Reine Makes His Move

Saedra was sitting in the rain with her arms around her knees. She faced the east and the grey stone wall of the garden. She couldn't see over the wall very well because she was seated on the grass, but she could see the furious dark-grey clouds churning in the east. Water ran down her blank face and splashed off of her bare lower arms. She shivered in her soaked gown and hair, but it was evident that her mind was elsewhere. She simply stared into the distance.

The late autumn rain had been ravaging Narnia for almost a week. It was as if all of Aslan's fury that should have been directed at Saedra was falling from the sky and being expressed through thunder, lightning, and sheets of water. The new apple buds that Lucy had been so excited planting the week before were now drooping in the rain.

Affairs had always seemed so romantic in the fairy tales. A dashing Knight and fair Lady secretly meet against the wishes of their family, country, or king, and have a passionate love affair. Even though they always end up dying in the end, it seems terrifically romantic while it lasts. It is always forbidden, but always justified because those who are wronged by the hero and heroine always deserve it.

How could reality be so far from fantasy?

Saedra and Edmund continued to meet all summer, and now into the late fall. But while the first time they had been together at Susan's wedding had been romantic, lustful, and adventurous, reality had set in quickly for Saedra. It was not long before she was deeply regretful, always questioning what she had done. She was not cheating on a harsh Lord of the fairytales, she was betraying her kind and once-loving husband whom she still loved. She was deliberately attacking the happiness of Rahai, who deserved nothing less than the best.

Why couldn't fantasy be reality? Why couldn't Saedra just be happy as an adulterer? Worse yet, how could she ever make things right again?

Saedra glanced at the baby apple trees, her eyes vacant.

It seemed like ages ago, but it was just a week before that Susan, Lucy, and Rahai had cheerfully planted the apple trees with the Moles and other Animals. Talia and Peter had sparred, and Saedra and Edmund had played chess on the lawn while Peridan had walked his niece Caulitha around the garden, holding her up by her thin arms. It had been a happy moment of peace, but Saedra had felt strangely disconnected at the time. She felt that Peter and Rahai had been watching her, and had convinced herself that everyone else was looking at her differently too, regardless of what had been really happening. She felt like she was the center of everyone's thoughts, and yet had felt isolated and alone. Edmund being there only seemed to compound the loneliness, as if to remind her why she was so filthy.

Saedra sat in the pelting, cold rain now as if it would wash her clean of her disgust with herself. She had made a bad decision and was unable to escape it. She was unable to end things with Edmund, no matter how hard she resolved to. She just couldn't bring herself to do it. If she left him, she would have no one. He was an addiction, an outlet for her hurt, raw heart that had been first devastated by losing a son and then by a husband's rejection.

Just hours before Saedra had come out into the rain, Lucy had stepped into Saedra's room to invite her to a little tea party she was holding in her room. The invitations were just for Saedra and Susan and no one else, and as soon as Saedra had heard that, the feelings of fear had overcome her—what if Susan and Lucy knew?

It turned out that the little tea party was a kind, generous, and tactful way for Susan and Lucy to express their concern over how Peter and Saedra were no longer so affectionate, and to offer their help. Saedra had assured them that she and Peter were working on their issues, but that time would heal their wounds over losing Willem.

Saedra had left feeling more ill after their talk than when she had first entered Lucy's room. Not only did Lucy and Susan still care about Saedra, but Saedra had lied to their trusting faces.

The soaked Princess blinked a raindrop off her eyelash, replaying in her mind what had happened next: Edmund had cornered her in the hallway and pulled her into a deserted room, kissing her and begging her to meet him that night. Saedra had kissed him back half-heartedly out of habit, but had pulled away as Susan and Lucy's concerned faces flew into her mind.

"What is it, Sae?"

She looked up at him, trying to hide the disturbance that was clenching in her chest. "It's nothing—it's nothing."

He didn't look like he believed her, so she tried to distract him by kissing him. This time, he pulled away.

"Sae," he said gently. "Tell me."

"I've…just been wondering. Thinking."

He waited.

"I just…Ed, is it worth it?"

"Us?"

She nodded.

"Of course, Sae! Nothing in my life has been so worth it as being with you. Sae, I know there's guilt and it's hard, but…I don't know how to explain it. I feel as if Aslan brought us together."

"Aslan?"

"When you died, I begged Him—I pleaded with Him, asking for the chance for us to be together, for us to somehow go back in time and make things right. And I truly believe this was His answer. He sent you back to me."

