Talking about waiting was far easier than doing it, as they all soon found out. Peter refused to cancel the banquet.
"We can't let anyone know about this," he insisted. "The show goes on."
Edmund had retired to his room after his outburst earlier, but that evening found him in Emma's room, looking at her sleeping. She didn't look peaceful, he thought, she looked like even now she was being tormented by a thousand devils, forcing her to do things she'd never normally do. Why had she been sent here? Surely Aslan would never allow someone from their world to enter Narnia in order to be the world's downfall? Something had got at her from within the country, she hadn't been evil when she arrived.
Aslan, please, do something! You saved me before, save her now! If you won't do it for her, do it for Narnia, do it for Peter. He'll never forgive himself if Narnia is put in danger because of him. We can't do this alone, Aslan!
He sighed heavily as no reply seemed to come to his prayer. Maybe he was overreacting, maybe Emma had never been dangerous at all. Maybe he was just jealous like Peter had suggested. God knew, he'd felt jealous enough of Peter in the past, but this time? He'd felt fear for the first time since those days in Narnia before Peter had become High King and Aslan had set everything right. Seven years ago, and the last few days had made it all seem like yesterday. But he couldn't work out exactly what he was so afraid of: the new threat to Narnia, to his brother and sisters, or his own sudden feelings for Emma.
"Edmund?" Susan appeared at the open doorway. She looked stunning at usual, in a brand new gown. She entered the room and looked down at the other girl. "Is she alright?"
"I don't know." Edmund shrugged awkwardly. "I thought she might look peaceful now, but she just looks…"
"Ill." Susan found herself touching Emma's forehead, despite her fear of anything magical. "She's awfully hot. Maybe we should get someone to sit with her whilst we're downstairs." She looked to her brother for some help making a decision. "Do you think?"
"Oh I don't know." Edmund sighed heavily. "Why don't you ask Peter, apparently any decision I make is wrong."
"Oh Ed!" Susan touched his shoulder gingerly. "He's just upset and angry with himself. You know how he thinks he should be in charge all the time…"
"I know," Edmund agreed reluctantly. "Will he ever realise that he doesn't always have to be the older brother?"
"No." Susan shook her head, and ruffled her brother's hair affectionately. "And you wouldn't want him to. Come on, we've got to go downstairs for a bit. I'll ask someone to sit with her."