The castle was abuzz in preparations for the arrival of Jasmina. Legolas and Caspian nearly collided as they were each rounding a corner. They stood a few feet from each other, greeting one another coldly, "Legolas."

"Caspian."

They stood there for a while before Legolas spoke up, "Susan told me that you know about the baby..."

Caspian nodded, "Yes, she also told me of your little affair."

Legolas' jaw clenched, "And I've been made aware of your escapades as well young king...taking advantage of a vulnerable, inebriated woman is highly dishonorable."

Caspian glared, "I did no such thing...it was a mistake and we were both under the influence of wine."

Legolas crossed his arms, "Yet you accuse me of having an affair with a woman who was not being courted, betrothed or married. I was simply having a relationship...the only problem is that you felt you are allowed to claim ownership because you saw her first...I will tell you this, she is not a mere possession to be bartered for your majesty. She is my soul mate and as difficult as this situation is, I will not leave her...even if the child she carries belongs to you."

"Is everything alright?" Susan asked as she approached the two.

Legolas allowed his shoulders to relax and took a step back toward her, "Everything is fine. Are you feeling well today?"

She nodded and continued looking between the two of them, "Yes...just a bit tired...are you sure everything is alright? I didn't stumble into a fight did I?"

They let out uneasy laughs as Caspian spoke up, "No, we were just talking about you. If you are fatigued, you should lay down."

"I agree. Are you hungry melamin? I can fetch something from the kitchen for you." Legolas asked as he shot Caspian a look from the corner of his eye. He smugly put a hand on her back.

She looked between them, confused, "No I'm fine. I'm going to go...you both are being really...odd."

She continued eyeing them as she walked away, but was soon out of sight. Once she was gone, the two turned back to each other.

"Let's devise a plan shall we? You stay out of my way and I will stay out of yours." Legolas said as he took a step closer to the king.

"Fine...what of Susan?" Caspian asked, crossing his arms.

"What of her? She was with me before you ruined everything. You're welcoming a woman you're interested in courting today. You have no business with Susan."

"I beg to differ, elf. I have as much business with her as you now. I should be allowed to see her when I please. That may very well be my child. I deserve to talk to her and touch her growing belly if I like...and I will."

Before Legolas could retort, Caspian was gone. Legolas' nostrils flared as he watched Caspian walk away. He fantasized about punching him in the back of the head, but he was sure that would land him in deep trouble with Susan.

Legolas muttered a few elvish curses. He remembered meeting the boy for the first time. He saved the young mans life and they were once fond of each other. At one point, Legolas found Caspian's tenacity, determination and pride admirable...but now, all of those traits were keeping him from leaving the woman he loved alone.

Susan needed a more clever way to hide her pregnancy. Luckily, Lucy was a quick thinker. She immediately suggested that both she and Susan wear empire waisted dresses. They realized that whatever they wore would probably set the trends for the styles of the rest of the women in court and throughout the kingdom, so they hoped no one grew suspicious that Susan stopped wearing corsets and favored dresses that were lose around her midsection since Lucy would be wearing the same dresses.

They lined up in the throne room as Jasmina and her maids entered. Caspian, Edmund and Peter stepped forward, bowing as Susan and Lucy curtsied. Legolas stood off to the side of the room and looked at the girl. She was pretty to his eyes, but she lacked the majestic beauty Susan possessed. Her hair was blond and her eyes were blue, like so many elves he had seen in Middle Earth. One of the things he appreciated most about Susan was the way her dark hair contrasted with her pale blue eyes. He had only seen such ethereal features in Lady Arwen, but he dare not spare her a second glance. He watched as Jasmina exchanged words with Caspian, making the young king smile. Legolas rolled his eyes and looked to Susan who stood stoically. Her belly was hidden well beneath the high waisted dress and layers of fabric. He wondered how long she could get away with it and what they would do when she was far too big to hide. What will the people say when all of the sudden, there is a baby in the royal household?

His thoughts were interrupted as Caspian said his name, "...And this is Legolas, the Marksman Duke of Narnia."

Legolas bowed respectfully and took the woman's hand "It is a pleasure to welcome you milady."

She smiled, "Thank you...so you are the elf Queen Lucy spoke of...blessed with immortal life and numerous abilities and talents. I don't believe I've ever known a being such as yourself. You possess a very unique presence about you my lord."

Susan's eyes narrowed as Legolas straightened, "Thank you milady."

Caspian shifted uncomfortably and offered his arm to Jasmina, "I've had a great feast prepared to honor your arrival...shall we make our way to the dining hall?"

Jasmina nodded and took his arm as all filed from the room behind them. Members of the council attended the feast with their wives as well as a few Narnian members of the court. Susan sat with her siblings and Legolas near the head table. She heard Edmund lean over and whisper, "So what do you think about Jasmina Pete?"

Pete smirked, "She's gorgeous. I would have married her on the spot had I see her on that island..."

