Hi guys!
Final version of chapter 8 is now up!
Since I've decided I want feminist characters in my fanfic, I've decided to give Beth and Susan that role and, since they are both so different, I thought it would be interesting to see what comes of the two girls. I hope you guys like it!
Disclaimer: It's obvious I only own Beth's storyline. The rest belongs to its respective owners.
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Chapter 8 "A Choice to Make."
Caspian watched with a heavy heart as their different squads' representatives surrounded him, Beth and the Kings and Queens of Old.
All humour, all cheerfulness was long gone.
Since the Kings and Queens of Old had joined them, they had all lived in a sort of joyful bubble, having almost forgotten they were at war as they rejoiced in the fact that help had arrived.
The Telmarine who spotted them was the wake up call that made them remember their true circumstances. The arrow he shot to the princess, the reminder that the Telmarines were a real enemy, and a deadly one at that.
So, as they all gathered, except for Reepicheep, none of them were really excited to prepare for the eventual battle. They were all willing to fight for their survival at any costs but still, they couldn't help but feel cheated by their unfair reality.
They were all eager to regain their freedom but they shouldn't have to fight for it. The Telmarines should have never felt the right to invade them.
More than ever, Caspian felt the responsibility, the duty of winning this war. For them, and for himself, there was no other possible outcome.
"It's only a matter of time," Peter started as the final Narnian entered the Stone Table Room. The High King glanced arrogantly at Caspian, the prince barely containing himself from rolling his eyes in return. "Miraz's men will be on their way soon, if they aren't already, which means those same men are not protecting the castle."
"What do you propose, Your Majesty?" Trufflehunter asked.
If he knew Peter at all, which he liked to think he did because he was great at figuring people out, Caspian knew exactly what Peter was proposing.
Caspian didn't particularly like the idea, but before intervening, he glanced at the remaining Pevensie and Beth to see if he had any allies.
Susan was behind him so he couldn't exactly glance at her without being obvious but he knew she was against her brother's plan. After all, the Gentle Queen had always hated pointless battles.
For the first time since they met, Edmund and Beth had put a stop to the heated glances and secret smiles. Edmund sat against a pillar behind Peter, elbows resting on his thighs as he leaned forward and listened to his brother with interest.
Beth stood beside him, also listening intently but with disagreement written all over her face, as if she also knew what Peter was going to say and wasn't liking it one bit. Lucy sat on the Stone Table beside Beth, her eyes wearing the same dissatisfied expression.
Caspian took all that in with one quick glance and steeled himself. He had three possible allies and now, it was time to intervene.
"We need to get ready for-" Peter and Caspian spoke at the same.
As the High King and the prince glared at each other in defiance, the crowd around them quietened into a stunned silence. They knew the two of them had been struggling to get along but they had imagined they would leave their differences aside, at least during that meeting.
Caspian realised that as well so he backed down, allowing Peter to speak first.
"Our only hope is to strike them before they strike us," Peter spoke confidently as he glanced around the How.
"That's insane, no one has ever taken the castle," Caspian argued, his eyes wide.
To him, Peter was proposing an attack' plan based on his own experience, but the Telmarine castle wasn't alike any place he'd ever raided, and the Telmarines were totally different from his former opponents.
Peter smirked at the prince calmly. "There's always a first time."
Caspian clenched his hands into fists. He was really starting to dislike the High King.
"We would have the element of surprise," Trumpkin quipped, nodding his agreement.
"Yes, but we have the advantage here!" Caspian argued hotly.
"If we dig in, we could probably hold them off indefinitely," Susan intervened from behind Caspian. The prince turned to watch her walk towards him, her eyes on her brother. "You've never been to this castle, Peter. I think you are underestimating them."
Peter glared angrily at the two of them, the silence uncomfortable as everyone thought carefully on who they sided with.
"I, for one, feel safer underground," Trufflehunter finally spoke, siding with Caspian.
"Look, I appreciate what you've done," Peter started, turning towards Caspian with an honest, yet arrogant look, "But this isn't a fortress. This is a tomb."
"Yes, and if they are as smart as you've told us," Edmund agreed with his brother, "They will just surround us and starve us out."
Caspian frowned, knowing he had a point. He then glanced at the Narnian' leaders surrounding them, knowing how conflicted they must be feeling.
