It had been four and a half, almost five months since Susan had been captured. My little sister had been in the hands of the elusive White Witch for nineteen and a half weeks, if she was even still alive that is. We had all of Narnia scouring the world for her, but it was as if the White Witch had taken Susan and disappeared into some other world. Which might not be that far of a stretch...

Caspian, Edmund, Lucy, and I were gathered in the throne room, decorated for Christmas yet none of us noticing. We were trying to formulate another plan after our last had failed so miserably. I'd never seen Caspian looking so lost; I could only imagine how hard this must be on him. Not only was it his soul mate that was missing, but their unborn child as well. By now, Susan would be nearing her seventh month, if what the doctor said were true.

"Your Highnesses!" We were broken from our thoughts as a guard brought in a dwarf carrying a box and a letter. "He says he has something for King Caspian from the White Witch."

Caspian motioned him forward.

"I'm so sorry you grace! The White Witch captured me, forced me to bring this to you. She wouldn't tell me what it is, but I could hear Queen Susan's screaming and pleading... They were on the move, heading West sire. I don't know anymore." He cried as he handed the parcel over to Caspian.

Caspian motioned us all to come over and read the letter with him.

Dear Caspian,

Let me first say what a pleasure it has been having the High Queen in my presence for such a long time. Her strength astounds me, no others have lasted this long under my, shall we say punishments.

However, I have grown bored with her, and I feel you are in need of a few gifts. The first you may have today, on this lovely Christmas Eve. It was so much fun extracting your gift, I do hope you enjoy it. Your next gift shall arrive sometime tomorrow morning.

Queen Jadis, the White Witch

I chose to look to Caspian's face, rather than the parcel, dreading what would be inside. Caspian handed the letter to Lucy as he focused on the box in front of him. He slowly untied the ribbon, allowing it to fall to the ground before he took a deep breath. His face looked scared, and I wasn't sure I wanted to see the contents of the box. Suddenly, his face turned ashen, and he shoved the partially opened box away from himself and to my arms as he turned and heaved out the meager lunch he'd eaten not thirty minutes ago.

Edmund, curious, came over to me, and together we lifted the lid off and peered down into the box that had Caspian so stricken. The box fell to the floor as we too saw what the White Witch so graciously given. Lucy went to retrieve it, but I held her back.

"No Luce." Edmund spoke. "You don't want to see it."

"My baby girl!" Caspian cried out in anguish. "Juliet... my baby girl." He cried, as Edmund, Lucy, and I joined him in tears on the floor. Extracted. I thought, good lord. She must have... Oh god, poor Susan... if Susan was even still. No! I can't think that. Of course she's still alive. She's strong, the White Witch said so herself. But then, she'd also said she was growing bored.

An hour later, I stood, calling a servant in as I did so. I ordered him to take the body of my niece and ready her for burial. It's Christmas, we shouldn't be burying Juliet, but rather awaiting her arrival whilst Susan glowed by the fire...

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I was sitting alone in my room, the day's events having taken quite their toll on me. I could only imagine how terrible it must have been for Caspian.

It was Christmas Eve, and we'd just finished burring my niece... A baby girl that never had the chance to live. The ceremony was short and small, only Caspian, Peter, Lucy, the minister, and I were in attendance. Peter, Lucy, and I all headed back to the castle, but Caspian refused to leave. A parent should never have to burry his child.

Finally, I laid back and attempted to get some rest.

My sleep was restless, and I finally gave up on any attempt at sleep when the clock struck six. I went through my morning routine slowly, and by the time I was finished, it was the time I would normally be finished.

I walked out my room and onto the dining hall, where Peter, Lucy, Caspian, and I had all decided to meet in the morning to further our discussion and plans.

Upon entering, I found I was the first to arrive, so I sat at my normal seat, and began to eat breakfast. A few minutes in, Peter arrived, followed by Lucy, and we all sat and ate together in silence. Nearly ten minutes later, Caspian walked in, looking worse for the wear. His stance was slumped; his eyes bloodshot with bags, and his skin a bit lighter. He sat down next to Peter across from me, and placed food on his plate that he only pushed around.

Not knowing what to say, the three of us remained silent, and together the four of us silently mourned.

"Did you just see that?" Lucy questioned us. "What is that?" She asked, standing from her seat and making her way over to the outrageously large Christmas tree. "It just appeared." She said, pulling at a large wooden box. "To King Caspian." She spoke, reading from words etched into the lid of the box.

The three of us made our way over, and Peter and I glanced nervously at Caspian. What could this be? If the first gift was his child, what could this one possibly be? The box is huge, nearly five and a half feet...

Suddenly, realization dawns upon me, and I can't help myself as I fall to the floor, fresh tears already streaming down my face. Lucy runs to me, obviously confused. How can she not understand what is in the box? I can't look, maybe, if I don't look, it won't be real.

My hopes are shattered as the most gut-wrenching sob escapes my brother-in-law, and I know for sure.

"Susan!" He cries, and Lucy and I stand to join Peter as together the three of us watch as Caspian pulls the lifeless body of my older sister from the wooden crate she had been dumped into. "No, Susan. Wake up. Wake up Susan, please wake up." He pleads desperately. Lucy rushes to give her healing potion, but Susan does not wake. "I can't loose you too." Caspian whispers into her hair as he cradles her battered body in his lap, her head against his chest.