You led Lucy into your room while Caspian dealt with Edmund. You rummaged through your things to give Lucy dry clothes and something more suited for the ship. Since the boys were in the other room, you turned your back to let Lucy change.

"What's it been like sailing with Caspian?" she asked.

You smiled at the wall in front of you. "It's amazing sailing for so long. I never knew I had so much love for the sea. And now you and Edmund are back. I expect nothing less than a grand adventure."

Lucy giggled. "I'm so glad we get to see you and Caspian again. We've missed you so much."

"It's been lonely without you."

"But you have Caspian, right?"

"Of course, but we've both been terribly busy since your departure."

Lucy announced she was covered. You turned around and smiled. She looked like a true Narnian adventurer.

"How are Peter and Susan?"

Her smile faded a little. "They've been in America with Father. America is another land in our world that is very far from where we live in England. Susan keeps getting love letters and proposals over there."

You saw Lucy's disappointment in herself the longer she talked about Susan. You waved her closer and began to brush her hair with your brush. "If you're worried about finding love yourself, it will come to you when it's time. You're young! Enjoy what you have now. You may miss it when it's gone."

"Speaking of love, there's something different between you and Caspian. What is it?"

You sniffled, nearly dropping your brush. "I don't know what you mean. Nothing's changed."

"Are you kidding me? He can't keep his eyes off you! And I'm pretty sure I saw some drool on your chin when he and I were pulled out of the water."

"I think you're seeing things, Lucy."

She turned once her hair was in a low side ponytail. She crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow.

"Okay, okay." You stepped closer and kept your voice low. "Caspian… he may have confessed romantic feelings for me after you left."

"And you feel the same way, too?"

"That's where the problem lies. I said I couldn't give him that. It hasn't deterred him in the slightest. Then I might have fallen into a drunken stupor and said something to him."

"What?"

You squeezed past her to dig through your trunk. You pulled out a book you brought and pulled out the bookmark from between the pages. You handed it to her. "That… apparently. I know he's not lying– he wouldn't do that. Also… I did… think about it for a moment."

Lucy's eyes glittered, staring at Caspian's handwriting. "Really? And you keep this with you? Do you love Caspian?"

You choked. "No… No, not like that. That paper was the first thing I saw for a bookmark."

"So, it was easily accessible."

"Lucy, please."

"What? You have to feel something for him if you're carrying around your confession written by his own hand."

You looked at the floor and picked at your nails. "I don't know, Lucy. I don't know what I feel."

"Is it so hard to admit you love Caspian?"

"I don't love him… romantically."

"I don't believe you."

There was a knock at the door. You sighed in relief.

Caspian's voice came through. "When you're finished, Lucy, I have something to show you and your brother."

Lucy gave you one more look before opening the door and grinning at the king. "I'm ready."

You and Caspian met stares. Somewhere deep in your soul you knew he heard the conversation. You knew it in the way his gaze softened, in the way his hand pressed against the small of your back as you walked by. He knew you couldn't decipher your feelings, which meant you had some in the first place. Caspian knew you were thinking about the word love, no thanks to Lucy.

You put your gaze low as you followed Caspian, Lucy, and Edmund to where Caspian stored their things. He never traveled without them just in case.

Lucy was drawn to the golden head of Aslan carved into the wall. She said the lion's name so lovingly and ran her fingers over it. Edmund neared a painting of him and his siblings back when they ruled Narnia.

Lucy's eyes traveled across the room. "Look!" Edmund turned to see her near Susan's bow and quiver of arrows.

You crossed your arms and leaned against the wall as you watched the youngest Pevensie's explore the room. Caspian glanced at you and smiled before pulling out a box from a cabinet, calling out to Lucy.

The young queen went to him, grinning when she saw what the box held. "My healing cordial and dagger!" She reached out but paused. "May I?"

"Of course. They're yours."

You tilted your head and smiled at her eagerness as she took her things. You were so happy to have Lucy around again.

Edmund looked at you with a smile before he noticed the sword displayed on the wooden counter near where you stood. "Peter's sword."

Standing up straight, you moved out of Caspian's way so he could take the sword and hand it to Edmund.

"Yes," Caspian said. "I looked after it as promised. Here. Hold it if you wish."

"No, no. It's yours. Peter gave it to you."

Still holding the sword, Caspian stepped toward the cabinet again, his shoulder brushing yours. "I did save this for you."

The Narnian king pulled out a flashlight, which you learned its name later, and tossed it at Edmund. He caught it easily, thanking Caspian, and proceeded to shine the light in his face.

You chuckled at the same time Caspian stood in front of you holding out the sword. Without being asked, you wrapped your fingers around it and took it. His eyes shot up from your hand to your face and he smiled brightly.

Caspian let go. "Thank you."

"Yeah," you nodded, holding the sword close to your chest.

He turned with one last look at you before taking Lucy and Edmund back on deck to find Drinian.

You carefully placed the sword back in its place and took a few calming breaths. Lucy's words repeated through your head as you left the cabin for some fresh air.