Being a Telmarine himself, Caspian had the knowledge of their customs, strategy' methods and ways of thinking. He knew that it was no coincidence that they hadn't arrived with a larger army yet.
To his experience, Miraz and his army were waiting to see what their next move was going to be. They wanted to study them, sense their strengths and use their weaknesses against them so whatever they ended up doing, it had to be planned extremely carefully.
However, Caspian had to acknowledge the experience of the two young kings. Tales of their skills in strategy and war were legendary. However different their enemies might have been, between Edmund's strategic and cunning mind and Peter's natural leader skills, they had managed to win every single time.
"We could collect nuts!" A squirrel spoke excitedly from the top of a pillar.
"Yes, and throw them to the Telmarines? Shut up!" Reepicheep snapped from besides the squirrel before turning to the High King and bowing. "I believe you know where I stand, Sire."
Peter nodded his thanks and glanced around him, taking notice of how most of them nodded at him in agreement.
Caspian sighed and exchanged a look with Susan. Peter had won the people, so all left to do now was work their hardest to plan the best possible attack.
Peter paid the two of them no attention as he took a few steps towards Glenstorm. "If I get troops in, will you and your people take care of the guards?"
Glenstorm glanced between Peter and Caspian. He had offered his allegiance to Caspian, so it didn't feel right to side against the prince but as he considered the choices before him, he also could see clearly that he had no alternative but to comply to Peter's requests. After all, everyone else had agreed to his plan.
"Or die trying, my liege," Glenstorm spoke finally, and bowed his head.
Caspian closed his eyes in defeat but then, a new voice spoke.
With how silent she had been, he had almost forgotten she was there.
"That's what I'm worried about," Lucy said softly from her place on the Stone Table.
Peter frowned in confusion. "What do you mean?"
"You are all acting like there's two options. Dying here, or dying there," Lucy replied candidly, her voice as light and hopeful as always. She glanced at the Narnians gathered around her. "We should look for Aslan. He helped us against the White Witch. We need to have faith in that He will come again."
"I agree with Lucy," Beth finally intervened as well. Both girls exchanged a smile. "After all, if we don't have faith, what do we really have?"
Caspian straightened, his mind going back to all the times he'd despaired. When his mother had died, followed by his father. When he barely escaped his home alive, without any allies and hated by the Narnians.
Yet, he had survived. He had survived the grief of losing her mother, and the pain and stress of losing his father. He made it out of the castle he had called home during his entire life and, less than a week later, he had gained an army, the support and allegiance of the Narnians and the aid of the Kings and Queens of Old.
Caspian lowered his gaze with guilt. He wished he could agree with Lucy and Beth but his urge to do something was too large. He couldn't just sit back and do nothing while the Telmarines advanced towards them. Aslan was real, that much he knew, but they couldn't afford waiting for Him, especially considering they didn't know whether he was coming.
Caspian then glanced at the rest, noticing how they all wore the same guilty expressions. He then realised that's why Lucy was the Valiant Queen. Because when everyone else preferred logic, she had the bravery to be faithful. Faith wasn't always rewarding, so it took considerable courage to choose it.
Meanwhile, Peter was frowning at both girls. "I'm not sure you two were listening."
"No, you're the one who's not listening," Lucy snapped, her gaze hard and unforgiving. Caspian knew this was not the first time Peter had chosen not to believe Lucy so Aslan must have been a sore spot between them. "Or have you forgotten who actually defeated the White Witch?"
Edmund winced at the name but it went unnoticed by his brother and sister, as they only had eyes to glare at each other. Beth reached down to grasp his shoulder for a moment, but affectionately nonetheless.
Peter straightened, his gaze the coldest one yet. "I think we've waited for Aslan long enough."
And with that, he left without uttering another word.
Caspian could hardly contain himself from closing his eyes and rubbing his temple as he felt a headache appearing at the back of his skull. True, the Narnians supported the plan but Edmund was the only one of the other five people in command who supported the High King.
Peter owed it to them to discuss it further, at the very least.
Everyone fell into a heavy silence, the prospect of a near battle utterly frightening. They had nothing left to lose, for the Telmarines had taken everything from them but still, they felt a desperate need to win, the anxiety for this to be over eating away their sanity slowly.
It had been too long since they were free.
