Chapter 29

Cair Paravel

The day had finally arrived, Susan thought, as she stood in front of the window that looked out onto the city. It was her wedding day, but she never imagined it would turn out like this. Susan thought one day, she and Peter would finally hold a small ceremony, conducted by a Maester, giving a blessing for their union. They would never be married on paper, but that the rites of blessing in front of their family would be enough. She would bear his children, heirs to Winterfell, and that would secure their line, but more than anything she wanted to stand in front of Peter and declare her love for him. The thought that once filled her heart with joy now filled her eyes with tears.

Prunaprismia led her down the corridors towards The Throne Room, striding on ahead whilst Jill towed behind, being expected to lift Susan's dress to avoid any slips and trips. At least the dress was beautiful with no expense spared for the spectacle. Her train cascaded down her back like snow flurries that had been stitched together, matching her white dress that had been embroidered with pearls. Eventually, they reached the doors where the congregation would be waiting and there stood Miraz with his arm outstretched.

"What are you doing?" asked Susan, perhaps a little harshly that she meant.

"Your father is gone," said Miraz, ignoring her tone. "It is my duty as your father-in-law, and father of the realm, to give you away to your husband."

Susan nodded and took his arm. They stiffly approached the doors that swung wide open, allowing them to step through into the grand arena. Everyone turned and looked at them, as Miraz led Susan down the aisle. She tried not to catch anyone's eyes as she passed by them and eventually, they reached the front, where Miraz took Susan's hand and forced her palm on top of Nathaniel's. Susan dared not look up at him, not after last night. The thought of having to touch his skin sent a wave of repulsion and nausea over her, but there was no choice in the matter. Miraz would see it done whether she wanted it or not.

Between them, the Maester of Cair Paravel, an old, doddery man who she didn't recognise, stepped up. In some ways, he reminded Susan of Doctor Cornelius and wondered, broken-hearted, if Edmund had found their old friend yet.

"It brings me great honour to gather you all here today, to the castle of Cair Paravel, to witness the marriage between Nathaniel, of House Telmarine, first of his name, Prince of Narnia and the Lone Islands and Susan, of House Pevensie," said the Maester, commanding the room.

He turned to Nathaniel and gestured to him. "Please, cloak your bride and bring her under your protection," he said. Nathaniel untied the ribbon from around his neck and took the edges of the cloak in his fingers. Susan turned around on the spot, showing her back to her betrothed, being reminded once again of last night and feeling the adrenalin rise. Nathaniel's cloak draped over her and it was heavy than she expected, dragging her down. As she turned back, Nathaniel tied the ribbon once again at her clavicle.

"Your Majesty, Lords and Ladies from across the realm," the Maester went on. "We stand here in the sight of our King to witness this union between man and wife. One flesh, one heart, one soul, now and forever. Cursed be he who would seek to tear them asunder."

Susan could have been sick. Miraz had erased every mention of Aslan from the marriage vows. He had named himself the highest power, as King. She cursed herself for being surprised. She should know his deception by now. Susan breathed deeply, all she had to do was get through this moment. She could be enraged about it later.

Nathaniel took her palm and brought it up before the Maester, as he wrapped a piece of ribbon around their hands. "Let it be known," he said. "That this union unites under one house. One heart, one flesh, one soul," he said again. "In the sight of our King, I hereby seal these two souls, binding them as one for eternity." The Maester undid the ribbon again and Nathaniel dropped Susan's hand quickly. Susan turned to Nathaniel, preparing to say the words she had rehearsed in her pretend games since she was a little girl, but the Maester didn't call for them. "I present to you, His Majesty, Prince Nathaniel and Lady Susan Telmarine, first of their names. May their reign be long and prosperous."

"May their reign be long and prosperous," the congregation murmured.

Susan's blood ran cold. She should have kept her name. She had told them that above all else she wanted to keep her name. Not even for her own sake but for Peter's because as far as she was concerned, she had forever promised to be his. Any other Lady of her position would be allowed, but not her. As they turned before the congregation as man and wife, Susan realised that was it. She was married to the devil incarnate, and she hadn't even said a word.

The Lone Islands

Caspian awoke later in the day than usual, hoping that Glenstorm had whipped everyone up into shape to get the Dawn Treader moving. As he gripped the side of the bed, he expected to feel the smooth glide of the boat under his fingertips, but instead all he felt was the gentle rock that told him they were still anchored.

Annoyed with his first mate, he climbed out of bed and got dressed, stalking out of his cabin and up to the top deck. "Glenstorm!" he called to the centaur, who manned the helm. "What's the hold-up?" he asked. "We're still anchored."

