Haha, wow, you guys really hate Annebelle. But no, I will not kill her, or have Lucy smack her.

WARNING: This chapter contains disturbing images.

Chapter 26

CASPIAN'S POV

Caspian and Lucy sat right beside the small pond, Lucy on Caspian's lap as she read aloud to both of them. Caspian knew it was a love story, but he wasn't paying too much attention. He was too preoccupied with her, taking his time to push the soft strands of curls over her bare shoulder, careful to let his fingers graze across her skin. Caspian closed his eyes as his lips moved over her pale flesh, hearing her catch her breath, using the arm he had hooked about her waist to press her more securely up against him. He slowly made a trail up to her neck, biting down at its base and then sucking on it tenderly to dull any pain he may have caused. Lucy smelled of strawberry and chocolate, and her scent was alluring to his senses, making him strain to have her as close as possible. He wanted to taste her mouth, and he raised his head so that his lips were a breath away from her ear. She quivered in his arms.

"You're so beautiful," he murmured seductively. She didn't reply, but he caught her sheepish grin as she continued to read. Caspian held her in a possessive embrace to his chest, continuing to kiss her jaw and cheek, trying to get her to give him her lips. She didn't respond, and he started to grow impatient. "Lucy," he whispered. She sighed in irritation.

"How am I supposed to read with you doing that?" Lucy asked. Caspian reached around her and marked her page, before throwing the book aside.

"Simple solution," he whispered huskily in her ear, then pressing his lips to the spot just behind it. Lucy huffed in annoyance before giving in after a few moments, turning her head to the side so that he could capture her lips. The kiss was slow, loving, and Caspian was in no rush to end it. He ran his tongue along the close of her lips, and heard her make a sexy little noise in her throat before her lips parted for him, allowing him to push his tongue inside. He brought a hand up to graze her cheek before it got lost in her hair, pushing her head forward slightly, while he used his other hand to push her side gently to indicate to her that he wanted her to turn around. Lucy gave in, twisting herself so that she was sitting sideways in his lap and could have better access to him. Her lips left his as she did this, and he grew impatient with the lack of contact, so he helped himself to her neck once more, nipping at it gently, smirking when he heard her whimper. He started to continue, but he heard her whisper something.

"David..." Caspian froze.

"My name's Caspian," he reminded her, feeling hurt. Lucy gasped and pulled back to face him.

"No! No, that wasn't...I wasn't. Oh just look!" She pointed over his shoulder and he whipped his head around, realizing that Lucy had spoke of the other man because he was walking into view. Drinian followed close behind.

"Drinian's with him! Oh! They're alright!" Lucy exclaimed happily. Caspian smiled at her and did a double take when he saw gold gleaming out of the corner of his eye.

"ASLAN!" Lucy cried, jumping off of him and taking a full on sprint towards the lion, throwing her arms around him when she reached him and tackling him to the ground, making Aslan's entire body quake with his laughter. Caspian chuckled as he got up and started in their direction. No one but Lucy can greet him like that, he thought to himself amusedly, stopping a few feet away from them. He shook Drinian's hand, telling him how pleased he was that they had made it back safely, but only eyeing David as if he made him sick. Lucy finally pulled herself away from the great lion, taking Caspian's outstretched hand with a small "thank you" before turning to Drinian. Then she did something Caspian never thought he would see in a million years. She jumped up into the captain's arms. Drinian looked a little taken aback, but hugged her back when he regained his composure whilst laughing.

"I thought something awful had happened to you!" She pulled away and turned to David, who was looking at her nervously. "And you too!" She wrapped her arms around David's neck very briefly, most likely for Caspian's sanity. "I'm so glad you two are alright! What happened?" Her hair whipped over her shoulder as she turned to face Aslan once more. "I thought you were going to be there when we..."

