Dislcaimer: I do not own Narnia. I don't even own a car. 'Nuff said.
Author's Note: Something tells me I've been procrastinating again. Sorry to all of you avid readers! This story is very quickly coming to an end, so just hang in there! I'll probably have the last chapters posted by the end of July, if earlier, I promise you! Till then...here's Chapter 27! Some might call it short, others long, but I think it's just the right size! Enjoy!
Chapter 27 ~ Prince Caspian the Tenth
It was only a few weeks later that Rose gave birth. It must've been overnight because Miraz fell asleep one night and woke up the next morning to see the king's wife, more paler than usual, looking very tired and relieved, holding a small child in her arms, wrapped in thick fabric. Caspian did not leave his wife or the child for the entire day. The village criers were sent out to every street, telling of the birth of noble blood. Miraz stood out of sight for fear someone might recognize him and ask him the whereabouts of his brother the king.
But Elizabeth, with her strange way of finding things out, managed to find Miraz walking hurriedly down an obscure hallway in the castle. She ran up to him, grinning uncontrollably.
"Oh, my lord, isn't it wonderful! There is another heir to the—" She saw the darkness in his eyes and stopped abruptly, also ceasing her steps. Miraz continued walking down the hall, now at a slower pace, paying her no attention.
But later that night Miraz was summoned to his brother's chamber. He idled in the hall, not wanting to confront his brother, for he had not once spoken with him since the night he and his brother had encountered, that seemed so long ago. He entered the chamber quietly, seeing that the entire royal family—with the exception of himself—was within Caspian's chamber. Rose sat on the bed, still looking weary, gently bouncing the child in her arms and smiling at it. She looked briefly at Miraz as he entered. Caspian barely even gave him the ghost of a glance.
"Caspian," Miraz said, slightly harsher than he had intended.
Caspian laid a violent gaze upon him. His eyes, clearer than ever, stabbed into Miraz like a crystal dagger. Through that gaze Miraz knew that the bad blood had not been settled between them.
"Miraz," Caspian declared loudly, his ever-present impish smile slinking across his face once again. He began pacing slowly, with the condescending air that Miraz had grown to hate. "You listened to my summoning."
"I—"
"After what had happened, I thought you might have ignored it."
He paused, and his eyes softened, as if he saw now that he had said the wrong words. You have a rash tongue, brother, Miraz thought, glaring at his brother, if only you knew what it will cost you!
"I hope—" Caspian stopped again, looking for words, searching the walls behind Miraz as if they'd give him council. "I hope that…that you did not take offense."
Miraz inhaled sharply, almost surprised. Caspian was asking for forgiveness once again. He would not have it. But Miraz needed Caspian's full trust in order for his plan to succeed…
"I did not, brother," Miraz replied, "Rest assured. If anyone were to take offense, it would be you, sir, for I was offensive in my ways."
"Silence, not another word." Caspian said sharply, half interrupting. "You, in no way, offended me. I love you dearly, Miraz, and I hope to gain your favor in the future."
Miraz remained silence.
"Tell him what he has been named, Caspian." Rose said quietly, a small smile on her lips.
Caspian sighed reluctantly and met his brother's eyes. "I have named him Caspian, Miraz. Not named after me, mind you…after our father. He is Prince Caspian the Tenth of Telmarine Narnia."
So he's given him my father's name and my title! A pox on the child. Miraz thought to himself, looking coldly at the sleeping child in Rose's arms. He is the eldest of their family. He will have the same pain that I had in my youth. The pain of knowing that I was inferior to my own brother. If Rose was to bear another son…they would have reason to name him Miraz.
TO BE CONTINUED