XI
EDMUND
The council meeting had proved fruitful by an hour past. Between Edmund and Susan, matters were settled peacefully and - he hoped – fairly in the eyes of the court.
It was now that the meeting had begun to pass sluggishly. They had reached the Ambassador of Calormenes turn and Edmund found that the balding man owned a tendency to drone on.
Susan eyed him warningly as he narrowly stifled a yawn. Edmund shrugged in response. He didn't know what she had expected, the Ambassador had used the word imperative at least three times in the last two minutes which was a feat in amongst itself.
His eyes drew to the woven tapestries behind the bumbling Ambassador, who was looking more ridiculous each moment. It was an intricately woven depiction of the Battle of Beruna, Susan had commissioned it for the 10th anniversary of the battle.
The tapestry was a sea of green grass with crevices of dirt brown to show the steep cliffs and tunnels which had littered the area. Edmund recalled those short drops with the utmost clarity. The bodies littered within the crevices even more so. It was not a true depiction as neither the artist nor his sister were at the battle in the beginning but there was one piece amidst the artwork which could not be understated.
Atop the highest cliff, with gold woollen threads encircling was the great lion himself, Aslan. His head was tossed back in the mighty roar which struck emotion in all of the hearts that heard it.
"Is there a particular talent your Majesty would like to offer to the court of Calormen?" The Ambassador addressed Susan directly.
Susan seemed befuddled by the question, "No more than the skills I have already displayed as a Queen of Narnia."
"No doubt, no doubt," The Ambassador said dismissively, "What of your skills in the household?"
"The household?" Susan asked, "Cair Paravel has flourished under High King Peter and I's care."
The Ambassador shook his head, "I'm afraid that is not my meaning."
Edmund looked between the two, sharing in his sisters confusion, "If the country of Calormen is concerned of my Royal Sisters abilities as matron, they will be pleased to find that she has taken great care in raising both my royal sister and I. I wouldn't consider her an expert in the field but she does not come without knowledge of how to be a Queen and raise children simultaneously."
The Ambassador noted this with a hum of approval. As he scribbled on a piece of parchment, Edmund wondered whether it's contents spoke of his sister favourably, "And... she is a woman, yes?"
Susan gave a slightly undignified noise, "Yes, I am a woman."
"Begging your pardon, your Majesty but I was not addressing you," The Ambassador droned, eyeing Edmund expectantly.
Edmund felt his eyes bulge at the implication, "I would never assume to speak across my royal sister, sir. If Susan says she is a woman then I will not be the one to disagree with her."
The Ambassador did not waver, "No doubt, however, Calormen will not be satisfied with the word of one royal regarding their viability as a fertile marriage partner."
"Fertile marriage partner?" Edmund asked, his stomach churning a little.
"Yes."
"There are multiple members of the Cair's staff who would be happy to correlate my cycle," Susan answered simply.
The Ambassador harrumphed slightly, as if put out about something, "The word of servants mean nothing to the Tisroc, forever may he reign."
"They would be prepared to swear it on the goodness of Aslan," Susan offered.
"With all due respect, swearing on the barbaric, lion's name would mean even less."
Edmund jolted at the blatant lack of respect of the Ambassador, and several councilmen seated at the table gave audible gasps. But before anything was said, Susan silenced them with a raised palm.
"You would do well to remember where you are, Sir. Aslan is the true King of Narnia above all others, it would do Calormen no favours to dismiss him in this court."
The Ambassador shifted uncomfortably in his seat, "I beg your pardon, your Majesty. I was only stating the facts-"
"I understand that Calormen is under the jurisdiction of Tash. Would your countrymen be forgiving if my royal brother and I were to speak of him so dismissively in your land."
The Ambassador had the sense to be slightly ashamed, but mumbled defiantly, "Tash the Terrifying would not suffer-"
"Would your countrymen be forgiving?" Susan pressed.
The Ambassador stilled, Susan's question hanging in the air atop the smooth wooden table. He fumbled with his hands nervously before conceding, "They would not."
Susan nodded appreciatively, "Then I'm sure that just as we would take care to be respective to your country's beliefs; you will take care to speak respectively of Aslan in Our presence."
"Yes, your Majesty," The Ambassador agreed, head bowed respectfully.
