Disclaimer: I do not own the Chronicles of Narnia or any of its characters or fictional land/lands; I am not C.S. Lewis, sadly. I only own the plot and characters not featured in the original books.
Ryder had gone to Lucy room to then find no one was there, the dryads hadn't seen her since the morning and Ryder was slightly worried. But luckily, she soon found Lucy sitting out in the open, on the soft green grass, staring out into eastern ocean, the night drawing closer. Ryder quietly approached Lucy, and to her surprise Lucy's face was stained with dry tears. Falling to her knees beside Lucy, Ryder asked worriedly "Lucy, what's wrong?!"
Lucy looked up her eyes sparkling with new tears, and then suddenly she quickly turned away and began to sob hard into her hands.
Ryder wrapped her arm around Lucy's shoulder and pulled her into a hug. Gently stroking the young Queens hair, she turned to face Lucy who was still sobbing quietly.
"Lucy... Lucy, tell me what's wrong?"
Lucy gathered herself up off the floor and helped Ryder up too. Looking at Ryder with wide eyes, still sparkling with tears, she embraced her, burying her head in the nook of Ryder's neck.
"I hate him, I hate him!" Lucy cried.
"Who do you hate?" Ryder asked prying Lucy from her so they were face to face.
"Peter!" and she continued to cry.
"That's a horrible thing to say Lucy!" Ryder stared wildly at Lucy.
"But it's true. He won't listen to anyone, Susan's tried talking to him and Edmunds tried too. He just hates the idea that I've grown up and that I am old enough to make my own decisions!"
"I'm sure he is just trying to protect you; he's your older brother, it comes with the territory!"
"It's not just that, he is controlling my life as if he is my father!" Lucy had stopped crying and was now slightly red with anger. "He won't let me do this or that, no man can come anywhere near me because High King Peter still treats me as a child!" She paced the grass, a frown upon her brow.
"Maybe you should talk to Peter yourself?" Ryder suggested.
"I've tried already, he doesn't understand."
"I'm sure Peter is just being your brother and doesn't want to make your own decisions and fend for yourself."
"It's not just that. Theon proposed." Lucy looked shyly up at me.
"Theon proposed... He proposed! But that's wonderful news!" Ryder exclaimed, hugging Lucy once again.
"Yes it is but Peter's so stubborn that he refused Theon my hand and has threatened him!"
"Your brother is in denial. He doesn't believe that anyone could see you in that light. You're his sister; he's hoping no one would." I laughed. "How about I talk to Peter?"
"If he doesn't listen to Susan or Edmund, why would he listen to you?" Lucy asked.
"Oh I don't know I can be very persuasive sometimes." I smiled at Lucy, who laughed at the idea.
"Could we be more civil about this, Ryder?" Peter cried as he blocked her attack.
"Susan and Edmund tried that, I took the other option." Ryder pinned her arm against his throat, the knife digging into his stomach. "Now, down to business; Lucy and Theon."
"What about it?" Peter asked innocently.
"Don't go all innocent on me. I know you've been a complete dick about it all."
"You are talking to the King of Narnia, watch the language."
"Actually, I'm talking to my friend's asshole of a brother." Ryder smiled, putting more force on the knife.
"Ah, be careful with that knife." Peter exclaimed.
"So, Lucy and Theon; have you anything on the subject?" She smiled with a glint of amusement in her eye.
"Yes, but only if you remove the knife and let me breathe." Peter said through gasps.
"Fine." Ryder sighed, pulling away from Peter and propping herself up against the desk. "I think you've be irrational about the whole situation."
"Irrational? Right, so denying my sister to marry Prince Theon is irrational."
"Yes! Peter not to insult you or anything, but you've handled the whole situation rather badly. I mean for a king, I expected you to be more… I don't know but wouldn't Lucy and Theon marrying mean a stronger relationship between Archenland and Narnia."
"I get where you are coming from, Ryder, but she's my little sister, she shouldn't be married yet." Peter sighed running his hand through his long blonde hair. "Susan isn't married yet nor Edmund or me."
"Yes well, you haven't found love. Lucy has." Ryder put her hand on Peter's shoulder in a supportive way. "You have to let her go Peter; she's not your little sister anymore."