"I was there, dear one. As I always am with you, you know that," Lucy blushed and nodded at Aslan's words. "After Drinian helped David escape the Archenland castle, I knew King Nain was very angry. This drove him to commit an awful crime," Caspian felt the saddened silence as he realized that Drinian and David must already know of Andrew's death, which was what Aslan spoke of. "I thought it best that they remain in hiding until Nain was gone. They were with me," Caspian and Lucy nodded. Silence filled the air before Lucy piped up.

"Will you stay for a while?" Lucy asked Aslan hopefully. He chuckled at her.

"I will, for I have things to speak of with you and your brother." Caspian watched Lucy's face go white. I hope her family's okay...

XoXoXoXo

LUCY'S POV

Lucy and Edmund sat on the sand at the beach, Aslan laying in front of them. Lucy's mind raced as she prepared herself for what Aslan was going to tell them. She only hoped that it wasn't too bad, and that everyone was okay. She looked next to her and saw that Edmund was putting on a strong face, but his hands were shaking. She reached over and took one, leaning to rest her head on her brother's shoulder.

"Thanks Lu," he croaked. She only nodded. Aslan let out a great sigh before his eyes locked with Lucy's as he began to speak.

"Gerald is in jail," he started, and Lucy and Edmund's heads snapped up, before sharing a greatful look with one another. "But, he was not put there until after he had the time to do something terrible...to your sister." Lucy furrowed her eyebrows together, not sure what he meant, but when she felt Edmund tense up next to her, realization kicked in. She gave a horrified gasp and clapped her hand over her mouth.

"I hope he dies in that jail," Edmund said dangerously low, avoiding both Aslan's and Lucy's eyes. His entire body shook with anger and he looked like he was about to punch something. Lucy understood this, Susan and herself probably had the two most protective brothers in the whole world, and Edmund could do absolutely nothing at this moment for his older sister. Lucy scooted closer, and let him wrap an arm around her. She could tell that Aslan did not like what Edmund said, but he let it go before going on.

"There is something else," Edmund looked back up at the lion. "She is pregnant," Lucy's eyes widened. "She does not know yet, and normally I would not tell you, but in this case I will bend that rule." Both siblings were dead quiet for a few moments.

"Is she going to be okay?" Lucy asked in a small voice. "She did want a baby.."

"Not this way, Lucy," Edmund reminded her. Aslan gave them both an apologetic look.

"In time, they will both be fine." The lion spoke gently. Lucy whimpered, tears started to form in her eyes.

"Our family is going through so much," she whispered, looking down at the ground as tears started to form tracks on her cheeks. "I miss them." Edmund tightened the hold he had on her.

"Lu..." she tore away from him, ignoring both him and Aslan as she ran back to the castle. I shouldn't have stayed. I caused my family so much grief. Lucy choked out sobs as she flew to the castle at top speed, ignoring the flustered looks of those she passed and bumped into. Instinctively, she ran to Caspian's room, hoping he was in there. She didn't bother knocking, but barged in, yelping when she ran into him.

"Lucy?" Caspian asked in a worried voice, putting his hands on her upper arms to draw her at arms length. "What's wrong?" Lucy couldn't speak though, and let out a whimper before hiding her head in his chest, crying heavily and allowing Caspian to lead her into his room before he shut the door. She gasped in surprise when he hooked an arm under her knees to pick her up, carrying her over and laying her on his bed before climbing in next to her and pulling her to him again. Lucy's body shook with her sobs as she soaked his shirt, holding a fist full of fabric in her hand as if trying to keep him from going anywhere, even though he would never do that. Her breaths came in gasps, stinging her lungs, and the only thing keeping her from a panic attack was Caspian's familiar cologne clouding her senses. Lucy pressed herself harder against his body, trying to let it calm her. "Shhh baby," he cooed. "It's alright, I've got you."

"Susan," Lucy cried out with a shaky sob.

"What about her?" He asked, bringing a hand up to put to her cheek, drawing her head back so that he could look at her and could wipe away tears as they came. His eyes were warm, but filled with so much concern and sadness that Lucy felt even more terrible for making him feel that way.

