Hey everybody! Sorry for the delay in the update - damn you, exams! Anyways, we're back with a long chapter for all of you as a Christmas gift. So, on behalf of CrazyKitCat and myself, I wish you all a happy Christmas! :D

Speaking of CrazyKitCat, do check out her story 'The King &The Sea' - "Three years after leaving, the Pevensies are back as they begin a new Golden Age with King Caspian. But is everyone as happy as they seem, or are they missing a crucial member of their family? Find out as Ed & Kai recount the tale of "The King & The Sea"

We also want to thank our wonderful reviewers - you all rock! :D

Now, go on read this chapter and review!

Disclaimer: Narnia does not belong to me.

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Desires and Destiny

Chapter 4

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Lucy knocked on Chad's door and waited.

No reply.

She knocked again.

Nothing.

She frowned.

Maybe he was not in the room. But, the servants had told her that he was in there.

Maybe he was in the wash chambers and couldn't hear her knock.

Oh well, Lucy shrugged and opened the door.

She stopped.

Chad was standing by the window, with his back to her.

Didn't he hear her knocking?

Maybe he was still angry or depressed or not in the mood to socialize.

That would change.

Lucy was here for him. They would talk, they would sort out their issues and everything will be fine.

With a small smile, she walked over to him and hugged him from behind, wrapping her arms around his torso.

"What are you doing standing here all alone?" she asked, resting her head against his back.

He didn't reply.

"Are you still angry?" she waited for his response but when none came, she went on, "I need to talk to you, Chad."

"So do I," His voice was emotionless as his hands came to rest over hers.

Lucy smiled, even though he could not see it. "You go first."

"I will," he said and pulled himself free of her grasp. "I was stupid. I made a mistake. And I am sorry."

Lucy realized that Harry was right. That once she and Chad both realize their mistakes, everything would be fine. "Chad, I –"

"Why did I even think that this could work?" he asked, turning around to face her.

She stopped. "What?"

"You clearly do not love me anymore, so why am I even trying to make things work," he paused. "You've found your special one and you're pretty happy with him."

Her eyes widened. "Chad, listen to me –"

"No, Lucy, you listen to me. I am sick and tired of listening to your lies, of letting you play with my feelings, and I don't want that anymore."

She went quiet, trying to grasp what he was saying. Her entire mind, body, soul wanted to protest, but the fury in his emerald eyes froze her.

"If you loved Harry, you should have simply come and told me. I would have understood. But no, all you did was drop hints, hoping that I would step away," he looked at her evenly, "Fine. I will grant you your wish. I'll not come in between you two anymore."

"Chad," her eyes began getting wet. "How can you even say that?"

"You've played me, Lucy, and I will never forgive you for that."

"I love –"

"Don't say 'you'." He said through gritted teeth. "Don't lie anymore. I know you love him. I saw you two in the library."

"What? That is not what you think," Lucy's voice shook. "Please, listen to me, I can –"

Chad turned away. "I don't want to listen to you."

A tear leaked down her eye. "How can you jump to conclusions?"

"I'm not jumping to any conclusions. I saw your betrayal with my very own eyes."

"Honestly Chad, just because I –"

"I can't believe that you would break my heart like this, Lucy. You were the kindest, sweetest and most caring person I ever met." He said bitterly walking over to the bed. "It feels as if all my beliefs have turned into ash."

"Don't say that!"

"I came here for you, Lucy," he picked something up and walked back to her. "I came here to give you this."

And as Lucy's eyes noticed the ring lying on his palm, she gasped. "Oh Chad…"

"I didn't want to live so far away from you," he said, sadness in his voice. "I wanted to make you mine in every possible way. I wanted you to be my wife."

"It is a beautiful ring," A small smile lit her face as she reached out, her fingers hovering an inch above it.

"Don't. Touch. It." he ordered, his voice filled with fury.

She looked up into his eyes. They held nothing but pain and anger and betrayal. "Chad…"

"It doesn't belong to you anymore," he pocketed the little piece of jewelry, "just like my heart."

And her heart shattered when she heard these words.

"My intention was to propose you, but you are so happy with Harry, and clearly you don't need me anymore," Chad told her. "So, I will leave you two alone in your happiness and go back to Daelhr."

"Y-You're leaving?"

"I don't see the point in staying."

"You can't go," she said. "Not with all of these misunderstandings in your mind."

"I'm tired," he said. "I wish to rest."

"You're just trying to get rid of me."

