Chapter Four

Another Visit

Edmund peeked around the corner of the stable.

"Now, remember, Philip, you can't tell anybody," Edmund said to his horse.

"I know," Philip rolled his eyes.

"But, just in case, I'm going to tie you to a tree," Edmund said.

"What, you don't trust me?" Philip joked.

"I don't want to take any chances," Edmund said smoothly. "Okay, let's go."

Philip trotted across the front of the stable and up a path to the courtyard. Edmund cringed a bit as they passed the centaur guards, but they stood motionless and didn't bother wondering where he was going. Edmund cantered Philip across the beach to a rocky place.

"Here's where I leave you," Edmund climbed off Philip.

"Must you tie me?" Philip muttered. "I'm not going to run off like a stupid horse."

"Please," Edmund begged as he looped the reins around a branch. "I'll give you a good heaping of sugar cubes."

Philip mumbled some curses, but he loved sugar cubes, and let Edmund on his way. Edmund climbed over a few rocks to an inlet that couldn't be seen by Cair Paravel. He knew he was out of hearing range for Philip, and if the horse could hear him, the crashing waves would make it difficult to.

"Niara!" Edmund called out to the sea. "Um…I don't know if you're there, but, it's me, Edmund!"

"I don't know why you're shouting," a familiar voice cooed.

Edmund happily whirled around and saw Niara sunning on a rock with her tail in the water.

"Hello," he said, practically wordless.

Niara giggled. "Hello. How'd you know I was here?"

"I don't know. I just wanted to start searching for you where my siblings couldn't see me," he explained.

"Well, I'm glad you chose this spot," Niara smiled.

Edmund walked over and sat by the water nymph.

"I missed you," Edmund said, knowing he was turning red.

"Me too," Niara said. "Shall I greet you with a hug or kiss?"

"Kiss," he said, without thinking.

Huh? He thought. Where did that come from?

Niara smiled and kissed Edmund on the lips. Even though Edmund was surprised at himself for asking for one, he loved every second of it.

"There," Niara said, pulling away.

"There," Edmund laughed. "We've greeted each other."

Niara flicked her tail, sending small droplets to land on Edmund. She grinned flirtatiously at him.

"Not fair!" Edmund said. He stuck his hand in the water and splashed the nymph. She shrieked playfully and dove into the waves.

Suddenly Edmund stopped. He knew he couldn't follow her. How could he explain to his brother and sisters if he showed up back at the castle dripping wet again? When Niara resurfaced, she had a look of curiosity on her face.

"I-I'm sorry. I can't go swimming now. My brother and sisters would kill me if they found me drenched again," Edmund murmured.

Niara lifted herself onto the rocks. "That's alright, I—"

"Niara, who is this?" a male nymph emerged from the water.