Behind them all, the fire below the Great Lion was starting to die.
"Our best approach is through an air attack," Caspian declared, palm rested open on the castle' map. He stared intently at Peter as he spoke, "The Telmarines haven't seen griffins before and they haven't fought with Narnians in centuries. They won't know how to deal with them."
As the representatives of each company had left to prepare their troops, the Pevensie, Caspian and Beth had gathered in a small chamber to plan the attack.
Map laid on the table, Peter and Caspian stood on both extremes, Susan on Caspian's right and Edmund on Peter's right. Beth stood besides Susan and Lucy besides Edmund, the youngest queen utterly bored as she was staying in the How.
Beth glanced momentarily at the Just King as he discussed with Peter, Susan and Caspian about the best way to perform the initial attack. She hadn't been avoiding him per se - after all, ever since the arrow incident they had been planning the attack together - but she was terrified of being left alone with him.
She knew she had strong feelings for him, that much was obvious, but she felt overwhelmed by their intensity, especially considering she met Edmund two weeks ago.
In any case, those feelings weren't what scared her the most. After all, Edmund was one of the best humans she'd ever met so she really couldn't have chosen anyone better to have a crush on. What frightened her was the risk of having her heart broken. Beth had gone through so much that, eventually, she had closed her heart for everyone but her family.
With the first crush, the first heartbreak always follows and truthfully, she wasn't really sure she could deal with anymore pain. And, if there was anything she had learned from her life in England, it was that were millions of ways in which thing could take a turn for the worse.
Beth knew this issue was going to haunt her for some time so she shook her head, forcing herself to snap out of it and focus on the discussion.
She and Susan had already changed into their battle dresses and grabbed their weapons and now, all Beth needed to know was what would her role be when they attacked the castle.
"Peter, just listen to him, okay?" Susan was retorting as Beth snapped back into focus, "He's lived there for 17 years, while you've never even seen the castle. Accept that he knows the place better than you!"
Edmund and Lucy covered their lips as to not reveal their smiles while Peter gaped at his usually gentle sister, momentarily struggling to come up with an answer.
"You are right, he knows better the castle," the High King finally argued angrily, "But I've been in far more battles, I know what I'm doing!"
"You know what you are doing?" Edmund hissed coldly, his gaze burning with contempt, "You might be the High King but you didn't rule alone back in our time and you certainly don't rule alone now, brother."
This time, no one was amused. Peter paled, not in anger, but in fear of actually having abused of his power, while the other four exchanged apprehensive glances. Even Lucy, who had been absently playing with her skirt without paying any attention looked up in shock.
Finally, Beth walked around the table to stand between the brothers. She rested a calming hand on Edmund's shoulder before turning to look at Peter.
"There are two mayor details we should consider to make the plan of attack. For once, the walls are as tall as twelve-floor' English buildings so if we attack from land, Miraz will just have his archers shoot us down and due to the walls' height, we won't be able to return the favour," Beth began, nodding at Caspian as he came to stand on Peter's other side and pointed at either side of the bridge.
"Secondly, the castle's only connection to the land is a bridge. The castle is surrounded by a deep abyss on either side," Caspian added, "What Beth said about the walls it's true, and if we add that in a land attack, our army would be all gathered in a constricted space...it would be far too easy to slaughter us."
"Why didn't you mention this before?" Peter finally spoke weakly, glancing from Caspian to Beth with a frown.
The other five rolled their eyes in frustration.
"Why didn't you let Caspian speak in the first place?" Edmund asked in return, exasperation shown all over his face.
"Maybe you weren't really listening, Pete," was Beth's reply to Peter's question, the princess exchanging a smirk with the Valiant Queen as she spoke.
Peter slowly nodded, took a step back and motioned Caspian to speak.
"I think some of us should be carried first by the griffins to take care of the guards on the walls and signal the army to charge when we open the gates," Caspian began in a much more civil tone now that he was actually being heard.
"I agree. Su, Ed, you and I?" Peter suggested but his younger brother shook his head.
"I will go first and signal the army," Edmund smiled as he patted his flashlight, which was strapped to his belt, "I have the perfect thing for that."
"In that case, you should fly to the highest tower," Caspian said as he pointed it out in the map, "That way, you will be able to see any movement, while we will take down the guards on the towers below yours in a few minutes, so you won't be seen as you signal the army."
