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Disclaimer: Narnia belongs to C.S. Lewis.
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Desires and Destiny
Chapter 14
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Chad walked out of the wash chambers late that night, ready for bed and extremely tired from all the work he had to do, his mood still sour – thanks to Talan.
His wife sat on the bed, already dressed in her nightgown, reading a book. She looked up at him. He could see that she wanted to say something, but she didn't – or perhaps, she didn't know what to say to him.
The last he had seen her was in his study, when he had shouted at her. And he hadn't replied to her note of apology as well.
He could see the question swirling in her blue eyes: Do you forgive me?
Without saying a word, Chad walked over to the bed and slipped in, laying his head on the soft pillow as he pulled the blanket over himself.
Alianna's silent gaze was still on him.
And he didn't turn to look at her. He didn't want to.
Not yet... Because he wasn't sure what to say to her.
He was still angry at her, yes.
She should have asked him before she shuffled around his important things. It was mere luck that she had been able to find those papers on time and send it to him. But otherwise, he would have experienced great humiliation in front of others. His study was one place that no one was allowed into without his permission – not even Kayla or Philip or Demetrius. Alianna knew that. And yet, she was foolish enough to get it cleaned.
But he felt guilty for shouting at her too.
He had really scared her with his shouting. He could vividly remember how she had flinched and stepped away from him, as she tried to apologize again and again. And she had found those papers and sent them to him on time. She didn't have to, but she did nonetheless. And she had also sent him that apology.
Chad took a deep breath as he turned away from her and closed his eyes.
He was too tired and too confused at the minute. He would deal with Alianna the next morning.
He felt Alianna lay down, and all was silent for a long while. He felt himself slowly drifting to sleep…
And then he heard a sob.
Was it in a dream or was it real?
He wasn't sure.
Another sob – a low sound that reached his ears.
He frowned. It didn't seem like a dream.
Confused and groggy, he opened his eyes, his ears alert.
This time he heard a sniff, as if someone was trying not make a sound.
Chad looked over his shoulder. Alianna's back was towards him so he could not see her face. It took him a minute to see her frame shaking lightly.
She is crying!
Surprised, he sat up and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Alianna?"
He saw her hand move towards her face and a moment later she turned. Even though she had wiped the tears on her cheeks, her eyes were still wet and slightly red.
"You're crying," he stated.
She shook her head lightly.
"Why?"
Alianna pushed herself into a sitting position. "B-Because you d-don't even want to talk to m-me."
He blinked in surprise.
"P-Please don't be angry. I-I swear I didn't mix up your stuff on purpose," she said, her eyes pleading. "I did tell them not to touch your things, but –"
"Alianna," Chad said. "Stop crying."
She obeyed him, taking a minute to calm down. And when she spoke next, her voice was much steadier. "I did not want to cause you so much trouble."
"I know," he said calmly, "You wrote that."
"Then why didn't you talk to me?"
"… I don't know," he sighed, running his hand through his hair. "I was tired and had no wish of speaking to you. I just wanted to sleep."
"Then you should sleep, milord," she said softly.
"So should you," he said.
She didn't say anything but simply rested her back against the headboard, her eyes fixed on nothing in particular. She seemed disturbed.
Maybe he had been a bit too hard on her...
Chad took a deep breath. "Alianna?"
"Yes?"
"Forgive me."
Blue eyes met green ones. "For what, milord?"
"I shouldn't have shouted at you today," He said, "It was totally wrong of me."
"Please," she said, "It is I who should be sorry."
"... Let's call it even then."
She smiled slightly. "Let's," she agreed.
"I gave you quite a fright with my anger today, didn't I?"
Alianna nodded. "I was just… startled for I had never heard you talk so loudly and angrily."
"I hate my anger," he told her. "And I cannot control it, even when I want to. This was something that was there in Alfred and from what I've heard, in Lord Bryce too. Sometimes…"
"Sometimes what, milord?"
"Sometimes I worry that my anger will make me a monster too, just like they were. I hate them both, I refuse to accept them as my family," Chad said. "But the same blood runs in my veins and I cannot change that. What if my anger consumes me and turns me into them?"
"That won't happen," she said, reaching out for his hand. "I'm sure of it."
"How can you be so sure?"
"You may share the same blood with them, Lord Chad, but you are ten times the man they were. Your strength, your courage and the goodness in your heart will never let you become like them."
He squeezed her hand slightly, a small smile gracing his face. "Sometimes I get the feeling that you think too highly of me."
She smiled. "You must be tired," she said, "Go to sleep."
Chad nodded. "You won't cry over something so silly now, will you?"
