THE LAST TEMPTATION OF SUSAN

Chapter Seven: As Rash As Rabadash

"You still want me, Rabadash," Susan purred, in her most grown-up voice, as she leaned back casually on the sofa. "And I still want you. Isn't that more important than an open gateway between your world and mine?"

Rabadash laughed, his white teeth very bright in the dimly lit study. "Dinosaurs are dangerous, my queen. You were almost eaten by one yourself – a very tasty meal indeed." His dark, handsome face grew serious. "To close that gate, two people must risk their lives. You will not be one of them."

"You will not order me about like a child." Susan set her crimson lips in a provocative pout. Rabadash took the hint. Their first kiss in ages, and it was a moment of sheer bliss.

"I was half-afraid you'd turn into a donkey," Susan exclaimed, with a shaky little laugh. They kissed again.

"It appears I've passed the Lion's test," Rabadash replied. The way he sank back against the cushions told Susan how relieved he was. But then he sighed. "Perhaps a greater test is waiting down the road. The true test may be whether we have the courage to separate for the good of both our worlds. Perhaps that kiss – which I have dreamed of night and day for over a year – was merely a warning that I must steel myself to be unselfish, and give you up. To sacrifice all for the one you love – is that not Aslan's way?"

Susan frowned. "Isn't it possible Aslan wants us to close that gateway together? That would explain how I ended up here, when I was perfectly happy at Cair Paravel, wouldn't it?"

"Perfectly happy?" Rabadash challenged. For a moment he was the old dark prince, arrogant and supremely confident.

"Well, happy when I didn't think too much about you." Susan felt a bit sheepish. Rabadash could still see right through her, and that was somehow both annoying and thrilling. "But Dash, exactly what does it take to close the gate?"

"You cannot imagine the danger," Rabadash told her. "To seal the gate, two people must mount two pylons facing each other across a deep ravine. Each raises a crystal that catches the sun at the exact same moment. Both must stay in place and keep their crystals high in the air while the gateway screams with hot winds and bolts of flashing fire. And if either one should weaken, both will instantly perish."

"Oh, dear. And is it a very long climb to reach the pylons?" Susan knew she wasn't the best person for this sort of thing. At a time like this Edmund would be asking questions about the power source of the pylons. Lucy would be hoping for a glimpse of Aslan, while Peter would want to be sure no-one else was in any danger. But Susan found herself thinking of muddy trails, tired feet, buzzing insects and the stifling heat. All that was before the really dangerous work could begin.

Rabadash didn't mince words. "It is a long walk and then a long climb, my brave queen. We'll have to separate just when it gets really difficult. When we reach the top we'll be on opposite sides of the ravine, unable to help each other if the worst should happen. There will be no way to share a last tender moment if we fail. Not even a last kiss good-bye."

Susan rolled her eyes. "Kissing good-bye is never any fun. But if we stick together we might pull this off. And anyway, do you think I'd be happier lounging around here and drinking iced tea on soft cushions while you're out in the jungle being eaten by dinosaurs or zapped by lightning?"

Rabadash chuckled. "No, my queen. But I don't see why you should meet the same miserable fate as me. As you pointed out during our fiery quarrel the other day, you are innocent and good while I am cruel and evil." He stroked her cheek, his dark fingers cool against her white flesh. "If I have to die, I want this lovely face to be my last memory."

"And I want to face the danger with you. I'm a woman, not a fragile vase." When Rabadash just looked at her, Susan didn't hesitate to demonstrate exactly what she meant. She threw her arms around the prince's neck and kissed him fiercely, claiming her mate the way a tiger might have done. Neither of them could resist the heat of her desire. At last Rabadash drew back, cradling her flushed face in his firm hands.

"There is no getting shut of you," he breathed, looking deep into her eyes. "Once upon a time you ran away from me, but now I see that I can never run away from you. Thou and I are one, O Susan."

"Wherever you go, I go." Susan's voice was firm, but her lips trembled. This was exactly the kind of dangerous adventure she hated, but there was nothing for it but to plunge ahead. She forced a smile. "I can be just as rash as Rabadash."

"Be rash and follow me, then. But for tonight, our next destination is bed." He kissed her lightly on the forehead. "Sweet dreams, Susan of Narnia."