AN: First things first, I am so, so, very sorry for not updating in over a year. It's been one hectic year for me. I've been taking my A levels plus I was hit with intense writers block, so I haven't written in probably just under a year. I had started this chapter but abandoned it when I started school again. So yes very sorry.
Also, just to clarify, I've changed Ryder's real name from Aurora to Aeliana. I have notified on Chapter 15 but I thought I'd inform you as you'll probably be confused by the change.
Sorry again, and I hope you enjoy this long awaited chapter.
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.
"EDMUND!"
They both gasped in surprise and Edmund toppled off of Ryder and onto the floor with a hard thump while Ryder pulled the sheets over her naked body, avoiding the piercing gaze of Susan.
"What the hell is going on here Edmund?!" She shouted angrily.
Edmund pulled on his discarded trousers and climbed to his feet, shuffling from foot to foot as he tried to avoid his sister's furious glare. He eventually met her eyes after they began to burn into his skin. "I don't have to answer that, you pretty much saw what was happening." He stood tall, trying not to seem fearful of his sister's rage.
"Oh I saw what you were doing, and with Ryder of all the women Edmund! Do you not think she has experienced enough horrors in her life? And now you have used her for your own pleasure." Susan cried grabbing Ryder discarded night shift and offering it to Ryder, who hesitated before she took it from her.
"You think I'd use Ryder in such a way?!" Edmund exclaimed horrified by what his sister was accusing him of.
"Come on Ryder, I'll take you back to your room." Susan offered taking hold of Ryder's arm.
Ryder tugged her arm from Susan's grasp and looked at her. "It's not like that Susan. I'm as much to blame as Edmund is, I insinuated the whole thing. Edmund was quite reluctant to take advantage of me."
Susan stared at Ryder in surprise then turned to Edmund. "I do not care if she wanted you to do anything with her, have you no restraint Edmund?!" Susan shouted at him, striding towards him. "Could you not have satisfied yourself elsewhere? With a whore and not with Ryder; she does not deserve this right now."
"Are you implying something Susan?" Edmund shouted back at her.
Susan ignored him and continued on. "I mean she's a Telmarine for Aslan's sake, you hate them! Am I to believe that you would do such an intimate act with one? Who you declare you hate and mistrust?"
"Ryder is different… I…" Edmund swallowed and bit his lip in annoyance.
"Ryder is very different, but you cannot take advantage of her because of that." Susan exclaimed in annoyance with her brother.
"Susan, he isn't using me or taking advantage of me… I wanted this." Ryder climbed out of Edmund's bed, the sheets tightly wrapped around her body.
"You've seduced her into thinking that she wanted it, that she wanted you. I thought I knew you, Edmund but you've used a confused girl for yourself!" Susan accused him.
"I'm glad you think so highly of me, Susan. Thank you for telling me this but let me say this…" Edmund closed the remaining space between himself and Susan, he was by far inches taller than her and with that angry glint in his eyes, he was quite menacing. "I would never as long as I live use Ryder in such a cheap and disgusting way because I love her. Yes Susan, I'm in love with a Telmarine who amazingly loves me back. Now is it so hard for you to believe that I would take advantage of Ryder now you know this?"
Susan gaped at Edmund in shock, taking in each word he spoke, then she looked at Ryder, who was blushing slightly, she nodded her head in agreement with Edmund's declaration. "I never would have guessed." Susan mumbled. "I owe you a huge apology Edmund."
"You do not have to apologise Su." Edmund smiled at her, hoping it would defuse the tense that was thick in the air.
Susan smiled back and then laughed. "I cannot believe my moody brother could actually fall in love, especially with Ryder. She's a Telmarine, a beautiful and kind one at that, but a Telmarine."
"Well it's glad to know that my sisters assumed I couldn't fall in love." Edmund laughed.
"Lucy knows?" Susan asked.
"Yes, she found out last night. It seems we are getting less and less discreet." Edmund said. "Anyway, what were you doing down here at such an early hour?" He asked Susan.
"I always wake up early for a morning stroll and I heard movement and voices above my room from here. And I thought it was weird for you to be up so early, so I came to investigate." Susan informed him. "I wish curiosity hadn't got the better of me now." They all laughed. "Well, I better leave you two." She turned to leave but Edmund stopped her.
"Susan, don't say anything to Peter. Or even Lucy. It needs to be kept a secret; otherwise Peter will kill me if he hears a word about it." Edmund begged Susan.
