Word traveled quickly. By the time you reached the castle gates, people were celebrating. The streets were decorated to welcome the new king of Narnia. You wondered if Anvard heard the news yet.

You rode behind Caspian and the Pevensie's, an enormous grin on your face. Would Anvard welcome you back with such excitement or would their fear of Narnia keep them in their homes? Would they despise you for being friends with the new king if they remembered Caspian? No matter how you were greeted back home, you were happy to be there celebrating the king.

The cheering continued throughout the day and into the evening. There was a banquet that followed dinner, one that was small with no time to invite royals from around Narnia. Caspian was relieved, to say the least. He was happy to be king and to see so many happy about his return. But he was tired. He needed rest.

You noticed his eyelids drooping and his failed attempts to hide his yawns. You found Aslan watching from one side of the ballroom. You smiled and stood next to the great lion.

"What is it, dear one?"

"I believe our new king is due to rest. What is the best way to dismiss for the night?"

Aslan studied you with golden eyes. "You care for him deeply."

"Of course." More words could have spilled from your lips, but you couldn't bring yourself to say them. Sometimes you cared for Caspian more than yourself. Sometimes you couldn't possibly find happiness if he wasn't happy. You had a feeling Aslan knew that already. Was there any need to repeat it?

"Take our king away where he can find rest. I will take care of our guests."

"Thank you, Aslan."

"Thank you for watching over our young king."

You bowed your head slightly and meandered over to the king. He was speaking with a minotaur named Tavros and a man named Drinian. You caught word of their plans for a fleet of ships when you stood next to the king. He smiled at you.

"Hello, Princess."

You curtsied, your eyes remaining locked with his. "My king."

Caspian cleared his throat and excused himself. Tavros and Drinian both left with short nods.

"You need rest, Caspian. Come with me." You loop your arm through his.

"But I'm needed here, Y/N."

"Aslan has it covered. Your weariness is starting to show."

He sighed. "And I thought I was hiding it well."

You chuckled. "Come on." You didn't let him argue anymore. You lead him out of the ballroom and up to the tower where Cornelius used to show him the stars.

Caspian slipped out of your grasp to lean on the ledge. He could see the dark land stretched out for miles, the stars the background.

"You rule all of that and more now," you said standing next to him. "How does it feel?"

"Overwhelming, to be honest. And exciting."

You touched his arm. "You have many supporting you who will continue to do so during your rule."

Caspian looked at you. "I wish you could stay here with me."

Your face warmed. There was only one true way you could stay with Caspian in his castle. "Caspian… I-I would love to… truly, but I have my people to be there for. You know you'll always have my support no matter how far apart we are."

"I know." He looked down at his hands on the stone wall. "I just want someone who will take care of me when I fail to do so. You always know what I need before I do. I'll need that more now as king."

"You'll figure it out, Caspian. I know you will."

Caspian nodded slowly. He stared at you again, causing you to play with your fingers and stare at the city below.

"Y/N."

You peeked up at your friend who was making you extremely nervous. "Yes?"

He paused for a moment. "I'm going to miss you when you leave."

Your arms wrapped around him and you squeezed tight. "I'll miss you, too. We'll write again, yes?"

He pressed his mouth to your head and nodded against you.

"And we'll visit any chance we get."

"Yes."

Your fingers gripped the fabric of his coat. Everything in you told you not to go back to Anvard. But you knew your people needed you, your family needed you. You hoped they weren't angry with you.

"I-I don't think I've told you today… that… that you look beautiful, Y/N."

The cool air wasn't enough to soothe your burning skin. "T-Thank you. You look… kingly." You nearly died right there.

He chuckled while pulling away from you. "Thanks. I supposed I should take my leave for the night. You'll be at the courtyard tomorrow, yeah?"

You nodded, not meeting his gaze. "Yes. Aslan said it was important for all of us to make an appearance."

Caspian bent down, kissing the side of your head. "If I don't see you before, I'll see you then."

"Sleep well, Caspian."

"You, too, Y/N." And he left you alone in the tower.

You pressed your fingers to your cheeks to feel the warmth still there. What was it with kings complimenting you that caused your face to flush so quickly? You couldn't think of an answer even when you finally fell asleep that night. You woke up with the thought that compliments, in general, were the cause.

You didn't see Caspian that morning. Well, you saw him from afar but with everyone preparing to meet up in the afternoon, neither of you had a chance to speak. He gave you a soft smile and you returned it as you passed by. It would have to do.

Afternoon finally came around. The Telmarine people gathered in front of a giant tree shading most of the courtyard. Aslan stood beside it with the Kings and Queens of Old, Reepicheep, Trumpkin, and yourself. Caspian stood at the head of all of you, eyes scanning faces. Some he knew, others he didn't.

"Narnia belongs to the Narnians just as it does to man," Caspian said. "Any Telmarines who want to stay and live in peace are welcome to. And for any of you who wish, Aslan will return you to the home of our forefathers."

Someone called out from the crowd. "It has been generations since we left Telmar."

