I am so sorry for the formatting errors that were in the last chapter. I had copied and pasted it, and didn't see the errors until the alerts informing me of this. To make up for this, I am posting the next chapter. Hope you enjoy!

Part 10

It finished with a visit from the Great Lion.

The young royals were having a picnic, and remains of the spread were neatly tucked back in the basket

they had hauled into the garden. Edmund and Teddy were chatting. Altaira was studying the plants.

Tracey had declined to join them, opting for lunch with one of the Narnian royal advisors. Eustace was

writing in his journal. And our lovebirds?

They were propped up against a tree, Lucy's head on Caspian's shoulder, her hands playing with his, just

enjoying the time together and with their friends.

Caspian kissed the top of Lucy's head, contentment in every pore of his body. For the first time in his

life, he could be happy, knowing that he was making the person he loved most happy.

Of course, all that ended with the flash of a gold mane of fur materializing in the garden near their

resting spot.

In a flash, every royal was up, then kneeling. Eustace was a little slower but then he knelt too. Aslan chuckled and stated, "Rise, dear ones."

Lucy was the first up, bounding toward the Great Lion and knocking him over with her hug as usual.

Aslan chuckled, and put a paw around her gently. He spoke in her ear, and she stiffened, then nodded,

looking oddly relieved.

Caspian and Edmund were the next to their feet, chuckling at Lucy's speed but apprehensive as well.

Well, Edmund was apprehensive. Caspian was downright terrified.

The others rose last, Eustace helping Altaira to her feet.

When all were standing, Aslan looked at Lucy. She was studying her love and her kinsmen in turn,

worrying her lip. She was relieved that Aslan had released her from her silence, and concerned for how

her loved ones would take the confession.

"I have returned to tell you that you have done well, dear ones. You have been instrumental in securing

Narnia's future."

Altaira and Teddy looked at each other, confused. Aslan chuckled. "Yes, even you two, for you helped

light the way for the ones who NEEDED to see."

Now everyone but Lucy looked confused. Aslan merely turned to his favorite Pevensie. She looked

questioningly at him, and saw his nod. Hesitatingly, she spoke.

"All of you know that I was given a task and a truth at the End of the World. I was not to speak of either

until the time was right. Now's the time."

She took them back to that day at the entrance to Aslan's Country, using the lessons taught her by the

young Aravis of Calormen in the ways of story-telling:

Lucy looked at Aslan in trepidation. She wasn't sure what she had done to merit a private discussion with

the Great Lion!

He seemed to sense her fear, and spoke to calm her. "You've done nothing wrong, dear girl. In fact,

you've proven yourself many times over. When you realized that your worth lies in more than your outer

image was just the latest. You need to hold on to that realization with all your being, however."

She spoke. "Why?"

"Because you are about to face a challenge. One of the most important of your life."

Lucy paled. "Oh."

Aslan laughed lightly. "No evil involved this time, Lucy. Just…a test. You have chosen to stay longer, and

your reasons for doing so are why you will be challenged. Your beliefs—in yourself, in others, and in Me-

will sustain you."

She cocked her head. "Oh?"

"Yes, OH."

Lucy blushed. "Sorry, Aslan."

"It's all right dear. Now, as to the reason I have asked for this private talk. If you choose, I will give you a

truth and a task. Both will help you accomplish what you seek to find."

Lucy thought. "And the others cannot hear of this? It's their journey, too."

"They have their own parts to play in this. This is mostly YOUR story…just now."

Lucy hated it when the Great Lion was enigmatic, but she had learned to walk by faith with this True

King. He did not steer her wrong, and beautiful things happened to the world she loved, and herself,

when she did.

So she trusted again. "If you say it's best…"

Aslan spoke simply. "You must not speak of this to anyone until I give you leave, Lucy. It is IMPORTANT."

Lucy felt the weight of that decision settle on her shoulders. "Okay."

