Disclaimer- Still don't own anything.

I have to credit my re-interest in continuing this story to #HermioneReaderOfBooks. Thank you for the kind review!

I have always have been surprised that when re-reading (good) children's literature as an adult I find levels that I hadn't even noticed. The characters of Narnia are no exception and it's not just Susan. All of Pevensie's have their own set of demon's and troubles, not even Lucy is exempt from this. It's almost a relief to find complex and flawed characters. Anyway...

I hope you enjoy the next chapter. I always welcome constructive criticism!

XoX

Chapter 6

Susan Pevensie had always thought herself a strong person. She reasoned that Father Christmas would not have gifted her with a bow and arrows if she wasn't. Not the physical strength of Peter and Edmund of course. But she had always felt the strength she held within. Strength to stand up for herself and speak her mind.

She had stood at the head of armies, had commanded those armies. She had stood bow in hand, sword at her side and screamed out orders. She had not been afraid.

Yet, as she stood there, with what seemed like the entire castle staff stood in front of her as well as all of their guests, she felt her resolve crumble.

The realisation that it had been planned this way came rushing towards her like a raging minotaur.

She had been distracted the entire way through the feast. The feel of blue eyes burning into her the entire time had ensured she had barely heard a word that had been spoken. She had been vaguely aware of the attentions of the eldest Archenland Prince. He had flattered her vanity and she had been embarrassed by her blushes.

Susan hadn't realised at the time how deep Prince Darrin's intentions ran.

When the women had retired to one of the small rooms off of the main banquet room Susan had busied herself. She oversaw the distribution of tea and small treats to her sister, Princess Elana and the two visiting Queen's.

Then, when she had returned to the group the conversation had turned to the coming preparations for the mid-summer festival celebrated throughout all the realms. She had not a moment spare to mull over Prince Darrin's attentions before the group broke up and they all bid each other good night.

Susan had stayed behind to speak to the head of staff Freya about the departures the following day and so when she left the parlour she was surprised to find someone waiting for her in the hallway.

'Queen Susan' Darrin greeted, with a slightly mocking bow, 'may I invite you to talk a stroll with me?'

She quickly schooled the alarm she felt at being alone late at night with him.

'I thank you, but I must retire for the evening' Susan replied, attempting to walk past him. But at the last moment he stepped away from the wall he had been lounging against and blocked her path.

'Then let me escort you to your bedchamber' he pressed.

Then without asking her permission he took her hand and placed it in the crook of his arm in an overly familiar way.

'I do not think that is appropriate, Prince Darrin'.

'Darrin' he pressed, ignoring her words. The smile he looked over at her was intended as charming but it merely put Susan on her guard. She was thankfully for the small knife concealed in her boot. The dress she was currently wearing did not quite reach the floor and she was confident in her ability to reach for it quickly should the occasion call for it.

'It is a most beautiful night' he lamented as they walked past an open window. The cool summer breeze rolling in from the Eastern Ocean shifted her hair for a moment and obstructed her vision.

Without preamble Darrin paused and reached forward, tucking the piece of errant hair behind her ear.

'Please sir!' she drew back abruptly.

'Apologies' he said quickly, his hands raised in apparent regret, though the expression on his face didn't look in the least apologetic.

'I must ask you to maintain a distance, sir' Susan demanded coolly, 'it is late and anyone could come upon us'.

Turning into the grand entrance hall and to the main staircase up to the private floors she naively thought she had made her point.

What she hadn't anticipated, nor did she even have to time to react too, was the Prince grasping her arm and pulling her bodily too him.

She could only let out a muffled scream as his grip on her arms forced her back against a marbled wall. Then, before she had time to place a well aimed knee he kissed her, hard.

It surprised her so much that for a horrible moment she didn't do anything at all. She stood there frozen in shock. Unable to do anything than marvel in an abstract way of how unexpected this turn of events was. Then she came to her senses. He had her arms completely pinned. He was taller and far stronger than her, the pressure of his body pushing against her was enough to immobilize her.

But her legs were mercifully free. As he continued to force his harsh, bruising kisses on her she raised her foot slightly preparing to deliver a blow. But she didn't get her chance.

'Queen Susan!' came a loud shout. As quickly as Darrin had attacked her he pulled away.

Susan could only stare in horror at the sight that lay before her. King Adrian and King Marion stood alongside their wives in the middle of the entrance hall. It had been Marion that had shouted her name. Alongside them stood the General's of the Narnian army along with ten's of the household staff. Stood at the head of them was General Oreius. He stared straight at her, taking in the sight of her blood red lips and mussed clothing, his head turned slightly to the side in confusion.

'Father forgive us' Darrin explained, 'we just could not help ourselves. We are in love.'

Susan's thoughts soon caught up with the conversation.

'What?' she cried, her face flushing in anger.

'Ahh, you need not explain, my son' Marion smiled, 'it is only natural that two young people like yourselves engage in such activities when you care for one-on-other'.

