Chapter 18

EDMUND'S POV

"I absolutely can not believe that you let my baby sister stay behind with a man five years older than her! Can you even imagine what they've been doing?" Peter yelled. He had been sitting down when Edmund told him, but as soon as he got it out, Peter had jumped to his feet pushing Edmund down on the couch. Edmund cowered back ward as his brother towered over him. He had had to wait to tell any of his family the news until they came back from America for holiday. Susan remained sitting, looking down at the ground with a stunned expression. The moment Edmund had told them, Susan had gone silent, her mouth dropping open slightly. Their parents were downstairs, still unknowing that their youngest daughter was never to come home. They could not know she was in Narnia, and the siblings would have to put up an act that they did not know where Lucy was.

"Don't be ridiculous Peter! You know as well as I that Caspian isn't just going to throw Lucy into the sack! I would not have let her stay if I believed that! I don't even think Aslan would have given her the choice if he thought that was going to happen!" Peter looked taken aback at his younger brother's argument, but still shook his head at him as if he was disappointed.

"I would never have left her there," Peter stated, turning his back on his brother and sister, pacing back and forth.

"I can't believe this," Susan said mostly to herself in barely a whisper. "Lucy and Caspian?" She said their names as if it burned her throat.

"You know how much he cared about her when we all first met him. They were always together." Edmund told her, trying to show reason. Peter snorted from the corner.

"I shouldn't have trusted him to look after her. He was probably planning this from the beginning so he could have a queen. Telmeraines love having young wives," Both Edmund and Susan shot Peter a suprised look. Susan looked more hurt than anything.

"He wasn't planning anything. He liked me back then," As she said this, Edmund looked at her skeptically. So that's it. She is jealous. Edmund let it go, shaking his head before turning back to Peter.

"Caspian isn't really a Telmeraine. He's the King of Narnia. And he loves Lucy. I could see that before he even said anything. She is so happy, you guys. She wanted you to know that. She wanted you to know that there isn't anything to worry about." Susan rolled her eyes and stood up, turning her backs to them and walking out of the room.

"I can't believe she would do this to me," The boys heard her mumble as she left. Edmund stared at the door she slammed shut, anger coursing through his veins. I've never seen her act so selfish. Peter had re-taken his seat across from Edmund. He placed his face in his hands, looking at the ground, his body shaking. At first, Edmund thought this was from anger, but then he realized that his older brother was crying. He was frozen on the spot for a few moments, not knowing what to do. Peter, like Lucy, practically never cried. And Edmund wasn't great at comforting anyone other than girls. He stood, cautiously taking a few steps toward his brother, patting a hand on his back uncomfortably.

"I'm never going to see her again," Peter said to himself, choking back sobs as he spoke. "My baby sister. She's gone." Edmund sighed, ripping Peter's hands from his face to force him to look at him.

"But you will, Peter. In Aslan's country. Lucy wouldn't have really been happy here. She would have been miserable without Caspian. You know she would rather us be there with her, but we chose not to stay. Lucy belongs in Narnia." Peter stared at him with watery eyes for a few moments, before nodding jerkily. "You'll see her again." Edmund said one last time, putting a hand on Peter's shoulder.

"What are we going to tell mum and dad?" Peter questioned.

"Aslan said we can't tell them about Narnia. He said to just let them think she has gone missing, and eventually they'll think she's-"

"Dead," Peter finished hoarsely. Edmund nodded slowly. "So we just say she disappeared?"

"Eustace and I decided that we should say she went off to the grocery by herself and never came back. Aunt Alberta and Uncle Harold pay so little attention that they would never know that isn't true." Peter nodded in agreement, still a little shaky as he stood up and led Edmund out the door and down the stairs. They caught sight of Susan sitting on her bed down the hall, arms crossed and angry tears falling from her eyes. They descended down the stairs to face their parents, who were chatting merrily in the kitchen. "We need to make this good. I'll act frantic and worried, you just cry," Peter agreed with the plan, seeing as him crying right now wasn't a hard feat to pull off. Tears once again rose to his eyes as Edmund dashed into the kitchen.

