JUST AND MAGNIFICENT
Volume 3: The Price We Pay For Love

3.8: Love Will Fall - Part 1

Most of Volume 3 of Just and Magnificent takes place in the 3-6years after the events of the movie. It is the last of three volumes. 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.
Summary:
Orrin does his best to mend Susan's broken heart as Susan makes a surprising decision. Edmund prepares to defend Cair Paravel from the Lone Islanders. Peter meets Lejious in battle.
Warnings: Slash, Incest, Love, Romance, Adventure, Mystery, Action.
Disclaimer: Only characters that are mine are the Pretty Eyes People from Shian! And since they're all dead except Orrin, well I only own him now! All the rest belong to that master of awesomeness, C.S. Lewis
A/N: This chapter will either be 2 or 3 parts long. Probably three.

JUST AND MAGNIFICENT 3.8 LOVE WILL FALL, PART 1

THE COMFORT OF LOVE

Susan clung to Orrin with a fierceness in her grip. The married couple lay in their bed with Orrin watching dutifully over his sleeping wife. Even in her sleep she clung to him for fear he would leave her. They had endured perhaps the darkest period in their marriage so far, but Orrin had done his very best to soothe Susan's fragmented heart. His love for her was nothing less than all encompassing. He could not imagine a life without her in it, nor did he wish to entertain the thought of living without her. She was his life now.

His guilt was still heavy in his heart. He still blamed himself for her kidnapping, though Susan had refused him any blame. He did not speak of his guilt out loud, for he did not seek his wife's forgiveness and did not wish to upset her by reminding her of it. Instead he focused himself on her needs and her wellbeing.

Susan slid her hand along his waist and around to his back as she moaned softly in her sleep. She pulled herself closer into Orrin's secure embrace and buried her head in his chest. He smiled weakly to himself before placing a tender kiss upon the top of her head.

"Orrin?" Susan mumbled groggily, "You cannot sleep, my love?"

"I do not require sleep."

"Yes you do." Susan said with a gentle sigh, before she shuffled up so her face lay on the pillow next to his.

"You are beautiful, Promised One." Orrin said with a soft voice, his fingers tracing the curve of Susan's cheek, "I am fortunate to have you."

"I am fortunate to have you. Without you, I could not have survived this ordeal. You saved my life and you saved my heart." said an emotional Susan, "I love you so very much, Orrin. No matter what happens, I know all will be well because you are with me."

"Susan …"

"Yes?"

"Tomorrow I face the judgment of the order. They could imprison me for disgracing their dictum with my actions. If that happens … you should seek … to be free of me. I am no good a husband if I am in jail."

"That will never happen. I will not let it happen. This whole proceeding is ridiculous." Susan said with a fire raising in her voice, "You killed Rabadash and so you should have. They can't punish you for that. I don't care what bloody notion it offended in the Order of Justice's dictum. Edmund will not let you suffer any punishment. It's absolute rubbish that you stand the possibility of being punished in the first place. Is that why you cannot sleep?"

"I have shamed you, Susan. I have shamed our marriage. I have stained your good name with my thoughtless actions."

"You ended the war with Calormen. You punished that evil sadist who …" Susan said before her eyes filled with tears at the very thought of her lost child, "You killed him because he deserved to die. We were at war. You committed no crime. Anyone who dares to imply otherwise will feel my gentle hand across their foul lips."

Orrin silenced Susan with a firm and thorough kiss. It was a kiss born out of his appreciation of her dedication. A kiss born out of his deep affection and love for her. A kiss made to quell the growing unease he could sense in her voice.

He held her like the truly gentle queen that she was, and that she was and would only ever be for him. His lips caressed hers as her hands danced across his back. They had not made love since he had rescued her, as their minds and hearts were still too raw to commit such an act of love, and he did not seek to change that fact now. He only wished to soothe her, and soothe her he did.

"I love you, Susan." Orrin whispered as she melted beneath him, "I will always love you."

It was a promise he would never break. It was a promise he would hold till the day he died. And he as he softly soothed his wife back to sleep, he knew he that he was blessed to have her in his life. He would always put her needs above his own, no matter the cost. Such was the depth of his love. Such was the depth of his devotion.

LOVE WILL FALL

Edmund's sleep was uneasy and anxious. He knew at this very moment that his husband was fighting him in the far north. Fighting the one who is many. Fighting Lejious. He could barely sleep for his anxiety would invade his dreams. He would dream of moments of himself and Peter together again, only to be shattered by the presence of Lejious. The dreams would quickly change to that of Lejious holding a lifeless Peter while taunting Edmund;

'Love will fall'

With a gasp, Edmund woke and sat up in the bed he was supposed to share with Peter. A bed they'd shared not nearly enough for his liking. Cold sweat ran down Edmund's chest as he tossed the sheets off himself. He shivered with the image of a dead Peter in his mind.

Yet he felt powerless to intercede. They all they had their duties to Narnia and Edmund had yet to fulfill his. All he could do was hope that somehow Peter would endure and perhaps even defeat Lejious. After all, Peter was high king and a magnificent one at that. He was Narnia's chosen leader. How could he be defeated?

Unable to sleep, Edmund began wandering the lonely corridors of Cair Paravel. The night was surprisingly warm as Edmund found himself standing in the middle of the central courtyard, where only the four siblings and their trusted few were free to enter. One of those trusted few stood in the center of the courtyard looking as troubled and restless as Edmund.

"Orrin?" Edmund said in surprise as he walked over to his brother in law.

"King Edmund." Orrin said with a nod, "Would you like to be alone?"

"Of course not. And it's Edmund already. This is 'informal' territory, remember?"

"Indeed, Edmund."

"How are you and Susan?" asked Edmund with a sympathetic tone, "She has been understandably quiet."

"She is doing her best. She is resting peacefully. I have tried my best to ease her pain."

"There is no one else capable of such a task, Orrin. And how are you?"

"Tomorrow I will face the Order of Justice and I am somewhat anxious. However, I will face it without fear of the outcome. I am more concerned with Susan's wellbeing. She is heartbroken at the loss of our child, as am I. All I can do is reassure her of my dedication. And what of you, Edmund? What keeps you awake this night?"

