Just and Magnificent
Volume 2.3 – To Solve A Mystery
Volume 2 of Just and Magnificent takes place about 2 years after the events of the movie. It is AU and if you haven't figured out, contains slash and incest. Hopefully you find it handled in a way that is as pure as possible. Though I am sure if you're up to this chapter by now, you've pretty much figured out how it works in this story. Volume 2 will be a little bit longer than the first volume, and is more mystery than the action of the first volume, at least for now.
Summary: Peter and Edmund continue making up for lost time, though they are still adjusting to one another, after being apart for so long a time. Susan begins to unravel more of the mystery of the Shian Kingdom. Peter learns a fearful secret.
Warnings: Slash, Incest, Love, Romance, Adventure, etc, etc, etc
Disclaimer: Only characters that are mine are the Pretty Eyes People from Shian! All the rest belong to that master of awesomeness, C.S. Lewis!
IN THE NIGHT, THEY COME
In his dreams, he was still falling. There was no light. There was nothing but darkness. It seemed he could no longer feel which way he was falling, because he could no longer tell which way was up. He believed now that perhaps he was dead. Perhaps this is hell. Eternal darkness, with no company but your own screams.
He could feel hands pulling at him, and yet he could see nothing. At first the hands were gentle grabs that he could barely notice. Soon they were pulling forcefully at his limbs. He screamed out as he fought to keep the hands away from him, but they increased in number and size so rapidly that soon felt as though he was drowning in a mass of hands grabbing at him. They covered his mouth so he could not scream. He could not breathe. It was almost as if he were dying inside death.
"Your taint attracts us, Son of Adam. It binds you to us and us to you. As we are many, we are now one."
"Jadis?" Edmund called, gasping for breath he wasn't sure was real.
"We are you. You are us. We are all. She is nothing, compared to us. Her power is nothing."
"Who … who are you?" Edmund called again, fear rising in every part of his being, "Why am I here?"
"You are tainted. You were sent to us. You are ours. The rest are his. We are you. You are us."
He could not make out the voice. It was both a single voice and a multitude at the same time. At one instant they sounded eerily familiar, and in another they were too unnatural to even be a real voice. Just as he was about to succumb, he called out in one last cry of desperation.
"Aslan!"
"Awake, Son of Adam."
And just as he had done every night since being separated from Aslan, Edmund awoke from a painful nightmare. He closed his eyes and imagined the great lion was with him, keeping the darkness away. All he had now was his belief and his faith in goodness and right. That was the only thing keeping the darkness away now.
His body was covered in a cold sweat as he sat up. He pulled his now damp nightshirt off and threw it to the ground. His eyes stung with tears that had come in his sleep. And all too expected, he found Peter had snuck into his tiny makeshift bed. Unlike the other nights, Peter had not stirred. Perhaps because Edmund had not screamed out like he had the other nights.
He sat contemplating his nightmare when he noticed Peter beginning to stir. Peter's hand slid across the space that Edmund had just laid. When all they found was empty space, Peter's eyes shot open with fear.
"Edmund!" Peter yelled with a start.
"I'm right here, Peter." Edmund smiled, putting his hand on Peter's chest, "Don't fret."
"For a moment … I thought …"
"I'm right here, Peter. I won't leave you." reassured an Edmund still looking frazzled from his nightmare, "Though I do find it awfully cute that you be so concerned for my whereabouts. Although … I do believe you're in the wrong bed … again."
"Well, I have nightmares too, you know. And in all of them you've left me. Or I find out that all of this is a dream and you're still gone." Peter shuddered, "So forgive me for looking like a complete molly. But after what I've been through, I think I'm entitled."
Relieved, Peter pulled Edmund back down so they lay next to each other. He let out a yawn as he slipped the cover over the two of them. Edmund found himself ready to protest, when he felt Peter's finger on his lips.
"Don't say a word. Just go back to sleep, Ed."
Peter wrapped his arms around the younger king and pulled them closer together. Unintentionally, a satisfied smile passed over his lips. And yet even with his eyes closed, he could sense Edmund was not going to sleep like he'd asked. Why did Edmund always have to be so proper now?