"I'll try not to."
"Good night, Alianna," he murmured, raising her hand and bringing it to his lips. Placing a gentle kiss on it, he let it go.
"Good night, milord."
[][][][][][][][]
Harry jolted awake, arm reaching out underneath his bed, searching for his sword. His eyes scanned his dark bedroom, searching for what had woken him up.
He automatically relaxed when he saw that it was only Hadiya, rubbing sleepiness from her eyes.
"What is it?" he asked her groggily.
"I had a bad dream," she whimpered sadly.
"Oh?" Harry sat up more and opened his arms, beckoning her to join him on the bed. "What was it about?" he asked as she curled up in the nook of his arm.
"It was about..." she trailed off.
"About?" Harry asked gently, encouraging her to continue.
"About us," she told him, "We were playing. I was running and your were trying to catch me."
"That doesn't sound like a bad dream."
"It wasn't... at first," she said slowly. "Then I heard mum calling us, she wanted us to eat first."
Harry stiffened. "M-Mum?" he stammered.
She nodded, looking up at him with innocent eyes. "I knew it was mum," she said. "And she was feeding us this delicious soup..."
Harry smiled, though his heart was filled with anything but happiness.
He smiled as he tried to imagine what his little sister had seen.
He tried to imagine what could have been.
"... And then everything went dark and scary. Mum screamed in fear and then she was gone - just like that," Hadiya went on, fear seeping into her voice as she hugged him tightly. "I was so scared and I wanted mum. And you were crying as you looked around for her. But she was gone. And then I woke up."
Harry was silent for a moment. "It was just a dream, Hads," he said softly. "You're alright. We're both alright."
"And mum?" she asked. "What about her?"
He didn't answer. Because he didn't have anything to say.
"Harry?" Hadiya said after a long while.
"Yes?" he asked.
"Where is mum?"
He blinked, looking down at her.
"I've never met her." she spoke slowly. "Where is she?"
He gulped. "Go to sleep, Hads," he murmured, kissing her brow. "I have to go to the palace early tomorrow."
"Because you're going to Daelhr with Queen Lucy," she stated.
"Yes."
"And I'll be alone, again," she looked away sadly.
"Don't be sad," he told her. "You'll see me real soon, I promise. Now sleep."
She nodded, resting her head on his chest.
All was silent for some minutes.
But Harry couldn't sleep. Not anymore.
He glanced down at his little sister, who had closed her eyes. He kissed her cheek, her naive question ringing in his head again and again.
"Where is mum?"
He couldn't reply. He couldn't.
And then, for some reason, he found his mind wandering back to the memories he had shut down deep within himself.
Harry was seven. He had been playing in his room when he heard his parents shouting downstairs.
He didn't need to go down there to see that it was his parents shouting. That had become an almost everyday routine for them now. And he was used to it.
Normally, he would have just ignored them but as soon as he started hearing his father's words slur together, Harry knew his dad was really drunk.
Harry knew from experience how bad his dad could get when drunk.
In fact, he still had a bruise where he had been thrown to the floor the last time his father was drunk, only three days before. Harry's mother had been at the market, leaving Harry home alone when his father had come stumbling home after being out drinking with his friends from work.
Concerned about his mother's safety, Harry quietly slipped out of his room and snuck out onto the landing, crawling on his stomach to peep through the railing at his parents below.
His dad was flailing his arms like a madman as his mother tried to quiet him down.
"Charles...please calm down..." she shushed him, placing a hand on his arm in an attempt to sedate him in his alcohol-induced rage.
Almost without Harry seeing it, his father spun around and slapped his mother so hard that she fell to the ground.
"Mom!" Harry cried, running down the stairs, throwing himself over his mother's unconscious body, shielding her from any more harm.
He saw his father freeze in shock, before stumbling into the adjacent room - his study - to "do some work."
Harry sighed, glancing down at his sister who stirred and mumbled something in her sleep.
He smiled slightly at her before his eyes moved away to nothing in particular, and his mind wandered off into his past again.
That night was the last time he had seen his father.
When his mother finally woke up later that evening, she had immediately helped Harry pack up his belongings. He had asked her again and again why she was doing so, but she refused to answer.
And then, late at night, she led him out of the house where a small carriage was waiting.
"Mom," he had said, looking up at her. "What is going on?"
"Harry, honey," she had said, kneeling so that she was level with him, "You have to go."
"What?"
"You will live with my uncle from now on." she said, tears forming in her eyes. "You'll be very happy there, I'm sure."
He took her hand. "Are you coming with me?"
She shook her head. "No, sweetie."
