Chapter 18~It's Not Over

"So Ed, I was thinking…"

"Never a good sign."

"Oh hush," Peter said, but couldn't help smiling.

"What's on your mind?"

"Why do you think Jacinda hasn't made Rama cast us out of the castle?"

"As manipulative and conniving as she is, I don't think Jacinda has the brains to do that. She's been so wrapped up in herself and this wedding she doesn't to pay attention to anything else."

"That's what I thought, but Vera could have easily put the idea into her mind, for Vera is extremely intelligent."

"Unfortunately. But she wants us to stay—she is bound and determined to make me fall in love with her."

"It sounds like she's succeeded," Peter joked.

"Very funny. But now that you mention it, I wonder why Rose hasn't been cast out."

"You have a point. The only person allowing her to stay is Rama, and if he…"

"If you'd like to know the reason, I can answer."

"We would be much obliged," Peter said, making room for Rose on the sofa.

"Vera hates me more than anything in the world. If I was sent away, she could not take pleasure in torturing me, and watching others do the same."

"You say it so calmly. How?"

"Practice. My temper is destructive when unleashed."

"Somehow that doesn't surprise me. Aslan help us if you and Peter are together when you're both angry."

"Peter, you have a temper as well?"

"I have about five in size."

"I never would have thought."

"I don't lose it often."

"Me neither."

"I do."

"I know," Rose and Peter said in unison.

"Where are Lucy and Caspian?"

"Together, in my room. That's why I came here, I didn't want to be in the way."

"I don't blame you. They may be meant for each other, but seeing it is just…"

"Atrocious?"

"Disgusting?"

"I was aiming for vile, but those words work too."

"Speaking of vile, we have a wedding tomorrow."

"I'm sorry Rose, but I'm already betrothed…perhaps Edmund would do the honors?"

"Sorry love, not a chance." Though Rose knew it was all in jest, she couldn't help the sinking feeling in her chest. With each day she fell more in love with him, and here he was telling her he would never be with her.

"Not me to one of you brutes," Rose said, rolling her eyes.

"Such vulgar language!"

"You boys are insane."

"I beg to differ."

"Beg all you want, I stand firm in my position." They all laughed, but they sobered quickly, remembering the topic that had been brought up.

"What time is the wedding?"

"Three hours after noon."

"The potion will be ready tomorrow, but I don't know if it will be in time."

"We'll have to try."

"How? We aren't groomsmen, so we won't see Rama tomorrow until he's at the altar," Edmund said, frowning.

"That's it."

"What? Give it to him at the altar? Peter, that will never work."

'It's our only chance. Like you said, when else will we see him?"

"Peter's right, Ed. We can only pray it will be ready, because if it's not…I don't want to know the consequences of interrupting the ceremony. From both my father and Valdis."

"I didn't think of that," Peter frowned.

"Well if we're meant to save Rama, then it will be ready in time. I trust Aslan completely," said Edmund.

"I do wish he'd come to see us again," Rose sighed.

"Us?" Peter asked. "He only came to you and Lucy."

"I know, but oh…I've only met him once but I do miss him so. He was so comforting that night. His words weren't, since he told me I was facing dark times, but…"

"I know what you mean," Edmund agreed. "That day…the day I returned to camp after I betrayed Narnia, I spoke with Aslan. Though not all his words were gentle, I felt comfortable and relaxed."

"You betrayed Narnia?" Rose asked, her eyes wide.

"I haven't told you?"

"No!"

"Well it isn't like I'm very proud of it. It's not something I speak of often. When we first came to Narnia—me, Lucy, Peter and Susan—I was a horrid little boy who made fun of and 'despised' my family. I was persuaded by a witch to sell my family out to her for sweeties, and so I told her their whereabouts and all I knew. It was then I began to realize how much I did love them, especially Lucy for I had been most horrible to her…I felt so rotten, and I couldn't believe how terrible I had been. I still can't. But that's why I'm so close with Lucy."

"Because you felt the worst about her. I see."

"He still hasn't forgiven himself, even though it's mostly my fault."

"It was not, and you know it."

"I don't think I've ever heard anyone bicker about wanting the blame."

"That's what we do."

"Well it isn't normal…but then you aren't normal."

"Hey!"

"What, it's true!"

"She's right, Ed."

"I know, but it's fun to argue."

"Why do you say that? I always win our arguments."

"That isn't true."

"Prove it."

"Why should I?"

"Because otherwise I am the master of arguments."

"I already beat you at sword play, do you want me to beat you at this as well?"

"Modest."

"Quite."

"You two are ridiculous," Peter laughed. "How I put up with you I shall never know."

"Honestly, like you could get through life without me," Edmund scoffed. "Who would handle all the politics?"

"You know, I can see why you're the politician," said Rose.

"Because I'm so good at arguing?"

"Funny. Because you're much more serious than Peter, I don't know if I could see Peter taking charge in a situation like some of the ones you've handled."

"You keep saying that, and I don't know whether that's good or bad."

"Well Peter is solemn when he has to be. You are unless you're just with your family, Caspian and I."

