Disclaimer - I own nothing. Not the Narnia books, nor The Problem of Susan. Damn..
Here's the next chapter - sorry for the delay, life and now snow happened.
In relation to my earlier rant about C.S Lewis' treatment of Susan, I recently watched Voyage of the Dawn Treader again. In it Lucy struggles with feelings of jealousy of beauty and vanity among other things. Now, it has been a very long time since I read this book, and I don't have a copy to hand so I'm merely ranting using observations from the film. But, why is it that Aslan, aka God, forgives Lucy for this lapse in character, but later will not forgive Susan for the same.
Maybe because I have always felt an kinship with Susan, but this really irks me. I feel for everything she would have had to suffer, being the only survivor. What a lonely life she was condemned too after being so close to her family.
"A god who would punish me for liking nylons and parties by making me walk though that school dining room, with the flies, to identify Ed, well...he's enjoying himself a bit too much, isn't he? Like a cat, getting the last ounce of enjoyment out of a mouse" - Neil Gaiman, The Problem of Susan - Fragile Things
Anyway, I hope you all enjoy the next chapter of this love story! Please review.
XoX
Peter was walking swiftly through the halls of Cair Paravel on his way from a meeting with King Marion and King Aridian. While they had agreed that their visit should be about celebration and not politics, none of the King's had wanted to leave without a brief discussion.
It had gone well. King Marion had been impressed with the battle's Peter had recently fought on behalf of Narnia, and had been interested in Peter's unusual battle strategies. While not giving away all his secrets, they had enjoyed a lengthy discussion.
Peter was confident that Narnia could count on the two King's as allies, should the occasion call for it.
His mind was on the evening's farewell supper that awaited him and the visiting royals when he came to an abrupt halt.
Lucy rushed through a doorway ahead in floods of tears, Edmund moments behind her. Peter watched in shocked silence as they raced up the main staircase in the direction of their living quarters, Lucy's sobs echoing in their wake.
Seconds later Susan appeared.
'Sue, what in Aslan's name is going on?' he asked as he approached, forgetting to be embarrassed at the sight of her.
'No idea' she replied, equally mystified as they both stared up the now empty staircase, 'they were arguing with each other, but I couldn't hear what they were saying and then Lucy ran off crying.'
'Arguing?' echoed Peter, 'but they never argue anymore...'
'I know' Susan replied looking up at him, 'Ed came to talk to me about Lucy and Tumnus when she arrived.'
'Tumnus?' Peter questioned alarmed, glancing around as if he were afraid they would be overheard.
'Come with me' he gestured, 'I'd prefer if we discussed this in private.'
While he knew he would be uncomfortable with being alone with her, the privacy of his family life came first.
Silently they made their way to Peter's chambers, hearing no sound as they passed Lucy's; hopefully she had stopped crying.
'What did he tell you?' Peter asked the moment he closed the door behind him.
'That he saw Lucy and Tumnus kissing' Susan admitted, as Peter growled at her words.
Frowning at his reaction she had to ask.
'You disapprove?'
'Of course I disapprove!' he exclaimed, pacing the room, 'Tumnus is nearly 20 years older than Lucy.'
'Don't exaggerate; he's only 16 years older' Susan countered, causing Peter's head to snap over to her in irritation.
'Oh, only 16' Peter mocked, 'what about the fact that he's a faun and she's a human girl?'
'She's old enough to make her own decisions Peter' Susan's face flushed in anger as she spoke.
'I am the head of this family Sue and High King. I say that it is not right.'
'Not right!' Susan almost screeched, 'You don't get a say in who people love Peter, High King or not.'
'I have every right!' Peter rose to his full height as he shouted, looking every bit the King she was adamant didn't matter. Standing directly in front of her he felt his anger rise as she gave him a look of complete frustration.
'You've always done this Peter' Susan's shouts resounding around the room as she attempted to meet his height, rising slightly onto her toes, 'you lord over us. You may be the oldest but that doesn't mean you are always right! You strut about….'
