Authors note: I am sorry for all my crappy grammar lately... I KNOW I fail. I just end up writing the chapters really late and then when I spell check them I am half asleep. So, really the spell checking is kind of pointless when I do it... lolz.
Other news: I have a few story ideas that I have in mind to start after this one. I'm going to write a summary for EACH that I have in mind and then have you guys tell me which ones sound more interesting or completely stupid! Haha.
ALSO. I went out at 12 A.M. to go buy Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader. I'm such a nerd. I just had to tell you guys.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
"To defeat the darkness out there, you must defeat the darkness inside yourself."
Coriakin
A hot breath fogged up the glass of the window. Smiling I drew a heart pattern. The chill went down my spine from the coldness I felt as my finger grazed the glass.
Outside a heavy storm formed covering Narnia in a white fluffy cloud. I chewed on my bottom lip as they had become chapped from the dry weather. Pulling the blanket wrapped around my shoulders tighter around my body I continued to watch the horrific beauty before my eyes.
The door to my bedroom opened and I did no break my stare assuming it was Lucy. I had already gotten ready earlier this morning. Sadly, my sleeping pattern had not returned to normal since I came back to Narnia. It seemed I was doomed to wake up early like the rest of the castle.
I took the time to dress myself in a moss green dress with black tights underneath and my feet were adorned with brown suede boots. Also, I did all my regular hygienic morning rituals. I felt like a big girl.
"Morning Lucy," I greeted. A large tree looked dangerously close to knocking over from a large gust of wind that passed by. There was a whistling sound as some of the wind drifted through the cracks of the window. I shivered at the immediate coldness that followed.
Two arms wrapped around my waist and I jumped in fright. That definitely was not Lucy.
"It is just me."
Edmund kissed my temple.
"Don't do that," I smacked his arm. He pulled it away with a wince. "You scared the living daylights out of me! I thought it was Lady Ariela trying to kill me or something."
He sat behind me on the ledge in front of my window. His arm re-wrapped around my waist and he rested his chin atop my head, "I am sorry."
"You're forgiven," I leant back against his chest and he snuggled closer to me so that we were airtight against one another.
"Lucy seems to have caught a cold," Edmund informed me after a moments silence. I gasped. I hated colds. They made your nose all stuffy and congested. Not to mention a sore throat. Yuck. "She will be in bed until she get's better. Doctor Susan decided she is bedridden for the next few days."
"This Doctor Susan sure does get around in this castle. Always striking people bedridden," I joked about the gentle queen.
"I was given the duty of waking you up, but it seems like you do not actually need to be woken up in the mornings anymore."
"Not since the war," I said softly. "But I do like to be escorted down to breakfast. It is nice to have company. Lucy thinks so too."
"Lady Ariela will be joining us for breakfast this morning," Edmund changed the subject lightly. "Susan asked me to tell you to be on your best behavior."
"I can try," I grumbled. "But no promises! That woman sure does now how to crawl under my skin."
"That's her point. She does it to get a rise out of you."
I scoffed, "You know you're right!"
A light bulb went off over my head. Well, if there was a light bulb floating up there it would have. I would be nice to Ariela. That way when she was a wench to me it would seem even worse! Aha.
"I am always right."
I lightly slapped Edmund's arm once again, "Shush."
"Why are you so close to the window? You are going to catch a cold also," Edmund shook his head as he referred to Lucy's illness. He stood from behind me and held out a hand. I rolled my eyes at his overprotective manor, but grasped his callused fingers and let him lead me out of my room.
Edmund let his arm fall to my waist snuggly as we walked down the hall towards the private room for breakfast. Our feet pitter patted on the floor and I noted that his footsteps were much heavier than my own.
"Now I know you Unity," Edmund randomly started as we bounded down a few stairs. "I do want you to be on your best behavior. Lady Ariela is a beastly wench, nevertheless, do try to control your emotions. She will be gone by this time tomorrow."
One day was more than enough time in that woman's presence. I don't comprehend how someone could be so crude as to call random people peasants. Seriously.
"I will attempt to behave," but no promises! Nope. None at all. I think I would always have a temper. Making a promise such as behaving would be a lie.
"That is the least I could ask for," Edmund pulled away from my body and I felt saddened by the newfound coldness. Damn, it was chilly in this castle today. He held open the door and I beamed delightfully as I entered the quaint room.
