Chapter 19

As breakfast was eaten shortly after, Ashitaka announced that he would be living with San, which came to the surprise of no-one, although Eboshi sighed. She would've put up a bigger fuss, but with the four monarchs here, she couldn't say that she'd be without help.

Laying aside their status as royals, the four took roles that were suited for their abilities.

Peter would supervise the building of the new town and lead the military men and women.

Edmund would handle anything to do with justice, negotiation, and finances.

Susan would take charge of anything to do with the welfare of the citizenry and the care of Lady Eboshi.

Lucy would take charge of the sick and injured. Already, Lucy was looked at as a magic healer due to the cordial she had.

I would stay as an emissary in the town, per San's orders.

After breakfast, Susan helped Eboshi to her room. With a sigh, the Lady of Farm Town sat at her desk. "Your brothers and sister have only been here for a few days, but they seem to have integrated themselves well, as have you."

Susan smiled. "We do what we can. We needed to make ourselves useful. San had no use for us, despite her kindness."

She let out a hiss of breath. "That girl. As much as it pains me to admit it, she is smarter than she seems. She seemed almost eager to put our past behind us."

Susan sat in another chair as Eboshi flicked a finger at it. "You have John to thank for that, I think. If he wasn't here, peace wouldn't be possible."

"Perhaps. Why did you lay aside your crowns?"

Susan hesitated, and then spoke. "We came to the conclusion that it would be less complicated."

Eboshi nodded. "I certainly agree. But I would not call myself the ruler of the town in my current state."

Susan saw that the proud woman was deeply troubled and could hazard a guess as to why. "Losing your arm means very little. The people love you as if you were their mother."

Eboshi let out a sigh. "For now. My people respect strength and vitality. I'm an invalid."

Susan rose. Eboshi was a woman of pride and ambition, and self-pity didn't suit her. "You are no such thing! You still rule, and always will. If your people think otherwise, we will jolly well convince them to think the opposite."

Eboshi smiled and rose to take Susan's hands in hers. "You remind me of myself at your age, although far more beautiful," she teased, twice Susan's age.

Susan snorted. "Much good that does me. It's more of a curse than a blessing," she fretted, sitting back down. "I'm no more of an object that men want to own. Lucy's always been jealous of me, but she doesn't understand that she has more in her than I ever had."

"Indeed. Younger sisters always envy their elders."

After breakfast, Gonza approached Eboshi. "My Lady, we have a foreigner at the gates. He desires an audience."

Eboshi and Susan ventured out of into the courtyard, and found Peter already on the walls, Edmund next to him. Both looked confused and not a little stunned.

They joined them, and Susan fell in love on the spot.

A tall man astride a stunningly white horse with a greatsword strapped over his shoulder waited below.

He was the most handsome man Susan had ever seen. He had long brown hair, a long face that was familiar to her, and a full beard. He wore leather armor underneath a grey and white cloak, a belt of silver iron links and a white surcoat with the badge of a black wolf's head. His leather pants, along with the whole ensemble, fit his well-formed body all too well for Susan, and his dark grey eyes that were solemn yet mysterious and fixed on her in awe.

Handsome was an understatement to Susan.

"Another foreigner at our gates," Eboshi mused, and the women watching set about whispering and giggling.

"He's handsome too!"

"He can bunk with us, Lady Eboshi!"

For some reason, this rankled Susan. "You have duties to perform, do you not?"

That silenced the girls, along with the queenly glare sent their way. They left, but not before one made a waspish remark about foreign whores to another.

Susan ignored this, having been called worse by better, as Eboshi called down to a man who looked more at home in England than China. "You sent for me, stranger. What do you want?"

Dark grey eyes went to Eboshi. "Lady Eboshi, I come seeking a man who bears my resemblance."

All eyes looked for John, who was still at breakfast with San and his new brother-in-law.

"What is your business with him?" Edmund asked suspiciously.

The strange man turned to him, dark brown hair fluttering in the wind. "With the respect due to your station, your Grace, that is a matter between us. I come here at the behest of the Lion."

Lucy, standing beside Susan, looked at her elder sister. "He's seen Aslan. I can see it in his eyes."

Susan, who was having trouble with any semblance of rational thought with that baritone of his, turned to Eboshi.

Eboshi called for the gates to be opened. The stranger walked his horse slowly through the gate, keeping his hands open.

Peter was the first there, and the man dismounted to kneel at his feet. "High King Peter."

Peter bade him rise as his siblings joined him. "Good sir, are you from Narnia? I do not recognize that badge."

The older man shook his head after bowing to the Four, and then to Lady Eboshi, who nodded in return. His eyes lingered on Susan, who bit her lip in appreciation to his clear interest. "No, High King, I do not. I am Eddard Stark, Lord of Winterfell. Or I was, truth be told."

"Stories are best told over refreshment," Susan said, and Eboshi led them to a nearby table as Gonza and the guards scurried off for food and drink.

Over bread and wine across from Lady Eboshi, with John and the rest joining in to listen, Lord Stark told them a story of a loving family, honor, and deadly intrigue. "The next thing I saw was a beautiful land with a great Lion standing over me. He told me that my old life was over, but that my new life was waiting for me."

Peter and Edmund exchanged a grim look, Susan felt sick, and Lucy had tears in her eyes as she grasped the Wolf Lord's hands in hers. "I am so terribly sorry for your loss, my Lord. What happened to you was...was..."