"I…I'd no idea..."

"Did the thought never cross your mind that Aslan sent you back so we could be together? When you first came back from the dead, I was shocked—I couldn't believe that Aslan had so blatantly answered my prayer. That's why I was distant from you, because I was so confused. But when you asked me to be with you on the beach that one night, I knew. I had been waiting for that, and seeing how Peter had hurt you…"

As she had stared at him, she realized that she couldn't tell him her thoughts: how she deeply regretted what they had done and continued to do. It would hurt him too severely; he was convinced that they were supposed to be together, and that they were sanctioned by Aslan. She was certain he was deluded and seeking a rationale to explain away their treachery, but she didn't have the heart to convince him otherwise.

"I hear footsteps," Saedra had lied, and moved to step away.

Edmund had grabbed her hand, and she turned back to look at him.

"Tonight?" Edmund had asked, raising his eyebrows.

She had nodded. "Tonight."

Saedra had left him, and went straight out to the garden and into the rain. And now she continued to simply sit there, tormented, thinking about Lucy and Susan's kindness, Edmund's steady love, and how purely evil she was feeling.

She felt a hand on her shoulder, and jumped. She inclined her head to see that it was Peter. He was squatting next to her, squinting through the rain. It was strange to see him so close to her. It had been over a year since they had shared a room.

"You should come in, Saedra," he said.

She shook her head.

"I saw you through the window; you've been out here too long. You'll catch your death."

"I rather doubt you'd notice if I did die, husband," she said blandly, refusing to move.

He ignored her comment. "You're shivering, Sae. Your lips are blue, and your face is white. Please be reasonable."

She ignored him, speaking in a monotone voice. "This is where it all began. Do you remember? Here, in the garden. You had returned from checking on the Giants, and you didn't recognize me…How in the world did we end up here like this?"

"If you won't go indoors of your own accord, I shall have to make you."

She looked at him, lifting an eyebrow disbelievingly. "And how are you going to do that?

She fully thought he was bluffing about forcing her to go in, but all of a sudden he looped one arm under her legs and the other around her back. Her behind lost contact with the ground, and she was up in the air, being carried by Peter, pressed against his chest.

He was only able to take a few steps back towards the castle before she panicked. She didn't know why she became so upset, but she snapped. She shoved against his chest hard and shouted: "Let me down!"

By the time she yelled, "down!" she already was down, because she had slid out of Peter's arms and landed hard on her rear in the grass.

Peter stared down at her, shocked at her furious reaction. She stared back at him, trembling with the remnants of anger, yet unable to explain why she had become so angry. All she knew was that he had no right to be touching her. He had no right to care about her health. He had forfeited those rights ages ago.

He offered his hand to help her up, but she ignored it. She stood straight, and after throwing a quick glowering look at him, stomped off in the direction of the castle.

"Saedra—wait."

There was something in the tone of his voice that made her stop and turn back to him.

"I'm sorry," he said haltingly. "I—"

"It's all right," she said quickly, shaking her head. All she wanted to do was to walk away, crawl into bed, and pretend this day never happened. Or for that matter, pretend the last year never happened.

"I just—I'd like to know something."

She waited.

"Sae…are you happy?"

Saedra's mouth dropped open with shock. For the first time that day, her eyes weren't wet with raindrops, but with angry tears. How could he ask her such a thing?

"Do I look happy?"

"Uh-no, not right now."

"But I usually seem happy," she prodded.

"I-I don't know..."

She stared at him sadly. "No, Peter," she said softly. "I'm not happy at all."

Susan caught Saedra about the waist unexpectedly one day in the corridor as Saedra was leaving Caulitha's room.

"Do you have a moment?" the Queen asked breathlessly, her face glowing happily.

"Of course! I'm just off to see how Tal's doing with her schoolwork."

"Then I'll walk with you," Susan said.

Saedra eyed her friend. "You have a secret."

Susan grinned, but then hesitated. She stopped walking. "I—I wanted to tell you first. I didn't know how you'd—um—react..."

Saedra stared at Susan, and it just hit her. It was written on the Queen's face as obviously as if she had spelled it out with letters. If Saedra had been focused on anyone but herself, she would have surely noticed it sooner.

"You're pregnant," Saedra stated.

Susan nodded, unable to contain her excitement, but looking worried about Saedra's reaction. "Yes…"

"Su, you needn't worry about me. I lost Willem a year ago now; the pain has subsided with time." She wasn't sure she believed the words coming out of her mouth, but they sounded good.