"We are not referring to Telmar." Aslan took a small step forward. Caspian looked at the lion. "Your ancestors were sea-faring brigands, pirates run aground on an island. There they found a cave, a rare chasm that brought them here from their world. The same world as our Kings and Queens."

Your lips parted slightly. Telmarines came from the same place as the Pevensies? It was fascinating to know Caspian's ancestors were just like the four siblings that came to Narnia through a wardrobe.

"It is that island I can return you. It is a good place for any who wish to make a new start."

Nobody said anything for a few seconds.

"I'll go," one of Miraz's men said. You recognized his face, but his name was lost to you. "I will accept the offer."

Caspian's aunt lifted her chin and held her baby close to her chest. "So will we."

They walked up to Aslan.

"Because you have spoken first, your future in that world will be good." The great lion breathed on them and the tree behind Him twisted to form an archway within the trunk.

Both of them walked forward, disappearing into the doorway. Everyone gasped when they became nothing in front of them. Caspian took a step back. You rubbed your eyes. The Pevensies were unchanged.

"How do we know He's not leading us to our deaths?!" another person said from the crowd.

"Sire," Reepicheep bowed," if my example can be of any service, I will take eleven mice through with no delay."

"We'll go."

Your gaze fell on Peter.

"We will?" Edmund said.

"Come on. Our time's up." Peter went to Caspian and offered his sword. "After all, we're not really needed here anymore."

Caspian took the sword. "I will look after it until your return."

Susan came closer. "I'm afraid that's just it… We're not coming back."

"We're not?" Lucy looked ready to cry at Aslan's feet.

Peter smiled at his little sister. "You two are. At least I think he means you two."

"But why? Did they do something wrong?"

You wondered if it was okay to question Aslan. Although Lucy seemed like a special case.

"Quite the opposite, dear one. But all things have their time. Your brother and sister have learned what they can from this world. Now it's time for them to live in their own."

"It's all right, Lu. It's not how I thought it would be, but it's all right. One day, you'll see, too. Come on."

Those of you by the tree said your goodbyes. After Lucy hugged Trumpkin, she went to you. You held her tightly.

"You will be missed, Lucy. Your positivity and faith helped more than you know."

"I hope I see you again. Take care of the king, okay?"

"Every chance I get."

Edmund came up to you next, holding his hand out. You met it with your own and shook it. It made you laugh. "It's a shame we didn't get to know each other better, Edmund."

"Maybe next time Lu and I come to Narnia," he smiled. "Have you swept the king off his feet yet?"

Both of you glanced at him just as Susan spoke softly to him.

"I didn't know I was supposed to. He seems pretty interested in your sister."

"Yes, but she can't come back."

Susan started walking away from Caspian before rethinking her choice. She went back and pulled him into a kiss.

You blinked. Something writhed in your stomach. Your brain twitched. You had to look away. "That didn't seem to stop her," you muttered. The image was burned into your mind.

"I'm sure when I'm older I'll understand." Lucy's face twisted into a look that matched how your stomach felt.

"I'm older and I don't think I want to understand," Edmund said, squeezing your hand once before stepping away.

You stood closer to Aslan as the siblings gathered by the tree. Lucy looked back at Aslan and then they were gone. You were relieved. Aslan's stare cut through you as if He could feel everything going on inside you. Why had it bothered you at all?

As people pondered if they wanted to follow the Kings and Queens, you slipped away unnoticed. You knew Caspian would want to speak to you about the Pevensies and Aslan… and Susan. You didn't want any part in that conversation. Not yet anyway. There was so much dread and upset growing inside you and you needed to figure out how to rid yourself of it. If it meant avoiding the king for a while, then you were going to do just that.

You didn't expect Aslan to seek you out later in the gardens. You were thinking about the simpler days as a child with Caspian. No responsibilities, no crowns, no romance. Just the two of you enjoying what life had to offer at such a young age.

"What troubles you, Y/N?"

"I don't know," you answered honestly. "Nothing makes sense right now."

"It will soon. Don't let it consume. Pain and anger will come from it."

"But… why would I ever be upset about my friend finding love with someone no matter if she is to return to Narnia or not? Am I that fearful of our friendship ending because of another woman? I don't get it."

The lion smiled and placed His paw on your lap. "You will have your answers, dear one. They will come when the moment is right."

"Thanks…" You didn't sound grateful. Aslan didn't seem to hold it against you. "I have to leave for Anvard soon, don't I?"

A short nod. "Your people need you. You know this."

"Yeah… I'll leave tomorrow."

"You will be protected on your journey."

You sighed. "I'm glad. Thank you for leading me back here. I was happy to help and find a part of Narnia I didn't know existed. I'll treasure this adventure always."

"Narnia will be forever grateful to you, Y/N." Aslan took his paw away. "I believe a young king needs his friend if you are ready."

You didn't want to go to Caspian, but dinnertime was nearing, and guilt was eating at you. "I'll find him."

Caspian was in the throne room. He sat on the large seat and stared at his hands. He was troubled. It was clear. You wondered if it was from his new title or the woman back in her world. He peered up at you when you sat on the steps beside the throne. You tucked your legs under you as best as you could and folded your hands in your lap. You took a deep breath.

