I know. I'm sorry. But I am finally out of school and a senior. So without further ado...here is chapter 29! PS: It's the longer chapter this book.
Susan watched as many people fell before her. It was war. She saw William. He had a smug grin on his face. She didn't understand why. Narnia seemed to be winning. She shook her head. She had to focus on herself.
William was heading her way. He had something in his hand. A head. He was holding onto the black hairs on the head. The red liquid dripping into the grass. The realization hit Susan. She knew that face. She's kissed that face. She loved that face. It was Caspian. His expressionless dead face was staring at her.
Susan screamed on the top of her lungs as William made his way to her. He said with a devilish look upon his face, "We killed the king, but you may have another one growing inside of you. We can't risk that."
William raised his sword above his head, and the ground began to shake. Susan heard her name being called from far away. She jumped up.
Susan's eyes fluttered open. She saw Peter standing over her. He looked at her worriedly. Susan looked around. She asked shuddering, "Where am I?"
Peter bent down to her. "You're in the training grounds. You took a nice long nap. Everyone is gone now. I stayed down a while longer. I guess no one noticed you were here."
Susan stood up. She looked at the dark sky and rubbed her arms. "How did you know I was here?"
Peter shook his head. "I heard your nightmare Susan. It didn't sound good. Do you want to?...I mean.."
Susan put her arm in Peter's. "I'm fine Peter. Can you walk me home?"
Peter looked at Susan cautiously. Her eyes seemed worried and frightened. He nodded. "Of course. Who would have thought I would be walking my little sister home when she's 23?"
Caspian was sitting at his desk in his room writing with Orchid asleep on his lap. He didn't want to write one more letter to another person. He wished that he could rule in peace, but that could never be. As many people had told him before, there would be people who disagree with the crown and his judgement.
Caspian heard the door open and saw an exhausted looking Susan walk into the room. They smiled at each other. Susan walked over to her husband and her sleeping daughter. "What's going on over here?"
Caspian's smile faded. "Writing useless words on paper. People don't want peace, they want war."
Susan kissed his forehead, and then picked up the sleeping Orchid. "I'm going to put her to bed. I'm sure we'll hear from the Free Men soon."
William handed the parchment to Kale and smiled. "I hope these kings and queens are prepared. I don't want them losing without a strong fight."
Kale bowed. "And then you will be king. I hope to serve you many years."
William nodded. "No one will miss the Telemarine reign. Nor will they miss those Pevensie children. All of them are children playing an adults game. What this country needs is adults. Not Telemarine princes or children who survived a war with prisoners."
Kale smirked. "Not to mention, what they do for fun is searching for fairytales that aren't true."
Marianna walked into the conversation. "They only care about themselves. No one else, not what anyone else is feeling." Marianna had a flashback of her kiss with Caspian, and him rubbing it off like nothing. Then she remembered how he saved her life when she fell off the ship.
Marianna broke away from her thoughts as William walked to her. He placed his hands on her waist and whispered, "I do not push your feelings aside Marianna just as that Telemarine prince once did."
Marianna smiled and leaned up to kiss her husband. He kissed her back zealously. They both smiled at one another when they pulled away. Marianna shook her head. "I'm so glad I married you, William. It's a good thing Caspian pushed me away for I met you."
William kissed her forehead. "But of course I met you too." William looked at Kale. "Enjoying the show Kale? Go send that letter."
Kale ran out of the room, Marianna laughed. "I think he was enjoying. We need to marry him off to that Calormen princess once you become king. She was smart and ran from Edmund."
William wrinkled his nose up. "What is with that family and chasing off beautiful women?"
Marianna whispered, "We just can't compare to the beauty of the queens. Soon your sister will be one of them."
William rolled his eyes. "Don't remind me. She helped them take our prisoners. She's only in it for the money, Marianna. She's always wanted to live somewhere nice and fancy. Seems as if King Edmund has fallen for her and hard."
Marianna nodded. She remembered the last time she saw Margaret. She looked happier and more content than the time she left before. Margaret was a sad girl who seemed to hate the world before she made her journey to Calormen.
Marianna remembered the first time she met Margaret. After the journey on the ship, Marianna came back with William. His father was on his deathbed, and his mother not far behind. Margaret would never leave their sides. She always looked sad after their passing especially their mother's passing.
William cracked his bones. "Are you coming to bed, my love?"
Susan woke up to the sound of a knocking at her door. Caspian was asleep on his desk. Susan got up and opened the door. "Lucy? Why are you up so early?"
Lucy bit her bottom lip nervously. "Frederick and I have been discussing our marriage. And we want to have it this week. Just the family, close friends, and some of our people. With this war coming….I mean we don't know if…..We just want to get married just in case…"
Susan put a hand on Lucy's shoulder. "Well we should get to work on this right away. The cake, the flowers, and the dress….Oh my goodness the dress. We need something beautiful."
Lucy smiled at her sister. "The tailor always seems to keep up with our family's large requests." She looked over her sister's shoulder to see Caspian fast asleep on his desk. Her smile faded. "Caspian's been working so hard."
Susan turned around to look at him. "I know, Lucy. Don't take this the wrong way, but I believe we all need this wedding. Something to cheer everyone up."