'There's a few more people back home he's himself around. My fiancé, Drinian, Rhince…"

"I am still here," Edmund scowled.

"Sorry Ed."

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"I can't believe I have to watch my brother be married to an evil witch like Jacinda," Rose growled the next day as Lucy tied the strings to her corset.

"You might not have to, the potion could still be ready in time."

"It's doubtful."

"Don't be so pessimistic."

"I'm being realistic. There's a difference."

"I do hope it's ready…if it's not, all of Archenland and Narnia could be destroyed…"

"I'm hiding a sword beneath my skirts in case it isn't ready. I want to be armed in case of emergency, and I would advise you to do the same."

"Fine, but only to please you."

"Or you secretly think the potion won't work and you don't want to admit it."

'That isn't true."

"The boys are right. You're a horrible liar."

"Let's go," Lucy sighed, and they met Caspian in the hall.

"Hello darling," he smiled.

"Caspian, not now! Lucy is right here!" Caspian winked at Rose and put his arm around Lucy.

"Where's Peter? We need to get to the chapel," Edmund frowned as he joined the others.

"I'm here. I needed to put the potion in a flask. You know, I'm surprised Valdis isn't walking with us."

'He had to go down early, he's giving Jacinda away."

"The Tisroc isn't?"

"He and Araminta couldn't get here. The weather in Archenland this time of year is much too harsh to allow anyone in or out of the castle," said Rose.

'What a pity," Caspian said wryly. "Come, we should go." Once they reached the large chapel, they took the seats in the front reserved for them. They had to squish since there hadn't been a place reserved for Rose, but that made Caspian closer to Rama than he would have been. Since he was sitting the closest, it would be his job to slip Rama the potion. It wouldn't be difficult getting it into him since the potion he was currently under made him easily persuaded. The difficulty would be doing the job discreetly so no one would see.

The music began and the groomsmen started down the aisle, preceded by Rama. They reached their positions, and the Bridesmaids began their journey down the aisle. The double doors opened again, and everyone turned to watch Jacinda walk down in her beautiful gown.

"Now's my chance," Caspian whispered to himself. "Rama!" he said quietly. The young prince turned his head to look at Caspian. His eyes were slightly glazed over. "Drink this!" Rama took the flask without hesitation, but Jacinda had good eyes and she saw from where she was walking.

"Don't drink it Rama!" she screeched, and all heads turned to look at Rama. He tried to give it back to Caspian, but Caspian insisted that he drink it. The flask reached Rama's lips again, and Jacinda began running up the aisle screaming,

"DON'T DRINK IT! IT'S UH…POISON! POSION, RAMA!"

"What's going on?" Nain roared, but Caspian said quietly,

"Drink it, Rama. Drink it for Rose." Before Jacinda could say anything, Rama poured the liquid down his throat.

"NO!" Jacinda wailed, and reached her fiancé. She rounded on Caspian and screamed, "YOU-YOU HORRILBE CREATURE! YOU POSIONED MY FIANCE! You should be thrown in the dungeon and be beaten to death!" Jacinda fell to the floor dramatically, and Nain grew red in the face.

"YOU POISONED MY SON?" he roared, and looked venomously at Rose. "It was her idea, wasn't it?"

'No, I can explain Sire-" Nain reached out and grabbed Rose by the hair. She struggled, and Peter stepped forward.

"Sire, let her go." Nain just tightened his grip. "You realize you're in front of a court full of people," Peter added, knowing this would make the king cease his actions. He was right.

"Nothing is happening," Lucy said nervously, grabbing Edmund's hand. The chapel broke out into utter chaos, until Rama said loudly,

"Where am I?" Everyone quieted and looked at him.

"Rama my sweet, are you alright?" Jacinda asked.

"I'm fine, better than I have been in months…" he then realized who Jacinda was. "You…"

"Yes darling, it's me."

"You're the one that poisoned me. You gave me a drink the night of the Christmas ball…that's the last thing I remember. From the weather I can tell it's February, and here I am standing at the altar with you, dressed in wedding clothes."

"What do you mean?" Nain asked, his eyes narrowing.

"If I may explain?" Edmund offered. "Rose and I—don't scowl at the name, Sire—Rose and I saw Jacinda give Rama a potion the night of the Christmas ball—a potion that persuaded him to do anything. Jacinda was able to force him to ask her to marry him, but we didn't tell you because you knew you wouldn't believe us without evidence. We then began to make the antidote, which is the drink Caspian just gave Rama. You have your evidence. Need I say more?"

"So all this time we've been lied to and corrupted by Jacinda?" Nain growled.

"Yes, Sire," said Peter.

"And you are the ones who liberated me from this magic?" Rama asked, and Rose nodded. "Then I am forever in your debt. Come here, sweetheart," he said to Rose. Only Rama and Edmund saw the tears in her eyes as Rama wrapped his arms around her. "I have no doubt I've been ghastly to all of you your entire stay, and longer yet to you, Rose. For that, I apologize."

