Winters have come and gone you know
Winters have come and gone you know
But I'll miss you young and free
For a dance 'round the memory tree

~"A Dance 'Round the Memory Tree" by Oren Lavie

Evelyn tried her best not to grunt as she climbed the long flight of stairs up to Cair Paravel's library. She brought a hand to her swollen belly, praying to Aslan that he would help her reach the top without falling over. The baby kicked inside her, as if teasing her slow movements. She let out a sigh of relief when she at last reached the large room and collapsed into one of its many armchairs.

Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy had all disappeared early that morning before breakfast. Apparently a white stag had been spotted near the palace at twilight and the four siblings had eagerly joined the hunt. Peter had not let Evelyn join them in her current condition, ordering her to remain at the palace and rest. They had been trying for a child in the three years they had been married and Peter was insistent that Evelyn not do anything to put this precious child at risk.

Just as she had begun reading the reports for the upcoming council meeting, she was surprised to see Ardas in the doorway.

"Your Majesty," the wolf said, bowing. "There's someone here to see you."

"Is it Akion?" Evelyn said, stretching and smiling brightly. "He told me he would be traveling south—"

"It's not Akion," Ardas said, a strange look in his eye. He nodded over his shoulder to whoever was waiting to see her. A small woman with black, curly hair stepped into the room. She was wearing a wool dress and worn boots, clearly exhausted from the dark circles under her striking hazel eyes. She gave a weary smile to Evelyn, curtsying ever so slightly.

"Ira!" Evelyn exclaimed, rushing to her and wrapping her in a tight embrace despite her distended belly. "What are you doing here?"

Ira smiled at the queen, admiring how alive she looked since they had last seen one another. Three years ago, Evelyn had been barely more than a shadow, timid and lost. It was clear her marriage to Peter had changed her. Her golden hair now fell down to her back, a small crown perched on her head, and her blue eyes glowed full of life. Ira placed a hand gently on Evelyn's belly. "Congratulations," she said, "I heard about the good news."

As Evelyn pulled away from their embrace, she spotted a small boy standing behind them. He must have been less than three years-old, as he was firmly clutching Ira's hand and looking at Evelyn with uncertainty. He had dark, curly hair that looked just like Ira's, but his skin wasn't as dark as his mother's. His eyes were a dark brown and freckles decorated his nose and cheeks. As Evelyn studied him longer, he looked just like…

"Evelyn," Ira said, pulling on the boy's hand so that he was now standing in front of them. "This is Eddie, my son."

Evelyn took in the boy. "Eddie? Is that short for…"

"Edmund," Ira replied softly. "Yes, this is Edmund's son."

Evelyn and Ira sat in the throne room, waiting anxiously for the return of the Pevensies. Ira had been living in the Wild Lands of the North during these last few years, once again making a living through her dancing and healing abilities. Shortly after leaving Cair Paravel, Ira had discovered she was pregnant. She had spent the next few months in fear, terrified of losing another baby and unable to bring herself to tell Edmund for fear of the child not being wanted. But she had carried the baby to term with no issues and had given birth to a beautiful baby boy. She had remembered Aslan's words to her when the time came for the baby to be born: that he would be with her during her moment of need.

Eddie had put everything into perspective for Ira. Caring for her son was the most difficult thing she had endured, but this baby had given her a purpose which she had lacked for so long. As he had grown, and began to look more and more like his father she fought with herself whether or not to tell Edmund. This boy had no rightful claim to the throne being born out of wedlock and the last thing Ira wanted was her son to be labeled a bastard. But the way in which she had left Edmund all those years ago had been terribly cruel. She hadn't forgotten that brief conversation she'd had with Aslan and found herself faithful at last to the great lion. Whether or not he had intended it, Edmund had given her a family, and Eddied needed his father. She had felt Aslan's presence when she had woken up one morning and seen her son sleeping beside her, perfect and beautiful. He had looked so much like Edmund in that moment that she knew she needed to return to Cair Paravel.

As she waited with Evelyn and watched Eddie play with the soldier figurines the Narnian council used for battle plans, Ira could only think if Edmund would still want her. She was now thirty years-old, a mother with a body changed by childbirth. Her heart had also changed immensely since that brief night they lay together. Had he changed as well?

