Disclaimer: All characters are not owned by me and are used without permission solely for the entertainment of fan-fiction readers.
Author's Note: bluebaby3296, thank you for your reviews. They have been very encouraging and I'm glad you like my story. This story was always intended to have a Susan/Caspian pairing; I just didn't want it to be another typical Suspian.
Summary: Caspian is finally officially crowned king of Narnia and the Pevensies take on their new roles as advisors.
Chapter 5: The Coronation
"You said what to her majesty?" Caspian hissed.
Professor Cornelius bowed his head, "It was not meant to offend the Queen. I was merely helping her understand what her place is".
Caspian glowered, "It sounds more like you were telling her where she does not belong".
"I am sorry Caspian", the Professor said.
The young Prince looked at his old friend, "It is not your fault. You only want what is best for me and the kingdom. I shall have to speak to Queen Susan about this".
The Professor nodded. Caspian turned to him, a curious look on his face.
"What was the argument about?" he asked.
"It was suggested that a public coronation ceremony should be planned in order to allow the people to view the kingdom's unity for themselves".
"And the Queen did not take kindly to this idea?" the Prince asked, almost hurt.
The older man shook his head, "On the contrary, she was quite receptive to the idea. It was merely the fact that we did not consult her before making our decision that angered her. She most likely believed we were making a habit of going behind her back".
Understanding graced Caspian's face, "The Queen had been accustomed to her word being taken equally as those of her brothers'. This is why such actions distress her so".
"Well, her majesty did not show her displeasure while she was overseeing the preparations for the ceremony. She worked day and night to make the event special for his Highness. We were merely waiting your arrival to set it into motion. But now that things are in disarray, perhaps we should wait".
Caspian shook his head, "That will not be necessary. I will speak to her majesty and the ceremony shall take place tomorrow".
The Professor bowed, "As you wish, Caspian".
- - - -
For the first time in the three months since the battle at Beruna, Susan almost wished she had left through the portal with the Telmarines. She had been rather stupid with her behavior. True, she was used to being more respected than this. But that didn't mean she had to act like a spoiled child. She was supposed to be the sensible one.
There was a knock at her door.
"You may enter", she called.
The door opened and revealed the handsome Caspian. Susan felt his eyes on her and her heart beat faster. He had a piercing gaze and Susan had been catching him more and more often staring at her. It had been rather unnerving at first, but she had grown used to it. She dared to think that maybe she even looked forward to it.
"May I have a word with you, my Queen?"
She nodded and motioned for him to enter. Caspian took a few tentative steps into the chamber and stood stiffly in the center of the room. It was clear that he was not accustomed to being in the bedchambers of a lady.
"I have spoken to the Professor and he expresses his most sincere apologies for his words to you", Caspian began.
Susan stopped him, "Please, it is I who should apologize. I acted against my better judgment and allowed my emotions to turn into rash actions".
"You were only trying to defend yourself", the Prince offered.
"Nevertheless, I should have respected the council's decision and kept my harsh words to myself", the Queen interjected.
"There is nothing dishonorable in wanting respect by those around you, my Queen", he said sincerely.
She smiled gratefully at his understanding.
The Prince studied her for a moment before continuing, "It has come to my attention that you had made preparations for a coronation ceremony".
Susan nodded, "This is true".
"May I hope that it may be possible for it to take place tomorrow?" Caspian asked eagerly
"Of course! I shall see that the preparations are followed through".
He grinned, "I shall be most grateful to her majesty", he added with a bow.
Caspian reached for Susan's hand and grasped it. The Queen felt quite warm as he raised it to his lips.
"I hope that her majesty shall be able to forgive this unfortunate incident", leaving soft kiss on her knuckles.
Susan blushed. Caspian gave her a meaningful look before releasing her hand. She gazed at him before curtsying deeply. The Prince bowed again and bade her goodnight before exiting the room. He left behind a very flustered Queen Susan.
- - - -
Royal events in Narnia were always wonderful affairs. You could just feel the excitement in the air. The townsfolk were anxious to finally see their rightful King crowned. Yes, it would be a glorious day in Narnia. Nobody could deny that.
The castle had been engulfed in a whirlwind of bustling servants and attendants. There was so much to get done and time kept ticking by. Susan thought she would fall from exhaustion from overseeing every last detail. She had but a moment's rest before being ushered off to dress.
