Here's chapter four....

Hope you still enjoy.

Crimson.

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She finally consented to take that walk. Actually, she asked him to take a walk with her in the woods. She seemed in high spirits. Every day Susan had been back to talk with Strider and had even begun to visit other wounded soldiers whilst she was in the healing room. They blushed under her soft gaze, smiled at her gentle touch and were in awe of her beauty.

Every day she laughed more, smiled at him more, reached out to him more.

Yesterday morning she had reached out and taken his hand. His elation and her following smile had been worth the funny looks from Peter and the giggles from Lucy. Edmund had gagged and made funny faces but nothing could dislodge the warmth blooming between them.

Now she spoke with him mildly as they strolled through the dense forest. They did not hold hands but she brushed her fingers with his every now and then.

She had asked him to accompany her, but didn't tell him where they were headed.

"I hope it's still there." She murmured as they stomped through heavier and heavier undergrowth. She was surprisingly nimble amongst the strong branches, ducking and weaving expertly, giggling at him over her shoulder when he did not dodge quick enough and a branch grasped his nose or his shoulder.

Then he lifted a twig from his face and suddenly they were in a clearing. A small waterfall made pleasant sounds which echoed, kept inside the small bubble of peace by the lush green and brown trees which towered above them and made a small canopy.

Susan smiled around her, taking a deep breath of clear air. "We used to come here, on the eve of the Anniversary of Aslan's death and rebirth. It's such a beautiful place, untouched, it's almost as if a small part of Him resides here."

She walked over to a large rock which extended over the small pool of water and sat down, hitching up her dress and pulling off her soft leather shoes. She lowered her toes into the clear water with a slight shiver, even as a delighted smile lit up her face.

"Come here!" she called.

Caspian willingly sat himself beside her and she giggled as he struggled with his boots. Her deft fingers helped him untie his laces in order for him to stick his feet in the cool water also. He blushed as he caught her delighted gaze peeking through her dark lashes and turned his head to stare over the water.

Her giggles fell silent; all he could hear was her steady soft breathing and the trickle of the waterfall. A bird called from far away.

He breathed deeply, as he had seen her do before. You could almost pretend that they were not about to be engaged in war at any moment. You could almost pretend that they were not royalty and that they were not Telmarine enemy number one. You could almost pretend that they were just two people, sitting together, surrounded by peace and beauty.

"I like it here." He said softly. Susan lay back on the rock, letting the rays of light which managed to squeeze through the trees play over her face. "Thank you for bringing me here."

Susan, with her eyes still closed, reached out and pulled on his shirt until he was laying beside her, their breaths rising and falling in rhythm.

"I should be thanking you." She said suddenly into their silence. He turned his head to look into her face, but she remained staring up at the trees. "For not giving up on me."

He reached out and squeezed her hand. "It wasn't even a choice; it was just something I could not do."

He saw a brief dimple appear before it was hidden once again in her calm face. "It was hard, back then, after it all happened. Everyone treated me like glass, breakable. It horrified me, that everyone was so sympathetic, when I believed it was all my fault. I think, most of all, I was so embarrassed, so humiliated, so devastated, so many things at once that I had no idea how to deal with them, so I didn't." She hesitated a moment.

"Tell me." He said, prompting her.

She turned her head, eyeing him briefly, assessing what his reaction would be.

"There were other suitors, of course." She smiled at his low comical growl at the mention of other suitors. "It seemed that once I had escaped from Rabadash that every male royal within the world voyaged to Narnia in order to 'heal me' or 'save me' or just take advantage of my emotional state. Thank goodness for Pete and Ed. They challenged so many men to duels for my honour I lost count and I think Edmund banished about fifteen lords from our lands permanently. But I played the part, I pushed everything else aside, locked it away so I could smile at suitors and dance with them. I did everything normally, talked with my family, dealt with problems at court. But it wasn't me – I wasn't whole. I never felt anything. That's how I was able to function, by not feeling anything. Ever."

Caspian cleared his throat in the silence before voicing his question."May I ask? If you were able to function, to appear normal, why did you suddenly react at my presence? Why did it all come undone?"