Edmund was impressed at his sisters use of diplomacy. It was not surprising of course; Susan had managed to put many in their place through good reasoning and a present mind. Edmund would have reached the same reasoning eventually, but first he would have enjoyed a little intimidation.
The Ambassador looked between the two siblings worriedly before speaking up again, "For the matter of the monthly cycle..."
"I will attest that my sister is a woman," Edmund only had a vague idea of what exactly that meant, and he honestly didn't want to know more than that. But whatever he did know would have to be enough to ensure that the marriage contract proceeded, "We hope that the Tisroc, forever may he reign, is satisfied with this."
The Ambassador nodded solemnly, scribbling with furious speed on the parchment. Edmund pondered how he would get access to the sheet; perhaps he would send Shese after night fall.
"Does the Tisroc, forever may he reign, and the people of Calormen have any other conditions or concerns for the marriage contract?" Susan asked.
The Ambassador folded the sheet with a snap, "There is nothing else," He trailed, looking at the Queen imperiously over his nose, "For now."
Edmund gestured to the door with as little contempt as he could muster and said, "Then we thank you for your time, friend of Calormen."
The Ambassador nodded in respect before turning to leave the room. With all matters being conducted for the day, the council slowly began to rise as well until a voice rose from the crowd.
"Please your Majesties, could I have a moment of your time?
Sharing curious looks, the councilmen sat again in their chairs and the voice revealed themselves from behind Lord Peridian.
Margrove was a little taller than the usual faun, with waves of dark hair furled atop his head like rolling ocean waves. He bowed solemnly to Edmund and Susan, "I am sorry to interrupt the proceedings but I did make my petition to her majesty. I do hope that my matter has been included on the list."
Edmund peeked at the list of matters beneath the trade agreements with Galma sparingly, truthfully Susan had already spoken to him and they had decided to settle the matter privately as it pertained to the household rather than the governance of Narnia. But Margrove had already spoken up and so Edmund waved him forward.
"Of course, friend. My Royal Sister and I were hoping to discuss the matter with you privately, but we welcome your voice at this council, if that is what you would prefer?"
"It is," Margrove said earnestly, coal black eyes shining as he bowed in respect, "Thank you, your Majesties."
"What has happened Margrove?" Lord Peridian said jovially, "Has a harp string broken again?"
Margrove laughed good naturedly, "No, Sir but I would like to address the issue of the Orchestra before all as I believe it is our duty in the Court of Aslan to preserve the music of Narnia."
"So it is, friend," Susan agreed, "Please continue."
Margrove nodded his head gratefully to the Queen, "It has been my pleasure to work with our fair orchestra for the past 5 years of your Majesties reign and within that time we have conducted many instrumental works of note."
"You have done a wonderful job," Susan acknowledged happily, "Just a few months ago - at our thirteenth jubilee - you all played wonderfully."
Margrove nodded again, "My thanks, your Majesty," He took a steadying breath before continuing, "It is my wish to extend the orchestra."
"How would you wish to extend it?" Edmund asked, financial concerns in mind. Instruments could be expensive, especially instruments for court affairs if Susan was involved. She always said that we must look our best in every aspect and he had to admit, she was right.
The Faun waved his hands wildly, "Nothing to grand I assure you. We have enough instruments between us to carry a tune. No, no, what I am asking for is voices."
Susan looked perplexed, "Voices?"
"Yes, voices," Margrove affirmed.
"There are many fauna and dryads in the orchestra, have they trouble finding their voices?" Susan asked.
"Not at all, your Majesty. They all sing beautifully."
A few beats passed where all just looked at each other, clearly not sure where Margrove was going with this.
"Then what is missing?" Edmund asked sceptically.
"The voices of the dryads and the fauna's are beautiful, however, there are little fauna who are willing to work with the orchestra full time with their duties to the castle and of course, their families," Margrove explained, "And as for the dryads, they have beautiful voices, but there are only so many octaves that a dryads voice may comfortably sing. Their voices have a beautiful whistly tone which means that the lower notes tend to fall out of their reach."
Susan nodded slowly, "I see. What, then, are you suggesting?"
"I would request the presence of a human voice in the orchestra," Margrove suggested.