An hour or so later, she finally emerged, wearing a hunter green gown with golden embroidery that shimmered in the daylight. Her hair was loose, falling in a cascade of dark curls. Her golden circlet sat on her head, adding to her regal air.
Queen Susan made her way down the main hall. She was to meet her siblings in the Royal Study, which was off to the left of the Great Hall. The rest of the procession, along with Caspian, would meet in the dining chambers, which was off to the right of the Great Hall. It had been decided that the Professor would preside over the coronation itself, its seemed only right, seeing as how he had played such vital role in getting Caspian to the throne.
The Queen entered the Royal Study, and was greeted by the sight of her brothers. Peter was pacing the room, walking back and forth. It would be his last moments as High King, for he would relinquish the title to Caspian momentarily. But her brother had thought it was only fair, for it was not his title to hold anymore.
Edmund sat at the desk, playing with his chest set. He seemed not at all concerned with his brother's anxiousness. It was just another royal event for him. Both her brothers wore the red and gold colors of Narnia, and handsomely at that. Susan sat in a chair adjacent to Edmund and watched curiously as he played against himself.
"Don't you think you ought to find someone to play with, Ed?" she quipped.
Edmund scoffed at the thought.
The room was silent for a very long time. Peter was deep in thought. Edmund captivated by his chess game. And Susan, well was just worried. The Queen hoped everything would go smoothly with the ceremony. She also wondered where Lucy had gone off to. Most likely playing with the fauns again.
As if her sister had heard her thoughts, Lucy barged into the room, her hair wild. She was wearing a deep burgundy gown and her silver circlet shined through her dark hair. They all looked up as the door slammed behind her. Lucy gave them an apologetic grin.
Susan clicked her tongue, "Honestly, couldn't playing with the fauns have waited until after the ceremony? You look an awful mess!"
"I'm sorry Su, but they insisted so. I couldn't say no to them!" Lucy explained.
The older sister rolled her eyes, "Perhaps next time you should try harder".
Edmund chuckled, "As if Lucy could say no to anyone".
Lucy whirled around, "If it's so easy, why don't you try playing chess with a person for a change!"
Peter burst out laughing, trying to hold it back when Edmund shot him an angry glare.
"I'm sorry Ed, but she's right. You really should find someone to play with", he said, clapping his brother on the back.
Edmund glowered, "When did this become about me? I thought we were scolding Lucy".
Susan sighed, "I wasn't scolding her. I was merely trying to remind her that she used to be more mature".
Trumpkin came into the room. He was dressed in black silks with silver lining. There were also silver beads threaded throughout his beard. Lucy giggled at him.
"Are your majesties ready to begin with the ceremony?" he asked.
They all nodded. Peter and Edmund took their crowns, which sat on the desk, and placed them on their heads. Susan watched them, realizing how much older they looked with them on. It seemed easier to act more like Kings and Queens now that they didn't have a war to worry about.
Trumpkin led them out of the room, motioning for them to take their places. Peter moved to Susan's side and she took his arm instinctively. Edmund on the other hand, had to offer his arm to Lucy several times before she realized she was to take it. Susan smiled to herself. Perhaps it would take Lucy longer to remember she had once been a Queen.
The magnificent oak doors of the Great Hall opened, and the four of them filed in after Trumpkin. They were to start off the procession. They walked down the center of the assembled crowd, mostly members of the court, along with members of other courts from the surrounding nations. It reminded Susan how uncomfortable it had always made her fell when all eyes were on them.
Once they reached the dais, Susan and Peter went off to the right to sit at the two smaller thrones that had been added to it. Two more thrones awaited Edmund and Lucy to the left. In the center of the dais stood the great throne of Telmar. It had been passed down from King to King for generations. It was a pity that Miraz had ever sat upon it.
The procession continued as the members of the council walked down and stood on either side of the dais, lining up beside the Kings and Queens. Finally, it was the Professor who came towards them all and stood before the empty throne, taking a deep breath before turning to face those assembled.
The room grew quiet as the door opened again. Behind them stood Caspian, looking very regal and quite dashing in his attire. He wore a sapphire blue tunic, with intricate embroidery across the chest. His shiny high black riding boots thumping through the silent room with each step. Over the Telmarine garments, the soon to be King wore a scarlet red robe that Susan recognized to be of Narnian design.
