AN: An update in less than 2 weeks? I bet you're all happy... reviews might make the next update come quicker!
The next morning Lucy and Olyria silently made their way to the training grounds outside the castle. Lucy was still angry from her argument with Tirian, even more angry over the fact that he had been right. Why was she worried what her siblings would think? None of them were so innocent and had made mistakes in their pasts. Why should they judge her when she had not judged them? She was an adult, wasn't she? These questions had rolled around in her mind throughout the night and into the morning. Unfortunately, she couldn't come up with any answers for them. When they reached the training grounds she saw nearly a hundred soldiers, her brothers trying to organize them. Tirian, Robert and Eustace were also preparing to train, inspecting swords and other various weapons.
"Queen Lucy, there aren't very many of them," Olyria commented.
"No, there are not," Lucy said softly.
"Lucy!" Susan called, waving at her sister. She was at the archery field with several dozen archers. Lucy and Olyria walked across the field to them.
"Good! You're here!" Jill exclaimed, slinging her bow across her back and looping her arm through Lucy's.
"I heard you paid Tirian a visit last night!" she whispered excitedly.
"Jill! Where did you hear that?" Lucy exclaimed, quickly glancing to make sure no one had overheard. Jill laughed lightly.
"Georgiana told me that Edmund caught you coming from his room in the middle of the night," she explained. Lucy sighed and turned to Olyria.
"Why don't you go see if you can help Queen Georgiana," she suggested to the girl. Olyria nodded and, with a quick glance at Lucy, she trotted towards Georgie, who was sorting arrows. Lucy turned to Jill and placed her hands on her friend's shoulders.
"Listen to me Jill, nothing happened. Please don't tell anyone what you heard!" Lucy said. Jill frowned slightly.
"Lucy, do you really think no one else knows? We all know Edmund saw you in his room. What exactly were you doing in there?" she asked. Lucy dropped her arms and sighed.
"We had a fight. I was mad at him for acting as though this war will be won easily. We both know it won't be and I didn't understand why he wouldn't tell everyone else that," Lucy explained.
"Lucy, you have to understand something about Tirian: he's a great king. He looks out for others before he looks out for himself. Yes, he's rash at times, but he's a good man. He never does anything without having a reason for doing it," Jill said.
"I know. He explained his reasoning to me. That wasn't really what we fought about," Lucy said hesitantly.
"What did you fight about then?" Jill asked. Lucy glanced around again. Susan was talking with a man who seemed to be the captain of the archers. Georgie was showing Olyria how to hold a bow. Laira was idly brushing off a target while watching the soldiers across the training grounds, following Peter's every move. Lucy grabbed Jill's hand and pulled her aside.
"Can you keep a secret?" she asked softly. Jill nodded quickly. "Something happened between Tirian and I while we were in Thalasea," she started.
"You fell in love!" Jill squealed, grasping Lucy's hands excitedly.
"Shh!" Lucy hissed, jerking her hand from Jill's and putting one over her mouth. "I don't know exactly what happened between us. It was so brief, so fast, and then we were here. Things have been tense since we returned and I'm fairly certain it's all my fault. I've been so worried about what my brothers and sister would think about everything," Lucy said.
"You're worried about that? Lucy, do you not know your siblings at all? The only one of them I would be worried about would be Peter, and I think he's so wrapped up in love with Laira he probably wouldn't think twice. Edmund would be happy for you because he's so happy with Georgiana. And you've watched Susan relax over the years. She's hardly perfect anymore and has made many mistakes, all of which have made her a much better and more understanding person. They would understand if you fell in love. You deserve to be happy, Lucy. Stop thinking you don't," Jill said firmly.
"Lucy! Jill! We're ready!" Georgie called.
Lucy and the others practiced late into the afternoon. The Choran archers had been surprisingly talented; not quite up to Narnian standards, but Susan had approved. Laira had been the only one to not hit a target once.
"I never had any talent for archery, I'm afraid," she had said. Lucy now sat on the edge of the archery grounds watching Georgiana and Susan helping Laira in hopes that she could be of some use during the battle. Jill and Olyria were picking up the arrows that littered the grounds as the Choran archers returned to the castle.
"Perhaps Laira would be of better use on the field rather than back with the archers. She's bound to do more damage to them than help them," Lucy heard Peter chuckle behind her. She looked up to see her brother step next to her.
