Hello everybody!
I am so incredibly sorry that I've been so long in updating. I had to take a break from writing to get my college work back on track. Have faith, I will definitely finish this story if it kills me.
I haven't got a preview for the next chapter because I am currently writing it. Hope you like this chapter. Enjoy!
The Affairs of the Heart
Trouble is Brewing
Travelling back to Cair Paravel seemed longer than the journey coming to Anvard. Despite the weather being drastically better than last time with the sun shining gloriously down on our backs to warm us as we rode casually, I couldn't seem to relax.
To say that the sight of Ashonit the night before had shaken me up a bit would be a grave understatement. I had hoped that he wouldn't survive the battle but obviously I was mistaken. Even when Edmund fell asleep on the bed next to me I was still wide awake, glancing at the closed curtains as if expecting him to come into the room and take me to that dreadful dungeon. Edmund had fulfilled his promise and warned King Lune about Ashonit this morning before we set off. Knowing that King Lune and his court supported us – and me – in this case made it easier to know that if I did go missing at least Edmund would have help finding me. But even then I was doubtful that he would be able to stop Ashonit from taking me. I didn't know how, but I could just feel that Ashonit has a plan that wouldn't fail. He was cunning and sneaky. The sooner I made it home the better I would feel.
Edmund took my hand gently and squeezed it reassuringly. I turned my head and glanced at him over my shoulder. He offered me a small tight smile but I couldn't muster up one to return. I felt him let out a slow breath. "Alexandra, you should relax. We're almost home. I'm not going to let you go anywhere."
"I know Ed, but I can't help it." I shook my head. Edmund took the reigns of the dumb horse we were riding and slowed the beast to a stop before he dismounted. "What are you doing Ed?"
"I am going to lead the horse. You are going to rest." He clicked his tongue and I felt the horse being led on. Ed looked up at me and added in a low voice. "I know you didn't get any sleep last night."
"I'm not tired."
"I don't care. Come on, you're going to need all your strength when we get back and tell Ivy about Falstaff."
And like that, another load of dread fell on my shoulders. I sighed and nudged Edmund to stop before I dismounted and stood beside him. He opened his mouth to protest but I pressed my fingers to keep his lips closed. "I'm going to walk. I need to clear my head." I leaned and pressed a kiss on his cheek.
"Okay, if you must but you're walking with me." He took my hand and pulled me close enough for him to feel comfortable. "If you get tired, you're going straight back on the horse."
"Yes Sire." I saluted him with a grin and he ruefully shook his head. We walked in a companionable silence despite the dread I was feeling deep in my stomach. I looked around at the sorry but relieved company of the Narnian troops and my thoughts led me to all of the poor families, including Ivy's, who'll find that their loved ones won't be coming home to them safe and sound.
The sound of the conch horn on the palace gates alerted Edmund and I out of our silence and I looked up at Cair Paravel, a huge structure that had been here for hundreds of years, and our home. I have never been so glad to see a place in my whole life. Edmund, Lucy and I mounted back onto our horses, Edmund helping me up and holding me carefully as we rode up to the main courtyard. Guards and soldiers saluted as we galloped past and we smiled and waved back.
Susan was waiting with Mr Tumnus at the doorways of the palace with an anxious expression on her face, her hands worrying the fabric of her dress. As soon as she saw her siblings, Susan leapt forward and pulled them both into a tearful hug. "Thank Aslan you're safe, I was so worried!"
"Susan, we've been to plenty of battles before. It's not as if we don't know what we're doing." Said Lucy exasperatedly, trying her best to peel herself out of Susan's tight embrace.
"I know but I just worry." She turned to me and pulled me into a tight hug. "Oh gosh, are you hurt Alexandra?" Susan gasped when I winced.
"Not as much as I was before. In a few more days I should be as right as rain." I said trying to make my voice sound optimistic, but I faltered as soon as I saw a pale figure standing on the steps, holding her baby on her hip and trying to stop tears falling down her face. "Excuse me Sue, I've got to see Ivy." There must have been something in my eyes because Susan squeezed my shoulder and nodded slowly.
I walked cautiously over to Ivy, watching slowly as the grief etched itself into her features. Her hair paled to dirt brown and her skin turned from pale green to grey. On the way back home I was trying to think of something to say to Ivy that could possibly offer comfort but nothing felt right. Words failed to spout from my mouth so I settled for a small shake of my head, my eyes welling up as I watched the hope disappear from Ivy's eyes.
"Tumnus, could you please be a dear and take Oreius for a moment." Ivy called shakily, handing her child to the aging faun before she turned her back and headed inside. She stumbled as she reached the doors, her hand clutching her chest as she leaned heavily against the doorframe. I hurried after her, gathering her up as a wrenching sob escaped her throat into my shoulder. I stroked her hair, rubbing soothing circles into her back, even though I didn't think it will ever help. I caught Edmund's eyes and he gave me a troubled look as he watched us. He walked over to Mr Tumnus, pulling him aside and whispered in his ear. Mr Tumnus glanced over to us and grimly shook his head before handing Oreius to Edmund to hold.