"Really?" Susan said hopefully. "Per and I want to make the announcement tonight, but I thought it only fair to tell you first. Not only because of Willem, but you know…"

"'I know' what?"

Susan punched her shoulder gently. "Silly, because you're my best friend!"

Saedra's stomach dropped. Best friend. She was some best friend—a best friend who hadn't paid any attention to Susan recently, who wrecked the lives of her brothers…

All Saedra managed to do was smile and hug the Queen, feeling like she was ready to empty the contents of her stomach.

The happiness that ignited in Cair Paravel made the rain seem bearable. It was a good distraction for Saedra, because Susan was plying her with questions about childbirth and pregnancy. Even though Saedra couldn't remember giving birth, she was able to sarcastically warn Susan about all of the joys ahead of her: red lines across her abdomen, swollen ankles, and hunger for strange foods. She was able to use her time with Susan as an excuse not to see Edmund, but she would go back to him like a moth to the flame, time after time.

Yet after every time she and Edmund made love, Saedra found herself heading back to her room with tears rolling down her face.

Winter should have come, but it seemed like the rain was holding it back. It seemed ceaseless. They would have a random dry day of grey sky, followed by a dozen more of freezing rain.

During one of the thunderous days came a letter that looked innocent from the outside, but held heavy words on the inside. Tumnus delivered it to Saedra's chambers, saying, "Princess, an important letter from Anvard has just arrived."

Saedra took it and ripped open the seal. Her facial expression did not change as she read it; it was almost as if she was expecting it.

Dear Lady Saedra,

I have news for thee that is hard to bear. Enclosed thee will find a letter from thy dear father's advisor Lord Reine, in which he claims rightful rulership of Harden. His claims have merit, and because of that, I have set a date for Lord Reine to present his claims in court and for thee to counter those claims: four months from the date of this letter.

Though I have been your ally in the past, it is unwise for me to intervene or show favoritism in this manner, and all correspondence will relate directly to logistics and nothing more.

I remain thy friend,

King Lune of Archenland

Saedra felt numb as she pulled out the other parchment that was written in Reine's hand.

I, Lord Reine, Advisor to the Late Duke Dane of the Province of Harden of Archenland, hereby announce my challenge to the right of Princess Saedra of Narnia to remain Duchess of Harden. I challenge on the grounds that she is not the true child of the esteemed Duke Dane, and that, had Duke Dane known the truth about her mother Tarkheena Lalevis' deceit, he would never have allowed Princess Saedra to be Duchess. I also assert that Princess Saedra is an unfit ruler because of her marriage to the High King Peter, and has left the land in unfit hands or in no hands at all during her long absences. Thirdly, I assert that Princess Saedra lacks the moral character of one in such an esteemed position in Archenland, and will only bring ruin to the Great Province of Harden.

I have ample support and evidence for each of the claims I have presented here, and humbly beseech King Lune to ignore his close feelings for the Princess and allow me to challenge her position in court.

Undersigned are inhabitants of the great land of Harden that support my challenge and would see me, Lord Reine, as Duke of Harden.

The list was long.

"Princess? Shall I return to collect your reply?" Tumnus asked.

Saedra shook her head, but strode over to her desk and scribbled short notes onto several sheets of paper. "Please see to it that Peter, Talia, Susan, Edmund, Lucy, and Peridan each get one of these notes."

Tumnus looked confused, but did as he was told. Saedra turned back to her desk to write another letter, one bound for Calormen.

"When were you planning on telling us all this?" Susan exclaimed.

She and all her siblings and their spouses, plus Talia, Tumnus, and Stamprin, were gathered in the meeting room one hour after Saedra had sent out the notes. As soon as they had all received the notes, they had ended their engagements early to counsel Saedra.

"Would it have made a difference?" Saedra asked. "Yes, Abrastan is my father, but does it change your estimation of me?" She had just finished explaining what she had learned from Lalevis' diary in the hopes that the rest could give her advice on how to handle Reine's challenge.

"No, but it would have been nice to know!" Susan replied.

"It's water under the bridge now," Peridan said, standing up. "The point is, what do we do now? Not only does this affect Saedra, but it affects the perception of your rule, brother." Here he looked at Peter.

"How so?" Lucy asked.

"If Reine can prove what he says he can prove"—he held up Reine's letter and read from it—"that Saedra is an 'unfit ruler' and 'lacks moral character,' this makes it look like Peter has chosen a wife wrongly."