His eyes widened. "But I don't want to go without you."
You must," she said, cupping his cheek. "I love you, Harry."
"But... But who'll protect you if I'm not here?"
"I still have a few tricks up my sleeve darling. You don't have to worry about me," she told him, kissing him on the forehead before pulling him into a tight hug.
"I love you, mom," Harry had said, his eyes getting wet as he hugged her back.
"And I love you too, sweetheart. But you must go now," she said, "Hurry."
Obediently, Harry got into the carriage. "When will I see you, mother?"
She didn't say anything, but simply stared at him with sad eyes.
The door to the carriage closed.
"Mom?" he called, hoping she would give him an answer.
She didn't.
The carriage began to move.
He was moving... away from her.
"Mommy!"
And she just stared at him, with tears running down her cheeks and her hand raised as she waved him goodbye.
Taking a deep breath, Harry looked down at Hadiya's sleeping form. Now positive that moving her wouldn't wake her up, Harry laid her down on the other half of his bed. Settling down beside her, he couldn't help but smile at her peaceful expression. A few light brown curls hid her face, and her thumb was tucked comfortingly in her mouth. Ignoring the thumb, Hadiya bore a perfect resemblence to their mother.
The only thing that bothered Harry were her bright green eyes. Neither his mother or father, nor any other relative that Harry had met, had green eyes like his little sister's.
Pondering that thought, Harry let sleep overcome him.
[][][][][][][][]
"My Lord Chad," Alianna said, walking faster to catch up with her husband. It was a cloudy afternoon and the two were walking towards the gardens. "My maid told me that you wished to see me."
"Yes," he replied, "I'd like you to have lunch with me today."
She faltered. "Is it some occasion, milord?"
"No, I merely wanted to enjoy your company," he said, "It is a beautiful day – thankfully not too hot, and I thought that you'd enjoy eating outside in the gardens with me."
She smiled. "I'd love to."
"Philip might join us."
"He will?"
Chad shrugged. "He mentioned something about dropping by. I'm not sure if he will come or not…" he trailed off for a short moment. "We've all been very busy as of late."
"It is because of the strikes, right?" she asked.
"… Yes," Chad admitted after a moment's hesitation.
"Are they going that bad?"
"I'll be able to handle them," he replied. "You shouldn't worry."
She looked at him intently. "You're lying."
"I'm not."
"Then you're trying to."
Chad smiled grimly. "It is quite alarming how easily you can read me at times."
"Don't worry, milord, you're a mystery to me most of the times."
He laughed. "That makes me feel so much better."
The couple came to a stop before a table laden with food. The Lord of Daelhr then walked over to the table and pulled a chair for his wife. Once she was seated, he took a seat across from her.
Alianna looked around her. The table was nicely set with her most favorite dishes – and the aromas made her mouth water. The lush green grass of this part of the gardens was freshly cut and the roses and geraniums in the flower beds bloomed.
"I'm assuming, by the smile that has lightened your face, that you like the arrangements."
She blinked and looked at Chad to find him looking at her with great interest.
"I did," She said politely. "Thank you."
"I've also heard that these," he pointed towards the food, "happen to be your favorite dishes."
She nodded.
"Well then, I don't see why we must wait."
"Indeed," she smiled and got up with the intention of serving the food to him before she ate.
"I think I can help myself," he told her.
She blinked. "It's frightening how you can read me at times."
He grinned at her as he helped himself to some mashed potatoes. "Well, you're not the only talented one in this relationship."
Chad and Alianna ate in silence for a few minutes, enjoying the friendly silence and the calm weather that surrounded them.
"Milord," Alianna spoke up. "You seem to have avoided my question."
"What question?" he asked, sipping his drink.
"The one about the strikes."
He faltered. "I've been working day and night. These are the only two hours I have to myself and you want me to discuss work with you."
"Forgive me," she said, her voice soft as always, "I just thought that as the Lady of Daelhr, I have a right to know."
"… Yes, you do," he said thoughtfully, his green eyes fixed on her.
Alianna fidgeted uncomfortably. "Why are you looking at me like that?"
"I'm trying to figure you out."
"I beg your pardon?"
He sighed. "The strikes have gotten worse. The labor has grown more angry and more violent. I'm trying all I can to calm them down but Talan has poisoned their minds."
"If it is becoming such an issue," Alianna said, "Then why don't you agree to their terms?"
"I cannot." He replied simply. "Not only what they demand is unfair but it will burden the treasury. If any hazard befalls the city, I want to have enough funds to make sure that my people are safe and healthy."
"I didn't know Daelhr was in such a tight position financially."
