You all can hate me as much as you want for how long it's taken me to write these next few chapters but I've had a lot going on but I just had surgery so I'll be in bed the next couple days so it's a perfect time for me to catch up! Don't hate.

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Chapter 10: The Ball

"So who have we missed?"

"Ummm" Caspian looked over the invitations list one last time, "I think we've got everyone!"

Susan sighed in relief, "Finally! I thought we'd never get that done…"

Caspian laughed, "How long have we been in here?"

"I'm not sure". She yawned.

"I think that answers the question!"

"What? Oh I'm fine!" She said unconvincingly. Caspian rolled his eyes.

"Sure you are". It was Caspian's turn to yawn.

"HA!"

"What? Yawning is contagious! I'm not tired. You, however should get some sleep".

She rolled her eyes, "Not a chance".

"But—".

"No but's! Goodness Caspian you sound like my mother".

"Nooo". Caspian paused for a moment before continuing in his best impersonation of a mother, "Now dearie, you seem much too tired and must get you're beauty sleep!"

Susan was holding her stomach, trying to contain her fits of giggles.

Caspian smiled, "So how'd I do?".

"You're impersonation of an old woman is far too good, are you sure there's not something you'd like to tell me?" She giggled at Caspian's expression.

He laughed, "I can assure you I am a boy".

"Hmmm, if you're sure!"

"You're far to sweet dearie!"

Susan just looked on in amusement as Caspian continued to imitate a mother's voice. Suddenly her face grew from amused to somber as her own mother came to mind. It had been years since she'd seen her. She turned from Caspian as tears welled in her eyes, thinking she'd never see her again. Caspian noticed the sudden change in mood and was quick to notice the sniffling coming from his side.

"My lady?"

She wouldn't meet his eyes.

"Susan, please, look at me". He took her chin in his hands and turned her face towards him. She gave a half-hearted smile before looking down.

Caspian took his thumb and wiped the stray tears from her face, caressing her cheek.

"Why so sad all of a sudden?" He asked gently.

Something inside Susan snapped for she jumped, coming to her senses. She pulled away from Caspian, wiping her eyes quickly she coughed.

"I'm sorry, I'm being silly. Nothing to worry about! Shall we get back to work?"

Caspian looked on in utter bemusement. "Susan…"

"I'm fine Caspian really, just thinking of home is all". She looked away again.

"I miss my family too you know. Everyday something new happens I wish I could share with them".

"And what has happened today?" They grew closer and closer.

Caspian leaned in, "Nothing yet". He said softly.

Only mere inches separated them now.

"Hey Susan I got that paperwork you wanted!" Lucy shouted as she barged into the room.

The two pulled away, blushing furiously.

Lucy coughed, "Oh, right well, excuse me, I'll just…yeah". She closed the door with a smirk. They're finally getting together! She screamed in her head.

Susan put her head in her hands and groaned, "You've got to be kidding me".

Caspian laughed, "What?".

"She's never going to let this go…"

"And what is this exactly?" He asked, unsure.

Susan faltered, "Well umm, I-I don't know. What do you think this is?" She asked hesitantly.

He looked away, disappointed, "I guess nothing, it was a mistake". He said quietly.

Susan's heart fell. "Oh, right, yes nothing". She reluctantly agreed.

There was silence for a few moments before Susan stood and walked over to the table to retrieve the paperwork Lucy had left.

"I had Lucy bring some sample invitations by, we need to choose them tonight so that they can be sent off tomorrow". She said.

"Ofcourse" Caspian agreed.

So again they set back to work rifling through various documents and designs. No words were spoken as they worked in silence. It wasn't until a lavish gold invitation caught his eye that Caspian turned to Susan, who, he hadn't realized, had fallen asleep.

Curled up into the armrest, hands still holding the documents, Susan slept peacefully, breathing deeply and evenly. Caspian couldn't help but admire how beautiful she was, even in sleep. The light from the fire danced off her face in a way that made her seem so soft, so delicate.

He removed the sample invitations from her hand and silently sat them back on the table. Turning back to her, he gently picked her up bridal style and began to make his way to her room down the hall.

She stirred in her sleep, yawning, and curled deeper into Caspian's chest, burying her head in his shoulder. He blushed. The intimacy of the moment warmed him deep inside and he smiled.

Opening her bedroom door, he slipped inside and placed her on the bed. Pulling the covers back and tucking her in almost like one would a child. She smiled in her sleep. Stopping for a moment, Caspian brushed the bangs out of Susan's face. He ran his fingers down her cheek, memorizing every curve and freckle. Finally, before he could get caught in the act, Caspian bent down and kissed her forehead.

"Goodnight, my dearest Susan", he whispered.

Oh yes, Caspian loved Susan, more than he had ever loved another. The only thing holding him back from expressing his feelings was his fear. What if she didn't reciprocate his love? He wouldn't take the chance, she was his best friend. He would not lose her for anything.

Looking one last time, the young Prince sighed, quietly slipped back out the door.

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