And with that, Aslan told her a truth…

He looked slightly grave. "There are patterns in the time ahead that have been altered by choices made

now. One decision changes an outcome. Your being here has caused a change that affects Narnia's

future."

Lucy was anguished. "Did I make a wrong choice?"

"No, my child, and the choice made wasn't yours either. It also wasn't wrong, just a different one. But it

affects the future…specifically, the Narnian royal family."

She was glad the men couldn't hear her, but she turned her face anyway, and whispered, "Caspian?"

Caspian couldn't keep silent after that. "Me?" he asked. "What choice did I make?"

Aslan looked at him gently, but with admonishing eyes. "Let her finish."

"Yes, dear one. The choice was made and cannot be changed. But it can be used for even greater good

than the original choice. Your friend has a decision to finish making ahead of him, and he MUST choose

wisely."

"CASPIAN has a choice to FINISH making? Why FINISH?"

He looked at her gently. Lucy sighed. "I know, I am only told my own story. Pray, go on. Why am I to be

challenged, and Caspian to make a decision?"

"Because Narnia's future prosperity may rely on what YOU do now."

Lucy put her hand to her chest. "Me?"

Aslan nodded gravely. "And your brother and cousin. They have a part to play. Their actions may

determine how a specific event is played out. You and your family can give him the support he needs to

make the right choice. And the decision has to be finished, or it will forever haunt him."

Lucy squared her shoulders. "Well, we can't have that."

Aslan nodded. "No, we can't. For his own sake as well as for Narnia's."

"What choice must he make? How can I help him?"

"By being there. By accomplishing the task I set before you."

Lucy's brow furrowed. "I don't get it."

Aslan smiled. "You will one day. That is the truth. The task is simply this: Be your truest self."

Lucy waited. And waited. "That's it? Be myself, Aslan?"

"Yes, Lucy. Be your TRUEST self. It won't be easy, child. You need to KNOW yourself. To learn to trust that who you are is the one that is needed. You need to LOVE yourself, to LIKE yourself. That you are worthy IN and OF yourself. And holding on to that knowledge through this trial won't be easy." He nuzzled his young listener. "But I KNOW you can do this."

Lucy was touched, and scared. But she courageously spoke. "What do you need me to do?"

"I need you to continue doing all you can to encourage Caspian. To guide him along the path he's taking

ANYWAY. He just needs you to show him that it's the right path. Be his friend, no matter his actions."

Now Lucy was REALLY startled. She liked to think she'd be doing that no matter what. She wanted to be a good friend, and hoped she was.

"And you are, dear heart. A good friend and a good sister and cousin. That's why you have been given

this task."

She felt a little inadequate. "And you're sure I can do this? ME?"

Aslan chuffed lightly. "Yes, you. Encourage your family and Caspian, support them in their decisions. Most of all understand yourself… and your feelings. There will come a day when emotions will be mixed and tangled in your mind, when you won't know up from down or sideways. WHEN THAT DAY COMES, and it will, look to your heart's desire. There you will find YOUR right decision."

Lucy had a sinking feeling she knew what Aslan meant by that last part. But as usual, she focused on

what was important to others.

"And by being my truest self, I can help Narnia and Caspian make this momentous decision?"

"Yes, my dear."

Her voice came out a little small. "Okay."

Aslan smiled at her gently. "And there may be a reward at the end of this adventure. Your deepest dream

may come true."

Lucy looked startled again. "My…but all I want now is…"

Aslan nodded again. "IF the choices made are the ones best for each person, if the cards are dealt the

way they should be, your heart's desire may be granted. But look into yourself deeply, Lucy. Make sure

it's the right decision for YOU before that day comes. Because the choice won't come again."

She knew what he meant, and the words would register later, but all she could think now was that her

deepest, lightest wish might be granted. MIGHT. She gave a cry of joy and hugged the Lion, pushing him

to the ground. He laughed and hugged her with a paw.

When he stood and nuzzled her head, they walked back to the others.

At that point, Lucy bowed her head. "That's it. That's my task and Aslan's truth."