"Perhaps, but you would be so worried about keeping her safe on the field that you would probably end up getting hurt and then where would we be?" she teased as Peter sat next to her.
"You're probably right. Maybe when we get back to Narnia I can give her some private archery lessons," he sighed dramatically before grinning. Lucy rolled her eyes.
"You might as well not bother. You aren't much better than she is," Lucy teased.
"Hey!" Peter said indignantly. "I can at least hit the target." Lucy laughed.
"After about four or five tries," she said. Peter scowled playfully before joining in with his sister's laughter. "How did training go?" Lucy asked.
"I think it went well. The soldiers really aren't too bad, just very skittish. I think having their fellow soldiers killed has made them fearful of Erivin and this war, not that I blame them. I think seeing us working with them made them more confident, however. Robert and Eustace both surprised me; I didn't realize how talented they were, especially our cousin. And King Tirian! Why, he was nearly as good as Edmund and me!" Peter said.
"Yes, he's very well-trained," Lucy said softly, avoiding her brother's gaze.
"So I saw," Peter said suspiciously. Lucy glanced at him, worried from his tone of voice.
"Tell me, Lucy: did something happen between the two of you while you were in Thalasea?" Peter asked. Lucy sighed and nodded. She may have been able to hide things from Jill or Edmund or even herself, but she knew she couldn't lie to her oldest brother. "I thought as much. King Tirian kept staring over here at the archers and scowling. At first I thought maybe they weren't doing so well, but the more I watched him I noticed he scowled whenever you were helping one of the archers. I guessed he didn't like you touching them," Peter said, giving Lucy a stern glance. She blushed and rolled her eyes.
"He should have been focusing on working with the soldiers. You should have made him," Lucy said.
"You're right, I should have stopped him from staring at my little sister," Peter agreed. Lucy scowled at Peter.
"I'm not a little girl, Peter!" she exclaimed.
"Lu, don't you think I know that? I can still be protective of you, though. I know how Tirian feels about you. I've known probably longer than you have. But I also know how you are and I've seen how you've acted since we were sent to Aslan's Country. Just because you lost a man you thought you loved before doesn't mean you aren't allowed to fall in love again," Peter said gently.
"I was in love before," Lucy argued. Peter shook his head.
"No, Lucy, you weren't. You just thought that you were in love. Even though you were older then than you are now, you're much more of an adult now than you were then. You've changed this time around. I've noticed the way you look at King Tirian since we've been here. You never looked at your prince the way you look at him," Peter said.
"I thought you all would disapprove," Lucy admitted quietly.
"Why in Aslan's name would you think that? Lucy, we've never disapproved of anything you've ever done. Maybe not agreed with you, but you're our sister. Just as you've loved the people we have chosen to love, we'll love whomever you choose to love," Peter said, wrapping an arm around his sister and pulling her into a hug. Lucy wrapped her arms around her oldest brother and squeezed him tightly.
"Thank you, Peter," she whispered. When she pulled away she saw Tirian stride across the archery grounds to Olyria, scooping her up when he reached her. "What if he doesn't want me anymore though? I think I've made a complete mess of things," she said worriedly.
"Well, then Edmund and I will just have to beat him to a pulp until he decides to take you back," Peter said cheerfully, ruffling Lucy's hair. She slapped his hands away and laughed.
Lucy's laughter floated across the field to Tirian. He glanced up and saw her and Peter sitting, laughing together as she playfully slapped at him. Tirian smiled at them, nearly forgetting the fight he and Lucy had the night before.
"Such a happy family," a voice said from behind him. He turned and saw Princes Adria walking towards him. Olyria shifted in his arms. "I only wish my brother and I could find such happiness again," Princess Adria said wistfully.
"I'm sure one day you will," Tirian replied.
"Perhaps. I suppose one day I will marry and have a family of my own. Maybe then we can find happiness," she said.
"That seems like a good plan," Tirian agreed. Princess Adria smiled quickly and turned her attention to the girl in Tirian's arms.
"Olyria, our baker has just made a fresh batch of his delicious cookies and I wanted to tell you to go get some before my little scamp of a brother eats all of them," she said. Olyria glanced at Tirian, wary of the princess's offer.
"It's okay. Go with Jill and get some," he said, smiling and setting the girl on the ground.
"Thank you, Princess Adria," Olyria said politely before hurrying towards Jill. The two walked back towards the castle as Jill sent Tirian a warning glance over her shoulder. He caught his friend's glance, but shrugged it off when the princess stepped towards the archery targets.