Edmund wasn't sure whether he wanted to reveal his inner demons to Orrin. He did not feel the need to burden his brother in law with his fears. Yet he could not expect Orrin to be so forthcoming with him without returning the favor. With a deep breath, Edmund began sharing his nightmares with Orrin.

"I cannot sleep because I dream of Peter. Aslan chose me to fight Le… him, because I was once fallen and so I still possess some abilities that allowed me to become the Rogue Warrior. I spent a year fighting and training and adventuring just so I could face him. And now … it is Peter who faces him. Every night I am taunted by the image of him holding Peter lifeless and telling me that love will fall. Narnia will be lost without Peter. Yet I cannot leave to fly north to join him. I am bound here just as he is bound north."

"You fear Peter will die when he faces him?"

"I do."

"This is not heartening to hear." Orrin said with a serious tone, "Edmund … I know we do not speak of this often, but … can you please tell me, why did he destroy my people?"

"Because he feared them. He would deceive you with lies of how it was simply time for your people to end. It wasn't. He destroyed them because they descended from the old days when King Frank still ruled Narnia. Your people, though they had forgotten much of their origin, were the ones responsible for destroying him in the first age. Just as Susan feared the prophecy that none of us would bear children, he fears the prophecy that the Shian would destroy him. He destroyed them to break the prophecy of his own destruction, and he destroyed them to add to his own strength. The nature of his evil is … frightening. He is the master of the dark power. Even now, he torments them. They will not be able to rest until he is destroyed … and they are set free. I did not tell you this because I saw no point in burdening you with the knowledge of things you cannot change."

Orrin seemed to digest everything Edmund had just told him, as if it was both a revelation, a burden, and a relief. He contemplated for a moment, his eyes casting off into the stars above while Edmund waited for him to speak. The Shian took a deep breath before he turned to Edmund with resignation on his face.

"Do you believe that … no matter how much you try to change fate, that somehow what was meant to be will always come to pass?"

"I like to believe what Peter says in that we make our own fates. It is what gives me strength that he will somehow prevail."

"I will take my leave of you, Edmund." said a somber Orrin, "I must return to my chambers so I can be with my wife and prepare for what awaits me in the morning."

"Till the morning, Orrin …"

FOR EVERY ACTION THERE IS A CONSEQUENCE

The large meeting hall of the Order of Justice was almost filled to the brim with attendees. Members of the Order of Justice at all levels sat in an emergency session called by the just king. Only the seats of those absent were empty, all of whom were in the far north fighting at this very moment. At the head of the hall behind the master table sat King Edmund, to his right, General Lero now occupied the slot left vacant by Prince Orrin, to his left, Mr. Beaver sat in for General Oreius. For a great deal of time, Orrin had sat at the head of the Order as Master Knight, due to Edmund's constant absence from Cair Paravel. Today however, he stood in the middle of the hall as the focus of the Order's attention. The usually proud Shian did not carry himself in his usual fashion. He had the stature of someone who carried a great shame.

"Prince Orrin has formally renounced his title of Master Knight of the Order of Justice." Edmund said, to a generally surprised response, "He believes his actions against Prince Rabadash and the former Tisroc of Calormen have brought dishonor upon himself, Queen Susan, the Order of Justice and all of Narnia. He believes his actions have violated the dictum of the Order of Justice. Our statute dictates that any who serve on the order, particularly those who carry a knighthood, are bound to the edicts and principles of which we pledged ourselves when we took the oath to serve in the Order of Justice. Therefore, before Prince Orrin is removed from the Order of Justice officially, he must state in his own words the reasons for his requested removal. The members of the order will then vote as to whether Prince Orrin will be discharged honorably or dishonorably. To dishonor the Order of Justice, particularly by such a high ranking member ... carries penalties. If any in the order choose to hold Prince Orrin accountable, then he will stand trial. The law is the law, but I will say, I will be extremely disappointed should anyone ... anyone at all motion a trial."

The room was hushed as Edmund's declaration was heard and absorbed. It was clear to everyone that Edmund was clearly disgusted with having to proceed with such a harsh treatment of his brother in law. It was like rubbing salt in the wound of a man who was already broken. Queen Susan had expressed her sheer anger at the proceedings taking place at all, but she had no say in the Order's business. That was strictly the proviso of King Edmund and it's mandate could only be overridden by High King Peter.

"Upon rescuing Queen Susan with Mr. Beaver, I was ... enraged by the sight of my wife's ... state. She had been brutalized by that m... by Prince Rabadash. Upon escorting her to the safety of the mermaid's, I was made aware of the fact that because of Prince Rabadash's treatment, our unborn child was lost to us." Orrin said with a stiff lip, "I ... reacted in a manner unbecoming of a Master Knight of this order. I exacted the Shian right of vengeance. I am Shian, but my pledge was to Narnia and this order, so my Shian rights had no precedence or justification. Had we not already been at war with Calormen at the time, my actions would have started one. I did not act for justice. I was simply enraged. I killed every guard I came into contact with. I killed every last member of the Tash Elite. I killed the Tisroc. I killed Prince Rabadash. I did so, not to defend myself, or in battle, but simply for rage. It is clearly stated in the order's dictum that to do so is a crime unto the order, if not Narnia. I acted without permission or endorsement from my superior, King Edmund, or even that of my wife. I have disgraced myself and the order with my actions. I have brought shame to my wife's name and our marriage. I stand here today ready to accept whatever punishment the order sees fit to distribute."

"What a load of bleedin' nonsense." said an enraged Mr. Beaver, "What the bloody hell is this! He killed those evil bastards and we're putting him on trial?"

"To serve in the Order of Justice carries great responsibilities and we are bound to the laws of the dictum. Orrin knows this." sighed Edmund, "I do not agree with it, but unfortunately this is how it must be. Prince Orrin has made his statement. Is there anyone here who wishes to see Orrin stand trial for his 'crimes', or do we all agree to let him leave without incident?"

Edmund barely looked around the room before he was already preparing to raise his hand to end the proceedings, yet to his utter surprise and rage, someone spoke out against Orrin. A dwarf named Likatrik who had just barely made the Order of Justice due to an even distribution system among the races. His allegiance had once been to Jadis, which angered many who believed he should not have been welcome in such an esteemed order.