For a moment, no one spoke.

The longer the silence went on, the lower Lucy's head dipped. She was so afraid of the reactions of her

friends, her family.

Of CASPIAN'S reaction.

She risked a look at her love. His face was set in a thoughtful expression as he processed the fact that a

"choice" he had made had sent Narnia, and his life apparently, in a different direction.

Her heart sank.

Altaira was the first to speak and move, walking toward her friend and stopping in front of her. "That's

what you've been dealing with? Aslan's secret was that you had a choice to make, and help someone

else make? And you could just by being and knowing yourself?"

Lucy nodded, her head hanging.

Altaira took one head and lifted the young Queen's head so their eyes met. "Well, I must say, 'Job well done'."

Lucy looked startled.

Altaira looked at the rest of the group, including the silent Caspian. "Anyone besides me comprehend

the decision? Well, decision(s)," she emphasized.

Edmund was the next to speak, his comprehension slow to take place. He looked at his sister. "And you

didn't know?" Lucy and Aslan both shook their heads, but Aslan spoke as well.

"I did not tell her the choices to be made. They had to be reached on their own."

"And sometimes, speaking of the choice can make the outcome unfavorable," Teddy theorized.

Aslan nodded. "Yes. I know the outcome I WANTED," the giant lion emphasized, "but the choices had to

be theirs."

Edmund nodded, then, he too, moved to Lucy. "Like Altaira said, well done Sis."

Eustace chimed in, "All you had to do was know and be yourself? That can be a REALLY hard thing to

do!"

The fact that the rest of the group forgave her for her silence on this matter eased Lucy's heart.

But she had yet to hear the one voice that would truly ease the worry.

She looked at him, concern and fear in her eyes.

Caspian had been processing the thoughts. He'd had a decision to make, and apparently the decision

changed when Lucy had returned to Narnia.

His choice had to be "finished" making.

SHE'D had a choice to make herself.

Caspian wasn't stupid. He came to the conclusion rather quickly:

Who to love.

He guessed by what wasn't said who his other choice had been. A star's daughter.

But his heart had been busy choosing the sixteen-year-old, English import, Queen of Old Narnia.

He understood Aslan's words quite well. And the motivations.

If he chose Lucy, he had to see her at the worst and best she could be. He had to KNOW her, flaws and

all, to be sure his heart's choice was the right one. And SHE had had a choice too: to accept her feelings

for HIM.

To make sure HE was the right one for HER.

Suddenly aware that he'd been quiet too long, he started. The garden group was gathered around her,

but at his approach, moved quietly to a corner within earshot, leaving the three other occupants some

measure of privacy.

Aslan was looking at him gravely.

And Lucy…

His heart cracked. His sweet Lucy looked so scared and alone, even next to her favorite being.

He came over to them, not registering the sudden silence from the group.

He spoke to Aslan first.

"I made the right decision."

It wasn't a question, but Aslan answered it anyway. "You could have been happy with someone else. But

your heart chose the one it needed to."

"She made the right decision?"

Lucy gasped. That HAD been a question.

SHE answered that one.

"Yes." She understood him so well, and answered him, taking his hand in her so warm one. "YOU are

what I want most. Everything changed when I acknowledged my love for you, including," she looked at

Aslan, "my heart's desire. I chose YOU, not the place."

He had really hoped that was her answer.

She looked at him, apprehension in her eyes.

It was HIS turn to understand HER, and he spoke softly. "I'm not angry with you, my love. You did what

had to be done. And accomplished what Aslan asked." He kissed her forehead. "I wouldn't have chosen

the right path if you hadn't been there for me. Thanks for watching out for me." She smiled, relieved,

and nodded.

"Anytime."

Now came the harder question.

He looked to the Lion, then at his little love again, his eyes filled with love…and the fear that what he

wanted most was about to be taken from him.

He forced it out.

"Can she stay?"

Aslan had a serious look to his face, but his eyes were twinkling. "That depends on the two of you."