"Are you okay?" he asked.

"I should be asking you that. Dinner is soon and you're tucked away in here."

His hands became his focus again. "There's a lot on my mind."

"Do you wish to share what's troubling you?"

"Honestly, no."

It hurt you a little. "Okay."

"I mean, I want to, but I don't think I should."

You raised an eyebrow. "Why not? Because you're king now?"

"No. I can't explain… Not yet. I need to… I need to think through it more."

"Take all the time you need." You sighed. "I'm leaving for Anvard in the morning. Aslan says there's unrest. They need me."

Caspian nodded but looked distraught having to say goodbye so soon. "I'll visit Anvard as soon as I can. I promise."

"I know."

"Can we meet at the tower tonight?"

Hesitating, you thought about the night before and the way his compliment frazzled your mind. What if it happened again? But how could you pass up a chance to talk to him when you were going to leave? You'd regret denying his request.

"Of course," you smiled. "I'll go there after dinner."

"Thank you."

You beat Caspian there. The sun was hovering just over the horizon when you reached the top. You leaned on the wall and watched the landscape change colors as the sun dipped lower. Caspian didn't arrive until a soft orange glow was left at the edge of the horizon.

You heard him walk up the steps. He stood next to you silently. Your eyes fell on his profile.

"Are you all right?"

His gaze shifted in your direction. "I have a lot to worry about now."

"I don't think you should worry. You will have advisors to do most of that for you."

"It's not just Narnia I have to worry about."

"What's troubling you?" You placed your hand over his. "You can't hide it from me forever."

"It's not a good idea."

"Is this the same thing that's bothered you since this afternoon?"

"Yes."

You crossed your arms and stared him down. "If it's bothering you so much, you need to talk to someone about it. If you don't want to tell me, then go to Cornelius or someone else you trust."

"But what if I want you to know and I'm not sure how to… explain?" Caspian ran his hand through his hair.

You blinked. "Take your time then. Think out your words carefully and just say it. It's only me here."

Caspian sighed and rubbed his face. If he had space, he would have paced around the tower. Instead, he ran his fingers along the top of the stone wall, feeling the texture while he gathered his thoughts.

He was suffocating under the weight of it. It shouldn't have been a problem from the start. There were bigger issues at hand. But then… Edmund cemented his thoughts and Susan… Susan was another matter entirely.

"Susan."

Your face fell and he saw it instantly. Instead of being upset that her name made you sad, his whole body seemed to vibrate in anticipation. Did you mean to react that way?

"What about her?"

"I… I thought something would," he paused to think, staring at his hand on the stone, "come of her and I."

"I saw you giving doe eyes at each other." You smirked, but the amusement didn't reach your eyes.

"Yeah. She, ah, she caught me off guard when I first met them. I knew she was beautiful because of the stories… I guess stories and seeing for yourself makes a difference." Caspian glanced at you. You were listening, but your face was flat. "I don't know why it mattered with Miraz trying to kill me… It shouldn't have crossed my mind, but it did. I started to hope they would stay and that she… she would rule again." He frowned and turned away from you. "Then Edmund planted these thoughts in my head, confusing me… making me second guess everything."

"It seems Edmund has a knack for doing that," you frowned. "What did he say to you?"

"He… He said that I should…" Caspian shook his head. "I don't think I have to courage to tell you."

"You just fought against your own people and you're King of Narnia. You are the bravest man I know, Caspian."

Your words seemed to be enough for him. He took a deep breath. "Hetoldmetotellyouhowprettyyouarebecauseyoumightlikehearingthatfromme."

Edmund told him what? You heard it, but couldn't fathom Edmund, a boy, giving Caspian advice. And it was advice about you? And he called you beautiful the night before. How was th]]it any different? "But… Susan?"

He groaned. "I shouldn't have said anything. Edmund shouldn't have either. I'm sorry. This is not going well, is it?"

"But… You kept looking at Susan. Why… What do I have to do with any of this?" The things Edmund told you floated to the surface of your mind. Your face felt hot.

"Everything."

Caspian's eyes were trained on you then. You swallowed. There was no humor in his demeanor, nothing to hint that he was kidding. You weren't prepared for what he was telling you. You weren't prepared to realize something changed for Caspian despite the High Queen's presence.

"Caspian… I-I… I can't give you what you want. I don't want that with anyone… not yet."

"I'm not asking you to-to let me court you." Hearing it out loud made both of you pause. "I'm not ready for that either. But I had to say something."

You clasped your hands in front of you and stared at your feet. "What does this mean for us, Caspian?"

"I don't know. It doesn't have to change anything. You'll be in Anvard anyway. There's no need for us to… to act differently."

Could you look at Caspian, the one person who had been with you through everything since infancy, and forget that he liked you… that he could fall in love with you?

You finally looked up at Caspian with a warm smile that was nearly impossible to put on. "No, there's isn't a reason to act differently."

Even though it was agreed upon, neither of you felt settled as you went to bed that night.