This made Edmund sit up straight, "A human voice?" He asked curiously. Humans were a scarce presence in Narnia. If it weren't for the foreign dignitaries and ambassadors that resided in Cair Paravel, the sole human occupants of Narnia would be limited to Lord Peridian and his family, his royal siblings, himself and now, Grace.
To his left, Susan caught Edmunds eye with a look of shared understanding.
"I understand that your royal majesties are busy," Margrove twitched nervously as he continued, "But if one could spare their voice for a few minutes a week, it is my hope that we may see some improvement in the musical facilities available here at Cair Paravel."
Susan smiled at the Faun kindly, "I am sure that We would be honoured to assist you, however, it would be difficult atop the current commitments we have."
Margrove nodded dejectedly but his kind eyes held understanding, "Of course. I do not mean to put you in a difficult position, your Majesties."
"That is not to say we do not have a candidate for the position," Edmund added, "We would offer a human for the position - assuming they are agreeable to the idea."
Margrove's eyes lit like fired coals.
"We will discuss it with her and return to you once a decision is made," Susan continued.
"Thank you, your Majesties," Margrove bowed reverently.
Edmund nodded to the Faun, "If that is all then I believe this meeting is concluded. Thank you for your time, Councilmen."
The Lords chorused in approval at the dismissal, standing from their chairs and bowing low in practiced synchronicity.
Edmund watched as they all filed out of the room; the slow chatter growing more silent as the air was vacated.
He supposed it was a reasonable answer to the question of Grace's employment. Music was not directly involved with his siblings or the governance of Narnia, therefore there was little chance she could glean any worthwhile information worth ferrying to their enemies. It was an agreeable solution and one that Edmund was willing to administer.
When the room had vacated enough; Susan turned to him expectantly, "As Grace is directly under your care, I trust that you will make the proposal?"
Edmund – who was still staring unseeingly at the door – stirred, "What?" He asked.
She gave him a disapproving look and corrected him, "I beg your pardon."
Edmund fought the urge to roll his eyes, "I beg your pardon, sister. I did not hear what you said."
Susan repeated her question.
"I suppose so," Edmund said thoughtfully, "Although I don't know how she will react to my presence considering her disdain."
"Do I sense a little remorse, brother?" Susan jibed.
"No," Edmund muttered obstinately, "With the information we had available to us, my actions were perfectly reasonable. If I were transported into two weeks ago knowing what I do now, I still would have done the same."
Susan hummed, clearly unconvinced, "In any case I suppose it does no good to dwell on the past. I do, however, look forward to your improved treatment of our friend."
Edmund picked up his goblet and glared at the contents annoyedly, "I believe I have treated her quite amicably considering the circumstances."
"You scared her to the point she confined herself in her room," Susan countered, "I was notified today."
"A regrettable outcome, but it was not my intention," Edmund said, taking a sip of his wine.
"If your intention was not to scare her, then what was it?"
Edmund gave no response, for he knew she was right. He was not proud scaring the woman, it was not a common habit of his, however, he did not entirely regret it.
His family could be so trusting - Lucy especially - and he knew that someone had to act with their mind present, instead of relying on their heart. Any unknown entity was a danger to Narnia and should be treated with caution, regardless of their sex or situation. But no matter how much he justified his actions; he couldn't help but subconsciously question them.
He hadn't meant to make Grace so terrified of his repercussions that she confined herself to her room. In fact, he hadn't thought such a reaction would be possible. She was cleared to explore the castle under the watch of Casys. Wasn't that enough for her?
He wondered now whether perhaps he'd been mistaken in the choice of guard. In ensuring that Grace could be swiftly removed from a situation or retrieved if she were to run, Edmund had stumbled upon an unthought of issue; centaurs were uncomfortable in enclosed spaces. It shamed him that he'd been so careless.
A small part of Edmund was grateful that Grace was sympathetic to the Centaur's plight – or at least she was sympathetic enough to quarantine herself to allow for his comfort. The other side of Edmund was cautious of her true intentions.
There was something in Grace's grey-blue eyes - a sense of spirit. It was similar to Lucy's valiant glow, but somehow they sparkled differently. He had never struggled so when trying to decipher a person's character and it infuriated him.
Edmund's frustration paired with Grace's need to question any authority she came against constantly placed them in a nuclear situation. Edmund believed that all authority should be respected and followed. Grace seemed to think that authority was a guideline, not the rule.