"Of course, Edmund but promise me one thing… you will tell Peter soon and that will be to inform him you a getting married to her." Susan locked eyes with him.
Edmund did not say another word but nodded his head in agreement, though he was dreading the day he would have to say those words to Peter. He wouldn't hesitate in marrying Ryder, oh he would marry her in a heartbeat, right this second, but what scared him most is his brother's reaction and answer.
Susan closed the door gently behind her and left for the gardens and archery practice. Edmund locked eyes with Ryder, and she raised her eyebrows, biting her lip as she tried to suppress a giggle. Edmund strode towards her and took her once again in his arms, kissing her smiling mouth softly. Ryder giggled once again and Edmund broke the kiss, groaning as she broke into a fit of giggles.
"I'm… sorry!" She managed to say through the stifled laughs.
Edmund raised a quizzical eyebrow. "What's so funny?" He asked her.
"I just imagined your brother's face when he finds out." She ceased laughing and smiled at Edmund, sweetly, as his face had turned to a look of worry. "Don't look so worried, it'll be fine when you do."
It was Edmund's time to laugh now. "My brother will kill me when I tell him, look how he was with Lucy, and now I want to marry the very women I swore to hate and mistrust. He'll go ballistic." He chuckled at the thought. "And there's all the issue with Sergio, your past. I have a right to be terrified to tell him."
"Well for now let's stop thinking of Peter and marriage, and get back to what we were doing before Susan interrupted us." Ryder said seductively, tracing her hands along Edmund's bare chest. Edmund chuckled nervously but brought his lips to Ryder's, resuming their passionate kissing.
It became very heated quite quickly and soon they were upon the bed again, Edmund's trousers once again discarded and Ryder's night shift abandoned. She clung to him desperately as they kissed, wanting him, wanting more.
The castle was beginning to awaken and the sun streamed through a crack in the curtain across Ryder's body as she lay asleep on her front. Edmund was enjoying a warm bath after their time together, reflecting over everything; once again the same thought crept back into his mind and he desperately tried to push it back but it just stuck there, needing attention.
He sighed and ran a hand through his wet hair before eventually climbing out of the cold, metal tub, grabbing a towel and drying himself off. He then, quietly as he could re-enter his bedroom where Ryder was sleeping softly, tired from her night adventures and early morning fun. He smiled to himself as his eyes took in her naked figure on the bed; he then looked away and found out some new clothes for the new day.
Ryder awoke with a jolt as the sun shone directly on her, which earned a groan of annoyance from her and she rolled over, causing the sheets to fall off of her but she was too tired to cover herself up. She heard his lovely laugh ring through the room and she opened her eyes in surprise.
"Good morning, beautiful." Edmund mumbled to her approaching the bed fully dressed, causing Ryder to frown.
"You're dressed." She sulked, pushing her bottom lip out in disappointment.
"You're not." Edmund informed her, brushing the back of his hand against her thigh.
Ryder pulled Edmund upon her and locked her lips with his; he laughed into her mouth but complied with her desire. He kissed her hard, then soft, changing pressure every second. He ran his hands of her smooth curves, which caused her to shiver in pleasure. Edmund would have loved to have carried on forever but it was already early morning and people were waking up. They would soon realise that Ryder was not in her room nor had she slept there for the night. So, he reluctantly pulled away from her which earned him an angry scowl off Ryder.
"I'm sorry, my love, but you need to get back to your room and get dressed, before someone realises you're missing." Edmund told her, gently kissing her lips.
"Well, they can come and find me." She said stubbornly, kissing Edmund once again grabbing onto his curly, damp hair.
"That's enough Ryder." Edmund groaned into her lips as she tried to pull him back onto the bed.
She pulled back from him and sighed, sulking slightly but obeying Edmund, she gathered up her nightshift (the only thing she had to wear) and pulled it over her tangled mess of dark hair and poked her head through its hole, then pulled it over her naked body, Edmund's eyes taking her in before she was covered. She gave Edmund a quick fleeting kiss before she quietly cracked open his door, checking for anyone, then slipping out into the cold, dark corridor and back to her room.
Lucy knocked gently on the wooden door, but no one answered. She frowned and turned the handle, the door was unlocked and she swung it open to reveal the bright room of Ryder's but with no Ryder in it. Just as she was about to run and get Edmund, she heard muffled footsteps down the staircase on her right and then Ryder came, rather quickly down the corridor, looking quite flushed and mischievous.