"Maybe."

"Look, Chad –"

"Why don't you go and talk to your lover boy?" he spat.

Lucy blinked at his harsh tone.

"Get out, Lucy," he said. "I don't want to spend another moment with you."

"Cha –"

"Lucy, you're my queen and I respect you," his voice was pleading and yet firm. "So please, get out of my room before I make you."

"You and I –"

"Will never be together," he promised as he motioned towards the door. "You can go to the man you love."

She couldn't move.

She was in too much pain.

Tears fell down her cheeks and her eyes remained fixed on Chad.

He waited patiently for a minute but then grasped her arm tightly, dragging her with him.

"Chad," she begged, tears shinning on her cheeks as he all but pushed her out of the room, "Don't do this."

"Good night, milady."

With that, he slammed the door on her face and Lucy stood there for a couple of minutes, frozen like a statue as her mind tried to grasp what just had happened.

[][][][][][][][]

When Lucy finally came to, she did the first thing that popped into her head: run.

Run.

Run.

She ran down several hallways, not really paying attention to where she was running.

She didn't notice when she knocked over a maid by the kitchens, sounds of china breaking following her.

She didn't notice when she bumped into Caspian or when he tried to question her when he noticed her tears.

She just ran, hoping she could outrun her problems.

Her heart ached.

Her mind stopped working.

And his voice, his words echoed in her ears again and again, piercing her deeper and harder every time she heard them.

"I am sick and tired of listening to your lies, of letting you play with my feelings, and I don't want that anymore."

"You've played me, Lucy, and I will never forgive you for that."

"Don't lie anymore. I know you love him. I saw you two in the library."

"…But you are so happy with Harry and clearly, you don't need me anymore, so, I will leave you two alone in your happiness and go back to Daelhr."

Tears ran down her cheeks just as she brought her hands to her ears, hoping that the voice – his hard, angry, hurt voice – would just stop with this childish act.

But it didn't.

And she cried out loud.

How could Chad say that?

How could he do that?

How could he hurt her like that?

She loved him, only him, so much and he…

And the ring!

It had been so beautiful, and she wanted him to just slip it on her finger and tell her he loved her. She wanted to marry him.

"I wanted to make you mine in every possible way. I wanted you to be my wife."

That would have been perfect. Chad and Lucy – meant to be together, bonded in marriage… that would have been so, so perfect.

But no – that would not happen.

"It doesn't belong to you anymore, just like my heart."

How could Chad do this?

Chad, the man she loved so much. The man with whom she had spent so much time…

It had been difficult becoming friends with him after she first met him in the stables one night.

It had been difficult getting him to open up to her – getting him to talk to her.

It had been difficult making him accept the fact that he loved her.

But it had been so easy for her to fall in love with him. Because he was truly amazing – he was handsome, noble, and a caring, honorable man.

And once, everyone he had admitted his feelings for her, it had been so easy… being with him. They talked: joked, kissed, laughed, cried… they were just perfect. This relationship was perfect.

And how could he simply end it, just like that?

The loss felt too great.

It was too big for her to accept, it was too painful for her to bear, it was too close for her to outrun.

But still she tried, forcing her legs to go faster and faster, hoping that all these thoughts will stay behind – the Valiant Queen simply ran.

Unfortunately, she couldn't run fast enough and reality caught up with her when she ran into a wall of muscle.

Instinctively, she braced herself for the fall, but the impact to the floor never came.

Instead, she felt a pair of warm, strong arms pull her closer and keep her from falling.

Confused, Lucy looked up into hazel eyes, ones that she knew too well.

"H-Harry?" she somehow managed to ask.

"Lucy?"

And that was it.

Knowing that she was safe with her best friend, the Valiant Queen let her grief consume her as she rested her head on his chest, allowing her tears to flood freely down her face as she sobbed.

[][][][][][][][]

The Valiant Queen embraced Harry and cried. And worry grasped the young man where as his confusion and curiosity flared with in him.

He had come to the stables to get his horse and go back home when he had heard someone approaching. And he had been beyond shocked to see Lucy running blindly, tears shining on her face, until she collided with him.

And now, she was crying all over him.

"Lucy?" Harry asked in concern, "What is wrong?"

She just cried, clutching his tunic tightly.

"Lucy – hey… it's okay," he comforted her, patting her on her back; "You are alright. I'm here. Shhh… calm down."

"He-he had a ring… It was beautiful," Lucy cried, sobbing uncontrollably.