Lucy nodded. "I couldn't agree more. Let's get to it then." The two walked out of the room and shut the door quietly.
Louise woke up to Peter getting dressed. Louise sat up in the bed. "Pete? Why are you already getting ready?"
Peter sat down on the bed next to Louise. "I want to be strong Louise. I do have something to come back to after this war. Besides, I haven't fought in a long time, and I need some practice."
Louise looked into sea foam green eyes. "You're keeping something from me. Something is wrong, Peter Pevensie."
Peter shook his head and looked away from her. "Edmund can't see what he is doing, Louise. He's going to marry that lying traitor."
Louise's eyebrows raised surprised. "Don't call her that Peter. I know your brother. He is just like you…..just not as hotheaded." Peter looked at her after his description. Louise continued, "He's following his heart, just you did. Sons look up to their father figures, and you are like one to Edmund. If you never noticed, before Margaret was here, he followed you around like a little puppy. If he is like you Peter, you should trust his decisions."
Peter sighed deeply. "But Louise, Margaret is William's sister, and she spied on him for us. How do we know she's not still doing that?"
Louise looked at him with kind eyes and a small smile. "Because of the way she looks at your brother. You don't see it because your mind is clouded with your judgement."
Peter looked down at her hands. "How could I be so stupid, Louise? I'm losing my family. They all have someone new."
Louise grabbed his hands. "This day was inevitable, Peter. It's okay to be sad and mad about it. Eventually, Princeton is going to grow up and find someone as well. Who knows?" She placed Peter's hand on her abdomen. "There may be another one to let go."
Peter gave a crooked smile as he lifted his head to look Louise in the eyes. "I will never know how you can make me feel so much better."
Louise gave a tiny giggle. "It's one of my many talents."
Louise leaned into Peter and kissed him gently. Peter's hands moved to her silky hair softly. When they pulled away, Peter whispered, "I'm off to training."
Louise chuckled out. "Don't take too long, Peter."
Peter smiled at her before leaving the room. Right when Peter left, Lucy and Susan walked in. Louise smiled at the two. Lucy told Louise about the arrangements, and she stood up quickly. "I'm here to help."
Edmund was pacing back and forth in his room as Margaret brushed her thick hair. Margaret asked, "What's troubling you, Edmund?"
Edmund let out a sigh. "Nothing. I'm going down to training." And Edmund did as he said. He left the room without another word.
Edmund got to the training grounds, and only a few soldiers were there. One being Peter. Edmund saw him and started to avoid him. Peter ran to him. Peter said, "Ed. Listen to me. I'm sorry. I should listen to your decisions."
Edmund turned around to Peter with a raised eyebrow and arms crossed. Peter said with sad eyes, "I….I'm scared to lose my family. I've lost Susan then Lucy, and now you. I don't fully trust Margaret, but you know her better than I do. And if you think she's the one, then I trust you."
Edmund smiled. He pulled Peter into a brotherly hug. "Thank you, Peter. All I wanted is your blessing. Now I am ready for this war."
When they pulled out of the hug, Peter gave a genuine smile. "Let's see how prepared and ready you really are for this war."
Edmund smirked. "You're on, Peter. But be warned, I've been practicing."
Peter rolled his eyes playfully. "Don't count on winning, Edmund. Louise has told me I've been becoming stronger."
Edmund chuckled. "Your wife will tell you what you want to hear, Peter."
Three Days Later
Susan, Caspian, and Orchid were in Susan and Caspian's room. Susan was braiding her daughter's hair while Caspian was writing at his desk. Susan asked Orchid, "Are you ready for tomorrow, my darling?"
Orchid nodded sadly. Susan turned her around to look at her. "What's wrong, sweetheart?"
Orchid looked at her mother with sad eyes. "Is Auntie Lucy leaving?"
Susan sighed. "I believe so, Orchid. But we will always visit her in Archenland. And she will always visit us here."
Orchid jumped into Susan, and she wrapped her arms around her mother. "I sorry, mommy. You sissy leaving."
The reality of it all hit Susan in one wave of a sentence. Her baby sister was growing up. Lucy wouldn
't be around anymore for support or to help calm Peter down. Lucy would soon have children of her own. Susan held Orchid's body closer to her own. Clinging to the thing that was keeping her from shedding a tear.
Caspian walked over to his family and said, "You'll be a beautiful flower girl, Orchid. I'm excited for you."
Orchid pulled away from Susan, and Caspian saw the look on his wife's face. She looked sad, holding back tears. Orchid smiled at Caspian. "Thank you, daddy. Can I play Princeton?"
Caspian looked at Susan. "I don't know. What do you think, mommy?"
Susan looked at Orchid. "I think that would be fine. Just make sure an adult is with you."
Orchid ran out of the room giggling. Caspian moved closer to Susan sitting next to her on the couch. "What's wrong, Susan?"
"My little sister is leaving. There's a war that's going to happen. I have to act tough around our daughter. I'm carrying twins, and I never see you anymore. I haven't kissed you in three days. You've been so busy with war, and I've been so busy with Lucy."
Caspian sighed sounding disappointed in himself. "I know. I haven't been very supportive lately. I have no idea where William is. All I know is that he is all for war not peace."
