Blood was everywhere, seeping into the dark earth, tainting the goodness forever. Six dark clad figures flew past into the shadows of the trees, the cold gleam of steel flashed silver, yet dripping with crimson liquid in the moonlight as their apparent leader sheathed his sword into its scabbard. A woman's voice screamed out for help her arms askance into the cold air pleading for assistance as she was roughly hoisted against the first figure and positioned behind him, the group riding at break neck speeds.

A scream tore from his throat as he looked at his own bloodied hands and the carnage which surrounded him. Bodies lay scattered about the dark forest, limbless fauns cut down in their dreams and centaurs some reaching for their weapons only to be deprived of that chance, their noble heads dust covered on the earth torn asunder from their bodies, their faces frozen forever in silent screams. Who or what could do something as horrific as this he wondered in shock?

He blinked twice hoping it was not true as he brought his hands to his face covering his eyes from the sight, only to leave a trail of bloody finger marks down his tanned skin. The thump of a falling pennant from a large tent to his left spurred him into action as he peeled open the flap and gingerly entered, his hands on the hilt of his sword ready for anything which came.

The sight awaiting him was nothing less than that of outside. This was utter chaos he thought looking at clothes, jewellery and food scattered about the tent. It was not only until he spied the ivory quiver of Susan's tossed in a corner, devoid of her arrows, then only did he realize whose tent this was. Panic grew in his stomach as he furiously tore through the room looking for her, shattering the quiet air with an ear piercing cry, as he found Susan motionless body covered in numerous wounds and her blue eyes now cold and lifeless staring upward!

Caspian awoke from his slumber, sweat drenched and his heart pounding furiously at the vividness of the nightmare. What could this possibly mean? Was it some premonition of things to come or his natural fear that Susan would be taken away from him sooner than he would like, despite the positive strides both had taken since his arrival? Whatever the dreams meant, he could not interpret them as meaningless Caspian thought as he strode to his window, glancing at Anglachel resting next to the unopened present Susan left last night.

"What trouble blows in our direction?" he said quietly enjoying the caressing of the ocean breeze on his skin, as he watched the sun cast its brilliant hues into the cold morning dew signalling a new day.

"Oh to be free as the wind

A sharp blade at my side,

Three women in front of me

Yet none can be my bride…"

"Corin will you shut up before I have more cause to throw you overboard!" Aravis shouted unplugging her fingers from her ears she looked at the singing Prince of Archeland, standing at the bow of their rowboat, chest puffed out, arms thrown open to the wide sea and screeching his head off in pleasure.

"Why Aravis, it is a beautiful day, we are all out of the castle heading for adventure; would you deny me the chance of expressing my joy?" Corin questioned giving her a most sorrowful look.

"Anything but singing Corin, I would rather not be caught out on the open sea during a thunder storm and especially in this tiny rowboat." Aravis countered hotly. "Look! Even the seagulls who were circling us before have now fled from your squawking." She pointed upwards drawing laughter from the others as Corin crossed his arms in defiance unwilling to move from his favourite spot.

"Et tu Caspian?" Corin whimpered a betrayed look on his face as Caspian turned to face him a wry smile on his face.

"Come help us row Corin, Galma is not that very far now and I am certain you can sing all the sonnets you wish for on the island. With three able rowers our time getting there will be quicker." Caspian cajoled as Corin withdrew from his position, seated himself at another set of oars and ploughed the waters relentlessly, choosing this option to release his energy.

He felt the presence of approving eyes on him as he looked up to see a smiling Susan before him seated to the side Lucy and Aravis nodding to him in thanks for his skilful solution to Corin's exuberance and he smiled in return. All three looked stunning but it was Susan to whom his eyes were drawn magnetically to. Decked off in the same green gown, he had seen her in the orchards, she seemed at complete ease in the small boat, as she leaned over the side dipping her fingers into the turquoise waters, adding her own trail to the churning foam from the oars and laughing in delight. He wanted nothing more than to join her in the revelry but his eyes narrowed at the sight of Peridan watching her as intently, spoiling his mood.