"Mum! Dad! Lucy's gone!" Their eyes snapped away from eachother's and to that of their son's. His father stepped forward.

"What do you mean?" Peter let out a sob, answering his father.

"She went to the market to get some things for dinner since we were coming home, and she hasn't come back yet. She left hours ago, all by herself," Eustace, Uncle Harold, and Aunt Alberta stood in the back ground. Eustace wore the same fake worried expression that Edmund did, and Harold and Alberta just looked dumbstruck. Edmund's mother rushed forward.

"The market is just around the corner. Where could she have gone?" She asked frantically. Edmund and Peter shook their heads as if they didn't know. "Oh! My baby!" She rushed around the house and out in the yard, as if Lucy were to jump out from behind a corner and tell her it was all a joke. Lucy didn't appear, though, and in no time her mother and father were in tears.

"We have to call the police! We have to find her!" Mr. Pevensie roared, grabbing the phone and dialing. He had to repeat what he was saying several times to the officer, for his voice was so shaky and sobs kept escaping his throat as he spoke. Edmund shot Peter a saddened look, he knew his parents would never be the same.

XoXoXoXo

LUCY'S POV

A loud banging on her bedroom door woke Lucy with a jolt. She had spent the rest of the previous evening being introduced to various men, enduring the cheeky grins they gave her and the whispers to eachother as she would walk by. Caspian kept close the whole night, always having a hand on her. He would either have her hand, have an arm wrapped around her waist, or would simply have a hand lain on her back or shoulder. Wherever she went, he went too, and for that Lucy was glad. As they would make their way through the crowd, not only would Lucy over hear perverted comments coming from the men of Archenland, but also angered glares and whispered insults from women who were jealous of her courtship with Caspian.

"He chose her? Why?"

"She isn't even pretty."

"I don't even need to be told she is a child. She is completely without a shape." The chatter would come to a halt from both the men and the women when Caspian would shoot them a glare. He had leaned over to whisper into her ear.

"Don't listen to them. A jealous woman would say anything to condone her rejection." Lucy had given him a half smile in thank you, but his words did not take the hurt from her. She saw a dozen or so girls in the crowd that were much prettier than her. She hoped none of them would catch Caspian's eye. Lucy groaned as she was snapped from her thoughts when the loud banging persisted. She stomped her foot as she got out of bed and yanked the door open. Annebelle came strutting in casually.

"Well there she is. The talk of the castle," Lucy groaned at her words and shut the door after she was completely inside.

"What are you going on about?" Annebelle simply plopped down on Lucy's bed, patting the spot next to her. Lucy sat down.

"You of course. You're all anyone can talk about. The men want to shag you. The women want to claw you. Face it, Lucy, you're popular," Lucy rolled her eyes and shoved the arm of the other girl.

"Is this what you woke me for?" Lucy was in no mood to be criticized, she had had a horrible night. There were only two things she wanted to do. Sleep, and see Caspian. She knew, though, that Caspian was spending the morning speaking with the Archenland King and a few of his advisors, and that she would probably not see him until afternoon.

"No. I came to get you. You've got a date apparently," Lucy froze, her stomach lurching. Oh no, not already. "His name is David, and he actually doesn't seem half bad. Don't worry. He's probably Caspian's age. Pretty hott actually." Lucy gasped and stood up.

"Who cares? I love Caspian!" Annebelle threw up her hands with an amused laugh.

"I didn't say anything about choosing him over Caspian. I'm just saying I don't think you need to worry about him being a creep. Geez, defensive much?" Lucy crossed her arms defiantly.

"He probably put on an act for you! They are all creeps, I heard what they were saying last night."

"What most of them were saying. But David was over speaking with Andrew most of the night, and Andrew said he was nice. He said the only thing David said about you was that you were pretty, and seemed like a nice girl. Nevertheless, Glenstorm is joining you two, so don't worry. Caspian already knows, I told him this morning. He's a right side pissed but just kiss him later and get all googily eyed like you two always do and he'll be fine." Lucy was calmed at the fact that Glenstorm would be with her, and that Andrew seemed to think this boy was alright, but Annebelle was still getting on her nerves.