Ryder gasped in shock at the sight of Lucy and her cheeks flushed the deepest crimson. She hurried over to Lucy, who was giving her a quizzical brow, and entered her empty bedroom, all without looking up at Lucy.
"Where have you been?" Lucy questioned her, pushing her way into Ryder's room.
"With Edmund…" Ryder quietly answered, hurrying into the bathroom, Lucy trailing behind her.
"May I ask why you were with Edmund?" Lucy asked raising eyebrows at Ryder's back as she washed her face.
"We were just… s-spending time together." Ryder stuttered, her heart racing in her chest and her blood once again flowing to her cheeks.
"Do not lie to me, Ryder!" Lucy exclaimed, spinning her around, her eyes wide. "You two spent the night together, as in 'together' together."
Ryder gasped and went beetroot red. "What makes you say such a thing?!" She asked, quite flustered.
"The fact your bed has not been slept in, nor are you wearing nothing but a nightshift. You came down from the right staircase which leads to Edmund's room and you're as red as a tomato!" Lucy laughed.
Ryder left the bathroom and riffled through her wardrobe, pulling out a random dress and pulling it over her head. She daren't look at Lucy; she could feel her staring intently into her back. "We couldn't sleep." She simply said.
"Oh sure, you couldn't sleep. Well, not if you wanted to do that." Lucy mumbled.
"Lucy!" Ryder cried at the words of the youngest Queen.
"I'm sorry; it's just he's my brother and you're one of my closest friends." She laughed. "Anyway, I'm happy for you both, though I hate having to keep such a wonderful thing a secret."
"Susan knows." Ryder informed her, finally making eye contact.
"Susan knows? How did she find out?" Lucy asked in surprise.
Ryder blushed and then laughed at the thought. "Early this morning, Edmund and I, we were…let just say… in a compromising position that your dear sister just happen to walk in on."
It took a split second for Lucy to register what Ryder had told her and her eyes grew wide in shock but she soon broke into a fit of giggles. She felt tears form in her eyes and she brushed them away with the back of her hand. "Oh, poor Susan; to have found out about it that way!" Lucy exclaimed through laughs.
"Yes, I know I was so embarrassed!" Ryder laughed. "But what did you want to see me for?"
Lucy suppressed her giggles and stood up straight, smiling at Ryder. "It's the beginning of the summer fair today and I wanted to take you to see it."
"What is the 'summer fair' exactly?" Ryder asked, intrigued by the idea.
"Thousands of people travel in from the towns and villages around, or even from neighbouring countries, and they set up a variety of stalls, each one different; food, clothing, jewellery, flowers, fabrics, livestock. But also, they perform; music and plays, juggling with fire or knives, jesters, it's all a celebration for the beginning of summer and it lasts for a whole fortnight. Of the evenings, fireworks are set off and everyone, from the poorest to the richest, joins together in a dance that last all night to the early morning." Lucy explained to her. "The stalls have all been set up since the early mornings of the day and now the courtyard is bursting with life!"
"That's sounds amazing, Lucy!" Ryder exclaimed in excitement.
"It is. So, come on lets go already!" Lucy laughed, pulling Ryder out of her room and towards the excitement outside; the two happily running to see it all.
The courtyard was packed tight with vibrant and lively stalls, the place a bustle of life and excitement, all too much for one to take in but Ryder was determined to visit every stall and to see everything there was to offer. A corner had been cordoned off for the safety of passers-by or those watching as a young man, with dark, tanned skin and jet black hair, juggled fire effortlessly.
It was the last thing Ryder came to, her small basket full of different fruit and another carrying new fabrics and dresses, as they approached the fiery scene, the crowd parted to allow Queen Lucy to view the spectacular sight, along with Lady Ryder. As the young man, unaware of his new audience, continued to juggle, Ryder watched on with amazement as the man effortlessly threw the flaming sticks into the air continuously without getting burnt. His performance soon came to an end and Lucy and Ryder clapped in excitement and awe of the young man's abilities, but just as the young man extinguished the flames, his eyes landed on the Queen and then her companion and a single word escaped his mouth.
"Aeliana." He stared at Ryder, noticing she had not changed in features but her eyes were wiser and her face no longer that of a fourteen year old princess but that of a mature, young lady.