His mind wandered to the events of the night before replaying the tender moment with a warm, willing Susan in his arms to the nightmare of her cold skin and he felt his blood run cold at the thought of her dead. He had vowed relentlessly that would never happen under his watch unless he too would be taken into the Great Beyond of Aslan's country.

"Land ahead!" Corin's eager voice shouted as Caspian glanced up, skilfully steering their vessel past the jagged black, granite rocks surrounding them, wetting the entire crew with the salty ocean spray as the rough waters calmed into a ripple of sort, as they rowed into a natural rock cavern leading them to the main inlet of the Island.

"Bend your back Corin. Soon you will explore to your heart's content." Caspian ordered as the young man eagerly took up oars once more all three men rowing towards the shores ahead of them.

"Land Ahoy!" Corin grunted as he and Caspian pushed the boat on the shore, the former holding out his hand as both he and Peridan assisted the ladies from the boat, while Caspian secured the vessel.

Galma was the epitome of beauty surpassing all of the Islands he had visited on the Dawn Treader. The Lone Islands with their rolling green hills were no comparison to the expanse of milky white shores surrounded by the sea green waters, birds and other animals calling to each other in the dense, green foliage before them. In the echoes of his mind, he heard the jubilation among the people as they chanted him name loudly with his victories over the other Knights of Galma in their tournament. Drinian and his crew hoisted him on sturdy shoulders as they proceeded to the Duke of Galma to claim their prize.

He recalled the sad look on Rebecca's face as he gently declined her father's invitation to marry her and later the conversation with Lucy on his reasons. The truth be told, Rebecca's freckles and squinting eyes had nothing to do with his rejection. She had resembled Susan greatly from her dark hair to the freckles on her nose. At that point, he wanted nothing or no one, to distract him from the face and memory of Susan Pevensie.

"A crescent for your thoughts Caspian." Aravis asked suddenly as he turned to her shrugging.

"Simply wondering whether the Island is inhabited." He replied looking around at the multitude of colourful birds flying from tree to tree.

"It is not." Peridan confirmed from his place beside Lucy. "Some years ago both Orion and I came for that purpose, have no fear it is unpopulated by any Narnians." He explained meeting Caspian's gaze.

After the events of yesterday, both men were cordial but guarded against each other. Though Peridan insisted on accompanying them today, he was only allowed by vowing both he and Caspian would not be at each other's throats. They had no other choice but to accede to the wishes of a very uncompromising Susan backed up by Lucy and Aravis and secretly Corin as well.

"Galma even rivals Cair Paravel." Lucy said inhaling the cool breeze wafting through the trees.

"For once, I actually agree with Lucy." Corin chimed, looking about, his eyes bright with curiosity.

"Where should we begin?' Susan asked as all three looked expectantly to Caspian.

"I am a stranger to this land as you are." He replied knowing the Galma of his time would have changed considerably from this wild island before them. "Peridan has been here before, he should choose." Caspian replied surprising an off guard Lord with his statement.

"Well, on our last visit Orion and I stumbled upon a sea cave roughly a league to the West. It is safe enough but we have brought neither torch nor flint." Peridan replied as Corin ran to the boat, dragging a bulging brown sack.

"Flint…torch, they are in here, somewhere. I picked up two last night as I was packing." He muttered throwing an odd assortment of paint palettes, brushes, ink bottles and canvas on the sand.

"Corin, when did you being painting?" Aravis questioned, picking up a vial of turpentine.

"Not for me." He replied sticking his head out of the sack. "For Susan to draw, I was certain she would be inspired by our surroundings so I brought these." Corin gestured to the items before resuming his diligent search.

"I did not know you painted." Caspian exclaimed admiration plain in his voice as Susan and the others smiled.

"It is a favourite pastime of mine, though I am not as good as Lucy." Susan replied wrapping an affectionate arm around her sister's shoulders.

