Chapter 11- The Welcome Ceremony

It was another beautiful day in Cair Paravel. The sun rose over the mountains and Caspian was wide awake. He turned over to the queen, who was still sleeping so peacefully. Caspian smiled as he caressed his hand softly across Susan's cheek.

"I am the luckiest man in all of Narnia." Caspian said to himself. "Nothing could ever come in between the happiness that I feel in my life right now. My heart is so full and I finally feel complete."

Caspian kissed his wife on the forehead and got out of bed quietly. Today was a big day of celebrations for the kingdom. The king and queen were to announce the news of their first baby, the future heir to the throne of Narnia.

Caspian went to the restroom and began undressing. He removed his pajamas and undergarments, wrapped a towel around his tanned waist and washed his face in the wooden sink. He rubbed his scruffy chin and glanced at himself in the mirror.

"It is time for you to go my friend." Caspian said as he rubbed his beard.

Caspian began shaving his beard, until he had a bare clean face. He began combing his dark brown hair back with a metal comb and laid it down with a mixture of quince tree wax. As he brushed the last stroke of his hair, he was startled by Susan's reflection in the mirror. Caspian's eyes widened as he saw his love standing against the bathroom wall in the mirror reflection, admiring how dangerously handsome her husband was. Caspian smiled and let out a slight gasp as he turned around and greeted his love. Susan had been standing there for a few minutes looking at Caspian comb his hair as she admired every detail of his face and body.

"Good morning, my love, I did not know you were awake." Caspian said as he embraced his wife with a kiss.

"Did I startle you, my king?" Susan questioned as she wrapped her arms around Caspian's bare and tanned shoulders.

"Well, sort of." Caspian smiled as he kissed his wife passionately. Susan took in the kiss and began moaning as she sucked on Caspian's lips and tongue tightly. Caspian gently pressed Susan up against the wall as he began caressing her body. He pulled her arms all the way up and pressed his hands against hers.

"Oh Caspian, you look so unbelievably handsome." Susan said as she continued kissing her husband. "This new look is really turning me on." Susan said breathlessly.

Caspian let go of Susan's hands and lifted her nighty above her breasts. He began caressing both of her breasts with his hands. He took Susan's right breast and softly placed it into his mouth. He twirled his tongue all around her nipple. Susan moaned loudly as she took in the love that she was receiving from her handsome husband. Sometimes Susan could not believe that she was married to Caspian and that she was carrying his child. She was married to a man that she only dreamt of marrying. Susan was so aroused by Caspian and his new look that she gave herself to her husband completely.

Caspian dropped the towel wrapped around his waist and he was completely naked. His manhood upraised stiffly as he continued kissing his wife's breasts, slowly moving down to her womanhood. Caspian removed Susan's undergarments gently as he watched them fall to the floor. He lifted Susan's legs and planted her securely against the wall with his body weight. Caspian bent down and kept Susan in the same position by pressing her legs against the wall. Caspian spread Susan legs apart and began gently tasting her womanhood. Susan let out loud screeching moans as Caspian's tongue went deeper into her wet opening. He caressed her thighs as he tasted the sweet depths of his wife's opening. Susan gripped Caspian's slicked back locks as she continued crying out in loud moans, ones that Caspian recognized as a climax approaching. Caspian wanted to climax with his wife, so he stood up slightly and entered his manhood into Susan's womanhood while still standing. While tightly gripping Susan's thighs, Caspian began pumping his manhood into Susan, her body pressed against the wall as he pumped her body up and down. His buttocks looked so tanned and muscular as he pumped all his love into his wife. The king and queen let out passionate moans and gasps as Caspian continued pumping. As Caspian began to pump harder and faster, Susan's body jolted against the wall and her womanhood began to vibrate and secrete. She cried out in loud moans as she continued gripping Caspian's dark brown locks and wrapped her legs tightly around his waist. Caspian buried his head into Susan's neck and closed his eyes as he pumped seeds into her opening. The king and queen let out loud grunting gasps and cries as they climaxed together.

"I love you." The couple said in sync as they both began to chuckle. They both kissed and hugged each other passionately.

"I would love to go for another round." Caspian said as he released his wife from the wall. "But we must get ready for a very important day."

Susan smiled as she watched her king prepare the bath while nude.

"We will have plenty more time for that." Susan said as she winked at her husband.

"I suggest you not give me that look, my queen." Caspian said as he smiled and poured warm water into the bathtub.

