Let Go (Chapter 7)
Pairing: Peter/Susan & Edmund/Lucy
Rating: PG
Summary: Sequel to Hidden
Hey all...sorry about the confusion with the last chapter i posted...i had posted chapter five and six together bc i couldnt remember or find the last chapter five i had posted...anyway...i fixed it all up for you....so heres chapter 7...enjoy
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Susan sat staring at the healer in front of her, not sure of what to say.
“You’re sure, Selene?” asked Susan, resting a hand over her stomach.
“Yes, your majesty. I’m positive. Congratulations, although I’m sure you’re too concerned about Prince William to properly show your excitement,” Selene said.
“I’m happy…I am…but you’re right…I’d feel horrible celebrating this great joy with my son on his death bed.”
“I’m sorry we can’t do more for him, majesty. We’ve tried everything we have…we even searched the old texts in the library…we are still trying though, despite the failures so far.”
Resting a hand on the head healer’s shoulder, Susan smiled, “I know, Selene. I know. We just have to hope is all. Thank you for your help, I appreciate it.”
“Of course, my Queen. And congratulations again. It will be nice to have another little one running around.”
Susan smiled again and left the healing chambers.
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Peter had returned from the kitchens with a tray of tea and toast for Lucy. Edmund had told him about how she hadn’t eaten in days and Peter was going to make sure she got something in her stomach. Even if he had to order it as High King.
“Lucy…wake up, Lu,” Peter said gently, shaking her shoulder.
“Pet…Peter? Is everything alright?” she asked rubbing her eyes.
“Fine…I want you to eat something,” replied Peter.
Sighing heavily, Lucy said, “I’m not hungry. Just leave it.”
“You have to eat something Lucy…You haven’t slept or eaten and you’re sick because of it. Please…do it for me…”
Silence was Peter’s answer. He watched Lucy for a few moments and noticed the tears welling in her eyes. Peter reached over and pushed a few stray hairs from her face.
“My little Lucy…my baby sister…tell me what’s wrong?”
“I’m just so worried about, William. I know you and Susan do not blame Edmund and I for what happened, but I still feel guilty. He was under our care…and now…and now he may never wake up…and it’s as if I’ve betrayed you somehow. If I cant even look after my own nephew…how can I look after those in Narnia…they call me Valiant…but look at me…I’m a wreck…I don’t deserve to be called Queen.”
“Don’t speak like that of yourself…you are Valiant, Lucy. You’ve been sacrificing your well being for William. Edmund told me how you’ve been sitting at his bedside, telling him stories and how you’ve been to the healers repeatedly about progress on their elixirs. You, my darling sister, fight battles, heal those who are fatally wounded, and always know what to do. I think your guilt comes because it is someone you love who is fading away and there isn’t anything you can do about it. You can help thousands upon thousands of soldiers, most you don’t really know, but you can’t even help your own nephew. That’s what haunts you, Lucy. And who can blame you. I think it haunts all of us. There is nothing any of us can do, but wait. William will survive. He would never leave his mother and Aunt Lucy alone with his father and uncle. He knows how mischievous we are. He knows he’s needed here to protect you and Susan from our antics and drive you crazy with his own. In my heart, I know my son, your nephew is destined for great things in Narnia…and William must live to fulfill his destiny.”
Lucy was hugging Peter tightly now. Both had tears in their eyes.
“How do you know?” asked Lucy.
Peter choked on a sob, “Because I couldn’t bare it if he didn’t.”
After a long while of holding one another and crying, Lucy kissed her brother’s cheek and pulled away. “I think I’ll have that tea now.”
Smiling, Peter poured a cup for his sister and handed her a piece of toast. He wiped his eyes with the back of his hand and Lucy grabbed something from her side table.
“Here…you need it more than I do…” smiled Lucy and placed something in her brother’s hand.
Peter opened his hand and laughed when he saw her handkerchief.
“I’ll always be here for you, Lu. Always.”
“You are the best big brother ever.”
“And since I am your big brother I suppose I should offer congratulations. Edmund told me about the engagement.”
Lucy’s face turned ten shades of red and she tried not to smile, “Thanks…”
“It’s about time…as much as I love you both I was really getting tired of the arguing all the time…I hear you made up from all of that,” Peter said winking at Lucy.
Eyes widening in horror, Lucy screamed, “He told you that!”