"Wait… what?" Harry frowned, as he gently pulled her back so he could look at her.

What is she talking about?

"Chad—Chad had a ring. H-He was going to propose, but…but he…" Lucy trailed off as the exhaustion of her tears caught up with her.

"Lucy?" Harry asked, alarmed as Lucy's eyes fluttered in exhaustion. "Lucy, stay with me."

She barely nodded.

"What did Chad do?"

"H-He said he didn't w-want to be with me anymore," Lucy said, her voice quivering as her eyes closed, exhaustion from her grief taking over her. "He said he d-didn't want to marry me anymore because he thinks I l-love you."

Fury filled the young man as he listened to what his friend was saying. Was the Lord of Daelhr stupid? Could he not see the love Lucy had for him? "Didn't you tell him that this was just his imagination?" he asked.

She shook her head. "He didn't listen."

"I'll talk to him."

She shook her head again. "It's over. He ended our relationship."

Harry's heart immediately went out to Lucy. He hated seeing her so weak, so broken and so sad. He wanted her to be happy for she was his best friend, and her friendship was something he cherished beyond imagination.

It was strange, how they had met – how they had become friends. It was as if fate was at work, for Harry had certainly not thought that a day would come when he would serve as a personal guard and a friend to the Valiant Queen of Narnia. What was even more, she had chosen him. She was the one who had insisted that Harry was the one to be her personal guard instead of several other 'more suitable' guards.

Harry had barely been trained when Kings Edmund, Peter, and Caspian had required Lucy to select a personal guard under the pretense that she ran off too much. There were several candidates more advanced than him, but Lucy had seen something in Harry that he hadn't even seen in himself.

He still remembered that day, when he had first seen Lucy in person.

"Ready, Harry?"

"Yes, sir," Harry nodded as he picked up a makeshift sword.

He was in the training grounds with the other guards and trainers. It had been a month since he had started his training. He looked around, his eyes moving over the other men in the clearing, many of whom were clearly his superiors in the field, having fought wars before - way better than him when it came to any kind of armed combat.

And this was why he was both frustrated and embarrassed with the fact that he had been losing in his sparring for the last hour.

I'm making a fool out of myself, he thought grimly, and I hate it.

His trainer had been one of the High King's best soldiers before he retired and volunteered to train new trainees. And boy, was he merciless. The new bruises that Harry took home daily were proof of it.

"If you're ready then your eyes should be on your target and not admiring the scenery, boy!" Randolf's voice sounded in his ears, clearly irritated.

Harry looked back at his trainer sheepishly and took a few tentative steps forward, his weapon at the ready when he stopped and frowned.

His trainer was looking somewhere over his shoulder.

Who's the one enjoying the scenery now? he thought, amused.

"Sir?" Harry asked slowly.

"My Kings and Queen," Randolf bowed.

Confused, Harry turned around and froze to see the three Kings of Narnia walking towards them. Right behind them was Queen Lucy with her arms folded over her chest and an expression of annoyance on her face.

It was quite a sight, really, watching four of the monarchs walking with such grace and authority. These were the people who ruled over this land, who had brought peace and prosperity to the Narnians. These were the people Harry would gladly die for.

"I do not want a guard," the Valiant Queen was saying as the four came to a stop before them.

King Edmund snorted. "And I don't want to eat ever again."

"Are you trying to be funny?" she shot.

"No, I'm merely trying to prove how silly your words are."

"Edmund is right, Lucy," King Caspian told her, "With your habits of running away to your little adventures every now and then and Peter's habit of being extremely concerned about you – one of these days he will end up killing someone in his frustration!"

The High King grunted. "You need a personal guard – someone who would be with you every time you decide to run off to your little adventures for fun, Lu."

"But –"

"No buts," the High King said firmly, "I don't want any arguments when it comes to this."

The Valiant Queen pressed her lips into a thin line, though it was clear that she did not approve of the idea.

"Ah, Randolf," the High King turned to Harry's trainer. "How are you?"

"Well, my king," Randolf replied, "And you?"

"Fine. Now, I want Lucy to have a personal guard. Who do you think would be the best for this job?"

"Wait!" Lucy interrupted, irritated. "Don't I get a say in this?"

"In what?"

"In choosing my guard."

"But -"

"She is right," Edmund said, "He would be her guard, after all."

"Fine."

Lucy looked around the clearing, eyeing all the men.

Harry's eyes moved around too, as he wondered who she will choose.