"Fine." Peter sighed, opening his eyes before he slipped out of the bed, "Have it your way."
Without a word, Peter pulled his own bed over next to Edmund's and lay down. He looked up at the stars, while he breathed in the sea air before finally closing his eyes again. Turning over to face Edmund, he stretched out his hand and waited for his love to reciprocate. When he finally felt warm skin touching his own, he let out a smile.
"Is this compromise enough for you, Edmund?" Peter smiled in his sleep.
"It won't be forever, Peter. I promise."
"I know, Ed. But just so you know, I had nothing but honorable intentions. I just wanted to be near you. You have those dreadful nightmares every night. Oh who am I kidding? That's just an excuse. I just want to be near you. I suppose this will have to suffice for the time, won't it?" said Peter with another yawn, "The nightmares still haunt you, Ed. Tell me what they are. I can help."
"They're just … bad memories, Peter."
"Memories of what, Ed." Peter asked again, opening his eyes this time and giving Edmund his undivided attention, "I want to know. I want to know what memories dare to torment my Edmund each night. I want to know everything about you that I do not already."
"Peter …"
"Not all at once of course. But you can start with this. Please?"
"Very well." Edmund smiled, squeezing Peter's hand gratefully, "I will tell you what I can. Some things … are better left unknown. Do you remember when you let me go?"
"Is that a trick question or just a bloody daft one, Edmund?" Peter asked, guilt written on his face, "Of course I bloody well remember."
"I didn't mean to upset you, Peter. I just wanted to tell you. That's what my nightmares are of. When I fell."
"You know I hated myself for that, Ed." Peter said looking somewhat pained to speak of the subject, "I often wish I had of let myself fall with you."
"If you had of let yourself go, we would not have ended up here together, Peter. And if you hadn't of let me go, we wouldn't have ended up here together. She would've taken over me. So you see, by letting me go, you chose the only path that could lead me back to you."
"How did you survive, Ed? Even if you went through the caverns below the tower, it still should have killed you."
"It kind of did and it didn't, Peter. Aslan saved me at the moment I died, forcing Jadis back to her realm of the departed. But for an instant, I was there. I was down there with her." Edmund said shuddering at the memory, "I do not wish to go there again. But I would to keep you from ever going there. All of it, Peter. All of it was for a reason. There is so much going on around us that we cannot imagine."
"Battles waging on in ways I cannot imagine and all that?" Peter asked with a smile, "I believe I've been told that several times. But still … you say it was all for a reason?"
"It all goes back to Beruna, when I died. Something happened that day that turned everything on its head. The prophecy, everything. It all changed when I died. Can you imagine me being so important dead?" Edmund laughed, "All that fuss for me? But yes, apparently it turned the prophecy inside out and gave Jadis a way to get back. I've been pulled between worlds. And what made me so special is … I betrayed you."
"Oh, Ed. That was so long ago." Peter sighed, fighting the urge to jump back into Edmund's bed and hold him, "I know you never wanted to hurt us. And you have paid so high a price for it already. When will it ever be enough so you can just get on with your life?"
"I'm hoping I'm at that point now, Peter. That's the only reason I could come back to you. But what I meant to say is the reason I was so special, is because I was a traitor. That was a taint that bound me to her. It was a taint that bound me to them … to the place we do not wish to go, Peter. But Aslan believed in me. He would not let me go to that place, because he knew I'd sacrificed myself twice for Narnia. But for that instant I was there, Peter. It was so dark. So empty."
"Oh sod it." Peter said jumping out of his bed and back into Edmund's, "Don't you dare say a word, Ed. Not about this anyway. I'm staying and that's that."
And before Edmund could say anything to protest, Peter had covered them over and gently rocked the younger king in his arms. Hearing even just glimpses of what Edmund had been through was too much for Peter to bear without being able to feel him close. Without being able to offer some kind of comfort. Whether it was more for Edmund or himself, he still hadn't decided. But he knew one way or another, he would be staying in this bed for the rest of the night.
