Chapter 32
As promised, Caspian was set to marry his bride the following day. Servants were asked to rise from there beds for immediate preparations. No one complained, in fact many were overjoyed with the news. Dryads, Nymphs, and Fauns gathered to decorate the gardens, as per Lucy's request words would be spoken outside by the tree. It was as close to home as Lucy could get to have her mother and father with her.
The tree remained open, no one knew why; but, on a day like today, no one cared. It was a thought that was shoved at the back of their minds, soon to be forgotten.
Lucy stood in her chambers glancing at herself in the mirror. She wore a beautiful white silk gown that had once belonged to her older self during their first rule over Narnia. She wasn't as tall yet, and with help of some dwarfs, she was able to raise the hem a few inches. She felt like herself in her old clothing. As if she didn't have a worry in the world. Life was finally going as she wanted it to.
"Lucy?" Susan came in wearing a beautiful hunter green dress from her old trunk. All the Kings and Queens of Old had dressed according to their station, with their crowns to match. She looked troubled, but only for a moment before she saw her sister. "Oh, Lucy, you look beautiful."
"Thank you." She giggled.
"How are you feeling?"
Lucy sighed, "I should be nervous, I'm about to make a giant milestone in my life, but I'm not." She looked at Susan bewildered. "I feel incredible. I feel as if I could sprout wings at any moment and fly."
Susan smiled, "I'm glad you're finally happy. You of all deserve this."
"Thank you for understanding." Lucy whispered.
Susan hugged her little sister, "Peter will be in shortly to take you down stairs." Lucy nodded as Susan made her exit. Out in the hall stood Peter, Edmund, and Eustace, whom she greeted with a shy smile.
"Did you tell her?" Peter asked.
Susan shook her head, "I couldn't. She looks so happy, I didn't want to ruin it. Please, let her have her moment."
They all waited on the final word from Peter. "Lucy is our sister. She deserves happiness."He waited for everyone to agree before he entered Lucy's room; the door closing behind him.
Edmund looked at his sister and cousin, "Well, this is it." After they nodded, they headed down to the ceremony.
Caspian was the first to enter while the fauns played a gentle melody on their pipes and harps. He took his stance at the flowered arched alter. Next Eustace walked in with Edmund, followed by Susan and Thomas behind them. As tradition everyone rose to welcome the bride.
His heart froze and the sight of her. She looked elegant, regal, and stunning as she clung to Peters' arm. As they passed the observers, everyone bowed. When she finally arrived by his side he stood still. A look of shear panic crossed his face as he forgot what he was to do next.
Taking pity on him, Lucy brought her hand forward for his to grasp. As Caspian sprung into action, they both turned to see the mighty Aslan, in all his golden glory step forward under the arch way.
Lucy and Caspian froze. She couldn't be going home now. She wasn't ready. She had a life to live with Caspian, she was finally happy.
"Please, no. I'm not ready to return, Aslan." She begged in a soft whisper, tears springing to her eyes.
"He's not here for you, Lucy," came Peters' voice.
"He's here for us." Edmund added as Eustace and Susan stepped besides them.
"But, I don't understand."
Susan stepped forward, "You were the only one ever meant to stay, Lucy. This has always been your world. Not ours."
"I shall never see you again," Lucy asked, "any of you?"
Edmund moved to embrace his baby sister, "We will always be with you, Lucy. You're stronger than you look, and with Caspian by your side you will have no need for us. Promise me one thing?"
"Anything." Lucy said still embraced in Edmund's chest.
"Tell your children of us. Tell them of the Kings and Queen of Old."
Lucy nodded against his chest, "I promise."
Edmund released Lucy back to Caspian. They turned together to Aslan.
"Shall we begin?" He asked. Caspian and Lucy kneel before him, upon velvet pillows. Their friend looked magnificent with the honey hue of sunset highlighting his golden fur. "Friends of Narnia," Aslan's voice rose over the crowd. "Kings and Queens. Today we gather to unit two mighty eras, the past and the future. The hopes of a better Narnia could not be in better hands as we witness the joining of King Caspian of Narnia to Queen Lucy of Old. Caspian," he said gently as the young king looked up. "From this moment of you shall be forever one with Queen Lucy of Old. For it is you she shall turn to in times of sorrow, times of questioning, and times of guidance. By these words and before all of Narnia, do you swear to love, honor, and sacrifice all that you are to your bride?"
"I so swear to the people of Narnia, and to the High Kings and Queens of Old."
Next Aslan turned to Lucy, as she slightly held her breath. "Queen Lucy of Old, beloved Queen of Narnia, From this moment on you shall be under the protection of Caspian, King of Narnia. For it is you he shall seek help to build a better home and kingdom. It is you who will comfort him in times of distress, sorrow, and happiness. By these words and before all of Narnia, do you swear to love, honor, and sacrifice all that you are to your groom?"
"I so swear to the people of Narnia, and to the High Kings and Queens of Old."
"By the witnesses before you, and the blessing of Aslan, rise as husband and wife, Caspian and Lucy, King and Queen of all Narnia."
As they rose the crowd cheered. Gazing at each other, Lucy and Caspian were deaf to the noise. They were finally one in marriage. Warmth spread throughout their bodies. Ignoring everyone they embraced momentarily before Caspian's lips found Lucy's in a long and loving embrace. The world fell away as they stayed in wedding bliss.
The time finally came for Peter, Susan, Thomas, Edmund, and Eustace to leave Narnia, forever. Lucy cried as she embraced her brothers, sister, and cousin one last time. Caspian, under the scrutinizing glares of Peter and Edmund, promised to always protect and love Lucy.
"You better," Edmund warned. "If not, we can always find a way back."
The celebration continued as King Caspian and Queen Lucy made their way into their new chambers as man and wife. Lucy's heart raced, her life was about to finally start with Caspian. She couldn't have been more happier. They paused outside giant wooden twin doors and glanced at each other. There was no going back, once they entered this room they would belong to each other, they would truly be man and wife. They both took a deep breath.
"Ready?" Caspian asked on a nervous sigh.
Lucy nodded her head, "Ready."
Together they pushed the door open into their happily ever after.