Susan couldn't help but roll her eyes as her brothers spoke. She glanced over at Caspian and Jasmina. He was leaning in close to her ear, whispering words that made her nod and smile. A soft smile spread across Susan's lips. Perhaps this beauty would take his mind off of the troubles at hand. She admitted she resented Caspian for what had transpired between the two of them, but knew it was just as much her fault as it was his. She cared for him as a friend, and as a friend, she wanted him to find happiness. Legolas leaned over and gently touched her hand, "It's getting late bereth vell. Are you tired?"

She nodded, standing with Legolas as she curtsied to Caspian and Jasmina before taking Legolas' arm. Caspian watched them carefully and soon politely excused himself from the table to follow once they were out of the room.

Legolas watched as Susan sunk down into a chair, sighing as she rubbed her belly. He smiled gently at her. Caspian was occupied elsewhere. He could take this opportunity to forget their problems and concentrate on making her happy...he could make himself happy. She caught the way he was looking at her and smiled as she let her hair down, "What is it?"

He took her hands and stood her up, "You. You are positively gorgeous this evening."

She blushed heavily and shook her head, "I don't look a bit heavy?"

"No my darling...light as a feather..." he whispered as he kissed her lips, a hand gently trailing up her face to cup the back of her head.

They broke apart as Caspian burst into the room, "I knew it!"

"You knew what??!" Susan asked, still flustered from being so startled.

Caspian shut the door behind him, "That he couldn't keep his hands off of you."

"Do you not have guests to attend to? Particularly one fair haired lady who sailed many days and nights to visit you?" Legolas asked as he crossed his arms.

"Don't you dare attempt to divert my attention from the matter at hand."

"What matter would that be?" Susan huffed.

"That you...that he...it isn't proper for you to be intimate with someone when you may be carrying another man's child!" Caspian almost stomped his foot.

Susan almost laughed at the ridiculousness of the statement, "Caspian...what, pray tell, about my situation IS proper? Hm? The fact that I'm pregnant out of wedlock or the fact that I am unsure who the father of my child is? I can see how propriety takes center stage in this situation." she rolled her eyes and sat down on the bed.

Legolas smirked, "She has a point."

Caspian glared at Legolas, "If the child is mine, she and I will be married. I am unsure about your morals, prince Legolas, but I frown upon the thought of my future wife laying with another man."

Susan stood, holding her hands up, "Alright...I am done for the night gentlemen. I am tired of being spoken of and not spoken to. I am exhausted with all the competition and secret bickering. It has to stop. I will not have my child born into such tension. I'm already stressed enough as it is. Have you any idea how uncomfortable pregnancy can be?! You either learn to get along or stay the bloody hell away from me. Now out!"

"But melamin, I--"

"Out!"

The two filed from her room looking like wounded puppies as she slammed the door behind them. Peter and Edmund took the opportunity to walk by at that moment. They took a look at the two of them and chuckled.

"Oh shut up." Legolas and Caspian called after them in unison. The two looked at each other, then went their opposite ways. Caspian went back to the dining hall to apologize to Jasmina and Legolas strolled the gardens.

"What are you doing out here?" a small voice asked behind him.

He smiled at Lucy, who sat on a bench, "Just seeking a bit of solace...why are you not in the dining hall with the others?"

"I was an adult once...I carry myself the way a queen should, only I no longer look the part. People tend to treat me as a child, so I chose to sometimes avoid the large crowds and merriment. I used to enjoy wine during the Golden Age, but the servants panic if a goblet is even set in front of me." She looked at Legolas thoughtfully and shrugged her shoulders.

Legolas nodded and took a seat next to her, "Well your highness, I would chose your company over a boisterous crowd any day. Even if you are a bit too young to enjoy spirits."

She smiled and nudged him playfully, "What are you seeking solace from?"

He stared out over the gardens and sighed, "The situation I am in. I feel a bit trapped."

"I know Legolas...I'm terribly sorry you're going through all of this. I know how much you love her," she said as she patted his shoulder.

He offered her a sincere smile, "Thank you Lucy. I appreciate your understanding..."

Lucy looked at the sky and stood, "I should be getting to bed before someone reminds me it's past my bed time." She began to walk away but stopped and turned around, "For what it's worth...I'd love to have you as a brother."

He stood and hugged her, "I already am Lucy. Just wait until you're a bit older and some unworthy fool tries to court you...he won't just have Peter and Edmund to contend with."

She gave him a hearty squeeze and ran off, leaving him to smile after her. Indeed she was his little sister. He'd never really known real affection or love until he arrived in Narnia. Elves as old as his father were far too wise and celestial to utilize such primitive displays of affection. When he found out he was staying, he knew he would get to experience love in the married sense, but he was pleasantly surprised to find familial love. The Pevensies were the closest thing to family Legolas had in this world. Even Caspian was like a brother to him...albeit one he sometimes couldn't stand. Things had to be civil between them, if not for him, but for Susan. If his worst nightmare came true and he was not the child's father, he didn't want to be an outcast within his adopted family because of his pettiness.

In case you haven't noticed, I love Lucy and find that she is a great way to make others more likeable and human. Please keep the reviews coming!