Chapter 3

Lucy was in heaven. The Narnian air rushing past her so fast, that she felt that if she were to spread her arms she would be flying. The idea of flying was too tempting to pass. Tying a knot in her reins she left them rest against her horn. Slowly she lifted her arms into her lap and watched to make sure that the horn of the saddle was safely securing the reins so that they would not fall. Satisfied that the reins would not fall, Lucy smiled and cautiously lifted her arms to the side of her.

She felt as if she were flying. The cool breeze lifting her hair as it flowed wildly, along with the black velvet cloak Caspian had given her shortly after their departure, behind hind. Trying their best to catch up. She felt free at that moment, her carefree laughter echoing in the silent forest.

Caspian and the other men listened to her laughter, and couldn't help but laugh along with her.

Oh how Lucy had missed the feeling of not having a care in the world. The feeling that she didn't need to impress anyone here in Narnia. She was High Queen Lucy of the Old, she was considered important here. She mattered here. She was needed here.

Needed?

Lucy's arms slowly dropped back to her sides before grabbing the reins. A sudden chill crept over her skin. The question on her mind still remained the same.

Why had she returned to Narnia?

The day of riding passed faster than Lucy cared for. They were now camped in a small clearing sitting around a fire with their tents in a circle around the perimeter. The newest member of the guards, a young man named Ryde, honored the small group with a dinner of roasted rabbits meat stew. After dinner and light conversation, the men started drifting off into their tents. Soon, Lucy and Caspian found themselves alone by the dying fire.

They starred at each other with admiring smile on their faces. Lucy turned to gazed at the stars while she waited for her blush and beating heart to calm.

"You really do look just like her you know." Caspian said, gazing at the stars with her. When she remained silent he asked. "How is she?"

Lucy's body tightened. What she was about to tell Caspian might break his heart. Slowly Lucy turned her gaze to the man at her side. She knew he wouldn't look at her, yet she still waited. "Married."

Lucy watched as Caspian's sorrow filled gaze fell to the fire. He starred intently at it, as if the lapping flames of blue and gold could erase what she just said. She felt terrible, surely there was a better way, an easier way, to tell Caspian the Susan was happily married.

Lucy braced her hands on the grassy ground, preparing to hide shamefully in her tent. Until Caspian whispered. "Tell me about him?"

Sighing Lucy answered honestly. "She met him in America. He was a pilot in the last World War. They were honoring him at a banquet that our parents had been invited too. She said it was love at first sight. I've only met him once, when she and Thomas, that's his name, came to London to help me move into my new dorm. He's quite handsome; tall, blonde hair, blue eyes, California Tanned skin. Very dashing."

"Is she happy?" Caspian asked quickly.

Lucy nodded, "Yes, Caspian. I believe she is very happy."

Lucy watched as Caspian absorbed the news that Susan was living a happy life married to someone else besides him.

He nodded, flashed her a smile, said good night and retreated into his tent.

Lucy stayed alone by the fire wishing that she had kept her big mouth shut.