Chad shrugged. "The diseases and the destruction that the rains brought cost me a lot. Not to mention that there are large costs of running the city itself. There are people to be paid, food to be bought and trade to be conducted," he said. "We're not in a tight position but we will be if I hand out all the money to the labor."
Alianna was silent for a few moments, absorbing this information. She could not help but sympathize with him. Ruling a city was not easy.
"I'm sorry," he said, "My intention was not to burden you with my problems."
"You didn't."
"Then why are you looking as if you've swallowed my cooking?"
She looked at him strangely, her brows furrowed. What?
"I'm a terrible cook," he explained with a sheepish smile. "Ask Kayla."
She chuckled. "I'm not worried; I was… thinking."
"About what?"
"You said that Talan would not listen to reason."
Chad nodded.
"If he won't, then you shouldn't waste your time talking to him," Alianna said.
"He is their leader."
"Talan is one man – he doesn't make up the entire labor force." She argued. "He just represents them."
"So?"
"So you should speak to the others and try to negotiate with them."
"I plan to."
She blinked. "You do?"
"Demetrius and Philip are both against this idea. They don't think that it will help."
Alianna remained quiet.
If her father and brother were against this idea then they wouldn't want Chad to talk to others. And Alianna just suggested the Lord to do the opposite of what her father wanted.
Oh no!
"Alianna?"
"I'm sorry," she said, snapping back to her surroundings. "What did you say?"
"I said that the only reason I haven't spoken to the other people in the labor force is because your brother and father opposed me," he told her, "And I value their opinion too much to ignore it. They are loyal friends."
She pressed her lips in a firm line.
"However, I think that I should speak to the labor force," he went on. "Speaking with Talan is not taking me anywhere."
"But father and Philip don't think that it is a wise idea, just as you said," she said, almost frightened to imagine what Philip's reaction would be if he found out that Alianna had spoiled what they wanted.
"Yes, but they will have to agree with me." Chad said, looking at her. "You think that this would be a good idea, right?"
She opened her mouth and closed it, feeling torn.
He raised an eyebrow.
"… Yes," she finally said.
"Alianna," Chad said, "Your father is a wise man. I'm sure he will agree if I talk to him. Philip – I'm not so sure about, but he will listen to me."
Alianna remained quiet, not knowing how to react.
"It's decided then, I'll go and see the labor force first thing in the morning tomorrow," Chad said, reaching out and placing his hand atop hers. "Thank you."
"For what?"
"When I presented this idea in the meeting, everyone went against me," he told her, "And now that you suggested it, I guess I found the support I needed."
"You're the Lord of Daelhr," she said, "You do not need the support of anyone."
"I cannot go against my council."
"The council is here to guide you, but you make the decisions."
"What if I do something wrong?"
"You won't." She hesitated, knowing that these are not the things her father and brother would want her to say to her husband. "Your compassion and strength has brought Daelhr prosperity and you must not doubt yourself. You love your people and you would never do anything that is not right for them."
He blinked.
"You need to have more faith in yourself, milord."
He smiled. "I guess I need to be reminded that from time to time."
Alianna returned the smile as she placed her other hand over his. "Then I will remind you." She promised.
"I'm lucky to have you by my side, Alianna."
She didn't say anything though her heart skipped a beat when he said that.
"Now," Chad said, pulling back his hand, "It seems that Philip was not able to make it for the meal. Pity – I think you would have liked to see your brother after so many days."
She nodded slowly.
Chad tilted his head. "Are you two close?" he asked. "You never told me."
"I… H-He… We are close."
He raised an eyebrow. "Your words were filled with uncertainty."
"We are close," she insisted. "It's just that Philip and I have our disagreements in certain matters."
"Disagreements?" he asked. "I do not take you for someone who would indulge in an argument."
"I do not," she said. "Philip often says that fighting with a statue is better than fighting with me because I never talk."
He laughed. "That sounds like something Philip would say."
Alianna pouted as she stood up and took a few steps away from the table. "I do talk. And I did reply to him too when we were fighting, many times."
"Really?"
She nodded. "I just didn't reply all the time."
"Any why is that?" Chad asked, standing up as well.
"I find that arguing is a waste of time and energy."
"That means that I should be happy that I have a wife who will not argue with me."
A smile made a way to her lips.
"So, tell me, Alianna," Chad said thoughtfully as he crossed his arms over his chest. "Who won these arguments?"
She shrugged. "No one did. I usually went to my chambers and Philip vented out his anger in sparring." She paused. "Father always told him to be nice to me and not fight with me."
"Did Philip listen to your father then?"
