Disclaimer: I don't own The Chronicles of Narnia
I sat discreetly on the tree in the castle courtyard, watching the scene unfold in front of me. A poor man was on his knees, begging for justice and another stood next to him, smiling in triumph.
"You can't do that! He has cheated me!" he pleaded with the regally dressed man.
The rich man smirked. "I can and I will; go home to your family!"
My heart went out to the man. Is this what Narnia has become? I dropped from my hiding spot and everyone stared as I addressed the man on the floor.
"Get up my good man. Here is some money; buy you and your family a good meal." I smiled kindly and pressed my purse into his hand.
He looked at me gratefully, "Bless you, child." Sending me one last thankful glance he hurried off to buy his food.
I gazed after him, feeling good about myself for the first time in years. Until they interrupt.
"Who are you and how dare you decide this case!" The one who seemed to be king demanded. The other man looked equally irate.
"I dare because you are arrogant and unkind!" I retorted
"And who gave you the authority to question my authority?"
"I did, ya big lump!" I snapped, irritated.
"You—"
"What's going on here?" A voice that I knew all too well interrupted.
Caspian the Tenth rode in on Destrier. I don't think he had seen me yet.
"Sire, this girl," he spat the word out as if he couldn't even believe that I was female due to my clothing, "has the nerve to decide the case of customer and shopkeeper!"
The small crowd that had gathered around us parted to reveal my short figure.
Caspian stared at me as though trying to figure out who I was so I gave a slight wave.
"Caspian," I greeted, "Miss me?"
He gasped and hurriedly dismounted his horse. As the rich man looked on in astonishment, he crossed the distance between us and swept me into his arms.
"Lucy!" His voice was choked with emotion. "You've come back!"
I wound my arms around him, experiencing the first heartfelt, affectionate gesture I had received since I last saw my brothers. "And I'm glad I have."
The man was flustered. "Your majesty, do you mean to say that you know this girl?"
Caspian straightened up, realizing the increasing amount of onlookers (mainly guards and maids).
"Men, say hello to the queen of Narnia! Hail Queen Lucy the Valiant!" he held my hand up in the air ceremoniously as the courtyard broke out into cheer. "Lu, this is Carlton, one of the council." he introduced me to the man I had quarreled with.
I mocked a smile and bow, "Pleasure to make your acquaintance."
"But-but-but—" he spluttered, sending me a glare. "I'll be in my office."
"I'll see you at dinner!" I called, laughing at his retreating figure.