She was cut off abruptly as Peter suddenly and without warning descended on her mouth. He had been furious at her, watching her rage at him, when all of a sudden he had realised his body was not thrumming with anger but with desire.
His body had reacted without bothering to consult his mind.
He kissed her hungrily, his lips battling with hers, his arms wrapping her up and pulling her flush against him.
Stumbling their bodies came to an abrupt halt as Susan's back hit the door. The impact shocked Peter back into his right mind for a moment and he tried to pull away, only to be stopped by Susan's small hands fisting the material of his tunic holding him against her.
It was in that moment that Peter realised that she was kissing him back with as much ferocity as he was kissing her. She matched him at every turn. All the passion that had been building up inside of him over the last few days was spilling out.
He barely had any control over himself as his lips left hers following the line of her jaw, kissing and nipping along the way. He sucked on her pulse point eagerly, savouring the keen that expelled from her throat, matching it with a groan of his own.
Her small hands that had been exploring his back wound their way through his long hair, tugging his mouth back up to hers. Their kissing slowed after what could have been hours. Soft, smooth nips, as if they were savouring a delicious fruit.
Peter released his grip on her reluctantly.
'Sorry' he uttered, breathing raggedly, 'I'm so sorry.'
Susan's breathing was just as shuddering as his own and it took all of his willpower not to move forward and kiss her again seeing her flushed and tempting still pressed against the door.
'I'm not' she replied when she finally found her voice, moving back towards him.
Silently she tilted her head, rising up on her toes, and placed her lips on his once again. This kiss was different; slow and sensual and he did not even bother trying to stop himself from wrapping his arms around her. Every inch of them was deliciously fused together.
Peter's hands roamed of their own accord, reaching down to her soft derriere and pulling her impossibly closer. He groaned lustily at the sensation.
'Susan' he breathed into her neck when her lips finally left his.
The broke apart abruptly at the sound of a door slamming along the corridor outside Peter's rooms. Jumping away from each other guiltily he chanced a glance up at her flushed face.
He stuttered, not able to make a sound, fumbling over what words to say to the woman who was not able to meet his eyes. Hearing another door slam loudly was the prompt she needed and she quickly fled leaving Peter to swear aggressively into the empty room.
XoX
Neither Edmund nor Lucy were found before the feast that evening. Peter and Susan had reluctantly gone ahead of them, and then were relieved when they had finally walked arm in arm through the main doors.
'We were just about to start without you' Peter chastised and the pair had the good grace to look apologetic. Lucy's eyes were a touch red, Susan observed, but it was barely noticeable.
The Kings Marion and Aridian greeted the Narnian King's and Queen's and then they all re-took their seats. The table was piled high with meats and fruit, so much so that there was a quiet hush for a while as they each filled their plates.
Even the young Princess Elana seemed to be struggling to remain lady-like when presented with such sumptuous looking food. The three Archenland Prince's had no such qualms.
'I must thank you for inviting my family and I to this wonderful celebration' King Aridian interrupted the silence.
'You are quite welcome' Peter replied from the head of the table, 'I hope your time here has been comfortable?'
The King's reply that it had been was soon followed by approving comments from various other diners.
Peter was somewhat relived when Edmund took the lead in the conversation that followed. While Peter was confident in every way when it came to his role as High King, he had always lacked the aptitude for small talk. He was a man for action, not words.
His relative silence allowed him to subtly observe Susan sitting across from him. They had left what had happened between them at his chamber's door and she had made no mention of it since. Even when they had entered the banquet hall, her hand in the crook of his arm, she had not even glanced at him.
Like nothing had happened.
She looked lovely again tonight. She wore a dark blue velvet gown this evening, matching his own blue tunic; the gold threading and pearl beading on the bodice only enhancing her beauty.
He had to consciously force himself to look away from her, least he be observed.
Now that the desire and shock had worn off he was beginning to be plagued by feeling of resounding guilt. He swallowed his goblet of wine energetically and caught the eyes of Edmund in the process, the latter looking quizzically at him.
He had been less than subtle with his troubled thoughts then.
Turning his mind away from his own problems, he focussed on being the High King of Narnia, tuning back into the conversation.