Edmund spoke up. "Unjust, dishonorable. If we could, my Lord, we would do something about it."

Eddard nodded, clearly distressed beyond words, having to take a long breath before smiling sadly. "You have my thanks, Valiant Queen and Just King."

Eboshi grimaced. "Indeed, but what, forgive me, has that to do with me?"

Eddard looked at me. Those eyes were familiar, a hue I hadn't seen in a long time, and his face reminded me of somebody I couldn't quite remember. "It has naught to do with you, my Lady. It is a matter of blood and kin."

Eboshi narrowed her eyes. "This is my village and my people. You do not dictate what is or is not my concern."

I straightened. "What are you on about, Lord Stark?"

Ashitaka spoke. "Brother, you need only look at him to see."

Eboshi dismissed everyone from the area save those who had spoken as Eddard rose and walked to me. He had tears in his eyes. "You are my brother's son. You knew him as Martin Lewis, but that is not who he was before. To me, he was Brandon."

I couldn't breathe. That was why he looked so familiar, but it couldn't be. "How?"

My knees shook as he took me by the shoulders. "You are his very likeness, John, almost a perfect copy," he breathed, removing my hood and caressing my face with his hands. "The Lion was not the only one I saw in that glorious land. They sent me with their undying love, pride, and tearful apologies."

Susan came just as his knees gave out, a guttural moan making his body quiver shivering from his quivering mouth. Both she and the handsome Lord helped him into a waiting chair, where John bent double in emotional release.

Eboshi decided to make herself scarce. She had much to think of, and she could taste the tension in the room.

Ned stepped back as Susan cradled his head in her shoulder. Aslan had told her she was a mother to him, but he had mentioned nothing of her staggering beauty.

She was a goddess of Winter. She was dressed in a silky crimson dress that hugged her hour-glass figure, with coltish limbs and an ample bosom. Her visage was pale, freckled, finely boned and regal, and her raven hair flowed in silky waves to her tiny waist. Her eyes were of the sky, yet with a sheen of silver.

All in all, she made any woman he met or heard of seem like shriveled hags.

He sat back in his chair, his mind drifting to Cat before remembering that Aslan had told him that she was no longer his wife and was never meant to be.

But it would still be hard to let go.

As Lucy joined San in comforting their nearly comatose brother, Edmund stepped forward, his face hard. "Bold claims, to be sure. But blood doesn't always mean family. He was a Pevensie before he was a Stark."

Peter snapped a look at Edmund, who was usually calm and level-headed to the point of coldness. Now, Ed's dark eyes were flinty, his hands clenched on the hilts of his twin blades.

"Ed, maybe-"

"Shut it, Peter. You know I'm right. If this Lord thinks he can come in and take our place-"

Susan left her adopted son with San and Lucy and came to Edmund. "Ed, Eddard never said that."

"Oh, so it's just 'Eddard,' is it?" Edmund hissed.

Lord Stark shook his head. "You mistake my intent, Just King. I merely wish to be present the way my brother couldn't."

Edmund sneered. "The way your brother wouldn't."

Susan watched Ned's eyes go from smoky grey to stone, and his jaw clench. "Have care how you speak, King Edmund. It was not his choice."

Edmund's eyes narrowed. "All evidence points to your brother abandoning his son like a coward."

Ned reached for Ice. "Then bare your steel and prove your claim with steel."

Edmund stepped forward, right hand on the pommel of his own sword. "Gladly. Let's see how that oversized-"

"Pax, you two."

"There is no need for this."

Peter and Ashitaka put himself between the two men, as Susan moved to stop Ned. "Eddard, don't."

Ned's anger had evaporated as Susan's hands pressed against his chest.

Fire sizzled in his blood at the smooth touch, her silver-blue eyes blazing with queenly authority.

"Sit down, my Lord. Now."

He allowed her to push him back into his chair, her scent of flowers and graceful presence making it hard to think.

Susan, usually rational and used to thinking before action, showed neither rationality nor caution in stopping John's uncle. The second her hands met his firm chest and his smell of leather and musky forest; she fell in love all over again.

She had had plenty of suitors, but none put a shiver down her spine and electricity in her hands like he did. Not even bloody close.

For one split second, she wanted to settle herself into his lap, taste his lips, and- she moved back to her own seat as her face went red.

Never had a man had this effect on her, taking her breath away and enthralling her.

Get a grip, girl.

Peter sat Edmund down as he watched Susan and made a mental note to tease her later. He knew better than to discourage her from anything, but she'd never encouraged a single suitor.

Now, she was practically throwing herself at John's newly widowed uncle.

John stood, wiping his eyes. "Simmer down, Ed. You're better than this."

I turned to my uncle. "I believe you, Uncle Ned. 'Stark' suits me better than 'Lewis' anyway."

And from then on, I took the name 'John Pevensie Stark.'

Ned was given a room next to John's, and then Gonza was ordered to take him on a tour of the village.

While Ned ignored the hungry calls and looks from the village woman, who were whores not too long ago, he and Gonza found that the others company wasn't unpleasant.

By the end of the tour, they were on first name basis.

As Ned got to know the Yi Ti village in the next couple of weeks, he got to know those who lived in it.

The Lady Eboshi reminded him of Cersei in her ruthless and selfish nature, but she was warm to her people as if she were their mother while Cersei never cared about hers. Despite cunning and sharp tongue, she cared about those she chose to care for.