Susan smiled at me as I took a seat beside her. Lady Ariela had an awkward expression on her lips as she watched the friendliness between Susan and I. The wench -as I liked to call her- sat between Peter and her father. I still did not know her fathers name. All I knew is that he were a duke.
"Morning all," Edmund greeted as he sat in the empty chair between Peter and myself. I saw Ariela's frustrated expression at the seating arrangement. Win.
The Duke frowned at me, "Ah. You are the peasant that broke my daughters nose."
Hah. I broke her nose? That is amazing.
"I am no peasant," I rolled my emerald eyes. Puh-lease. If I were a peasant would I be dining with the Kings and Queens of Narnia? No.
"Then what is thy rank?" the Duke asked condescendingly. His tone made it seem like he thought I was nothing more than a piece of shit on the floor.
Peter coughed to gain the Duke's attention away from giving me a deathly glare, "Lady Unity here is a Knight of Narnia."
I smiled brightly showing off my pearly whites, "Yep!"
"A woman a knight?" He scoffed. "Poppycock."
"Oh, father," Lady Ariela grinned as she placed her hand on her fathers shoulder. "She is not a woman. Merely a man clothed as a woman in disguise!"
They both shared a laugh. I seriously did not understand their jokes. Were they supposed to be funny? Cause I thought they were rather bland.
"That's almost as funny as your crooked nose Ariela," I slapped my hand on the table letting a fake laugh follow. Susan elbowed me gently as to urge me to be quiet. I let my eyes fall on the beautiful woman's face and she gave me a pleading stare.
Well, Peter had found it funny. I could see his shoulder's shaking as he stuffed a hand full of bread into his mouth to stifle his laughter.
"I refuse to be addressed by the likes of you in such a manor. Call me Duchess Ariela."
I sighed, "Well then, I refuse to be addressed by the likes of you period. If you are going to talk to me I am not a peasant, I am a human being. I don't know where you get off thinking you can talk to me that way."
Ariela glowered. I continued with my rant angrily, "You look pretty petty belittling a friend of the Kings and Queen of Narnia in front of their faces, anyway. Smooth move for someone who wants to get in King Edmund's pants."
"Lady Unity, Duchess Ariela," Edmund spoke up sternly. "This is supposed to be a happy meal."
Where's my chicken nuggets, fries, drink, and kids toy then? Hopefully it's something with My Little Pony.
"My apologies your majesty," Lady Ariela bowed her head as if she were actually sorry. Oh wait, wasn't I supposed to be extremely nice to piss her off?
"Me too," I agreed with a pout on my lips. Edmund gave me an incredulous stare, but I wasn't done there. "I mean, Duchess Ariela, I am so jealous of your radiance. The evil inside me just comes out every time I'm in your um… vicinity."
Ariela sat higher in her chair and straightened out her back tightly. A devilish smile graced her lips. She must have thought she won.
"Lady Unity, is it?" she sneered. "Thank you for admitting your jealousy."
"Sure," I picked up a piece of toast and shoved it in my mouth. She gave me an annoyed look at my action. But I was annoyed that I wasn't next to Peter. I could have been eating his toast right now.
"How are you this morning King Edmund?" Ariela asked sickeningly sweet. I pretended to gag and Edmund's hand squeezed my thigh. His action caused me to jump lightly, however not enough for anyone else to notice. Although a knowing smirk crawled over the Just King's lips.
"Spectacular actually, I woke up to a very beautiful view," his hand massaged my thigh softly. I bit my lip to hide my smile.
"The snow is a wonderful sight to see," stated Ariela. I had to fight back my snort. He wasn't talking about the snow he meant me. Edmund detested the snow.
Edmund frowned, "Ah, yes."
The white haired beauty looked confused by Edmund's response. I know it is terribly awful, but it was so much fun watching her fail.
"Susan, how did you enjoy the ball?" I broke away from the dainty woman's conversation to start my own.
Susan grinned over at me, "Quite wondrous! You?"
"I loved the colors you chose," I commented. "Really fit the scene well. I also saw Genesis. Oh my goodness, Peter-" the High King gazed up at me from his food, "- Genesis is courting this centaur named Chara! Who happens to be Deadalus's younger sister. That's crazy!"
"Very," Peter agreed. "What a coincidence as well."