"Take as much time as you want off. I don't mind. We'll all help you with anything you need, you just need to ask." I mumbled into Ivy's hair. She shook her head.
"But you can't give me what I need most." She cried. "You can't give me the father that Oreius needs."
"I know." I nodded.
Ivy sniffled as a keening wail escaped her mouth. "Why Falstaff? Why did Aslan have to take him?" She broke down into sobs and spoke no more. I couldn't think of an answer for her.
AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH
As the weeks passed into months, Narnia slowly began to get back to normal now that all of its monarchs were rightfully restored to their thrones and out of any impending danger. Peter had returned shortly after us with most of his army unscathed and relieved to be home, counting down the minutes until they could be granted leave to be with their families. Peter explained what had entailed in detail in Ettinsmoor with the giants and how he came about persuading them to sign the peace treaty with Narnia. The giants of the north seemed suitably pacified for now and agreed to sign, eager to see the back of Peter and his "trouble-rousing-rabble" as they had so affectionately put it.
Every Narnian seemed to be eager for things to return to normal, but it seemed different. I wasn't sure whether it was just the grief, or whether it was just something in the air. The term 'calm before the storm' became a frequent thought in my head. One thing is certain; we were not out of the woods yet.
Letting out a scream I shot up in bed, sweat pouring down my forehead, my fists clenching feathers and torn pieces of bed linen as my dream slipped away. Light flooded my chambers as Edmund, Peter and Susan entered. Their eyes were weary from yet another night of interrupted rest. Edmund sat down on my bed and gathered me against his chest.
"I couldn't make him stop...he just hurt me...He was laughing, Edmund..." I whispered delirious with fatigue. Edmund rubbed my back soothingly and pushed me gently back down.
"It's going to be alright. It was just a dream." Ed cooed quietly, stroking my damp hair and pulled my tattered sheets up to my shoulder. I grabbed his hand.
"Promise me you'll keep me safe. Promise me, Ed!"
"I will, love, I will." He pressed a kiss to my forehead and I felt relief flood my body. "I promise you won't ever have to go through that nightmare. Now, try to get some sleep. I'll just be outside the door." I nodded feeling my heavy eyelids droop closed.
I heard Edmund stand and tiptoe out of the room. "Was it the same nightmare Ed?" I heard Peter whisper then sigh. "It's been the same dream every night ever since you got back from Calormen."
"I know, but what am I supposed to do?"
I listened quietly as they walked back to their rooms feeling guilty. How could I expect them to deal with this? It wasn't their problem to deal with and it shouldn't. Turning over, I curled up amongst the covers and closed my eyes, wishing not for the first time that I was normal, and that these dreams could just happen to someone else.
AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH
The cool sea breeze tickled my warm skin as I sat on the sand watching the waves. The sun had long since set and the moonlight was casting its luminescent spotlight on the sparkling water as it lapped at the sand. I had found that watching the waves helped a little when I had a headache or I just wanted to clear my mind. It was quite peaceful when I'm n my own. No wonder Edmund liked coming down here to get away from everyone. It can be quite stressful when you're around your family everyday. One of the guards was around here somewhere so I wasn't completely alone, but he was out of my sight which I liked. As calming as it was knowing that I was protected all the time, it can be very annoying when I can't have a bit of privacy.
"This is usually my spot Alexandra," a voice spoke beside me suddenly. I jumped and spotted Edmund walking towards me with a small smile on his face. I shrugged and turned my gaze back to the surf.
"It's dark out here Alexandra. You shouldn't be out this late. It's dangerous." Edmund sighed as he slowed to a stop beside me.
"Well, by all means join me Ed. That way I won't be on my own." I countered still staring out to sea. A moment later Edmund sat down beside me and followed my gaze. We stayed in silence for so long that we didn't even realise when the woodland animals started to burrow in the bushes behind us. I wondered if Zia was watching us again.
"What are you thinking about?" Edmund asked quietly. I turned to look at him to see him staring at me, his chin resting on his arms wrapped around his knees. There seemed to be fireflies floating in the air around his head but when I blinked they disappeared.
"I'm thinking that I might take you up on that offer for a swimming lesson." I said standing up and holding my hand out to him. He took my hand and I felt his warm and calloused fingers fit between mine. He was smiling as I lead him to the surf before letting go of his hand to untie my dress. I raised my eyebrow at him as he stood there staring at me. "Well come on, boots off."
Edmund chuckled and proceeded to take off his boots. I turned my back on him and slid my dress down so that I was only in my shift. My hands were trembling with nervousness. I didn't know why, I mean it's not like Edmund hasn't seen me in just my shift before. That much I embarrassingly knew. I threw my dress behind me on the sand and tiptoed into the water. The water was so cold I let out a gasp and thought I should just go sit back on the shore. "Oh come on Alexandra, that's not how you get in the water." I heard Edmund exclaimed behind me before suddenly I was swept in the air and into Edmund arms.