"Found them!" Corin shouted brandishing the two items in his hands, holding them proudly upwards. "Susan, Susan you are too humble." Corin corrected as he turned to a bemused Caspian. "Come to Archenland and I will show you the portrait Susan drew of yours truly!" Corin said proudly.

"Dare I ask?" Caspian ventured as Corin's smile grew even wider.

"Why, a faun of course!" Corin boasted as he gathered the fallen items throwing them back into their place and thrust the sack into Caspian's arms.

"Why me?" Caspian asked indignantly, struggling to balance the weight of the sack.

"Silly Caspian, Susan never goes into caves, especially dark ones." Corin explained as Caspian looked to her for confirmation.

"I thought all caves were dark." Aravis countered smirking, as Corin growled in defiance both beginning another argument.

"Are you afraid of the dark?" Caspian asked her quietly as she nodded looking on as Corin and Aravis' argument got louder Lucy and Peridan attempting to halt the battle.

"Since I was a child." Susan confirmed as Caspian smiled kindly at her. "It is silly a grown woman should feel that way." She added.

"It is not." He replied softly as Susan looked at him. "Very well, if you would like, we can explore a bit and meet the others at the boat before sunset." Caspian volunteered to a grateful Susan.

"Maybe we all should remain with Queen Susan and explore some other part? Peridan quickly interjected as he held a struggling Corin.

"Nonsense. Peridan I am certain Caspian does not carry that long sword only for display." Lucy admonished quietly as Corin smirked evilly.

"Or are you afraid he might know how to actually use it?" Corin countered, Caspian giving the Prince a death glare at his undertones. "Besides Peridan, you are the one who knows the location of the cave, not Caspian and we all want to see what is in there." He countered to a flustered Peridan.

"Very well, shall we leave now?" Peridan sighed in defeat as he took the torch from Corin.

"Caspian I am entreating my sister in your care, will you ensure nothing ill befalls her?" Lucy asked quietly as he nodded solemnly.

"Now, since that is settled can we leave now?" Corin pleaded, as he headed the quartet pulling Aravis along with him showing her the species of birds sitting on the trees watching them with curious eyes. Turning around only once, to wave excitedly at the remaining couple.

"Corin is such a sweet but noisy boy." Susan remarked quietly shaking her head as he turned to her.

"On that point, you broach no argument from me Susan. Shall we begin our own adventure?" he asked slinging the sack over one shoulder, while proffering his free arm to her.

"If I do desire to paint, I promise you will not be drawn as faun." Susan said as Caspian laughed.

"Do I not fit the profile? I was looking forward to rivalling Corin's portrait." He teased as she laughed in return.

"No. You shall be Caspian…" she said thoughtfully. "Yes, you will be our newest Centaur." Susan announced proudly as they strode deeper inland.

"Knight, Minstrel and now Centaur. How talented am I!" he replied grinning as they made a path through the green ferns and forested area.

"Yes, you certainly are." Susan responded and turned to him with an evil grin of her own. "Come on Caspian, catch me if you can!" she taunted darting away from him.

"That is cheating Susan, you do not have this accursed extra weight!" He called out to her retreating form, watching lovingly as she melded with the forest in her dress. Her cascade of dark hair billowing around her face and the sound of her musical laughter reaching his ears as she disappeared among the trees.

"Come on you lazy tortoise." Her voice echoed as he smiled, attached the bundle around his shoulder firmly and began the chase.

"I will not let you win so easily this time." Caspian called out as he saw Susan twenty paces ahead of him.

"I never said it would be easy." She replied as he gained pace, thanking Reepicheep silently for the long hours spent in speed training garbed in full armour.

"No running at full speed in a skirt is always a disadvantage." He teased remembering all too well how efficient Susan was in battle despite being the only one in a skirt.

Twenty, fifteen, ten paces to go he thought as the distance between them closed rapidly. He could hear Susan's breath and the crunching of their shoes on dried leaves, sparing a precious glance to see their landscape was changing dramatically. He was besides her now grinning cheekily as he slowed his pace minutely, admiring how exquisite she looked with flushed rose pink cheeks and her blue eyes gleaming with laughter.