As Ryder's eyes landed upon his face; the unique hazel, gold eyes that sat in a handsome face with sharp features and the scar that reached from under his right eye to his lips, and she remembered those lips, upon hers and she gasped in surprise and horror as she remembered everything about him.
I was only a young girl of fourteen but I was said to be the most beautiful in the kingdom, more beautiful than my aunt, who I greatly resembled, Lady Katrina. And he, he was Nicolás, my first love, a fifteen year old boy from a traveller family. I was so intrigued by his skills of juggling that I approached him one day but as a royal, it was forbidden for a person such as Nicolás, a traveller, to speak to a princess and as punishment, he was struck across the face with a sword and scarred for life.
But this did not stop me from seeing him; we met whenever we could under the willow tree in the castle gardens, until the night I disappeared, the night I couldn't remember.
"Nicolás." The name escaped her lips and he approached her, tears formed in his eyes.
"I thought you were dead." He whispered, the distance between them closing, but before he could reach Ryder, she swayed slightly on her feet and then slowly crumbled to the ground with a hard thud.
Edmund was in his study, bent over his desk, scribbling hard onto a piece of parchment when he was interrupted by Mr Tumnus barging into his study, unannounced. Before Edmund could express his annoyance at being so rudely interrupted, he saw the desperate expression on Mr Tumnus' face and arose from his chair so quickly, that it toppled back and fell to the floor with a loud thud.
"What is it, Mr Tumnus? What's happened?" Edmund asked a note of panic in his voice, while approaching the worried looking faun.
"It's Lady Ryder, sire-" Before Mr Tumnus had finished his sentence, Edmund had fled the room and rushed down his corridor, where he bumped into Peter, who wore the same worried expression as Mr Tumnus had. "She is with Galena." It was the only words they exchanged as they both hurried to Galena's room.
Without knocking, Edmund burst into the room and the first thing his eyes landed upon was a young man, with rustic dark skin and a jagged scar across his cheek, hunched over an unconscious Ryder. Edmund quickly unsheathed his sword and pointed it at the unknown man.
"Get away from her!" Edmund hissed through clenched teeth.
"Sire!" Galena exclaimed, as Nicolás drew away from the sword and away from Ryder.
"Edmund, please listen to me before you do anything rash!" Lucy cried, as Edmund's sword came close to piercing into Nicolás neck.
Edmund ignored what Lucy had said, and kept his sword firmly on Nicolás neck, keeping him there, still and quiet. "Who are you?!" He spat at Nicolás.
Nicolás looked unsure, his eyes narrow taking in the appearance of the youngest King, and glanced over at Lucy, then the unconscious Ryder, before speaking. "I am Nicolás."
"A Telmarine, from the accent I presume." Edmund stated, but before Nicolás could answer, Edmund continued. "And may I ask what you are doing here?"
Nicolás held himself straight as to not show fear. "I do not think it matters."
His answer made Edmund angry, and he tightened the pressure of his sword on Nicolás neck, so that a slight cut appeared and blood slowly trickled down his neck. "You will answer me correctly; I am a King of Narnia!" Edmund shouted, "And if you do not tell me your reasons for being here, I promise you, you will live no longer!" Edmund breathed heavily and hard, his anger too hard to contain, and his teeth clenched so tight that he could hear them grinding together.
However, Nicolás stayed quiet for too long and Edmund's patience had already be tested so far, that he just lost it. In a move so quick, no was capable to stop him, Edmund pinned Nicolás to the wall with his sword position across his neck. "NOW TELL ME, HOW YOU KNOW HER?!" Edmund shouted. "HOW DO YOU KNOW RYDER?"
The room was dead silence at the sudden change in the room; Lucy stood next to the sleeping Ryder, her hand covering her mouth as she watched in horror, Galena was frozen in the corner, incapable of doing anything without risking the safety of Nicolás and Peter knew better than interfere when Edmund was as angry as he was now, he had experience it first-hand.
Nicolás swallowed hard and locked eyes with Edmund, who was only an inch or two taller than him. "I knew her when she was younger; I'm what you would call her first love."
At his words, Edmund loosen the pressure of his sword from Nicolás' neck and took a step back, although keeping his eyes locked with Nicolás own. "Take him down to the throne room, and call a meeting with the council." He said to Peter. "I need to speak with Ryder when she wakes up and then with him."