"And now you may continue." Peter sighed, "I suppose this is more for me than for you, but please don't send me away. Not tonight, Ed."
"Very well." Edmund said with a small smile, nuzzling his head against Peter's chest, "Do I really need to continue though?"
"Just a little more."
"Well … I told you Aslan saved me. But before he did, I felt things. For that tiny instant I was there, it felt like an eternity. I wasn't alone either. And when he pulled me back and saved me before the tower collapsed down into the chambers, something came back with me. Something stronger than Jadis."
"What, Ed?"
"It doesn't matter now." Edmund sighed in relief, holding tight to Peter, "We stopped them. We stopped him."
TO SOLVE A MYSTERY
"Prince Orrin." Susan said sympathetically as he stood looking out at his barren city on the horizon.
Though he had come into her tent to discuss possible explanations for the city's desolation, each other moment had been spent staring at the barren city. Susan felt uneasy at the discovery she and her army had made in the city, but she knew it could never match the despair and loneliness that Prince Orrin must have been feeling. She put her hand on his shoulder and flashed a warm smile.
"Majesty, have you ever felt so incredibly alone? I look out at my beautiful city and … it fills me with nothing but a sense of sadness and melancholy. Where have my people gone? Why am I here instead of with them? Has my sister suffered the same fate?" Prince Orrin asked as his eyes sank to the ground, "If my people are lost … I would rather be lost with them, than alone without them."
"We will find them." Susan said reassuringly, "Just as we will find your sister. There is no greater tracker than Seeko. He will find your sister."
"Thank you, Majesty."
"Queen Susan! A messenger from Cair Paravel!" Called one of the Faun heralds, "Above!"
"Already?" Susan asked in surprise, "I suppose that is why we use Griffon instead of foxes, whenever possible."
Susan looked up to see a griffon circling the morning sky. She smiled gratefully. It was not Seeko, but another griffon. Nevertheless, she was happy to see the creature.
"Majesty! I flew as fast as the winds could carry me. I bring news from Cair Paravel."
"Please proceed." Susan insisted, "What news have you for me, Sir?"
Susan noted the sigh of relief on Prince Orrin's face. She smiled for him, knowing how finding her would have pleased him. She turned her attention back to the griffon with a look of pleased surprise.
"That was incredibly fast." Susan said a little shocked, "You must commend Seeko. I am delighted at such news. Is she safe at Cair Paravel?"
"She is, Majesty. Princess Eris was spirited away from the Golden Ball by her aide and bodyguard, Jesahn. She was returning to Cair Paravel when Seeko found her, so she could inform King Peter of the plot to force war between Narnia and the Shian Kingdom. She was surprised to learn that Prince Orrin had already informed us, and that you were already here. She has been informed of the current state of her capital city Princess Eris wishes to journey here with a griffon so the trip will be significantly shorter. She has however deferred to Prince Orrin the decision to return here or not."
"I thought you said she was in charge?" Susan asked Orrin with a raised eyebrow.
"She is, Majesty. But on issues of security, especially hers, she defers to me. I am expendable. She is not. Permission is denied for her to return to Shian territory." Prince Orrin said with absolute conviction, "It is simply too much of an unknown situation. I ask you again, Queen Susan, to keep her within your protection at Cair Paravel."
"Very well. She will remain at Cair Paravel."
"The seers have also responded to your note, Majesty." The griffon said revealing a small parchment scroll under his wing, "I have their reply here."
Susan took the note with a grateful nod, before she returned alone to her tent. She opened the parchment scroll and slowly studied the message from the seers. Her face grew sullen with discontent and unease.
"Queen Susan. Forgive me for intruding." Prince Orrin said, surprising Susan with his presence, "I must take my leave of you."
"Whatever do you mean?" Susan asked, rolling the small scroll back up as she spoke, "Where are you going?"
"I know your scouts have scoured the city, but it is an awfully big city, Majesty. No one knows it like I do. Unless you have information that might help unravel this mystery, I believe I must return to the city and try to unravel it myself. It is my responsibility to my people."