He groaned inwardly when she made him an advisor when hearing he had ruled a kingdom for a brief time, yet he was bound by duty, and no one is this busy town lived without a price.

Ashitaka was a kind and stalwart youth that rode a stag of some kind. He had the pride of royalty, but his heart was good. He excelled in calming tensions and gentle wisdom, and Ned had little doubt that he could be an able ruler in time.

Toki, a hard-working and sharp-tongued young woman, was an indomitable young woman that loved yet dominated her well-meaning and soft-spoken husband. She was the spokeswoman of the women and was not shy about it. Arya would've loved her.

John's Yi-Ti foster sister, San, would've been loved by Arya too. More animal than human, she fought like a man twice her size when he sparred with her. She and Ashitaka were going to return to her dwelling, but she announced that she had business here. Ned was sure that business was his arrival and hoped that all would be well.

Lucy was truly a valiant lass. Resembling a Tyrell, she was vibrant and sweet. But there was steel there that made Ned chuckle, and she was effective with the dagger she carried. She had the gift of a wise and kind heart that Ned thought belonged in a woman thrice her age.

Edmund looked like a northerner but had the ruthlessness of a Lannister. He had apologized to Ned an hour after their argument, and told Ned that John was dear to him, as John had given his life for him. He was clever and quiet with a quick, dry wit. Subtlety and fairness dominated his personality.

Peter was the opposite of his brother: he looked like a Lannister but had the heart of a Northman. He was strident and brutally honest, and the greatest swordsman Ned had met since Ser Arthur Dayne. Not a day after his arrival, he warned Ned to have the best intentions as possible towards Susan.

And Ned assured him of his honorable intentions, even though she lit a fire in his soul that Cat had never could. Motherly, graceful and welcoming, she was regal and poised. As soft-spoken as she was gorgeous, Ned had never met a more able man with a bow. Her touches were warm and electrifying, and everything about her was as alluring as it was kind. Ned became determined to be at her side as much as possible. He was, after all, not married and taken with the Gentle Queen.

John was Brandon in looks but was not as dangerous or volatile as his father. He was flippant and quick to speak but was more inclined to watch from the shadows than to be seen. He was not as able with his sword as Peter but was able enough.

Ned watched him during breakfast one day. They hadn't spoken since he'd arrived, but neither avoided the either's company. Aslan had told him of his nigh-suicidal selflessness and utter lack of personal caution, and the staggeringly brave night at the Stone Table where he had endured torment beyond words.

And his green eyes showed it. They were always cautious, flickering about, and had the haunted look of one who'd endured unbelievable things that none could dream of. He rarely slept well and often required the presence of San or the two queens to sleep through the night without interruption.

Aslan had shown him that horrific night at the Stone Table. His heart had broken at the sight of Brandon's son giving his life without hesitation, and the youth had not made a sound despite the unspeakable cruelties done to him that night.

Brandon would've been proud of his son, Ned thought, as he moved out into the early-morning sunlight just appearing over the mountains on a veranda.

Ned's thoughts were on his children and on his former wife, which could not be avoided. He hoped that all was well.

He felt guilty of being attracted to Susan, but he felt that it couldn't be avoided either.

"Lord Stark."

Speak of the Stranger, and he shall appear.

"Queen Susan," he said, turning to see the stunning woman moving up beside him.

"Susan," she corrected.

"Ned."

"You seem to be fitting in well."

Ned grimaced. "Perhaps."

She touched his arm gently. "I would be disappointed if you did not think of your family. It is alright to grieve for what you've lost."

His eyes met hers, well over head and shoulders taller than her.

According to all, especially Lucy, Ned was a dear. He was stoic and honorable, honest and kind, was nearly unmatched with his skill with his sword, but he was stubborn as a mule, somber, and prone to brooding.

They had talked often, and he was humble and easy to talk to.

Lucy adored him, Peter respected him, and even Edmund, who rarely spoke well of anyone without an asterisk, admitted that the Wolf Lord was a decent chap.

Oddly, all of this made him even more sexy to Susan, who treasured kind yet strong men like her own father. It didn't hurt that Ned was easy on the eyes.

Her mouth went dry as his eyes drifted from to her lips, and she fought the urge to kiss his. This man was doing what no suitor before him could: driving her mad and shattering her queenly poise.

"You are very kind, but the lone wolf dies yet the pack survives."

Susan hummed thoughtfully. "Yet you are very much alive," she said.

He smiled slightly, and she smiled in return. "You should smile more often, Ned."

"I have had precious little to smile about," he said somberly.

He gasped as she reached up on her tiptoes and kissed him on the cheek. "Perhaps that will fix that," she breathed, shocked at her own behavior.

Embarrassed, she stuttered out an apology and gasped as he returned the favor.

They started and turned as a throat cleared nearby, and they turned to see Peter and Edmund with grins on their faces.

"Peter, I-"

"My King-"

Peter raised his hand to forestall them. "About bloody time, Susan. Ned, don't muck this up," he said, walking back into the food hall with a decidedly smug smile directed at Ed. "You owe me a tenner!"

Susan's face, which had been smiling with relief not half a second ago, turned dark. "You placed bets on me?" she hissed out.

Edmund went pale.

"Would you look at the time! I need to go review Eboshi's finances," Edmund said cheerfully. "Dear sister, future brother," he bade them, bowing mockingly and vanishing just as Susan took a step towards him.

Ned chuckled, pulling her back into his arms. "Ah, they remind me of mine own blood."

Susan leaned against him with a huff.