Peter rubbed his eyes, thinking for a moment then he looked back at Ryder. "Thank you Ryder, for knocking some sense into me. I better go speak to Lucy."
Before he left, he hugged Ryder tightly, towering high over her and she felt like how Lucy and Susan must feel, like someone was watching over her and protecting her; like he was her brother too.
Ryder exited Peter's study as soon as he left and made her way outside and towards the stable where the horses were kept; on her journey, she spotted Lucy and Peter on a bench in the garden chatting away pleasantly and Ryder couldn't help but smile at the sight. The young stable hand, William, called Cemal over for her and just as she was mounting the horse, she heard the sound of voices approaching and someone shouted her name.
"Ryder!" Susan called, followed by Jason. "I was just about to ask you if you would like to accompany me down to the beach, but it seems you are off somewhere."
"Oh, I was going to go down to the beach too. King Edmund invited me down earlier but I was speaking with Lucy then Peter." Ryder spoke down to Susan, who was effortlessly mounting her horse too.
"Jason offered to accompany us as well." Susan said motioning towards Jason who was already up on his horse. "I think Lady Jane and a few of her friends shall be down at the beach too along with the Lord Henry and Edmunds friends. I do hope Prince Theon is there too, I need to apologies for my older brothers appalling behaviour."
Just then Lucy came running over with Peter tailing in behind her. A huge grin was spread on Lucy's face and a smile was playing at Peter's lips as he looked at how happy his younger sister was. "Susan! He said yes!" Lucy cried.
"Who said yes? What are you on about Lucy?!" Susan asked turning her horse to face Lucy.
"Peter! I'm allowed to marry Theon!" Lucy grinned.
"Oh my, I can't believe it!" Susan said holding tightly on to her reins. She looked wildly at Peter as he approached them all. "Is it true?!"
"Yes, I've agreed that they may marry as long as Lucy continues to live here as she is a Queen and Theon is merely a Prince, and only second in line to the Archenland throne." He smiled at Lucy who hugged him tightly. "Anyway, where were you planning on going off to?"
"We're going down the beach, but first of all, what changed your mind?! This morning you were completely against the whole idea!" Susan asked.
"A certain someone knocked some sense into me, literally." Peter stole a quick glance at Ryder and smiled.
"Well whoever they were needs a medal because you are one stubborn man when it comes to your sisters!" Susan laughed. "Are you going to come down to the beach with us? I hear Theon is meant to be there."
Peter smiled and took the reins of two horses, handing one to Lucy while he climbed up onto the other. When they were up and comfortable on their horses they set off into the woods. The ladies laughed as the wind blew through their hairs and spotted tree spirits gliding along next to them.
It wasn't long before the five of them arrived at the opening of the beach, breaking through the trees and out into the open space; the smell and taste of the sea water and the sight of crashing waves. Far down the beach was a group of people, Edmund stood clearly out from the others with his dark, chaotic hair and his tall, threatening frame. Ryder, Lucy and Susan galloped towards the huddle of them, with Peter and Jason trotting gentle behind them. At the sight of the arriving party, the men cheered happily where as the women didn't look so pleased. The ladies Jane, Valentina and Cyra then the Princesses Oceana and Elethea soon lost all emotion of happiness on their faces when they spotted Ryder riding in front, her long hair blowing free behind her and glorious smile placed on her lips, while the men, Edmund, Henry, Dictino, Asa and Caius except Theon stared in awe.
When Edmund spotted her, his heart leapt into his mouth and his stomach did flips and jumps. Ryder came to a halt next to the men and Edmund, as if natural, took the reins off Ryder and helped her down from the horse, while Lucy was helped down by Theon and Susan by Henry.
"Hello." Ryder said, smiling shyly at Edmund as he helped her down.
He smiled too and handed Cemal reins back to Ryder. She untied them from his neck and let the horse run off into the water trailed by Lucy's horse then Susan's. The men greeted Ryder eagerly while Lucy preoccupied herself with Theon and Susan chatted away to the ladies, who were throwing disgusted looks at Ryder.
"I'm glad you came." Edmund whispered into Ryder's ear, his breath tickling her skin.