"Good. After you arrive, Ed, make a signal with your flashlight and Su, Caspian, myself and Trumpkin will fly to kill the guards and open the gate," Peter trailed off, slightly annoyed as he glanced at Caspian, "Where should we fly to?"
Caspian pointed at one of the western' towers. "This one. We can enter through my professor's study. He never leaves his window locked."
"Very well," Peter agreed, and looked at Susan, Edmund and Caspian, "We need to be as fast as we can. Our primordial objective is to sneak the army inside but if we can also kill Miraz before opening the gates and without raising any alarm, that would take a huge weight away from us. Any questions?"
As the other four shook their heads, Beth frowned at him before clearing her throat to get his attention. "Yes. What am I doing in the raid? Am I charging with the rest of the army?"
An uncomfortable silence enveloped them as the three boys looked anywhere but at the Princess of Archenland.
Beth glanced between them, noticing how Edmund shot Peter a stubborn glare, how Caspian seemed to be flustering from awkwardness with each second that passed, how Susan threw her a sympathetic look and how Lucy frowned angrily at the boys.
And as it dawned on her, she frowned as well, her gaze growing murderous.
"You have got to be kidding me," Beth growled slowly, and looked at each boy with a burning glare. "Who gave you the right to decide whether I'm fighting or not?"
"You aren't really needed in the battle, Beth," Peter finally spoke cautiously, glancing at the two other boys expectantly but rolling his eyes when neither intervened. The High King looked at the princess with an appeasing smile. "You would be far more useful here with Lucy."
"As the second-in-command, I would really like to hear what our people thinks about this," Beth snapped in return before glancing at Caspian. She knew this had been his and Edmund's idea. "I came to Narnia because you needed me but I'm not a weak girl you can just cast aside or call to your aid as it fits you. Next time you call for me, I won't be as willing to help."
"Beth-" Edmund started, reaching out to grab Beth by the hand but she shook her head, raising her arms in protest as she took a few steps back from him.
"I don't want to hear it." Beth looked at Edmund straight into his eyes, her face twisted into a deep scowl. "Especially not from you."
And after bowing mockingly at the two kings and the prince, she left without looking back.
There were few times when she had been that angry. As she walked out of the chamber, she breathed as deeply as she could, trying to even her rage before she crossed any Narnian.
It hurt to be treated like a child, especially by the guy she had feelings for. Of course, they probably pulled that foolish move to protect her but if she cherished anything in her life, that was the freedom to make her own decisions, the control of being able to take her life wherever she wanted. Only she chose what to do with her life so if there was anything she resented, it was when people tried to choose for her, even if it was people she cared for like Peter, Caspian and Edmund.
Beth shook her head to relieve herself from those thoughts as she realized she was close to the armory. She would have to sort out her anger later.
"Your Highness! Have you all arranged a plan of attack?" Reepicheep called as Beth made it to the armory where everyone was getting ready.
The rest looked up, faces expectant as they laid eyes on the foreign princess.
"Almost, Maese Reepicheep, they were arranging the final touches when I retreated," Beth answered, smiling slightly when Reepicheep practically jumped in excitement.
"Your Majesty? Is everything alright?" Trufflehunter asked worriedly and Beth smiled wider in the hopes of making her smile more real.
"Yes, Trufflehunter, thank you," Beth replied, nodding gratefully. By then, the rest of the Narnians had gathered around her, which made her realize she couldn't just stand there and hear about a plan she wasn't going to be a part of.
Deeply relieved, she realized the griffins hadn't joined them yet.
"Glenstorm," Beth called, looking at the centaur with respect, "Where are the griffins?"
"They are practicing outside, do you want me to bring them?" He asked but the princess shook her head.
"No, Glenstorm, but thanks. I shall bring them myself," Beth answered "Would you please summon Their Majesties so they can explain the plan of attack? Maybe you should all go to the Stone Table' Room. That way you will all fit easily."
Glenstorm nodded and left, the army marching to the opposite direction towards the Stone Table' Room. Beth took a deep breath before going towards the entrance, happy to breathe some fresh air away from everyone else.
After the scout returned to the castle with news of their enemy's location, Miraz summoned a council meeting in the throne room.
Sopespian glanced around, mildly amused at the poorly hidden expressions of frights in the other lords.