"You know what? You're really something else, very annoying. It is beyond me that Andrew loves you," Lucy clapped her hand over her mouth, she didn't mean to spill the beans about Andrew. Annebelle's head shot up at Lucy's words, and her eyes turned to slits.

"You're lying," She said thickly. Lucy shook her head, her hand still over her mouth. Annebelle's mouth dropped, something new coming to her eyes. "How do you know?" She asked excitedly. Lucy smirked, it seemed like the feelings were returned.

"Caspian was bugging Andrew about it whenever I first met him. Andrew got all flustered and told me not to say anything." Annebelle blushed, and it was the first time Lucy ever saw her looking nervous. "So? You love him too?" The girl nodded, giggling and looking down at the ground. "Looks like I'm going to be playing matchmaker," Lucy finished with a laugh. Annebelle jumped up and hugged her, thanking her immensely.

"Thank you so much! But right now you have to go meet David. Get ready, I'll go get Glenstorm," With this Annebelle ran from the room, a new spring in her step.

XoXoXoXo

"It's nice to meet you," Lucy said as politely as she could, holding out a hand for David to shake as Glenstorm stood looking on authoritatively. She could not deny that Annebelle was right about the boy being attractive, but to her, he had nothing on Caspian. He was probably two inches shorter than Caspian but still towered over her, with light brown hair that was cut short and green eyes. He was reasonably well built, and had a nice smile. He took her hand, shaking it instead of kissing it as all of the other men had done the previous night.

"I know this is awkward for you, and I apologize for the behavior of the others. I really just wanted to meet you, its astonishing that a Queen of Old is here again and is but a teenager," Lucy smiled, he actually sounded genuine. She gave Glenstorm a reassuring look to tell him he could back off slightly, who had been hovering so closely over them that she could feel his breath on the back of her neck.

"Yes well, thank you. I was very worried when I was told I was to meet you. Some of your-er-friends seem to have other ideas," She chose her words carefully, she could not be positive that he was putting on an act, even though she didn't get any weird vibes from him. David nodded, giving her an apologetic look.

"I know, I'm sorry once again. We are brought up by our fathers with much insight on how females are to be treated. I don't suppose half of them think you're even capable of doing much else than giving pleasurable company," Glenstorm growled, and David stuttered to adjust what he said. "I don't think that way, I think they're idiots," Lucy prodded Glenstorm once more, knowing he was being overbearing. She laughed as David gave her a sheepish grin.

"So, you're not interested in that?" David cocked his head to the side and pushed his eyebrows together.

"I'm not sure what you mean."

"You aren't interested in pursuing me like they are?" David let out a snort.

"Your majesty, I will not honestly say that I don't think you are beautiful. Under different circumstances, in which you weren't with King Caspian, I would probably try to win your heart, but like a gentleman. Although, seeing as those circumstances aren't in place, I'm hoping to just be friends," He held out his hand once more. "Friends?" He asked. Lucy smiled, taking his hand and shaking it once more.

"Friends."

XoXoXoXo

CASPIAN'S POV

Finally out of his meeting, and in an awful mood, Caspian stomped down the castle hallways towards Lucy's room. He had not seen her all day. He knew though, that there was a chance she would still be out with David. Great. Just great. Lucy's off with some man and there is nothing I can do about it. Stupid Bella. I wish she would be less upfront with what she is thinking. I really don't care it this David guy is "hott" or not. Caspian halted when he heard roars of laughter coming from a nearby room. When he heard Lucy's name, he pushed himself up against the wall outside the door, listening in.

"Nice body on the little vixen. Seems very quiet, but I wonder if she's quiet in the bedroom," Words of agreement rang throughout the room at the man's words. Caspian clenched his fists and jaw shut, praying for the self control to not barge into the room and permanently shut the man up.