"First to that trunk wins." He said pointing to a large, pink flowered tree some thirty paces ahead of them.

"See you at the end Caspian." Susan replied and increased her pace as he watched in amusement when she took the lead once more. He allowed her a ten pace head start before quickly overtaking her once more; waving cheekily as he passed her and easily reached the tree first. Seconds later a breathless but excited Susan close on his heels halted at their destination, both laughing like children.

"It has been such a long time since I raced against anyone." Susan replied between breaths, leaning against the gnarled trunk as Caspian set the sack gently to the ground.

"You were excellent even with your inconvenience He praised pointing to her skirts as Susan shrugged.

"All women become accustomed to these infernal things. Though if you would like to try them, I can always ask Lucinda to alter your tunics into gowns for the festival." Susan teased as Caspian laughed loudly.

"I am certain; they would do nothing to enhance my figure." He replied as he stepped away from the tree looking at the clearing they had stumbled upon.

The area was certainly beautiful with its shady canopy of trees, accompanied by swirling golden and scarlet leaves twirling and twisting in the breeze before falling to the leaf littered ground. Pink and yellow sweet smelling blooms rained upon the couple as Susan stood in the middle of the clearing. Susan never looked as radiant in his eyes, as she did in this moment. Arms outstretched to the heavens, catching the golden streaks of sunlight pouring into the woods as she twirled among the leaves, plucking the flowers from the air before they fell, her laughter resonating into the deepest areas of his heart and soul. She was clearly the most divine creature he had ever seen especially among her element of earth and Nature.

"Can you hear it Caspian?" she asked breathlessly, the golden rays surrounding her form in a halo of fire.

"What Susan?" he replied and stepped towards her wanting nothing more than to listen to the cries of his heart to enfold her into his arms and reacquaint the taste of her lips.

"Everything. This." She replied pointing about her. "The beauty of Nature, the call of those birds, that silver brook bubbling among the rocks, the air alive with the smell of these blooms. I wish I could stay here forever." She exclaimed happily as he closed his eyes inhaling the wonders around him.

"You are positively glowing Susan." He purred, looking at her lovingly pouring all of his emotions into that one gaze. Susan stood still; her breath slowed watching, waiting for him to make the next move.

"Will you dance with me?" he asked quietly, outstretching his hand, smiling as she placed hers trustingly into his, a demure smile on her face.

"Are we dancing to the sounds around us?" she asked they moved slowly, his hand around her waist and her head against his chest, knowing she could hear the thumping of his heart.

"Yes, but also to the sound of my heart." He declared as Susan looked up, her eyes a shade of dark blue, apprehension there but he also saw acceptance. "Susan." He whispered gently as he brushed an errant lock of hair behind her ear and leaned down to capture her lips to his.

The long awaited moment of her roving lips against his was as soul searing as he could imagine and more. She was everything to him Caspian thought lovingly as she wrapped her arms around his neck and he pulled her flush against his form. Susan's lips were exactly as he remembered, soft and as sweet as berries. She yielded to his eager probing and allowed him to deepen the kiss, the timbre of love and pleasure erupted in every part of his being as their tongues touched for the first time. A cool sea breeze flittered through the clearing drenching them with flowers and as he tightened his hold on Susan, Caspian finally discovered the sensation of being at home.

Later they sat under the shade of their favourite tree, Caspian's head on Susan's lap as she treaded her slender fingers into his hair, her merest touch sending him into a rapture of ecstasies. He looked at her swollen lips and the pink crown of flowers he made for her resting on her dark head and his heart strings tugged painfully at the joy.

"I shall ask Peter for permission to court you this evening." He said looking at her face eagerly, noting the quiet look of contemplation on her face but he saw some acceptance of his words.