"I'm afraid I cannot share the details of this scroll. But I can say we will need to return to your city post haste."
"You have information that can help my people?"
"I have information." Susan sighed, her grave expression enough to make Prince equally fearful, "And that is all I can say for now. Prepare to depart. I must speak to the griffon and then I will assemble a task force for us."
Susan left the tent without another word to Prince Orrin. She proceeded directly to the griffon messenger who was still recovering from his arduous trip. She touched her hand to his face, gently soothing the wind swept feathers.
"Dear griffon, I must ask another task of you. I am sorry to do so before giving you a chance to rest. May I ask, what is your name?"
"Roan, Majesty." The griffon said with a bow, "Roan of the Sixth Wing."
"Roan, are you … one of the fallen, returned to us after the battle at Cair Paravel?"
"I am, Majesty."
"Is it true that the fallen still have a connection to King Edmund?"
"I cannot tell you, Majesty." Roan said with uncertainty, "Our connection to him seemed to sever when we were resurrected. I am uncertain as to whether we are still bound to him. Not like we were when we were still the fallen. But of course, we will follow him as we always have. He is a leader far beyond his years, as you all are. Why is it you ask, Majesty? May I be of further service to you?"
"I know Seeko is a great tracker. But he is not here. You are. And I need you to find King Edmund. I need you to track him for me. As a fallen, will it be easier for you to sense him if you are close?"
"I'm afraid I cannot give you a certain answer. But I will assure you this, I will use all my tracking abilities to find King Edmund, wherever he is." Roan said with a bow, "What message have you for me to give?"
"When you do find the two kings, do apologize to them for interrupting." Susan said as she handed the parchment scroll to Roan, "But I fear this cannot wait another moment. Give this note to King Edmund. It's very important that he gets it. And inform King Peter of the situation here. Hurry!"
EVEN BLIND, I SEE YOU
"Peter? When can I take this blindfold off?" Edmund called out as he sat in the middle of a huge barley field, "Peter?"
A mischievous smile was plastered on the face of the high king. He crept slowly among the tall blades of grass, trying not to make a sound. He could see Edmund waving his hands around, trying see if Peter was nearby. Finally, Peter came within a few feet behind Edmund.
"Now!" Peter yelled, jumping at Edmund.
Before Peter could reach the blindfolded king, Edmund spun on his knees and caught the high king in mid air. They collapsed to the ground in a mighty heap, with Edmund pinning down Peter. Both kings were overcome with laughter as Edmund leaned down and gently sucked Peter's bottom lip. Peter could barely believed he'd been pinned, let alone caught in mid air. What surprised him most was the fact that Edmund still had his blindfold on.
"Ed?" Peter gasped in surprise, "How'd you do that?"
"Peter, Peter, Peter. Don't you know? Even in the dark … I can still find you." Edmund sighed happily, his lips hovering over Peter's, "Nothing can keep me from you."
With his blindfold still firmly tied around his eyes, Edmund found Peter's lips again. The older king found it an odd sensation to succumb to Edmund, yet he did so now willingly. He lay there and closed his eyes as Edmund traced gentle, breathless kisses down his face.
Peter found his arms instinctively encircling Edmund. His hands traced the small of Edmund's back, drawing a shudder from the younger king. Peter could barley contain himself as Edmund sucked gently on his neck, yet still the younger king felt as though he were holding back. His ministrations were gentle and pure, whereas Peter's intentions were becoming increasingly carnal. Just as Peter was about to flip the two of them over so he was on top, Edmund grabbed his arms in a flash and jumped off him.
"Now, now, Peter. Behave." Edmund smirked, standing defiantly like some blind warrior.
"I think I should like you to take that blindfold off now." Peter gasped, sitting up as he stared at Edmund, "It is altogether frightening to know how … easily you disarm me while you are blind."
"Sorry, Peter." Edmund said finally removing the blindfold, "But do remember that you placed it on me, not the other way around."