Soon after Peter and Jason joined the awaiting group, but before Peter had even said two words he pulled Theon away from the crowd and took him for a walk, down along the beach. Everyone looked puzzled as to what was happening but Lucy grinned happily at Ryder.
"What's going on there?" Edmund asked Ryder.
"You'll soon find out." She grinned at him as just then a cry of delight escaped from Theon's mouth and then he ran back to the crowd. He picked up Lucy effortlessly and spun her around, while Lucy squealed happily. He embraced her in his arms and then kissed her.
"Excuse me Theon, not in front of her brother please." Edmund said grumpily.
"Oh I'm sorry Edmund or should I say brother?!" Then smiled happily as it dawned on Edmund and everyone else what was happening.
"You're getting married! But I thought Peter said no." Edmund looked at Peter with a surprised expression.
"A certain someone managed to knock some sense into me." Peter shrugged.
While everyone congratulated the couple, Peter approached Ryder. "Thank you once again for talking to me and making me see the light. Otherwise, I would never have forgiven myself for not allowing Lucy to love. And it's all down to you."
"I didn't want to see Lucy like that, she been my friend through everything. She so selfless, that for once she needed that something for herself and that was Theon. And anyway, she isn't going anywhere and she'll be the same Lucy, just with a husband." Ryder smiled and hint of amusement in her voice.
"They won't be getting married till after winter, but Theon will have to move in soon, then there will be the announcement of their courtship and engagement. Then engagement parties, she'll have to visit Archenland and meet his people. It's going to be a hectic few months." Peter sighed.
"Remember it'll be all worth it in the end, Lucy will be endlessly happy." Ryder chuckled.
The evening grew closer, the sky getting dark and the sun setting in the distance creating hues of pink and blue. After everyone had gotten over the excitement of the news, the men went further along the beach, towards the sea; the tide going further and further out, where they were duelling with each while the women sat perched up on the sand, chatting away or watching the men, sometimes doing both.
"Edmund is a magnificent fighter don't you think?" Jane said to Valentina, her voiced raised so everyone could hear.
Lucy raised her eyebrows at Ryder and Susan, who broke into silent giggles. They knew what Jane was doing; Ryder was new, unknown and beautiful. The ball had made nearly every single woman who has their eyes on Edmund jealous and Jane was the most jealous of them all.
"Yes, he has such a strong frame." Valentina sighed, her eyes gliding over Edmund's frame.
Something sprang up in Ryder, it burned her insides and she swallowed hard. She was getting jealous of the attention Edmund was getting off other women, which was natural for any women but she shouldn't be because she knew he didn't show any attention back to them, he'd declared his love for her and only her. She was being silly; she was better than them.
"Ryder, you never did tell us how you came acquainted with the royals?" Jane sneered.
Ryder turned her body half way to look at Jane and smiled. "Oh we have mutual friends and we were introduced through them."
"Hmm, that's lucky for you." Valentina smiled slyly at Ryder.
Ryder turned back to Susan who was looking apologetic at her. Ryder shrugged her shoulders to say she didn't mind but that was a lie. The conversation of Princess Elethea and Princess Oceana found her ears. They were arguing over Edmund and something he had said to them.
"He said it to me, not you. If you weren't so half dazed around him you would have noticed him complementing me not you." Oceana argued.
"Ha, I'm pretty sure you're the one who was too mesmerized that you didn't notice he told me I looked pretty today." Elethea snapped back.
Ryder sighed and focused her attention on Edmund. The men seemed to abandon fighting each other and had ganged up on poor Theon, from this distance they looked like they were trying to dunk him in the water as they were nothing more than dots. She smiled to herself as Edmund fell in and came back up his shirt soaked, clinging to his muscular body.
Suddenly, there was the sound of a sword and Cyra screamed. All at once the women gathered themselves up off their feet and looked to the source of the commotion. Standing tall behind them was a man, dressed completely in amour. At first Ryder's reaction was to scream but she turned to Susan and Lucy. "Run."
