Disclaimer: I don't own the Chronicles of Narnia.
Author's Note: Thanks to everyone who has reviewed!
Asher ran down the corridors of the palace, racing past startled maids and guests. He finally stopped before a plain, small door. Taking a deep breath, he pushed it open. The room beyond was sparse, with only a desk, a chair, and a large fireplace. He strode quickly over to the fireplace, ducking down and stepping inside. Asher reached forward and pressed a stone in the back wall. Anyone watching would have seen a seemingly solid wall rotate around, taking the Crown Prince with it.
Susan smiled at the young girl chattering happily beside her. Adriana had been her constant companion since she had finally woken up three days ago.
"Lady Susan?" Ana asked.
"Yes?"
"Tell me a story."
Susan smiled. "Once, a long time ago, four children lived in a place called England…"
Asher, breathing heavily, finally reached the underground cavern where he spent parts of his days, and most of his nights. The chamber was lit by hundreds of flickering candles, casting shadows around the room. Several men stood in a corner, arguing quietly. Asher walked to them quickly.
"Prince Asher!" one man cried out.
"Hello. What news?"
"It's conflicting. All of it. I heard from a reliable source that Kirsh is planning to attack in the next three weeks."
Another man spoke up. "And I know for certain that he is not attacking for another month!"
Asher sighed and leaned against the wall. "They're feeding us false information."
An older man nodded and stepped forward. "Somehow, they know about the girl you've taken in as well. They seem to think she is important."
"Susan?" Asher asked, bewildered. "She's only a kitchen maid."
"Perhaps you should make sure that is all she is. We are facing enough threats without a spy in our own house."
Asher nodded solemnly. "Alright. And you are all sure no one has found out about me? Absolutely sure?"
All the men nodded.
"Right then," Asher said, already making his way to the door. "Report back to me tomorrow night."
Ana lay awake in her bed, waiting for Asher to come in and say goodnight. After a while, her door creaked open.
"Asher?"
"Ana, what are you doing awake?" Asher laughed, sitting down beside her on the bed.
"I wanted to say goodnight!"
"Well, goodnight then, my little princess!"
"Goodnight, Asher."
He stood, bending down to kiss her cheek.
"Asher? Why is Susan so sad?"
"What do you mean?"
"Today, she was telling me a story about kings and queens in another world! But then, before the story was over, she started crying! Did I make her sad?" Ana asked.
Asher shook his head thoughtfully. "No, Ana, I'm sure you didn't. Now. Get to sleep, little missy."
"G'night, Asher," she mumbled, already half-asleep.