"He said it himself!" the black haired dwarf said as he pointed his finger, "He has acted in a manner that is unbecoming of the Order of Justice. He acted like a vigilante. Were we not already at war with Calormen at the time, he would've surely started one. Not only that, but he acted not with justice, but with malice and rage. He must be held accountable. As Master Knight he more than anyone else should be bound to the dictum of the order. He must be made to stand trial."

"He didn't start a war, he ended one!" yelled Mr. Beaver, "Calormen has ended their war with us and pledged to defend Narnia against the Lone Islanders! None of that would've been possible were it not for Orrin."

"Semantics, Beaver. He has broken his oath and disgraced the order. He should stand trial and be punished for his crimes."

Mr. Beaver almost jumped out of his chair and for a moment the entire room believed he was going to cross the floor and claw the dwarf to death right then. Edmund calmed the feisty beaver before he glared at Likatrik. Orrin seemed unmoved by the dwarf, simply accepting whatever fate would be dealt to him. Edmund shook his head in disappointment, unable to shake how wrong this whole business felt to him. Yet he led the Order of Justice and he was responsible for upholding the strict dictum that all in the order were bound to.

"Prince Orrin will stand trial." said a desparing Edmund, "Prince Orrin, do you wish to take a recess before we begin?"

Orrin responded with a small shake of his head, but said nothing. He stood with his chin raised as high as he believed he could muster under the circumstances. He stood on display for everyone in attendance. His character, his honor, and his life was on trial. He had no wish to delay the proceedings for he knew Susan would be absolutely furious with Edmund, and Orrin had no desire to upset her or cause friction between the siblings. He knew that what was taking place was simply the way of things. He more than anyone believed in strict protocol and did not believe he was above it.

"Very well." nodded Edmund before he raised his hand, "Orrin has stated his case and cannot speak unless requested to do so by a member of the order. I will begin by stating that had I been present at the time of Susan's rescue, I would've had no hesitation in ordering the deaths of both Rabadash and his father. By removing them, Orrin returned Prince Lash to his rightful place as Tisroc and ended our war with the Calormen. He has commited no crime in my eyes."

"Yes, but you were not there, King Edmund!" Likatrik interceded, "And let us not forget that he murdered them. Enemies or not, he murdered them. He did not act in defense or in battle. He chose to execute them. As far as I'm concerned, he should be punished to the full extent of Narnian law. He should be executed!"

"I'll execute you myself you traitorous swine!" Mr. Beaver glared at Likatrik, "This is absolute rubbish. I can't believe this is happening. I have served with Prince Orrin and I would serve him again in a heartbeat. I saw Queen Susan when we rescued her. They deserved everything they bleedin' got. They were enemies of Narnia and they took the life of Orrin's child. Does anyone not understand what that would do to someone's thinking?"

"No one is debating their crimes, but that does not negate the Shian's crimes. He has disgraced the order."

"Without him, there wouldn't be a bleedin' order! While King Edmund was away, he was the Order of Justice. I have followed Prince Orrin and I would follow him again. He has fought for Narnia without hesitation. He killed the hag, Dalzell! He's saved my life countless times. He saved Queen Lucy's life and led her battalion through that damned Calormen to safety. Orrin is one of the most dec..."

"No one is questioning what Orrin has done for Narnia." Likatrik interrupted, "But tell me this. No matter what inspired him to act, the point of fact is; he acted. If anyone in this room can tell me that Orrin acted in accordance with Order of Justice's dictum, then I will rest my case. Putting all emotion and past deeds aside. Putting aside the positive outcome of his actions. Can anyone truly tell me that Prince Orrin's slaughter of Prince Rabadash, The former Tisroc, his Tash Elite, and many of his guards, was within the statutes or dictum of the order? Can anyone tell me that his actions were anything less than cold blooded murder?"

Though Mr. Beaver glared at Likatrik, no one spoke in opposition. The dwarf had made a sound statement. Though no one wanted to agree with him, he had only confirmed Orrin's own reasons for renouncing his title as Master Knight of the Order of Justice.

"If anyone else has anything to add, then let us vote. Those who believe Prince Orrin is not guilty of the crimes Likatrik has charged him with, please raise your hands."

Edmund was first to signal his not guilty vote along with Mr. Beaver, General Lero, Roan, Seeko, and almost half the room. Edmund hoped that would be enough.

"Those who believe Prince Orrin is guilty of crimes against the Order of Justice, please signal now."

To Edmund's great disappointment, the guilty votes outnumbered the not guilty by a margin of only two. There had been a great deal of abstentions, not to mention absent members who could not vote. Nevertheless, the votes had been cast and Edmund could not deny them.

"The not guilty vote has the majority." sighed a disappointed Edmund, "Prince Orrin ...in accordance with the Order of Justice's statute charter, you are hereby charged with breaking your oath and the dictum we serve by murdering Prince Rabadash and the Tisroc. The order has found you guilty of these crimes. Do you have anything to add?"

"No, Sire." Orrin nodded, "I do not."

"Prince Orrin, I ..." said a visibly uneasy Edmund, "I ... no, this is not right."

"We are not above the law!" Likatrik yelled, "He cannot be afforded special treatment simply because he is married to Queen Susan."

"He has done more for Narnia than you have done, you rancid little dwarf." snapped Edmund, "Nevertheless, we are not above the law. These crimes that you have been charged with are grave, Prince Orrin. They carry the harshest penalties available to the Order of Justice. However, the right of sentencing falls upon me. I reserve that right now, yet I must still accept the verdict that has been passed. Prince Orrin, for your crimes ... I sentence you to be stricken from the Order of Justice as you requested. However, your discharge will be dishonorable. Also, you will be stripped of your knighthood. You will be stripped of your rank in the armed forces. You will be stripped of your post and any official duties in the kingdom of Narnia. You are no longer authorized to serve Narnia in any capacity. You will be listed as a criminal and as such, you will no longer be free to travel within the walls of Cair Paravel unless you are escorted or in your chambers. This is my sentence. As a result of this sentence, you will no longer be able to serve as my first liege."

