The High Queen of Narnia
Disclaimer: Lucy Pevensie, along with Narnia and all associated characters are the creation of C. S. Lewis. I own only the plot
Chapter 4: The Council of Monarchs
Lucy looked around the council chamber, wondering again why Peter had called this meeting. The chamber was a small, rather plain room with a circular table and a number of chairs. The walls were bare apart from four hangings embroidered with heraldic symbols that represented each of the Four Rulers.
Susan and Edmund were sitting with her and conversing in low voices. The door opened suddenly and Peter entered followed by Ravanna.
"What's she doing here?" Lucy demanded as the two seated themselves. "This is supposed to be private to the Kings and Queens."
Peter glared at her. "I have invited Ravanna to the Council of Monarchs as this meeting concerns her."
Lucy did not reply. Instead she took a moment to study the woman who she was now sure was a witch and an enemy.
There was no denying that Ravanna was very beautiful, perhaps even more beautiful than Susan. She was wearing a flowing green dress and it suddenly struck Lucy that she had never seen the woman in any other colour. Lucy was quite fond of wearing green herself, although her gown today was a dark red, but these were usually natural shades; a light spring green or a dark leafy green. The green Ravanna always wore was a vivid emerald that somehow made Lucy think of poison.
Like Lucy, Ravanna had golden hair but she always wore it down in a mass of ringlets. She wore no make up or jewellery, and from the way she moved and held herself Lucy could tell she was not corseted. Despite all that, she always looked utterly lovely and had a wonderful figure. Lucy couldn't help feeling a bit resentful that any woman could look so perfect without even trying.
"Don't worry, Lucy." Ravanna said soothingly. "I am here only as an observer."
Even her voice was enchanting. It was sweet and melodious and she sometimes showed a tendency to trill her R's. Lucy thought this was a ridiculous affectation but men seemed to find it charming. As Ravanna spoke Peter turned to gaze at her adoringly and Edmund looked almost as besotted as his brother. Even Susan smiled at the sound of the woman's voice and Lucy wondered if she was the only one immune to her bewitchments.
She was sure now it was bewitchment. It perhaps explained why Tumnus had uncovered that discrepancy between people's memories of Ravanna on the Seven Isles and the official documentation. Ravanna's magic seemed to be mainly based on mental control and although Lucy didn't know a lot about magic she supposed it would be easier to magically alter people's memories than actual physical documents. Also, Ravanna had probably never imagined anyone would inquire into her background that closely.
Lucy wondered if she ought to tell the others her suspicions but quickly dismissed the idea. She had no direct evidence and her brothers were so taken with the woman they would likely dismiss her concerns out of hand. Besides that, she still did not have a complete picture of the woman's schemes. Her interest in historical documents such as the Scroll of King Frank was a detail that Lucy just could not make fit into Ravanna's obvious desire to rule Narnia; she was sure it was somehow very significant but could not work out how.
Then Lucy quickly focused her attention back on the meeting as Peter started speaking.
"The reason for this meeting is a change I am proposing to the Narnia Constitution." Peter began. "At present the only way to become a King or Queen of Narnia is inheriting the throne in direct line of succession, or by the gift of Aslan."
Lucy's heart sank on hearing those words. She had no doubt Ravanna was behind this; the woman seemed determined to gain control of Narnia.
"I am suggesting we change that," Peter continued. "In future any woman who marries a Narnian King should automatically become a Queen of Narnia."
"She put you up to this, didn't she?" Lucy demanded, glaring at Ravanna.
"My dear Lucy, I had nothing to do with it," Ravanna said sweetly. "This was entirely Peter's idea."
"I just want my future wife to be given the respect due to her." Peter said, giving Lucy a very cold stare.
"Well I think it's a good idea," Edmund said. "After all, that's what happens in every other country."
"Narnia is not every other country." Lucy responded frostily. "Su, what do you think about this?"
Lucy was relieved to see that her sister was frowning and looking rather worried, so it seemed Ravanna's enchantments were having less effect on her than her brothers.
"I'm not sure, Lu." Susan bit her lip, looking very uncertain. "I can understand why Peter is proposing this, but the Constitution was established by Aslan Himself and I'm not sure it's a good idea to change it."
Peter looked disappointed by her reply but he shrugged.
"It doesn't really matter. I have Ed's support and that's enough to carry the proposal."
"Oh no it's not!" Lucy exclaimed. "The Constitution…"
"Don't try to lecture me, Lucy!" Peter interrupted. "I know the Narnian Constitution just as well as you. In the event of a tie between the four of us I, as High King, have the deciding vote. So however Susan votes is irrelevant."
"You obviously don't know it as well as you think," Lucy snapped. "That's so normally, but to amend the Constitution itself requires the unanimous agreement of all four of us. I will never agree to this change so it cannot happen."
Peter looked about to argue but Lucy quickly turned to her other brother. "Isn't that right, Ed?"
"I'm afraid it is!" Edmund said with a nod.
Peter scowled but before he could reply Ravanna spoke.
"It's not surprising Lucy is being so uncooperative. Loyalty to the High King is not something she appears to think very important."
"What do you mean by that?" Lucy demanded. "How dare you question my loyalty!"
Ravanna shrugged, somehow making even that casual gesture seem elegant.
"Peter has repeatedly instructed you not to participate in battles, but I know you have fought in nine of them in the past few years."
Lucy shared a worried look with Susan, wondering just how Ravanna knew that.
"Is that true, Lucy?" Peter demanded.
Lucy gulped nervously but she nodded. There was no point now in trying to deny it.
Both of her brothers looked absolutely furious but before either had a chance to speak Ravanna rose from her chair.
"This is really a private family matter between the four of you so I think it best if I withdraw."
Lucy thought she was going to leave immediately but instead she bent down and whispered in Peter's ear. The High King frowned at first but as his betrothed continued whispering a slow smirk appeared on his face and he nodded. Straitening up, Ravanna gave them all a demure smile and headed toward the door.
Acting on sudden impulse, Lucy shot up from her chair and followed Ravanna out of the council chamber, ignoring Peter's demand that she come back. In the corridor outside she seized hold of Ravanna's arm and pulled her round.
"I don't know what you're bewitching Peter to do but it won't work," Lucy said angrily. "I will never allow another witch to set herself up as Queen of Narnia!"
If Lucy had been hoping this accusation would anger the woman enough to make her reveal something she was disappointed.
"My dear Lucy, you really must try to control these strange fancies!" She gave the young Queen a condescending smile. "You'll end up in serious trouble."
"Is that a threat?" Lucy demanded.
"I'm just concerned for you, Lucy. Rushing off to battle and throwing all these wild accusations around; people will soon start to question your sanity!"
Pulling her arm out of Lucy's grasp she glided away.
"You won't succeed!" Lucy shouted after her. "You will never be Queen while I'm around to stop you!"
Ravanna ignored her, soon disappearing around the corner. With a frustrated sigh, Lucy turned back to the door and as she re-entered the council chamber prepared herself to face the wrath of her brothers.
A/N Sorry this chapter has taken so long. I'm not completely happy with it, but couldn't think how to improve it so decided to post anyway.
I suppose many of you have worked out now who Ravanna really is. Please review and let me know what you think, even if you hated it.