Probably someone well-trained, his mind supplied. And strong. Maybe she will choose Matthew. Harry eyed the man who was leaning against a tree, looking at the monarchs indifferently. He's very good at making split second decisions, an ability that would be crucial, should anything bad happen. Then again, Matthew isn't very sociable... His arrogance would not mesh well with the Valiant Queen's kind and forgiving nature.

Possibly she will choose Donald. Harry glanced at a tall man standing across from him. He's quick on his feet and would be able to keep up with the Valiant Queen's fast pace, but he's horrible at making quick decisions.

Shaking his head, Harry moved his eyes to Brian, who was sitting on the floor, his head inclined in respect. However, Brian is also very credible. He's fast and quick-thinking, however, his small stature add up to something worth fearing.

As Harry kept looking around, 'weighing' the pros and cons of each of his comrades' stats, he found himself finding faults in each one, making them unsuitable to serve the Queen as her personal guard.

He glanced back at the queen, hoping to read her expression to help him guess and he froze, only to find her brown eyes on him. Her eyes were deep, and he could feel her staring at him with great intensity. For a second, he wondered if she could see deep within him, into his very soul. But then he disregarded the silly thought.

Another part of his mind told him to look away, for he was beginning to look like an idiot, since he was still staring the Queen right in her eye.

Quickly, he averted his eyes away from hers, deciding to look at Randolf instead.

He could still feel her looking at him.

Why is she staring at me? he asked himself, feeling extremely uncomfortable, Me, of all people!

"What is your name?"

It took Harry a few seconds to realize that the question was directed at him.

His eyes snapped back to the queen. "H-Harry, milady," he managed to stutter.

Great, he thought to himself, As if being defeated during sparring was not enough, now you've lost your ability to speak straight too.

"Harry," Queen Lucy repeated, rolling the name on her tongue as she continued to stare at him. She tilted her head to the side and spoke, "Would you like to be my personal guard, Harry?"

Harry blinked, his mind going blank. Perhaps he hadn't heard her right. "I beg your pardon, your majesty?"

A small smile lit her face, making it seem truly beautiful. Then she turned to the kings. "I want Harry to be my personal guard."

Nope, he had heard her right.

"Harry is not fully trained yet, my queen," Randolf said.

Exactly, Harry wanted to say. Instead he remained silent.

"I'm sure he will find time to complete his training in the middle of his duties," Lucy said, turning back to him. "Won't you, Harry?"

Harry nodded. "Yes, your highness."

"Good," she said. "From today onwards, you are officially my personal guard."

"I'm honored, my queen," Harry inclined his head. "I promise I will do my best to not let you down."

"I would expect nothing less of you," the High King spoke. "You are to protect my sister from any harm that comes her way."

"Yes, my King."

"Great then," Lucy smiled. "I want to go out for a ride in the woods. Meet me in the stables in exactly fifteen minutes, Harry."

Harry bowed his head. "As you wish, my Queen."

Though his words were spoken clearly, his mind was reeling. The Valiant Queen had chosen him as her personal guard, as someone who would protect her at all times. Him.

But why?

After that, it was required for Harry to spend virtually all of his time with Lucy, and because of this and the two had developed a close friendship. Naturally, he felt very protective of her.

Chad was already the Lord of Daelhr at that time and was courting the Valiant Queen, and Lucy had spent the first few months of their friendship telling Harry everything about him. Of course, he had never really had the chance to meet the Lord of Daelhr until recently.

And now Harry felt incredibly angry at Chad. How could he do this to Lucy? She had done nothing but love him.

Taking a deep breath to calm his anger, Harry looked down and noticed that Lucy had passed out in his arms while he had comforted her.

"Lucy," he murmured.

She shifted a little but did not open her eyes.

This only made Harry more angry and he decided that he was going to have a 'little chat' with Chad after he took care of his number one priority: Queen Lucy.

But what should he do now that the Queen was sleeping in his arms?

He looked down at her. Tear tracks still glistened on her cheeks and even in her sleep, she seemed so exhausted. He did not want to wake her up.

So, Harry reached down and placed one arm around her knees, gently sweeping her into his arms and carried her out of the stables, which, if he recalled correctly, was exactly the place where Lucy said she and Chad had first met.

[][][][][][][][]

Lucy slowly opened her eyes and blinked. She was staring at navy blue fabric. She blinked and raised her head, only to realize that she was in someones arms.

What is-?

"Lucy, you're awake."