"And why is that?" Susan said as she wrapped her arms around Caspian's waist from behind.

"Because we will never leave this room." Caspian said as his manhood began to rise.

The assembly bells rang all around the kingdom. Although the immediate council members and family members of Susan knew about her pregnancy, most of the people in the Narnian kingdom did not know. Most of the kingdom thought that the celebration was taking place to welcome the king and the Dawn Treader crew back to Cair Paravel and to celebrate Queen Susan's recovery.

After another hour of love making, Susan and Caspian finally dressed and prepared for the welcome celebration.

Susan wore a sleeveless cranberry tube gown with gold trim. The gown fell below Susan's collar bone with a V-shape opening at the center of her breasts, embroidered with red roses and gold trim. The inside of the dress contained a gold skirt that could be seen if Susan lifted her legs slightly. She wore her gold crown and long gold earrings with a large gold necklace. She wore her hair down with large curls and her bangs swooped to the left.

Caspian starred at his wife as she entered the royal bedroom. He still had butterflies in his stomach at the sight of his beautiful wife. He felt nervous looking at Susan, who was such a rare beauty.

"You look absolutely gorgeous, my queen." Caspian said as he kissed his wife's hand.

"Thank you, my love. You look so handsome and dapper as well."

"Thank you, my lady."

Caspian wore his hair in a slick back style. He wore a sleeveless black low-collard button-up tunic embroidered in gold trim. He wore a gold long-sleeved silk shirt underneath the tunic with black pants.

"I am off to meet with the royal council members, then we will go to the welcome ceremony together." Caspian said as he kissed his wife on the cheek.

"I will await your return, my love. In the meantime, Lucy and I are meeting for tea to catch up." Susan said.

"You ladies enjoy your tea time. Please do give her my love. I'll be back shortly." Caspian said to his wife.

"See you soon." Susan said as she planted a kiss on Caspian's lips. He kissed her back and started kissing her lips passionately. Susan broke the kiss so that Caspian would not be late for his council meeting.

"You better go, Mr. Energizer bunny." Susan said as she laughed.

"What is that?" Caspian asked in confusion.

Susan laughed. She sometimes forgot that Caspian lived in the Middle Ages his entire life and that she was 1300 years older than him.

"It's a toy rabbit that never gets tired…and you know what they say about rabbits."

"You haven't seen anything yet." Caspian laughed. "Just wait until tonight." He said as he winked at his wife and left the royal chambers. Chills and butterflies shot all through Susan's body anticipating making love to her sexy king again in the evening.

It had been a few weeks since Lucy had seen her sister. Now that Susan was fully recovered, Lucy looked forward to continuing their walks and afternoon tea time. But Susan's illness was not the reason for Lucy's distance. There was an issue that weighed heavily on Lucy's heart, one that she did not know how to handle or approach Susan with. Lucy spent many nights playing the scenario in her head over and over, she spent many nights praying to Aslan to give her answers on how to approach and deal with the situation, but she just did not have a clear answer.

"Are you ready for some sister time, Lu?" Susan said as she greeted her little sister outside the royal chambers.

"Yes!" Lucy exclaimed, pretending to sound excited.

The two sisters walked outside through the courtyard and into the gardens. It was a beautiful summer day with a slight breeze. It was a bit warm, so the two sisters decided to sit in a shaded spot in the gardens to have their tea. The sisters laid out a blanket and laid out fresh fruits, mini sandwiches, cheese, crackers, desserts and tea that they packed.

"I have missed you so much, Lu." Susan said as she bit into her mini cheese sandwich. "It feels like ages since we've last had time together."

"Yes, it has been a while, and I have missed you too sister." Lucy looked at her sister and admired her beauty. "You look so lovely pregnant, sister. I am just so thankful to Aslan that you are well again."

"Thanks to you ALL, I am well." Susan grabbed another sandwich along with a few crackers. "So tell me, how was the journey overall? Caspian said it was quite an adventure, and you guys had to fight off a sea serpent, my goodness!"

Lucy smiled as she put honey in her tea and stirred it.

"It was indeed an adventure, Su. One that I will never forget." Lucy took a sip of her warm tea and began gazing out into the mountain views, daydreaming about what she saw onboard the Dawn Treader, Caspian and Lilliandil engaged in a kiss.