Alianna made a face. "No. He always made me angry."
Chad blinked. "I didn't know you could be angry," his voice was filled with both amusement and interest. "I cannot imagine you being angry – ever. How did he make you angry?"
"By making me laugh."
"I'm sorry?" he asked, confused.
"He used to tickle me and I hated it." Alianna mumbled. "I'm very ticklish."
His eyes narrowed. "Is that so?" a sly smile crept on his face as he took a step forward.
"Milord?"
"I'd love to see how you look when you're angry, Alianna," he said, taking another step forward. His emerald eyes twinkled like that of a child.
Realization dawned on Alianna and she took a step backwards. "No."
"Yes."
"Milord, no."
He just moved forward.
"Please," she said, quickly taking a few steps back. But in her hurry, she stumbled over her dress.
Alianna shut her eyes tightly, bracing herself for the fall.
Instead strong arms wrapped around her waist, holding her in a firm grip.
Startled, she opened her eyes only to find herself drowning in a bright green pool. It took her a moment to realize that Chad had caught her, and another to realize that he was slowly lowering her so that she lay on the grass.
"Milord?" she breathed, looking up at him.
"Alianna," he said, his hands slowly moving up and down her sides.
Her heart started beating wildly in her chest as she blinked her eyes rapidly, wondering why she was feeling this way.
His lips slowly formed a cocky smile. "You've made it so much easier for me."
She frowned wondering what he meant by that, but before she could ponder over it, his fingers dug into her sides as he started to tickle her.
Alianna's eyes widened as she squealed with laughter. "Stop!" she managed to say. "Please!"
Chad didn't stop.
Her hands came to rest on his chest and she pushed him away. Getting on her feet as quickly as she could, she ran away.
She was not quick enough, though.
A couple of seconds later, she felt him wrap an arm around her waist and he lifted her up easily. His other hand returned to her stomach, torturing her with his fingers.
Tears sprang into her eyes as she laughed, irritated inside at how she had been the one to blab about the fact that she was ticklish and how she was the reason why he was doing this. She desperately tried to wriggle away from him, but all her attempts failed.
His laughter reached her ears and it was different than the times he had laughed before. She could tell that this time his laughter came truly from his heart... and it was a beautiful sound.
Laughter suits him, she thought.
That thought didn't last long, however, because she was soon completely out of breath. "Milord," she gasped, "Don't!"
A moment later, Chad stopped his attack on her and set her on the ground, sitting down next to her.
"You didn't get angry," he said, trying to look disappointed.
Alianna didn't say anything but simply gulped in air. "T-That was… cruel."
"Not cruel enough, it would seem."
She shook her head as she looked down at the grass, a smile spreading on her face.
The two sat silently for a minute or two when Alianna felt his fingers grasp a lock of hair that fell on her face.
Startled, she looked up and froze.
His body was angled towards her as he leaned forward; his face was inches from hers. His deep green eyes were on her. Slowly, he pushed the lock of hair behind her ear.
"You're beautiful," Chad murmured.
She didn't say anything, but she knew that a blush was forming in her cheeks. She could feel it.
"Did you enjoy the lunch?"
She nodded. "I-I'm glad you invited me."
"I haven't really talked to you over the last week," he said. "I'm a terrible husband, aren't I?"
"No," she whispered. "You are an amazing husband."
He smiled. "I'm glad you think so," he murmured as the tips of his fingers lightly brushed over her cheek.
Someone coughed.
As quick as lighting, Chad and Alianna moved away from each other and looked at the intruder. It was an old man who worked in the mansion.
Alianna blushed, her gaze falling to the floor with embarrassment.
"What is it, Bard?" she heard Chad say and she was impressed to hear that he sounded calm, his voice even and emotionless.
Not that he was as unsteady as her while the two of them talked. It was she who felt weird, with her insides shaking as if she had took part in a race.
"This letter arrived for you, milord," Bard replied.
Chad stood up and held out a hand. "Thank you."
Bard bowed and left.
The Lord of Daelhr opened the envelope and pulled out the letter, reading it, his brows furrowing as he read and his expression becoming hard to read.
"Who is it from, milord? Alianna asked tentatively once he had finished reading.
Chad took a deep breath. "Queen Lucy."
Alianna blinked in surprise as she pushed herself to her feet. "Is everything alright, milord?"
"She is coming to Daelhr."
"… Why?"
"Queen Lucy is travelling to another city to visit a few of her friends. Since her journey is long, she would like to stay here at Daelhr and rest for a few days."
Alianna didn't say anything for a few moments. "… It would be nice to have her here," she spoke softly.