As the next Lord Protector of the telmarine court once Miraz became king, Sopespian was probably the most threatened by Miraz but still, so was Miraz by him and that gave the lord an enormous sense of arrogance.
The room was made with pearl white' stone, yet the designs were sharp, intimidating and powerful, as it was the traditional telmarine' style. From the sharpness of the carvings and the seats, to the tall, mighty steps leading to the telmarine throne, the room was made to intimidate anyone not used to the telmarine's customs, especially the enemies to the telmarine' royal family.
The door opened for one last time and Miraz, Lord Protector of Narnia, soon-to-be king, entered the chamber.
Sopespian studied him as he made his way to throne.
Miraz was in his late thirties and fairly successful in letting the court know who was the leader. After his brother, King Caspian IX, passed away, Miraz had taken the royal duties until Caspian X was of age. To everyone else, Miraz seemed to be the live image of a mourning brother and a loving uncle to the Crown Prince, but he had never managed to fool Sopespian.
Sopespian knew that to survive in court, one needed to know their enemies far better than their friends and to him, Miraz had always been far more ruthless than his brother, and far more thirsty for power.
Miraz stopped on the first step leading to the throne and turned to face the lords gathered. "We have spotted Caspian and his bunch of Narnian' pest in an old tomb known to the Narnians as the How. My lords, we need to decide what to do with this information."
"They have lived enough," one of the lords declared loudly, "They have proved they are clever enough to survive but now, it is time to end what our ancestors began. The bridge is finished! We know where they are hiding! We must go and finish their worthless lives once and for all!"
Utter silence followed the lord's little speech. The rest of the lords agreed with him but they knew better than to speak before Miraz did. They had been gathered to decide their course of action together but still, they all knew perfectly that Miraz was the one who held the final say.
"Tell me, Lord Frengh, do you wish to give the country to the traitor Caspian?" Miraz finally replied, his voice calm but still, a note of wrath held beneath, "Remember that before betraying his entire race, my nephew was trained by the best tutors, generals and strategists. If they haven't attacked by now, that's because they are waiting for us to move first and my nephew, dear lords, is extremely cunning for his age. He would easily see a way to turn an attack from us to their favour."
"I apologize, Sire," Lord Frengh nervously uttered from his seat, "In my impulsiveness, I failed to see the picture clearly."
"You are right, you failed," Miraz agreed venomously, "Leave this meeting at once, Lord Frengh, we won't be needing your services any longer."
With fear in their hearts, the rest of the Council Members watched Frengh leave the room, knowing it would be the last they saw of him. Contradict or displease Miraz, and you should better be ready to face the consequences.
Sopespian was the first to take his gaze from the disgraced lord to cruel Miraz. He knew it was not time to emit any opinions, it was time to hear what their leader had to say.
"We need to focus not on Caspian, but on his companions and on any flaws they might have," Miraz carried on with a sufficient smirk, clasping his hands behind his back, "The Narnian' High King, Peter, was said to be especially stubborn and impulsive. If you had ever bothered to read the Narnian' legends, you would know that he always attacks first."
"Double the amount of guards patrolling inside the castle. I don't want them to suspect anything from us when they come but I also want to catch as many Narnians as we can." He ordered General Glozelle, who stood on the opposite side of the room next to the door. Then, Miraz glanced at the lords surrounding him. "We need to let them come to the castle, which we know far better and therefore, we will be able to protect it easily. Let's trap them here and end this ridiculous war once and for all. You are dismissed."
Everyone raised and bowed before their leader before retreating the chamber, their hatred for Miraz grown even stronger but still, feeling respect for his cunning mind.
As he was left alone, Miraz turned to stare at the throne, the seat that would finally be his.
All he needed to do was end his nephew once and for all.
After explaining the plan to the troops, Peter, Edmund and Caspian were arming themselves alone in the chamber where all four Pevensie slept.
The silence between them was heavy, as it had been ever since Beth stormed out. It had been Edmund's idea to leave her out of the battle but still, Peter and Caspian's overprotective nature had quickly made them agree.
Beth's words had hurt the three of them in their own special way but mostly, it had made them realize that how they had behaved was not right. Since they hardly were wrong, none of them were really sure what to do next.