Susan sighed amidst Edmund's silence, "In light of our conversations with her and her clear obeyance of orders from the Crown I don't see why we need to keep her under such strict watch."
Edmunds eyes closed and he sighed, "You're petitioning for her release."
"Not her release, per se," Susan drawled, shifting in her seat to face him, "Perhaps some looser guidelines could be discussed. Especially if she is to work with the Orchestra."
"Casys can see her to the Music Room," Edmund said.
Susan's eyebrows raised, "Casys will not be comfortable in such an enclosed space."
"He might be," Edmund edged, "The Music Room boasts a higher ceiling than that of the Kitchens and Guest Wing-"
"An adjustment to your orders will need to be made to allow for her to travel to the Music Room, what harm is there in adjusting a few more sanctions?" Susan asked.
Edmunds stomach sickened at the images of what exactly could go wrong, "It could be very harmful if we make this decision too soon."
"I've spoken to her and determined Grace is not a danger and Lucy agrees with me," Susan pressed, "She is clearly only focused on getting back to the land of Spare Oom."
"You have had one conversation with her over an afternoon tea," Edmund said, voice dripping with sarcasm, "It is not enough."
Susan looked affronted, "I trust my judgement."
Edmund caught himself, giving her an apologetic look. "As do I," He reasoned, "It is Grace I do not trust."
"Is my word not enough?" Susan questioned, "Or that of our sister? Do we need to bring Peter into it and make it a third vote in Grace's favour."
"No," Edmund spoke resolutely, "Because I will not change my mind."
Susan stopped short at the hard look in Edmunds eyes, "Why?" She whispered.
Edmund breathed deeply in an attempt to calm himself, "All of you trust your instincts. It is an admirable trait but it is not always reliable."
Susan opened her mouth to protest but Edmund continued, "I cannot trust mine. For the last time I did, I made a mistake which almost cost all of us our lives."
Susan sobered at his words; words that had not been spoken since Aslan had forbade them all those years ago. "It was not wholly your fault," Susan said soothingly.
"But I have had to live with it, turning every detail over in my mind for thirteen years. I can't even close my eyes without remembering who I was. It is for that reason I will not rely on my instincts as that boy did. I will have the whole matter in my hands and make an informed decision from there."
Susan looked at him, her blue eyes crinkled in sympathy, "What will you do when the whole of a matter cannot be known?"
"Then I follow the path I am currently on. Holding steadfast in the protection of my family until everything is revealed," There was an empty tone in Edmunds voice, the voice of cold reason that often tempered his more idealistic thoughts.
Susan approached him delicately, "I will tell you what I told Grace," She began, kneeling at the side of his wooden chair, "It does no good to wallow in pain and forget to live your life."
Edmund looked at her strangely, "What book did you ascertain that from?"
Susan smacked his arm and shushed him, "I'm making a point. It's been thirteen years and none of us blame you, Ed. Maybe it's time you learn to forgive yourself."
"Sounds like a difficult endeavour," He quipped.
"But not an impossible one," Susan persisted.
When Edmund did not reply, she continued, "Peter is the High King, he signs the paperwork and is the face of all decisions. Our decisions, Edmund. We four are a working team built to rule Narnia in a way that is just and true to the heart of the nation."
Edmund nodded; eyes fixed on his goblet of wine. He knew that Susan spoke the truth and he could feel what she was getting at, which is why he remained unsurprised when she spoke the next words.
"Lucy and I believe that Grace is not a threat. Perhaps it's time you gave her some space to show you the same."
The idea had merit, and if Edmund was honest, it was a thought that had crossed his mind. However, it was difficult to listen over that overcautious version of himself that screamed against sense and overrode his rational thought.
"And what happens if the space allows her to hurt us?" Edmund breathed.
"Then we will face that outcome together."
Edmund looked at his elder sister, her eyes shining with that surety that all of his siblings held. Her hand was warm and comforting atop his arm, reminding him of times in his youth when he'd woken during the night and needed comfort. Susan was always there to console him as she did now; welcoming him with a warm embrace and muffled soothing words.
He sighed in defeat; it was always difficult to resist the calm that Susan exuded. It only made it more difficult when she coupled it with sense, "I will see what I can do."