Orrin did his best to keep his chin up and meet Edmund's words with his eyes, but he was clearly effected by his punishment. He, more than anyone, knew the letter of the law. It had been his duty to know everything about the Order of Justice's statutes as well as their laws and those of Narnia as a whole. Because of this, he knew that Edmund had given him the most lenient punishment applicable to his crimes. Even so, for him to be stripped of his honor, his rank, and his right to serve Narnia in any capacity, was a worse fate than being jailed for the rest of his life. He would be on display as someone who had no honor, and for a Shian warrior, that was a fate worse than death. He knew in this one moment, that his marriage to Susan would be affected in more ways than anyone would realize. For his dishonor would bring their marriage into disrepute and shame her name simply for the fact she was married to him.

Most uncharacteristically, Orrin's face furrowed with shame and thinly veiled pain. Though many would view his punishment as mild, to him it was a death knell. His first thoughts were of Susan and how this would impact her and their marriage. He had brought shame upon them both today. His shame would linger to her and stain her good name. Orrin could not bear that thought.

"That's it?" glared Likatrik, "He must be exiled! He is not even from Narnia! At the very least he must be imprisoned for twenty years. He is a dangerous criminal. This is outrageous! He should not even be referred to as Prince! He is a prince of a dead race!"

Likatrik's final comment seemed to only compound the distress that Orrin tried desperately to mask. His eyebrows tensed in anguish at the reminder of just how much of a farce his title of prince and perhaps even his existence was. He was indeed the prince of a dead race. Now he was also a criminal and even worse, a man who had been publicly stripped of his honor. Yet in his moment of anguish, he found himself being defended by a stout little ally.

"Alright, that's it. I've had enough of you." said Mr. Beaver as he jumped over the table and ran at Likatrik.

No one seemed in a particular hurry to spare Likatrik from the might of Mr. Beaver's claws. It seemed ironic then that it was Prince Orrin who intercepted the beaver. No one else in the room was making a move to protect the dwarf, and all seemed surprised that Orrin had made such a move.

"I appreciate your loyalty, Mr. Beaver. Just as I have appreciated your friendship and serving with you. Please do not proceed with this course of action in my name. I have caused enough trouble." said Orrin as he feigned a smile.

"Prince Orrin, do you accept the sentence handed down to you?" asked Edmund as the room was filled with a silent murmur of shock at today's proceedings.

"Yes, Majesty."

"General Lero, you will assume the position vacated by Prince Orrin. Mr. Beaver, please … remove Narnia's colors and rank insignias from Prince Orrin."

Edmund clearly took no pleasure in making such an order, and could not bring his eyes to meet Orrin's. Orrin for his part, kept his chin up as he tore Narnia's colors from his Shian dress armor and handed the cloth to Mr. Beaver. He removed all rank insignias and handed them to the beaver, who was very much upset at being given such a task.

In one morning, Orrin had gone from one of the highest ranking subjects in Narnia, to that of a criminal. He was no longer Edmund's first liege, charged with serving and performing all duties in his stead. He was no longer Master Knight of the Order of Justice. He no longer even had the right to serve or fight for Narnia.

As Mr. Beaver took the last semblance of pride from Orrin's armor, the Shian Prince let slip one shamed tear in a moment of anguish. He held his chin up and met Edmund's remorseful gaze as Mr. Beaver silently stepped away from him.

"Prince Orrin … you are no longer authorized to stand in this hall. Guards, please escort Prince Orrin out and ensure he is assigned a guard to monitor his movements within the castle."

Orrin made a slight bow to Edmund before turning away from him and toward the main doors. With the last vestiges of pride that he could muster, he marched out of the hall flanked by two centaur.

"This session is over!" Edmund yelled, surprising everyone, "Prince Orrin, please wait!"

Orrin stopped walking, but did not turn to face Edmund. He did not wish the just king see the stoic emotion on his face. Yet he still submitted himself to Edmund's rule, even though he barely considered himself a citizen of Narnia anymore.

"Please leave us." Edmund said as he placed his hand on Orrin's shoulder and they continued walking out of the hall, "I am sorry it has come to this."

Orrin did not speak, he simply nodded his head. He feigned a tight lipped smile that bore no malice, but rather resignation and acceptance. Though he would not take back killing Rabadash for anything, he knew there would be repercussions for such an action. He accepted them with as much grace and dignity as he could possibly muster, which Edmund could see was obviously a great strain on the Shian.

"I am certain the guards can escort me to my chambers. I do not wish to keep you from your duties. I will cause no trouble, I give you my word." Orrin said as he closed his eyes to try and stem the emotion in his eyes, "My word is still good, King Edmund."

"Of course it is, Orrin." said a sympathetic Edmund, "Your word is never in question. Neither is your honor, I assure you. The record may say otherwise, but I most certainly do not. I followed the law that I was bound to, but I gave you the most lenient sentence I could. Do not fear, Peter will return and when he sees what has happened he will nullify it immediately. You will be my first liege again, Orrin."

"I do not believe I will be, Sire." said a tight lipped Orrin, "I am not above the law and I will seek no recourse from King Peter. What is done is done. I bid you good day, Majesty. Please allow me to return al … with the guards to my chambers, King Edmund."

"Edmund, remember?"

"I am not worthy of calling you anything of an informal nature, Sire." Orrin said with a staunch bow, "May I please take my leave of you, Majesty?"

"You may." said a disappointed Orrin, "I am truly sorry, Orrin."

"You are a truly just king and a great man." Orrin said sincerely, "It has been my greatest honor to serve you. It has been an even greater pleasure to know you. If anyone is sorry, it is I. Please forgive me. Good day, King Edmund."

Orrin was not a many of many tears, at least not publicly, but the grief in his face was clearly evident. He nodded firmly to Edmund before he turned and left with one of the satyr guards posted nearby.

THIS GENTLE QUEEN IS VERY ANGRY

"Queen Susan, King Edmund is on official order business, you cann …"

Susan pushed the satyr guard aside and marched straight into the hall of the Order of Justice. No one would believe that she had recently lost a child, for any grief on her face had been replaced by fury. An anxious Edmund rose quickly to his feet as the ominous sight of Susan marching toward him.