Susan sighed, her chest rising and then sinking heavily. "I was so very used to hiding everything, for closing myself off from my emotions – I never allowed myself to feel anything for any man after he - that when you smiled at me and created this – thing – between us, it took me off guard. With the little butterfly in my stomach, along came all of these memories that I had suppressed."

He grinned. "I give you butterflies?"

She laughed lightly before giving him a small smile. "Just - thank you - very much, from the bottom of my heart. I won't forget your kindness, ever."

They were shoulder to shoulder, hands clasped, feet dangling in the water. Her head was tilted towards him. He knew if he moved his head to the side....but he mustn't. She trusted him and so he mustn't.

He sat up.

Oblivious to his internal struggle, Susan sighed in contentment and closed her eyes once again, pulling her hand from his and clasping her own on her stomach.

While her eyes were closed, he allowed his to linger on her face. She really was a beautiful woman, even now, just emerging from a girl to a lady. Her dark lashes fluttered on her creamy white skin. She opened her eyes and caught his gaze.

It must have been the place. Never before had he seen such peace in her eyes as she looked up at him. Instead of her usual hesitance she smiled up at him freely.

His affection for her was clamouring to the surface. His hands shook slightly as he slowly raised one and traced a finger over her small nose and over her dark eyebrows. Her eyes fluttered closed and she released a small sigh.

Now his breath was coming in shorter bursts, his fingers skirted her full lips. Oh how he wanted to – but he mustn't. He mustn't.

He rolled onto his stomach and stared down at her peaceful face. He could see wisps of her hair moving in the faint breeze that his breath stirred over her cheeks.

He didn't think she was aware but she tilted her chin, just slightly, in his direction.

He mustn't, he shouldn't, she was his queen, she trusted him.

Caspian kissed her.

Susan jerked away with a startled gasp, her eyes flying open, fingers going to her lips. Caspian felt his own breath catch in his throat. Oh why, why had he given in to himself? Now he had scared her for life. She had trusted him.

"I'm so Sorry, I -," he tried to say.

Susan's expression changed, she studied him with wide eyes.

With one word, he had managed to, unknowingly, distance himself and the feelings that he created from her memories of Rabadash. He had shown remorse. He had said sorry. It was alright to trust him.

"Sorry" it wasn't a question, it wasn't a reply. She repeated the word to herself a curious expression coming to her face.

She reached out a tentative hand and placed it on his cheek. He shut his mouth immediately, letting her fingers pass over his neck.

For a second he gazed into her eyes, before her fingers tightened on his collar and she pulled him closer, lifting her lips to his.

"Sorry." She breathed against his lips. He found himself breathing the words back, even as her lips glided over his.

"I'm Sorry." She whispered as his lips moved down her throat. "I'm Sorry."

"It's alright." He found himself replying. "I forgive you." But he didn't think that she heard him. It seemed that all of her emotions had suddenly raced to the surface.

"I'm sorry, so sorry, so very sorry." She was crying now, the tears running down her cheeks and creating dark stains on the rock below her head.

Caspian realised this was not about he and Rabadash anymore, this was about Susan finally forgiving herself and allowing that final part of her to heal. So he clasped her to his chest, tucked her protectively in his arms and provided the only thing he could, comfort.

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"Caspian!"

Caspian cut off his sentence to the general Glemstorm mid word as he turned at the sound of Lucy's call. He was just barely able to catch her little body as she threw herself at him exuberantly, a whirlwind of blue silk, blonde curls and warm hands. Caspian looked to the general in bewilderment. Glenstorm snorted at Caspian's surprised expression as the little Queen clung to his waist tightly.

"er – Queen Lucy?"

She looked up at him, her chin resting on his stomach, with brilliant clear blue eyes.

"You can call me Lucy you know." She replied mildly, not seeming to notice the confusion her overt affection and joy caused him.

"Er – yes, Majesty."

"Lucy, say it with me."

"What?"

"LUUUCCCYYY. Come on, say it. All my friends call me Lucy."

Caspian traded another look with Glenstorm, who seemed to be holding in a chuckle. "Um – Lucy."

Lucy laughed and hugged him tighter. She sighed into his shirt contentedly.

"Thank you."

"For what?" he asked her, bewildered.

"For helping Susan. For not listening to us when we told you to leave her alone. For not giving up on her."