"Are you as talented with a bow and arrow as the queens are?" she asked, circling the bulls-eye of the target.
"I'm afraid I am not, your highness. I never had the patience for it," he replied.
"A man of action, I presume?" she said, grinning slightly at him.
"I-Yes, I suppose you could say so," he stuttered. The princess's behavior was shocking to him. Women had acted this way to him before, but they had all been silly women of his court, not princesses of another world.
"My brother and I watched your training with our soldiers. I was very impressed with you Narnians; I had no idea you were all so talented. I hope you found our soldiers satisfactory, even though they are certainly not as well-trained and impressive as you are," Princess Adria said, stepping closer to Tirian.
"Yes, they were most satisfactory. They have much potential, I believe," Tirian replied a little nervously.
"King Tirian," he heard Peter call.
Thank Aslan, Tirian thought as he turned towards the voice. He saw Peter and Lucy walking towards him. Ignoring Peter's slightly amused face, he inwardly cringed at the mixture of hurt and anger on Lucy's. He knew she must have witnessed the princess's behavior towards him.
"Ah, King Peter, Queen Lucy! King Tirian and I were just discussing how talented you Narnians are," Princess Adria said, her flirtatious voice dropping instantly.
"What an exciting conversation that must have been," Lucy said snidely.
"Lucy," Peter warned, glancing sideways at his sister.
"Oh, it was, Queen Lucy! King Tirian was just complimenting our soldiers, which makes me very happy. I did have a purpose for coming down here, however. I came to tell you that all the arrangements are in order for your welcoming party and that I have had clothing sent up to each of your rooms for you to wear tonight!" Princess Adria said, oblivious to Lucy's sarcasm.
"That sounds very kind and generous of you, Princess Adria," Peter said, shooting Lucy a look to tell her to thank the princess as well.
"Yes, thank you. We are all looking forward to tonight," Lucy said, forcing herself to be kind.
"Princess Adria, may I escort you back to your castle? I believe my wife wanted to ask you a question about... your local dances," Peter said, searching for an excuse. The princess nodded and allowed Peter to lead her to the castle. When they were out of earshot Tirian turned quickly to Lucy.
"Lucy, please don't be angry with me," he started. She held up her hand to stop him.
"How could you flirt with her?" she asked. Tirian's eyebrows shot up in surprise.
"Flirt? I was hardly flirting with her," he retorted.
"Ha!" Lucy scoffed.
"That's it! What is wrong with you? Ever since we rejoined your family you've acted as though you've disliked me and I've had enough of it. Are you really that worried about what others may think? Do you really think so little of me?" Tirian shouted.
"Don't yell at me!" Lucy cried angrily.
"Then tell me what's going on in your head," Tirian demanded. Lucy felt all her anger leave her, her body feeling as though it had very little strength to fight any longer.
"I don't know what's wrong, Tirian. Things seemed so wonderful between us, however brief they were, when we were in Thalasea. It was as if I forgot every reason for being there other than to be with you. Then we came back and had a mission and I got so confused," Lucy explained. Tirian stepped towards her and placed a hand under her chin, lifting her face to look at him.
"Lucy, there's no reason to be confused anymore. Things can still be wonderful," he said softly.
"Can they?" she asked, stepping away from him.
"Lucy, don't..." he said, trailing off. She shook her head slightly and turned, running back to the castle as tears stung at her eyes. She heard Tirian call her name but ignored him, not stopping until she reached the safety of her room. Leaning against the closed door she collapsed to the floor, allowing the sobs she had been holding back overtake her.
That evening Lucy, wearing the dress Princess Adria had left for her, made her way to the castle's ballroom. Olyria had instantly made friends with King Patria and had left over an hour ago with him, happy to be with a person closer to her age. Susan and Robert had invited Lucy to walk with them to the party but she had declined, hoping if she went alone she could slip into the room unnoticed. To her relief the ballroom was crowded, hundreds of people eager to see the strange visitors from another world. She snuck inside behind a large man and woman, slipping behind them as she wove her way through the crowds until she saw Georgie.
"Georgiana!" she whispered loudly, tapping her sister-in-law on the shoulder. Georgie spun, her eyes widening when she saw Lucy.
"Where have you been? We've been waiting over an hour for you!" Georgie asked, her brow furrowing with concern.