Peter understood and nodded his head. He motioned for Nicolás to follow him but Nicolás was reluctant to. "I cannot leave Aeliana. I need to speak to her myself; I do not understand what has happen or why she fainted at the sight of me? Or why you call her Ryder?"
Before Edmund had another outburst, Lucy butted in and escorted Nicolás towards the door, speaking to him on the way. "It'll all be explained when we get to the throne room, Edmund needs to speak with Ryder- oh sorry Aeliana- when she wakes up." Although, Nicolás was still quite reluctant to leave, Lucy persuaded him otherwise and Edmund was left alone with an angry Galena and an unconscious Ryder.
"I wish you would revert from violence, for a King I thought you would be more civil." Galena scowled him.
"You should know by now my temper is tested when ignorant, idiots like him disobeys me." Edmund snapped.
"But this isn't just about this Nicolás man, it's about Ryder too." Galena locked eyes with Edmund, who wore a shock expression, her voice softer.
"I do not understand." Edmund said, dumbly.
"You are very protective of her, far more protective of her than when she had first arrived." Galena stated, raising eyebrows at the speechless Edmund. "And I assume you care for her far more than you let on. I may even push it and say love…"
"What would make you assume that?" Edmund asked, his heart hammering drastically in his chest.
Galena laughed at Edmund's expression, a mix of worry and shock. "Oh as a wise, old centaur, I picked up all the hints between you. The way you look at her, your behaviour towards each other, and not to mention, your protectiveness of her. It just all points to love, and not the sisterly love, like with your sisters, there is something more between you to."
"You are wrong, Galena. I do not love Ryder, but yes, I do care for her as I care for my sisters." Edmund calmly said. "Now, how long will it take for Ryder to wake up?"
"I am sorry sire, for my assumptions." Galena nodded her head in politeness. "If she breathes these herbs, she should wake up." She handed him a bowl with a mixture of crushed herbs.
"Thank you Galena, you may join the council in the throne room while I speak to Ryder." Edmund dismissed her and she quietly left the room, her hooves echoing on the cobbled floor until they could be heard no more.
Edmund approached Ryder's side and placed the bowl under her nose, after a few breathes, her eyes slowly flickered open tiredly and she tried to focus on Edmund's face. She tried to get up but Edmund pushed her back now to lie on the bed.
"Don't try to get up, my love." Edmund whispered to her.
"What happened?" She asked, lying back.
"I was hoping you could tell me that, Ryder." Edmund said, grabbing a piece of cloth and bathing it into a bucket of cold water before placing it upon Ryder's forehead.
"It all happened so quickly, I remembered something." Ryder mumbled, closing her eyes.
"Tell me what you remembered Ryder."
"I was with Lucy at the summer fair, and he was juggling fire, when I saw his face everything about him came to me all at once. Nicolás, he…he was from my childhood." Ryder explained.
"Who is he?" Edmund asked, taking her hands in his.
"He comes from a Telmarine traveller family, his family was performing at one of the castle festivals when I was fourteen. We were besotted with each other, I was young and disobedient so I spoke to him, but it was forbidden. You see, Nicolás' lifestyle was seen with disgrace and dishonour, they were discriminated against but I saw it as a fascinating life, more exciting than royal life and Nicolás saw my lifestyle as perfect, so we exchanged stories of our lives. And we feel in love." Ryder paused and sighed at the memory. "But we were both young and naïve, and soon enough we got caught. That's how he got that scar; a soldier struck him with his sword. Nicolás was there that night as well, the night I was taken, I can just remember screaming and clinging onto Nicolás but that part is all still a blur."
Edmund pulled her into an embrace. "It's alright, Ryder, you're safe here."
"I must see him again, I must speak to him." Ryder said urgently. "He's the only one who can shed some light onto who I am and what happened to me."
"I know Ryder, I've called a meeting with the council and Nicolás is in the throne room now." Edmund informed her. "But I will speak to him, you've had an eventful couple of days and you need to rest"
"But Edmund…" Ryder began.
"No, Ryder, it has been too much for you these past few days, you can barely sleep and I hear you at night, moaning and mumbling about the soldier, this is just going to add more stress to you, and I cannot and will not see you traumatised that way again."
Ryder sighed but nodded in agreement; she understood what Edmund was saying. She hasn't been able to rest her mind since the encounter with the Telmarine soldier; she could only distract herself with spending time with Edmund. Many nights she had awoken from terrible nightmares, but she had never told Edmund of their content and she daren't either.