"I am so torn about what to do…in my heart I know I must tell Susan what I saw, but I do not want to risk her losing her baby, her marriage, her life here in Narnia. Aslan said that if any commandments of love are broken between Su and Caspian, we would all return back to our world. This is killing me inside, I just can't bear the idea of Susan losing everything over one little kiss? Maybe Caspian was still under the spell of the White Witch when he kissed Lilliandil? Well no, the spell was already broken by the time we got to the Silver Sea. Maybe…."

"Lu!" Susan cried out.

"Oh." Lucy said as she snapped out of her daydream. "Sorry sis."

"Are you ok? I was talking to you and it was like you were in another world." Susan said as she looked confused.

"No, no. I am fine. I was just thinking about the sea serpent and how brave Caspian and Edmund were." Lucy said as she looked down and took a bite of a mini sandwich with cheese, cucumber and tomato.

"Lucy….I know you. Something is bothering you. What's going on?" Susan said as she lifted Lucy's chin.

Lucy looked her sister in the eyes with such confusion and pity.

"Now is not the right time, Su." Lucy said as she turned away.

"Well, I am your sister. I am always here for you and I want to help. Please Lu, what is it?"

"I cannot tell Susan what is really on my mind right now." Lucy thought. "If I do, it will turn the entire kingdom upside down. Today is a very special day for the king and queen, and I will not ruin it for them. I'll just tell her another issue that I have been dealing with as a cover up"

"Well, there's this Telmarine soldier that I've been conversing with in the halls. He's really cute, Su, but the only thing is he was very close to Miraz. I don't know how Caspian would feel about me dating a man that was close to someone who tried to murder him."

"Oh Lu!" Susan said as she smiled and nudged her sister. "You found someone you like?"

"Yes, he has asked me out many times for a date but I keep refusing."

"Well, I think Caspian would approve if you already like him. Besides, Miraz is deceased and any influence that he had on any Telmarines has been wiped away from this kingdom. Don't worry, Lu. I am so excited for you!" Susan squealed as she hugged Lucy.

"Thanks sis." Lucy said as she began to pack the tea cups and remaining food. "We better head back to attend your and Caspian's welcome ceremony."

The welcome ceremony began sharply at dusk. The king and queen sat at their thrones, both wearing their gold crowns. Alongside them were the other Pevensie siblings: Peter, Edmund and Lucy. The king and queen held hands and smiled at one another before they made an announcement of the next heir to the throne of Narnia.

The throne room began to fill up as the crowd entered. Some of the guests gathered outside as the throne room reached its capacity. The entire kingdom was present and the announcer stood tall in front of the royal thrones.

"Here ye, here ye." A Telmarine announcer spoke. "Your majesties have gathered us all here this evening to make an important announcement."

The Telmarine announcer turned to the king and queen. "Your majesties."

Caspian stood from the seat of his throne first, and he reached out to take Susan's hand and she stood as well. The king stood high as he looked around at his kingdom, when his eyes met with a unique member of the audience, Lilliandil. She looked lovely in a V-neck baby blue and white gown that sparkled. She wore her hair in a braid that curved over to the right side of her neck and hung down her shoulder. Susan's eyes followed Caspian's eyes and she wondered who the beautiful woman was that caught Caspian's attention. Susan nudged Caspian and he cleared his throat.

"My kingdom, thank you all for gathering on this fine summer evening. As you all know, the queen was very ill several months ago. Due to her illness, we have set out on a journey to obtain a rare Anise plant through several oceans. Once we set on the journey to obtain the rare Anise plant, we were tasked with another journey to rescue the seven lost Lords of Narnia, who we brought back to our kingdom. I can tell you all, that this journey was not an easy one. Believe it or not, we had to fight off a sea serpent that was created by the evil White Witch. With the help of the entire crew, Aslan and Lilliandil, our star guide, we were able to kill off the sea serpent, rescue the seven lost Lords, and obtain a lifetime of Anise plants to cure us of any illness. We are so grateful that the queen is well, and the future heir to the throne of Narnia."

The crowd began to whisper and chatter with excitement.

"Queen Susan and I are so pleased and blessed to announce that we are expecting our first baby, the future heir to the throne of Narnia." Caspian said as he looked at his wife and smiled. Susan looked back at Caspian and let out a very large and warm smile as well.

The crowd cheered and whistled in delight.

"Congratulations our king and queen!"

"We are so thrilled!"

"Our kingdom will live on!"

"Hooray!"

"Woohoo!"

"Oh, the baby will be so precious!"

