narnia / year 2342

word count: 739

xXx

Rilian's pace quickened as he spotted his father at the end of Cair Paravel's entry hall, the noble, broad figure of the King dressed all in dark riding gear and leaning in to speak with a courtier, greying hair tied back with a silver clasp that glinted in roaring torchlight before he glanced up at the sound of Rilian's footsteps and smiled.

The courtier turned and walked briskly out through the front gates just as Rilian reached them, glancing after the man, then back to his father, eyeing his furry cloak and black gloves.

"That's not very festive."

Caspian shot him a playful, dry look in retaliation as his own dark eyes flicked over Rilian's extravagant evergreen tunic and cape, which one might almost have called too festive; but his tone came out apologetic when at last he spoke. "There has been a disturbance in the north. I fear I must see to it before anything gets out of hand."

"With the giants?"

"Yes. Nothing a quick lick won't fix but I fear it is rather time sensitive."

Rilian's brows knit. "But— it's Christmas Eve."

Caspian nodded. "I know, I'm sorry, I'll be back the day after if all goes well."

Rilian shook his head, confusion and disappointment muddling his eighteen year old mind. "But… it's Christmas Eve."

"Rilian."

"Can't somebody else go?"

"What kind of a King would I be if I sent one of my nobles in my stead simply to enjoy the holiday at home?"

Rilian scoffed. "I don't know, a fun one?"

Black eyes flashed in mild warning. "Wrong answer."

"I just— are you sure it can't wait?"

Caspian sighed and clasped his son's shoulder, leather glove sliding over silky green bustles. "Son, have I ever failed to return before?"

"Oh, I'm not worried about that, you'll live to be ancient. Like, at least, fifty five."

The King pursed his lips, all fifty four rich years of his life combining dryly in dark eyes to pin his son with an unimpressed glare.

Rilian might have laughed, any other day, but now his blue eyes only flicked to the floor, strawberry blond hair slipping over his eyes, his father's opposite in looks and in spirit, yet now he could not even keep up the joke, falling silent for several moments. "It's just… you know… the ball is tomorrow and everything. And the feast, and—"

"I'm sure you will thoroughly enjoy yourself, Ril." Caspian ruffled his son's hair. "And I'm sure the people will love whatever new cloak you've bought for the occasion, which you've probably already shown me and I've entirely forgotten. I've seen plenty of feasts in my time, I can miss this one."

Rilian glanced back up again, his father's sturdy and familiar figure the very image of past Christmas celebrations; the flickering boyish joy in those eyes that had always brought it alive, the warmth in that voice that spoke for all good Narnians on their happiest days. King Caspian the Navigator may as well have been synonymous with evergreen garlands and candles that flickered like golden starlight; at least in the mind of his son. And at last, Rilian spoke softly.

"It won't feel like Christmas without you."

Gentle fondness broke over Caspian's face. "What now, sentimentality? From the Great and fearless Prince Rilian? I thought you had outgrown such things."

Rilian rolled his eyes at the teasing lilt in his father's tone. "I cannot escape it entirely, you've polluted the bloodline."

Caspian chuckled and clasped his neck warmly. "You'll be alright, lad. I'll bring you something back from Beruna. We'll have our own Christmas afterward."

Rilian forced a small smile.

"And besides, I don't think anything in this world could truly dampen your enjoyment of a party."

A real, sheepish grin tugged at his lips, shattering his solemnity. "Perhaps not entirely. But I will miss you."

"And I you, lad. I trust you will keep your mother well entertained?"

"What do you take me for? I shall endeavor not once to part from her side."

Caspian grinned, and just then the courtier reappeared outside the gate with two saddled horses.

He clapped his son on the shoulder and turned down the length of the entrance hall as Rilian stood back and watched.

"Tell the giants hi for me!" he called, and Caspian laughed, the echo of it bouncing off towering stone walls like a bell.

"I will do no such thing."