But everyone was frozen on the spot. The men had not noticed the commotion and were too far away to reach them in time. Then the man made a lunge for the women which set a few of them off screaming. Ryder took her chance and jumped at the armoured man round the middle, cause him to topple backwards. She rolled over him and got back on her feet. The women had taken her advice and ran, and the men had realised something was going on but Ryder doubted they would arrive to her in time.
The disguised man withdrew a sword and Ryder held her stance. He swung at Ryder and she dropped to her knees and pulled his dagger from his boot. He made a stab at her but she dodged and stuck the dagger in his outstretched arm. She then tried to run but he caught her by the hem of her dress and dragged her back to him, knocking the dagger out of her hands; she kicked him hard in the torso then threw a punch at his jaw knocking his helmet off revealing his face. She knew it but couldn't place it to a name. She threw another punch and it collided with his cheek knocking him off of her. She grabbed the dagger and held to his neck while she pinned his arms down with her knees.
"Who are you?" She spat.
"Don't you remember me, beautiful?" He asked, his accent unmistakably Telmarine. "I sure do remember you."
She stared at his face, trying hard to recognise him, when suddenly his face flashed in her mind. A scene played out in front of her eyes which made terror spread throughout her body.
A dark, dank cell encased her. She was barely eighteen and she'd been living hidden away for four years now; locked away from the public eye. She'd defied a man who Ryder could not remember and was awaiting her punishment.
Just then, a man entered the cell and approached Ryder, she cowered into the corner as the man knelt down beside her. He pushed her hair from her face and caressed her cheek, Ryder struggled against him but he was too strong.
"You are beautiful are you not?" He whispered in her ear, then proceeding to kiss her neck.
"Get off me!" She shouted but no one could hear her cried from the cell. His hand rode up her inner thigh, pushing her dress up and she screamed in protest.
Ryder shook the memory from her mind and stared down at the man, she hated him despised him. She pressed the dagger harder against his throat. "Tell me why I shouldn't kill you?"
"I have no reason." He sneered at her.
She heard Edmund shout and her attention was lost for a second, but it was long enough, the man threw Ryder off of himself and picked up the dagger she had dropped. He grabbed Ryder and held the dagger against her throat, Edmund stopped in his tracks, Peter and the others stopping behind him.
"Come any closer and I'll kill her." The man growled.
"Let her go now!" Edmund shouted, pointing his sword at him.
"Ah, I'm sorry I can't do that. She been a naughty girl, I need to take her back to her King."
"She's not going anywhere with you!" Edmund cried, stepping slightly forward.
The dagger pressed harder on Ryder's throat, a trickle of blood dripping down her neck. "What did I say about coming any closer? I don't want to kill her, she is too beautiful. It would be a waste too; she very good at many things." He's other hand moved up to her chest.
Anger boiled in Edmund at the sight of the man's hands on Ryder but he was powerless. He felt like he'd let Ryder down, there she stood being touch by that man without her consent. He stepped back.
"There's a good boy. Now I'm going to leave and if you follow, I'll have to kill this beauty here. Is that clear?" The man asked and Edmund nodded. "Good."
The man loosened the dagger on Ryder's throat and as quick as she could Ryder grabbed the blade of the dagger which sliced into her hands and elbowed him hard in the abdomen. He fell back and Ryder made a lunge for his sword what was lying in the sand. She felt her hands grip the sword handle and Edmund cry her name. The man grabbed her ankle and pulled her towards him, he bent over her and suddenly, Ryder thrust the sword upwards and it went straight through him. He collapsed beside her, dead.
Then she felt Edmund arms around her, helping her up to her feet while Peter checked the man. She felt slightly dizzy and tried to focus her eyes on Edmund's face.
"He's dead." Peter announced, though everyone knew already.
"It's alright, Ryder. I've got you." Edmund swept her off her feet and held her in his arms. "We need to get her back as quickly as possible."
"Take her back; I'm hoping the girls would have ridden for help. We'll deal with his body." Peter motioned to the lifeless body.
"I will. Cemal!" Edmund whistled and Cemal came galloping towards him from the sea. Edmund mounted Ryder up onto the horse, while the men, except Peter, dragged the body towards the sea. He sat up behind her and she rested herself on him, like the last time. "You are never coming to the beach again; I think it either doesn't like you or is unlucky for you."
