Tumbling Down

Chapter Three

These Shoulders are Heavy

The days without Susan and Peter were boring and empty for Edmund. But for Lucy, she didn't know when she had enjoyed Narnia more.

She said so to Tumnus, as she sat on the white beach with him, watching the sun go down. Tumnus' brown eyes focused on her lovely hair, tied up intricately. The wind blew loose curls into her blue eyes. He wanted to tug out the coils, wrap the waves in his fingers, and make her his. She was unreal in that moment. She was infinite.

"Are you all right?" He blinked, and she was Lucy again.

"I'm fine, sorry," he said quickly. "Just a little tired."

"Didn't you sleep?"

"Not so well."

"Why not?"

"Don't you miss your siblings?" He changed the subject, and though she looked at him strangely she let the moment pass.

"Not really," she replied, flopping back onto the sand, arms behind her head. "They're very serious, you know."

"That's not necessarily a bad thing," Tumnus said thoughtfully.

"I know," Lucy said, "but after a while it does so drag me down."

They fell silent. Tumnus thought of Aslan's prediction of few nights past. He feared something would take Lucy from him, but he didn't really know what, or why he felt so.

"Lucy," Tumnus said suddenly, just in case, "I am awfully glad that you're my friend."

She looked over at him with surprise, her blue eyes the same color as the sky. He closed his eyes briefly, hoping that he'd have melted into hers when he opened them again. But only Lucy's quizzical brow met his gaze, and he sighed with resignation. Nothing so fanciful could happen—and why not? He asked himself, but let it go for another time.

"I'm glad that you're my friend, too, Mr. Tumnus," she said quietly, obviously concerned. "Are you sure there's nothing wrong?"

"I'm sure," he reassured her. She sighed, stretching her legs out, and he plucked the crown off her hair and studied it in the fading light. She smiled and sat up, took it from his lax hands, and placed it in his brown curls. He made a face. "Do I look like a queen?"

"Yes, Susan," she said seriously, and he laughed. Her fingertips brushed the stubs where his horns used to be. "You never did tell me how this happened."

"Just one of the things I gave up for you," he said automatically, then blushed. "For a free Narnia. You know."

"I know. I do wish you didn't have to sacrifice so much," her voice was quiet. "Did it hurt badly?"

"Not as badly as living in fear did," he replied firmly, and she dropped it. He took her hand quietly and patted it. Her skin was soft underneath his and he let his fingertips linger. "I am glad to live in Narnia's Golden Age."

"It was because of you that we came at all," she murmured, allowing him to hold her hand still.

"No, it was destiny," he insisted, and she smiled quietly. The sky began to turn rosy. "Shouldn't we go down to the dock? Your sister and brother should be home any minute."

"Let's stay a bit longer," Lucy said, her eyes on the line where the sky met the ocean. "I do so love this time of day."

"I don't know why you enjoy it so much." Tumnus said with a half-smile. "It's only a sunset."

Lucy replied, "That's why."

"I don't understand," Tumnus sighed.

"You don't have to," she told him, her eyes reflecting all the color of the world. "That's why it's beautiful. It doesn't need a reason. It just is."

Like you, he thought, and in that moment—every moment, really—he longed to kiss her.

Instead, he said, "I wish you'd wear your hair down."

She didn't look at him, not to be distracted from the sun setting. "Why?"

"I've never seen you with it down," he replied. "I imagine it is lovely."

"Susan says it's not proper, for a woman to leave her hair loose."

"I like you young," he told her, and she looked at him then and smiled. "I like to remember you the day we met."

"Maybe I will, someday," she said, and he realized that they still clasped hands. "Just for you."

Horns began to sound from not so far away. "That will be your siblings and Aslan," Tumnus said.

"Yes," she sighed, standing up. She dropped his hand (or perhaps he dropped hers) and dusted the sand from her skirts. He gave her the tiara back, and he thought she scowled as she moved to set it upon her hair.

"Let me," he said suddenly, and he put the silver gently upon the crown of her golden head. She looked at him for an unlimited moment, and he noticed how long her eyelashes were. The sun slipped below the horizon, and they walked across the dunes to the port, to receive Susan, Peter, and Aslan home again.

Susan was first off the ship; amid cheers she sought out her little brother and sister and embraced them warmly.

"It's good to be home," she said, with a wan smile.