"Edmund?" Caspian called, not looking away from Lucy.

Edmund got up and came over to them. He had a sinking feeling what was going on, but he knew what

his answer would be, what PETER's answer would have been.

"Yes?" he said as he reached the three of them.

Caspian looked at him seriously, eyes afraid. Why?

"Can I keep her?"

Edmund choked a little on THAT question, but knew Caspian was sincere. "Are you asking if I APPROVE? I told you the answer to that a little while ago."

"I know, but it's all different now."

Edmund spoke softly, gravely. "How?"

Caspian looked away from Edmund, into Lucy's shining eyes. "Because I may get my deepest wish. And I

want to make sure it's okay with those we love most."

Edmund had to swallow back a lump at the comment. He looked at Lucy, who returned the gaze

steadily.

The Pevensie siblings communicated non-verbally for a short time.

Edmund looked back at Caspian. "You're who she loves. And I think she's made the best decision.

Therefore…" He choked back the tears at the THOUGHT of leaving his little sister behind, even though

he knew she'd be in the best hands possible.

"I approve."

Lucy gave a cry, and still holding Caspian's hand, flung herself at her brother. He caught her, holding

her tightly.

Eustace had come over by this time, looking grave as well. "For what it's worth, I approve too," he said.

Lucy hugged him too, and Caspian clasped his shoulder. "It means a lot," they said in unison.

Lucy's attention moved to the Lion. "Can I stay?"

"Do you WANT to?" he countered.

She nodded. "For the RIGHT reasons, Aslan." She looked back at Caspian, smiling at him. "For the most

IMPORTANT reason I can imagine."

Aslan smiled. "Yes, it is."

Caspian looked impatient, but reined it in. "So…?"

Aslan looked happy, and somber at the same time. "SHE can stay."

Cries of joy echoed through the garden.

Caspian grabbed Lucy and kissed her. Then asked her what he'd been dying to ask since the night they'd

declared their feelings. "May I have the honor of courting you, Queen Lucy?"

Her eyes had filled with tears, but she gave him a radiant smile. "Yes you may King Caspian."

He pulled her close and kissed her again.

Then the words Aslan had used had registered with the couple, as they had already registered with the

rest.

They spoke as one. "'SHE?'"

Aslan nodded sadly. "Edmund and Eustace have things to accomplish back in England. They must

return."

Lucy's tears fell down her cheeks. "And Edmund…?"

The Great Lion looked at the Just King, who seemed resigned. "You have grown up, dear one. There will

be one last visit, then…"

Edmund nodded. Then the words registered. "Wait. One last…?"

Aslan looked enigmatic. "That is what I said."

Edmund looked thoughtful. "I can live with that."

"When…?" Caspian said, holding Lucy as if he could protect her from the pain of separation. He spoke

through his own sense of loss.

Aslan looked sorry. "Now."

He roared, and opened a path through the garden and the outer wall to England.

Altaira and Teddy had stood at hearing their friends had to leave, and came to wish them good bye.

Then they left, knowing the separation was not for their eyes to see.

Eustace hugged Lucy again, then clasped Caspian's hand.

The Pevensie siblings clung to one another, the pain of parting palpable.

Finally, Edmund let go, kissing his sister's forehead. "I love you, Lu. Take care, all right?"

She nodded through her tears. "I love you, too Ed. Look after them..." Her voice cracked.

He whispered, "I will."

He turned to Caspian, and the brothers of the heart embraced. "You take care of her." Edmund said.

"And yourself."

Caspian nodded, the parting taking its toll on him as well. "And you, my friend."

Eustace turned to Aslan. "Will I come back?"

"Narnia may yet have need of you," was all Aslan said.

The two Englishmen walked into the portal, then turned. The last thing they saw was Aslan looking at

them, and Caspian and Lucy holding each other, her head on his shoulder, his head on hers as they drew

comfort from the other.

Then they saw no more.

End Part 10