Chad nodded absently, his face void of any emotion. "I want you to write an answer to her."
"Me?"
"You," he said simply. "Now, I have work to attend to. Have a good day."
And without waiting for an answer, the Lord of Daelhr walked away.
[][][][][][][][]
"Milady," Harry inclined his head in respect as he greeted the Valiant Queen the next morning. "All the preparations have been made."
"Good," Lucy replied absently, staring out at the gardens from her balcony. "We leave in an hour."
"Yes," Harry paused. "Is everything alright?"
"Of course. Why do you ask?"
He shrugged. "You seem distracted."
She turned to face him and smiled. "Nothing ever escapes your eyes, does it Harry?"
"I've been trained to keep an eye out for important things."
"I just…" she sighed. "I'm going to Daelhr and this time things will be entirely different between Chad and me."
He looked at her sympathetically.
She chuckled darkly. "You don't have to pity me."
"I'm not," Harry told her, "You're strong and you have more important matters to see rather than spend time with Lord Chad."
Lucy nodded. "You're right about that. We only have a few days at Daelhr and we have to find out proof against Demetrius."
"What if we don't find anything in that time?"
"We have to," she said, "Otherwise we'll have to come up with an excuse to stay there for a longer time and I cannot think of anything. The only option we will be left with is to leave and I don't want to do that without any evidence."
Harry nodded. "Did you inform Lord Chad that we will be coming?"
"I did," Lucy said. "And I got a reply early this morning."
"What did he say?"
"He didn't say anything. She did." Lucy's tone was filled with suppressed anger and hurt.
"She?" Harry asked, confused.
Lucy picked up a paper that lay on the table along with a book she had been reading and handed it to him.
Harry looked at the slanted writing and began reading.
Queen Lucy,
I hope you are well.
Lord Chad received your letter but he was not able to reply himself because he is a bit busy with his duties these days. However, I wanted to tell you, on his behalf and mine, that it would be an honor to have you stay with us. I shall have all the arrangements made for your arrival and for those who will accompany you.
Have a safe journey. I hope to see you soon.
Yours truly,
Alianna.
Harry raised an eyebrow. "Alianna?"
Lucy nodded grimly. "It seems that Chad still doesn't want to talk to me, even if it is in writing."
"I'm sorry," Harry hesitated for a second, wondering if he should continue. He did continue, "But you have to move on. He is a married man."
"I don't want to talk about it."
"You never do."
"Then you should know better than to touch this topic," she said slowly. "Let's go to the others."
"... As you wish."
About twenty minutes later, the two were walking out into the courtyard where the monarchs were standing there.
"What took you so long?" Caspian asked.
"I wanted to say goodbye to the children," the Valiant Queen replied. "They were all playing peacefully."
"Good."
"Why do you have to go?" Adeline asked her.
"There is an important matter I must see to," Lucy said, glancing at the High King.
"Indeed," Peter agreed. "Let her go."
Edmund shook his head. "I'm not very happy with the idea of you staying with that Chad and –"
"I'll be fine," Lucy smiled. "I'm going there because of my work and not to spend time with anyone. And in any case, Harry will be there with me, right?"
"Of course, milady," Harry replied.
"In that case, have a safe journey and a good stay there," Isabel smiled, hugging her.
"I'm almost tempted to come with you," Susan said to her sister, "I wouldn't mind a few nights of peaceful, ghost-less sleep in the comfortable bedrooms of Ardross Mansion."
Lucy rolled her eyes. "Where is your bravery, Su?"
"It went away ever since that obnoxious ghost took away my sleep!" the Gentle Queen said not so gently. "It has been ten days now!"
"Forgive me," Harry interrupted, "But what ghost, my Queen?"
"Susan thinks that a ghost is haunting her chambers." Lucy explained to him.
Harry frowned. "Does this ghost giggles by any chance?"
Lucy blinked in surprise.
Susan's eyes went wide. "I-It haunts you too?"
"No."
"Then how do you know about it?" Caspian asked curiously.
Harry seemed confused. "I heard Kings Peter and Edmund talking about it in the stables yesterday. They were saying something about how silly everyone is and how much fun it…" Harry trailed off when he saw the two kings shake their heads, motioning him to shut up.
But the damage was done.
Caspian stared open-mouthed at the two kings, as did everyone else – except Susan.
She glared at them, her face seeming so dangerous that Harry actually had to resist taking a step back in fear.
"You!" she growled, "You two are behind this."
"N-Not me!" Peter quickly said. "It was Edmund's idea and he is the ghost. I just happen to know about it."