"Oh, er-"

"You really like her, don't you?" Those blue eyes gazed at him piercingly. They were very similar to her eldest brothers, gentle but fierce when needed. Caspian felt himself blush heavily at her question, his ears heating. Lucy giggled again.

"It's alright, you don't need to answer, I can tell by your face. For what it's worth – I approve."

Caspian felt a warm bubble expand in his chest, the blush receded. He smiled down at Lucy.

Caspian had never been very affectionate. He did not have parents, or brothers and sisters. But this little girl was the closest thing he thought he might ever get to a younger sister. He reached down and hugged her back. "Thank you – it is worth more than you know."

Hugging Lucy was much like what he imagined hugging a ray of sunshine, or a musical melody might be like. Even though he was bigger, was taller, was stronger, she simply engulfed him.

Lucy wriggled free and Caspian had one moment to feel the loss, before she reached out and grasped his hand. She turned him back to where Glenstorm was waiting patiently and reached up, stretching right to her tip toes to grasp the startled centaur by his fingertips.

They resumed their walk, with Lucy in between them, swinging their hands joyously.

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Edmund approached Caspian with his swords strapped to his waist and a challenging look in his eyes. With slight trepidation, Caspian accepted his challenge to spar and followed the young man out into the How's grounds.

Their walk was silent; Caspian could see the stiff hold to the younger boy's shoulders. Finally Edmund looked around and stopped, withdrawing one sword and standing at arms. He was as still as a statue, his dark eyes assessing Caspian's every move. Not wanting to look silly, Caspian withdrew his own blade and held it steady before him.

Dear God, he was about to face King Edmund. The king was a legendary battler. Always his moves were strategically planned and executed. You had to be smart to best King Edmund in a sword fight. Caspian took a deep breath.

Edmund struck suddenly, lunging forward and thrusting downwards in a quick movement that had Caspian choking on the air which had just entered his lungs in his desperation to block the blow. The impact sent shudders down his arm, his elbow struggled under the pressure.

Caspian hardly remembered anything after that, except for the whirlwind effort to block, get in his own attacks and the dark, calculating gaze of his opponent.

He thought he was at least holding his own, until with harsh block and a sinuous spin Edmund unsheathed a second blade, smirking at Caspian's startled gaze. It did not take long until under the combined fury of the King's silver weapons, he tripped and fell backwards, opening his eyes to find both sword tips at his throat.

"Well fought, clearly you are the superior swordsman." Caspian said, raising himself to his elbows. The swords poked into his chest sharply and he froze. There was a tense silence during which Caspian stared at the swords and Edmund stared at Caspian, his face unreadable.

"She's my sister. It's my duty to protect her. Hurt her and I'll hurt you." The swords suddenly moved, and were sheathed quickly.

"That being said, you've managed to help her with what no one else has ever been able to even approach."

Caspian was surprised when Edmund bent down and held out a hand for him to grasp. The King pulled him to his feet gently.

"For so long, I thought she was unhealable. Her spirit wasn't there, she hid it well, but something wasn't right about her. You've brought her back." Edmund grasped Caspian's hand tighter still, his eyes burned.

"There's nothing else I can say except thank you."

Caspian was having trouble finding his voice. This was not what he had expected. "I – ok-"

Edmund cracked a grin. "There is one condition though, if you want to court her."

"What's that?"

Edmund shoved him lightly on the shoulder. "You'll have to learn to fight better – if anyone challenges you for her hand, and believe me, they will. You'll have to fight faster than that. I probably fought hundreds of battles in her honour."

"Will you teach me?" Caspian asked. He'd be damned if he lost her in a battle because of his own weakness.

Edmund saw Caspian's expression and laughed again. "Don't worry too much, she has the weirdest ability to make idiots and louts fall in love with her. Most are incompetent with a blade."

Caspian frowned. "Including me?"

"Well, you're the first who's asked me to teach them after I've just kicked their ass and you didn't do so badly. So I'd say you're well on the way to being exempt from that particular talent of hers."

"So you will teach me? With two blades?"

Edmund shrugged. "Maybe not two blades, your balance is a bit off for that." He saw Caspian's face fall and smirked again.

