A/N: This is a little sibling fic I wrote as part of my 'Conversations' series, which used the working title 'Edmund and Lucy discuss Caspian'. As such it lacks any sort of plot direction, but I do like the idea that Edmund saw the potential for romance before Lucy realized it herself – and I can so see him trying to dissuade her from the possibility. Preventative measure seems very Edmund. Enjoy.
"So," Lucy said, "what do you think of Caspian?"
"You're too old for him," said Edmund promptly. "And he's got that temper."
Lucy laughed because she knew it was what Edmund was after, though she thought it a rather poor joke. Caspian and I? How silly!
"No, goose," she said. "I meant what you think about him. How he's doing, you know. There were four of us – I don't know that I could have done it alone."
Edmund's brow contracted slightly as he considered. "Well, things were sort of different then. I don't know that we needed all four of us. It was just convenient to have someone still there to rule if, say, a few of us were done off with in Tashbaan."
"Edmund!" cried Lucy, though she too was smiling.
"You know, there were only a king and a queen until we came along. Now it shall be that way again. If Caspian marries," he added.
"Oh, he will," said Lucy, and Edmund looked at her strangely. "Don't you get the feeling he's rather lonely? His aunt and uncle were awful, his parents are dead, and he hasn't any brothers or sisters. Of course he'll get married."
"And Narnia is anxious for an heir, can't forget that."
Lucy smiled. "They were like that in our day as well."
"Yes," said Edmund, "and they were right after all, weren't they? We left no heir behind and look what happened. . ."
"Ed," said Lucy with reproachful eyes; she did not like such blunt reminders of what Narnia had suffered in wake of their disappearance.
"Sorry, Lu. But it is the truth."
"Yes," answered Lucy soberly. "Perhaps it is best if Caspian finds a bride on this voyage after all."
"Just as long as he doesn't find it on this ship," said Edmund.
"Edmund!" Lucy exclaimed. "What is going on? And what did you mean, I'm too old for him? He's much older than I am!"
"Not really," said Edmund seriously. "You're about ten years older really, so don't you go getting any ideas. He's young for you yet."
And with that, Edmund hopped down from the window and left without another word. Lucy stared after him.
Caspian and I? How silly. . .