"Do not fret, you have our forgiveness," said Peter.

"I missed my brother," Rose said quietly, and Rama squeezed her tighter.

"As I have missed you, sweetheart." For once Nain didn't chastise him, and instead said loudly,

"As you all can see, a wedding is no longer taking place this afternoon. I apologize for the actions of Princess Jacinda, and hope you all are not too disappointed. You are dismissed."

"Disappointed?" Peter heard a woman mutter. "That's the most exciting wedding I've been to in years."

"Rama, Jacinda, Valdis, Vera, Peter, Edmund, Caspian and Lucy, please follow me. Immediately," Nain said shortly.

"Father, I am not going anywhere without Rose."

"Fine then, bring the wench along." The party followed Nain through many passages until they reached his private sitting room. "Sit." Everyone obeyed, and Nain turned to the Narnians. "I have seen the change in my son and I have no doubt you speak the truth. I am also in your debt. Aslan knows what would have happened had Jacinda corrupted the Archenland court. But I have brought you here to tell me the name of anyone that was involved."

"Sire, I beg of you, I knew nothing of this plan," Valdis said greasily.

"You lie! Sire, he is the one that forced me into this! I didn't know what I was doing, I-"

"SILENCE!" Nain roared. "Princess Jacinda, I believe Valdis for he has shown me no evidence of disrespecting the Archenland court. You, however, have disrespected me, my children, and Archenland itself. I ask that you leave as soon as the weather permits it."

"We will do so, Sire," said Valdis.

"I shall write a personal letter to the Tisroc explaining all that has happened, and you shall depart on one of my ships so that I can be sure the letter reaches him."

'What of my own ship, Sire?" Valdis asked.

"It will be sent after you, with a crew of mine as well as yours. I shall not punish you, I think a failed alliance with Narnia and Archenland is enough."

"Sire, I-"

"He's right, Peter," Lucy said softly. "This is his court, and there is no greater punishment than losing two strong allies. Calormen has only one left, while we have many."

"Thankyou Lucy. You're a truthful young woman, are you not?"

"Very sire. Even if I would like to lie, I'm dreadful and anyone can tell."

"Then I shall ask you…do you know of anyone in Archenland involved in this plan?"

"Yes, Sire. Your daughter." Nain rounded on Rose, but Lucy said, "Oh no, not her." Nain froze and looked at Vera.

"Vera, is this true?" The beautiful woman lowered her eyes to the floor, and Jacinda jumped up.

"YES IT'S TRUE!" she snapped. "We had a deal! She'd help me if I helped her seduce Edmund! And look where she got me! That's the last time I ever trust any stupid Archenlander, your country doesn't know anything! You're all stupid and worthless, and my life is ruined because of all of you! I hate you all! Calormen will take you over one day, and I will laugh in the glory of having you all as slaves! Look out Narnia, look out Archenland—the bolt of Tash falls from above! You will regret the day you ever crossed my path!" Jacinda shrieked, and two guards ceased her.

"Lock her in her room until her departure," Nain ordered. The guards whisked Jacinda away, and Valdis stood as if to follow. "Do not fret, Valdis. She will be fed and watered. She is royalty, and I do not treat royalty with the disrespect your country has shown me."

"I am thoroughly sorry for my sister's actions, Sire. I swear I had no idea, and I swear Calormen has no plot against Archenland or Narnia."

"You lie! You were planning to send him away forever," Rose snapped, glaring daggers at Valdis.

"Hush, wench," Nain glowered. "Very well. I shan't keep you locked inside. You are dismissed." Valdis left.

"I'm sorry, father," Vera said meekly.

"You have betrayed me and your brother. How could you?"

"For him," Vera choked, pointing at Edmund. "But Rose already got him of course, being the whore she is."

"Even she is a better daughter than you. You also will leave this castle when the weather allows it, unless you have someone to vouch for you." Vera looked at Rama pleadingly, but he just tightened his arm around Rose.

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"Well. This has been an interesting day," Caspian said later that night as he and Lucy sat on his bed.

"I'm glad it's over," Lucy sighed, and snuggled in closer to him. "Do you think Nain would have believed us about Valdis if Rose hadn't said something first?"

"Most likely. But it wouldn't have made much of a difference anyway. As long as you or Rose is with one of us than Valdis isn't much of a threat to anyone."

"It will be nice when we don't have to worry about him at all. Just think, after the weather lets up, we can go home."

"How nice that will be. I miss the Cair."

"Me too. I can't wait to sit in the gardens with you again."

"And swim in the sea."

"And play chess in your chambers on rainy days."

"And tease Drinian."

"And Rhince."

"And watch you sword fight with Damien."

"You watch me do you?"

"All the time. I find it very appealing."

"Do you now?" Lucy asked, and Caspian kissed her.

"Very." They kissed again, and soon fell asleep in each others arms.

Sorry it took so long, my grandma passed away this weekend and so I've been really busy with family and plans and everything. Please PLEASE review, it really inspires me to write more! I hope to have the next chapter soon, I don't think it will take long to write. TTFN!