“I believe I said it in a much more…respectable way,” came Edmund’s voice from the doorway.
“Edmund Pevensie, I’m going to kill you!” Lucy yelled. She was about to get out of the bed, but Peter held her back.
“You have an awfully big mouth, Peter…” Edmund said furrowing his brow in irritation.
“Look…I’m the oldest and as such I get the privilege of teasing both of you for the rest of your lives…I suggest you get used to it.”
“Well, I think you should leave…so I can speak with my fiancée…”
“Fiancée! Ha! You’re lucky if I ever speak to you again!” shouted Lucy.
Peter laughed, “She’s all yours, Ed. And thanks for the hankie, Lu.” He leaned down and dropped a kiss on her cheek. When he walked past his brother he patted his back, “Good luck with that one.”
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Susan sat in front of the large window in Edmund’s room. Occasionally glancing outside, but the majority of her time was spent watching her son, Prince William sleep. She was tempted to have him moved to his own room, but Edmund said he didn’t mind and the healers had said it might not be good to move the Prince. Susan had reluctantly agreed and thanked Edmund profusely and wondered how she was blessed with such wonderful siblings. Despite the situation, Susan couldn’t help but have a slight smile on her face. There would be another Pevensie running around Cair Paravel in nine months and she knew that when William woke up he would be so excited. She had to tell Peter, Edmund and Lucy, but she didn’t want to leave William’s side again because she wanted to be there when he opened his eyes. Susan’s mind then wandered to King Xeron. They had sent word to the ill King about William’s situation, but hadn’t heard back. Peter and Susan had yet to tell Edmund and Lucy about the Rizanian King. With everything that happened, she had completely forgot, but decided they would tell them this evening.
“Su?” Peter said from the doorway.
Smiling Susan beckoned for Peter to come to her side and he did so immediately. He took her hand, kissing it gently, and then wrapped his arms around his wife. “How are you, love?”
“I hate waiting…” replied Susan softly.
“I know…I wish there was something I could do to make this easier for you…I‘d give anything to take his place.”
Closing her eyes at the thought of losing her husband, Susan squeezed Peter’s hand, “Please…don’t say that…”
“I’m sorry, my love…Has there been any change?”
“No…although the healers did say he was breathing steadier on his own…without the help of their potions.”
“That’s good…he’ll wake before tomorrow’s end…I know…”
“I hope so…”
Peter gently stroked Susan’s hair as they watched the sunset of Cair Paravel and they sat in silence for awhile, listening to the steady breath of their child.
“Peter…we have to tell Edmund and Lucy about Xeron. They’d never forgive me if I kept it from them and something happened to him,” Susan said.
Sighing, Peter said, “I’ve been thinking about that as well. I’d be happy to do it, if you’d like to stay here.”
“I think it would be best if we both tell them. Edmund and Lucy both will be devastated. And I have to admit I’m a little nervous…we haven’t heard anything back from Rizania since we sent them a message. It doesn’t take that long for a tree spirit to deliver a response…what if something has happened to him?”
“We cant think like that…I’m sure he’s fine. Knowing Xeron he’s probably on his way here.”
“Let us hope so…Peter…there’s something else…” Susan began and turned to face her husband, who looked at her worriedly.
“Is something wrong?” Peter asked, cupping his wife’s face and stroking her cheeks gently with his thumbs.
“No…it’s…it’s actually exciting…but with everything happening all at once, I just…it’s hard to celebrate it when I’m so worried about William,” Susan answered, resting her head on the High King’s chest.
“Well?”
“William’s going to have another playmate, besides Edmund…”
“I’m sorry…could you repeat that?” asked Peter, pulling away from Susan and grasping her arms.
“I went to healers like you asked…and…well, I’m with child. That’s why I was so sick on the ride back.”
“We’re having another baby?” Peter asked. He was just staring at Susan with an unreadable expression on his face.
“Yes…” Susan answered.
“I can’t believe it…Susan…I’m…This is amazing…I can’t wait…” laughed Peter. He picked his wife up in his arms and swung her around until she was also laughing.
After Peter had her planted firmly back on the ground, Susan said, “I wasn’t sure you’d be this excited because of everything that’s going on.”
“I know this is such an amazing joy at such a sad time…but…William will be so excited when he wakes up. And wait until Edmund and Lucy find out…it’s hard not to be excited when another child is coming into the world. Especially ours, after everything we’ve been through.”