Ryder laughed quietly. "If I get carried back by you though, you can't stop me." She mumbled. He smiled, happy she was well enough to make a joke.
When they were clear of anyone, he stopped the horse and Ryder turned around slightly to face him. He leant down and crushed his lips to hers, encasing her in his arms. "I'm so sorry, I should have been there. I should have been able to stop him. I hate myself for it."
Ryder looked at him with wild eyes. "There was nothing you could do, no one saw it coming. He wanted me and he was determined to get me."
"But I should have stayed with you, been there to protect you instead of messing about like a child!"
"Edmund don't be so silly! None of this is anyone's fault, especially not yours." Ryder looked at him with wide eyes; she went to hold his face in her hands but saw the blood and the deep, thin cuts in her hands and thought otherwise. "Can we just ride back please?"
Edmund nodded and they soared through the forest at a quick pace, arriving to Cair Paravel in minutes. He didn't stop at the stables and continued to ride up towards the gates, into the courtyard. He jumped down from the horse and effortlessly carried Ryder in his arms through the large castle doors.
"Edmund, what happened?!" Lucy cried. The women had obviously arrived back safely and were all huddled together at the entrance.
"I can't talk I need to get Ryder to Galena." He pushed passed them and ran along the corridor and towards Galena's room.
He didn't bother knocking and burst into the room. Galena looked up from the person she was tending to and exclaimed in anger. "Edmund I am attending to a patient here, you can't just barge in here." She looked at Ryder who he'd placed on a nearby chair, she took in her cuts on her hand and neck the burses and the state of her dress. "Oh my, what has happened?" She asked, turning her attention on Ryder; the patient, a man, stared wildly at the Ryder who looked terrible.
Her skin was as pale as snow and dark shadows were appearing along her arms. The cuts on her hands were still bleeding leaving stains on her dress; her dress filthy and ripped. She looked almost dead.
"Patrick, I'm sorry but you'll have to leave. Take these and it should heal up quite quickly." Galena said to her other patient, handing him a bottle and shooing him out the door. She turned to face the two of them, then started moving around the room gathering up things she needed and placing it on a tray, which she then carried to the table beside Ryder. "Why is it always you two?"
"It's only me this time." Ryder chuckled as Galena applied ointment on her bruises.
"What happened this time?" Galena asked Edmund as she applied cleaning alcohol to Ryder's hands who squealed in pain.
"We were attacked on the beach." Edmund said.
"Attacked, by whom?" Galena asked. She wrapped bandages around Ryder's hands and then bent her head back, looking at the small cut on her throat. "That no problem, it's only a tiny cut."
"We do not know other than he was Telmarine." Edmund mumbled. "That reminds me I need to go and see if Peter arrived back yet. I won't be gone long though." He looked at Ryder then left.
Edmund ran down the corridor and made his way back to the throne room. He burst into the room to find Peter, Henry, Dictino, Asa, Caius and Theon talking close together and the women sat around a table.
"Edmund how is Ryder?" Peter asked at the sight of his brother.
"She's being tended to by Galena. So I cannot stay long."
"We were just discussing the attack. Asa knows who it was." Peter said looking at Asa.
"Well, I think it's him. He is a Telmarine Lord and Knight called Pedro; I've heard rumours from his people that he is Sergio's right hand man. He does all his dirty work but I don't know if that true or not, or if that man was him or not, he looks like him." Asa told Edmund.
"We know he has something to do with Ryder, he knew her." He turned to Lucy who was watching them all converse. "Will you go talk to her? See if she remembers him from anywhere?"
Lucy nodded and got up but stopped. "Peter, what actually happened? You say this man is dead but not who killed him? Did Ryder…?"
"Yes." Peter mumbled.
Lucy nodded and left the room. Susan stood up and approached them. "Are you saying Ryder had to defend herself? Where were you all?" She cried in disgust.
"We were too far away you know that. By the time we got to them Ryder had singlehandedly disarmed him. Ryder can fend for herself you know that." Peter said, though bowing his head in guilt.
"I know that but she shouldn't have to with seven men around. From the look of her, she did a lot more than any of you!"
