Disclaimer: I do not own Narnia. 'Nuff said.
Author's Note: Here it is, the hopefully satisfying conclusion to Chapter 21! Enjoy!
Chapter 22 ~ Refusal
Miraz backed away slowly, withdrawing his dagger. His brother wanted to be killed? He had never thought…he had always thought that Caspian wanted to be king.
He did not answer his brother's plea.
"It may sound strange, Miraz, but…I cannot do this." Caspian said weakly. "I cannot be king. I am and will never be half of what father was." His head drooped.
Miraz was skeptical. Had Caspian found out his plan? Was this his way of humoring Miraz? Miraz found it very insulting if he was. "Caspian, I—" He stammered.
"Please, brother. Do not falter."
Miraz held his dagger halfway. Would he do it? Perhaps. Should he do it? He was unsure. His brother wanted him to, but his heart told him otherwise. This was not the moment to take a life. He still had to bide his time, still had to wait for the certain opportune moment. Then was not the time. So, would he kill him? No. First, he would have to establish trust with his brother. Then…
"Caspian…" Miraz murmured, sheathing the dagger. "I cannot. I cannot do what is asked of me."
"Miraz, I demand you to."
"No, no, I cannot. I will not. Do you think that I can kill my brother so callously?"
"I think that you can do what is ordered of you."
"Not this."
Caspian sighed heavily. His head was still drooped. "If you cannot do what I demand of you, you can perhaps do what I ask of you."
"What is that?"
"Leave."
TO BE CONTINUED