"That David boy was going to meet with her this morning. I wonder if he's landed her yet. Lucky prat, I can't wait for my turn with her. The High King Peter intended on making it so we could court girls to marry them, but I think I'd rather just lay with her a few times and be done with it," By now, his entire body was shaking violently. He forced himself to walk away, knowing that if he heard more his control would be out the window. Lucy is not some object to be had. She's mine anyway. Enraged thoughts ran through Caspian's mind as he made a bee line towards Lucy's room, needing to find her. Once there, he knocked on the door a few times, hearing her ask who it was, he didn't want to make small talk though, so he barged in. Lucy had been reading, and laughed at the look on his face. She looked so perfect, her light green gown accenting the green in her hazel eyes. Her curls were laying perfectly upon her breasts and shoulders, and a sudden need washed over him as he looked her over. He slammed the door shut, and before Lucy could question him he had grabbed the book from her hands and tossed it across the room, pushing her down on the bed and hovering over her. He crashed his lips down on hers, shoving an arm between her back and the bed to pull her closer. Lucy reacted quite quickly, wrapping one arm around his neck and using the other hand to undo the buttons on his shirt. He helped her so that he could get it off quicker, throwing it to the side. He moaned as she raked her nails across his chest, giving him incentive to pull her up so that she could feel how badly he wanted her. Lucy let out a gasp at this, but moaned as he moved his lips to her neck and reached down to yank up her skirts. My Lucy. He repeated over and over in his head, wanting to tell himself that it was true. Lucy writhed against him as he ran his large hand up her leg, up to her thigh, and even higher. He rubbed his thumb over her most intimate area through her panties, and felt his arousal throb at the low moan that escaped her lips. As he touched her, and began planting heated kisses along her collar bone, Lucy reached down to touch him through his pants. He dropped his head to her shoulder as her little hand found his arousal, gripping him through the fabric and experimentally rubbing him.

"Lucy," He moaned involuntarily, halting what he was doing at the new sensation of her touching him. She grew more confident, and went faster, making him whimper her name once more. Caspian needed to feel her hand on him without anything in the way, and pushed her hand away so that he could fumble with the belt holding his pants. Lucy brought in a sharp intake of breath, and snapped her hand away.

"Caspian, stop," She ordered weakly, cowering back slightly. His eyes shot up to hers, searching for a reason. "Please," she whimpered. He snapped back into reality, yanking down her skirts and fixing his belt before reaching over to grab his shirt. He got up from on top of her and put it back on with shaky hands. Lucy sat up, looking down at her hands in her lap with a deep blush on her cheeks. Caspian felt horrible, and moved to pull her into his lap and stroke his fingers over her cheeks. She whimpered as she felt how hard he was. But he just told her to ignore it as he showered her face with kisses.

"I'm so sorry Lucy-love. I didn't mean to scare you," He murmured into her ear, nuzzling his face into her neck.

"No, no Caspian you didn't scare me. I just don't think it should go that far," He shot her one more worried look. "I'm telling the truth. I'm fine," He nodded gently.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have done that. I don't know what came over me. I heard a few men talking about you, saying some pretty vulgar things, and then they started talking about that guy you were seeing today and I just lost it." Lucy nodded, understanding coming to her eyes. She wrapped her arms around him, kissing his lips sweetly.

"Don't be jealous," She whispered. He shook his head.

"I'm not jealous," He told himself, averting his gaze. Lucy put a small hand on his cheek to make him look at her.

"It's fine, David's nice actually. He told me he doesn't intend on pursuing me, and that he just wants to be friends," Caspian snorted. A likely story. "No, really. He even said he would try and help, keep an eye on the other guys and find out if they were planning anything. You would like him," She tried to assure him, resting a head on his shoulder.

"I doubt I'll like him. But if you think he's alright then I trust you. Just be careful, okay?" He didn't want her to let her guard down. He placed a small kiss on her cheek.

"I will. Oh guess what? Annebelle loves Andrew too!" Caspian chuckled.

"Well of course she does, they're crazy about eachother," Lucy nodded.

"So we're going to set them up," She told him. Caspian sighed. He knew Andrew didn't want them prying into his business, but knew this was something Lucy wanted to do for Bella.

"Alright. What's the plan?"

Yay! Two updates in one day! Thanks for reading!