"Do you think we just stood there and watched?!" Edmund shouted causing it to bellow through the room. "No, but when we finally got to Ryder he'd got hold of her and threaten to kill her. He had the upper hand, we were powerless at that moment, and the moment we stepped forward or made to attack he would have sliced her neck open. So, Susan we did all we could at that moment in time, Ryder was the only one who could fight him off. And it's lucky she did otherwise she wouldn't be here now!" With his last word, he turned from them all and stormed out of the room, making his way back to Galena's room.
He knocked on the door before he entered and Galena opened the door, ushering him. Ryder was still sitting where he'd left her and Lucy was knelt at her side. Tears were streaming down Ryder's face and she was letting out choked sobs. Lucy looked up at Edmund, and then whispered to him. "She won't say anything but she can't stop crying."
Edmund turned to Galena. "Have you anything to put her to sleep?"
"Yes, here make sure she takes it before she goes to sleep." Galena handed him a bottle of liquid.
Edmund then approached Ryder and without having to ask, swept her up into his arms and carried her up to her room without much effort. Lucy followed them up and Edmund waited outside as Lucy helped Ryder out of her dirty clothes.
When he re-enter the room, Ryder was sitting up in bed wide awake but she was still crying uncontrollably. Lucy had her arm supportively around her shoulders but there was nothing more she could do.
"Take this." He said handing her the bottle Galena had given him earlier.
With shaking hands, Ryder took the bottle from his hands and took a sip, then slipped under the blankets and laid her head on the pillow. Lucy got up from the bed and approached Edmund's side.
"I'll be in my room if anyone needs me," Lucy said to him then facing Ryder she added before she left, "Sleep well Ryder."
Edmund approached the bed and slipped his hand into Ryder's hand, leaning forward and kissing her gently. He felt her hands entwine in his hair and she pulled him under the covers with him.
"Stay with me, please." Ryder whispered, her eyes fluttering slightly, trying to fight against the sleeping drought.
Edmund nodded, pulling her body close to his, while she snuggled into his chest. Just like that her eyes shut and her breathing grew slow and shallow. Edmund kissed her hair and buried his head into the mass of her hair, taking in the sweet rose scent that always lingered on her skin. He soon fell asleep without realising, all thoughts of the day's event disappearing as he slipped into a sweet dream, Ryder at his side.
Edmund awoke with a jolt. Loud, hammering knocks were coming from the other side of the door, Ryder still fast asleep at his side; the affects of the sleeping drought still upon her. He climbed out of the bed and straightened out his messy, bed hair and clothes before he swung the door open.
Standing in the door way was a small maid. A look of panic and worry was on her face till she saw the tall frame of King Edmund. "Your majesty!" She squeaked, bowing low. "I was to awaken Lady Ryder, but I see…" Hers eyes opened wide in suspicion and Edmund understood what she was saying.
"Oh no, I was watching over Ryder. And fell asleep on the armchair." Edmund exclaimed. "I'll awaken her."
"Also, sire, King Peter was looking for you and wishes to have your presences in the throne room along with Ryder." The small maid said, averting her eyes from the Kings.
"Of course; I'll make sure Ryder is down as soon as possible." And with that the maid shuffled away and Edmund closed the door.
Approaching Ryder's bed, he gently shook her shoulder's not wanting to awaken her too abruptly. She stirred slightly and turned over. Edmund bent low and kissed her neck, whispering into her ear. "Ryder, wake up. My love, wake up." Ryder turned to face Edmund and stared at him through sleepy eyes. She smiled at the sight of him and he leant forward to kiss her.
She pulled him back onto the bed and Edmund lay on top of her. Kissing him passionately Ryder moved her leg and Edmund hitched it up to his waist. Their kissing became more heated and quick; Edmund's hands moved over Ryder's body and suddenly, the memory flashed back into Ryder's mind and Ryder threw Edmund off of her. It was so sudden and unexpected Edmund toppled off the bed onto the hard, wooden floor.
He gathered himself off the floor and looked at Ryder wildly. His shirt unbuttoned to reveal his muscular chest and his dark hair sticking up on end. "What was that for?!" He asked, bewildered at her behaviour.
