Chapter 22~Home

"Lucy, wake up," Rose whispered the next morning. "We have to leave."

"Leave? It's dark outside."

"That doesn't matter—we're leaving for Narnia." Lucy was out of bed in a second.

"It had clear slipped my mind, how stupid of me." The two girls rushed around and soon they were dressed, packed, and out the door.

"There you are! Caspian and Edmund are already in the stables. We should go," said Peter. He handed them each a piece of toast and a pastry. "Don't worry, we have plenty of food to bring with us."

"I wasn't worried," Rose lied, and Peter laughed.

"Morning you two," Caspian grinned when they reached the stables. "Your horses are already tacked and ready to leave."

"Thankyou darling," Lucy smiled, and kissed him on the cheek.

"Are you alright to ride?" Edmund asked Rose quietly.

"I'll manage," she said, biting her lip. This would hurt an awful lot. "Where is Rama?"

"Here I am. Father is still asleep, but I couldn't not say goodbye to my sister, and I wanted to thankyou again for all your help."

"It's been our pleasure."

"Archenland is forever in your debt; I do not like to think about what would have happened had you not been here."

"We trust that you will come to our aid in our time of need?"

"Everytime, you have my word."

"You're a good man, Rama."

"Not half as good as the three of you. Queen Lucy, it's been a pleasure."

"Yes, it has. I am glad we've had the chance to get to know one another."

"As am I." He bowed, and then hugged Rose tightly. "I'm going to miss you, sweetheart."

"I will miss you too. Write often."

"You know I will. I love you."

"I love you too." They embraced again, and Rama lifted Rose up onto her horse. She winced as she sat down, but luckily no one noticed.

"Goodbye! I hope to see you again soon!" Rama called as the Narnians departed from the stables.

"We will make sure of it!" Peter called back. "Now, for home." Peter sat back in the saddle and closed his eyes. The chilly breeze of the morning blew on his face, reminding him of the early morning rides he would often take with Shaina.

How he missed her…her voice, her laugh, her face, her touch…Peter always knew he loved Shaina, but he never realized just how much he did until he was forced to spend the last four months without her. They hadn't been a bad four months—afterall, he had met and became friends with Rose, and had made a stronger alliance with Archenland. But he'd rather Shaina be with him.

Peter still couldn't believe the reason why she had to stay home. They had both agreed that the one night they had shared wasn't moral and that they would wait to do it again until they were married. Neither of them expected anything to come of that night. Now don't get me wrong, Peter was overjoyed that he was going to be a father, but at the same time he wondered how Narnia would respond. What kind of an example was he setting for the people? And who knew how foreign countries would use this against them? Peter had made sure not to mention anything around the Calormens for this very reason, but word would get out.

'It doesn't matter,' he finally told himself. 'All that matters is that I'm having a child with the love of my life. Nothing compares to that.'

"Thankyou dear," Lucy smiled as Caspian wrapped a cloak around her shoulders.

"You looked cold."

"I was. Where are the others?"

"Collecting wood for a fire—you fell asleep the minute we dismounted, so I offered to stay here with you."

"It's been a long day."

"Indeed. But don't fret; we're camping here for the night. We won't be riding again until tomorrow."

"And then we'll be home," Lucy smiled, then frowned.

"What is the matter?"

"It's just…how long will I be home?"

"How do you mean?"

"Peter, Ed and I have been in Narnia for five years now, and it seems we've stopped harm from coming to both Narnia and Archenland. Aslan could send us back to England at any time."

"I hope he doesn't…I don't know what I would without you, Lu." Caspian sat down behind her and rested his chin in her hair.

"I don't know what I'd do without you either. And it's not just us I'm worried about…Peter would be without Shaina. The baby wouldn't have a father. Edmund, as much as he would hate to admit it, would be desolate without Rose…the list goes on."

"I know it does."

"And I realize you would be just fine ruling without us, but…"

"No, I wouldn't be. Lu, I can't even begin to imagine living without you in my life. The years that you weren't here were miserable for me, though I didn't know the reason for it at the time. We were both young. But now, here you are, and even with all the troubles with the Calormens, I find myself happier than I ever have been, and it's all because I know that when I wake up, you'll be there. You make me complete, Lucy, and I don't think I could ever be without you." Lucy turned around to look at Caspian, and he could clearly see the tears in her eyes.

"That has to be the sweetest, most romantic thing you have ever said."

"I mean it with all my heart."

"I love you," Lucy sighed, and Caspian kissed her softly.

"I love you too."

"There it is!" Lucy cried the next morning. "I see it!"

"It's beautiful," Rose breathed.

"It's home," Peter grinned. "Who is up for galloping the rest of the way?" No one had to say anything—the sudden fast pace urged by the riders answered Peter's question.

"I think I see them!" Shaina beamed, tugging on Damien's hand.

"Yes, they're there. You don't need to pull my hand off about it," he teased.

"The feast is prepared," Drinian announced, coming to join the party with Carina and Rhince. Damien, Shaina, Trumpkin, Trufflehunter and various other friends were already gathered in front of the castle.

"PETER!" Shaina finally shrieked, and once he dismounted, he immediately picked her up and kissed her. "You're home!"

"I'm home." Peter's eyes drifted to Shaina's stomach.

"Everything is fine, no complications. The baby is expected in August."

"Wonderful."

"Lucy!" Shaina grinned. "How are you dear?"

"Excellent. And you?"

"The same—we have much to catch up on."

"Yes, we most definitely—ah! Damien, put me down!"

"You've been gone four months and I don't even deserve a hug?" Damien pouted.

"Of course…but my feet have to be firmly planted on the ground first."

"You aren't any fun anymore," Damien teased.

"Where's my favorite girl?" Drinian boomed, and soon Lucy was engulfed by another pair of strong arms. After many hugs were distributed and everyone had greeted each other, Rhince turned to Rose.

"You must be the lovely woman we've all heard so much about," he said.

"Oh no, Vera went to Calormen," Rose joked. The others laughed and she said, "I'm Rose."

"We've heard so much about you…good things, don't worry," Carina grinned.

"Good things? I didn't know there were any," Caspian teased.

"Very funny."

"What say we all go inside to the feast and get better acquainted," Trufflehunter suggested.

"I love that idea," said Peter. "I am famished."

"Men and their food," Shaina whispered.

After Rose had been properly introduced to everyone at the castle, they all had eaten as much as their stomachs could handle at one given time, everyone had gotten better acquainted with Rose, and they had caught up with each other, Rose was shown her room.

"I hope you like it," Shaina said. "Lucy said you were a lot like her, so I had it set up in a similar way to hers."

"It's wonderful, thankyou."

"I'm looking forward tomorrow—I can't wait to talk with you more." Rose laughed and said,

"Me neither. I already love it here."

"Good," Shaina beamed. "If you need anything, you know where to find me, or Lucy, or Edmund, or anyone else."

"Indeed I do."

"Goodnight!"

"Goodnight."

"Is she all settled in?" Peter asked, coming up behind Shaina.

"Yes. You were right, she is lovely."

"I'm always right."

"In your head you are," she grinned. "Oh I've missed you." Peter wrapped his arm around her waist.

"I love you," he smiled. She just kissed him in reply.

Yeah, I know, there were a lot of time skips, but I wasn't going to take you throught the entire trip back, it would get a little dull. "And then Peter's horse took a step, and then Lucy's did..." Yeah. So, sorry if it was a bit confusing and boring. Next chapter will be a little longer, but hopefully not too long. Review please!!