Susan ran her fingers through her hair. "You have to give a speech tomorrow at the wedding. Something about the couple."
Caspian chuckled. "Well you didn't give me much time to think about it."
Susan inched her way closer to Caspian. "I know you're good at thinking on your feet." She smiled as her lips were millimeters from his face. Their eyes were closed, and they could feel one another's warm breaths. Susan whispered, "I'm sleeping in Lucy's room tonight."
Susan stood up away from Caspian. Caspian raised an eyebrow. "So you complain about not kissing me, but you pull away without one?"
Susan smirked at him. "Wait until tomorrow. It is a wedding after all."
Lucy was sucking in her stomach in her body mirror until she heard her door open. She turned around and there was Frederick. Lucy smiled and ran to him. "You know this is complete bad luck."
Frederick smiled brighter and moved his hands from behind his back revealing a bouquet of flowers. He replied, "I just couldn't wait to see you."
He walked closer to her and tilted her head up to kiss her. She loved the gentleness of him and his touch. When they pulled away, they both grinned at each other. Lucy placed the flowers on her desk. She asked, "How are you feeling?"
Frederick grabbed her hands. "A bit nervous. I don't want to ruin the whole thing by saying anything other than I do. A little sweaty. But overall exuberant. I'm glad we're doing this before…."
Lucy cut him off by laying a kiss on him. "Don't feel nervous or sweaty. You'll be one of the best grooms ever." She fixed the top of his shirt, and his eyes never left her face. She noticed. "What are you staring at?"
Frederick gave a crooked smile. "You. You're going to be my wife. The beautiful girl I met in the cells of Archenland. Look where we are now."
Lucy's cheeks began to slightly flush pink. Frederick lightly touched the new color on her cheeks with his fingertips. Their moment was broken with a knock at the door. Frederick kissed her forehead and whispered, "I'll see you tomorrow."
Frederick ran out to Lucy's balcony and started to climb down. The door opened to Louise and Susan. The two ran to her, and they were all in a group hug.
Lucy asked, "So? What's on the agenda for tonight? A binge eating on food? A game of truth or dare?"
Susan shook her head. "Truth or dare isn't fun anymore….we're all married."
Louise challenged the idea. "Susan….truth or dare?"
"Truth."
Lucy rolled her eyes. "Come on Susan. Be adventurous. You always pick truth. Please….it's my wedding tomorrow."
Susan sighed. "Fine. But if it's dumb, I'm not…."
Louise cut her off by saying, "Tell Peter about your wedding night with Caspian."
Susan turned bright red. "I would rather not."
Louise nudged her. "I'm sure Peter and I did the same thing. Don't be a chicken. Get three chickens and you have to go into the ocean naked."
Susan's jaw dropped. "And the wild side of Louise is out ladies and gentlemen. Fine I'll do it."
Both girls not Susan laughed and got to their feet almost immediately. Susan got up and started to walk to Peter's room.
Susan knocked on Peter's door with Louise and Lucy standing next to the door ready to hear the whole thing. Susan opened the door and got a surprised look from her brother. He was reading some kind of book next to candlelight. "I thought you were at some fun sleepover."
Susan rubbed the back of her neck. "I wanted to talk to you about something. I told the girls I had to check on Orchid. It's a story so sit back."
Peter raised an eyebrow, and Susan giggled nervously. "Soo….This girl and this guy really love each other. It's their wedding night…He's ripping off the buttons on her dress fumbling, saying damn buttons…..The kisses become more tender as the girls hands are in this guy's hair…..And that is what happened on my wedding night."
Susan ran out of the room with a bright red face as Louise and Lucy were laughing. They got back into Lucy's room. Louise asked, "What did his face look like at the end of it?"
Susan said with her heart beating fast and a small giggle, "He looked like he was going to kill Caspian."
Susan then looked at Lucy. "Lucy? Truth or dare?"
Lucy looked bored. "I don't think I want to play anymore. What do you think Louise?"
Louise shook her head. "Nah. I don't want to play either."
Susan scoffed. "I hate you guys."
Later in the night, the three girls piled on top of Lucy's bed. Susan asked with her head on her knees, "What do you think about the war?"
Louise grumbled half-asleep into her pillow, "Unnecessary. Your husband shouldn't be put through this. None of us should."
Lucy nodded her head in agreement. "It is what it is. I just want it to end. I want to have a normal life."
Louise lifted her head up to look at Susan. Susan put a hand on Lucy's shoulder. "None of our lives will ever be normal not as queens."
The three then fell asleep sprawled out on the bed. There was a big day coming tomorrow. None of them knew just how big.
Lucy woke up to the sun pouring in her eyes. The sound of heavy breathing and birds chirping hit her hear drums. Lucy felt the soft blankets on top of her as well as her heart beating heavily. She stretched out of the bed and said, "I would go wake up your families if I were you two."
Her sisters opened their eyes squinting into the sunlight. Susan got up first and walked out of the room. She said with a cracked voice, "I'll be back with Orchid."
Susan went into her room to see Caspian taking up the entire bed with his body. Susan giggled. "And you say sleeping with me is the best."
Caspian made a deep laugh come from inside him. He sat up slowly. "What's my job for today?"