"Su …"

"Don't you bloody Su me you … you … forgetful, disloyal swine. " Susan said with unfathomable anger in her eyes, "How dare you turn my husband into a criminal after everything he's done for a country that isn't even his!"

"Su, please."

"Edmund, how could you?" said a Susan whose anger had quickly given way to tears of hurt and confusion, "How could you do this to him? Has he not suffered enough already? Do none of you care for what we have endured? He asks for no sympathy and you give him none. Instead you strip him of his honor and shame him publicly. You might as well have ordered his execution!"

"I had no choice, Susan." sighed Edmund, "I love Orrin. He is one of us. I felt absolutely dreadful at having to sentence him to a punishment for a crime I didn't even believe in. But the la…"

"You can keep your sodding law along with you self righteous order. Don't you know what we've been through? He did Narnia a service and you punish him? He killed that bastard who kidnapped me and killed our baby and you punish him? Is that how you treat someone who avenges a queen? Is that how you treat someone who avenges your sister?"

"Su, please. I had no choice." Edmund said with watery eyes, "You know I love Orrin like a brother. It was absolutely awful, Su. Please believe me when I say I wanted no part of it, but I am not above the law."

"You might as well have killed him. You know what he's like. He is a proud and decent man. The shame he has been made to suffer is worse than death for Shian. How could you, Ed?"

"It was the most lenient sentence I was able to give. Please, Su, I'm sorry. I truly am. Peter will fix it, you'll see."

"Orrin has done so much for Narnia ... and this is how he is repaid."

"I love you, Su. I love you both. This will all be fixed in due time, I promise."

"You have shown me just how much you love me today, Edmund. This whole kingdom has shown me just how much I am loved and how my service is appreciated. You haven't just hurt him, Edmund. You have hurt me. He wouldn't even speak to me about what happened. He wouldn't even let me come to speak to you about it, because he wants no fuss caused over him. Well he's my husband and I love him and I'm bloody well going to cause a fuss over him. He couldn't even stop me coming because he isn't allowed to leave our chambers without a guard for an escort!" cried Susan, "This is all wrong, Ed. But what you have done today, it cannot be undone. Peter cannot fix it. You have damaged us. You have no idea what you've done today, Ed. No idea at all. Well I will not lose my husband because of you or your stupid order."

"No one says you will lose him. He is one of us."

"One of us? He is not one of us. He has been shunned. He has been shamed. He has been dishonored. He asked me to annul our marriage today because the Shian do not allow themselves to remain married to save their partners from sharing their shame. And when my husband says something like that, I know he means it." cried an angry Susan, "Well I will not lose him. And since you have all made it so perfectly clear just how much you thank someone for saving and avenging me and my dead child, who would have carried your name … and if this is how you treat me who as your sister expected more from you, and as a Queen of Narnia, I expected more from this order and the laws that govern us. What you have done today cannot be undone, Edmund. You have hurt me."

"Su, please. I love you." Edmund insisted, "Please do not be cross with me. I will fix this."

"You cannot fix this!" Susan yelled, "If my husband is a criminal here, then he is not welcome here. And if he is not welcome here, then I am not welcome here. If he is not free to walk in this castle, then I am not free to walk in this castle."

"Su, what are you saying?"

Susan's eyes were filled with tears. She sobbed and faltered on her legs before Edmund tried to comfort her. She pushed him away with anger, before her eyes narrowed and she raised her hands to her crown.

"I thought you were the just king. There was no justice served today." Susan said as she removed her crown, "I cannot wear this without being disgusted with myself."

"Su …" Edmund said as he put his hand on her shoulder.

"Take your bloody hands off me! I hate you!"

"Su …" cried Edmund, his eyes showing the hurt of a younger brother, "You do not mean that. You are hurt, I understand."

"You understand nothing." sobbed Susan, "Nothing at all."

"Su, please. You have had much to endure of late. You are understandably upset."

"I'm not upset. I'm past upset." Susan sighed as she threw her crown to Edmund, "I have no words to explain how I feel, Edmund. How truly hurt I feel. You have hurt me, Edmund. I am taking my husband and leaving Narnia. I will take him somewhere he is not labeled as a criminal or not free to walk in his own home. That's what marriage is, Edmund. I stand by my husband through good times and bad, as he has stood by me. You punished Orrin for protecting me and dealing what I call justice to those evil monsters who hurt me and took our baby from us. How could you do that? Do you not care for me? Does Narnia not care for me?"

"Su … please give me time. I will fix this."

"It's too late. The damage is done. And not just to my husband or our marriage. But to you and I, Edmund. The damage is done."

Edmund bit his lip as Susan turned to walk away. Though Susan was known to have an anger to equal her mostly gentle demeanor, he had rarely been on the receiving end of it. His eyes were filled with sorrow, but he could only sympathize with Susan's words. He had done her a great injustice today. Yet he truly hoped that Orrin would soothe her before she denied Narnia of its gentle queen and himself of a sister.

TO SAVE NARNIA FROM LOSING A GENTLE QUEEN

When Susan finally arrived back in her chambers, she felt some regret at speaking so harshly to Edmund. Yet she truly felt betrayed by her husband's treatment at the hands of the Order of Justice and in turn, Edmund as its leader. The sight that greeted her was one that only reinforced and compounded her hurt.

Her husband stood on their balcony with his hands behind his back as he stared up at the stars. He was such a proud man, and right now she could see how broken and shamed he was. She rushed to his side and wrapped her arms around his neck in a mess of sobs.

"Oh, Orrin. I am so sorry. It's alright. I've spoken to Edmund and … we're leaving. We're leaving immediately. We will go alone and leave this dreadful business behind us. Come, we must hurry."

"We are not leaving." Orrin said with a sure voice, "What did you say to Edmund, Promised One?"

"What he bloody well deserved to hear."

"He was bound by duty. I asked you not to speak to him about this."

"You are my husband. There's no way I wasn't going to say anything. I will not let them slander you as a criminal and someone who has no honor. We're leaving, Orrin."

"No, Susan." Orrin insisted, "We are not."

"But, how can you stay here when they have mistreated you so?"