The council were all seated in the throne room, along a long table, Peter seated at the head with Edmund to his left and Susan to his right, Lucy further down seated next to Galena, who remained standing, and Jason, opposite to Mr Tumnus and Lycuson, who couldn't get comfortable in his seat. Nicolás has refused to be seated and stood at the end of the table, impatiently, constantly asking where Aeliana or Ryder was, even though both Lucy and Galena assured him she was well and just needed to rest.
Edmund kept silent as he knew from earlier that Nicolás affected him in a way that drove him crazy; the idea of Ryder having loved someone before him, made him extremely jealous, even more jealous than he had been of Jason or Dictino. Susan kept sending him worried glances and then glanced to Lucy who gave Susan an expression of pity; Edmund sighed under his breath – his sisters seem to be more worried about Nicolás's effect on him than Nicolás's connection to Ryder.
"I just want to speak to Aeliana. Why will no one let me speak to her?" Nicolás spoke urgently.
"As both Lucy and Galena have told you, Ryder… I mean Aeliana, is resting. You may speak to her when she has recovered." Peter answered him, calmly.
"Then why have I been brought here?" Nicolás asked, puzzled by his audience with the monarchs of Narnia.
Peter sighed and ran his hand across his face. "This is going to be a long story, are you sure you don't wish to sit?" Nicolás shook his head. "Well then, to start from the beginning. Ryder, or Aeliana to you, has amnesia – she cannot recall her past memories – some come in snippets every now and then, but other than some vague memories, she cannot remember anything. Now, you are here because you know Aeliana from her past and we were hoping you could help us understand who she is and where she came from."
Nicolás looked intently at Peter, locking eyes with him. He contemplated what he had been informed of and sighed. "As you know her name is Aeliana, I do not know why you call her Ryder, but she is King Sergio's niece, from his brother, Favino II."
"But we checked the Telmarine royal family tree, no Aeliana is mentioned. The only child of Favino II is his son, Favino." Lucy informed him. From what the Telmarine soldier had told Edmund and Ryder, it had caused some confusion for the Kings and Queens. Ryder was the double of Katrina, her aunt, but if she was adopted then she should not resemble Katrina so much.
"She is not of royal blood, so she is not on the family tree." Nicolás answered.
"So how can she be Favino daughter and Sergio niece? You aren't making sense." Edmund spoke up. "How can she not be related when she is the double of Favino's sister, Katrina?"
"She was adopted by Favino and Hespera, his wife, cause they no longer could have children and Hespera was desperate for a daughter. Her natural parents are not known but it is assumed that she was either an illegitimate child of Sergio or his father Favino I."
"How do you know all this?" Peter asked.
"Aeliana told me, she was always aware that she was adopted." Nicolás answered. "I met her when I was 15; I come from a nomad family and we were performing in Telmar's annual Summer Solstice parade when I met her. She was with the rest of the royal family, just 14 years old but they all remarked she was the loveliest princess in all of Telmar, and she was.
She wondered off and found herself at my mother's stall, she brought one of my mother's hand made bracelets, nothing compared to the luxurious jewels she would have worn as a Princess but she loved it more than all the riches she had. And I fell in love with her the moment I laid eyes on her." He paused, reminiscing about this memory. "My family usually moves after a month in one place so we took every opportunity we had to meet up, we were infatuated with each other. I wanted to know everything about her life and she wanted to know everything about mine.
The last time I saw her was the night she disappeared, the night Favino II was murdered and Sergio took the throne. We met in our usual place, just outside the castle kitchens, under this old willow tree – she used to sneak me some delicious pudding that the cook had baked for the next day. We witness the soldiers ambushing the castle, instead of leaving when she could have, Aeliana went to seek out her family and I followed her and witnessed them execute her parents.
Then her brother, Favino, and their tutor found us and snuck us out but Sergio men found us and Aeliana was taken, Favino escaped and I was beaten and left for dead. When I woke up hours had past and Aeliana was long gone, the castle had been taken by Sergio's men and he'd taken the throne. I don't know what happened to her, I thought she was dead."
"Now I want you to answer my question… can I see Aeliana?" Nicolás asked.
Edmund frowned and tightened his fists under the table. The way Nicolás had talked about Ryder, with so much love and care in his voice, sent daggers through Edmunds heart, to know someone had known her and loved her as well as him.