Evelyn continued to glance out the large window overlooking the wide field that led to the entrance of the palace. The four siblings had been told of the stag before breakfast and now the sun was setting over the horizon. It was unusual for them to be away this long, especially Peter who had hardly left her side since she'd announced her pregnancy. Peter had actually wanted to stay behind with his wife, as the baby's arrival was only a few weeks away, but Edmund had convinced him that Evelyn would be in good hands with the healers here at the castle if the baby were to come while they were away. Ardas had continued to come into the room, assuring both women that the kings and queens would return soon, even as night fell and Evelyn escorted Ira and Eddie to one of the guest chambers so they could rest. Evelyn spent the rest of the night staring at the empty spot in her bed, praying that Peter work walk into their bedchamber at any moment, tired from the day's hunt.

By morning, Evelyn was truly worried. There was no message from the Pevensies that they had extended their hunt and they hadn't taken anyone with them, not even Flametail or Sallowpad. Despite everyone's protests, Evelyn insisted she would ride out to the vast Narnian forests herself to try and find them. Evelyn brought along Mr. Tumnus, Flametail, and Brassmist, all who looked at her disapprovingly as she mounted her horse and set off. Ira agreed to wait at the castle with Eddie just in case they returned, uncomfortable with the idea of riding in general and not wanting to leave her son unattended at the palace.

When they were deep into the forests and there was still no sign of the four siblings, Evelyn, Flametail, and Brassmist decided to split up. Evelyn clutched her horse's reins so tightly in her hands that her knuckles turned white as they made their way through the thick lines of trees. They came to a small clearing and Evelyn dismounted and began to lead her horse, tired of the bumping and jostling from up on the saddle. The horse seemed reluctant to be led along, and when she turned to scold him, her eyes widened. In the middle of the small clearing was a single lamppost, dirty and covered with spider webs as if it hadn't been lit in years. She dropped her horse's reins and touched it lightly, as if remembering a dream within a dream.

Suddenly, her horse reared and whinnied. Evelyn was able to grab its reins before it ran off, bringing it close to her. "Shh," she said, stroking its mane. "What's that all about?"

Something gold flashed in the corner of her eye. She whipped around, bringing her hand to the dagger she carried at her side, still the one borrowed from Akion. When she saw who was standing before her, she immediately dropped to her knees.

A great lion stood before her, exactly like the one who had led her through the Austrian woods as a child. He was even more glorious and far more terrifying than she had remembered.

Aslan.

"Rise, Evelyn."

She obeyed, doing her best to regain her balance with her large belly.

"What are you alone out here in your state?"

His voice was like music, taking her breath away. The very earth beneath them seemed to tremble at his magnificence. She felt so incredibly small and insignificant next to this great beast.

"I'm looking for Peter," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Peter is gone."

She looked into the lion's eyes. He was looking steadily at her, unblinking.

"Gone?" she said, furrowing her brow. "What do you mean?"

Aslan came and stood beside her, beckoning her to follow. She took her horse's reins once more and obeyed once again, feeling clumsy as her small feet seemed to rustle every leaf and break every twig while Aslan's large paws made no sound whatsoever.

"Peter and his siblings have returned to your world," Aslan said once they were deep into the forest. "The Pevensies' time in Narnia has come to an end for the time being. They have served their purpose here and now must return home."

Evelyn felt the baby move suddenly in her womb, as if reacting to Aslan's words. Home? Without her? She felt panic begin to swell within her. It had never occurred to her that she would be left in Narnia without Peter. In fact, Peter and she often talked about what would happen when the time came for Aslan to bring her home. She had only stayed at Cair Paravel to be with him, agreeing to be queen consort as long as he was by her side. Now, he was where she longed to be the most while she was still stuck here, carrying his child! She began to weep, releasing her horse's reins. The animal reared once more and then bolted away, disappearing among the low hanging branches of the trees.

"Evelyn."

Aslan's commanding voice instantly stopped her tears. She did her best to put on a brave face, but she could only feel anger.

"Why?" she asked, her voice and face contorted with emotion. "Why did you have to take him away from me? I tried to find you for years, trying desperately to return to Freya, but always in vain. Peter was the one who made me happy in this strange place, giving me a sense of belonging at last. But now I'm alone, without Peter, and without Freya."