"There is so much I don't know about you, Ed." Peter said staring at Edmund quizzically, "You're such an enigma to me now. I feel as though I must learn what it is that makes you all over again. Sometimes I look at you and see the same innocent Edmund I love. The Edmund I need to protect. And sometimes … I see a not so innocent Edmund, full of mystery and surprise. An Edmund so fearless he would stand against time itself if he saw fit. I must say, it is awfully intimidating."
"Peter …" Edmund said clearly upset by Peter's words, "I wish you wouldn't say such things."
"I don't say them to hurt you, Ed. I just want to know where you've been and … who you are now. Who were fighting? Where did you fight? Why have you had to endure all of this? And why do I feel as though you will never truly be innocent again? Are you truly mine, or is there a price that we must pay?"
"There is a price for everything, Peter. The deep magic that returned me to you is not without limits … or conditions." Edmund said with eyes that filled with a sense of foreboding, "But we must live for what we have now. I know you wish to know more, Peter. And I have much to tell you. Soon, Peter. I promise. But … for now … can we not just be us? We have earned that, haven't we? It is all I ever wanted."
Edmund let the blindfold fall slowly to the ground as he turned from Peter and slowly walked away. He could hear Peter's hurried footsteps behind him, but made no effort to stop or turn. Yet when Peter's hand met his shoulder, he couldn't help but feel relieved just by his touch. 'That is why he is high king', Edmund thought to himself.
Before he could speak, Edmund felt the blindfold being wrapped around his eyes again. He smiled to himself as Peter stepped before him and put his hands on his shoulders. He felt Peter's hands move slowly to his neck, before their lips met in an achingly slow kiss. Edmund couldn't remember anything quite so romantic ever happening to him. And why he found it romantic at all was something he didn't quite know.
"Find me, Ed." Peter whispered, his lips biting gently on Edmund's lobe, "Find me."
And with that, Peter ran as fast as he could with a curious smile on his face. It was true, he still had questions about Edmund's return and where he'd been for the last year. How he survived that fall in the first place. Yet the simple fact that he returned with Aslan himself, was enough to allay many of Peter's fears. The greatest fear Peter held was that he'd lose Ed all over again. Yet with each moment they spent together, he found himself beginning to accept that finally, they had their miracle. They had their second chance.
Peter did his best not to laugh or make a noise as Edmund stood as still as a statue. He knew Edmund was just like him now. He knew Edmund had been given back his life. And yet there were still things about him that seemed almost … unnatural. Peter knew Edmund had certain abilities when he was King of the Fallen Army, yet back then he was still technically dead so anything he did would seem unnatural. Perhaps some of the skills he gained during his time as the fallen king remained with him. Or remnants of them did. Peter couldn't be sure. But the eerie fact that Edmund seemed to be walking straight toward him, even wearing a blindfold, was enough to make him feel a little uneasy. At least until he saw Edmund's lips curl up into an easy smile. The unease he felt was quickly replaced with butterflies. How had he fallen so? How could he be so in love with Ed? Now the question he asked himself tended to be; how could he not?
He found it took all his resolve not to run forward and attach Ed's easy smile to his own. He found his resolve had been sorely tested ever since Edmund's return. All he wanted was to have Edmund constantly by his side. Perhaps that would change with time. Perhaps the anxiety in his heart would lessen once he knew Edmund would not leave him again. Perhaps they were making up for lost time.
He did his best not to make a noise, and remain hidden in the tall grass. He knew it would be hard to spot him even without a blindfold, and yet Edmund seemed to be walking directly toward him. He was about to concede when Edmund stopped suddenly less than fifty paces away from him. The smile fell from his face to be instantly replaced by one of sudden alert and curiosity. Though he could not see Edmund's eyes, he could make out that the younger king seemed to have detected someone or something.
Peter's first instinct was to reach for his sword, when he realized he wasn't wearing it. Neither was Edmund. He suddenly felt incredibly naked and vulnerable. Yet he hadn't expected any trouble here. Edmund may have some honed skills or abilities that Peter didn't know about, but Peter himself was no slouch when it came to spotting an enemy. He could now see what Edmund seemed to sense.
