Title: Because Peter Said So Again
Author: Rolletti
This story takes place five years after the monarch returned from Narnia
Ages: Peter 18. Susan: 17, Edmund 15, Lucy 13
Disclaimer: Yep, I do not own any part of C.S. Lewis' works, and I'm still regrettably poor.
*Narnia, Golden Age*
"Lucy those are not the slippers I picked out to match your gown. Where are they?" asked Susan.
Lucy bit her bottom lip as she looked guilty as her three siblings eyes were on her.
"Lucy, where are your slippers?" asked Peter rather stern.
"I don't know?"
"Lucy not again," said Edmund.
"This is a very important affair, Lu. Some of these people are here for the first time with rumors of how barbaric we are."
"I'm sure no one is going to notice how my shoes don't quite match my gown."
"There is nothing for it, we are already late. Ed, straighten your crown," said Peter as he held his hand out for Susan to place on top of his in order to escort her into the Great Hall. Edmund held out his hand to escort Lucy as the doors opened to the most majestic room in Cair Paravel. As the guards opened the doors for the eldest monarchs to step through, Lucy's ladies in waiting quickly slipped on her correct slippers, found in the east garden.
Walking towards their thrones while inclining their heads in greeting to those bowing, Peter says through a charming smile. "I see you are wearing the dress. Surely you didn't have it made for this ball. You've had ball gowns commissioned already according to the family's monthly accounts I signed from Mr. Henry Badger.
"What happened to our regular accountant?" asked Susan inclining her head at their guest.
"Her mother fell ill, and I gave her a two month leave with pay. Don't change the subject," said Peter.
"Just remember, dear brother, we have guest," said Susan avoiding Peter eyes.
"And what does that suppose to mean, dear sister?" asked Peter as he lead her up to her throne.
"Will you two stop it, everyone is watching," demanded Edmund after seeing Lucy to her seat and walked towards his own.
"Very well, have it your way...for now," Peter turned as the whole room bowed.
After Peter greeted their guest and signaled the musicians, all four took their seats.
They were prepared for the lengthy introductions of Ambassadors, Dukes, Governor's and their families. According to the replies from the invitations Susan sent out to countries near and far, everyone was in attendance. Kings sent their delegates to learn about the four children who sat on the thrones of Narnia; their interests were peaked about those who ruled such a savage land. All except King Lune of course, he had visited Narnia on several occasions, and was quite amused to see the diplomats reaction to Talking Animals, and just how civilized they were.
The goal for the ball was to meet representatives of different lands in order to expand import/export. They wanted to learn the integrity of those visiting, learn of their customs, and to judge if they would make good alliances. In Susan's eyes what better way for them all to meet than a ball.
As each delegate introduced themselves, they made sure to emphasize their son's great deeds and social standings, while said son's all but drooled over Queen Susan. One outright asked for her hand in marriage.
Susan politely declined as she reached over to place her hand on Peter's arm to stave off his displeasure, and said with a faint whisper, "Remember we have guest." She then addressed the gentlemen with a radiant smile, "I'm sure the High King wouldn't object to a dance." Susan stood and received the hand ready to claim hers.
Peter sat shocked as all the pieces to the puzzled formed one picture. Looking at Susan from the point of view of all the single, and not so single, males, Peter was struck. His sister, his little sister wasn't so little anymore. He always knew she was beautiful, but she was radiant, especially tonight. Her stunning gown could hold no comparison to her wholesome loveliness. In its simplicity, it stood out amongst all the other embellished, gaudy gowns. Her crown sat atop her head of long, wavy curls, and the only jewelry she wore was her signet ring, and the modest necklace Edmund had commissioned especially for her seventeenth birthday.
She was the envy of every girl there.
Peter now understood that Susan looked forward to the male attention at the ball, and he did not know how to feel about the males who appreciated her stunning beauty.
"I don't like the way this is going," said Edmund standing next to his brother. "Where did that dress come from?" asked Edmund frowning as another gentleman asked Susan to dance. "Shouldn't they ask your permission to dance with her?"
"If you only knew how much I wanted to shout out that very thing, Ed, but it's a ball and to be expected. Besides, this is her night as well, and apparently she has given it more thought than I have given her credit for. Let's not deny her night of admirers. Besides, if you notice, I have her and Lucy's personal guards inconspicuously mingling amongst the guest. I'm no idiot," he smiled.
"Well, the guards are a nice touch at any rate," Edmund smirked.
"Are you calling me an idiot?"
"You said it, I didn't my king," Edmund's eyes sparkled at his brother.
Peter shook his head. "I'm hungry," he grumbled looking at the tables laden with delicious foods he had been smelling for days. I missed dinner because of a meeting with one of the generals. It seems the giants were discovered in our territory in the north again. I hope we can avoid another war with them, but it doesn't look like it. That's an interesting looking fellow dancing with Susan. What is his name again?"
"Prince Rabadash," said Edmund as he and Peter watched their future enemy twirl their sister around the room.
*Present Day*
"I have nothing to wear," sighed Susan.
"It's just a walk on the beach," said Lucy as she sat on Susan's bed.
"Yes, but…"
"But nothing. You'll make Peter regret his decision if you make a production of this.
Susan sat next to Lucy and pulled her into a hug. "You are the best sister anyone can have, Lu. You keep me, all of us grounded."
"I just want you to be happy, Susan. You know, Peter sent me up here," she said.
"Why?" said Susan as she brushed Lucy's hair behind her ear.
"He wanted to talk to dad and mum alone. I don't know what that is about, but hopefully it won't interfere with the meeting tonight. He looked pretty serious."
The girls just looked at each other silently while holding hands, receiving and giving support. They knew Henry, only a short time home from the war, was still adjusting. They also knew to show him as much love as they possibly could, because they couldn't give him what he needs, what he longed for.