"Galena will you go check if Ryder is awake and if she is up to speaking with Nicolás?" Peter asked, Galena nodded and left the room, her hooves echoing on the stone flooring. "Nicolás, you may follow Jason down to the kitchens to get something to eat whilst you wait for Aeliana."
Nicolás nodded, following Jason out of the throne room and down along to the kitchens. Mr Tumnus and Lycuson left too as to give the Kings and Queens's time to talk privately. Peter buried his face in his hands and then rubbed his eyes, a look of anxiousness and tiredness were set in his eyes. Finally he looked to his siblings and sighed. "Well, that didn't tell us much more than we already know… Ryder still has about seven years of her life missing. We still don't know how she came to be in Lantern Waste and why Sergio is so interested in her?"
"From what that soldier informed us, she reappeared after being missing for seven years, so something must have happened in those seven years. We know from the few memories Ryder as recalled that she was locked away, where she was raped by that Lord Pedro, but why was she locked away? Why was she then realised seven years later?" Susan questioned to them.
"She was there the night her family was murder, this Nicolás says they took Ryder whilst her brother escaped. What if Sergio kept her locked away, for all those years, as a punishment? And then when she reappears, after being missing or dead for years, to discover her brothers whereabouts?" Edmund theorised; everything started to slot into place. "If Lucy or Susan was kidnapped and missing for years, then suddenly reappeared, we'd go looking for them, we'd try to get them back because we're their brothers, we were meant to protect them and keep them safe. That's what Sergio probably was hoping to happen, that at least someone would come to retrieve Ryder and lead them to Favino."
"It does make sense and sounds like Sergio but that's all hypothetically. We know Sergio is completely mad, what if he just kept her locked away… for the fun of it. To watch her be violated and abused." Susan suggested.
"But Nicolás said that she could be the illegitimate child of Sergio. Why would he hurt his own daughter?" Lucy piped up.
"We know if he can murder his own brother and sister, he wouldn't feel guilt or anything if he let his illegitimate daughter be abused and raped by his men." Susan replied.
"He's a sadistic bastard and I'll make him pay for everything he's done to Ryder." Edmund spat sharply.
His siblings remained quiet at Edmund's words, Susan and Lucy sharing the same look of anguish at their brother's pain whilst Peter pondered about the information and theories he had been given. "We must talk to Ryder, she is the only one who knows about those seven missing years and we need to make her remember, for her own safety. We can't protect her if we don't know why or who we are protecting her from."
"But how can we help her to remember?" Susan asked.
"I don't know, Galena said there wasn't any treatment for amnesia, that it all depends on the severity of Ryder's condition to whether or not she'll regain it at all." Peter sighed, it was incredibly frustrating. "We can only hope Nicolás can help, see if he triggers anymore memories."
Susan and Lucy nodded in agreement with Peter but Edmund remained silent, anger boiling within him. He couldn't understand why he was so angry lately, it was completely out of character for him, yes he had a temper but he'd even tried to hurt Ryder, just so she wouldn't leave him. It was like he'd lost control of himself, he always knew love was a dangerous thing but it seemed to be changing him – and not for the better.
"How do we know we can trust this Nicolás?" Edmund finally asked.
"We can't but we have to." Peter sighed, once again.
"Maybe you should get some rest Pete? You're looking very tired." Susan suggested, placing a hand over his.
"If only I could, I can't seem to sleep and I've got things to sort like Lu's engagement party and arrangements for her visit to Archenland."
"Don't worry about that now Peter, Theon and I talked – we decided to push the wedding back a year. It's just not the right time." Lucy informed everyone.
"But Lu – "Peter began.
"Its fine Pete, don't worry. It's the right thing to do and we can wait. Ryder is more important in this situation than our wedding, plus it's less stress on you which is what I want. You've hardly slept nor ate recently."
"If you insist Lu. Are sure Theon is fine with pushing it back?"
"Well he can't do nothing about it if he wasn't." Lucy gave Peter a heart-warming smile and Peter couldn't help but smile back.
The water was warm from the summer sun that shone directly upon the ocean. I lay upon the sand with my eyes lightly shut, the tide washing over me, soaking my fine gown but I did not care, I was too happy to care. The chatter of people could be heard behind me but I ignored the calling of my name and the laughter of my brother. Just lying there on the beach was blissful, the heat of the sun, the warmth of the sand, the sound of the birds up above; it was all so tranquil.
