Disclaimer: I own only the character Raxie and the plotline that proceeds after Ramandu's island.
"Lucy, it's time to go." Edmund's voice shattered her thoughts of a miserable and bleak life without Narnia and Caspian in it. Sniffing she joined her brother and cousin.
Caspian joined Edmund, Eustace, Lucy and Reep on the beach to say farewell to his friends in a more private setting. Reep paddled out in his corricile, aiming for the shimmering spot on the horizon just beyond the Dawn Treader, the portal into Aslan's country. Instead of sadness at their parting Lucy felt happiness for Reep who was about to fulfill his destiny. The four of them watched Reepicheep until they could no longer see him, the portal to Aslan's country fading into nothingness.
"I guess this is goodbye." Edmund clapped Caspian on the shoulder.
"I guess." Caspian sighed. "How are you going back? Is Aslan taking you?"
"We don't know." Eustace shrugged.Lucy's heart was pounding furiously, her ears ringing. Aslan, oh Aslan, where are you? Please let me stay here in Narnia. Lucy stood off to the side, trying to fade into the background as the boys said their goodbyes, silently begging Aslan to let her stay.
"Lucy?" Caspian slowly walked toward her, blue-grey eyes soft with concern. "Is something wrong?" She looked toward Edmund and Eustace, but they were talking amongst themselves some yards away, giving Caspian and Lucy some privacy.
"Aslan isn't coming, is he?" Caspian asked gently.
"I don't know." Lucy shook her head, struggling to keep tears at bay. "I've pleaded and prayed, but I don't think he's going to answer me."
"Perhaps you weren't meant to stay in Narnia."
"No! I know I'm supposed to be here, I can feel it. This is my home, not Earth." Lucy glared at Caspian before bowing her head to stare at her feet. "I know Aslan never makes things easy, but this is terrible."
Lucy heard Caspian sigh, the sound melancholy and tiered. Caspian's large hand came into her line of vision, lifting her face so he could look her in the eye, touch tender. There was such pain in his eyes, such helplessness that it broke Lucy's heart.
"Lucy, you know that if I could let you stay I would." He said sadly, thumb stroking her chin. "I just don't have that power."
"I know Caspian, I know." The grief in Caspian's eyes hurt Lucy, cutting her deeply. "Only Aslan has that power." A tear trickled from her eye.
"Please don't cry Lucy. This is hard enough as it is." Caspian pleaded desperately. Lucy nodded before standing on tip toe to place her lips against his cheeks, tears still trickling from her eyes. Oh Aslan, please don't separate us. I feel as if I would wither up and die on Earth without the magic of this man and this world. Lucy pulled away, eyes meeting Caspian's. His eyes were full of longing, almost unwilling to blink for the fear of Lucy disappearing before his eyes. Lucy's heart completely shattered.
"Goodbye Caspian." She whispered, turning away from her dreams, tears falling steadily. Aslan, do you not care for me? Slowly Lucy walked toward Edmund and Eustace, who were watching her with sad eyes.
"Lucy, wait!" Caspian called, catching her wrist. She was spun around with an amazing speed, the world around her tipping wildly. Before Lucy could get her bearings she was hauled up against a solid wall of warmth, Caspian's mouth covering hers. Lucy gasped and Caspian took advantage, deepening the kiss. Lucy was on fire as Caspian explored her mouth, eyes closed to hold onto the dream. Her arms went around his neck, holding herself against him. One of his hands was at the small of her back, the other wrapped around the nape of her neck. Lucy felt warmth spreading through her body from where Caspian touched her. Like flashbulbs, memories of her only heated dream starring Caspian flashed trough her mind. Distantly she heard wolf whistles and cat calls.
Caspian pulled back gasping, chest heaving as Lucy's head spun. Edmund, Eustace, and distantly, the crew of the Dawn Treader were cheering them on, hooting and hollering. Did Caspian really just kiss her? She stared up at the Crown Royal of Narnia, his eyes dark and stormy. The world around them, except for family and crew, was silent, awed by the display of passion between the present king and the queen of legend.
Caspian, Lucy. Aslan's voice filled the air around them. Startled Lucy jumped, breaking Caspian's grasp. He clasped her right hand, unwilling to let her go. Before them stood Aslan, his lion's mane golden in the sunlight.
"Aslan."
Lucy, I have heard your prayers, my child. The Great lion rumbled. But it is not I who decides if you stay or go.
"Please Aslan, then who?" Lucy pleaded. Aslan didn't answer her, but turned his attention to Caspian. Lucy looked up at the man beside her, wondering why the Great Lion would look towards the King of Narnia. Caspian's thumb caressed her knuckles, tenderness in the movement. Slowly Lucy's shattered heart began piecing itself back together again.
Prince Caspian, you claimed that you lack the power to keep Lucy in Narnia. Aslan's voice was strong and warm, yet full of authority. You were incorrect.
"I am?" Caspian glanced down at Lucy, hope in his gaze. Lucy smiled slightly, squeezing his hand. Returning his eyes to Aslan Caspian squeezed her hand in return.
Yes, my young king. Aslan replied, tail swishing lazily. I may control the doorways between worlds, but only you can keep Lucy here.
"But how can Caspian have the power to keep me here?" Lucy asked the Lion.
My child, even in your world there is a power greater than all others, a power you have already have admitted to me you have. Love.
"Love?" Caspian echoed, looking down at Lucy again. He quirked an eyebrow, a question in his eyes.
"I love Narnia, you know that." Lucy replied to the question, feeling a smile glowing from her face. "But I love a man of great character and intelligence, a king among men."
Caspian turned his whole body to give Lucy his full attention as butterflies fluttered in her stomach. Oh, Aslan, don't let me falter. Aslan answered her in her mind. Be at peace, my child.
"A king?"
"Oh yes, a golden king admired by all, especially me." Lucy smiled up a Caspian, heart whole.
"Lucy." Caspian whispered.
"I love you Caspian." Lucy rushed to say, afraid she would lose her nerve. "Just you, not your crown."
"Oh Lucy." Caspian hugged her close. "I love you too. I think I have since you fell into the sea beside the Dawn Treader."
Aslan's voice boomed.
It is done.
Sparkly warmth filled Lucy as she hugged Caspian tight, burying her face in his chest, pure happiness filling her. Caspian's arms were wrapped around her securely as he pressed his lips to the top of her head. Beside them Aslan purred in contentment.