She helped him back up onto the bed then taking a deep breath explained everything she remembered. The man, the memory, what happened; what he had done. How she felt; the fear of the man and the hatred she had for him. Edmund stared emotionless as she spoke, large tears rolling down her cheeks as she tried hard to get it all out, choking at points when she couldn't say the word. And when she finally got it all out, Edmund was filled with so much rage, not only at the man, Pedro, who had done this to her but also at himself for allowing the attack yesterday to happen.
Edmund got to his feet and in a fit of rage and anger threw the chair across the room, causing it to collide with the wall, a loud bang echoing through the room. Ryder sat lifeless on the bed watching Edmund, her tear filled eyes following him around the room as he paced the end of her bed.
"Edmund, please calm down." Ryder finally managed to say.
Edmund looked at her, sat there. She looked like death; tear stained cheeks, her skin lost of all colour. Her lips no longer the colour of red roses but of white and her sparkling blue eyes were red and had lost their spark. He rushed over to her and wrapped her in his arms, placing a tender kiss on her forehead.
"I'm sorry." He whispered.
"You've got nothing to be sorry for." Ryder mumbled.
"You better get dressed, Peter requested our presences." Edmund once again stood up. "Will you be alright on your own? I should really change out of these." He gestured to his clothes, that he had been wearing yesterday, still covered in dry blood.
"Of course I will. I'll get dressed and meet you at the throne room." She said, approaching Edmund and wrapping her arms around his necks.
"How about I help you get undressed?" His hands began to untie the lace at the front whilst kissing her neck, sending shivers down her spine. "I'm sure Peter can wait awhile." He said taking sharp intakes of breath as Ryder's hands roamed his body under his shirt.
"Later, we better see Peter first. It's probably really important." Ryder said, though like Edmund she was out of breath, her heart racing. Her lips found his again and she crushed her mouth to his, tracing his mouth with her own.
Edmund picked Ryder up, her legs wrapped around his body and collapsed on to the bed, pinning Ryder to the bed. She ripped his shirt off and struggled to get her under dress off when there was a fast knocking at the door.
"For fuck sake!" Edmund exclaimed, climbing off of Ryder. "Who is it now?"
Ryder giggled then called, "Who is it?"
"It's Lucy can I come in?" She answered from the other side of the door.
"One second Lucy!" She shouted.
"I am not going in your wardrobe again!" Edmund whispered angrily.
"You'll have to!" Ryder whispered. She tried to make herself look decent and not that she had just been making out with Lucy's brother. "Get under the bed!" She grabbed Edmund's shirt and threw it at him as he struggled to hide under her bed.
Ryder swung the door open to reveal Lucy, as beautiful as ever, at her door. But she was not greeted with a smile; instead a look of worry marred her face. "Lucy, what's wrong?"
"Nothing, do I really look that bad?" She laughed but it was dry and no humour was there. "I was hoping you'd be dressed by now."
"That sleeping drought was very strong." She lied, allowing Lucy to enter her room.
"Well, Peter sent me up to make sure you were alright. He wants to see everyone this morning." Lucy informed her.
"I know." Ryder said, pulling a dress from her wardrobe and tugging it over her curves. "Edmund told me… before he left."
"Edmund was here?" Lucy asked, helping Ryder tie the back of the dress.
"Yes, he was the one who woke me up." Ryder pulled her hair back out of her face and knotted it into a bun at her neck. "I'm just going to wash my face." She excused herself from the room and closed the door behind her.
Splashing her face with cold water, she took a deep breath and opened the door again. Lucy looked up from the window and smiled at Ryder. "You ready to go down?"
"Not just yet, I have to tell you something." She took Lucy's hand and sat next to her on the bed and explained everything to her.
AN: First thing I must say is I'm a truly sorry for not updating in a month and leaving you all. There are no excuses so I'm sorry but I do hope you like this chapter and I must dedicate it to a certain reader. DawnDestination. She motivated me to write this chapter which I have been trying to write for ages. So, I hope she and all my other readers enjoy this. I'd love to hear what you think.
Review if you like it, review it if you hate it.
I appreciate the criticism or praise.