"Oh sod it." Peter said shaking his head, "She said a week!"
Peter ran to Edmund's side as Roan the griffon swooped in beside them. The griffon bowed to both kings before his gaze seemed to focus on Edmund. Edmund returned the stare, and after a few moments of studying the griffon, his face broke out with a smile.
"Hello there." Edmund smiled, "It's good to see you. How is life agreeing with you?"
"Majesty, it was with great joy that I learned of your return. It did not seem right that the rest of our army were restored to Narnia without you. Though it took you a year to come back to us, we are grateful you have." said the large beast before he turned to Peter, "High King, Queen Susan sends her apologies for interrupting you."
"Oh that's alright." Peter said with a small grumble and thinly veiled sarcasm, "I'm sure it was for something dreadfully important."
"Indeed, Sire. The Shian Kingdom is in great peril."
"What?" Peter asked suddenly, his interest piqued, "What's going on?"
Both Peter and Edmund listened intently to Roan informing them of the situation with the Shian Kingdom. Halfway through the briefing, their eyes seemed to meet with a sad glance, as if they both knew their time together was about to come to a premature end. When the griffon finally ended it's briefing, Peter readied himself to resume his duties as High King of Narnia. Before he had a chance to address the situation, Edmund spoke;
"Has Queen Susan requested a further task for you, Roan?" Edmund asked, the look on his face giving evidence of a plan being formulated in his mind.
"She has asked me to return to Cair Paravel to inform Princess Eris that she must remain there for her own protection, as per Prince Orrin of the Shian Kingdom's command." Roan said as he opened his wing to reveal a pouch with a parchment scroll inside, "Queen Susan has asked me to give this to you, King Edmund."
"Thank you." Edmund replied absentmindedly, his mind on matters other than the scroll he'd just been given, "Roan, I would appreciate it if you could fly me to the Shian Kingdom, so I may help Susan investigate this mystery. I believe I may be of some help. The High King can return to Cair Paravel and tell Princess Pretty Eyes to stay put."
"Who?" Roan asked confused.
"Edmund!" Peter snapped, not at all amused.
"I'm just playing, Peter. What I mean to say …" Edmund said turning his attention back to Roan, "is that High King Peter the Magnificent will return to Cair Paravel and inform the incredibly beautiful Princess Eris of the currently vacant Shian Kingdom, that she must stay put, because her royal brother, Prince Orrin, also of said currently vacant Shian Kingdom, has commanded it."
"Ed …" Peter said taking a deep breath so as not to let his anger get the best of him, "Quit it. You should not make light of other's troubles anyway."
"I know." Edmund sighed sincerely, "Sorry, Peter. How horrid am I? Getting all jealous at the thought of you riding back to play bodyguard to Princess Pretty Eyes."
"What makes you think you won't be there to help me?"
"What?" Edmund asked in surprise, "What do you mean? I'm going to help Susan."
"And … you are the high king now?" Peter asked, a rare show of authority in his stature, "Need I remind you that are no longer the fallen king. You are no longer a rogue warrior. You told Aslan himself that you would retake your crown and you are again King Edmund the Just, and as such, I outrank you. And you're not going."
"You're not serious, Peter?" Edmund asked flabbergasted, "Someone has to help Susan. It isn't wise to have both the High King and Queen Susan in what could be dangerous territory. Perhaps it would be best if you returned to Cair Paravel, and I return with Roan to Susan's side. We have to consider what's in Narnia's best interests here."
As much as Peter wanted to counter Edmund's argument, he knew he was right. And though he tried to come up with a good reason that he should return to Susan's side instead, he could barely think of one before Edmund was running back to their campsite.
"Well blast." Peter growled, before he looked to his feet and realized Edmund had dropped the scroll, "Ed, wait!"
Peter bent down to pick up the scroll and the seal fell away, causing the scroll to unravel. He started to roll the scroll back up when one of the words caught his attention and he couldn't help himself reading it. His face grew somber and staunch as he studied the words of the seers. As he saw Edmund bounding back over the hill towards him, dressed in combat armor, he turned quickly to Roan.