"You are not alone," Aslan replied almost instantly, unbothered by her rage. "Think of your child. Think of your kingdom."

"My kingdom?" she said incredulously. "I cannot rule Narnia on my own! I am merely queen consort. And my child? What kind of life can I give this child without their father here?"

She dropped to her knees, burying her face and hands in the grass. "Please, Aslan. Send me back too. I need to be with Peter. I need to find Freya. Please, don't leave me by myself."

"I will never leave you," Aslan said, his voice low and gentle. She raised her eyes to see he was now standing directly in front of her. Unable to help herself, she leapt to her feet, embracing him and burying her face and arms in his sweet smelling fur. His warmth was so comforting and she found herself unable to let go.

"Peter always told you my timing is my own," Aslan said, nuzzling her gently. "And he was right. But I have plans for you here in Narnia in the meantime. You must be strong for your child."

The overwhelming weight of knowing Peter was gone felt like it was going to strangle her. Evelyn squeezed her eyes shut and buried herself further into Aslan's warmth. "How shall I tell them that the kings and queens of Narnia are gone?" she whispered.

"With the promise of an heir," Aslan said, his breath tickling her ear. "Your child shall be healthy and strong like Peter. He or she will make a fine ruler."

Evelyn remained silent for a long time. "Will I ever see my sister again?" Evelyn said, her voice barely audible. Aslan pulled away so that they were once again facing one another.

"Your world is a difficult one," Aslan said. "I cannot determine what will and what will not happen. But please, Evelyn, don't give up on me as you've done in the past. Know I am above all things and am always with you. Dark magic and difficult times will never change that."

She blinked and the great lion was gone. All she could see was the forest swaying in the breeze and the gentle trickle of a stream nearby. Her heart ached when she thought of Peter and it took every ounce of strength she had not to let out a wail and fall once more to the forest floor. Her heart broke further when she thought of Ira and little Eddie waiting for them back at Cair Paravel. How could she tell them that Edmund wouldn't be returning?

"Queen Evelyn!"

She turned, relieved to see Brassmist, Mr. Tumnus, and Flametail all racing towards her.

"Is everything alright?" Brassmist asked once they were within ear's reach. "Where's your horse?"

"Yes, yes, I'm fine," Evelyn said, wiping away the last of her tears. "I saw Aslan."

All three of the creature's eyes widened. "Did he know where the kings and queens are?" Brassmist asked.

It all became too much once more. Evelyn broke down in tears again and Brassmist was by her side at once. "What happened?" he demanded. "Something's wrong."

It took a few moments, but Evelyn was able to choke out, "They're gone."

"Gone?"

It was Mr. Tumnus who had spoken, his eyes wide as if unable to comprehend what she was saying. Evelyn shook her head. "No, not dead. Just gone. Returned to the world from which they came."

A long silence followed. She could see the grief in Mr. Tumnus's expression, aware that he had been especially close to Lucy. The Pevensies had been the heart of Narnia all of these years. Without them, there was no sense of direction. It seemed as if their entire world had been turned upside down in a matter of minutes.

"Did Aslan say what to do?" Flametail said, breaking the silence.

Evelyn placed a hand on her belly, suddenly feeling strength radiate through her. Was this Aslan's doing? "We'll return to Cair Paravel," Evelyn said, her voice whimsical. "The child will continue Peter's legacy and we will work to protect Narnia at all costs until this child is old enough to rule."

The three turned to one another, talking quietly as they began to make their way back the direction from which they had come. Evelyn felt the child kicking within her and closed her eyes, pressing her hands against the tiny movements.

"Pray for me, Peter," she said softly. "And pray that I will one day see you again."

And with those words, she straightened and followed the trio that had come with her. Despite her fears, she was determined to follow through with what Aslan had planned for her. There would be no more questioning him, no more taking things into her own hands. She would be faithful and true, and she would try to be the leader that Peter had been.

Don't worry, we still have a couple more chapters to go, but I'm to say this story is quickly coming to an end! Please forgive me for any typos, it's been a heck of a week and I haven't had as much time to sit down and edit, but I wanted to make sure I had this uploaded in time!