Eboshi was just being told of Susan's deeds by a couple of gossiping female guards scurried into her room, giggling like naughty children.

Eboshi dismissed them. She was completely unsurprised by this latest news. Even Gonza had noticed their affection, and Eboshi was relieved that the 'would they, would they' talk would end.

The surprise was that it had taken so long, since the proper queen and the somber man's attraction had been immediate and palpable, but also that it was Susan who was the first to make romantic overtures.

Proper and rational Susan. Motherly and kind, noble and beautiful. Men wanted her, while women were either envious of her or revered her.

Susan, who had become a trusted confidant, and Eboshi cherished what Susan was to her more than she could ever say.

Strong and powerful, Peter was lusted after by almost every woman, even the married ones, but he was too busy to notice, or so it seemed.

He was deferential to her, and his confidence and tenacity were magnetic.

Edmund was less sought after than his handsome brother, but he was handsome in a dark and dangerous way himself, and so she was surprised that no woman sook his affection.

He was the cleverest youth she'd ever met, reminding her of her own younger years.

Quiet and reserved, he was nonetheless laconic enough to lighten moods yet tear down fools that he would not suffer.

Lucy was just coming into womanhood but had a sweet vibrancy about her, passion and zest for life left even the toughest of men practically eating from her hand, even Gonza, who smiled when she was in his presence, a rarity from the grouchy guard.

She was the busiest of the four former monarchs, but this was mostly to do with being invited to so many houses for meals, doted and waited upon like the queen she was by mothers and young women. She loved everything and everybody, and she was incredibly charismatic for one so young.

Lucy did not ask for any preferential treatment, but such was her golden heart that it came regardless.

Yet she had a fierceness about her that sprang out of her love, and she could more than handle herself in any fight. A few men had made the mistake of making lewd comments about Susan and found themselves withering under a glare and a laconic wit that had all the brutality and effectiveness of a battering ram.

Eboshi's thoughts turned to Lord Eddard Stark, the vagabond that had endeared himself to the stoic soldiers and hardened villagers with his almost aloof nature, strong yet fair personality, and his able skill with that absurdly large sword.

He was humble and good-hearted to the point of naivety; he spoke rarely yet honestly. A good man with an impeccable sense of honor and a complete lack of guile.

No man or woman could find a reason to dislike him. Cautious and nervous around the somber and brooding man, perhaps, but he was not unpleasant or unlikeable. He was tall and strong, and willing to help around the farms and village.

But that wasn't where he was needed in Eboshi's eyes. He had pledged to make himself useful as an advisor to her, having an undeniable wisdom and knowledge of leadership. Despite his claims that he was not meant to rule such a vast expanse of land for such a long time, his death was not caused by his own people, showing that he had been capable.

He was a leader who had been loved, but he was not clever or ruthless enough to be respected or feared. Eboshi knew that his kingdom was likely in pieces without him and had the sickening feeling that his kin that he so loved would not be long for his world. It was unusual for her to care about such things, but Stark was hard to dislike.

Not for the first time, she gave thanks to whatever deity existed that the Four had made themselves at home.

"Eboshi."

She looked up at the baritone and almost fell backward in her chair. A horse-sized lion stood not five feet from her.

"Be still. You have nothing to fear from me. Not now, at least," the gorgeous animal said, and his gentle voice stopped her from diving for her sword.

"How did you get in here?"

His amber-gold eyes bored into her. "You gave thanks to me, and I have left my flocks to find the single lost lamb."

Eboshi should've felt fear or anger, but she felt only guilt for everything that she'd ever done. "You are a god."

He paced to her, and she flinched away as the guilt threatened to overwhelm her. What she saw in his eyes pierced her to her knees. "Hear, my Lady, for your Lord is One. I am the First and the Last, the Amen, and the Almighty," he said, becoming a dark-haired small man with a full beard, wearing a white linen robe with a red over-cloak in the blink of her eye.

She fought for composure, but those eyes unraveled her. "I do not understand."

He pulled up a chair, and she had no objections as he sat in front of her desk. "I do not require understanding, only acceptance. Only a few see what I mean by this, and their fate is to rule with me in the kingdom to come."

She felt the anger rise. "You call me 'lost,' and it is only my arm that is gone."

He was warm as a summer morning, yet his words cut like a knife. "You were lost before then. All the unfortunate events that have happened to you of late was not my doing. I always give people according to what they desire. You desired to destroy and kill with your right arm, so it was taken from you."

The anger became fury. "Who do you think you are?"

She flinched as his voice rose to the noise of thunder. "I AM WHO I AM."

The room shook like a leaf in a storm for a few seconds as his voice became quiet once again. "You are at a crossroads, Lady Eboshi: return on your destructive path, or continue to repent. I am quick to forgive those who put themselves to the latter, but I do not interfere when one takes the former. Sin is easier than repentance, but I have given you the opportunity to save your soul."

She blinked, and he was gone. She sent for Susan and Ned.

Susan listened to what Eboshi said and tried to think of something to say in return. "Oh," was all she could think of.

She sat in front of Eboshi at her desk as the older woman consumed a bottle of wine a tad too quickly for Susan's liking.

Susan glanced at Ned, who was ten feet away, looking out of the window over the forest.

He met her eyes briefly, his mouth set and grim, and Susan groaned inwardly. Ned would not hold back, and his opinion would be as direct and blunt as a kick from old General Orieus.

"I believe," Ned intoned, "that all is better with you than it has been, my Lady."