"Gerald! He found her! And-and he-" Caspian seemed to get it before she finished though, his eyes widened and he held her tighter. "She's pregnant," Lucy whispered. Caspian's breath caught up in his throat. "And now everytime she looks at her baby all she will see is that horrible man! And I'm not there to be with her! Or my parents! I've just left them! How could I be so selfish?" She moved forward again to put her head in the crook of his neck as hard sobs started to shake her body once more. Caspian let out an almost painful groan as he heard her cry, and started rubbing her back as if trying to soothe her but he was so desperate and frantic that it did nothing.

"Lucy-love," he started, but could not find any words. Lucy knew there was nothing that could possibly be said, so Caspian just continued to rub her back and occasionally press kisses to her head. "I'm sorry," he finally got out. Lucy only felt the tears starting to come harder. She didn't know what to do. All she could do was cry. "If you wish, I can try and have Aslan take you back," Caspian suggested in barely a whisper, as if he didn't believe what he was saying. Lucy shook her head no. The only thing worse than being in Narnia right now would be to not be in Narnia. "Do you want me to get Edmund?" He tried again. His voice sounded desperate, looking for something to make her feel better. Lucy felt panic arise in her at his words. He couldn't leave.

"No!" She said frantically into his chest, holding the hand full of his shirt that she had tighter. "I wanna stay with you," she whimpered. Caspian hushed her quickly, brushing some hair from her face whilst showering it with kisses.

"It's alright, sweetheart. I'm not going anywhere," she nodded before slightly releasing her grip, snuggling closer to him. Her sobs became gentler, and now her body quivered as her silent tears trickled down her cheeks. Caspian brought a strong hand to her cheek, stroking away the tears as they came. "Lucy," he whispered. "Everything's going to be okay." She shook her head no. He tried to assure her for the longest time, but eventually gave up and tucked her head into the crook of his neck, bringing the blankets up over them and trying to soothe her into sleep.

CASPIAN'S POV

"Alright now," Caspian started as he placed his hands on Lucy's small waist to lift her onto Destrier. "You need to be very careful, Destrier gets spooked very easily." Lucy rolled her eyes at him.

"I've ridden a horse before," she reminded him in annoyance, scrunching her nose at him. Caspian chuckled. Lucy always did that when she was angry, and it was truly the most adorable sight in the world.

"As big as him?" He challenged, keeping a hand on her back as he fixed her feet in the stirrups. She cocked her head to the side as she wracked her brains. She shrugged her shoulders.

"Maybe. I don't remember."

"That's code for: "No, but I don't want to admit I'm wrong." Just like everything you say," Caspian dodged her flying hand skillfully as she tried to smack him, grabbing her wrist in alarm when Destrier shook his head as he began to become annoyed. "Didn't I tell you to be careful? That's it," he hooked an arm around her middle and started to pull her off. "Ride's over." Lucy leaned away from him, holding onto the horse's neck as she made a pouty face.

"I'll be better," she whined. "Please, Caspian." Caspian gave her a hard stare back, but eventually gave in as her big hazel eyes tugged at his heart.

"Fine. But if anything happens, I'm yanking you off." Lucy rolled her eyes and gave a bell-like laugh.

"You're worse than Peter some times."

"Well somebody's gotta stop you from killing yourself. I swear, you are the most accident-prone child I've ever met," Caspian said casually as he pulled himself onto the other horse that stood nearby. Lucy was about to give an angry retort, but Caspian raised a hand to silence her when he saw a large figure move in the forest ahead. His body froze, and he needed to get Lucy off of Destrier. Being trained for battle, naturally, Destrier rode in the direction of danger. Lucy was looking in the direction of the intruder, her eyes in slits before she tossed her head over her shoulder to look back at the safety of the howe behind them.

"Be still," Caspian whispered, preparing himself to climb off his horse to grab her. "You don't want to alarm Destrier." The only thought in Caspian's mind was getting Lucy to safety, before hunting a killing the man who had posed a threat to her. Lucy's tiny fists clenched in fear, and her body started to shake. Caspian quickened his pace as he dashed for her, but he was too late. Lucy's scream pierced the air as the horse bucked, raising onto it's hind legs before charging in the direction of the figure.