“I am happy…Believe me, Peter…I am so happy…but its just…our little William…he’s so sick…and if something happens to him, Peter…if he doesn’t make it…I’ll never forgive myself and I’m not sure if I’ll feel worthy of having another child.”
Peter smiled sadly at his wife, “Susan…you are an amazing mother…this is not your fault…if anyone is worthy of having a child, it’s you. We’ll get through this…just hope…like Aslan said. I cant lie to you…my love, my wife…I’m not sure I have enough hope for both of us…so I need you to try…Please.”
“For you, my darling,” Susan said. Leaning up, she kissed her husband’s lips softly and took his hand. “Let’s go speak to Edmund and Lucy…I’ll have Lara stay with William until we get back…”
Peter nodded and followed his wife towards the maids’ quarters
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“Come on, Lucy…stop being so stubborn…would you just talk to me…it’s been hours…I can’t take it…” Edmund pleaded sitting in a chair beside her bed.
Narrowing her eyes at the Just King, Lucy replied, “Perhaps you should have thought about that before telling Peter what we did…There are some things I’d rather him not know.”
“Well, my Queen, I’m sorry to disappoint you…Peter is my brother and my confidante and when I need to vent or speak about my feelings, he’s the first person I go too.”
“Well, my King, he’s my brother, too and there are some things I’d rather he didn’t know.”
“You cannot be serious, Lucy. Honestly, he’s High King for crying out loud. He’s not that stupid…he probably knew before I even told him…and I told him that we made love and that we were engaged…it’s not like I made it seem like some sort…some sort of casual thing…I love you, Lucy…Please just stop being such a baby…”
“Edmund…” warned Lucy.
Rolling his eyes, Edmund took one of Lucy’s hands in his own, “Lucy…I’m sorry if Peter’s teasing upset you…I’ll ask him to stop if you like…but I will not apologize for speaking to him about how I feel about you. Yes, I told him we made love…and I told him that it was amazing…and that we are going to get married. He’s happy for us, Lucy…and Susan will be as well as soon as we get the chance to tell her.”
Sighing heavily, Lucy turned her gaze back to Edmund and rested her forehead against his, “Why do you even put up with me? I seem to still have a bit of growing up to do…”
“I put up with you because I love you…and as much as it irritates me, I also love the fact that you can act like a child…to feel that freedom and innocence again. Just don’t use it to annoy me.”
Lucy laughed and kissed Edmund’s lips passionately, “I’m sorry, Edmund. It’s just…what happened between us was special and personal for me…and I didn’t expect you to say anything to Peter right away…or that he would use it to tease me mercilessly about it. I just wasn’t prepared…and I haven’t been feeling well, obviously. You don’t have to say anything to him…Forgive me?”
Returning the passionate kiss Lucy had given him, Edmund replied, “Was there ever any doubt?” Just as Edmund was about to deepen the kiss, there was a knock at the door.
“Peter, Susan,” Lucy called happily motioning for them to enter.
“Is there something that either of you wants to tell us?” Susan asked gesturing to Edmund and Lucy.
“Well, there’s something we need to tell you, Susan…Peter, being the nosy person he is…already knows,” Edmund said.
Susan turned to her husband and glared at him, “You had better have a good reason for not telling me.”
Peter smiled widely, “Because they wanted to tell you themselves, darling…otherwise you know I would have told you straight away…”
Raising an eyebrow, Susan said, “Hmmm…I bet you would.” The High Queen then turned to the Valiant Queen and Just King, “Well…come on now, out with it.”
“Let’s go to the sitting room,” Lucy said before responding to Susan’s question. In every bedchamber was a sitting room on the side with four chairs. One for each of the siblings. When they held personal conferences, that had nothing to do with Narnia or they just wanted to talk…this is where they met. In any of the four majesties rooms and sat in their respective chairs with the same markings as their thrones. Except these chairs were in a circle facing each other.
After sitting in their marked chairs, Susan frustrated said, “Tell me…now…”
“She’s awfully demanding, Peter…Sometimes I feel sorry for you,” Edmund said which earned a pinch on the arm from Lucy and Susan. “Evil is what you both are.”
“Anyway…Susan…Edmund and I…well, we’re engaged…not properly so…but he asked and I said yes,” Lucy said, her eyes sparkling with happiness.