Finally, Caspian broke the silence as he growled frustratedly, failing on his attempt to straighten his chain mail. He glanced at both kings reproachfully. "How is it that one girl can make us feel so guilty?"
Edmund sighed in response, throwing a dirty look at his brother when he smirked. "Now I can see clearly that I had no right to do this but it is overwhelming how much I care for her."
The younger King hardly ever admitted his feelings to anyone so his brother and friend refrained from making a teasing comment, knowing how hard it must have been for him to admit that.
"Beth knows we appreciate her help and we consider her our equal," Peter mused quietly, glancing as confidently as he could at Caspian and Edmund. He knew they were still haunted by her words. "She knows we meant the best for her and once she is ready, she'll forgive us."
"You are right, I do know that," a voice said from behind them at the entrance of the chamber.
The three boys turned, paling when they saw Beth leaning against the frame, her arms crossed.
She stared at the three of them for a moment, her expression empty, lifeless, before finally taking a few steps forward. Caspian and Peter retreated slightly to stand on either side of Edmund, the three of them bracing themselves as they waited for her to explode.
"I know you meant the best for me," Beth continued as she stopped a few feet before the terrified kings and prince, her presence the most regal it had been yet, "But I care about the three of you as much as you care about me and that didn't stop me from accepting what you had to do. You were allowed to voice your concern but what I do, that is up to me and me only."
Peter and Caspian were looking at their feet as if they were the most fascinating thing they'd ever seen. Next to them, Edmund carrasped and looked at the princess shyly.
"Caspian and Peter had nothing to do with this. This was my idea," he admitted with embarrassment. Beth only stared at him, making him self conscious. "And I'm really sorry."
"I know it was you. That's what hurt me the most," Beth replied, her eyes downcast for a second. She then straightened, shaking her head to relieve herself from all sadness, Edmund's heart aching at the sight. "Anyways, Lucy told me she was happy I was staying so I won't go to the raid. Not because you forced me to, but because I'm needed here."
The three of them listened to her with clenched hearts. They had never wanted to hurt her, and now, not only had they accomplished exactly that but also, they'd taken her work with them for granted, her skills as a born leader and the respect she deserved as their equal ignored in their need to protect someone who's perfectly capable to take care of herself.
"Only because I care about you and because you meant well is that I will forgive you." Beth took a step closer to them, her voice still calm but taking an undertone of murderous' anger. "But the three of you owe me. And you will never do this to me again."
With that, she turned around and strutted away without looking back.
The boys hardly resembled the legendary leaders they actually were as they stood frozen, their hearts broken by the sadness of her words. Those words had certainly bid it's purpose so, besides feeling incredibly guilty, they had filled them with the desperate wish of proving the princess that they appreciated her as an equal.
If anything, Edmund felt the worst out of the three of them. He took a few hesitating steps forward but soon stopped, his eyes still in the direction the princess had left a moment ago. He wanted to follow her but he felt as if this was only to be solved by actions, not words, and he wasn't sure what to do to prove Beth he trusted her.
"Ed," Peter spoke from his right. His older brother was as grave as he had ever seen him. "Follow her. Before she decides she can't trust you."
Edmund nodded and without further ado, ran after Beth.
"Beth!"
Beth closed her eyes, her step unconsciously slowing down. She knew she had failed to convince him that they were okay but she was too angry still and didn't really want to make a scene in front of the Narnians, so she was reluctant to speak to him.
During her life in England, she'd been looked down on by her father for being a girl. Once she arrived to Archenland and became a princess, people respected her because she was royalty but if it came to counsel or strategy, everybody went to her brothers first.
Eventually, she had formed herself a reputation of being an excellent strategist and leader but it had cost her tremendous work and numerous successful battle' plans.
Beth was tired of proving herself only because she was young and a girl, and she never thought she would have to do so in order for her best friend and the kings of old to respect her despite of her gender or age. She reckoned that what she'd done already had been more than enough to prove how capable she was.
Beth slowly turned around to face the Just King, smiling as realistically as she could when she noticed a group of dwarves walking towards them from a tunnel to their right. "Did you need something?"
Edmund faltered in his steps when he took notice of her fake smile. He grinned back politely, nodding at the dwarves as they walked past them. "A word with you, if that's okay."
"You're leaving soon," Beth replied, "I'm not sure you have the time to talk."