"Fly!" Peter commanded, "Now! Return to Queen Susan and tell her I am returning to Cair Paravel with King Edmund. Tell her I am speaking to the seers myself. She will understand. Go!"
Edmund arrived just as Roan roared into the air with a piercing cry. He stared in confusion as the griffon flew away and was soon nothing but a speck in the air.
"Where's he off to in such a hurry?" Edmund asked confused, "Is he coming back for me?"
"No, Ed." Peter said walking straight past Edmund, back towards camp.
"Peter, what about Susan?"
"In case you hadn't noticed, Susan is quite capable of handling an army. You must have faith in her."
Peter's mind was awash with concentration, absorbing the information that almost slipped right past him. He could hear Edmund calling out to him, but his mind was in its own world. By the time he arrived back at their campsite, Edmund was hot on his heels.
"Peter!" Edmund yelled, grabbing Peter's shoulder, "Tell me what you're planning. What are we going to do?"
"We have to return to Cair Paravel." Peter said as he started packing their gear away, "Immediately."
"Peter …" Edmund said in a soft voice, his hand still on Peter's shoulder, "What's wrong?"
"Did you not hear what the griffon just told us?"
"I did, Peter. But that's not it. Of course we're both worried for Susan. But you're hiding something from me. Why didn't you want me to go with Roan?" Edmund said as he noticed the scroll in Peter's hand, "And isn't that for me?"
"No." Peter said flatly, slipping the scroll under his armor as he suited up.
"No?" Edmund asked, looking at Peter strangely, "Peter … that scroll is for me."
"No." Peter said staring Edmund right in the eyes, "No."
"Peter. Give me the scroll. It was meant for me. And judging by your face, I'd say it's important."
"You can't have it."
"Peter, please give it to me."
"No!" Peter yelled angrily, before he closed his eyes and calmed himself, "Edmund … I am not giving this scroll to you. You will simply have to trust me that … I'm doing the right thing, Ed. Don't make me have to pull rank just to keep this from you. Please, Ed. Please just trust me."
Much to his surprise, Peter found Edmund's hand on his cheek. He found a sympathetic gaze in Edmund's eyes. Peter hated having to hold something back from Edmund, but he knew he had no choice. He held Edmund's hand to his face and closed his eyes.
"I trust you." Edmund whispered, "I trust you, Peter."
Peter wrapped his arms around Edmund and hugged him. He hugged him till he felt his arms begin to go numb. And only then did he let go, but not before he kissed Edmund with fervor. There was a tangible and anxious need in Peter's kiss. It was both forceful and needy, and as if Edmund understood him completely, his hands gently soothed the tension out of Peter with soft caresses on the back of his neck. Soon their kiss was more of a gentle gasp, before Peter sighed and leaned his forehead against Edmund's.
"One day we will be married and you will forget this day. I will not lose you again, Ed. So now you must trust me to be your knight in shining armor." Peter sighed, lacing his fingers between Edmund's, "Please don't ask me any questions. Not yet. Just come back with me to Cair Paravel. There is much work to do. We dare not waste another minute."
A/N: As I said above, this volume is going to be a little longer than Volume 1 - The Price of Redemption. Maybe 8-9 chapters altogether, so we're about a third through. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. SHAMELESS SELF PROMOTION - If you enjoy my writing, please read my other one shot story 'Daughter of Eve, Believe'. It is how I envision Susan's life after Peter, Edmund, and Lucy are killed in 'The Last Battle', and how Susan copes with their loss. I wrote it because I hated how Susan was shafted in the The Last Battle. So please, pleaseread that and let me know what you think. And come back soon for the next chapter of Just and Magnificent, as mysteries begin tounravel and enemies are revealed. If you enjoy this story, please read and review. OH, and post credit for the last chapter goes to Capegio for the 'doubt-bucket' line that Peter said to Edmund. She's the Queen of the Buckets, and I borrowed one. Thanks for reading!