“Really?! Oh, that’s so wonderful…about time, but wonderful!” exclaimed Susan. Immediately getting out of her seat, she embraced Lucy and then Edmund. “I love you both…I’m so happy for you…”
“As am I,” Peter added, smiling.
“We’ve some good news to share with you as well,” Susan said. “You might get that niece, Edmund.”
Lucy and Edmund both opened their eyes wide with surprise.
“Are you really with child, Susan?” Lucy asked excitedly.
“Yes…Selene confirmed it this morning…” answered Susan.
“Congratulations…this bloody fantastic…wait until William hears about all of this…” Edmund said. With the mention of the little Prince’s name, the room went silent and tears pricked at the back of Susan’s eyes.
“I’m sorry…I wasn’t thinking…Susan…” Edmund said, placing a hand on the Gentle Queen’s shoulder.
Patting her brother’s hand reassuringly, Susan sniffed a bit and then replied, “It’s alright, Ed. You’re right…he will be excited when he wakes up and hears about everything that’s happening.”
“I hate to bring sad news to you both after such joyful announcements, but Susan and I have something else we need to tell you. King Xeron…when we were in Rizania…he’s ill…King Xeron is dying.”
“What?!” Lucy said her voice breaking and tears immediately filling her eyes.
“He asked us to visit Rizania so he could tell us…he’s dying…his healers are unable to do anything about it and they don’t give him very long to live…he wants…he wants us to take over Rizania when he’s gone,” Susan added.
“You cant be serious,” Edmund said, his tone low, and he too was fighting back tears.
“I know this is hard Edmund, but this is he want he wants…he’s been good to us…as far as we are all concerned he is family...and if this is his last request it will be honored…” Peter said.
Putting his head in his hands, Edmund choked back a sob, “I know…I just can’t believe this.”
Lucy went to his side quickly, wrapping her arms around his neck to comfort him. He held onto her tightly and she kissed the top of his head trying to soothe both their tears, “This is all too much to take…I cannot bare anymore heartache…”
“I don’t think any of us can,” said Susan softly, letting tears fall down her face as well.
Before anyone could say anything further, someone knocked on the door quite frantically.
“Your majesties…!” Lara called from outside the door.
Peter rushed to the door and threw it open, “What’s happened?” he asked worriedly.
“Your majesties…Prince William is awake!”
Rating: PG
Summary: Sequel to Hidden
Hey all...sorry about the confusion with the last chapter i posted...i had posted chapter five and six together bc i couldnt remember or find the last chapter five i had posted...anyway...i fixed it all up for you....so heres chapter 7...enjoy
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Susan sat staring at the healer in front of her, not sure of what to say.
“You’re sure, Selene?” asked Susan, resting a hand over her stomach.
“Yes, your majesty. I’m positive. Congratulations, although I’m sure you’re too concerned about Prince William to properly show your excitement,” Selene said.
“I’m happy…I am…but you’re right…I’d feel horrible celebrating this great joy with my son on his death bed.”
“I’m sorry we can’t do more for him, majesty. We’ve tried everything we have…we even searched the old texts in the library…we are still trying though, despite the failures so far.”
Resting a hand on the head healer’s shoulder, Susan smiled, “I know, Selene. I know. We just have to hope is all. Thank you for your help, I appreciate it.”
“Of course, my Queen. And congratulations again. It will be nice to have another little one running around.”
Susan smiled again and left the healing chambers.
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Peter had returned from the kitchens with a tray of tea and toast for Lucy. Edmund had told him about how she hadn’t eaten in days and Peter was going to make sure she got something in her stomach. Even if he had to order it as High King.
“Lucy…wake up, Lu,” Peter said gently, shaking her shoulder.
“Pet…Peter? Is everything alright?” she asked rubbing her eyes.
“Fine…I want you to eat something,” replied Peter.
Sighing heavily, Lucy said, “I’m not hungry. Just leave it.”
“You have to eat something Lucy…You haven’t slept or eaten and you’re sick because of it. Please…do it for me…”
Silence was Peter’s answer. He watched Lucy for a few moments and noticed the tears welling in her eyes. Peter reached over and pushed a few stray hairs from her face.
“My little Lucy…my baby sister…tell me what’s wrong?”
“I’m just so worried about, William. I know you and Susan do not blame Edmund and I for what happened, but I still feel guilty. He was under our care…and now…and now he may never wake up…and it’s as if I’ve betrayed you somehow. If I cant even look after my own nephew…how can I look after those in Narnia…they call me Valiant…but look at me…I’m a wreck…I don’t deserve to be called Queen.”
