Chapter 31

Lucy flung herself into Caspian's arms. She hugged him fiercely allowing her warmth to seep into his chilled body. Without thought, Lucy placed both hands upon his cheeks and kissed him. Allowing Caspian to feel the love and passion she held for him within that moment. She never wanted to lose another second with this incredible man. The man she will always love. The man who needed desperately to know.

"I love you," she whispered breaking her lips from his. "I can't hold it in any longer, Caspian, I love you. I've always loved you. From the first time I saw you. Even with Susan, I've tried not to love you, but it never worked. I don't care—"

Caspian couldn't resist capturing her lips with his. His heart was filled with such joy he felt that at any moment it would burst. She loved him, "And I love you, Queen Lucy of Old."

Caspian and Lucy remained on the beach, embraced in each others arms; both terrified of releasing the other. From this moment on they never wanted to be part, they belonged together. They belonged happy.

Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Eustace all watched the couple from the balcony in Lucy's room. "We shouldn't be spying," warned Susan.

"Admit it we all have been waiting for this moment since Susan married the idealistic down stairs." Eustace added.

Peter glanced around noticing that Thomas has been with the group for some time, "Where is Thomas anyways?"

Susan sighed, "In the library."

"Still thinks it's all an elaborate dream?"

Susan nodded, "Unfortunately." She glance into the distance, "I;m glad they found happiness within each other."

Eustace snorted, "One would think you would be jealous. After all it was you who Caspian wanted first, and you wanted him. Who'd have thunk he would go for your little sister?"

"That's enough, Eustace," Edmund injected. "It all worked out for the better."

They all nodded as the men retired to the kitchens for a last night drink. Susan stayed, watching the loving couple walk back towards the castle with their arms around each other. They loved each other. Lucy nearly died from the power of her love being turned against her. Yes, they needed each other.

Caspian walked Lucy to her bedroom door, "Are you sure you'll be alright?"

She nodded confidently, "Yes, all is well."

He kissed her one last time, "Sleep well, Queen Lucy of Old." Caspian watched as Lucy entered her room before he made his way to the throne room. Out of respect, the thrones of the Kings and Queens of Old were arranged on a new alter above the throne positioned for himself and his queen. He like the idea that the thrones of his closest friends look down upon him with love and guidance.

A shuffle of clothing caught his attention, "Who's there?"

Susan stepped out of the shadows with a gentle smile on her lips. Slowly she made her way to the throne situated next to his and sat. With regency and power they over looked the dimly lite great hall, as they sat upon the throne.

"What power you must have felt here, when the court was nothing but Narnians."

Susan smile grew, "No, never power. Compassion. We loved our subjects as much as family. We ruled with understanding, a gentle hand, and a loving heart."

He studied her, the woman he once thought he was in love with. "Do you miss it? Ruling as Queen, I mean."

Susan got a distance look in her eye as she compared her life then to her life now. "Sometimes," she whispered. "I miss the feeling of importance; that so many look to you for assistance. In our world, it's so hard to be a nobody, a speck on the population poles with no importance."

"Would you take it back if you could?"

"Take what back?"

He turned out again to look over the room, "Would you take back all the times you've left Narnia? If you had stayed the first time, you would be dead by now. If you had stayed the last time, you would probably be sitting as you are now. By my side as my Queen."

There was silence in the hall. Susan thoughts controlling her mind and her emotions. Caspian sat, waiting for her response. He was curious to know the answer she would diplomat. Other than Lucy and Edmund, Susan was the next at diplomacy on neutral ground.

"No," she finally spoke breaking the silence. "Every time we came it was a learning lesson. We took what we needed to become a better person. To help our lives in our own world. We were never meant to stay in Narnia. We always must return home after the lesson is taught."

"But what of this lesson? What have you been taught in the few days that you've been here?" He demanded, his voice rising with his anger.

Susan remained calm, and spoke with an even voice. "The lesson wasn't ours to learn. It was Lucy's."

"So what happens now? Now that she has learned her lesson? She leaves and I never see her again?"

"That is not for me to decided. Only Aslan can say when our journey is over."

Caspian stood as his anger got the better of him, "And where is the mighty, Aslan? He left the moment after you did. No one has seen him, and those who have swear they died."

Susan rose from the throne, "All I know, is that you don't have time. If you wish to keep her, you must act now." With that, Susan walked away.

Caspian's chest tightened with panic. He finally had her he wasn't going to let her go. With hurried steps he raced to Lucy's chambers banging on the door.

Lucy flung the thick wooden door open with urgency. "Caspian, what is it?"

"Marry me." He commanded between his heavy breathing. "Tomorrow. Lucy, say you'll marry me." When she didn't move, Caspian felt his world, his life, his happiness, slipping away. "Please," he sighed, "marry me?"

"Yes."