The crowd continued to cheer and whistle. The king cleared his throat and placed his hands out and downward to silence the crowd.

"We also have an appointment to make of a very special person who helped us voluntarily along this journey." Caspian turned his eyes on Lilliandil.

"Lilliandil, please come up to the throne." The king requested. Lilliandil looked around at the crowd, and was taken by surprise at the king's request. She walked up to the throne where she met her king and queen. Susan's eyes widened a little.

"So this is Lilliandil." Susan thought to herself. "She is a very beautiful woman." Susan felt a slight feeling of jealousy as she watched the beautiful star approach the stairs to the throne. Caspian immediately approached Lilliandil and held her hand to assist her up the short steps. Susan cleared her throat slightly and looked down at the floor.

"Lilliandil, you have been a true friend to me and my kingdom throughout the journey to locate the Anise plant and the seven lost Lords. Because of your guidance and assistance, we were able to complete our tasks successfully, and my wife and heir are healthy and safe. You have shown us loyalty, bravery, courage, keenness, patience, and most importantly, you have shown tremendous faith in Aslan. If you will accept, I would like to appoint you as the official guide to the Dawn Treader. Would you please accept?" Caspian asked like a shy school boy asking a girl to a dance.

Lucy rolled her eyes.

"Yes, of course your majesty. I am truly honored." Lilliandil said as she began to blush.

"Excellent." Caspian said in excitement. We hereby present you with this plaque."

Susan handed Lilliandil the plaque that read: "Lilliandil, The Official Guide to the Voyage of the Dawn Treader."

"Thank you for saving my life." Susan said as she reached in to give Lilliandil a hug. Lilliandil was so happy that she could assist the royal family. She wanted nothing more than to be a part of a loving family, which she hopes to have in Narnia.

"Thank you, your majesties. I am truly grateful and humbled that you have chosen me as your official guide. I only hope that I can live up to this name that you have given me."

"I have no doubt that you will do great, Lilliandil." Caspian said with a smile.

Lilliandil bowed before the king and queen and returned to the crowd.

"This concludes the welcome ceremony." The Terlmarine announcer stated. "The reception will take place in the main dining hall. You are all dismissed."

The king and queen left their thrones as they followed the crowd out to the dining hall. They eventually separated from the crowd and walked arm in arm through the gardens before going to the dining hall.

"It was wonderful to meet Lilliandil." Susan said as she looked at her husband. "She is a lovely woman."

Caspian blushed a little. "I hope that Susan does not suspect that I had nightmares about Lilliandil. I would be devastated if she felt that I had an interest in another woman. Susan is the only woman that I love and will always love forever."

"Yes, she has been a wonderful friend. I am excited that she has accepted the offer to become the Official Guide of the Dawn Treader." Caspian said nervously.

"Me too. I am sure you all were pleased to have such a lovely being onboard the Dawn Treader, especially being at sea for so long.

Caspian did not know what to say. He needed to reassure Susan that she was the only one who he thought of while away and the only woman he ever loved. Caspian stopped walking and turned Susan to face him.

"Susan, Lilliandil is indeed beautiful to some men, but the only woman who I have eyes for is you, the queen of my heart."

Susan's face sparked as she heard those sweet words come from the man she loved. She felt a little insecure at first meeting Lilliandil, but Caspian always knew what to say to make her feel better.

"Thank you. I love you so much, Caspian." Susan said as she planted a kiss on her husband's lips and wrapped her arms around his neck.

"I love you more, my queen. More than you will ever know." The couple stood in the gardens and kissed passionately.

The reception was filled with an endless amount of food, drinks, wine, desserts, and music. The king, queen, and the Pevensie siblings sat at the high table. Lilliandil sat at the table with Glenstorm and his family, along with Reepicheep and few other council members.

As the evening went on, the Narnians and Telmarines danced the night away to many tunes played by the royal band.

"You guys feel like dancing?" Peter asked his sisters as he sipped on his wine.

"Definitely not." Susan replied, ready to pass out from such a long day.

"No thanks, you guys go ahead." Lucy said with grin.

"I don't even know why you bother asking them, Pete." Edmund said as he rose from the high table. I'll show you two how to have some fun!"

"Me too!" Peter said as he stood from the table.

"Caspian, wanna join us?" Edmund asked the king.

"Haha, no. I do not dance." Caspian responded with a smile.

"Oh come, on! What is with you people?" Peter said. "This is a celebration, a celebration of the life of my future niece or nephew, and your heir Caspian. Come on, bro, let's go celebrate!"