Susan smiled at him. "To get ready with all the men. But try to stay away from Peter. He might want to strangle you."
Caspian had confusion all over his face. "I'll take your word for it. I'll go wake up Frederick and Edmund."
Lucy was waiting for everyone to get back. She was pacing back and forth feeling anxious. She couldn't believe it was happening. She was getting married. She would finally not be labeled as the baby sister. She heard the door open, and it was Susan with Orchid holding her hand.
Orchid ran straight to Lucy who picked her up into her arms. Lucy said with a smile, "What took your mother so long?"
Orchid giggled. "Can I see dress?"
As if the castle heard Orchid, Lucy's hand maiden came in with all the dresses for the women. Lucy's was on top. Orchid's jaw dropped. "Beautiful."
Louise came into the room and put her hands together. "Let's get this started."
After hours of preparation, the women were all putting on their finishing touches. Susan, Louise, and Orchid were all wearing deep red dresses and holding white Orchids. Lucy picked the flowers in honor of her niece.
Lucy looked in the mirror as she put her vail over her curled hair and braids. She turned around to her bridal party. Susan had tears in her eyes. She walked over to Lucy and handed her a blue diamond bracelet. "Something blue."
Lucy covered her mouth to keep from crying. Susan whispered with a lump in her throat, "If you cry, I will, so don't you dare."
Lucy swallowed hard and said, "I'm ready. Peter is walking me down the aisle?"
The two women nodded. Susan said, "The people here are only people we know. Some lords and ladies. We invited some of the public as well to make their moods lighten. Queen Rose is coming as well as Princess Katerina. I know you don't like her Lucy, but we need good relations with Calormen now."
Lucy nodded and stood strong. "I'll do what's best, besides she can't ruin this beautiful day."
Susan walked out of the room with Orchid holding onto her little basket filled with flower petals. Lucy looked at her sister-in-law and asked, "How exactly did you marry my brother?"
Louise smiled at the ground. "With lots of love. I came to this place for a reason. Peter."
Peter came into the room and gave a sad smile at Lucy. "You look gorgeous, Lu. I can't believe I'm already giving you away."
Lucy walked to him and put her arm through his. Princeton came into the room, and Louise went straight to him. "You look absolutely ravishing, my darling." She kissed all over Princeton's face, and he laughed uncontrollably.
The mother and son then walked out together leaving Peter and Lucy alone in her room. Lucy looked around. "This will no longer be just mine. I won't even live here anymore."
Peter choked on his own words. "No one will ever touch this room. It will forever be yours, Lu."
Lucy breathed in deeply and clung onto her older brother tighter. "Don't you dare let me fall, Peter."
Peter chuckled. "That's exactly what Susan said. What is it with my sisters not trusting my impeccable strength?"
Lucy shook her head. "I love you, Peter. I just don't want anything to go wrong."
Peter smiled brighter. "You are so much like your sister. More than the two of you know."
Susan was standing outside in the gardens looking in at the forty people sitting on the white chairs. She saw Frederick in black pants and a red shirt and a white Orchid pinned to his shirt. Frederick looked at Susan and asked, "Any advice for first timers?"
Susan grinned at him. "Don't wobble your knees up there. The only thing you say is I do. Remember those words wisely."
Frederick let out a nervous chuckle. "I'll try not to forget your words of advice up there."
Susan started to hear the music begin to play and Frederick walked out. She then saw Caspian. She smiled at the sight of him. He shaved his facial hair and groomed his hair. He looked very handsome.
Caspian was also looking at Susan in the tighter red dress, and her hair up in a curled bun. Caspian walked to her and without any words kissed her lightly. He smiled and said, "I had to do that almost four days."
Susan laughed quietly. Caspian kissed Orchid's forehead and then walked out after Frederick. Edmund then walked out after Caspian. He smiled at Susan and Orchid. Louise ran down and whispered to Princeton, "Walk out with Orchid, okay?" He nodded at his mother, and she kissed his forehead.
Louise then walked out down the aisle with a bright smile on her face. Susan noticed Peter and Lucy come towards her. Susan smiled at the sight. "Just in time you two."
Susan then walked out down the aisle seeing many different familiar faces. She looked at Caspian standing next to Edmund, and they both smiled at each other. Susan stood in her place next to Louise in front of the congregation.
The music began to play softer, and Orchid and Princeton entered. There were awes coming from the crowd. Orchid threw petals of her name on the ground with a big smile on her face.
Then came Lucy. The entire crowd rose to their feet as they watched the queen walk down the aisle. No one could explain the joy and happiness on her face. Susan watched her younger sister walk down the aisle. She let a happy tear fall, but wiped it away quickly.
Peter walked her to Frederick and gave Lucy's hand to Frederick. Peter said quietly, "Take good care of her."
Frederick nodded. "You shall never worry about her, Peter. You've left her in good hands."
Peter grinned sadly and took his place next to Caspian on the groom's side. The ceremony was something beautiful and special. There were many happy tears and smiles. Lucy let a few fall from her eyes, and Frederick would wipe them away for her. The two held onto each other's hands tightly.
