is true, brother," said Edmund. "It was Lucy who called for the prince." I'll explain all later, he tried to communicate to Peter.
After a pause, Peter said, "I am glad to hear that you found no need for concern. What is it you wish to discuss now?"
"A matter on which I have been contemplating greatly since I left Terebinthia. I believe that all concerned will benefit from my inspiration, as it were. And it is this: for you to allow your royal sister to wed my son."
Peter placed his fingertips together, forming a steeple. He had had this conversation numerous times before. Many nobles had come to Narnia over the past few years for Susan, and each had thought they could barter for her hand. "The Queen Susan receives suitors according to her own will, and makes decisions regarding her heart in her own time. We do not assume to know what is best for Her Majesty in such matters."
So this is it, then, thought Edmund. He had also noted the change in Peter's tone, and the switch to formal language. But Marlan threw his head back and laughed as if this were the funniest joke he had ever heard. "Doubtless, friend! Nay, it is not Her Majesty Queen Susan to whom I was referring. Certainly Her Grace would make a fine prize for any prince or king lucky enough to win her hand. I was speaking of your other sister, Lucy. Such a match would be a fine union for both of our nations. I must confess that I am unfamiliar with Narnian custom regarding such matters, but in Terebinthia such things are not discussed about the youngest in the family first. However, seeing that my son and your sister have already begun a relationship of sorts, perhaps it would be best to bend the rules this time, so to speak. To be truthful, I did not think the topic warranted discussion for at least several days. But with tonight's developments the situation has changed."
Edmund watched Peter closely. He feared that he may have to fulfill the promise he had made earlier regarding Marlan's insults. Indeed, Peter's eyes had darkened while listening to the king's proposition, and he had pursed his lips together. "As King of Narnia, we are always seeking ways to bind our kingdom to those who are true to Narnia and loyal to Aslan. Therefore, we assume that this proposal is said out of friendship and a desire to draw our two nations closer."
Marlan smiled. "Naturally, High King. What would make a tie between Terebinthia and Narnia stronger than a marriage such as this? I imagine that parting with the Lady for such a small country as Terebinthia would be much easier for you, as well."
"These ladies you speak of," said Edmund, "are the heart and soul of Narnia itself. I will save my brother the trouble of informing you that we do not regard them as bargaining pieces of any kind, and do not look kindly on those who wish to refer to them as such."
Marlan turned to Edmund, meeting his gaze in a challenge. "Never would I dare to dishonor either of the Queens. Rather," he said, turning back to Peter, "I wish to open your mind to the possibilities that will be by allowing the marriage. Your sister will be Queen of Terebinthia, and your own nephews one day rule as kings themselves."
"So your son will be succeeding you on the throne, then?" asked Edmund slyly.
Marlan frowned. This young king was proving to be a nuisance. "All things are by Aslan's will," he answered. "Does not every man wish to see his son fulfill his dreams? Does not every king feel his heart ache at the hope of his son ascending the throne after him? Surely you, High King, can understand these feelings. Besides," he continued, "it seems that the two have found each other's company more than agreeable. Who are we to stand in the way of what has been cultivated all its own? With circumstances as they are, why wait? My son and your sister are certainly not!"
The three sat in silence for a moment. Marlan had sat back, a furtive smile on his face. Peter and Edmund exchanged another look. It was obvious to both what Marlan was saying, and both knew that the king was attempting to rouse suspicion. Peter almost smiled in spite of himself. Marlan had obviously underestimated them greatly, and did not realize that the two brothers could nearly communicate without speaking. In the look that was exchanged, the message had been clear: We need to send this king a clear message: Lucy will not marry the prince, and Marlan's visit to Narnia is now at an end.
Edmund stood. "Your Majesty, allow us time to speak to the Queen regarding these matters. If you would permit me to send for your escort, we can continue these talks at a later date."
There was an awkward silence as he waited for Marlan to stand. Instead, however, the king remained seated. "My apologies, King Edmund. If it is all the same, I would prefer to decide this matter now, tonight."
Edmund felt his anger at being insulted flare inside his head. "I do not see how anything further needs to be said," he replied in a forced tone. "You have made your offer. The High King has promised to consider it. Most importantly, the queen must be consulted before any decisions are made. Nothing will be decided tonight."
Marlan looked as if he were about to lose his temper with Edmund. "Do you not see what is between Cirdon and the queen? Things have been long decided before tonight, son. You would do your sister honor only by allowing the marriage. I may be much older than you, King Edmund, but I am no dotard."
Finally, Peter stood. He had had enough. "No, Your Majesty. You are no dotard, but you are still a guest in this house, and I am High King here. I will not allow any more discussion of what is in the hearts of those who are not present to affirm or defend them. Good night, King Marlan." Peter's look was stern, and there was finality in his tone that put no doubt in anyone's mind that the conversation was finished. The two kings regarded each other for a long moment. Then, Marlan gave a half-smile and stood. "Very well, High King," he said, his voice containing a sneer. "We shall see what tomorrow brings." He walked to the door, calling loudly for his guard, and left, the door banging behind him.
Immediately, Peter turned to Edmund. "What is this the king speaks of? He dares to say such things about Lucy! Could what Tumnus told us earlier be true? What do you know of this?"
"Only that Lucy was the one who may have saved us from a larger problem," Edmund replied, heatedly. "Do not allow Marlan to cloud your mind in regards to Lucy until you know the full truth." Quickly, Edmund told Peter of the letter she had received, and how she had kept Marlan's anger at bay. "The king speaks of our sister's honor—yet he knows nothing of honor!" he finished.
Peter's face was troubled. "Yet he says these things without fear. Either he thinks that we can be so easily intimidated by his insinuations, or he has something else in mind." Peter thought for a moment. "Edmund, when you visited Terebinthia years ago, what was the state of their army? Is it strong?"
Edmund frowned. "You do not think Marlan would try something by force!"
"If the prince's letter is correct, then the king wants Narnia, and he will stop at nothing. I do not believe for an instant that his son's happiness is his concern. He must be pushing the marriage as a means to make Narnia his own. But he would not push this hard if he did not have an alternate plan." He paused for a moment. "We must make ourselves ready for whatever may come." Edmund recognized the change coming over Peter. He had become very calm, and his voice was hard. In his time as king of Narnia, Peter had become a true soldier. Never had he thought of conquering, or riches, or cared about the spoils of war. But the defense of Narnia was always on his mind, as it had always been since he had fought the Wolf, and killed it to defend his sisters. Going to battle was never easy for Peter, who much preferred to have peace, and dreaded leaving the happiness of Cair Paravel. But the soldier part of him always awoke when he felt Narnia was in danger, as it was now.
Meanwhile, Marlan made his way back to the guest house, surrounded by his guard. When he arrived, his councilors were waiting for him. "These kings are too arrogant," said Marlan to himself. "I will remind them of what being a true ruler entails." Then, ordering his men, he said, "Signal the ships. If they still refuse the marriage tomorrow, we will show how truly persuasive I can be. And find my son. I do not want him out of my sight for another moment."