"Do you think Peter…well with Lawrence coming over to talk to him instead of dad… do you think Peter…" said Susan.
"Let's not jump to conclusions. This life is quite complicated," said Lucy, walking to look out the window. The sun highlighted her hair as she took a deep breath of the salty air. "I try not to look back with much longing, but I can't help it, especially being here at the cabin. I thought visiting it would be fun, and it is. It's just, I wish I could turn back time, and convince everyone to go swimming with the Mermaids instead of hunting the White Stag. We'd all be married by now, maybe have children of our own. Mr. Tumnus would be the honorary uncle," smiled Lucy, wiping away a tear.
"Actually," Susan joined her at the window. "We would have died over a century ago." She kissed the top of Lucy's head.
"Yes, but we would have lived, instead of just existing."
NnNnNnNn
It would not take much to see that the chair Peter sat in instantly became a throne. This is especially true when he is about to address a serious matter. His parents sat across from him, and he noticed how they gripped each other's hands. They looked as if they were giving support to the other, not at all sure who they were about to speak to. With humble tenderness he said, "I want to apologize for my actions the other day. I shouldn't have acted in such a manner. I have apologized to Susan, and she has accepted my apology. Although, I know she is still hurting. My poor Su."
"Son, why did you react that way? You were hostile towards a total stranger and your sister. Is something wrong?" asked Henry.
"No, no nothing is wrong. The situation has a long history, dad."
"Sweetheart, I know at your age time seems to stand still, but you're only eighteen. You haven't lived long enough for it to be a long history. Besides, Susan has only just begun to be interested in the boy's interests in her," said Helen.
Peter looked at his parents, frustrated in not knowing how to talk to them without sounding like a lunatic. If he and his siblings went around telling everyone in England they were kings and queens in another place and time ruling over Talking Animals they'd be committed. Technically they were all around the same age as their parents, give or take a few years, but Peter had more parenting skills. "Yes, you are absolutely right, mum."
Henry sat further back and studied Peter. He had so many questions and he was quite sure he wouldn't be able to get the answers he's looking for.
"Peter what happened to you four in the country? I have a feeling it was your experience there, and not the war in particular, that changed all of you. I know you've grown up these past five years, but something happen to all of you, and I suspect it happened there," said Henry.
"Go back to your room, Lucy," said Peter while he continued to look at Henry.
"Sorry," said the sneaky spy. Her footsteps could be heard running back to her room.
"How did you know she was there?" asked Henry, looking between Peter and Helen incredulously.
"I'm sure we can all agree that my…your youngest is quite inquisitive. A trait I'm positive will follow her into adulthood," Peter smiled.
"You are a mystery, son. I have been away at war, and you have helped raise these children with your mother these past five years, and I thank you. You'd have to excuse me as I try to find my place in the family again, but I don't know what to say to you. The children come to you for everything. You four are so close, it scares me sometimes. You say the war didn't reach where you were, but watching you it seems it had."
"Metaphorically speaking, war reached every soul in England."
"Peter, I want you to be truthful with us. While you were in the country, did anything terrible happened to you all?" asked Helen, terrified of the answer.
"No, that I can fully guarantee, mum," smiled Peter in confidence.
Because of the scars his parents did not believe him.
"Peter, Susan is growing into a young lady. Summer love," said Helen
"Acquaintance," intervened Peter.
"What?" asked Helen.
"Acquaintance, in Susan's case it will be acquaintance." Helen looked at Henry for help.
"Peter, love can't be stopped. Your mother and I met in the summer," Henry advocated.
"Yes, but surely you didn't really fall in love over a few weeks of summer. I will not allow any boy to disrespect Susan or Lucy. They are queens in my eyes, and will be treated as so, because they are priceless. Let me ask you, dad, did you take mum out of her home without speaking to grandfather?"
Henry laughed as he looked back in time. "No, your grandfather was quite a character back then; still is." Helen squeezed his arm as she smiled up at him.
"You two are in love. I can see it in your eyes, in your actions. I'm sure you did everything possible to get her, met all his demands," Peter wanted them to remember.
"Oh yes, and more," said Helen. "Once he asked for my hand in marriage, he had to sit in the front pew at church for a year with me and my family," Helen giggled.
"I couldn't even sneak a kiss," they giggled together.
"No, no kissing," the smile left Peter's face. "I mean," he cleared his throat. "I understand why grandfather wouldn't permit that. Mum was his priceless jewel. Dad have you ever met Lawrence?"
"No, can't say that I have."
"That makes the two of us. Yet he thought he could just walk in here and take what is precious out of this house. Then there was Susan, she knew better than to…"
"But, its summer and I say…"
"Dad, we are in an awkward…unspoken position," said Peter, eyes intense as he looked at Henry.
Only the rush of the waves could be heard through the open window as the two looked at each other. Time seemed to stand still which made Helen nervous.
"Peter, can I come down now?" asked Lucy, breaking the silence.
"No."
"But,"
"I said no," said Peter, eyes remaining on Henry.
There was the sound of Edmund's voice, slightly deeper, slightly richer, as he intervened, and the soft thud of a door closing. Helen squeezed Henry's hand, and Henry looked away first. It did not need to be said that Lucy addressed Peter only. And there was the proverbial elephant in the room. Peter wanted to embrace his father, and take away all his hurt. He has suffered enough in the war, being separated from his family for so long, and losing them in more ways than one.
"In good will, I sent Edmund on a mission to find this Lawrence, and explain to him the proper etiquette for seeking an audience with Susan. He will be here tomorrow after dinner, and that way we could get to know him."
"That sounds like a good idea, Peter," said Henry shocked.
Helen breathed easier.
TBC