"For you, I always have time," Edmund stated passionately as he extended his hand towards the princess, "Please, walk with me."
Beth looked at his hand for a moment before sighing and taking it. Edmund smiled slightly, taking it as a small success and led them outside.
Eventually, they reached the training' fields where Beth had been injured. It was the last place Edmund wanted to visit but he reckoned they wouldn't be bothered there.
Beth let go of his hand and walked a few steps forward, studying the woods as if she feared another telmarine spy.
"Does it still hurt?" Edmund finally asked to break the uncomfortable silence.
"Thanks to Lu, it doesn't anymore." Beth turned towards him, smiling slightly though her bright green eyes remained guarded. "What is it you wanted to talk about, Ed?"
Edmund hesitated for a second. "I think you haven't forgiven me yet. I think you are still angry with me and I want to fix things before I leave."
Beth frowned thoughtfully. "I'm not sure this is something we can talk through. I mean, I understand why you thought you were doing the right thing but I just feel like you don't find me worthy of your trust as a leader."
"I swear I do," Edmund replied without hesitation as he reached forward to grasp Beth's hands with his own. "I come from a time where it is the chivalrous thing to protect the ones you care about, and that's why I thought I was doing the best thing for you. I was clearly mistaken but you need to know that I trust you more than anyone else."
As Edmund explained himself, Beth's eyes softened, the hurt and anger she felt slowly leaving. The king hesitated before stepping even closer to her, staring deep into her eyes. "I care about you deeply. More than I ever thought I could care for anyone other than my family and when you were shot, it was one of the most terrifying moments I have ever experienced. I was protecting you, but I was also protecting myself."
"I'm afraid of seeing you hurt, just as afraid as you are. But I'm good at protecting my people, just like you." Beth finally smiled as she gripped his hands tighter. "We are a team, Ed. We guard each other's back but in order for me to do that, I have to be there fighting next to you."
"I agree." Edmund hugged her, relief flooding through him as she hugged him back. "I'm really sorry, Beth."
"It's okay," Beth laughed as they pulled back. Seeing her bright smile, Edmund felt as if he could breathe again. "I couldn't stay angry with you for too long, anyways. You're too cute."
Edmund smirked amusedly as the princess before him blushed, clearly realizing what she said. "Am I really?"
"As if you didn't know it," Beth snapped jokingly with a fond eye-roll before walking around him to head back towards the How.
Edmund gazed for a second at the retreating princess, completely mesmerized with how the sunset light flickered on her golden hair, almost making it look as if it shone.
He then reached forward and caught the girl by her wrist. Without considering the poor timing he had, given that he was about to head to battle, it oddly seemed like the perfect moment to ask her something he had been pondering for some time.
"Ed?" Beth looked back at the king, growing confused by his intense and hopeful look. "What is it?"
Edmund gulped in an attempt to erase the nerves off his voice. "Will you be my girlfriend?"
If the Just King wasn't sure already, as the princess beamed happily, he would have known for a fact that he was a goner.
She walked towards him and reached up to kiss him. The kiss was sweet, slow, yet full of passion and longing. They knew the battle before them could separate them for good and, as strong as they were, that possible prospect was haunting them.
Finally, the princess pulled back and looked up into the awed king's eyes with a loving smile. "Come back to me and I'll accept."
Edmund nodded, kissing her cheek before hugging her tightly. He buried his face onto her shoulder, his smile threatening to break his face. "Sounds like a sensible plan."
Lucy stood a few feet from the entrance to the How, watching how the Narnians said goodbye to the ones heading to attack the castle.
She felt, and she was sure she wasn't the only one, that the plan was far from perfect.
She could see clearly how things could go wrong.
Peter and Caspian could barely bear being in the same room without arguing and yet they were co-leaders in this mission.
Beth was one of the most cunning person she knew, right alongside her brother, yet she was staying.
Lucy herself had a magic cordial that could save her people, but she was also forced to stay.
Her family and half her people were heading to the enemy's land. An enemy that was probably the most intelligent they'd faced so far, an enemy that could be waiting for them with a trap for all they knew.
Lucy glanced at her sister as she stood beside her. At least Susan was going. She was the most logical out of them all and, as annoying as it was, there were certain occasions in which it was quite useful.
"Lu, stop worrying so much." Susan said softly when she caught her younger sister glancing at her yet again.