Princeton brought the rings on a velvet pillow. The couple smiled at Princeton. Princeton had a big smile on his face. He walked back to his place next to Orchid. Lucy put a ring on Frederick's finger, and he did the same.
Then came the final words, "You may kiss the bride." Frederick didn't hold back, he kissed Lucy with so much love and passion it made people envious of what they had.
When the two pulled away, they laughed happily and ran down the aisle with people cheering for them. When they were gone, the clapping stopped and everyone began to converse with one another about the beautiful wedding.
Susan took Orchid's hand and walked over to Caspian. He looked at Susan's red eyes and asked, "Were you crying?"
Susan shook her head. "I was not crying….." Caspian raised an eyebrow. "Fine you caught me."
Caspian chuckled and picked up Orchid. He put her on his shoulders and said, "Let's go to the reception. I heard that Princess Katerina fancies you."
Susan rolled her eyes. "Okay. We need to keep an eye on Lucy before she leaves tonight."
Edmund walked down the aisle but stopped at Margaret. He smiled at her and said, "Will you accompany me to this wedding?"
Margaret giggled. "I would be honored. But I have to warn you, I am engaged to this king. If he finds out, he might come after you."
Edmund helped her up. "I think I know his tricks."
They walked together passing by Katerina. She sneered at them. Edmund smiled at her. "It's nice to see you again, Katerina."
Katerina glared at Margaret as she said, "I can't say the same."
Edmund and Margaret walked away from her and Margaret asked, "How could you just talk to her? I could never do that."
Edmund looked at her. "Well, my mother always taught me to kill people with kindness. Even though Katerina and I aren't on great terms, I will still treat her with respect."
Margaret grinned at Edmund. She loved the way he could be that way. "And I hope that is a trait I will gain from being with you. In my household, we were taught if we didn't agree with someone, we would retaliate. You can see where William gets it from."
"You're different Margaret. I think that you stand up for what you believe in. And you never truly agreed with your brother, so here you are. The fiancée of a King your brother wants dead."
Margaret kissed Edmund lightly and wrapped her arms around his waist as they continued to walk. "And he'll have to get through me before even coming close to you." She was grateful for what Edmund said. He knew her better than she even knew herself. She was marrying a perfect man.
Lucy and Frederick were the first two in the ballroom. They smiled happily at one another. They held each other close in their arms. Lucy whispered, "I couldn't think of a more perfect day."
Frederick gently let his fingers brush across her cheek. "You look so beautiful, Lucy. I can't believe you said yes to a man like me."
Lucy kissed him lightly. "I love you. I love you for all that you are and all that you will become and all that you were. You are my Frederick, and you will stay that way."
Frederick smiled brightly. "Lucy. I will love you from now until my last breath. Always remember that. If I die today or fifty years from now, I will love you."
Lucy mimicked his smile. She leaned into his lips with her head tilted to the left, and they kissed. In that moment, you could tell they were focused on nothing but each other. Nothing else mattered. They were lost in their moment. They were broken by hearing the doors open to the ballroom. Some guests began to saunter inside the giant room.
Frederick and Lucy took their seats at the long table. They sat in the middle. Many people came up to the two and congratulated them as well as giving them gifts. Rose came up to them and hugged the two. Rose looked at Lucy and said, "I'm terribly sorry Markell couldn't make it. He has a war to plan, and my son is with him. He wishes you both the best." She turned her attention more towards Lucy as she said, "He'll look forward to seeing more of you. I will too. It will be nice having a girl friend at home. All of you live here." Rose laughed lightly. She looked at Frederick and gave a slight smile. "As Archenland's commander, you picked a wonderful woman to be at your side."
Frederick grabbed Lucy's hand from underneath the table and squeezed it. "I got lucky this time, Rose."
Rose chuckled. "We all do sometimes. Enjoy your wedding." She walked away and took her seat.
The food began coming out of the kitchen and heading to tables. Everyone was starving and ready to dig into the feast sitting before them. Frederick stood at his table and said, "I am so thankful all of you have joined us this evening. It is a blessing to be married in times like these. I married the woman of my dreams. Enjoy the food."
Everyone clapped and cheered for the new happy couple. Peter watched from where he was sitting at the long table Frederick lean over and whisper something in Lucy's ear, and they both laughed. Lucy then kissed him. Peter looked away from them to Louise and Princeton.
Peter said, "They are driving me insane, Louise. Whispering things in each other's ears. Kissing."
Louise giggled. "That's what normal married couples do, Peter. We still do that stuff."
Peter sighed and leaned back in his chair. "I get it. I'm the overprotective brother, but Louise I know what's going to happen later tonight."
Louise raised her eyebrows at him. "Princeton. Why don't you go see if Orchid wants to play?"
Princeton jumped down from his seat eagerly. Louise touched Peter's hand lightly. "They're in love, Peter. Frederick won't hurt her. Caspian didn't hurt Susan. You're good at picking them." Louise said with a stifled laughed, "Besides, remember how excited you were our wedding night?"
Peter began to flush pink and chuckled. "Of course I remember."
Louise nudged him lightly with her shoulder. "Then be happy that those two are excited and not dreading it at all. At least you and all of your siblings don't have to be arranged in a marriage."