I decided I was content enough just lying there so I slowly got up and approached the ocean, going further and further in until it had reached my chest, then, closing my eyes, I submerged my head under the water and lay upon the ocean floor. I could feel my hair dancing around my head as the water moved around me. It was so quiet underwater, all I could hear was the muffled sound of crashing waves.
It wasn't long until I lost my breath and had to resurface. But then a dark figure loomed over me and I felt his hands upon my shoulders as I was shoved back under. I began to kick at the water creating large splashes, my hands scratching into the stranger's hands, trying so hard to pry them off, but I seemed to get even more tired and breathless that my vision started to go black.
Suddenly, my shoulders were realised and I felt myself pulled up out of the water, the warm breeze hitting my face. I began to cough violently and water came spilling from my mouth and nose, stinging my throat and nostrils. I felt my back against the dry warm sand and I opened my eyes once the water was cleared from my lungs. Staring down at me was my brother, his hair soaking wet, droplets of rain dripping from his face, he smiled when he saw me awaken.
I asked what had happened, but he refused to tell me, scooping me back up into his arms, whispering to me he'll tell me when I had recovered, once we were back home in the castle. But he never got the chance to tell me, because that night was the night my parents were murdered and the night I was taken from my brother.
Ryder opened her eyes suddenly and found herself submerged under water, she pushed herself up out of the bathtub, coughing and spluttering out water from her lungs. She'd fallen asleep in the bathtub, the water was now freezing cold, and her chest ached from all the coughing.
The memory was embedded in her mind, the same say she was kidnapped someone had tried to murder her. By who and why, her brother never had the chance to tell her. Favino. Or Vino was her nickname for him and Ana was hers. Ryder felt hot tears fall down her cheeks as this unknown feeling of lose hit her, sliding to the fall soaking wet and cold. She was unsure how long she'd been there but by the time someone came knocking, her tears were all dried up.
"My Lady, are you there?" She heard Willow call out. She heard Willow's soft footsteps along the wooden floor towards her wash room, accompanied by a set of hooves.
"Where could she be if not in her room?" Galena asked.
Willow swung the door to her wash room open and gasped to find Ryder laying naked upon the stone fall. "Lady Ryder, what on earth happened?" Willow cried, grabbing the nearest towel and wrapping Ryder in it, who was icy cold to the touch.
"Quickly get her to the bed." She heard Galena say. She felt someone grab her under her arms and someone grab her legs, then her body met with the softness of her feather bed.
"Go fetch the Kings and Queens, I'll dress her." Galena asked Willow, she heard her footsteps hurriedly retreat from the room and the door gently shut behind her.
When Edmund arrived, Ryder was dressed and wrapped up in bed with a bed warmer at her feet. She was wide awake speaking to Lucy and Susan who were the first to arrive, her face light up at the sight of Edmund.
"What happened?" Edmund asked, rushing to Ryder's side and kissing her softly on her forehead.
"I seem to have fallen asleep in the bathtub and I remembered something. I don't know if it's important or not, but it really shook me up." Ryder explained, taking Edmund's hand in hers and proceeding to caress the back of his hand. She explained to him what she had remembered and how it had made her feel, she'd already explained it once to Susan and Lucy but they sat attentively listening.
"It's suspicious that you were nearly murdered on the same day your parents were killed and you kidnapped but also that it was done in front of your brother. I highly doubt the person who tried to kill you is related to your kidnapping, I mean why keep you for all those years, if they wanted to murder you at first… it doesn't make sense." Edmund thought aloud.
After a moment of silence, Ryder spoke up. "I must speak with Nicolás."
"Why? What does he have to do with that memory?" Edmund asked, annoyed by her request.
Ryder ignored the tone of annoyance in Edmund's voice. "Susan told me that he was there when I was kidnapped. Maybe I mentioned it to him or something, he may know something."
"She is right Edmund, no matter how jealous you are of Nicolás, he may have more answers for us." Susan piped up.
"I'm not jealous, just I don't particularly trust him." Edmund mumbled to himself. "Just get some rest first and you can see him tomorrow." Edmund didn't like the idea of her speaking to him privately but he had to live with it. His previous bouts of jealous were nothing to how he was feeling now, but if he was to help Ryder, he had to let her speak to Nicolás, no matter how much he disliked it.
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