"Might I make a suggestion?" she replied as Caspian waiting patiently for her to continue. "Shall we wait until after the Festival? Peter has been frightfully moody with all the preparations and especially since the Calormene delegation is expected to arrive at anytime. My courtship has always been a delicate topic to my brothers and even more since our last incident at Tashbaan." Susan explained as he at up looking thoughtful.

"Your words are sensible, though I wonder whether I can wait ten more days before I declare my intentions." Caspian grinned as Susan inched her way closer to him, resting her head on his shoulder.

"We can always have our own rendezvous." Susan replied grinning mischievously as she looked up to him, Caspian laughing lowly at her suggestion, tracing the contours of her face with gentle fingers as Susan closed her eyes in pleasure.

"As much as I approve your plan, what if we are caught?" he whispered as Susan looked him steady in the eyes.

"Life is about chances Caspian, grasp them before it is too late." She replied and kissed him instead.

"I will remember that." He laughed breaking away for a moment before lowering her to the leafy ground, showering her with fervent words of affection and kisses.

"I see you are not afraid the others might see us." Susan remarked as they sat on the shore listening to the sound of the waves breaking upon the shore, her head on his shoulder as he wrapped a long arm around her, shielding her from the slightly chilly breeze of the ocean as the sun began dipping into the sky.

"A wise woman once told me Life is about grasping chances." Caspian replied grinning down at her. "Susan may I ask you something?" he began as she looked up.

"Rabadash right?" she replied as he nodded amazed at her ability to read his thoughts.

"Only if you wish. I will not press you." He responded intertwining his fingers into hers.

"Yes I should talk about it. Caspian not even any of my siblings knows. I could not bear to have them think of me in that way." She said quietly as he squeezed her hand in reassurance.

"They are your family and love you I know they would not think ill of you." He replied quietly.

"In Tashbaan, when we were there Rabadash's true colours finally began to reveal themselves. He had invited me to tour the Tisroc's palace with him. Stupidly I had gone, not realizing what his true intentions were." Susan confessed.

"Did he hurt you Susan?" Caspian asked harshly. The violation of a woman was punishable by death.

"Rabadash tried. He had invited me to see the perfumed gardens of Tasbaan which they are famous for, but in the dark, underground corridors he turned against me much to my shock. I stood there alone fought and clawed my way out from his touches I think I even left him a parting scar yet, I have unable to go into any dark places since then. Eventually I escaped and made my way back to our lodgings where Edmund was already making plans to leave. I could not add that burden that his sister was attacked as well. He would have certainly done something rash." She laughed bitterly as Caspian brushed the tears away from her eyes.

"You are safe now I promise I will never let anything happen to you." Caspian vowed as he kissed her gently, embracing her tightly as they rocked together on the sands, Susan finally allowing herself to release the pent up tears of three years.

The trip back to Cair Paravel was certainly filled with chatter and laughter as Corin and Aravis regaled both with their adventures of the cave, from the bats they scared to Lucy's shrieks of being attacked by the creatures to Peridan consoling her. Yet despite all of that, Caspian's thoughts were solely on the words of Susan and her incident with Rabadash. He wondered whether he would be given the chance to acquaint Anglachel's blade to Rabadash's throat as he made the man beg for forgiveness and possibly his life.

"That frown does not become you Caspian." Aravis noted as he looked up clearing his brow and mind from the thunder clouds threatening to spill over.

"Sorry." He replied sheepishly, and grinned at the others. "My performance for this evening has me very apprehensive." He explained glancing at Susan noting the look of worry she was returning. She alone would know what his thoughts consisted of at this point.

"Susan can we not cancel Caspian's performance?" Lucy pleaded turning to her sister her most sorrowful look on her face.

"Well, I believe I can do it." Susan replied.

"Nonsense. I will not allow it." Caspian said as all four looked at him in surprise.

"Wait you actually want to sing?" Peridan asked quizzically. "Absolutely mad that one." He added muttering under his breath.

"Not really, but I did lose my wager and where would my honour be, if I did not fulfil the conditions of the Queen?" Caspian replied as Aravis sighed in adoration.