“Don’t speak like that of yourself…you are Valiant, Lucy. You’ve been sacrificing your well being for William. Edmund told me how you’ve been sitting at his bedside, telling him stories and how you’ve been to the healers repeatedly about progress on their elixirs. You, my darling sister, fight battles, heal those who are fatally wounded, and always know what to do. I think your guilt comes because it is someone you love who is fading away and there isn’t anything you can do about it. You can help thousands upon thousands of soldiers, most you don’t really know, but you can’t even help your own nephew. That’s what haunts you, Lucy. And who can blame you. I think it haunts all of us. There is nothing any of us can do, but wait. William will survive. He would never leave his mother and Aunt Lucy alone with his father and uncle. He knows how mischievous we are. He knows he’s needed here to protect you and Susan from our antics and drive you crazy with his own. In my heart, I know my son, your nephew is destined for great things in Narnia…and William must live to fulfill his destiny.”
Lucy was hugging Peter tightly now. Both had tears in their eyes.
“How do you know?” asked Lucy.
Peter choked on a sob, “Because I couldn’t bare it if he didn’t.”
After a long while of holding one another and crying, Lucy kissed her brother’s cheek and pulled away. “I think I’ll have that tea now.”
Smiling, Peter poured a cup for his sister and handed her a piece of toast. He wiped his eyes with the back of his hand and Lucy grabbed something from her side table.
“Here…you need it more than I do…” smiled Lucy and placed something in her brother’s hand.
Peter opened his hand and laughed when he saw her handkerchief.
“I’ll always be here for you, Lu. Always.”
“You are the best big brother ever.”
“And since I am your big brother I suppose I should offer congratulations. Edmund told me about the engagement.”
Lucy’s face turned ten shades of red and she tried not to smile, “Thanks…”
“It’s about time…as much as I love you both I was really getting tired of the arguing all the time…I hear you made up from all of that,” Peter said winking at Lucy.
Eyes widening in horror, Lucy screamed, “He told you that!”
“I believe I said it in a much more…respectable way,” came Edmund’s voice from the doorway.
“Edmund Pevensie, I’m going to kill you!” Lucy yelled. She was about to get out of the bed, but Peter held her back.
“You have an awfully big mouth, Peter…” Edmund said furrowing his brow in irritation.
“Look…I’m the oldest and as such I get the privilege of teasing both of you for the rest of your lives…I suggest you get used to it.”
“Well, I think you should leave…so I can speak with my fiancée…”
“Fiancée! Ha! You’re lucky if I ever speak to you again!” shouted Lucy.
Peter laughed, “She’s all yours, Ed. And thanks for the hankie, Lu.” He leaned down and dropped a kiss on her cheek. When he walked past his brother he patted his back, “Good luck with that one.”
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Susan sat in front of the large window in Edmund’s room. Occasionally glancing outside, but the majority of her time was spent watching her son, Prince William sleep. She was tempted to have him moved to his own room, but Edmund said he didn’t mind and the healers had said it might not be good to move the Prince. Susan had reluctantly agreed and thanked Edmund profusely and wondered how she was blessed with such wonderful siblings. Despite the situation, Susan couldn’t help but have a slight smile on her face. There would be another Pevensie running around Cair Paravel in nine months and she knew that when William woke up he would be so excited. She had to tell Peter, Edmund and Lucy, but she didn’t want to leave William’s side again because she wanted to be there when he opened his eyes. Susan’s mind then wandered to King Xeron. They had sent word to the ill King about William’s situation, but hadn’t heard back. Peter and Susan had yet to tell Edmund and Lucy about the Rizanian King. With everything that happened, she had completely forgot, but decided they would tell them this evening.
“Su?” Peter said from the doorway.
Smiling Susan beckoned for Peter to come to her side and he did so immediately. He took her hand, kissing it gently, and then wrapped his arms around his wife. “How are you, love?”
“I hate waiting…” replied Susan softly.
“I know…I wish there was something I could do to make this easier for you…I‘d give anything to take his place.”
Closing her eyes at the thought of losing her husband, Susan squeezed Peter’s hand, “Please…don’t say that…”
“I’m sorry, my love…Has there been any change?”
“No…although the healers did say he was breathing steadier on his own…without the help of their potions.”
