Frozen Princess

Disclaimer: I do not own the Chronicles of Narnia

Chapter 10: Second Chances of a Lions Breath

Ten thousand.

That is how many of creatures of Darkness who have survived in both battle and their families. Ten thousand, while the giants return to Ettinmoor and those afraid converted to Aslan. Leaving the survival of ten thousand loyal subjects. All of them calling me queen, when I am no queen. I have betrayed my mother for a human. And still, these Narnians consider me a ruler. I hardly know how to rule a kingdom. How in Narnia's name am I going to lead the creatures of darkness?

As of now, my focus was leading my people to a safe place. A tedious journey towards the Western Wilds. I need guidance, and hopefully, the Northern Witches from the Wild Lands of the North could help. Unfortunately, after three days of traveling, a messenger came announcing I and my army are unwelcome. That Jadis has betrayed the Northern Witches for conquest. Furious, I considered the actions of war with my new general Diomedus, a sandy color Minotaur. Young he may be doesn't mean he foolish for he was general Otmin apprentice.

However, with our numbers so low and the exhaustion of our weary travels… I decline. Instead, we reached the un-ruled mountain range of pine trees. At first, the dwarves were excited to return to the mountains. As I asked the dwarves how long it would take to build a castle carved from the mountain. Unfortunately, the answer was a decade. So I had no choice but to create a castle by using magic. With Jadis dead, my magic has weakened. I don't know how much energy I have left. But I shall create a home for my loyal subjects.

Removing my shoes, I walked along the solid earth feeling the warm stones under my feet. A shiver crept up my spine. This new connection with the earth so foreign, yet alluring to the touch. A new sense of connection to Narnia's deeper magic. With my subjects behind me, I closed my eyes and raised my hands chanting a spell to forge the elements into what I desire. The same spell that created Jadis's castle made out of ice and stone. The only mine shall be stone in general.

A five-level fortress built into the hill of the mountain. Each level has their own gate and set of walls filled with arches and columns to stand firm. On the very top was the main castle with a tower reaching to the sky to see all of Narnia. Too much energy was spent that I disconnected the spell falling to my knees to see the finish work. A fortress and castle all into one. A base for now.

Diomedus came over helping me on my feet. None of the dark Narnians object to the sight of weakness. Instead, they cheered to witness their new home being constructed. A place they can protect themselves until their numbers rise for battle once more. Although, in a few days' time I shall not witness such a battle. No, once the Pevensies claim Care Paravel and sit on the four thrones, my magic shall perish and I shall die.

The following days were spent furnishing the fortress while camps surrounded the place. I lived inside the fortress in my chambers resting in a makeshift bed. The hags who are considered being the healers tried to restore my energy through potions and spells, except it was no use. By each day I became weaker. The deep magic diminished when Jadis died.
Now I am merely a walking shadow. My body has become so frail, dying by the hour. When the day has come, of the Pevensies claiming the throne, it felt like a sword has penetrated my chest. Not wanting to appear weak, none of my subjects enters my chambers. Only Vardan and Diomedus to inform them that tomorrow they shall prepare a funeral.
I would rather die alone. Allow me to wallow in my misery. Mourn for the loss of my mother. When I die, I don't want to be buried. I don't want a grand monument or grave. Instead, I want to be cremated and have my ashes spread across these lands.

It wasn't until sunset, as dusk claimed the sky did I felt tears sliding down my cheek. A week has gone by, and death is around the corner. I wonder if the god of death shall come. Tash was the demonic chief god of the Calormenes. A humanoid divine being with features of a vulture. So I got dressed for his arrival. Wearing a black cotton dress that long narrow sleeves trimmed with silver. My silver medallion resting on my chest against…upon my heart keeping what little magic I have to stay alive.

In utter agony, I forced myself to the balcony to gaze at the view for the last time. To watch the moon gaze over Narnia in the pure blackest night, as the stars dazzled it. Do the stars themselves glisten in the pure bliss of the new rulers? Have they shined bright to mock me? Remind me of my darkest hours? Below me of the fortress were my people lighting the torches. Many have gathered around waiting for my untimely death. I found it displeasing; how they would gather around to wait. Let alone, they considered me like a queen after Queen Jadis just died merely a week ago. Only a third honored her death, even I attended the ceremony.

Unfortunately, I no longer felt the sorrow of losing a loved one. I do not know what love is. The relationship between Jadis and I was hardly family. Her expression of love was merely manipulation. Never in my ninety years has she said, "I love you" or gave me a hug. A distance that divided us, leaving nothing but caution and fear. The people raised me. The dwarves, minotaurs, hags, goblins, and most definitely the wolves raised me in who I am.

"They respect you," a deep wild voice commented.

A small smile graced my lip, "Indeed, they've raised me. Shame I can't protect them anymore."

Aslan approached me before stopping. His aura filled with intimidation and warmth. As if he held a father figure.

"Edmund told me what you have done since the beginning. I must ask if this is true."

"Depends on what you ask," I replied. "I may have treated him with amity, but he was my mother's prisoner."

"You also had treated the wounds of Mr. Tumnus and freed Mr. Fox from Jadis cursed." Aslan listed.

"Why are you here, Aslan?" I demanded tiredly.

"I'm here to save you, my dear," Aslan answered.

I scoffed, "Save me? You want to save your enemy's daughter?"

"Yes," Aslan bowed his head.

That is when I decided to terminate everything Jadis have taught me. I have given up on the black magic of Charn and Laputa. By the breath of Aslan, my magic was secured to my life force and vessel along with Narnia. As the Great Lion foretold in time, I would become a leader in the next millennium. Until the future Son of Adam claims the throne. When the time comes, my obligation is to keep my people safe.

Little did I know there will be more wars to come, misunderstanding, and conflicts in the future? A dark age filled with anarchy. But what vexation me the most, is that the Dark Narnians I see now… will not be there in the future. As the Telmarine came and conquered during Narnia's Dark Ages.

A sequel will be up soon. It is called Dark Witch.

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