"Because this is your home." Orrin said as he held Susan in his arms, "I know you are angry now, but you belong here. You belong with your family."

"You are my family. You are my husband. I am furious with Edmund. He has hurt me as much as he has hurt you, more so because he is my brother. They punished you … they punished you for being my husband and doing what any husband would have … should have done. I hate him right now, Orrin. I hate him so much."

"Susan, Edmund did his duty. What's done is done. I will not be a part of disrupting your family or your duties as a Queen of Narnia. Narnia has not slighted you. Think of Lucy. Think of the beavers. Think of Mr. Tumnus. Think of Brask. Think of all the people you have saved. People who care about you. Narnia needs her gentle queen."

"How can you think of them when they have spat on everything you have ever done for them? I want say such hurtful things to Edmund."

"Do not be so quick to burn bridges. Your family is a gift. Take it from someone who misses his a great deal." Orrin said with tears in his eyes, "I miss Eris very much, and unlike me, you have your family with you. I will not be a part of disrupting that. We will not leave. I will stay here with you."

"Where you will be treated as a criminal?"

"I care nothing for being labeled a criminal. I care only for the shame I have brought upon our marriage and your name. I have no honor. But what honor I do have would be lessened by leading you away from this place as though you have some reason to run. You do not, Susan. And running would make matters only worse." said an anxious Orrin, whose eyes did not meet Susan's, "Being married to me is no longer a source of pride for you. My disgrace has become yours."

"Being married to you is a source of pride for me, Orrin. It is the greatest source of pride." Susan said with a surprising laugh, "Do you have any idea how much I love you, Orrin? Do you have any idea how upset I am at seeing you being treated like some criminal? You cannot even leave our chambers without an escort. You are the love of my life, Orrin. I cannot bear to see this happening to you. But if you dare speak one more word of annulling our marriage simply to save my honor, I will be forced to be very gentle with you."

"On the contrary …" Orrin said with a sad smile, "I have found a way to restore my honor and in turn, your name and our marriage. And for a Shian, that is more important than … well, it is my way of saying how very important you are to me. My honor will be restored soon, Susan, but not for my own benefit. It will be for yours, and perhaps … for Edmund's."

"Edmund? I don't understand."

"You do not need to."

Orrin led his wife by the hand into a moonlight dance that had become their trademark. The married couple stood on the balcony of their chambers, dancing silently beneath the stars. In no time at all, Susan felt her anger dissipate. Once again her husband had diffused her fiery nature and she melted into his arms.

"I do not feel worthy of your affection after today's events, Susan. But …" Orrin said as the stepped back and forth across the stone balcony, "Would you permit your husband to love his wife tonight?"

Susan's eyes overcome with tears. She nodded her head vehemently as she smiled at her husband. The couple shared a kiss in the moonlight. A kiss that quickly deepened into something far more passionate. A kiss that led to love that can only be shared between a husband and a wife who love each other with no reserve.

That night Orrin made love to Susan with an intensity that had not been seen since their wedding night that now seemed a lifetime ago. Doubts overwhelmed his mind, for he felt unworthy of being so intimate with Susan. Yet even though a traditional Shian would not allow himself to tarnish his wife's body by sleeping with her when he had been stripped of honor, he could not deny himself of his wife's love. He needed it this night. Perhaps more than she realized. Perhaps more than even he realized.

PRINCE ORRIN THE SHAMED

Somehow Orrin had convinced Susan to retake her crown, though she drew the line at speaking to Edmund. He stood in his chambers looking down over his balcony at the bustle of Cair Paravel. He had barely shown his face outside his chambers. He knew however, that he would need to soon. For in his mind, he had already decided what he would do to restore his honor and that of his wife's. He bore no malice toward Narnia or Edmund, instead he thought of a way that he could serve Narnia even though he was not permitted to.

"Prince Orrin?" called Mr. Beaver as he stood at the doorway, "There you are."

"Hello, Sire." Orrin said with a small nod, "I'm afraid Queen Susan is not here."

"Oh no, I came for you. Come on, the wife's come to pay me a visit and she's brought some lovely lunch. She's waiting for us down in the courtyard."

"Us?"

"Come on. It'll do you good." insisted Mr. Beaver.

"I am not permitted to leave these chambers without an escort."

"What do you think I am? Come on, get a move on."

Orrin raised a small but sincere smile. He followed along behind Mr. Beaver, careful to keep his eyes forward lest he see the looks of disapproval from his former peers. As they made their way through Cair Paravel, Orrin found himself feeling incredibly self conscious. Yet when he raised his eyes, he found little condemnation. Indeed, when those who had served under him met his gaze, they nodded in respect. Orrin found himself taken aback. He expected nothing but condemning eyes and looks of disgust at the former knight and once hero.

"Mr. Beaver! General Lero has just received word from the north!" yelled Brask, "An emergency session is being convened in the security council."

"A gryphon made it through?" Orrin asked with piqued interest.

"It has, Prince Orrin. We have news from King Peter in the north. Come quickly."

Orrin's first instinct was to run after Brask as he had done in the past, but it was no longer his place. Instead, he stood helplessly lost as Mr. Beaver bounded away with the fox. Orrin soon realized he was alone with no escort and felt incredibly anxious. He turned to walk back to find the nearest guard when Likatrik approached him.

"What is this?" Likatrik demanded, "How dare you walk these corridors without an escort. You are a criminal! Guards! Arrest Prince Orrin! He has broken the terms of his sentence. Take him into custody!"

Though Orrin wanted to explain the situation, he knew it was pointless to do so. The centaur who approached him did not seem particularly eager to do so, but they did as they were ordered. Orrin caused no trouble as the centaur bound his hands behind his back and led him to the northern holding cells.

He was marched through Cair Paravel with his head down and his hands bound to the surprised gaze of onlookers. He kept his eyes to the ground for the entire trip and said nothing when the dwarf taunted and admonished him. He simply composed himself with as much dignity as he could.

"You are a criminal, Orrin. You have shamed Narnia and you have shamed Queen Susan. You have no honor and you are a disgrace. You have broken your sentence and now King Edmund will have no choice but to make sure you spend the rest of your days behind bars!"