"You know what? Why not, it's been ages since I sparred regularly - thirteen hundred years in fact." He suddenly pulled a face.

"That's a pretty huge age gap, don't you think? How're you going with that, courting someone who is old enough to be your great great great great grandmother?"

Edmund's eyes lit up, he grinned wickedly and he looked more like a fourteen year old than the legendary king he really was. "Talk about robbing the cradle."

Caspian was confused. "Who's robbing what?"

Edmund laughed louder, "It's a figure of speech." He said and left it at that.

As they walked back to the How, Caspian listened to Edmunds constant litany of warnings and jibes, taking it all in good nature. It felt rather...nice, even though the jibes were getting on his nerves and the younger boy did not seem to ever shut up. It felt familiar, friendly, brotherly.

"You'll have to deal with her mood swings. And don't even get me started on her freakish obsessive compulsive behaviour when it comes to clothes. And you know what? The best course of action for when she's in a foul mood is to run. That's what Peter and I did for years – still do - just run for it and hopefully by the time she's caught up with you, she'll have run out of steam. You'll be even worse off than us! You shouldn't have taught her how to use self defence against you, she'll be horrid! Specially if you don't eat your vegies – it's best just to do what she says. Kind of like - yes Susan, no Susan, whatever you say Susan. Got it?"

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It had been a brief week of delightful happiness, pretending that all was well and that there was nothing more troublesome out there than wondering where to take her on their evening walk. But now...

The challenge had been sent.

Caspian stood in solemn silence and watched the two kings of old. Edmund was carefully helping Peter suit up in his armour. The brothers were tense, yet Edmund moved around his brother with ease and efficiency. It struck Caspian that they had done this before, many times before. Edmund tightened straps and pushed armour into place with speed and precision. He knew just how tight the pieces had to be. He knew exactly where the breast plate was to sit, where the armguards were tightened. Peter was silent, surveying his younger brother with quiet intensity. Caspian felt slightly like he was intruding, even though Peter had asked him here. Finally Edmund finished and stepped back. He sighed and stared up at his brother. Caspian could see Edmund's worry and anxiousness etched on every line of the young boy's face. Peter smiled at his younger brother, trying to raise his spirits. Edmund frowned, not fooled by Peter's attempt.

"Your blessing, brother." Peter finally said, bowing his head and breaking his brother's fierce stare.

Solemnly Edmund raised his left hand and placed it upon his brother's golden hair.

"May my faith uphold you, may my love guide you, may my loyalty sustain you. Thou art blessed in the name of the Just." Edmund said. He then lifted his right hand to join the left.

"By Aslan's will, may you bring his fury and justice against Narnia's enemies on this day. Serve your country High King as she has dutifully served you. Thou art blessed in Aslan's name."

"In Aslan's name." Peter murmured, raising his eyes once again.

Edmund handed Peter his sword solemnly. Peter buckled Rhindon at his waist. The clip was barely fastened before Edmund had grabbed his older brother in a crushing hug.

"Stay safe Peter! No unnecessary risks, no stupid chivalry, remember when you were injured by the giants? That was because you didn't fight dirty enough to match them. Miraz isn't going to fight fair, neither must you!"

Peter chuckled into his brother's hair. "Brother, I must fight in the way which I was taught by our General Oreius. No other way is befitting of the High King of Narnia, you know that, even if you prefer street fighting."

There was a hesitant cough from the door. They looked up to see a faun, dressed in battle armour.

"We're assembled, Majesties."

Peter took a deep breath and nodded to the faun. Edmund released his older brother.

"I'll rally them." He said.

Peter placed his hands on either side of Edmund's face. Gently he lowered his head and pressed a light kiss to the crown of Edmund's dark hair.

"Be safe." He whispered.

"Stay strong." His brother returned and reluctantly slipped from Peter's grasp.

There was a tense moment after he departed, Peter stared at the empty doorway with unfocused eyes. Caspian shifted, feeling rather uncomfortable in the presence of King Peter, who had punched him to the floor not that long ago for taking up with Susan. He cleared his throat.

"I'll ah – follow them then, you don't need me here."

"Caspian."

Caspian paused at the door and turned. Peter's head was downcast, his shoulders slightly hunched.