Peter kissed Louise lightly. "I am especially happy. I'm one hundred percent sure the council would have arranged my marriage if you didn't come along."
Susan watched as Orchid twirled her dress for the tenth time. Orchid asked with excitement on her face, "Did you see that mommy?"
Susan replied with a smile on her face. "Of course I did. You look more beautiful in your dress than me, Orchid."
Orchid giggled. She saw Princeton come over, and she ran to him. Susan looked at Caspian and said, "I used to love to twirl my dresses as a little girl. It made me feel like a princess."
Caspian smirked at her. "And now you're a queen with a princess."
Susan laughed. "Every little girls' dream is to become a princess. They want to be rescued by a prince and marry them. They want to live in a big castle and live in luxury. But what those little girls don't know is that it is hard work. You have to always put your people before yourself. I think about every single person who is dying because of the Free Men."
Caspian watched as Susan's smile began to fade away as she spoke each word. Caspian put a stand of hair behind her ear to comfort her. "I know. I think of that too. I wanted to avoid war at all costs, but it's our last resort."
Susan gave a sad smile. She paused thinking for a moment. She knew Caspian was right. No matter what they did, war was the only solution. "I think of Orchid. I don't want her to go through anything with the Free Men ever again."
Caspian placed his hand over her cheek, and he rubbed his thumb over her jawline. "I promise. She will not be taken by them ever again."
Susan looked at him with weary eyes. "Your optimism is refreshing, Caspian, and I am thankful for it. But how can you promise that if it already happened twice?"
Caspian was about to reply, but they saw two women around Susan's age walk to them. The couple both sat tall. The women bowed to the two and rose. The one with black hair smiled at Caspian. "Hello, King Caspian."
Caspian smiled back at them. "Ladies. What can I do for the two of you?"
They both giggled. Susan raised an eyebrow. The pale blonde haired one said, "May we talk to you privately?"
Caspian looked at Susan. She nodded her head, and he stood. "Of course."
The girls led Caspian to the gardens. What the girls didn't know was that four guards followed Caspian but far behind. It was completely dark outside. The girl with black hair said, "We've come from the Free Men. They raided our town, but we fled. Please don't tell anyone. Please promise."
Caspian nodded his head. "I promise. Tell me all that you know."
The black haired girl started to let tears fall from her eyes. Caspian looked at her with caring eyes. She said, "They're taking over every small town. Houses catch fire. We have no place to live. They kill people who express their loyalty to you, King Caspian. I've never seen anything so terrible in my life. As of right now, they're training their men nonstop."
Caspian looked back and forth between the two. "What are your names?"
The black haired girl's name was Lila, and the pale blonde's name was Serena. Caspian learned much more about trust, but his compassion was too strong. He said, "You have no home, and we have many open rooms. You may stay with us until you find a place to live."
Lila fell into Caspian with gratefulness. Caspian caught her as her body shook. Serena covered her mouth with her hands to keep the sobs more quiet. Serena said, "Thank you, King Caspian."
Caspian wondered if he made the right decision as the girl fell into him as a result of shock. He didn't know what his family was going to say. But right now as he held the girl up, he felt as if he was right.
The feast ended and the dancing began. A large plethora of instruments were placed in the corner of the ballroom as they were used to make the beautiful music. They first played an upbeat song, and everyone was up and dancing to it.
Caspian was dancing with Orchid while Susan danced with Peter. She would look over at Caspian every once in a while. She wondered what the girls had to say to Caspian. Peter noticed her looking at her husband. "Someone catch your eye, Su?"
Susan looked back to Peter with his playful eyes. "Caspian just talked to some girls earlier, but he has not told me about it yet."
Peter put his hands on Susan's shoulders. "Don't worry about anything. Not tonight. Not at you little sister's wedding?"
Susan gave a half smile at Peter. "So. What are your feelings about the new couple?"
"They're adorable and all, but…" His smile began to disappear. "I'll miss her. She's my baby sister. I can't remember a day without her in my life. I remember when she was born, Susan."
Susan noticed the tears begin to form in Peter's eyes. Susan placed a hand on his cheek. "Lucy will do just fine, Peter. She's beginning a new chapter of her life."
Peter let out a deep breath of air. "Before she does that, I better get a dance in with her."
Susan watched as her older brother tapped on the shoulder of her new brother-in-law. It warmed her heart seeing the smiles of Lucy and Peter as they spoke and began to dance with one another.
A slower song came on, and she was tapped on the shoulder. She turned around to see Caspian looking happy as ever. Susan couldn't help her shaky knees from his breathtaking smile. She asked, "Where is your daughter?"
Caspian chuckled. "Completely tired out from all of the partying. She almost fell over asleep. I took her to bed. She fell asleep immediately. I remember when you were carrying her, you were exactly like that."
Susan moved into Caspian's arms and began to dance with him. "She is my daughter."
They were so close to each other; Susan could hear Caspian's strong heartbeat. Caspian whispered into her ear, "This is exactly what I needed. A day to forget. A day to be with my family. A day to be with you."
Susan smiled at the quietness of his voice. As if the words he spoke were only meant for her ears to hear. Susan whispered back, "Lucy did a good job. She made me forget the emotion of worry."
