Dedication: Okay this is to everyone on TLC but a special dedication to Kristi. She's everything to us on there, and this is just my small way of saying thank you. For everything you do Kristi. Thank you.

Chapter 4: Necessary Injustice

"Lucy?"

The soft voice drifted down the hall, followed by the almost silent foot steps. Susan stepped into view, silhouetted by the setting sun.

Lucy sat on her bed, legs swinging back and forth, as she was still hopelessly small for the bed. She had probably not even heard Susan's call as she was chattering unceasingly with her friend Mr. Tumnus. It was hard to say if Tumnus had gotten a word in edgewise since the youngest monarch had begun, although judging on how fast Lucy was speaking it was doubtful.

Lucy followed her beloved friend's gaze as he stood, bowing to her older sister. "Oh Susan! I didn't see you there. Mr. Tumnus and I were only talking. He's going back to his home soon." Lucy's face fell as she acknowledged the departure of the faun. Admitting it out loud made the departure of their friend seem that much more real.

Susan smiled graciously. "It is a shame you must leave so soon Mr. Tumnus. If there is anything I can do to make your journey easier please let me know."

She struggled to form the reply. Court customs and formal protocol still made her unsure. A month had passed, and yet it seemed only a few days had gone by. The time had flown by in a rush of celebrations, classes, state visits, and trying to get used to being a queen. All of their new subjects wanted to thank the four children for defeating the White Witch and bringing an end to such a dreadful winter. Embassies from other countries that had only recently heard of the defeat were clamoring to secure a spot in the good graces of the new monarchs. It did not help that none of them had any idea of how to act, or what to say when these representatives approached, trying to push their cases above the rest.

Tumnus blushed and muttered his thanks. Susan turned back to Lucy, sure that her sister would be growing hungry by now.

"Lucy, dinner is ready. That's why I came to get you." Lucy's eyes lit up.

"Oh! All right I'm coming Susan!" She scrambled off the bed, giving Mr. Tumnus an impromptu hug, and was about to race from the chambers when she stopped short.

"But what about Mr. Tumnus?" her younger sister implored. Susan found it hard to keep the smile from her face. Before she could answer, Tumnus spoke. He had already begun moving towards the door.

"Do not worry about me, my dear. I believe I shall just make myself some tea before retiring to my room and reading one of my books. I will see you tomorrow morning, my queens." He bowed before disappearing from the room. Susan shook her head slightly. She knew he did not wish to leave their company, especially Lucy's, whom he adored above all else, but he wanted to make it easier for her brothers, her sister, and her. It was a kind gesture.

Lucy smiled one of her sweetest, most angelic smiles before bolting down the stairs, hurrying towards one of the balconies. Susan shook her head, following at a more sedate pace. The sunset today was particularly lovely, and the air was warm. She had planned dinner for her siblings and herself out on the balcony overlooking the Eastern Sea, hoping that perhaps the atmosphere would help her older brother relax.

She was worried about Peter, they all were. From what Edmund had told Lucy and her earlier that day, it sounded as if things had gotten out of control very quickly. She remembered catching Peter in the act of avoiding sleep only once, on the way to Aslan's camp. Neither of them had been sleeping very well at that point. She had thought that once all the danger was over everything would have been fine. She should have known better. Peter blamed himself for not protecting Edmund, her, and Lucy. Therefore, he would have allowed his guilt to manifest into something it should not have.

Edmund had not said much to her, or to Lucy. She knew however, that it was eating her away as surely as it was doing the same to Lucy. What about Edmund though? Edmund's plan was interesting in itself, and although she did not approve of the idea one bit she supposed that 'desperate times called for desperate measures.' And if that phrase ever applied to anyone at any time then it was Peter at this point.

Life had most definitely caught up with the four siblings as of late. Who knew that being kings and queens would have been so difficult? There was so much to do and learn, sometimes it made Susan's head spin. She remembered times before, in England, when her friends and classmates had complained about school and how much work it was. If they could only see her now. This was more work, and far more important then school had ever been. It was more rewarding as well.

Susan hurried to catch up with Lucy, who stood waiting for her just down the hall. They both started to walk towards the balcony, silent but content to be in each other's company. Both of them knew words were not always needed.

"I'm worried about Edmund, Susan."

Susan started, turning toward her younger sister, confused. Why would Lucy be worried about Edmund? The last she had known, her older brother was the one that needed to be worried about, not her younger brother.

"What are you talking about Lucy?" she asked, curious and keen to listen. Lucy was a good judge of character and emotion.

"He might not realize it, but Peter's problems have become his as well. He's running himself ragged."

Susan started. "Edmund?"

She frowned at her younger sister, trying to work through her confusion. What could Lucy mean? What had happened to her younger brother? Her mind raced, thinking back on the time they had spent together. She scrutinized every detail, every gesture, trying to figure out what Lucy had seen. What she had missed.

"Yes Edmund. He's so concerned for Peter that he is ignoring everything about himself. All of his needs. We might have to do something about him too if this goes any farther."

Susan sighed. Where both of her brothers idiots? It was clear to see now as she looked back on her memories and knew what she was looking for, that Edmund had been neglecting his own needs. Just as Lucy had said.