"No! Edmund stop it, don't!" I shrieked but it was too late. With a huge grin on his face, Edmund spun around and fell back into a deeper part of the water, dragging me down with him. It felt like I was drowning again as the freezing water bit at my skin and squeezed at my chest. I struggled to get back to the surface, my arms and legs flailing about. Edmund's hands clamped onto my arms and tried to hold me still.
"Alexandra, calm down."
"But I'll drown Ed."
"No you won't, -"
"Yes I will. That was a horrid thing to do. Help me out now!"
"Alexandra, stand up." I stilled and looked up at Edmund who was stood calmly with his arms crossed and the water just lapping around his waist. I felt my cheeks warm with embarrassment before I stood and crossed my arms to cover myself. Edmund waded through the water and held my waist. He pressed a small kiss to my lips and looked in my eyes. "Do you trust me?"
"Of course I do." I rolled my eyes. He took hold of my arms and slowly eased them away to my sides. I felt nervous again but Edmund's eyes never wandered.
"Lie back, trust me I'll keep hold of you, just lie back..." I did as he said closing my eyes. His hands moved to my waist and then my lower back. I felt I warm simmer in the pit of my belly at his touch. "Good, now kick your feet." I kicked my feet listening to the small splashes that they made. "Great. I'm going to let go."
"But -"
"Trust me. Keep kicking your feet." Slowly I felt his hands leave my waist and then I was on my own. I kicked my feet as if my life depended on it. Minutes later I heard Edmund call my name before I felt him grab my left ankle. "Hold on Alexandra, don't want you swimming to the Lone Islands just yet."
"Oops." I righted myself and bit my lip, holding on to Edmund's sleeve to steady myself. Edmund smiled with a shake of his head, his hand ghosting up my thigh, pulling me closer before kissing my lips. I leaned in closer feeling Ed's hands wander from my hips up my back. I suddenly remembered that I was only wearing a shift and pulled back. "Ed, perhaps we should go back to the shore."
Ed let a smile spread on his mouth. "Perhaps we should." A mischievous glint flashed in his eyes. "Or perhaps we should stay here..." The heat in my belly spiked as Edmund's hands fell to my hips, pulling my body against his.
"Cool down Ed, there's a guard around here somewhere you know." I lightly splashed him with water, pulling back with a smile.
"You're blushing." Ed grinned. I splashed at him, making him splutter. I swam back to the shore as best as I could with Edmund following behind me. When we reached the shallows I squealed as Ed grabbed my waist and spun me into his arms and kissed me. The taste of sea salt on my lips was a little unpleasant but I didn't care and kissed him back with fervour.
With a laugh we fell back onto the soft sand, our legs and arms tangled together. I smiled up at Ed who laughed brightly. His sea-soaked hair was plastered to his forehead, falling into his eyes and across the bridge of his nose. "You really need a haircut Ed, seriously. I'm suspecting you've turned into a woman."
"I beg your pardon. I am not a woman." He spluttered leaning up on his elbows on either side of my ribs. "In fact you know I'm not a woman!"
"By the mane Ed, can't you take a joke?" I grinned, leaning up and pressing a kiss to his lips. I felt his fingers weave into my sopping hair as he pulled me closer to him. My hands trailed down his arms, noting the cold thin clothing on his warming skin. I felt Edmund break away and start trailing kisses down my throat, feeling his hand lifting my thigh up around his hip. My breathing hitched and I opened my eyes. A dark figure loomed over us, a curved sword raised above his head. I screamed rolling us out of the way as the blade cut into the sand beside us.
Strong rough hands dragged me off Edmund and he rolled away, grabbing his scabbard that held his sword. Letting out a yelp as my assailant pulled my hair I tried to break away to no use. I watched helplessly as Edmund punched one of the men, knocking him to the floor where he gave a swift kick to the villains face. Blood gushed from the man's nose and mouth.
"Alexandra! Alexandra no! Get off her!" Edmund roared as he drew his sword and brought it down with a clang against one of the other men. I struggled against my captor, being lifted into the air and dragged through the sand, further and further away from Edmund.
"Edmund don't leave me! Ed! Please Aslan help me please!" I reached out to grab hold of Edmund but he was knocked back before he could take my hand. A dark figure appeared behind Edmund his sword raised above his head. "Edmund watch out!"
Edmund ducked just in time then swung his sword low, knocking the man's legs from under him. My arms were dragged roughly behind my back as my assailant brought a cloth to my face. There was a funny, sickly, bitter smell on the fabric, but it was one I knew well. Chlorine fumes filled my nose and mouth and my eyes began to droop. The last image I saw was Edmund taking a blow to the side of his head, falling into the sand and a dark silhouette eclipsing my view. A dark laugh came from behind me and filled my head before I fell unconscious.