Lucy sighed, shaking her head as if to relieve herself from the stress. However imperfect the plan might seem, it was too late to try to change it so she couldn't afford to worry her people or her family with her concerns.
"Just promise you are all going to be okay," Lucy pleaded quietly.
Susan smiled reassuringly but, before she could say anything, they heard a loud laugh. They looked back just in time to notice Edmund and Beth stumbling out of the How, hands intertwined.
Edmund looked up, eyes wide as he noticed the crowd staring at them. Beth slowly followed his gaze and paled as her smile melt off.
Stunned silence was king for a second before, one by one, the Narnians gathered bursted out laughing at the two blushing leaders. That spontaneous moment was exactly what they needed to ease the tension away. Half of them were still heading into battle but at least, they'd a good laugh before.
Both Queens of Old exchanged a gleeful smile as the embarrassed couple walked towards them, heads hung. Whatever was going on between the king and the princess, they had never seen their brother so happy so they approved without reservations.
"Are you two finally together?" Lucy asked gleefully, amused and delighted by the happy spark in both their eyes. "I'd like to remind you that I made a bet with Peter and Caspian, one I would very much like to win."
"Not quite yet," Beth replied calmly, ignoring Edmund as he mockingly glared at his younger sister. The princess then leaned forward towards the queen. "If you give me half your earnings I will make you win, though."
"I feel so flattered right now," Edmund deadpanned as the girls laughed. Beth rolled her eyes but reached up to kiss his cheek.
Just then, everyone quietened down. Peter and Caspian were retreating the How side by side, fully armed, their expressions unreadable.
"We should get going, we need to arrive to the castle by midnight," Peter announced, watching how his people said their final goodbyes for a moment before heading towards his family, Caspian in tow.
Caspian made it to the group first. He hugged Lucy first before standing before Beth, his eyes slightly hesitant.
"Can you forgive me, little sister?" Caspian asked fearfully.
Beth smiled and reached to hug Caspian fiercely. "Everything is in the past. Please take care."
Caspian smiled, feeling extremely relieved as they pulled away. He glanced at Beth and Lu with a smile. "You too. Stay safe."
With a final look, Caspian followed his army, Susan following him after hugging her sister and friend.
Edmund was next. He hugged his sister tightly before moving to the princess, embracing her fiercely as well. He didn't need to say anything to either girl. Everything he felt for them, they knew so with one last loving look at each of them, he walked away without looking back.
Peter was the last, and the most reluctant to face the two girls, considering he had argued with them not so long ago.
He first stood before the princess. "I hope you know how sorry I am about what happened today but regardless of that, I don't think I can leave our people in better hands. You are in charge until I get back."
Beth smiled gratefully but shook her head as she glanced at the Valiant Queen. "I appreciate it Pete, and it's all forgotten now but Lu is Queen of Narnia, while I'm a foreign princess. She should be in charge."
"We'll be co-leaders." Lucy said as she stepped forward to stand besides her best friend. She smiled at Beth before looking at her older brother.
He had hurt her so much by questioning her faith that even now, as he left for battle, she found it extremely difficult to forgive him.
"Very well." Peter hugged Beth before opening his arms in his sister's direction.
Lucy hesitated for a moment before sighing and walking towards his opened arms. "Be safe, brother."
"You too. I love you." he whispered and, after looking at the both of them with a smile, he too was gone.
The remaining Narnians, plus their two leaders, remained outside the How, watching how their loved ones walked away to meet an uncertain destiny.
Slowly, as the need to distract themselves from the fear they felt for their loved ones became vital, group by group started to disappear into the How until finally, only Beth and Lu remained outside.
"Do you have the same bad feeling I do?" Beth finally asked without taking her gaze from the retreating army. By then, they were a tiny spot near the edge of the forest.
"Yes," Lucy sighed. She grasped her best friend's hand and pulled her backwards towards the How. "Let's just hope we're mistaken."
"You're right, kiddo," Beth replied, chuckling at Lucy's confused reaction to the nickname. "It's a nice nickname, don't look at me like that."
Lucy chuckled as they made it to the entrance. Beth went first but as she made to follow, Lucy looked back and sighed in concern.
The army had disappeared already.
Let me know what you think of this so far! Cheers for reading!