Rahai gasped. "You don't think Lord Reine is purposefully trying to bring down Narnia, do you?"

Peridan shook his head. "No. But I am saying that what happens in this trial affects us all, not only Saedra."

"I've already started planning," Saedra said.

All eyes turned to her.

She continued. "I've written to Abrastan and asked for his help, and-"

"You what?" Stamprin the Dwarf said, standing up. "Did you not consider that in getting the Tarkaan Abrastan involved that it would appear that you are flaunting the fact that you're a bastard?"

"Stamprin!" Peter snapped.

"Many apologies for my crudeness," the White Dwarf bowed, "but your Ladyship should have thought this through."

"I did think this through," Saedra said coldly. "Since it would not only be impossible to prove wrong, but also a lie, there is no point in arguing that I am Dane's true daughter. But I can argue from the standpoint that Dane knew I wasn't his daughter, but named me his heir anyway."

"How can you prove that?" Edmund asked.

"Dane knew Saedra wasn't his daughter," Peter said. "Lalevis was already pregnant when she returned from Tashbaan. Any husband with an ounce of sense would know."

"I have a theory," Saedra said. "It could be wrong, but it's a place to start. Dane kept meticulous journals in his library at Harden. I barely read them because I found them boring, but it's possible that he mentioned me in some of them. I want to read those to see if he left any clues about what he had been thinking then."

Peter nodded. "Excellent notion. Surely he had some inkling that someone would challenge you, even though he probably didn't think it would be his own friend."

"And how does Abrastan help?" Rahai asked.

"I'm not sure," Saedra said. "But I'm willing to bet that his side of the story will be illuminating, and Lalevis probably told him many things about Dane—assuming that Abrastan wants anything to do with me."

"Oh, he will," Rahai promised. "I wouldn't be surprised if he knew all along."

"Then how can we help?" Susan asked.

"I need testimonies to back up my character," Saedra said. "It's up to King Lune whether he'll accept your testimonies, but it'd be powerful if you could tell him good things about me." The irony of her request was not at all lost on her, but she held back her thoughts.

They all pledged their help.

"Here's another angle your Ladyship could go with..." Stamprin suggested, launching them all into a long discussion of law, politics, and strategy. The conversation lasted past dinner, and one by one the group dispersed to go to bed. Soon it was just Saedra, Peridan, and Edmund left, staring down at the many parchments of notes on the table.

Peridan stretched. "Well, I best be making sure Su got to bed all right."

Saedra smiled. "I'm pretty sure she knows how to get to bed on her own."

"Not anymore," Edmund said jokingly, glancing at Saedra knowingly.

They all laughed, and Peridan left the two of them alone. Edmund changed seats so he could be near her and put his arm around her.

"How are you doing, Sae?"

She released a breath. "Better than I should be. I've gotten to the point where nothing can surprise me these days."

He put his nose in her hair. "I know what you mean."

"I'm going to have to go back to Harden soon."

"I know."

Saedra pulled back. "Ed, we're going to have to be more careful. Meet less, and plan it better. If we ever were discovered, Reine will have won his case without a fight."

Edmund looked supremely unhappy, but he nodded. "You're right. But we can make this work. We've done a good job so far."

Saedra nodded, and succumbed to his kisses. But she could not help feeling guilty that the idea of seeing less of Edmund made her feel so relieved.

It should have worked. Saedra and Edmund did everything by the book. Edmund zealously planned when they would meet, where they would meet, and how they would get there. The times, locations, and routes were always different so that there should have been no possible way for them to be caught.

But one particular stormy night, Saedra was walking through a less-travelled corridor in the upper levels of Cair Paravel. It was extremely dark and she wasn't familiar with the halls, so she held a candle in front of her. When she rounded a corner, she ran right into a man.

Thinking her was Ed, she quickly gasped, "Ed, you startled me—"

She quickly silenced herself, for the grim man with the spectacles and light brown hair was most certainly not Edmund.

"Peridan!" she exclaimed, hoping against hope he hadn't caught what she'd hastily uttered. "What are you doing up here at this time of night?"

"I would ask you the same question," he said stiffly with no warmth in his eyes, "but we both know the answer, don't we?"

She froze, but tried to act innocent. "Pardon me?"

He looked at her sadly. "Please, Saedra. Don't play games. I already know about you and Edmund. It's why I'm here."

Saedra went blank. There were no thoughts, no explanations running through her mind. All she could say in a scared voice was, "What do you want?"

"Come with me. We need to talk."