"I'm sorry, it took me longer than I thought to get ready," Lucy quickly said, making an excuse for her lateness. Georgie cocked her head to the side.
"Tirian was asking for you moments ago. He's pretty worried about you," Georgie said, motioning towards Tirian who stood across the room. Lucy's eyes scanned to where Georgie pointed, narrowing when she saw Tirian. Princess Adria was draped on his arm, her head thrown back in laughter from something Tirian appeared to be saying.
"He certainly doesn't seem worried," Lucy said, pursing her lips.
"Lucy, don't be so hard on him. The man's in love with you," Georgie advised. Lucy's face relaxed.
"Do you think so?" she asked. Georgie laughed lightly.
"Of course! Now go over there and save him from that overly flirtatious princess," Georgie teased, pushing her gently towards Tirian.
Lucy weaved her way through the room, a plastered smile on her face hiding her nervousness. Tirian's relaxed face stiffened when he saw Lucy approach. The sudden change was not lost on the princess, who turned towards Lucy, a slight look of disappointment appearing on her face.
"Queen Lucy, I'm glad you finally made it! King Tirian was just telling me about your wonderful country," Princess Adria said in a forced cheerful voice.
"That's very kind of him," Lucy said softly, her gaze not leaving Tirian's face.
"Is something wrong Lucy?" Tirian asked.
"Can we dance?" Lucy asked.
"Of course. Please excuse me your highness," he said to the princess, setting his wine glass on a nearby table. He offered his arm to Lucy and led her to the floor, taking her into his arms as they began to slowly move to the music. They danced in silence, swirling with the other dancers as the music changed tempo.
"I never apologized for what I said about Queen Susan," Tirian said breaking the silence. Lucy shook her head, unable to meet his gaze.
"It's alright. You were right. None of my siblings have any reason to disapprove of me; they've all made their own mistakes in life," Lucy said.
"That's all that I meant and what I have been trying to tell you. I spoke to your brothers before the ball," Tirian said.
"Oh?" Lucy asked, her eyes flashing to his.
"I told them of my feelings for you," he answered.
"Don't you think you should have told them to me first?" Lucy commented as she fought a small smile. Tirian grinned.
"I plan on fully explaining them to you. Lucy, I told them I intend to ask for your hand in marriage," Tirian said quickly. Lucy gasped, coming quickly to a halt, her jaw dropping in surprise. "I-I hope that's alright," Tirian said nervously. Lucy felt a quick tug on the skirt of her dress.
"Queen Lucy?" Olyria asked. Lucy looked down at the girl. Her face was paler than normal.
"Olyria, are you alright?" Lucy asked, kneeling by the girl. Olyria shook her head.
"I don't feel well," she said. Lucy placed a hand on her forehead, a motion her own mother had done whenever she had felt poorly; Olyria's skin was cool to the touch, although somewhat clammy.
"Perhaps we should get you to bed," Lucy suggested, standing. Olyria nodded, her eyes bright with tears.
"I'll be back soon," Lucy said to Tirian as she took Olyria's hand in hers.
"I'll come. Let me help," Tirian said. Turning to the girl he crouched down beside her, wiping a small tear away and smiling gently at her. Olyria released Lucy's hand and wrapped her arms around Tirian's neck as he lifted her from the floor. Switching her to one arm, he took Lucy's hand in his free hand and gave it a gentle squeeze.
"Come on, Queen Lucy. Let's get this little one to bed and then we can talk," he said, leading her from the room.
After they had tucked Olyria into the large bed in her and Lucy's room, Tirian walked out to the room's balcony as Lucy sat next to the girl, rubbing her back gently. Olyria soon fell asleep and, after placing a small kiss on her head, Lucy joined Tirian on the balcony.
"I forget that despite what I know she can do, Olyria's just a little girl," Tirian said as Lucy leaned next to him on the balcony's rail.
"I know, I do too. But then I remember and I feel like I shouldn't let her be the one who's supposed to stop Erivin, who's supposed to save this world," Lucy agreed.
"You love her, don't you?" Tirian asked. Lucy nodded. "We'll take care of her as much as we can. We won't let her get hurt," Tirian said firmly. The two were silent for several moments as they both stared at the moon, full and glowing in the night sky. The stars twinkled cheerfully and Lucy wondered if they were like the stars in Narnia, people who lived in the heavens. She smiled slightly at them, just in case.
"What are you smiling about?" Tirian asked having caught her smile. Lucy shook her head slightly and smiled at Tirian.