“That’s good…he’ll wake before tomorrow’s end…I know…”
“I hope so…”
Peter gently stroked Susan’s hair as they watched the sunset of Cair Paravel and they sat in silence for awhile, listening to the steady breath of their child.
“Peter…we have to tell Edmund and Lucy about Xeron. They’d never forgive me if I kept it from them and something happened to him,” Susan said.
Sighing, Peter said, “I’ve been thinking about that as well. I’d be happy to do it, if you’d like to stay here.”
“I think it would be best if we both tell them. Edmund and Lucy both will be devastated. And I have to admit I’m a little nervous…we haven’t heard anything back from Rizania since we sent them a message. It doesn’t take that long for a tree spirit to deliver a response…what if something has happened to him?”
“We cant think like that…I’m sure he’s fine. Knowing Xeron he’s probably on his way here.”
“Let us hope so…Peter…there’s something else…” Susan began and turned to face her husband, who looked at her worriedly.
“Is something wrong?” Peter asked, cupping his wife’s face and stroking her cheeks gently with his thumbs.
“No…it’s…it’s actually exciting…but with everything happening all at once, I just…it’s hard to celebrate it when I’m so worried about William,” Susan answered, resting her head on the High King’s chest.
“Well?”
“William’s going to have another playmate, besides Edmund…”
“I’m sorry…could you repeat that?” asked Peter, pulling away from Susan and grasping her arms.
“I went to healers like you asked…and…well, I’m with child. That’s why I was so sick on the ride back.”
“We’re having another baby?” Peter asked. He was just staring at Susan with an unreadable expression on his face.
“Yes…” Susan answered.
“I can’t believe it…Susan…I’m…This is amazing…I can’t wait…” laughed Peter. He picked his wife up in his arms and swung her around until she was also laughing.
After Peter had her planted firmly back on the ground, Susan said, “I wasn’t sure you’d be this excited because of everything that’s going on.”
“I know this is such an amazing joy at such a sad time…but…William will be so excited when he wakes up. And wait until Edmund and Lucy find out…it’s hard not to be excited when another child is coming into the world. Especially ours, after everything we’ve been through.”
“I am happy…Believe me, Peter…I am so happy…but its just…our little William…he’s so sick…and if something happens to him, Peter…if he doesn’t make it…I’ll never forgive myself and I’m not sure if I’ll feel worthy of having another child.”
Peter smiled sadly at his wife, “Susan…you are an amazing mother…this is not your fault…if anyone is worthy of having a child, it’s you. We’ll get through this…just hope…like Aslan said. I cant lie to you…my love, my wife…I’m not sure I have enough hope for both of us…so I need you to try…Please.”
“For you, my darling,” Susan said. Leaning up, she kissed her husband’s lips softly and took his hand. “Let’s go speak to Edmund and Lucy…I’ll have Lara stay with William until we get back…”
Peter nodded and followed his wife towards the maids’ quarters
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“Come on, Lucy…stop being so stubborn…would you just talk to me…it’s been hours…I can’t take it…” Edmund pleaded sitting in a chair beside her bed.
Narrowing her eyes at the Just King, Lucy replied, “Perhaps you should have thought about that before telling Peter what we did…There are some things I’d rather him not know.”
“Well, my Queen, I’m sorry to disappoint you…Peter is my brother and my confidante and when I need to vent or speak about my feelings, he’s the first person I go too.”
“Well, my King, he’s my brother, too and there are some things I’d rather he didn’t know.”
“You cannot be serious, Lucy. Honestly, he’s High King for crying out loud. He’s not that stupid…he probably knew before I even told him…and I told him that we made love and that we were engaged…it’s not like I made it seem like some sort…some sort of casual thing…I love you, Lucy…Please just stop being such a baby…”
“Edmund…” warned Lucy.
Rolling his eyes, Edmund took one of Lucy’s hands in his own, “Lucy…I’m sorry if Peter’s teasing upset you…I’ll ask him to stop if you like…but I will not apologize for speaking to him about how I feel about you. Yes, I told him we made love…and I told him that it was amazing…and that we are going to get married. He’s happy for us, Lucy…and Susan will be as well as soon as we get the chance to tell her.”
Sighing heavily, Lucy turned her gaze back to Edmund and rested her forehead against his, “Why do you even put up with me? I seem to still have a bit of growing up to do…”
“I put up with you because I love you…and as much as it irritates me, I also love the fact that you can act like a child…to feel that freedom and innocence again. Just don’t use it to annoy me.”