"LUCY!"

"CASPIAN!" In a swift motion, Caspian was back on his horse, unsheathing his sword as he raced forward to catch up with Lucy and Destrier. His eyes darted to the direction he had seen the man, and widened in fear as he saw that it was a Telmeraine soldier, and he was lining up his bow and arrow directly at Lucy. Caspian shook the reins in a hurry to speed the horse, before raising his sword high.

"STAY AWAY FROM HER!" He roared, swinging his sword at the mans neck, and he heard Lucy give a high pitched scream as the man's head came clear off his shoulders. Caspian turned to see Destrier buck again in fear, throwing Lucy off into a tree. Lucy cried out in pain and held her ribs, her face scratched and bleeding, blood mixing in with the tears that were now cascading from her eyes. Caspian jumped off his horse and dropped to his knees at her side.

"Oww," Lucy sobbed, the cry going through Caspian like physical pain, clutching her wound and leaning into him as his arms circled around her protectively. Caspian looked around for any sign of further danger. Not seeing any, he directed his attention back to her, pulling at her arms that hugged herself gently to inspect her. As soon as he placed a hand to her ribs, she cried out in pain, and he knew that she had broken a few.

"It's going to be okay, Lucy-love. I'll just take you back and you can have a sip from your healing cordial-"

"No! Someone's going to need it that's much worse off than I am!"

"Lucy, don't. I will NOT let you be in pain. You're going to take a sip."

"I don't want any!"

"Well your getting some anyway!" That was the last he would speak of it, and he lifted her into his arms, muttering frantic apologies in her ear as she groaned in pain. Caspian figured that it would hurt far too much for her to ride back on a horse, so he carried her back, and would worry about fetching the horses later. "This is my fault. I'm so sorry," he whispered. Lucy shook her head, wincing as she brought a hand up to his cheek.

"It's nobody's fault except for that man's." Caspian shook his head this time, though.

"I just need to be more careful with you from now on."

"I don't think it's possible for you to be more careful," she joked, resting her head on his shoulder. Caspian rested his head against hers as he carried her the rest of the way.

LUCY' POV

Lucy felt an uncomfortable stirring in her stomach as Susan made her way out the front door, going to fetch some things at the market. She turned around, biting her lip as she caught Gerald's gaze, watching as his eyes scanned her up and down, a hungry look in them. Lucy was now fourteen, and had gained some more womanly curves. She had been greatful for them until this moment, hugging herself protectively as she moved to walk past him, wishing her brothers would get home already. Gerald was not frightening looking to any old passerby, but he often made her uncomfortable.

"I'm just going to go to my room until Susan gets back. I have homework. Feel free to make yourself at home," she said in a small voice, being careful to not brush against him as she walked past, making for the stairs.

"Oh I will," he said in a sickening voice, and Lucy swallowed fearfully. She quickened her speed, her foot on the first stair when she felt a strong hand grip her upper arm. Lucy froze, not knowing what to do as Gerald pressed himself up against her back, towering over her from behind. "You're very pretty," he whispered in her ear.

"Thanks. I really do have to see to that homework-" She gasped as his fingers dug into her skin.

"You're not going anywhere," he corrected authoritatively. "You're going to help me pass the time." Anger coursed through Lucy's veins as she tore his hand from her arm, turning around to face him.

"My brothers will be home soon. So I suggest you leave me alone."

"Bitch. Don't tell me what to do," Lucy jumped when Gerald reached out and yanked her to him, laughing evilly as she tried to get away to no prevail. "Be good," he hissed. "And I won't hurt you too bad." Tears started to fall from her eyes as she was dragged to the couch and thrown down on her back, pinned down by his larger body. His lips came crashing down on hers, and even though she kept completely still and didn't participate, Gerald still made gross noises as his lips moved over hers messily. Panic arose in Lucy as he groped her breast, squeezing it roughly.

"HELP! SOMEBODY!" Lucy screamed, but yelled even harder in pain as Gerald smacked her across the face.