Eboshi, not quite yet drunk, sent him a baleful look. "I called you for a reason, the same reason you and Susan are my advisors."

Ned turned to her, his grey eyes holding Eboshi's as he cleared his throat. "My Lady, if I am to be your advisor, I shall not hold back. I am not here as your sycophant-"

Eboshi slammed a fist onto the table. "Get on with it, damn you!"

Ned came to stand beside Susan. "He spoke the truth. You have done well, and I believe that you shall continue to do well."

Eboshi seemed surprised yet pleased. "You are full of surprises, Lord Stark. Now, as for the two of you, I invite you both consider giving this town something to celebrate after our bride and groom are wed. As beloved as Ashitaka is, San does not enjoy that same love."

Susan caught on first. "Eboshi, we only just-"

"-Met, I know. But it is there, nonetheless. Hasten while moral is high."

Ned had just resolved to beg for her hand at that very moment when footsteps raced across the roof overhead.

"Ah, yes, it is that time of the day. That son of yours does love his morning jaunts," Eboshi noted, as Susan tensed in realization.

"Not for long," Susan ground out, and stormed out.

Ned followed her. "Is aught amiss?"

"I told him a thousand times not to do this. John loves to climb, and the higher, the better. But that's not the worst of it." she told Ned, stopping by her room to grab her bow and arrows. "Well, words and the occasional belt hasn't got the message through his thick skull. I'll have to try something more to the point."

A minute later, Ned found himself standing in the courtyard with a dozen or so villagers, watching his brother's son climb to the very top of Farm Town's hills.

Toki turned to Susan. "Put that away, Queen. He does this every morning, and he's well out of range for-" Her mouth dropped as Susan's first arrow hissed upwards and burst against the rock her adopted son was now perched on. It was an impossible shot for a rifle, let alone an archer. "By the Forest Spirit, how did you do that?"

"I eat well and exercise," Susan quipped, as John looked down at them.

He never flinched, and his hooded face turned to them.

"JOHN PEVENSIE STARK, YOU GET DOWN FROM THERE THIS INSTANT!" Susan shrieked, another arrow on string.

He spread his arms out, his face turning to a spot not far to the left, and Ned looked to see a huge wagon of farm debris.

Ned remembered Bran, and fear gripped his heart.

Impossible.

"No, you will climb down!" Susan began, only to snarl as the youth jumped.

"Seven hells!" Ned gripped her arm, yet the youth seemed utterly in control, almost making falling an art as he met the midst of the debris with a thud.

Susan, red with fury, turned to Ned. "Deal with this, and for good."

Ned had every intention of doing so. Even as his nephew leaped from the wagon, completely uninjured and grinning, Ned was there, and the back of his right gloved hand took the youth across the face.

"Oi! Steady on-" John snapped, only to receive an identical blow from the left side, sending him staggering back a step.

The village was treated to the usually invincible Assassin being shaken like a leaf as the Wolf dressed him down.

San made no move to interfere. This was entertaining.

The next morning, I woke in my bed that I promptly fell out of.

I stood and stretched.

I noticed something, well several things, off about everything. I was higher off the ground than usual, and I couldn't see my hands. I also noticed that my sense of smell was infinitely better than ever before. I could smell everything, down very molecules of the wood underneath me.

My hearing was the same way. I could hear the insects scuttling around, the heartbeats of everyone in the building, and even the farmers tilling their farms even farther off.

My sight made High-Definition Tellies look like child's play.

And why did I feel warmer than usual? Was I getting a fever?

I exited my room to head to breakfast, and I heard the footsteps long before I saw Lucy coming around the corner.

Seeing me, she screamed.

"Bugger me! What?"

"John?" I turned to see San and Ashitaka open the door across from me half a minute later. They were staring at me as well, as if seeing me for the first time.

"Hullo, little Sister. What're you all staring at?" I asked, as several guards arrived, led by Peter and Edmund.

"Oh, John, if only you could see yourself. You're beautiful," San said, thick with emotion.

"Bloody hell, mate, is that you?" Peter asked, eyes wide.

Edmund was equally agog. "What the bleeding sod happened?"

"Will you lot tell me what the fuck you're staring at?"

Edmund turned to Gonza. "Find a mirror."

He and his boys couldn't depart fast enough.

Susan was there now and covered her mouth with her hands in shock. "John?"

Ned was next to her, his eyes wide. I could smell every pheromone and moods of everyone in the room.

"Yes, it's sodding me, Mum. Why is everybody acting so dodgy?"

"You never told us you were a-" Edmund started, but Eboshi was now there, and her eyes narrowed as a mirror was brought into play. The men were holding it as if warding me off and walked so slowly that Lucy snatched it from their hands.

"Oh, give me that, for Aslan's sake," she snapped.

"Lucy-" Ned began, but she rolled her eyes. "Settle down, Ned. It's John, and he'd never hurt me."

I peered into the mirror. "Fucking hell."

"Language!" Susan snapped, but I ignored her.

Staring back at me was a black wolf the size of a horse. My claws and teeth were gold, and my frame rippled with strength, soft ebony fur covering me from snout to tail.

"Well, that's interesting," I breathed.

Sensing and smelling tearful joy, I looked at San, who had tears rolling down her cheeks. "You're beautiful," she repeated.

"How the fu-er-bleeding Forest did this happen?" I asked, flinching at Susan's warning look, raising up a paw the size of the hoof of a draft horse to inspect it.