Caspian whispered back, "I'm glad to hear that, Susan. All I want is for you to be happy."
Susan pulled back a little from him to look at his glistening face. "What you discuss with those girls?"
Caspian's smile faded from his face, and it was replaced with frustration. "The Free Men took their home. I'm having them stay here with us."
Susan looked away from his face. She couldn't believe it. Every person they let stay in the castle has betrayed them. Susan thought that Caspian would be smarter. "Why? How can we trust them, Caspian?"
"You're starting to sound a lot like your brother." Susan glared at him lightly, and Caspian continued, "I trust them because of how heartbroken they were talking about the takeover, and their gratefulness when I gave them a place to stay."
Susan wouldn't have done what Caspian did, but she trusted him. "As your wife, I trust your decision in doing this."
Edmund was dancing with Margaret. They smiled looking at each other as if no one was with them. Margaret said, "I hope our wedding isn't this big, Edmund. I want it to be small; just family."
Edmund chuckled. "Trust me, that's all I want as well. I can't believe I found someone just like me."
Margaret and Edmund spun to the music. Margaret giggled at Edmund's pitiful dancing. Some people smiled at their happiness. Edmund laughed. "Sorry. I know I'm horrible."
Margaret shook her head. "You're fine. I just have to rearrange my feet so you don't step on them."
They both laughed, and Edmund pulled her in for a light kiss. They pulled away, and she smiled at him when they pulled away. Margaret rested her head on Edmund's shoulder as the song began to play slowly and softly. Margaret whispered, "If I wasn't here, do you think you would be engaged to Katerina?"
Edmund never thought of that. When he was in Calormen, he always had secret feelings for Margaret. Edmund thought about the question asked for a few minutes. "I think it would be a possibility. Without meeting you, I think my life would be very different right now."
Margaret pulled away from his shoulder and had tears in her eyes. "I would be spying on all of the monarchs for the Free Men without meeting you."
Edmund wiped some of her fallen tears away. Margaret put her head back on Edmund's shoulder. Edmund could feel fresh tears on his neck. Edmund knew that Margaret had changed drastically. She came from being a girl who followed the orders of her brother or she would cost dearly for them to being a girl who stood up for herself and what she believed in.
Edmund whispered in her ear, "You're not that person anymore. You're a part of my family, and your brother can no longer hurt you. I love you, and you are beautiful person inside and out."
Margaret nuzzled her face more into Edmund's neck. What he said made her feel over the moon. Margaret whispered back, "Thank you."
Peter was dancing with Lucy looking at the rest of his family getting lost in their problems. He saw Susan and Caspian's close dance, and then they began to argue quietly. He also saw Margaret and Edmund's dance. They were having fun until Peter noticed Margaret begin to cry.
Lucy said with full happiness in her voice. "You're doing it again."
Peter turned to Lucy. "What?"
"You're trying to see what Edmund and Susan are doing. Come on Peter, dance with me. Don't dance with them as well."
Peter smirked at his younger sister. "But you're missing out on Caspian and Susan's argument and Margaret crying over there."
Lucy sighed. "Please promise me something, Peter. When I leave, don't get too involved with those two. I know you care about them, but what's going on between their loved ones is between them. If they want to tell me or you, they will."
Peter shook his head and chuckled. "When did you become smarter than me?"
Lucy giggled. "Once I too became a spouse. I love you Peter, and I'm going to miss you."
Peter felt his bottom lip tremble. Everything was becoming too real for him. His little baby sister was leaving him. The sister he taught the alphabet to. The sister he taught how to ride horses. The little sister who he would play dress up with just for her. Lucy pulled Peter in for a bone crushing hug. "Don't cry, Peter. You'll make me cry."
Peter bit his bottom lip and pulled out of the hug. "Excuse me." And he left Lucy all alone.
The night went along and everyone was having fun. Nothing bothered anyone, there was nothing to worry about. Louise was worried though. She talked to Rose for most of the night hearing about how bad things got in Archenland. Rose asked, "Are things that bad here in Narnia?"
Louise shrugged her shoulders. "The person who knows about all of that is Caspian. I don't know if he's keeping the horrible stuff secret, but he must be telling Susan at least."
Rose shook her head. "I wouldn't be surprised if he was keeping things from her. It took me months to pry it out of Markell. It was hard for him to talk about it, and he tells me everything."
Louise changed the subject not wanting to talk about the Free Men anymore. "I'm glad you came, Rose. I wish you could stay longer."
Rose smiled. "I know. I would love to walk the paths of Narnia. But right now is not the best time. It's scary to not be in a castle anymore. The Free Men want to kill us all. They kill our people to intimidate us. To make people head to their side."
Louise never thought of it that way. All she cared about was that her family was safe. She never looked at the bigger picture.
Susan and Caspian kept dancing until Lila tapped on Susan's shoulder. "Do you mind if I dance with King Caspian?"
Susan looked at Caspian and back at the girl around her age. "Of course. My feet needed a break anyway."
Caspian began to dance with Lila nowhere near as close as Caspian and Susan danced. Lila said, "Thank you so much for letting us stay here King Caspian. Our town is no longer."
Caspian nodded his head his eyes full of grief. He knew nothing about this girl. "How old are you, Lila?"