The surprise and shock that the group had been experiencing quickly dissolved, followed by laughter and smiles as they looked over at the couple.

'But King Ma..'Susan attempted.

'You need not explain my dear' King Marion interrupted, deterring her from speaking, 'I quite understand'.

'If you excuse me King Marion' General Oreius stepped forward, 'I'm not entirely sure that is what is going on here, but I fear that my Queen is not well'.

'Don't be absurd, Queen Susan is merely over-whelmed with happiness. There is soon to be a wedding after all' King Marion's wife interjected, looking down her nose at the Narnian creature.

The words caused the group to hush somewhat, turning to look towards the Queen and the General.

Noticing this, and the distress on the face of his Queen, Oreius took charge.

'Please depart and speak of this matter to no-one', he ordered as the throng dispersed.

'Come now' King Marion cried with forced joviality, 'we have much to speak of'.

With his arms raised he gestured for the group to follow, still talking as he walked, 'we will have the wedding at Castle Anvard of course...'

'Are you coming my Queen?' Darrin asked, turning to her with a glint of something in his eye.

Susan could only follow, powerless to stop anything, with Oreius following protectively behind her.

XoX

'He did what?!' Peter all but screamed, flying to his feet in a rage.

'I fear it is true my King. King Marion ordered me to assemble the heads of staff and we came upon them. I believe it was by design, Sire'.

As soon as Oreius was able he had quickly gone to his King.

'Where is she now?' Peter ordered, strapping his sword to his waist as he rushed to the door to his study.

'Still in the red drawing room with the visiting King's and their families' was the General's reply.

'You left her alone with them!' Peter exclaimed, abruptly turning, drawing his sword to point it up at his friend.

'Forgive me Sire, I had no choice,' Oreius apologized, 'the Queen had recovered from the shock somewhat and bid me find you.'

Peter did not answer, sheathing his sword and turning to race through the corridors, shouting behind him for Edmund to be fetched too.

Peter barrelled along his thoughts blinded.

Bursting into the drawing room to the surprise of its inhabitants he rushed to Susan's side.

'What in Aslan's name do you think you are doing Marion?' he growled, levelling his anger with some difficulty. He had been foolish. He had been so busy thwarting the plans of Adrian, he hadn't even considered that Marion had a plot of his own.

Marion had the good sense to take a step back at the arrival of Peter. He took stock for a moment as the High King of Narnia stood protectively in front of Queen Susan. His face was set in a hard expression and he looked nothing like the child Marion had taken him for at their arrival only days before.

'Queen Susan has consented to become the bride of my eldest son' Marion declared. Peter felt Susan shift behind him at the words and stepping around him she denied the claim so articulately and ferociously that he was sure she had been stewing the words for some-time.

'It would appear that Susan does not share this assumption' Peter said coolly, taking comfort in her warm shoulder touching his as they stood side by side.

'They were seen by your entire staff engaging in such a manner that marriage is the only option' King Marion's wife argued, standing from where she had been sitting in a quiet corner, 'it is a matter of maintaining her reputation and that of my son.'

'Is this true Oreius?' Peter asked, looking to him for confirmation.

'Unfortunately so, Sire.'

Marion looked smug for a moment at the Centaur's words but then his face fell when Oreius continued.

'But I have ordered that what they saw not go beyond that place. I trust each and every one of them. They will not speak of it. Queen Susan is safe.'

'Well that settles it then' King Adrian said, rising from where he had been sat nursing a drink by the fire.

'Your attempt to ensnare the young Queen has failed' he addressed Marion, 'now I think it would be best if we all retired for the evening, some of us have the start of a very long journey home at daybreak.'

Peter stared King Marion down for a moment before he took Susan's hand in his and led her from the room.

'This won't be forgotten Marion' he uttered, just before he stepped into the hallway, glaring equally at the King's son. A pawn in his father's scheme Darrin may have been, but he had gone along with it, and it was he that had kissed Susan against her will.

The moment they entered the main entrance hall though they knew something was wrong. There was noise, too much noise. It was nearing midnight and yet the sounds of laughter and celebration filled the air.

'What on earth?' Susan whispered as they moved out onto a balcony that overlooked the courtyard below. No sooner than they did a great cheer erupted, causing both of them to recoil in surprise.

Hundreds of people lined the square, all cheering and celebrating.

'Long live the Queen' came the chant, and to the siblings horror it was soon followed by, 'and long live Prince Darrin'.

The citizens of Cair Paravel were celebrating Susan's engagement.

'Oh Aslan!' Susan exclaimed looking over at Peter, his expression mirroring her own.

Out of sight of their people Peter's hand found Susan's.

XoX

I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Chapter 7 is already half written so hopefully you won't have to wait long. Please review!

AN - When I write it's in two places. 1/ On the train on the way to and from evening classes and 2/In my flat by the window looking out at the woodland next to my block. I've always found inspiration in these places. Where do you all find inspiration?