Caspian looked at Susan, who was getting more tired by the second.

"Go ahead, my love. You have worked so hard, please, go and have some fun with my brothers and with your kingdom. You deserve it."

Caspian's face lit up. This is what he loved most about Susan. She was so selfless and she always looked out for Caspian's needs above her own, as he did hers.

"Are you sure my love? Aren't you tired? We should go to bed now so that you can rest." Caspian said as he massaged Susan's shoulders.

"I'll be fine." Susan said. "I'll have Lucy walk with me back to the royal chambers."

Susan kissed her husband on the lips. "I'll see you when you come home."

"Ok, my love." Caspian said. He stood up and whispered in her ear. "Remember, we have plans tonight, so do not go right to sleep."

Susan smiled and chills went all through her body.

"I haven't forgotten." She whispered back in Caspian's ear. A burning sensation went through Caspian's pelvis. He could not wait to return to the royal chambers to make love to his sweet wife.

"Ok love birds, enough already!" Peter said sarcastically. The king and queen laughed as Peter grabbed Caspian's arm and pulled him to the dance floor, with Edmund behind them.

Lucy and Susan left the party and headed back to the royal chambers. Meanwhile, Peter, Edmund and Caspian were having a great time dancing in the center of the dance floor with many other Terlmarines and Narnians. Lilliandil stood from her seat and Peter glanced over at her from afar. Lilliandil was leaving to exit when Peter grabbed her arm from behind.

"Leaving so soon, my lady?" Peter asked the beautiful star with a flirtatious smile. Lilliandil turned and looked back at Peter. He was immediately smitten by her elegance and beauty.

Lilliandil smiled and followed Peter back to the dance floor. Peter threw his hands in the air, with one drink in his hand and the other holding Lilliandil's right arm up. Caspian turned to look at the pair and he began to laugh. Although he wasn't a dancer, it felt good to relax and unwind after so many chain of events that occurred over the past several months. Caspian loved having his brother-in-laws around, something he had only dreamt of.

"I bet you can't do this, Pete." Edmund said as he started doing the robot dance. A small crowd soon formed around Edmund as he danced around the floor.

Caspian and Lilliandil laughed in delight as they continued dancing.

"Oh yeah, bet you can't do THIS!" Peter said as he crossed his legs, fell to the dance floor on his buttocks, grabbed his legs and spun around. The crowd began to get larger as they watched Peter and Edmund's dance challenge. Peter stopped the spin by crossing is right leg over the left one and landed on his left arm.

"Yeah, go King Peter!" The crowd whistled and cheered.

"I think Pete has you beaten, Ed." Caspian laughed.

"I would agree." Lilliandil said with a laugh.

Peter stood up and could barely stand up straight. Edmund helped his brother catch his balance.

"Ok, bro. I think you've partied enough. Time to take you home." Edmund said as he wrapped his arms around Peter. "Good night all." Peter gave a hand wave and the two brothers exited the dining hall.

The crowd began to fade as the night grew later.

"I better get going as well." Lilliandil said as she looked at Caspian.

"Me too." Caspian said to the beautiful star. "Let me walk you to your chambers."

"Oh, ok sure. Thank you, your majesty." Caspian let Lilliandil walk ahead of him and he held the door as they exited the royal dining hall.

"So, did you enjoy your evening, Lilliandil?" Caspian asked as he walked alongside the star through the chamber halls.

"Yes, very much so. My favorite part was dancing with you all. Peter is quite a character. He doesn't seem afraid of anything."

Lilliandil laughed out loud and covered her mouth slightly.

"I still can't believe he spun on his bottom on the dance floor." The star was still laughing, which made Caspian laugh. He looked at Lilliandil with a look of surprise as he smiled, raising one eyebrow.

"I apologize if I am out of line, but it seems as though you had a connection with the High King Peter?" Caspian questioned.

Lilliandil blushed and smiled.

"Is that a question or comment?" Lilliandil asked shyly.

Caspian smiled. "Both I suppose."

Lilliandil continued smiling. "You are not out of line, your majesty. To answer your question, I do find Peter very attractive and courageous, but I would like to get to know him as a friend."

"Well, I am sure he would be very happy with that." They both continued giggling when they ran into Lucy in the chamber halls.

Lucy looked sharply at the king and then at Lilliandil.

"What's going on here?" Lucy questioned with her arms crossed.