"I am so happy for him!" My thoughts wondered over to Genesis. He deserved to have someone as beautiful as Chara.
"Your majesty," Ariela spoke up again. I glare directed towards me caught my eye as I had taken Peter and Susan's attention from her. "I am glad to see you are well this morning. I had become fearful last night when you claimed to be ill when you left the ball early."
So fearful that you had to try to get into his pants.
Susan gave Edmund a stern glower and Edmund sheepishly smiled at his sister, "Oh yes. I am feeling somewhat better this morning."
"He looked so sick last night your majesties," Ariela sympathetically stared at Edmund.
"Yes," Edmund averted his gaze. "After all, you did ask to come into my corridors to 'make me feel better' last night. I believe that is how you worded it."
The Duchess's cheeks turned a crimson color and the Duke shot his daughter a disapproving stare. I snickered loud enough for Ariela to hear me and she shot me another glare.
Edmund's hand continued to massage my thigh throughout the rest of the breakfast conversation. It had almost gone unnoticed by anyone else except me until Peter nudged Edmund.
"What?" the younger King asked his brother tiredly.
Peter rolled his eyes, "Your hand Ed."
"Oh, um," he snatched his hand away from my thigh and placed it in his lap. Peter just shook his head not wanting an explanation.
The doors to the room opened and we all turned to see whom had entered. A peachy smile crossed my face as I saw the little creature bow, "Kind Edmund, may I have word with you."
"Mirach!" I jumped out of the chair before Edmund had a time to answer and embraced the little mouse. His coal eyes went wide as I picked him up and spun him in my arms. I had no care in the world what even Mirach thought of me. I missed that blasted mouse.
"Miss Unity!" His squeaky voice chirped. "A pleasure to see you awake and well."
"Mirach," I shook my head at the mouse. "You have no idea how much of a pleasure it is to see you!"
His nose twitched, "I believe I do Miss!"
Mirach instead of wanting me to put him down onto the floor turned himself in my arms to face Edmund. The King had an amused grin on his lips as he nodded at the mouse.
"Let us step outside to speak Nobel Mirach," Edmund stated.
I placed Mirach on the floor and Edmund stood from his chair following the creature outside. The doors shut behind them. Lady Arieal looked extremely disgruntled by the reaction. I rolled my eyes, she was probably afraid of mice.
"I am going to go check on Lucy," I told Susan and Peter. They both nodded their heads smiling in approval. Without saying goodbye to the Duke or Duchess I made my leave. As I opened the doors I saw Mirach and King Edmund talking animatedly. Not wanting to interrupt what looked like an important conversation I decided to just go on to Lucy's bedroom.
I climbed up the steps tiredly until I reached her doorway. Being courteous I knocked before entering. Lucy had her quilt pulled up to her chin in bed and her eyes were drowsy as they locked onto my face.
Feeling bad, I dragged a maroon chair beside her bed and sat down. She gave me a sniffled smile.
"You poor girl," I said as I noticed her bright red nose. "See, this is why I hate winter. Brings so many horrible things along with it."
She objected with a laugh, "The winter is beautiful."
"But terrible for my skin," I held out my hand for her to look at. "Look. I'm all dry!"
"Unity, are you going to tell me whatever happened between Edmund and you at the Dancing Lawn?"
I scoffed, "Are you really bringing this up now Lucy?"
"Yes, how can you say no to me when I am sick?" I frowned as she snickered. How dare she use her illness against me? So conniving that one.
"Fine."
She sat up in the bed interested to hear my story. I nestled into the back of the chair as I rolled my eyes at this entire situation. Now, Lucy was no child, however she was very innocent. From what I could see she had not been really educated in the whole birds and the bees thing.
"Edmund and I kissed."
"Really?" Lucy voiced with a disturbed grimace. "Why would you do that?"
I raised my eyebrows in confusion, "Kiss Edmund?"
"Yes!"
I chuckled, "Because I find him attractive and I care about him. So, my brain told me to kiss him."
"But it's Edmund," she stated this as if it were supposed to change everything. "Yuck!"
"Well, I am satisfied to know that you don't have any disturbing thoughts of you kissing your brother."
"Unity, hush up, you're going to make me sick!" Lucy took out a handkerchief from her nightgown pocket and blew her nose.
"You already are sick…" I trailed off looking at her expectantly. She shook her head as she balled up the hanky in her hands.