Orrin paid no attention to the dwarf after the words 'you have shamed Queen Susan'. For him it was a stark affirmation of what he already believed. He could not bear the knowledge that he had disgraced Susan's name. The name of the one he had pledged his life to, had inherited his shame because of it.

The events of recent days had further pushed him into believing fate was leading somewhere far from the warmth he had known here in Cair Paravel. He believed that fate no longer wanted him to linger in the love and companionship he had come to enjoy since leaving the Shian Kingdom. He believed fate was leading him away from Susan.

As the cell was closed shut on him, he contemplated his own life and his love for Susan. He did not sit and he did not question why the bonds had not been removed from his hands. He knew the dwarf had no love for him.

He did not know how many hours had passed, but he knew when he heard his wife's voice that he would soon be freed. She stormed into the cells and he lowered his head in disappointment. He despised having to put Susan in such a position. He knew this could not continue. As her husband he could not allow it.

"Open this cell!" Susan demanded, "Now!"

Orrin said nothing as the cell was opened and she smothered him with affection. He did not react when she smothered him in kisses and apologized for what he had endured. He simply resigned himself to fate.

"I have disgraced you for the last time." Orrin said with a stern voice, "You deserve better than I am able to provide you."

"Rubbish." Susan insisted, "I will have the hide of that dwarf."

"Susan! Orrin!" Edmund yelled as he entered, "Orrin, I am so sorry about all of this. We just had news from the north and I was locked in a meeting. If I had known …"

"This is beyond a mistreatment, Edmund." Susan said as she clasped Orrin's hand, "I will not stand for anymore of it. Come on, Orrin."

"Susan, this was never supposed to happen. I will fix it. I will fix all of this. Peter will back me up. This is going to stop today. I swear."

PEACE BE THINE

True to his word, Edmund bent the law to allow Orrin to walk Cair Paravel freely. Though he was met with dissent for granting special favors upon Orrin, Edmund would hear none of it. This whole business made him absolutely sick. He had seen his brother in law being humiliated for something he did not even believe was a crime. Even worse, his relationship with Susan had suffered immeasurably because of it.

"King Edmund, may I please speak with you?"

Edmund was surprised to hear the voice from behind him. He had hoped to get some semblance of peace for he found the business of running a kingdom to be incredibly exhausting. With the impending invasion from the Lone Islanders still to come, and this awful business with Orrin hanging over his head, he had no want for visitors. The news that the war did not go well for Peter simply compounded his troubles. Were it anyone but Orrin who greeted him, he might have turned them away.

"I did not believe you would want to speak with me again." Edmund said as Orrin approached him.

"As I have told Susan constantly, you have only been doing your duty."

"Orrin …" Edmund said as he placed his hand upon Orrin's shoulder, "Please believe me when I say this dreadful business is absolutely sickening to me. I am so sorry, Brother."

"I am not your brother." Orrin said with a small smile, "But you have treated me as one. And it is for this reason that I thank you. Do your dreams still trouble you?"

"You ask me if I am troubled after how I have been forced to treat you?"

"I do, Edmund."

"I much prefer it when you call me Edmund." Edmund said with a sincerely joyful smile, "This business will be over and done with as soon as Peter returns, I promise. I hope you will not hold this against me, for I truly … I truly love you as one of my own. You are family, Orrin."

"Thank you." said a watery eyed Orrin, "I trust that Peter will return to you, Edmund. I would stake my life on it in fact. In fact, I would almost promise it."

"I appreciate your words, Brother. I do miss my husband terribly. Even more so at the knowledge that they have been forced to retreat every day since their battle began. I wish I could fly north to aid him, but just as my duty bound me to sentence you, it binds me to remain here and defend Narnia."

"Duty above all." Orrin smiled, "I am only sorry that I can no longer serve you. Our fates divide us and I now know the reason why. Edmund, my wife is a fiery woman, but she truly has a gentle heart. She may be angry with you now, but she does love you."

"Not right now she doesn't."

"She will need you, Edmund. Do not give up on your relationship as a family. It is far too precious a gift not to appreciate. Give her time. She will come around and she will need you. You are a great king, Edmund. You are a noble warrior. I am grateful to have known you and I am blessed to have served you." said Orrin as he placed his hand on Edmund's shoulder, "Thank you. Thank you for allowing me to share in this place, and your lives. I am truly grateful."

Edmund hugged his brother in law and was surprised, but pleased when the Shian returned the gesture with intensity. He could not help the sensation that something was taking place in this moment. Something he could not understand.

A VALIANT GIFT

Having just returned from a trip to Mr. Tumnus's house, Lucy was awfully tired. She had missed Cair Paravel and was anxious to see her family again. When she was informed that Orrin had been punished and labeled a criminal, she was furious. Just as Susan had done, she confronted Edmund who assured her Peter would fix everything.

She made her way back from Susan's chambers, hoping to see how both her and Orrin were faring. The Shian Prince had not been in his chambers and Susan was somewhat anxious to see him. Lucy found it somewhat surprising then when she found Orrin emerging from her chambers.

"Lucy." Orrin said with a surprisingly informal smile, "You're home."

"Orrin!" Lucy yelled as she ran and greeted him with a hug, "I'm so happy to see you. That awful business is ridiculous. I don't care what that stupid order says. You will lead my battalion! Edmund can't stop me, they're mine. I will give you back your rank and he can simply deal with it."

"Oh, Lucy." laughed Orrin as he kissed the top of her head, "There is no need. I did not believe you were home. I simply came by to leave you a gift."

"Really? Oh, Orrin. You're so sweet. What's wrong with you?"

"I'm sorry?"

"Well … you're acting awfully informal. You're usually incredibly uptight. I mean, you didn't even bow."

"I am not able to be informal with my only sister in law?" smirked Orrin, "Come, Lucy. Let me show you your gift."

Orrin led Lucy into her chambers where a carving made of jade stood atop her center table. It was a statue of a winged goddess reaching up to the sky. She seemed to flicker in the moonlight in a manner that was almost magical.

"Orrin, it's beautiful."

"It is a Shian gift that is intended for young women when they become adults. I had hoped to give it to you … later on, but I think you should have it now. It is to remind you that no matter what challenges you face, you can rise above them if you truly believe in yourself. Just as I and Susan, Peter, Edmund, and all who love you believe in you."