"Caspian I think you are the most perfect man I have ever met. Well after Cor, Peter and Edmund." Aravis complimented as Caspian flushed at her generous statement.

"Why am I not on the list as well?" Corin demanded from his position. "After all, Cor and I are twins."

"Twins in physical stature, nothing more Corin. However, you are on my list of noisy and irritating." Aravis retorted.

"Fine. Next time you want to go exploring, you can call Cor." Corin fumed splashing water all over her as Aravis squealed in anger, throwing the cold sea water instead on poor Caspian.

"Not the hair Aravis!" Caspian groaned as the two argued all the way back to Cair Paravel ignoring the protests from the others to behave.

Caspian pulled at the collar of his tunic painfully, wanting nothing more than to rip it into shreds and burn every piece into nothingness, as glanced at his reflection in the gilded mirror, hoping no one during his appearance would comment on this ridiculous outfit! Of all things to give as a present, he believed a pink tunic with bright blue breeches which were too tight in his opinion, complete with a feathered pink hat; blue stocking and blue sued shoes were too much. The only accessories missing were his lute and musicians. In this horrible garb he was actually competing with Barnabus. What were Susan and the others thinking? Did they really hate him that much?

Truly it made no sense to even attempt to hide from the guards and nobles on his journey down to the dining halls dressed instead as the Court's Jester, as every single person invited tonight would be amused witnesses, especially with the spectacle he would surely make. His instincts had been dulled when he accepted that package from Susan no wonder Lucy had begged for her to cancel his performance. She may have the only who felt some sense of pity to him. Corin would be waiting eagerly for an appearance to laugh his head off and add something to the already embarrassing outfit.

Revenge would surely be sweet Caspian smirked as he adjusted the tunic once more. The events of this day were indeed memorable he thought fondly looking out his window at the dipping sun. He had been unhappy to depart from Susan and give her the farewell he truly desired as the party parted this afternoon but there would be other times. The little moans of pleasure escaping Susan's lips kindled the flames of passion as they lay in their sanctuary, bringing a smile to his face as he recalled her ebony curtain of hair framing her face like a silken web and her eyes dark with excitement as he rained kisses all over. Indeed he pondered whether he had been too eager and had not left any tell tale marks of their passionate encounter. The reaction of the others during their journey back, seemed to be in his favour as none of the party gave them strange looks.

While he was elated Susan had finally accepted him, it was her heartbreaking confession which floored him. Thinking back to the Great War, he had never seen Susan vulnerable. She was always their voice of logic and reason; despite the strained, initial relationship between Peter and himself not once had she picked any side based on favouritism but sound judgement. The woman who revealed herself this afternoon was nothing less than magnificent in his eyes. Some would see her tears offer pity. Yet though he was saddened and angry that she could not reveal what happen, he was more amazed of her strength to bear that pain without succumbing to dark thoughts.

There were so many times during the early stages of his reign, darkness had come too close to claim his sanity as he battled political, economic and social turmoil of his people. He was the father of a new born nation, coming to terms with the ramifications of a Civil War and the changes which would be rejected by many, while he too was inexperienced in the field of ruler ship. How many nights did he turn to the privacy of his chambers, crawling into bed, his body exhausted but his treacherous mind replaying every problem of the day?

Caspian could only wonder how Susan managed to accomplish her feat while not shirking from her sense of duty despite her personal demons running rampage. He was not afraid to admit it, women were the stronger gender, regardless of what society depicted. During his reign he had encouraged female members of court to voice their opinions and had further extended his belief by appointing some to the Council of Elders which had been first met with negative response but eventually all of the members had spoken with one voice.

Whether Susan's silence was the right way to address her problem, at this point he could only support her. Anyone with a heart would appreciate the sacrifices she made in Tashbaan to ensure all Narnians returned home safely, despite the actions of that vile bastard. He swore nothing on Narnia would stand in his way to enact revenge upon the Calormen Prince regardless of any danger to himself. He wanted nothing more than to see Susan not afraid to live life the way it was supposed to be.