"Ah, your Majesty," grinned Glenstorm, patting his friend on the back as he approached. "You've risen."

"Yes," Caspian bristled. "I didn't mean to sleep so long."

It was at this point Caspian noticed the galleon that was stationed next to the Dawn Treader. The King shook the sleep from his eyes. "Glenstorm, whose boat is that?"

"We couldn't believe it when we saw it on the horizon," said Glenstorm. "They slowed next to us and said they were friends of Ramandu's from Avra. He had sent them a raven asking them for more supplies for us. Food, wine, everything we need."

"I see," said Caspian, cocking an eyebrow. "Well, I wish he'd asked me first. And where is Ramandu?"

"He is paying them now, your Majesty," said Glenstorm. "With your wife. The plank is just over here."

Glenstorm gestured to a long wooden plank that had been tied to both boats, where satyrs and minotaurs balanced along, carrying large vats of wine and trunks of food. Caspian darted across in a gap in the traffic and found Ramandu and Lilliandil talking with the Captain.

"Good morning," said Caspian, shaking the man's hand. "I'm Captain of the Dawn Treader. Caspian."

"Good morning," the man said, eager to make his acquaintance.

"Caspian, the Captain has been ever so kind making this journey to us," said Lilliandil, winding her arm around Caspian's waist. It seemed to Caspian that she had forgotten their last proper conversation about Edmund.

"He brings us wine from Terebinthia," said Ramandu. "The best, in my opinion."

"A taste for my good friends," said the Captain, turning to a member of his crew and beckoning them forward with a barrel. "Or I have a sweet red from Archenland if you'd prefer. One taste and I'm sure you'll name your first child after me."

Lilliandil smiled. "My child already has a name," she said sweetly. "He will be called Rilian. He'll be our son and heir of House Caspian, Prince of the Stars and of Narnia."

"Prince?" questioned the Captain. "We must do better," he said to his crewmate. "That's as good as Doornish swill, not worthy of a Prince. Get that dry red from Calormen," he said, pointing to another casket. "Please, will you have a glass?"

"We must really wait for our testers first," insisted Caspian, looking around.

"Nonsense," scoffed Ramandu. "These are our friends and allies."

"I don't wish to dishonour you, sir," said Caspian. "Only that I am wary of someone tampering with your stocks without your knowledge."

"I quite understand," the Captain nodded.

"My husband is far too anxious," said Lilliandil, waving Caspian away and taking a goblet from the crewmate. Caspian bit his tongue, but as Lilliandil sipped at the wine, her eyes grew wide with satisfaction. "Delicious," she told the Captain. "I haven't tasted wine like that in a long time."

"You must have a case," he insisted, ushering for the crew member to take it over to the Dawn Treader.

"I thank you for your kindness," Caspian said, shaking the Captain's hand.

He led Lilliandil away, helping her across the plank and back onto the Dawn Treader. "You must be careful, Lilliandil," he said gently as they touched back down on Narnian wood. "There are people out there who wish to hurt us."

"Caspian," sighed Lilliandil. "We are on a boat, in the middle of the sea. I'm sure we can relax a little."

Ramandu stepped back over to the galleon and turned to pull up the plank, waving off his friends whose boat began to drift off into the distance.

"You're right," Caspian nodded. "I've been far too uptight recently. A little wine won't hurt." Caspian paused as Lilliandil smiled up at him. He cupped her face gently. "I like the name Rilian, you know," he said, softly.

"I know," she nodded as if letting him in one some great secret. They enjoyed the moment together, and for a moment Caspian thought that they might have found some common ground. That was until Lilliandil began to blink as if her vision had clouded over.

"Lilliandil, are you alright?" asked Caspian.

"Yes, I'm fine," she replied, gulping, trying to maintain her composure. She then began to cough, doubling over, a hand over her mouth.

"Are you sure?" he asked, pushing her backwards to a nearby barrel to use as a seat.

"Caspian," she wheezed, and as she pulled back her hand, her palm was covered in blood. "Caspian!" she cried, but her voice was faint.

"Help!" shouted Caspian over his shoulder. "We need help!"

Everyone came rushing, including Ramandu. "DO SOMETHING!" he bellowed. Caspian wasn't sure if he was talking to him or someone else.

"Caspian," Lilliandil said again, trying to make eye contact with her husband. "The baby," she choked, as blood spat up from her mouth. With a deafening gurgle, Lilliandil's body fell slack into Caspian's arms.

"Lilliandil!" he said, shaking her, feeling the hot tears begin to spill down his cheeks. "LILLIANDIL!"

A trail of blood trickled out of her nose. The Queen was dead.