A/N: I'M BAAACK! I'm taking seventeen credits this semester, and it's KILLING me. Buuut one of my classes ended at fall break, and I finished one of my biggest semester assignments recently, so now I have more writing time! I spent the first post-break week or two on my original novel, but I just couldn't leave Caspian and Susan (and you guys!) alone any longer. I plan to write the next several segments this week, so look forward to at least a few regular updates now!
Caspian leads my siblings and I through the palace gates for the coronation parade. The gates look much friendlier and more welcoming now, in the sunlight. Of course, that could also be the lack of archers on our backs and ugly cries of war in our ears. I shudder to remember all the lives lost during that awful night of battle.
But I shake the memory off. Today is about celebration, a day of joy.
I wear a rich red dress, just completed for this event by a team of seamstresses this morning. My husband wears complimentary cream attire and a crown nearly dripping with jewels. My siblings and I follow him on horseback through the city streets. Citizens of Telmar's capital city crowd between houses and the sides of the streets to get a glimpse of their newly crowned king. Telmarine and Narnian soldiers march side by side in the procession, true peace having finally been achieved between the two realms. Everything about this day is worth celebrating - a war ended, peace achieved, a king crowned... and wed. That, of course, will be publicly celebrated later.
As the sun warms my face and the joyful cheering of the crowds for my family and my husband drowns out the sound of my own thoughts, I can't help but laugh. My smile doesn't fade for the rest of the parade.
After the parade, a celebration was scheduled, to begin once the procession had circled through the city back to the palace. This would be a small, private affair, for only the notable military ranks, my husband, his officials, and my family. As much as I have been looking forward to a night of carefree socializing with my siblings, my husband, and the others - Reepicheep and DLF, especially - by the time my horse and I reach the palace gates, I can barely hold myself upright for exhaustion.
I hesitate a moment before dismounting, just to relax and catch my breath as well as I can. That moment means the rest of my family and Caspian all dismount before me, so Peter and Caspian both step forward to help me at the same time. Peter glances at my husband before pulling back, and Caspian offers me his arm.
"My lady?"
Edmund smirks and Lucy giggles. I can't tell if they're expecting me to rebuff him or just laughing at Caspian's flirting. Probably both. Even after our secret wedding, on any other evening I would have rolled my eyes and dismounted without assistance. Tonight, though, I'm too tired to put on a show.
I place my hands on my husband's shoulders; he, with hands on my waist, gently pulls me from my saddle. I only allow myself the slightest second to lean on him, so strong and solid, before steadying my feet and stepping back. I am aware of the curious, surprised looks of my younger brother and sister.
"Shall we join the party?" Peter asks, sweeping his arm toward the palace door. One of our best soldiers, the centaur, stands holding the door; the changing light of torches and shadows of the others inside decorate the ground near the doorway.
Edmund shrugs and walks ahead while Lucy and Peter link arms. Caspian rests his hand on my back and turns to lead me in as well, but I stop him with a hand on his arm.
"What is it, love?"
"I'm sorry. I'm just... I'm not feeling well." I can't remember the last time I've felt this tired. "I'd rather just skip the party and go to bed. Will you tell the others? I'll walk around to the servants' door and slip through the hall."
"But you love a good party." I wonder how he's picked up so well on that, since we've never been to a proper party together. That will change soon; as joint rulers of a kingdom, we'll be expected to attend our fair share. That knowledge makes it a little easier for me to skip one of my favorite pastimes for sleep tonight.
"There will be plenty of parties in the future." I lean in to kiss his cheek; he leans down and presses his forehead to mine for a moment before straightening.
"Then I will escort you. I can be a few minutes late."
"I think I can manage to get to my room from here. You should go in."
"Are you sure?"
I nod. Squeezing his shoulder, I step out of his arm and turn to walk around the palace walls to the next door, a small, plain thing used by the servants to enter the halls between entertaining rooms.
When I change into a nightdress and slip into bed, I expect to fall asleep straight away. Instead, though, I lie awake with an uneasiness in my stomach. I think back through what I've eaten today and realize I've barely eaten anything. Maybe that's the trouble. I slide my feet out of bed, intending to sneak to the kitchen, but nausea and dizziness wash over me. I fall back against the bed and rest there for a moment before taking the small, slightly dusty bell from my nightstand and ringing for one of the maids.
A knock on the door startles me only a few moments later. "You rang, miss?" The maids must be awfully quick... and have disturbingly good hearing.
"Come in."
A young girl, probably about Lucy's age, steps inside and curtsies. The tight brown ringlets of her hair bounce under her cap. "Can I help you, miss?"
"I'm a bit unwell and would like something to eat."
"Anything in particular, miss?"
"Not re-" A sudden desire for scones changes my answer mid-sentence. "Does the kitchen have scones?"
"I... I'm not sure, miss. I can look."
"Please do. And some tea as well."
"Of course, miss." She curtsies again before stepping out and pulling the door shut.
My thoughts are scattered. My head is spinning. I lie back down and stare at the shadows my low fire casts on the wall. I've nearly fallen asleep when I hear a quick rap on the door. "I've brought your tea, miss."
"Come in." I push myself into a better sitting position as she enters.
"I couldn't find scones, miss. I'm sorry. I've brought you biscuits, though."
I forgot I asked for scones. I can't imagine eating anything now, but I accept her tray across my lap without a word. I don't want to be impolite. "Thank you... What's your name?"
"Sophie, miss."
"Thank you, Sophie."
She giggles. "Can I get you anything else, miss?"
"No, this is fine. You may go."
With another curtsy, she leaves. I move the tray from my lap to my nightstand, placing the bell in the drawer and setting the candlestick on the tray. I pour myself a cup of tea and sip carefully, watching the dying fire. The beverage seems to settle my stomach and restlessness. I set the empty cup and saucer back on the tray and settle down for the night.