"Thanks a lot, mate," Edmund said sarcastically before smiling at Susan. "Oh, Su! It was just a joke. Let's just laugh over it."
"I haven't had a good night's sleep in last ten days because of you two and you want me to laugh over it?"
"Umm… listen… Su –"
Susan looked around as if searching for something. "Give me something to hit them with!" she ordered.
"Susan," Peter said, trying to sound authoritative and failing at it terribly, "That is inappropriate."
"Propriety be damned, Peter Pevensie," Susan said, taking off her heels and hurling them towards her brothers. "You just watch what I'll do to the two of you."
"Pete?" Edmund said quickly.
"Yeah?"
"Should we run?"
Peter glanced at Susan and then at Lucy. "Goodbye, Luce. I love you," His blue eyes moved back to the extremely angry Gentle Queen, "Ed, run!"
And they did.
With Susan right behind them.
"I think I'll lend my wife a hand," an irritated looking Caspian growled and went after her.
Harry bit his lip to keep himself from laughing out loud.
It was quite a sight really. The Magnificent High King and the Just King being followed by the Gentle Queen and King Caspian all over the gardens of the palace... shouts of threats and feeble apologies in the air...!
"Our husbands seem to be in trouble," Adeline said to Isabel casually. "Should we help them?"
"As good wives, we should but they deserve it," Isabel replied. "Let Susan and Caspian have their fun for a while before we intervene."
"How about some coffee and muffins in the meantime?" Adeline asked.
Isabel smiled sweetly. "Sounds perfect."
Harry glanced at Lucy who was laughing and in spite of himself, he smiled.
It had been so long since he had seen the Valiant Queen smile truly from her heart.
Wiping away the tears that had formed in her eyes, Lucy turned to her sisters-in-law. "I would love to see the results of Susan's torture on my brothers but I really should be leaving."
"Of course," Isabel nodded. "Take care."
"And be happy too," Adeline said. "We all like to see our Lucy smiling like this, always."
Lucy grinned. "I love you all," she told them. "And I'll see you all soon. Goodbye."
With that, the Valiant Queen walked towards the carriage.
Harry was about to follow her when –
"Harry?"
He turned.
Isabel turned to Adeline. "Why don't you have those muffins prepared?"
Adeline glanced at Harry and then Isabel, seeming confused. "Of course."
Once she was gone, Isabel walked over to stand before him. "Since Peter is busy at the moment, I would like to say a few things to you," she said softly. "Take care of Lucy."
"I will, my queen," he replied. "You need not to worry about her."
"I won't, because I know that you'll never let any harm come to her," Isabel said. "But you're her friend and you know all the hurt she has been through because of what happened between her and Chad. I want you to make sure that she doesn't hurt herself anymore."
"Of course, my queen."
She smiled. "You're a good person, Harry. Have a safe journey."
[][][][][][][][]
Chad was fuming.
He had spent the entire morning and half of the afternoon convincing the labor to stop these strikes. And they did listen to him, they did understand – but at the last minute, Talan decided to show up.
That snake-tongued man quickly gave an emotional speech and ruined everything.
Not completely though, a voice in Chad's mind told him.
The labor was currently divided. Half the men agreed with Chad and had decided to stop the protests. The other half, led by Talan, had created uproar.
Things got a bit too rough and Philip had suggested that Chad leave. Chad hadn't wanted to but his two guards had all but dragged him back towards their horses. And now they were on their way back to Ardross.
He had a meeting with his council, and there was much to discuss about so many different matters. The labor issue was not the only thing on his mind – he had so many other things to see to as well.
And then he will have to welcome Queen Lucy as well. He wasn't sure how he felt about having her stay in his mansion.
Over the last two months, he had spent some time with Alianna and he had come to enjoy her company. But his heart was still filled with pain – pain of not being with Lucy. He loved Lucy and it was simple as that. And Lucy had betrayed him.
He was sure that Harry would be accompanying Lucy, and he wasn't looking forward to seeing both of them together.
The Lord of Daelhr sighed.
Like it or not, she was his queen and it was his duty to welcome her and have her stay at his mansion.
That is what it is – my duty, he told himself.
But it was not just a duty. It was heartache – again. Seeing her would not be easy. And seeing that Harry and keeping his anger in check will be quite a test... And then there was –
Chad snapped out of his thoughts when he saw a something flash by from the corner of his eyes. He barely had time to turn when he saw two arrows hitting one of his guards squarely in the chest. The man was dead before he hit the ground.
"We're under attack!" Eugene, his other guard shouted.
Chad turned back to the woods, from where the arrows had come, pulling out his sword.