Edmund, ever ready with a dry comment, was cheerfully droll. "Well, come to think of it, there was a lovely full moon last night."

"Shut it," I snarled back. But he was right.

Gonza fingered his sword. "How you look is not important. You will not be safe in this town."

He flinched as Edmund rounded on him. "It's a bloody good thing you're not in charge, then. And if you touch that sword again, I'll shove it up your-"

"Silence!" Eboshi snapped, still staring at me. "Gonza and Edmund, mind your place. I may have lost an arm, but I am still your better, and I still rule here. The rest of you should return to your lodgings. John, Lord Stark, Susan, you will attend to me in my study."

San flared up, but Ashitaka gripped her arm as he spoke. "There is no need. We had planned to leave today, regardless of the circumstances."

When all were situated minutes later in her study, Eboshi sat heavily behind her desk and glared at the matter itself. "What happened? What did you do this time?"

"How is this my fault?"

"Every time I have a hand on things, you simply add to it," Eboshi snarled. "You are arrogant, insufferable-"

John's hackles raised. "And you're a-"

"Stop it!" Susan snarled. "Eboshi, John didn't choose this. John, sit down or my belt will make sure you won't sit for a week!"

Eboshi and John calmed, the latter far quicker than the former. Susan's skill with the belt was legendary.

Eboshi spoke first. "Well, you are still my liaison to your sister, although it would be highly unwise of you to be seen outside of my villa."

Susan expected him to grumble or sneer, but he nodded, and she dismissed him with a wave of her hand.

"Those damn beasts, plaguing me at every term. I must think on this."

As John returned to his room, Ned came to Susan's room to find her combing her hair with a bit more force than necessary.

"If you continue on your present course, your hair shall not retain its luster."

She didn't need to turn. "I have more than enough to spare."

Her breath caught as she felt fingers play with the hair in question. "I have seen many a beauty in my time, but none hold a candle to you. It is not just the perfection of your body, but the queenly heart and keen mind that draw me like a moth to a flame."

She had heard many a compliment, but it had never been anything more than her looks that men had commented upon. "You have a way with words. You may not think so, but Eboshi wouldn't give you the time of day if she didn't value your counsel."

He chuckled and appeared from behind her to sit on the edge of her bed, facing her. He always wore dark clothes, and it suited him. A burlap sack would suit him. "Now who has a silver tongue?"

They exchanged a smile. Despite the reciprocity of their lust, there was friendship there that they treasured and fostered. Lust wasn't enough for either of them, as they could never last without respect and a deeper affection.

"Speaking of our Lady, she is most insistent that we wed as soon as we can. I continue to reiterate that we shall attend to that matter when we feel ready, but she remains impatient."

Susan flushed. Just because she was content on getting to know him better didn't mean she yearned for him. "Eboshi likes to claim that it would bring joy and stability to the town, but I think there is more to it than that."

Ned smiled. "If she were born a Stark, she and Lyanna would be as one. Arya would have adored her as well. All three share fierce hearts and a will to be more than their womanly roles permit. According to Gonza, Eboshi was a peerless swordswoman. Lyanna and Arya would have been the same. They would wear armor rather than a dress."

Susan smiled softly. He had told her everything about his family, yet it was still touching to see his affection for them. "So would Lucy, I think. As for John, he didn't mean for this to happen. I have always wanted him to settle down and have a family, but I don't think he ever will."

Ned nodded soberly. "Perhaps. He reminds me so much of Brandon. If it were not for his green eyes, they would be twins. But that is not all. He is wild and willful and has the Wolf Blood I have spoken to you about: hot-tempered and fierce."

Susan nodded. "Eboshi's not like that. She is fierce but rarely loses her temper. She can be like a mother to her people, but she is cold and calculating as well."

"Perhaps this is why I have been sent here: to curb her ways. But I think I am here for another reason. We were meant to meet, Susan."

Susan's face brightened, then went pensive and worried. "And what if we get split up? What if I return to Narnia without you?"

He rose to kneel in front of her. "Aslan would not have brought me here to divide us so soon after. Susan, you live in your fears too often."

She smiled. "Now you sound like the very lion himself."

He arched an eyebrow. "I wish I had such courage."

His hands cupped her face. "I have no castle or lands to give to you. I am not even a Lord anymore. All I have is myself, and I give it you freely and without limit."

She through all caution to the winds once again. "Your heart makes you a lord, Ned, and the man of my heart. And my heart is yours."

"Will you be mine then?"

"I was yours long before I met you."

It was so very touching he let her into his very soul, and now she knew that she loved him.

She found he was very close, and this time, she didn't run. She would never run.

All her life, Susan had prided herself on being rational and responsible, the mother and caretaker.

She only acted or spoken after considering every action and reaction.

All of that fled her mind at the hungry look in the eyes of Eddard Stark.

No longer did she want to be any of those things. In that moment, she was a queen, and queens took what they wanted. She was a hotblooded woman, and one who ached for the future she saw in his eyes.

"Call me Susan," she breathed, even as he pulled her into his arms, and his lips met hers.

She mewed, smiled against his mouth and arched herself fully into the kiss. A soft peck became long and deep kisses that neither wanted to end.

Her shaking hands pressed against his chest, and one of his pulled her close by the small of her back and the other tangled in her hair.

Oh, the man could kiss!

She blindly slanted her lips against his, her heart thundering like kettledrums. She had never felt like this before, so cherished and so like a woman.