Later you, Drinian, Caspian, and the Pevensie's gathered around Caspian's desk where he unrolled a map of Narnia. Everyone leaned over– except Drinian– as Caspian told Lucy and Edmund what happened in Narnia since they left.

"The giants in the north surrendered unconditionally," he said. "Then we defeated the Calormen armies of the Great Desert. There's peace across Narnia."

"I hadn't realized how much you've done, Caspian," you said glancing up at him. "Is that why you had to leave Anvard so quickly? The armies in the south?"

"We were actually on our way back to Narnia when I stopped by Anvard."

"There's peace in Narnia?" Edmund's face was full of wonder.

"In just three years."

You looked at Lucy just as she tucked some of her hair behind her ear that had fallen out of the ponytail. Her eyes shifted to you for a second and she grinned at Caspian. "And have you found yourself a queen in those three years?"

You coughed, lowering your head to look at the map. If you didn't acknowledge it, she didn't say it, right?

The corner of Caspian's mouth turned up at your reaction. He had an idea. A test.

"No. Not one to compare with your sister."

That hurt. It cut deep. It wasn't a matter of who Caspian chose. He told you Susan no longer mattered. What happened at the tree three years didn't mean anything to him.

Your eyes met Caspian's and you saw the mischief pooling there. Your brows furrowed. Caspian saw for a second before Edmund changed the subject, sensing the tension rising. You took that chance to slip past Drinian and out of the room.

If Caspian's words were meant to bother you, well.. they did. And it made you angry. Frankly, you had no desire to look at him or be in his vicinity. How dare he joke about something you were struggling with? He knew your apprehension and if he was only teasing you… You clenched your fist and kicked over a bucket of dirty water.

A few curious eyes looked in your direction as you muttered under your breath and set the bucket back up. You even took the brush to scrub the deck and used it to clean up the spot you dirtied.

Edmund found you later. You were leaning over the railing at the bow of the Dawn Treader. Some water nymphs were swimming beside the ship. You were watching them with a smile. You didn't want to think about Caspian and what he said anymore.

"Caspian is looking for you."

You rolled your eyes and faced Edmund. "It's not hard to find me. There's nowhere to go." You leaned back against the railing and crossed your arms. "I don't want to see him right now anyway."

Edmund nodded and assumed the same position beside you. "What he said wasn't smart, huh?"

"What would make you say that?"

"Did you want him to tell Lucy he found you?"

"No, because we aren't anything."

"A blind man could see there's a change. It's okay to admit what he said hurt."

You chewed the inside of your cheek.

"Oh, come, Y/N. Even if he was joking, it hurt you."

Looking at your boots, you fought back frustrated tears. Being called out by Edmund didn't feel good.

"Tell him he hurt you. He might be a good king, but he acts like a kid sometimes. I don't know what's happened since we left. No matter what has, he shouldn't have said that."

"I don't want to talk to him right now."

"Okay. I suggest you talk to him soon though. No need to end the day without an understanding between each other."

Sighing, you pulled Edmund into a hug. "Why did you have to leave when I needed you most?"

"Well, Susan would have still been here," he laughed. "You and Caspian had to figure things out without her around."

"Do people come to you for things like this in your world?"

"Definitely not. I'm just a kid to them."

"It's a shame they can't see you for who you are, Edmund." You smiled at him. "I promise to talk to Caspian later. If you could… keep him occupied for a little while longer, I'd be grateful."

"I'll do what I can. Caspian is desperate to find you."

"Tell him I'll find him soon."

Soon didn't quite happen. You took shelter below deck to help the cook, Tahl, while the crew passed the time with sword fights. You would have participated but spending time with Tahl was much more entertaining.

"Land ho!"

You and Tahl rushed on deck where the unmistakable mound of land sat nestled between sky and water. Tears caught in the corner of your eyes at the sight. Finally, the adventure was leading somewhere. Hopefully to Caspian's success.

Tavros shouted for the dropping of the anchor, for the sails to be pulled up, and the longboats to be prepared. Caspian and Drinian bounded down to the lower deck, Edmund following them. You rushed over, catching Lucy along the way.

"Need another sword?" you asked. You kept your face stoic when you met Caspian's apologetic eyes.

"Absolutely."

You nodded once and went to get your things.

Minutes later, you were sitting in a longboat with Lucy, Eustace, and a few other sailors. Eustace grumbled about having to come along, which Lucy mentioned he could have stayed behind. Then he ranted on about how he couldn't stay on the ship with so many beasts on board that could kill him.

As the first boat reached the dock, Reepicheep leaped off the front. "Onward! The thrill of the unknown lies ahead!"

Your boat slid in beside the other. Lucy was helped out first and you followed, except the hand you grabbed was Caspian's. Your eyes met and he apologized a hundred times with that one stare. Not wanting the others to worry about what was going on between you and the king, you squeezed his hand once before letting go and standing by the stairs. At least it was something.

"Couldn't this have waited until morning?" Eustace said too loud.