'The mountains where we are from are vastly impressive and striking' King Aridian was saying, 'I would be pleased to receive you.'
Looking up from his food Peter realised that King Aridian was addressing Lucy. What had he missed?
'You are very kind' was Lucy's reply, looking a little uncomfortable.
'The Prince will be happy to show you around my Kingdom, Queen Lucy. He is most knowledgeable about all the prime hunting forests. I hear you are a keen rider, I'm sure you will have no problem keeping up with his party.'
'Hunting!' Lucy exclaimed, horrified, 'I could never go hunting.'
She looked over to Edmund, the abject horror still written across her face at the idea of killing animals she would prefer to be-friend.
'We thank you for the honour of the invitation, but Lucy is too young to visit alone' was Edmund's smooth reply.
'You would be welcome as well, young King' Aridian quickly added, glancing over at his daughter, who blushed noticeably.
Edmund visibly bristled at being referred to as 'young'.
'After our recent confrontation with the last of Jadis' loyalists Edmund is needed here and I could not allow my youngest sister to visit unaccompanied' Peter interrupted, 'I thank you again for your kind invitation though Aridian. Perhaps we could arrange a visit next summer.'
King Aridian bowed his head gracefully in defeat , seeing that his wish was to be denied.
Peter felt Susan's gaze on him after he spoke and he fought the urge to turn to meet it.
King Marion was slightly more subtle with his intentions towards the Narnian King's and Queen's. He had moved seats during the meal, in 'order to speak to King Edmund'. This meant that his eldest son was now able to sit alongside Susan.
Prince Darrin was a charmer. The knowledge irked Peter and he raged internally as he watched the Prince flirt. He was making Susan blush and giggle. He hated that.
When at last the meal was being cleared Aridian and Marion suggested the men retreat to an adjoining room and Peter found himself agreeing. Anything to prevent the sons of either King from further pursuing Susan.
Narnian whiskey was prized throughout the distant kingdoms, so when Edmund ordered a bottle of it to be served it was met with approval all round.
Aridian and Marion were used to this Peter realised quickly, as they both lounged on the chaises provided. This was a usual practise; removing themselves from the ladies. The Princes also seemed well versed, moving over to a table they pulled out a pack of cards and began to engage in a game, their drinks close to their side.
They were to discuss matters apparently not fit for ladies ears Peter supposed. He hadn't much experience of this, apart from a few bantering conversations with men in his army, and even then he had just as many female soldiers. Things were different in Narnia he supposed. There had never been a conversation he had consciously thought best be kept away from the girls.
Edmund seemed to be of the same mind as he shot a bemused look over at his brother.
'So tell me frankly King Peter' Marion began, Peter tensing at his tone, 'your sisters are both of age now. A marriage between our two mighty kingdoms would be advantageous for us both. Can we come to some agreement?'
Peter was dumbstruck at the King's suggestion. He had known full well that both King's had come to the ball with the idea of marriage of alliance, but to announce it so brazenly. It had stunned him into silence. But looking over at Ed he seemed more angry than silent.
Aridian glanced between the young kings considering the tension.
'We are both older and have been leaders of our countries for longer than yourselves' Aridian explained, 'my father arranged my own marriage to the Princess of Ettinsmoor in much the same manner. It is a common practice.'
This time it was both Peter and Edmund that felt irritation at the mention of their age.
'Age does not equal wisdom' Peter snapped, unable to stop himself. The tone causing the gaming Prince's to turn to the conversation in interest.
'I mean no offence, King Peter' Aridian quickly pacified, he knew it would do him no favours to anger the High King.
Edmund shot him a look before Peter replied that made him take a measured breath before answering.
'Nor I. But you must know that I have no intention of marrying off my sister's, or brother come to that. In this kingdom all may marry who they wish, including the royal family. Should any of such choose one of your sons or daughters then I would be happy to approve the match. But it must be their choice.' His tone was final and brokered no argument.
'Yourself included, King Peter' Marion asked, a slight smirk of admiration upon his face.
Peter had no answer for that.
XoX
I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Please review and check out my other stories.