"Thank you, thank you." Lucy said with tears in her eyes as she hugged Orrin, "Thank you so much."

"Will you remember me when you look at it? Will you remember that I cared very much for my valiant queen. And will you remind Susan when I am … absent, that I love her very much as well?"

"Oh, of course I will." Lucy said as Orrin turned to leave, "Orrin, are you going somewhere?"

"I am going to see my wife."

"Oh …" Lucy said as she gave him a strange look, "Is everything alright? Orrin, you know that Peter will fix all of this, right?"

"Of course. But he needs to be here to fix it, doesn't he? He needs to be here to lead Narnia. I …" Orrin began to say, before he stopped himself, "Lucy, you have always been kind to me. I do not always speak of such things, but I love you very much. I am sorry that I will not … just remember what I asked you about the statue, ok?"

"I will, Orrin. I will …"

TO RESTORE HIS HONOR IS TO RESTORE HER HONOR

"Orrin!" Susan said as he entered their chambers.

"Promised One, I have brought you a gift."

Orrin entered the room with a smile, before he revealed a stunning necklace made of gold, silver and jade. It was laced with carvings and symbols that Susan did not recognize. Yet as Orrin placed it upon her neck, she could feel its significance.

"Orrin, it's amazing. Whatever did I do to deserve this?"

"It's traditionally an anniversary gift from one promised one to another. It is … a symbol of our love in much the way our rings are. It's a symbol of my love for you and … some say it will even keep you safe if the person who gives it to you loves you enough. I certainly hope that is the case with me."

Susan's eyes welled up with tears before she smothered her husband with kisses. It had been a trying time for them both, but it only emphasized her love for her husband. She felt somewhat surprised when he enveloped her in her arms with a need that he rarely showed. He led her out to the balcony with a beaming smile on his face.

"Have I ever told you how much I love you, Susan?" Orrin asked with a teary smile, "And how beautiful you are?"

"Every day, Orrin. Every day."

"Then I do not tell you nearly enough." Orrin said as he kissed his wife, "Not nearly enough."

"Orrin? What's wrong?"

"Nothing is wrong." smiled a sincere Orrin, "Everything will be fine, Promised One. Everything will be just fine. I know now what I must do. I know what I have always been fated to do."

"What, Orrin?"

"I will restore your honor. I will restore your faith in me. I will make it so that no one will think less of you for being married to someone who has been disgraced as I have. I will do much more than this and I will ask only thing in return."

"What is it, Orrin?"

"That you give me this dance."

And dance they most certainly did. Under the moonlight as they always had. A dance between a husband and wife. A dance between a gentle queen and a Shian prince. A dance between souls whose love would linger far longer than either could imagine. A love that would divide them, and ultimately, bind them for eternity in ways they could never imagine. Until that time, they would dance, together, as their souls had done from the moment they met.

CAST OUT OF PARADISE

When finally Susan had fallen to sleep in his arms, Orrin softly slipped out of their bed. He adorned his traditional Shian armor before sheathing his two long swords to his back. He stood for a moment in appreciation of the chambers that he had shared with his wife for so long. He turned to look at Susan and felt hesitation flood his spirit, but he dared not indulge it. To do so would be weak and unbecoming of a Shian warrior and prince.

He stepped forward to the side of their bed and knelt beside Susan. She slept peacefully with her face carving an image in his heart that he would use to inspire him. His eyes began to waver as he leaned down and kissed Susan's temple, before covering her hand with his own.

"Susan …" Orrin whispered, "I have loved you with all my heart. It is because of this that I must act. You may not understand why I do this, for the ways of a Shian have not always been to your liking, but I do hope you will appreciate how important it is for me to restore the disgrace I have caused your name with my dishonor. I believe in fate and I believe that everything has taken place for a reason. I understand now that you were a gift, a gift that perhaps I was not … or am not meant for. Only time will tell. There are no words that can convey my love for you, Susan. No words to describe how my heart feels when you are near me. I will always be with you. I will always love you. Until the end of my days … and perhaps even beyond, if I am so fortunate. Goodbye, my gentle wife."

With weak tears in his eyes, Orrin leaned down and brushed his lips across Susan's. He closed his eyes and flashed back to the moments they'd shared together. Too many to count and too few for his liking. A lifetime would not be enough as far as he was concerned.

"Goodbye."

With a painful gasp, Orrin took in the sight of his wife for what he truly hoped would not be the last time. He turned and ran for the balcony before leaping off it and onto a nearby ledge. He shimmied along with his hands, careful not to draw the attention of any guards. He found it rather strange to be sneaking out of Cair Paravel, but he did not seek to alert anyone as to his intentions for fear they would disrupt them.

He made his way to the outskirts of the city under cover of night. He traced a path to the resting grounds of an old friend. A gryphon to be precise.

"Who goes there?" said the voice or Roan.

"It is I, Roan. It is Orrin."

As Orrin emerged from the shadows and trees to the small knoll that Roan sometimes called home, he greeted his friend with a dutiful nod and a small smile. He approached the great beast and patted his back affectionately.

"It is you." Roan said with a smile in his voice, "Forgive me, I was resting."

"Forgive me for disturbing you."

"Nonsense, I am pleased to see you."

"Roan … I come to ask a favor."

"Of course, Sire. I am at your service." Roan said with a dutiful nod.

"In case you have not heard, no one is at my service." Orrin said with a surprising smirk, "So I must simply ask you this as a friend."

"As I said before, fully aware of what you have just told me, I am at your service."

"Then I ask you to fly me to King Peter's side."

- To Be Continued -

Peter meets Lejious in battle and gains an unexpected aid. Susan and Edmund's tensions grow. Susan flies north after her husband. Edmund defends Narnia as the Lone Islanders invade.


A/N: A very heavy Orrin chapter, with the Shian Prince falling far from grace and being shunned by those he has risked his life for. But remember this is part of a whole, it's not really intended to be a standalone chapter. This chapter makes a significant turn in JAM and will lead us into the final arc of this story. I sincerely hope you enjoyed this chapter . Please review!