"SHUT UP BITCH!" He hit her again, right at the corner of her eye, and Lucy sobbed as he shook her. "Be a good whore." Silent tears fell from her eyes as he continued, shoving a hand up her shirt and pushing her bra away casually to toy with her breasts. She could feel his arousal, and felt sick to her stomach as it pushed against her thigh. He started unbuttoning her blouse, and ripped it off and pushing her bra up to her breasts were exposed to him, taking a nipple in his mouth and biting down too hard. Lucy bit her tongue to try and stop herself from crying out, not wanting to be hit again. Gerald went on, and Lucy sat motionless as he undressed her until her skirt was pulled down around her ankles and she was bare, kissing and touching her in places that made her want to throw up. He had taken his shirt off in the midst of it all, and started to go for his belt. "You're gonna like this, baby," he spoke into her ear, making her shake with fear. Lucy whimpered and looked away, hearing him mess with his pants until they were off, and she \could feel his naked flesh against her own. She gasped when he grabbed her hand, forcing her fingers around him and making her move her hand up and down on him.

"Please leave me alone," she pleaded, trying to pull her hand away. She saw anger flash through his eyes when she heard a key go into the lock on the front door.

"HELP! PETER! EDMUND! PLEASE HELP ME!" She screamed frantically.

"LUCY?" Her brothers called for her from the outside, and she heard the key shake hurriedly. Gerald yanked his pants on, shoving her down on the couch further before starting to make a run for it. Lucy's hands shook as she pulled her clothes back on hurriedly, watching in horror as her brothers tore through the door, seeing what had happened and attacking Gerald. Peter shoved him to the ground, jumping on top of him and started punching him in the jaw, teeth and blood spurting out, while Edmund kicked him in the side. Edmund's head shot up to look at her, and he ran over to her as fast as he could and yanked her into his arms.

"Call the police," he ordered, before running back over to help Peter. Lucy's body shook as she obeyed her brother, dialing the station and crying heavily as she explained to the officer what had happened.

"Lucy? LUCY!"

CASPIAN'S POV

Caspian woke with a start when he felt violent movement next to him. He shot up in alarm, thinking something was hurting Lucy, when he saw her thrashing in her sleep and crying. Her head tossed back and forth as she cried out for help.

"Leave me alone!" Caspian started to shake her.

"LUCY!"

"DON'T TOUCH ME!"

"LUCY!" He gave her one last jerk before she shot up, jumping away from him and hugging herself, breathing rapidly and sobbing. "Baby?" He asked worriedly, putting his hands on her cheeks and looking into her eyes. The fear in them broke his heart.

"He-he was-" Lucy started to speak, but her body shook as her sobs started to over take her again, and she hid her head in her arms. Gerald, Caspian thought angrily, realizing Lucy had a dream about when he hurt her. He scooped her up in his arms, cradling her to his chest as she trembled in fear.

"I've got you, Lucy. You're safe with me," he murmured into her ear, rocking her back and forth. He held her until her breathing slowed, but she still clung to him for dear life. Caspian felt helpless to make her feel better, and wanted to make every ounce of pain disappear from her forever. "I love you," he whispered, hearing her whisper it back into his neck. He pressed a kiss to her forehead and closed his eyes, thankful that she seemed to be getting better. He lay her back down, holding her to him and burying his face in her hair. He felt an undeniable urge run through him.

"Marry me," he whispered, drawing back to look in her eyes, watching them widen.

"You're asking me to marry you because I had a nightmare?" He gave an amused chuckle.

"I'm asking you to marry me because I love you, and I want to be your husband. I want you to marry me so that I can be with you every single day for the rest of my life, and always be able to take care of you, and have you do the same for me. Will you?" After a few moments of silence, a smile tugged at her lips.

"Of course," she whispered, leaning forward and pressing her lips to his.

Simple proposals are better than planned out extravagant ones in my opinion. I think it's more romantic to be asked when you least expect it, not sitting in some decorated room or at a crowded fancy restaurant.