"There's no honor in turning away from adventure, lad," Reepicheep said back.

Lucy interrupted. "Listen."

Caspian crept up the stairs past you and Edmund. The sound of his boots scraping on stone and Eustace struggling to get out of the boat were the only sounds.

"Where is everyone?" Lucy looked around at the seemingly abandoned island.

Reepicheep said something to Eustace just as he wobbled out of the boat and onto the dock. It was rather embarrassing.

"And you're certain he's related by blood?" Caspian asked the Pevensies from the top of the stairs.

You followed behind Caspian and Edmund, Lucy behind you. Reepicheep scampered past everyone and sat on the stone wall of the ramp leading into the city. Everyone's eyes were on various areas in case there was any life around. You accidentally bumped into Lucy because of your stern gaze down one side of the docks.

A gong rang. Eustace nearly screamed. Caspian aimed his crossbow up toward the city. You and Edmund pulled out your swords while Lucy searched high and low for life. Nothing.

Caspian moved first. "Reepicheep, stay here with Drinian's men and secure the place. If we don't come back by dawn, send a party."

The mouse bowed as you all started up the ramp.

The streets were as quiet and empty as the docks. There was no sign of life anywhere. It kept everyone on their toes. Well, except Eustace who didn't seem to understand the danger of being loud.

He came jogging over from a building he peered into as the other three of you neared a door to the largest building in the center of town. "Yeah. Looks like nobody's in. Do you think we should head back?"

You put your finger to your lips while Edmund looked at his cousin.

"Do you want to come guard… something?"

Your gesture went ignored.

"Ah, yes. Good idea, cousin. Very, uh, logical."

That was the first time you saw Caspian, Edmund, and Lucy appear worried about the reliability of another person.

"I can stay with him," you offered. "Guarding always works best with more than one person."

Caspian looked like he was pained by the idea of you being out of his sight, but he came closer all the same. He handed Eustace a dagger– the boy nearly fainting at the sight of it– and he came over to you.

The king stared at you, his deep brown eyes holding all his fear and worry. "Please… be careful."

"I will. Watch yourself in there, too."

It was as if Caspian wanted to say more, but he didn't. He nodded and followed the Pevensies into the unmarked building.

"So, uh, you don't really think we'll have to fight anyone do you?" Eustace asked.

"We can never be too careful. Maybe if you lowered your voice–" Your words fell on deaf ears.

"It's a ghost town! There's no way anyone is here!"

"Please, Eustace. Lower your voice."

The man sneaking up behind you almost got to you, but the scuff of his boots in the dirt caught your attention. You swung your sword, turning to put Eustace behind you. You missed the man.

Eustace screamed as bells rang louder than before. Another man appeared, easily getting the young boy in his hold. The dagger Caspian gave him now in the hands of the other man.

You shouted and shoved the sword fighter away to get to Eustace. The glint of the dagger froze you.

"Ah," the man smiled. "It seems the woman has a head on her shoulders."

You lifted your sword to swing again, but the man holding Eustace stopped you.

"Drop your sword or the boy loses 'is tongue!"

"Tongue?! No! You wouldn't!" Eustace struggled against his hold to no avail.

You knew the man wasn't lying, so you let your blade fall to stone. The man you had been fighting grabbed your hands behind your back and touched his blade to your throat.

"Be a dear and scream so your friends will come save you."

The clash of swords was clear from inside the building.

"No."

The man with Eustace laughed and pushed the boy toward the building. "Then we shall do this another way."

Eustace let out a shrill noise just as both men pushed you inside. All fighting ceased.

"Unless you want to 'ear this one squeal like a girl again, I'd say you put down your weapons."

You glared at the man, jerking your hands in hopes of breaking free. Of course, it didn't work.

"Y/N!"

Caspian called out to you, causing the man with Eustace to grin wickedly.

"Y/N? As in the princess of Anvard?" He looked at you. "Many would pay a high price for a princess. Especially one sought out by many kingdoms."

"Let her go!" Caspian shouted, attempting to run toward you. He was stopped by several men who stood near him.

"Drop your weapons now or the princess will lose a finger!"

You cringed since your captor shouted in your ear. It made you angrier.

Had Eustace been quieter, maybe none of you would be in that position. Instead, Edmund, Lucy, and Caspian were forced to throw their weapons on the floor. Cuffs were slipped around their wrists. Lucy started getting dragged toward you as the man with Eustace spoke again.

"These three will go to market. Send those two to the dungeons."

Caspian nearly took the men holding him to the ground as he fought to get closer to the slave trader making the order. "Listen to me you insolent fool! I am your king! Release us!"

A new man dressed in nicer silks and jewels came out of the shadows. "Actually, someone else is going to pay… for all of you."

You, Lucy, and Eustace were dragged one way and Edmund and Caspian the other. It became a flurry of begging and calling out to one another. Lucy cried out for her brother. Caspian shouted out that he was king and then called your name. Edmund called for Lucy. Eustace cried. You cried, too, telling Caspian everything would be okay even though you had no idea if any of you would come out alive.