She looked up to find herself staring at Harry's face. "Harry?" she asked, confused.

"You fell asleep in the stables while crying," he said slowly.

"Crying?" she asked, and then it all came back to her.

Chad.

The ring.

His words.

The pain.

Running.

Harry.

Lucy crying.

"Oh," she managed to say, as her eyes threatened to get wet again. She looked around. It seemed like the hallway that led to her chambers.

"I didn't want to wake you up," Harry explained, "So I decided to carry you back."

Lucy looked back at him. "That was so considerate of you."

"It is my job."

Lucy rested her head against his shoulder. "Harry?"

"Yes?"

"Thank you."

"For what?"

"For listening to me, for letting me cry all over you and -"

"It is my job," he said as he came to a stop outside her room and he put her down.

"No, it's not," she said, still leaning on him.

"It is my job as your friend, Lucy."

She smiled.

"Can you stand?" he asked, letting go of her. She swayed a little and he quickly wrapped an arm around her waist for support. "When was the last time you ate something?"

"I don't know," she replied, "Maybe early this morning."

"You should eat."

"I'm not hungry."

"Lucy," his voice was full of disapproval. "You've had a hard day. Do not starve yourself. Look how weak you already are."

"I had thought that I'd dine with C-Chad once we had cleared our misunderstandings," she said, her voice beginning to shake.

Harry remained quiet, not knowing what to say to that. "You should eat," he insisted a moment later. "Do you want me to get you some food?"

She shook her head. "No, I'll get it later on," she paused. "Or I can get it now and you can eat with me. Come on in, please."

"No, Lucy," Harry said slowly. "I cannot join you for dinner in your chambers at this time of the night. It is inappropriate."

"I don't care."

"I know you don't," he said, "But I just don't think that it is the right thing to do."

She looked at him for a moment before resting her head on his shoulder. "You're a good friend, Harry."

"Thank you."

"I couldn't have asked for a better guard and a better friend than you," she looked back at him, a small smile playing on her lips.

He returned the smile and opened his mouth to speak before closing it.

Lucy saw that. "What?"

"Nothing."

"You wanted to say something."

"It is nothing."

She could see that he wanted to ask something. From the hesitance and the curiosity she saw on his face, she knew that it was something he felt compelled to ask about something he had never questioned.

"Say it," she said in a smooth voice.

He looked at her. "Why?"

Lucy was baffled by the question and didn't know how to respond. "Why? Why…what?"

"Why me?" Harry clarified.

"Why you…what?" Lucy asked again, not understanding.

"Why did you choose me when there were so many others more suitable than I was?"

Lucy smiled as she understood what her friend was asking. "I chose you to be my guard because I saw that you and I shared a lot of similar qualities."

"What similar qualities?" he wondered out loud.

"You and I are both very passionate about what we do," Lucy explained. "I saw how you were fighting with the practice swords and knew that you would never give up. If you had to choose between protecting me or saving yourself, you'd put my safety before your own, even though I'd hate you for it."

"Of course," Harry agreed, lowering his head in humility, "You're my queen! And I'm just a mere foot soldier."

"But you're so much more than that," Lucy said, cupping his cheek, tilting his head to look into her eyes. "You're my friend. Even though there were many other soldiers who were more advanced than you, you were chosen to be the personal guard to a queen of Narnia."

"I know. But that was really kind of you," he argued, "You chose me."

"You look down on yourself too much Harry. You should be proud of your achievements."

"But I'm just..." Harry was cut off as Lucy pulled him into a soft, chaste kiss.

A few seconds later, Lucy pulled back and looked deep into his eyes. "You mean a lot to me, Harry, more than you can imagine," she said softly, "And I... thank you for all you've done for me."

It took him a long moment to find his voice. "I'll always be there for you, Lucy." he promised.

"I know."

Harry looked at her. "But this is wrong. You shouldn't have kissed me, Lucy."

She bit her lip. "I know. I'm sorry."

"It's alright. I understand you are shaken by the recent events, but please - be strong." he said, leaning forward to kiss her brow, "Alright?

She nodded.

"I should head back now," he said.

"Alright," she smiled. "Good night, Harry."

"Good night," he inclined his head and stepped back, waiting till Lucy stepped into her room and closed the door. Then, he turned and walked back down the hallway.

There you go. Good? Bad? Do tell us.

We'll update the next chapter soon... Until then, take care and have fun.

- Ennarre and CrazyKitCat.

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