Disclaimer: I own only the character Raxie and the plotline that proceeds after Ramandu's island.
"Long live King Caspian, Long live Queen Lucy!" Was the cry that followed the newlyweds as they led the parade of men, women and creatures into the great hall of the palace. On their way Caspian called out in his best sea voice,
"Come one, come all, and join us in our celebration."
Lucy laughed as all the assembled subjects of Narnia fell in step behind the two of them, joy and merriment filling the air around them. Once inside the palace Lucy could fully appreciate the splendor of the new Cair Paravel. Made of the finest white marble from the quarries to the far west the castle practically glowed in the mid day light that poured through the floor to ceiling windows that faced east and west, dawn and dusk. Rich tapestries hung from the walls between the windows with statues standing below them, giving the room a welcoming atmosphere. At one end of the hall sat the thrones made of silver and gold over a marble base that were modeled after the thrones that Lucy and her siblings had sat on so long ago. Long tables had been set up to hold the massive amounts of food and drink that the palace kitchens had prepared for the feast. Caspian's plotting was quite thorough, from appetizers to desert, to extra seating to opening the state ballroom that connected to the great hall.
The feasting began as soon as Caspian and Lucy were seated at the table that stood on the throne dais, the two of them sitting in the chairs that symbolized their status. As Lucy ate she listened to the gaiety around her, soaking up the aura of celebration. She glanced to the right of the dais, wondering at the tables they were full of wrapped and unwrapped gifts. Caspian noticed her scrutiny.
"You have to wait until after we eat to open your presents." He winked at her, making her blush.The head chef, a bulky but cheerful man by the simple name of Paul, informed the two of them that all gifts that were made of food had been stored in the kitchens to prevent spoilage. Lucy smiled widely and thanked him, making the man blush and stutter in a charming manner before he returned to the kitchen.
"One smile from you will have the toughest man drooling like a fool." Caspian teased her with a grin.
"Yes, and one look from you had all the females in the kingdom falling into fits of ecstasy." Lucy grinned back at her husband.
"Together no one stands a chance of keeping sensible due to our charms." They both fell into peals of laughter at the absurdity of it all, making their subjects smile and laugh as well.After the feasting came time to open the few gifts that were wrapped, everyone eager to see what the young couple had received. Most of the gifts consisted of fine pottery holding exotic plants ranging from beautiful flowers to fruit bearing trees to add to the royal gardens, all tokens of the essence of Narnia. Other gifts were of cloth and jewels to compliment Lucy's beauty and influence her sense of style. The largest wrapped gift appeared to be some sort of painting covered in a sapphire blue silk drape. Eager to open it Lucy looked at Caspian, who had a small knowing smile on his lips, handsome face alight with mischief.
"Go on love."Grasping the cloth Lucy tugged, pulling the drape away. Laughing Caspian caught the falling silk, preventing it from swallowing Lucy whole. Gazing up at the painting Lucy gasped. It was the painting from the magician's house on Dufflepud Island, the one of Lucy and her siblings on their coronation day. Tears welled in Lucy's eyes, the realization finally hitting her that she would never see her sister and brothers ever again.
"Don't cry Lucy, this is a happy day." A female voice spoke up from behind her.
"Susan?" Lucy's sister smiled, light blue eyes echoing a perfect match to the dress she wore, her long brown hair braided down her back. Beside her stood Peter and Edmund, with Aslan standing behind them.
"Peter, Susan, Edmund!" Lucy exclaimed rushing towards them. "You're here."
"Aslan summoned us." Peter hugged her tightly before clasping Caspian's hand. "He said we were needed in Narnia one last time."
"Thank you Aslan." Lucy hugged the Great Lion's neck, wiping her tears of joy in his coarse mane.
"Your welcome, my child. But the magic only lasts until sunset, then they must return home." Aslan replied. "Use the time wisely." Lucy rejoined her family, Caspian included, and led them into one of the secluded royal gardens to speak in peace. They spent the rest of the day catching up on Lucy and Edmund's journey to the end of the world and Lucy and Caspian's journey back to Narnia. Much laughter filled the air as the Narnian sun shone down brightly on the family of young royals, but all too soon dusk approached. Lucy soaked up the sound of their merriment, tucking it away in her heart to pull out during the times she missed her family, but still it was hard to let them go.
"Oh, Peter, do take good care of the others." Lucy hugged her oldest brother tightly.
"Don't worry, you have my word." Peter kissed the top of her head before moving aside. Susan slid into their brother's place.
"You've found quite a man Lucy. I'm so happy for you." Susan hugged Lucy gently, but firmly. "I will rest well knowing that you are so well taken care of by having Caspian with you."
"Thank you Susan, I'm glad you approve." Lucy laughed to block the tears from falling.
"Lu, I can't believe it; you'll be queen once again." Edmund laughed, slinging an arm around Lucy's shoulders. "Don't cry, baby girl. You'll see us again in Aslan's country."
"I know Ed." Lucy sighed. "It's still hard."
"Don't worry about us Lucy, everything will be fine." Peter smiled as the stood in the now empty great hall.
"Listen to your brother, love. The High King always knows best." Caspian hugged Lucy to his side, filling her with a gentle warmth.
"Come children, it is time to go." Aslan padded up to the group silently.
"I love you all." Lucy hugged Caspian tight. "But this is where I belong."
"Never fear Lucy; we know and we're proud of you." Susan smiled.
"It's your destiny." Edmund added.
Smiling Lucy watched as her sister and brothers buried their hands on Aslan's mane before slowly disappearing with the lion. It hurt her to watch them go, but she knew that with Caspian at her side she would be able to survive any obstacle that was tossed her way.