Peter looked self-important, Lucy thought, moreso than usual. His beard wanted trimming, but he hugged her with affection. He shook hands gravely with Tumnus; the others laughed and Susan embraced the faun like a brother. Tumnus felt warm, to be loved so well by such good people.

"Have you resolved things with Archenland?" Edmund asked, as the four Pevensies and Tumnus made their way back to Cair Paravel.

"Yes," Peter said, in a tone that made it clear they wouldn't be talking about it while Tumnus was around.

"I should be getting home," Tumnus said loudly, sensing the need for a royal meeting. "I need to get some rest."

"Tea tomorrow?" Lucy asked, giving him her hand to kiss.

"Of course, my Queen," he replied, and his lips lingered against her skin. Only Edmund noticed, but he made no reply. With a smile to the other Kings and Queen, Tumnus retreated to his rooms.

The Pevensies continued in silence to the throne room. Aslan entered shortly after.

"So," Edmund said, eager to have supper, "tell us the news of Archenland."

"The Prince and his sister are competent and just rulers," Peter said, and they could tell he did not exaggerate. "Both Noor and Aleka have sense; good heads on their shoulders. Apparently the news of rebellion is distressing to them as well, and they are eager to align with us. Several rebel groups are causing problems for Archenland's government as well."

"So what have we decided upon?" Lucy questioned, glad that the sovereigns were willing to cooperate.

"Trade is not really an option," Susan said slowly, "since we already have a good system with them. And a militia is the last thing we need if we're unsure where rebellion is coming from. It's possible there are traitors within the government itself."

"So what do you suggest, Aslan?" Edmund looked to the great lion, who cleared his throat and said, kindly,

"Throughout history, kingdoms have strengthened the bond of friendship through blood. Rulers from neighboring countries would marry to solidify alliances—for what country would want to harm a place where its own royalty lived? We have decided that marriage is the best way to maintain a strong friendship with Archenland. They are a strong country and they've got many valuable resources: not just concerning currency and trade goods, but Archenland boasts strength agriculturally and militarily as well. It is a good solution. Noor and Aleka are both eager to begin families."

"What does that mean for us?" Edmund asked slowly, not daring to look at Lucy. Lucy remained silent.

"Peter, obviously, will not be able to marry," Aslan said in the same tone, "as he is bound to Narnia." Lucy and Edmund both remembered well the ceremony three years ago, when Peter promised to be completely devoted to his people; by "marrying" Narnia, he pledged his complete life to ruling. "And Susan, as you know, is already being courted by a prince from the Western islands. Edmund courts a girl from the North."

"Which leaves Lucy," Susan said in a small voice.

"Lucy, my dear one," Aslan finally addressed the girl looking pale in her throne. "It is a good solution to this dilemma. And Noor is a good man—handsome, kind, rich. He has agreed that you might stay in Narnia; Aleka is more than capable of ruling Archenland, and she has many suitors of her own. Noor can offer you everything you want; and you've always wanted a family."

"Is this the best answer?"

"Yes."

"And Narnia will benefit?"

"Wholly and eternally," Aslan responded promptly. Lucy sighed.

"As long as I may stay here with my brothers and sister," she said after a long silence, "I give my consent."

"Oh, Lu," Edmund whispered, but Lucy shook her head.

"Excellent," Peter said, clapping his hands sharply and causing Susan to jump. "That's settled, then. I shall go at once and write a letter to Noor, telling him he must come and meet his fiancé as soon as he might." Peter rose and strode quickly from the room. Aslan bowed and exited after the High King.

"Lucy," Susan said at last, her voice trembling, "it's a very good way to fix this problem—"

"I know," Lucy said shortly. "Now I must get to sleep. Goodnight." She rose and hurried from the throne room, her eyes on the floor.

Edmund turned to Susan.

"This is a mistake," he said firmly, blue eyes hard.

"Ed," Susan said weakly, "don't be like that."

"This will not end well, and I'm ashamed that you and Peter—and Aslan too!—are sacrificing Lucy for it." Edmund's voice was low and dangerous. "Perhaps I should have gone after all."

"Maybe she'll really like him," Susan said desperately.

"I doubt it," Edmund said shortly, and he left Susan quite alone.

Lucy sat on the edge of her bed and sent out Cera for the night. Whenever a knock sounded (and that was quite often), she did not respond to it.

"I will speak to you in the morning, please," was all she said to the frequent callers (whoever they were). She was left, finally, in peace, and it was only then that she allowed herself to cry.