"Time to leave." He said watching the evening stars beginning to appear as he closed the chamber door quietly.

It was Peter who saw him first as he stepped gingerly into the dining hall, his mouth open in disbelief and speechless as Caspian bowed to the Royal Four, sweeping off the hat with a flourish as he saw Corin spit out a grape he was chewing from the corner of his eye. His friend pink from the withheld laughter at Caspian's outfit. He glimpsed at Susan's face, stoical unlike Edmund, quietly chortling into his goblet as plucking his courage he grinned amiably at the gathered guests.

"Caspian… I see you have dressed for the role this evening." Peter said looking at once to his sisters with a quizzical brow at the garb of their guest.

"It was a gift from some gracious ladies who heard of my part in this evening's festivities." He replied stealing a glance at Susan who still remained unchanged but her eyes were dancing with amusement.

"You should thank them for the generous gift Sir Caspian." Susan finally said as he smiled charmingly at her.

"That My Queen is my sole intention after tonight's performance. The colours were simply beyond my imagination." He replied keeping the teasing tilt out of his voice.

"And to think they say pink is not a masculine colour. You have certainly proven everyone wrong tonight." Lucy added, grinning at Aravis next to Cor.

"Come sit Caspian, the night is young and Rasmus has begged for some time to entertain us with a song and dance of his own before your performance." Edmund said as he beckoned Caspian to the seat two places away from him.

"Thank you Sire." He replied sitting, meeting Susan's gaze as he watched the festivities before them.

Rasmus was certainly very vociferous with his rendition of an original composition based on the foam of ocean spray, and Caspian could only shake his head with the others in wonder at the oddity of the faun's thoughts. Could it be Rasmus kept vats of ale hidden somewhere which he drank regularly to fuel those inspirations? It was a painful experience to see him prance about the room, clearly sober while he handed out flowers and seashells to the women. Caspian glanced at Mr. Tumnus beside Lucy, his hands clasped tightly around his goblet as he downed his drink in one, earning him a sympathetic hand squeeze from the Queen.

"Oh my foam white as the clouds

You bring joy to the shores

As you drench her with your joys

Cool to the touch, yet salty as the waters

Come to me my foam"

Rasmus sung in a high pitched squeak, as he ended his song with a hop and spin falling to one knee, hand clasped to his heart and head bowed before the Royal family, who gave him encouraging applause, the others following suit without the gusto. Corin and Caspian grinned to each other from across the table as the Prince shrugged his shoulders and clapped wildly to the young faun, Corin whistling loudly brining a huge grin to Rasmus' face.

"Thank you Rasmus. That was quite entertaining." Peter said clearing his throat as he turned to Caspian and nodded to him. It was time.

"Presenting Sir Caspian of Telmar, Minstrel of Narnia." Rasmus announced as Caspian strode to the middle of the floor, attempting to control the knots in his stomach.

"I thank you for the opportunity My Lieges to sing before everyone gathered here this evening. I thought long about what I could possibly present to you and came to only one conclusion, which is Love." Caspian announced as the ladies of the Court gave an audible sigh.

Taking a deep breath he began, his baritone voice echoing through the room; as the musicians followed suit to his tone.

You rise like a wave in the ocean
And you fall gently back to the sea
Now I want to know how to hold you
Return to me

You shine like the moon over water
And you darken the sky when you leave
Now I want to know how to keep you
Return to me
Turn to me
Return to me

Everything I tell you has been spoken
And everything I say was said before
But everything I feel is for the first time
And everything I feel
I feel for you

I am here calling the wind
I am here calling your name
I am here calling you back
Return to me

I know what it means to be lonely
And I know what it means to be free
Now I want to know how to love you
Return to me

I am here calling the wind
I am here calling your name
I am here calling you back
Return to me

"Return to me…" he ended to the silence of the hall as he opened his eyes glancing at the faces surrounding him. He had poured every bit of love and emotion into that song for Susan but had he overstepped his boundaries?

