This is AU but I've tried to keeps CS Lewis's characters "in character". He owns them and Narnia not me. In this universe, Shasta and Aravis never met up while traveling. Both got delayed on their escape to Tashbaan. As a result, Rabadash succeeded in kidnapping Susan and conquering Archenland.
The Narnian council room erupted into noise as men, beasts and creatures reacted to the High King's words.
"Peter, it is too dangerous for you to go to Tashbaan. I should be the one to go, not you" declared Edmund.
"It is no more dangerous to go to Tashbaan than to ride to war in Archenland" replied Peter.
"Sire, please, this is not a wise strategy" said General Orieus. "In the past fourteen years, I have never disagreed with a decision you have made but I do not like this decision. We can not risk the Tisroc making you a captive. Calormenes cannot be trusted."
Peter shook his head. "I am not looking for a debate. This is my decision. I will respond to the Tisroc's letter as if I accept the foolishness in them and ask for a safe conduct to visit Tashbaan. Once Lady Nola and Lady Deidre are safely aboard the Splendor Hyaline, I will return for Queen Susan. With the help the horn has summoned, I believe it will be a rescue that the Calormenes would not expect. I am confident it will succeed. Now, good knights and lords, please go make your plans."
The council room began to empty. Edmund walked out to the balcony and stared out at the ocean. He was feeling frustrated and knew he needed a few moments to collect his thoughts before joining his battle commanders. He heard soft footsteps behind him and felt the hand of his younger sister on his shoulder.
"Why" asked Edmund "why, does our brother have to be so determined about this? I really should be the one to go to Tashbaan. It is my fault that Susan was kidnapped not Peter's. He should lead the battles in Archenland and I should go to Tashbaan."
Lucy replied "Our brother, the High King must have a reason for this plan. You must not blame yourself, my brother. You are not at fault for Rabadash's treachery."
Edmund continued to stare at the ocean and did not respond to Lucy. He reached for her hand and gave it a squeeze as he stared at the ocean and thought about her words. Then he heard Peter's calm voice.
"Ed, I thought we already had this discussion. It is not your fault or my fault or Susan's fault. Rabadash is dishonorable. That is all" said Peter.
Edmund was silent, his dark brown eyes gazing at the ocean waves. When Edmund did not respond to Peter, Lucy spoke up.
"Peter, are you sure they will respect a safe conduct? I feel in my bones, that they want to destroy us, destroy the North. The High King will be a tempting prize for the Tisroc" said Lucy.
"I considered that, Madam, but the Tisroc is much concerned with trade with other nations. He will not want further disruptions. If he disregards the safe conduct, it would damage trade relations with Galma, Terebinthia and our other allies. I do not think he will risk that" replied Peter.
"I agree" said Edmund. "The Tisroc probably believes it is not necessary to capture the High King right now. He has us by the throat by holding Anvard. He is willing to be patient like an old spider. Perhaps it is best that Peter goes to Tashbaan. It is a move they will not expect and it will confuse the Calormenes."
Lucy said "Once this over and Susan is back at Cair Paravel, I will feel much better. Then we can concentrate on driving the Calormenes out of Archenland."
Edmund asked "Are you sure the rescue plan will work? What if the horn does not summon back the creatures?"
Peter smiled and said "It will work. Flynn and Finlay said they would return when the horn is blown in Tashbaan."
"The horn has never failed us" said Lucy.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Queen Susan anxiously paced in her luxurious room in the old palace. She was a captive and she was not used to the lack of freedom. She kept stopping and staring out the window. If only she had wings and could fly away from this nightmare.
Lady Deidre asked "Madam, what are you thinking about?"
Susan laughed and confessed she was wishing she had wings like a gryphon or an eagle. The young queen then became serious as she talked with Nola and Deidre.
"I must think of a way of delaying this wedding but yet have Prince Rabadash think I am cooperating. These Calormenes have so many strange customs and all these gods and goddesses – there must be a way to use this to our advantage" said Susan.
The ladies stopped speaking as the door opened.
A slave bowed and announced "The Grand Vizier Ahoshta Tarkaan, loyal servant of the Tisroc, may he live forever, wishes to speak to the Barbarian Queen."
Ahoshta, a stooped and wizened old man, entered with two guards. He bowed low to Susan.
"Ahoshta Tarkaan, welcome" said Susan. "I am glad you have come to speak with me. I was hoping you could do me a favor."
Ahoshta bowed low again and said "I am honored to do your will great queen as long as it does not impinge on the will of the Tisroc, may he live forever, or the will of Prince Rabadash beloved of the gods. Gifted was the poet that said the honor of my masters is the light of my eyes."
Susan smiled and said "It is a small matter, good sir. Can you arrange for some books to be brought to me? I would like books of history and religion so I can learn more about Calormen and the customs of this land. I wish to properly prepare for my marriage."
Ahoshta looked astonished at her request and replied "Your Majesty, you wish to read books? I can have a poet attend you and recite history and religion to you. It is not necessary for a great lady to read books."
Susan, with equal astonishment, answered "But I love to read, good Tarkaan. It brings me much joy. Please bring me books. More useful than a poet would be a lady to speak with so I can better understand your customs and how to please my future husband."
Ahoshta replied: "Oh queen, the ways of barbarians are truly different but I will have books brought to you if this will bring delight to your eyes. My own fiancée has recently arrived in Tashbaan and I will have her come speak to you. She is the daughter of an ancient house and a distant cousin of the Tisroc, may he live forever."
Susan replied "Thank you, good sir. Was there a matter you wish to discuss with me?"
"Yes, Madam" replied Ahoshta. "I have been bid to tell you that your royal brother the High King is coming to Tashbaan. He will arrive in a few days and will escort your ladies back to Narnia. He wishes to assure himself that you are well and content."
"My royal brother is coming to Tashbaan" repeated Susan. "I will confess that I am surprised."
"The Tisroc, may he live forever, has granted the Barbarian King and twelve of his knights safe conduct so they may see you and see that you are safe" replied Ahoshta.
After Ahoshta left, Susan and her ladies discussed this news. Lady Nola was sure that her husband Brynn would be among the knights and was most eager to see him again. Both ladies were reluctant to leave their queen alone in Tashbaan. In the midst of their discussion, slaves arrived with several books. Susan happily took the books.
The queen said "Let us stop this discussion. Let us look at these books and see if there are any customs of this place that may be helpful to us."
Susan sat down in a large comfortable chair and began reading a large colorful book about Calormen gods and goddesses. About an hour later, there was a knock on the door.
The slave entered again and bowed saying "Aravis Tarkheena, daughter of Kidrash Tarkaan and beloved fiancée of Ahoshta Tarkaan comes to speak with the Barbarian Queen."
Susan looked up from her book astonished at the sight of the young girl before her – she was a child, perhaps the same age as when Susan herself first entered Narnia. She couldn't believe this child was the fiancée of that awful Ahoshta!