"I think I owe you an explanation," she said, her smile fading from her face.
"You don't," Tirian began.
"I do. I've been treating you terribly since we returned from Thalasea and you need to know what's been bothering me. I wasn't really sure until this afternoon when I left you at the archery fields, but something Jill and Peter both said to me earlier today helped me to realize what's been wrong. I'm scared," Lucy admitted. Tirian turned to her, taking her hand in his.
"Scared of what?" he asked, pushing a lock of her hair from her face.
"I thought I was in love before. I was engaged as you know and thought I was head over heels in love with him. I wasn't, I now realize that, but that's not the point. I was in love and then something bad happened and it was taken away from me. I guess deep down I'm scared that if I love you, something bad will happen and I won't have you," Lucy said.
"Lucy. Lucy, look at me," Tirian said, grasping her chin between his fingers and forcing him to look at her. "I love you. I've loved you since the day I met you. Nothing is going to change that and nothing is going to take me from you. You aren't going to lose me, I promise you that," he said.
"How do you know? How can you make that promise?" Lucy asked tearfully.
"Because I'm a king," Tirian replied, chuckling slightly as he closed the distance between them, pressing his lips to hers. Lucy felt her heart race excitedly as all her worries left her body. His kiss shot through her, making her toes curl happily as she wound her arms around him, pulling herself closer to him. His arms wrapped around her waist, tightening her body against his as their kiss deepened. He pulled away from her, kissing her jaw and whispering his love in her ear. She sighed happily with each admission and whispered, "I lo-" Her words were cut off by a loud whistling noise which grew louder as if something was nearing them.
"Watch out!" Tirian yelled. A explosion sounded next to them, stone and debris flying around them. Lucy screamed as she felt the world disappear beneath her as the balcony crumbled.
"Lucy!" Tirian cried as she fell. She felt his strong hand grasp her arm, leaving her dangling hundreds of feet in the air. He quickly pulled her back to the remaining part of the balcony, wrapping her tightly in his arms as he moved away from the blown away remains of the large balcony. Lucy turned her head away from him and saw several figures, some on horses, in the distance, their pale pink skin slightly glowing beneath the bright moonlight.
"Surrender the girl! Give her to me and I will call off the war!" a loud voice called.
"Erivin," Lucy heard Tirian growl. She pulled from his arms and screamed, "Never! You'll never get her!" Lucy heard his deep sinister laughter.
"Do not tempt me little queen," Erivin called back. Lucy gasped as a ball of blue started to form in his hand, growing bigger and bigger. She saw him raise his arm to throw it at them. "Inside!" Tirian yelled, pulling her away as the ball flew through the air at them. They fell into the room just as a second explosion hit the remaining part of the balcony, destroying it instantly.
A scream from the bed caught their attention. They turned to see two men attacking Olyria, one holding her arms while the other grasped at her legs. Tirian scrambled from the floor and drew his sword. Olyria kicked at the man holding her legs, managing to strike him in the chin. He dropped her and turned towards Tirian, grunting as the king's sword slid easily into his stomach. He crumbled to the ground at Tirian's feet, dead. Lucy pushed herself from the floor in time to see Olyria kick the second man, causing him to drop her to the floor as he knelt in pain. Before Tirian could reach him Olyria placed her hands on the man's neck.
"Olyria!" Lucy cried rushing to the girl. She quickly stopped when she saw the man's face; although Lucy could tell the girl was not squeezing him, the man seemed to be choking, gasping for air. In the dim light of the room Lucy saw his face change, growing paler and puffy, as water began to pour from his mouth. Olyria removed her hands from the man's neck. He fell over to the floor, his entire body stiff. The girl turned to Lucy, her face shocked and pale as her hands shook.
"Queen Lucy," she whimpered, stepping awkwardly towards Lucy. She quickly moved to the little girl, lifting her into her arms and hugging her tightly. Over Olyria's head Lucy exchanged a worried glance with Tirian. The three turned towards the open space where the balcony had been blown away, Erivin's words calling to them, "Your little tricks will not work on me, niece! I will destroy you just as I will destroy your new friends and your dear Madeli! Tritonia made a grave mistake when she sent you here!"
Lucy felt Olyria's hand tighten into a fist behind her neck and glanced at the girl. She gasped when she saw her face. Her eyes, which had always remained blue, turned deeper, tossing angrily like the sea.