The scraping of chairs being hastily pushed back and the rumbling of thunderous applause reached his ears as everyone in the hall stood to congratulate him on his performance. Aravis, Lucy and he saw many of the other women wiping tears from their eyes but he turned to see Susan's reaction. His heart leapt at the sight of a single crystal tear streaking down her fair cheek as she struggled to contain her feelings, giving him a radiant smile as he looked at her with devotion. Locked in her gaze, nothing existed in this moment but the two of them in the crowded room.

"Caspian I never knew your writing and singing skills were that fantastic!" Corin exclaimed to him later as the night wound down, most guests leaving as the few stragglers remained, enjoying the end of the entertainment from the Court's Minstrels.

"Neither did I." he replied grinning. "My inspiration came to me late last night." Caspian said stealing a glance at an animated Susan and Cor deep in talk.

"Well, will you teach me?" Corin asked as he too glanced around the room, observing the festivities with his keen eyes.

"Corin, the words come from your heart, look in there and you shall find what you seek." He advised the young man, who nodded in agreement.

"Caspian!" Peter boomed from besides Peridan and Edmund, all with tankard of ale before them as they regaled each other with stories.

"Sire?" he replied standing before them.

"An excellent performance Knight of Narnia, I have one more request for you tonight before you retire." Peter asked his eyes bright with drink.

"Certainly High King." Caspian replied thinking of the possible scenarios.

"I promised my sister to escort her to her chambers tonight, however as you can clearly see I am some what unable to do so, will you safely return Queen Susan to her chambers, that is, if she does not have any objections?" Peter requested turning to Susan.

"I am tired and we do have long days before us. I have no objections but I would not like to deprive Sir Caspian from his revelry." Susan replied glancing at Caspian a half smile on her lips.

"I am here to do the Queen's bidding and I must admit I am a bit tired after today's activities." He replied quietly focusing on the men before him. "Are you ready to depart Queen Susan?" he asked proffering an arm to her.

"Yes. Goodnight gentlemen. Peter and Edmund, please remember the Calormenes are to arrive tomorrow. It would not bode well for our sovereigns to be bleary eyed and tongue tied." Susan warned to her brothers as both she and Caspian bowed and took their leave.

"Your sonnet reduced me to tears this evening." Susan confessed as they stood before her chamber doors.

"I take it you enjoyed the performance?" he asked quietly as he stood before her looking down at her expression.

"Very much. Lost love is such a sorrowful but yet beautiful. I think we shall announce tomorrow your position as official Minstrel to the Court." Susan teased as he touched her shoulder.

"I will gladly be your Minstrel, if only you promise not to make me wear any tunics like this ever again." He replied quietly as she stroked the fabric, her lips curving into a wicked smile.

"Yet, you wear it so well." Susan purred as Caspian smiled wrapping his arms around her waist and pulled her closer to him.

"Will you meet me at the training grounds tomorrow?" he asked, inhaling the scent of her vanilla hair.

"Yes." Susan whispered as Caspian smiled tenderly and brought his lips to hers, allowing the farewell of this afternoon to be felt in this kiss as they deepened the lock.

"Well, well what have we here?" a third voice chimed as both broke away startled and stared at the figure watching them.

A.N. To all the readers and reviewers of the story, I know I need to come up with a better word than 'Thanks' for all your words of support and how much you all inspire me to perfect this fic and I will. I didn't fall off from the surface of the earth for chapter 10 but I rewrote this chapter three times before I think I liked it. So I really hope you do as well and we're at the halfway stage of 'RTM ' and have no fears that the rest of the chapters will not take almost two weeks to update even though I'm still wrangling for PC time since my laptop hasn't come yet.

For those of you who don't know Caspian's rendition of "Return to Me" is one of the most haunting ballads sung by a 90's group called October Project and the reason for me actually creating this fic. Give it a listen if you can, you won't be disappointed I promise you. Until next chapter be well my friends.