"We have to get out of here. Now!" Eugene said.
Before Chad could even urge his horse to run, another arrow whistled through the air and hit the animal. It reared, and the Lord of Daelhr fell to the ground.
Pushing himself to his feet quickly, Chad turned back, his grip on his sword tight.
Six men, cloaked, walked out from behind the trees. One look at them told Chad that they were assassins - masters of killing.
"Milord," Eugene, who had got off his horse and rushed to stand before Chad, said in a hurry, "You need to get out of here."
"No time for that," Chad said and ducked as one of the assassin slashed his sword towards him.
Step. Duck. Slash. Step. Slash. Parry.
Soon a rhythm was set and Chad danced, his sword a blur as he fought with three men at once. From the corner of his eyes, he saw Eugene kill one of the assassins.
Attack. Defend. Attack. Defend. Attack.
The attackers managed to nick Chad a few times, drawing blood from a wound or two – but it was nothing serious.
His green eyes were fixed on his opponents, and soon he saw an opening. Taking a step forward, Chad hacked his sword upwards, straight into the man's chest. But before Chad could pull out his weapon, one of the assassins kicked him. The Lord of Daelhr stumbled and fell to the ground, his sword no longer in his hands.
Holding the sword in both of his hands, the assassin brought his blade down. Chad rolled away just in time, avoiding the fatal blow. Picking up a rock from the ground, hurled it towards the man.
It hit the attacker and Chad took this opportunity to kick the blade out of his hands.
Just as he was about to push himself on his feet, the attacker – much to his surprise – kicked him in the chest, hard - very hard.
Chad heard a sickening crack. And his vision flashed red.
A moment later a fist collided with his face.
Without wasting a second, Chad held the hand and pulled his opponent to the ground. Pushing himself to his knees, Chad punched the assassin with all his might before taking hold of his throat.
"Who sent you to kill me?" The Lord of Daelhr demanded.
Before the man could say anything, an arm wrapped around Chad's throat and dragged him away from the man.
Half-expecting such a move, Chad held the man's arm and pulled, so that the assassin was before him. Pulling his right fist back, Chad prepared to land a punch when someone took hold of his arm and twisted it.
Chad let out a cry of pain and pulled himself away in an attempt to stop the pain. He stumbled over a dead body and fell, landing on his right side heavily.
I'm outnumbered, he thought.
A boot met his chest again, hard, knocking the breath out of him.
Something was wrong. Seriously wrong. For in that one instant, it became impossible for Chad to breathe.
Blinded by pain and gasping for air, he turned away, pushing himself to his feet. It took him a moment to realize that Eugene's dead body lay a few feet from him.
Wearily, Chad glanced back at the four remaining assassins, who now advanced towards him, their weapons ready. And he coughed, spitting out blood.
His vision swam.
There was no way he would be able to fend off these attackers.
Not when he couldn't breathe.
He had to do something.
His eyes moved all over the place, coming to rest on his sword. It was still buried in the chest of the man he had killed.
Dashing forward as quickly as he could, his fingers wrapped around the hilt and Chad pulled it out. Without waiting for a second, he crossed blades with the closest assassin.
Slash. Parry. Slash. Parry. Slash.
Chad hit him with a series of complex blows and once he was close enough, Chad kicked the man's chest. The man fell over his companions, blocking them for a second or two.
Seizing this opportunity, Chad ran into the woods, through the maze of trees, branches and roots.
Running was difficult. It took up a lot of his energy.
His right arm was almost useless.
And he couldn't breathe.
His vision was fading slowly.
The pain increased.
And the men were following him. He could hear them.
Chad pushed past a few branches and entered a small clearing.
He stopped.
This was a well-hidden clearing. And he knew of this place.
For this was the very clearing where he had hid Lucy all those years ago while he fetched a horse for her. This was the very clearing where she had assured him that they would have a happy ending. This was the very clearing where they had kissed for the first time.
Bittersweet memories flashing before him, Chad staggered forward. And soon pain took away all his thoughts and memories.
He gasped as he fell to the ground, hoping that some oxygen would reach his lungs – but it didn't.
He could hear the assassins searching for him.
Mustering up his remaining energy, Chad crawled close to a tree - the very tree Lucy had sat against once as she waited for him - but he now he didnt have the energy to sit up against its trunk.
No energy at all.
Help me, Aslan... he prayed as he rolled over to his back.
He saw the trees above him for a second. But then his vision swam.
His senses dulled.
And the Lord of Daelhr knew no more.
So, there you go... end of yet another chapter.
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Ennarre and CrazyKitCat.
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