Lucy laughed and kissed Edmund’s lips passionately, “I’m sorry, Edmund. It’s just…what happened between us was special and personal for me…and I didn’t expect you to say anything to Peter right away…or that he would use it to tease me mercilessly about it. I just wasn’t prepared…and I haven’t been feeling well, obviously. You don’t have to say anything to him…Forgive me?”
Returning the passionate kiss Lucy had given him, Edmund replied, “Was there ever any doubt?” Just as Edmund was about to deepen the kiss, there was a knock at the door.
“Peter, Susan,” Lucy called happily motioning for them to enter.
“Is there something that either of you wants to tell us?” Susan asked gesturing to Edmund and Lucy.
“Well, there’s something we need to tell you, Susan…Peter, being the nosy person he is…already knows,” Edmund said.
Susan turned to her husband and glared at him, “You had better have a good reason for not telling me.”
Peter smiled widely, “Because they wanted to tell you themselves, darling…otherwise you know I would have told you straight away…”
Raising an eyebrow, Susan said, “Hmmm…I bet you would.” The High Queen then turned to the Valiant Queen and Just King, “Well…come on now, out with it.”
“Let’s go to the sitting room,” Lucy said before responding to Susan’s question. In every bedchamber was a sitting room on the side with four chairs. One for each of the siblings. When they held personal conferences, that had nothing to do with Narnia or they just wanted to talk…this is where they met. In any of the four majesties rooms and sat in their respective chairs with the same markings as their thrones. Except these chairs were in a circle facing each other.
After sitting in their marked chairs, Susan frustrated said, “Tell me…now…”
“She’s awfully demanding, Peter…Sometimes I feel sorry for you,” Edmund said which earned a pinch on the arm from Lucy and Susan. “Evil is what you both are.”
“Anyway…Susan…Edmund and I…well, we’re engaged…not properly so…but he asked and I said yes,” Lucy said, her eyes sparkling with happiness.
“Really?! Oh, that’s so wonderful…about time, but wonderful!” exclaimed Susan. Immediately getting out of her seat, she embraced Lucy and then Edmund. “I love you both…I’m so happy for you…”
“As am I,” Peter added, smiling.
“We’ve some good news to share with you as well,” Susan said. “You might get that niece, Edmund.”
Lucy and Edmund both opened their eyes wide with surprise.
“Are you really with child, Susan?” Lucy asked excitedly.
“Yes…Selene confirmed it this morning…” answered Susan.
“Congratulations…this bloody fantastic…wait until William hears about all of this…” Edmund said. With the mention of the little Prince’s name, the room went silent and tears pricked at the back of Susan’s eyes.
“I’m sorry…I wasn’t thinking…Susan…” Edmund said, placing a hand on the Gentle Queen’s shoulder.
Patting her brother’s hand reassuringly, Susan sniffed a bit and then replied, “It’s alright, Ed. You’re right…he will be excited when he wakes up and hears about everything that’s happening.”
“I hate to bring sad news to you both after such joyful announcements, but Susan and I have something else we need to tell you. King Xeron…when we were in Rizania…he’s ill…King Xeron is dying.”
“What?!” Lucy said her voice breaking and tears immediately filling her eyes.
“He asked us to visit Rizania so he could tell us…he’s dying…his healers are unable to do anything about it and they don’t give him very long to live…he wants…he wants us to take over Rizania when he’s gone,” Susan added.
“You cant be serious,” Edmund said, his tone low, and he too was fighting back tears.
“I know this is hard Edmund, but this is he want he wants…he’s been good to us…as far as we are all concerned he is family...and if this is his last request it will be honored…” Peter said.
Putting his head in his hands, Edmund choked back a sob, “I know…I just can’t believe this.”
Lucy went to his side quickly, wrapping her arms around his neck to comfort him. He held onto her tightly and she kissed the top of his head trying to soothe both their tears, “This is all too much to take…I cannot bare anymore heartache…”
“I don’t think any of us can,” said Susan softly, letting tears fall down her face as well.
Before anyone could say anything further, someone knocked on the door quite frantically.
“Your majesties…!” Lara called from outside the door.
Peter rushed to the door and threw it open, “What’s happened?” he asked worriedly.
“Your majesties…Prince William is awake!”