"I – just in case, you know – wanted to apologise."

"What?"

"For getting angry with you, about the raid," Peter chuckled darkly. "Sorry for lots of things, really."

"You're not going to die –"

Peter raised his eyes and took a small step towards Caspian, his blue eyes wide and slightly wild.

"But there is every chance I will. If I die, promise me you'll get them out. " Caspian didn't need to ask who they were. "If you have any regard for me as High King, promise me you will get them out."

"I promise" He could do nothing else in the face of the High King's anxious agitation. Peter ran a hand through his hair and tugged at the roots fiercely.

"Ed will want to fight; he'll want to avenge me. Don't let him, if he loses his temper he loses all of his skill with a blade, he'll be killed. Lucy will cry, and then she'll fight. Don't let her. Lucy's forgotten that her body isn't as strong and big as it once was. She was a warrior Queen once upon a time. Susan will go into shock. She'll bottle everything up, saving it for later. She'll continue on as if nothing has happened, until one day something sets her off. You've seen what the consequences of that particular trait are first hand, so don't let her."

"I understand."

Peter exhaled deeply and twisted his grip on his sword. Finally he gave Caspian a small smile.

"I know we haven't exactly got on, I know I've been a bit stupid –"

" -no-"

"-yes, I have. Lucy was right, I'd forgotten who brought us here in the first place. I'd forgotten who placed me on my throne, who gives me strength and knowledge."

Peter reached out and solemnly grasped Caspian by the shoulder.

"I don't know if you'll take any advice from me. But if there is one thing I would pass on to the next king of Narnia, it would be to always have faith in Aslan."

Caspian's dark eyes were troubled. "How can I have Faith in what I don't know? I don't even know Him."

Peter's hand tightened on his shoulder, almost uncomfortably so.

"Yes you do, we all do in some way, perhaps not right in the front of your mind, but he's there. When you do get to see him, you'll finally see how stupid I was to forget him, to turn my back. Don't make my mistakes again Caspian."

He had to ask, he had to know. "Do you really believe they will find him?"

Peter's eyes were hard, his jaw set. "I believe that Lucy's faith can move mountains, that her love for him is the most solid and real thing that I have ever encountered. He will find them."

"And do you believe he will help us, that he will help you?"

Peter smiled and nodded once. "I do." He turned slightly away from Caspian, letting the shadows hide his eyes. "But I'm only human and so I fear the unknown. I tremble at the thought of my country and my family at the hands of your uncle. That is why I have asked you to get them out."

"Yes, yes I will, I promised."

"I am giving you the most precious things that I have. I am entrusting you with Narnia's judge, her spirit and her jewel. I am entrusting you with my brother and sisters."

It seemed like the conversation was over. Peter let go of Caspian's shoulders and walked past the young Prince. Caspian had to know, it burned his mind, because even if Peter had been obnoxious and rude, he had also been wise and loving. He was the High King of Narnia. If his opinion didn't matter, whose did?

"Do you think I am ready? To be king?"

Peter turned his head, cocking it to the side slightly.

"Caspian, the only thing more precious to me than my people and my country, is my family. If I am entrusting them to you, then of course I believe that you will be a good ruler. A great one even, if you follow Aslan and always attempt to do what is right."

"Really?"

"Really. Narnia could not be in better hands. Neither could my sister."

Caspian's face flamed and Peter grinned. There was a roar of voices from over head. Peter's smile disappeared.

"That's Ed, rallying the troops. Right." He said, setting his jaw. "Let's get this party started." He turned and strode out of the room, clanking slightly in his silver armour.

Caspian followed him. "Party? I cannot imagine anything less like a party."

Peter snorted with abrupt laughter. "It's a figure of speech."

"Like robbing the cradle?'

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Okay! So I kind of got distracted while writing this chapter, I saw the trailer for twilight and went, hey I might read that, it kinda looks alright. Um, the ladies at my local book store were laughing at me because within the space of two days I returned four times to buy the next books in the series...marathon reading session, my eyes hurt afterwards.

Lol anyway, one more chapter after this and then it's done...I swear..... on to whatever pops up next. Still the same thing as before, tell me what you like, what you don't.....I love hearing from you.