He walked up to the Professor and kneeled before him. The old man began his words, which were rich and jovial, echoing from every corner of the room. He spoke of the past and the future, of the old days and of new days to come. It was all very beautiful and barely a dry eye remained at its end.
During this, Susan caught herself glancing at Caspian repeatedly. He looked so . . . well he looked different to be honest. When he had walked in, there had been no trace of the young Prince who had only heard of Narnians in stories. No, he was no longer the uncertain boy who had been doubtful in his abilities to lead.
Caspian now walked with poise and conviction. Though at times he was still uncertain about himself, he did very well at hiding it. He had become the leader that Trufflehunter had hoped he might be that night they found him. It would only take support and guidance now to help the Telmarine become a great King.
Susan was glad of it, because it had been their main worry that he would be overwhelmed by the responsibilities of a ruler. But Caspian had taken them on valiantly and without hesitation. She studied his broad shoulders and his long dark hair that framed his face. He had grown into a man in the months since he ran away from this very castle under the cover of night.
They had all grown. Peter seemed more and more like the High King he had once been with each passing day. It pleased her to see him animatedly talk politics and eager to work on diplomatic issues. Edmund was also becoming closer to his former Narnian self. Susan had caught him more than once in the library, his head stuck in old history books, trying to catch up on the times. Peter confided in him and sought his advice more than once.
And then there was Lucy. She had always been the dreamer. Even when they had been rulers of Narnia. Whenever the boys were on edge about a stressful situation, she would always be the one to cheer them up. If Susan was feeling the burden of her duties, Lucy was the one to chase them all from her mind. It was her faith that kept them all going when times got bad.
Her glance floated up to Caspian's face. He was rather handsome. She hadn't noticed it before. Well, she had, but not like this. It was an odd feeling. She had found many men handsome in her time as Queen. They had all presented her with jewels, silks, promises, and flattery. All in hopes that she would accept their hand. But she had never accepted. She was not one who enjoyed being won over. She preferred a different sort of bond. Declaring battles in her name was not her idea of romantic.
Caspian was different. He did not flatter her or offer her gifts. It was merely the manner in which he regarded her. It was with more respect than any suitor had ever cared to show. It puzzled Susan to no end. Of course, he had never made a show of any affection toward her. He had saved her life, but then again it meant he had doubted her and Lucy's ability to defend themselves.
No, he was merely polite and respectful of her. Just as he was with Lucy. She was glad he held their opinions in high regard. Most Telmarines didn't. Especially not the Lords in the council. This was a fact well noted by Caspian and it frustrated her to no end every time he pointed it out. She had been banned from the council room more than once and she had been in a fury over it. But as always, Caspian had been apologetic and sweet, and it was always forgotten.
Perhaps she should not allow him to sway her so.
Yes, it was better not to allow him any privileges others had not. She had never allowed any of her suitors that, so why should she allow it to him? She brushed the whole situation aside, attributing it to her time away from being Queen. Just as she was to look away from his face, Caspian stole a glance in her direction. Their eyes locked, and Susan had to look away, a blush creeping onto her pale cheeks.
He really needed to stop doing that.
But it had brought her back to the ceremony, and she watched now as two armed Mice scrambled up to the dais, balancing a pillow between them. On it rested the Telmarine crown. Caspian had worn it once before, when they had ridden into the city in their triumphant return. Peter strode forward and took the crown from the Mice, who bowed and scurried away.
He leaned towards Caspian and whispered words meant only for his ears. The Prince nodded and grabbed Peter's arm in gratitude. It was clear to Susan the exchange that had passed between them. Her brother was High King no longer. It would be up to Caspian now to uphold the name.
Peter straightened and faced the crowd. He lifted the crown high into the air.
"Once a King of Narnia, always a King of Narnia", he proclaimed as he set the crown upon Caspian's head.
The Telmarine bowed his head in respect.
"Rise, Caspian the tenth of Narnia, High King over all Kings in Narnia and Emperor of the Lone Islands".
Caspian rose.
A great cheer rose from those assembled in the Great Hall.
"Long live King Caspian!"
The ceremony was over and excited voices filled the room. Susan wondered if they were due to Caspian's coronation, or to the ball that would begin momentarily. She decided the safer bet was on the latter.
Everyone loved balls.
- - - -
Another not so enthralling chapter, but I promise that will change soon. I was having some trouble with the plot line, but I have it all figured out now. Thank goodness. R&R to find out more!
- Lady Artemis -