She whined as his lips left hers and gasped for breath as he chuckled and then kissed down her throat in a path of fire.

'Oh, Ned, you animal, you wolf.'

They wed a week later in a short ceremony, a bright and sunny day that reflected the joy in the hearts of all. Eboshi would've wed them, but from the crowd, a small slight man with golden eyes stepped forward, and the Narnians knew him as he truly was.

"I would wed them, if I may."

None opposed him, for Eboshi recognized him as well, and nodded her assent.

And so, the man married them with the words. "Verily I say unto thee: whatever my Father has brought together, none shall break asunder."

After a short party, the man met with them in Eboshi's study and became a lion once again.

"Aslan!" Lucy was the first to embrace him, followed by the others.

Ned bowed to the King of Kings. "I thank you, noble lion."

The lion raised him with a paw. "I have merely ascertained the will of my Father. Have no fear, Gentle Queen," he said, turning to Susan. "Wherever you are, he shall follow."

Susan wept and wordlessly embraced him before Aslan turned back to Ned. "You have always risen to the occasion where others fell. You have neither castle nor lands, but I shall give you a crown. By the will of my Father in heaven, you are King Eddard the Steadfast."

"I am not worthy-"

Peter stepped forward, smiling at his new brother. "And that's why he makes you king." With that, he knighted him, and the celebration continued.

Shortly afterwards, the Lion who was a Man came to the man who had become a wolf. "You are happier than ever before."

He was right. "I am. I can't explain it but thank you. You're not playing fair, being a human while I am a wolf."

They were in John's room, and the Man sat on the edge of his bed. "I have never once intimated that life was fair, but it suits you, more than you think. You were always more wolf than man."

"I'm waiting for the punchline."

"There is none. Do you deny this?"

"No, not really."

"Fret not. There are flaws in every creature. Flaws are there to convince those who are asleep to awaken and see the Truth."

"And that is?"

"That there are only two paths: the way to heaven through a rebirth in my blood, or the path to hell by following the prince of the air."

I shot a look at him. "That's it? You'd condemn everyone-"

He shook his head, pained. "The consequences are there, and the sentence is inevitable. Do not be deceived: if I were so cruel, I would not have come to man as the Lamb slain for their benefit. But everything in every earth point to my Grace. Without my grace, there is no life. It is by my grace and your humble faith that man can see God."

He rose from the bed, and the sword of Michael was now in his hands. "You need this no more, for you are no longer the Hand. Your destiny is with the Four, as it always has been, and now it lies with your uncle as well. You will see me again, but the days of your pain are over."

And with that, he rose and left me utterly confused.

When morning came, Susan woke, finding her husband's arm slung around her possessively. The things they had done to each other...exhausted from the greatest night of her life, she merely lay there until he awoke.

After another bout of passion, they rose for a bath, breakfast, and a day of work before going back to their room that night.

It was then that Ned told her of his darkest secret. "I was haunted by the promise I made to my sister, a promise that I did not have the time to accomplish."

Susan Pevensie Stark, the Gentle Queen and Lady of Winterfell frowned. "You mean Jon Snow, your bastard. What promise is this?"

"He was no bastard of mine, but he was of my blood. He was the son of my sister and the heir to the throne of Westeros while he lived, Rhaegar Targaryen. If I had breathed a word of housing the true heir to the throne, all seven hells would have broken loose. King Robert, who called me the brother he chose, hated Rhaegar because he believed that Rhaegar had raped my sister. Yet it was not so, for they wed in secret."

Susan nodded. "So, you told no one."

"I swore an oath on her deathbed. I had no choice. And Jon paid for that oath by being hated by my wife, who thought that he would usurp Robb in time. She could be quite petty besides."

Susan huffed. "Stuff and nonsense. Imagine being childish enough to hate a baby for existing! If she was here, I would make her grovel in apology. And you did nothing to help him?"

Ned couldn't meet her silver-blue angry gaze. "I allowed him to join the Night's Watch. It was the best I could-"

He was cut off by an enraged Susan. "A band of criminals and ne'er-do-wells?" She rose, and he remained kneeling. "Instead of bringing that petty witch to heel and making things better for him?"

"Susan, please. I did not know what else to do-" he appealed, knowing he probably deserved this.

"You could've done a great deal of things, but perhaps you lacked the stomach to do anything else!"

Ned bowed his head, feeling tears rise as he accepted the rebuke that was long in coming. "I had to keep my oath to her. No one could know that he was the son of a prince, but I also did not wish to be Robert's enemy. But you're right, I sentenced a child to death for nothing in the end."

There was a moment's silence before she raised his chin so that their eyes met. Gone was the anger, replaced by a soft yet sad acceptance. "Oh, Ned, I'm sorry. I shouldn't snap like that."

Ned rose, smiling. "You have a kind heart, Gentle Queen."

"Thank you."

It didn't take much encouragement to thank his wife in a different way.

Both started as they heard the sound of howling in the distance, only for an answering chorus close by answering them in little time. They hurried outside to see San mounting Tommy.

Eboshi was already there. "What is going on?"

San turned to her. "There's a human in the forest, a male who carries a spear."

Eboshi looked at Ashitaka, who was already astride Yakkul with a nod and turned back to San. "Can I request you bring her here alive and unhurt?"

San stared at her for a moment before smiling slightly. "I will try."

Susan spoke up. "We don't need blood. San, please do more than try."

