Wow. You are some patient and dedicated people if you came back to this story! You have my sincerest thanks and humble apologies for taking so long to finish this. I never thought it would be received so well, and it took me a while to figure out how to wrap it up without dragging it on too long. It's finished now though, for better or worse. So thank you for reading my little story, and I hope you enjoy!

Chapter 11

"A boy, you say?" Caspian asked his wife as she helped him don more formal attire in which to greet their guest.

"Yes, he was in the woods near Annalise's grave," she explained. "I believe he's from England, just like my siblings and I were, although he doesn't seem confused as to why or how he came to be here. That does strike me as odd. When we first arrived in Narnia, I could scarcely believe what was before my own eyes. All I wanted was to find a way to go home, back to what was familiar and safe." Susan fastened his cape around him, looking up into his dark eyes with a fond smile. "And when I did, I never stopped trying to return here. To Narnia. To Aslan. And to you."

Caspian smiled and kissed her sweetly. "Well, we know not why Aslan has brought him here, but be assured there is a reason for it. And when he is ready, it will be revealed to us. I'm only thankful it was you the child first crossed paths with," he confided to her, resting his hand against her cheek and brushing his thumb along her snow white skin in a delicate caress. "Narnia may be a tamer, kinder place than when you and I were young, but evil still lurks. Especially in the woods. I found solace with the Narnians there once, but I fear those still loyal to Miraz or the White Queen have found refuge in the darkest depths of the forest."

"Is that why you had Xavier follow me today?" she asked, one elegant eyebrow raised. Xavier was a highly trusted and high ranking centaur in Cair Paravel's guard.

Soon after Susan left that morning, Caspian had asked him to make sure no harm came to the queen. Susan though, having been subjected to the over-protective tendencies of both her brothers for many years, had quickly become aware of Xavier watching over her from afar. She was grateful that if her husband had to send someone, that he had asked Xavier. He, at least, respected her privacy and stayed a good distance away upon reaching Queen Annalise's final resting place.

Caspian nodded in answer to her question, not ashamed at all of his decision. "Indeed it was. I know you are more than capable of looking after yourself, Beloved, but should you have run into trouble, I did not want you to be without aid."

"I appreciate your concern, but truly, I was just fine," she smiled, her sapphire eyes dancing with mischief just as they had years ago when he was a fiery young prince himself and their tempers had clashed like swords of the strongest steel. Susan gave him a kiss on the cheek, drawing him out of his memories and said, "Now, come and meet our guest, Beloved."

Caspian watched as the heavy wooden doors to the throne room creaked open the slightest bit and the child entered. Liam remembered to bow this time before the queen and king, and said as he straightened, "You sent for me, Queen Susan?"

"Yes, Liam," she smiled, moving to take his hand. "This is my husband, King Caspian."

Again, Liam bowed, but the action was stiff and unnatural. This boy held himself with a remarkable air of confidence, and obviously had trouble swallowing his pride enough to bow to someone. Even if that someone was a king.

When his eyes met Caspian's, the king was momentarily stunned into silence. This boy, with his golden hair shining like the midday sun and his steady blue eyes, was familiar to him. Yet he was certain he'd never met him before. But he reminded him of… No. That was impossible. The musings of a madman, surely.

"Beloved?" Susan asked, concern coloring her beautiful voice as she gazed worriedly at her pale husband.

Caspian shook himself and approached Liam, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Welcome, Liam. Welcome to Narnia."

Liam dutifully dropped his head. "Thank you, your highness."

Looking over the boy's head, Caspian met his wife's gaze and his lips quirked up in a smirk. "Tell me, Liam," he said, his voice teasing as he tilted the young man's face upward so he could look him in the eye. "What do you know about horses?"

Liam grinned.

Months passed. Liam did not return to England, but stayed with Susan and Caspian. During the day, Susan showed him around the castle and helped him with his lessons. Evidently, there had been very little schooling at the orphanage, so he was frightfully behind. Doctor Cornelius and Caspian in turn taught him about Narnia, its geography, history, and people. Liam found it fascinating, asking questions and begging Susan to read aloud to him from historical texts. Susan and Caspian took him riding, taught him to use a sword and a bow.

One night, after long hours spent riding and in the library studying the different creatures of Narnia, Caspian found Susan in Liam's room. She was perched at the side of his bed, gently running her fingers through his golden locks as she sang a traditional Narnian tune about a lady and her lost love. Liam was sound asleep. When Susan saw Caspian in the doorway, she kissed Liam's forehead and crossed the room to her husband. "I think he's taken quite a liking to you," Caspian remarked with a proud smile.

"And to you," Susan reminded him, taking his hand as they both watched Liam sleep on. "Sometimes," she said softly, "I can almost imagine he's ours."

Caspian's eyes burned with tears as he pressed a kiss to her hair. "As can I," he whispered. "Come, Beloved, let's go to bed."