"I have not puked yet and the thought makes me want to."
"My bad," I apologized with a grin. "You were the one that asked."
"I regret my decision," she muttered.
Her bedroom door opened to reveal Susan. The Queen graced us with a hearty smile as she carried over a tray of food for the sick one in bed.
"Mr. Tumnus is bringing up some tea for you Lu," Susan informed. Lucy smiled happily as she straightened out the quilt around her for Susan to place the tray on her lap.
"Thank you Susan." Lucy gave me a traitorous smirk. "Did you know Edmund and Unity kissed?"
Susan chuckled as I shot Lucy a glare, "Yes I did. They kissed in front of me."
"How terrible," Lucy said apologetically to her elder sister.
I scoffed. Really, was the thought of Edmund kissing me that horrific?
"You're glad you missed breakfast. He was rubbing her thigh the entire time," Susan said with a knowing wink in my direction. Now, that sounded way dirtier than it really was. It was more of an affectionate massage. Nothing sexual.
Lucy gasped horrified, "No! He did not."
"He did," Susan placed her hands on her lips.
"It wasn't anything like what you're thinking! He was just being sweet," I grumbled.
Susan laughed at my misfortune. Rolling my eyes I stood up from the chair and walked towards the door.
"Where are you going?" Lucy asked with a frown.
"For a stroll," I shrugged. "You should be resting Lucy. I wouldn't want to keep you from getting better."
"Oh alright," Lucy huffed.
I shut the door behind me as I left. Without any other thought except the coldness of the hallway I skipped about Cair Paravel. The windows were fogged up with white flakes piling up in the corners. Winter seemed even more unbearable in Narnia instead of on Earth. At least on Earth we had heaters.
As I had been minding my own business prancing about the hallway; two familiar voices caught my attention. I froze. The voices seemed to stay in one specific area meaning they were not moving. With a sneaky prance I darted to the corner and peered around it. There Ariela and Edmund stood staring out a window.
"… Eddy, what about our kiss?" Ariela whined as she tugged on the arm of Edmund's tunic.
Kiss. I swear I could feel the heat seething from my body at the anger that spread throughout every ounce of me. Did she really say kiss? I must be hallucinating because Edmund never mentioned anything about them kissing. Ever. Which would really piss me off considering I told him about Peter kissing me.
"You kissed me."
My jaw went slack. No, he did not.
"I thought we shared something special," she cried out. A few tears began to pool out of her baby blue eyes.
"Ariela… we share your fathers crops. That's the only thing that we share that happens to be special."
Now, if looks could kill Edmund would be dead. His back stiffened as the realization of what he had let slip from his mouth registered. Ariela looked so livid I wouldn't even defy her at that moment.
With a hand raised she slapped the Just King on his cheek with such force I winced. Ouch. But hey, at the moment I wanted to slap him for keep that bit of information hidden from me. Power to yah girlfriend.
"This is all because of that, that vile peasant whore!" Me?
"Duchess Ariela, I am asking you this as sincerely as possible. Please, for your sake, do not join us for breakfast tomorrow morning."
"Oh please," Ariela seethed lowly. "I hope you will be satisfied when she is pregnant with someone else's child. Maybe even High King Peter's! The way she is all over the lot of you I would not be surprised if she were fucking you both."
I stared wide eyed at the girl. If I were in Edmund's place right now I would slap the shit out of her.
Edmund tightened his fist at his side, "Good afternoon Duchess Ariela."
I'm a walking volcano on the brink of eruption. I stormed into my bedroom throwing the door shut behind me. How could someone say such cruel things of people they do not know? I mean, I wasn't exactly the nicest person to Ariela. Actually, I wasn't nice to her at all. But I never made assumptions of her whoring herself around to everyone.
Psh. Wench.
I sat on the edge of my bed and stared down at my hands. Why didn't Edmund tell me about Ariela and him kissing? Even if it were all her and not him it would be nice for him to tell me the truth. I'm not that irrational if someone were to kiss him without consent to get angry. The fact that he hid it was what made me upset.
Running a hand through my hair I decided it would be best to bring it up to him later. It would only make things worse for my mind if I lied about snooping on Ariela and his conversation. If I pretended I never heard it at all, my I would go crazy.
Why did Edmund have to be such a boy sometimes?
:-)