She smiled. "Twenty-six your highness. I believe that is your age as well. Three years older than Queen Susan."
Caspian did not understand why she brought his wife into the conversation. He continued to nod his head. "Do you prefer looking over a beach or gardens?"
Lila smiled. "Gardens, your highness. I love plant life. Beaches are just water and sand. Gardens have life and color."
Caspian chuckled. "Queen Susan would probably argue with you about that. She loves the beach for many reasons."
Lila gave a fake smile, but Caspian didn't notice. "Of course, your highness." Then they heard a piercing scream.
Susan walked over to the closest seat she could find. Her feet were killing her. She took off her shoes and began to rub her feet. She looked up and noticed the girl and Caspian having a conversation.
Susan shook her head and returned to rubbing her feet. Susan whispered to herself, "You've got to stop growing babies or else I won't be able to walk."
Susan heard a male voice behind her say, "Do mind if we share a dance, Queen Susan?"
Susan said, "Let me get my shoes on."
Susan realized she knew that voice. It was so familiar. She looked up and saw William. Susan's eyes grew wide, and she screamed as loud as she could. The music and the talking stopped abruptly.
Caspian was by Susan's side in mere seconds. William smiled darkly and clapped his hands as if he was applauding. Caspian stood in front of Susan and said behind clenched teeth, "Go home, William. You're not welcome here."
William chuckled. "What a friendly way to greet someone."
He walked past the two, and Caspian made sure he stood in front of Susan no matter where William walked. He walked straight to Lucy and Frederick. William looked at the new couple and asked, "Why was I not invited?"
Frederick spoke up angrily, "I believe you know why, William. This wedding is for family, friends, and people who agree with how we rule."
William smirked. "Then why was my little sister invited to the party?" He paused for a moment. "Speaking of her….Margaret! Margaret! Come here right now!"
Margaret heard her name being called the first time. The crowd around her looked at her. She noticed a familiar stare from Katerina. Margaret began to walk out of the crowd, but Edmund grabbed her hand. Margaret heard her name called a second time. "It's okay, Edmund. He's only my brother."
Margaret came out of the crowd looking graceful and strong as she did so. William smiled at her. "Don't you look lovely. Did you get those dresses from the queens? You're not one, Margaret. I hope you know that."
Margaret glared at him. "You don't control me anymore, William. I have a new family now."
William walked closer to Margaret. He was inches away from her. He said still loud enough for everyone to hear, "A new family, Margaret? I think you're getting confused. You just want someone to lay next to at night. Is that what you and King Edmund do, Margaret? Do you like it, Margaret? Explain to me in great detail how good he is."
Margaret slapped William across the face hard making a loud sound that echoed in the entire room. After the silence, William's laughter was the only thing that could be heard. "Slapped by my younger sister. What have you monarchs been teaching her?"
Edmund walked out of the crowd. "We haven't been teaching her anything. She's learned to stand up for herself all by herself."
William looked back and forth between Edmund and his sister. "Ah. King Edmund. My sister's play toy, or is the other way around?"
Caspian said loudly, "Leave now, William. You can't hurt us here."
William turned his attention to Caspian. "I'm not trying to hurt anyone, King Caspian. I just decided to make an appearance at a wedding. I can't believe you would think so little of me."
William began to pace away from Margaret and Edmund. Edmund grabbed Margaret's wrist and pulled her away from the center of attention. William began to smile again and looked around at the entire crowd with his eyes ending up looking straight into Susan's. "Don't any of you wonder how I got in here?"
Susan looked around. Every couple was paired together; Peter and Louise, Lucy and Frederick, and Edmund and Margaret. Susan noticed someone in the shadows in a black hooded cloak. He was right behind Rose.
Susan reached in Caspian's belt on his back and pulled out his small dagger. Caspian didn't notice, and Susan began to saunter to where Rose was standing. William challenged, "Anyone?"
Susan noticed the hooded figure leap out of the shadows with a knife his hand going towards Rose. Susan jumped at him and grunted. They both fell to the marble ground. The man on the bottom and Susan on top. She had the dagger in her hand and went for his neck, but the man's grip was strong pushing on Susan's wrist.
Peter ran to the two and pulled Susan off of the man. When the man got up, Peter elbowed him in the face knocking him out. William laughed. "Wow. I never thought the queen would figure it out. You owe Queen Susan gratitude, Queen Rose. You almost died."
Rose was breathing heavily looking scared. William looked back at the crowd. "Do you really want these people running a country? Think about it."
Margaret was glaring at her brother in a furious rage. William walked over to her. He squeezed her cheeks together with his hand. "And you my sweet sister, don't get too comfortable here. These people won't be here for long."
He pulled his hand away from her and left the castle slamming the two giant doors shut. It left everyone feeling shock and fear. Except a few people; they felt anger and rage. They were ready for war.
Oh snap. Oh snap. Something big happened. Who hates William more now? Because I do. I have a strong hatred for that man. Chapter Questions: Who do you think will have the strongest emotions (Ex: anger, grief, scared) after this? What would be your truth for one of the characters (Ask a question to them. They might just answer back)? I hope the next one comes out faster for your sake and mine.