San looked at her and nodded. "For you. And I can do this by myself," she said, as John trotted past Susan.

John made to speak, but Susan poked a finger into his flank. "You heard your sister. You stay right here, mister!"

John slinked back up the steps, pretending to grumble, but if San wanted help, she would've asked for it.

She turned to Ned and smiled when she saw him already emerging with the stable on his horse, and San smiled as well.

Lucy trotted up as well, already riding her horse. "If he's a stranger, the sight of you and Ashitaka might agitate them. A wild girl riding a wolf and a bloke riding a deer?"

San smiled, ignoring Susan's groan. Lucy had a wolf's heart. "Fine. You'll be doing the talking."

When they arrived at the indicated place, they found that it was the place where San and Ashitaka had first met: a shallow spot in the river.

Lucy let out a cry when she saw the two wolves hovering over the inert form of a man.

He was so handsome.

He was tall and powerful, slender, graceful, and well proportioned. Pale-skinned and chiseled of visage with a slightly hook nose, he barely looked out of boyhood, had round boyish face with a short yet full red beard, thick red hair tied in a ponytail, and was dressed in leather and mail with a white horse painted on his chest. He was covered in blood that leaked from various cuts, and his full lips leaked out weak croaks of breath. Beside him was an enormous double-headed ax.

Ned gasped and joined Lucy as she dismounted and ran to the figure. "Seven hells. Cedric!"

Lucy knelt next to him and swore when she realized she had forgotten her cordial. Ned turned to the others. "He is a Northman, and his father was one of my household guards. He has been severely wounded."

Lucy looked down when silver-grey eyes opened to focus on her. "Are you the Valiant Queen?"

"Yes," Lucy said, finding his lilting baritone distracting.

"The Lion...I must tell Lord Stark..."

Lucy placed a hand on his substantial forehead. "Don't speak. You have a fever."

His fevered eyes focused on her again. "Forgive me, but the Lion never told me how beautiful you were, your Grace."

Lucy lost her train of thought. Nobody had ever called her beautiful.

"Lucy."

Ned was there, and there was a twinkle in his eye as he knelt on his other side. "Cedric, you are your father's son."

The youth tried to sit up but could only stir feebly. "I have failed you, my Lord. Would that I had died before I saw..."

And then he slipped into unconsciousness.

Cedric awoke in what seemed like a hall, lying on a warm bed. It had been so long since he had experienced such comfort since...oh, gods!

"There is nought that happened that was your doing, my son," the Lion had told him, splendorous and magnificent.

"Hello there." It was the Valiant Queen, hurrying over. The simple red dress oddly became her. Full of lips and figure with vivacious brown eyes, dark auburn hair spilling in curling waves to her slender waist, and she seem to glow in her smile. She was truly beautiful.

"Your grace," I said, finding that he had no wounds. "Ah, I thank you. That cordial the Lion spoke of really is wonderous."

"Yes, it is. I'm Lucy."

The handsome man seemed shocked. "You are a queen, yet you wish me to refer to you with such familiarity?"

"Are you going to refuse a queen?"

"No, your...ah, Lucy. I am Cedric Pendlerose, heir to my House. I must speak with Lord Stark, for I have grievous news to tell him."

When Ned and the others arrived, his smile died on his lips, his face paling as Cedric told him of what happened at the Twins. Pale and shaking, Ned left the room, followed by the new Lady Stark.

Eboshi, the leader of the town, watched him carefully. Lucy had her hands over her mouth, and Ashitaka and San exchanged shocked looks. Ed was pale and deep in thought, and Peter looked like he would be sick.

It was Peter who spoke first. "Cedric, what happened was awful and completely out of your hands," he said, looking down at the young man who lay with tears in his eyes.

"I swore to give my life for my King, and I-"

Peter moved to his bedside and laid a hand on his shoulder. "Did just that, apparently. You fought and died with your bare hands. You did what you swore to do," he said, smiling slightly.

Edmund spoke next. "My brother's right. That old fool planned everything out, but he will be hated from now on, him and his bloody House."

The others watched as the guilt-ridden lad wept bitter tears, with Lucy holding his hand.

San and Ashitaka left them alone, for they had packing to do.

Oh, Gods.

"Ned!"

Cat, my children. I am cursed.

"Forgive me, My Lord. I tried everything I could to save your kin. Your lady wife and your son, my king, is dead."

"Promise me, Ned."

Ned somehow made it to his room.

There would never be enough tears or rage for this. There was nothing left.

"Ned!"

He was on his knees and collapsed to the floor. Instead of hard wood, he only felt fur and muscle underneath, the wolf body of his nephew underneath him and hands pulling him back into an embrace.

"Ned, oh Ned."

"They're gone. I did this."

"Ned, don't do that." Her hands, soft and nimble, held him close. "Don't you dare."

"I as good as killed them," he groaned, and wept like a newborn.

Susan cradled the love of her life as he shattered in her arms. Looking up, she tried to find hope in her adopted son's green eyes and found sadness yet support as he settled against Ned.

Queen Susan the Gentle, the Lady of Winterfell, who hadn't felt fear in yours, felt it now.

How could she take care of her broken husband?

Bracing myself for the raging reviews on putting Ned and Susan together. I just think they're really suited for each other, and I couldn't resist pairing them. I'm waiting for the angry comments.

But's that's not all: John's now free to live his life. Whom will be his replacement?

Can you handle the sudden twists and turns I just introduced?

I'm now bracing for impact as far as your reactions go!