Chapter Text
Narnia was beautiful at dawn.
The wind was soft blowing against his face, the sky was turning pink, and Ramandu was shining his last rays.
Peter could hardly take it, even after almost three years, the images of a war stricken world still seared into his brain.
“Your highness?” A voice called from inside the room.
His grip tightened on the balcony railing.
“Yes?”
“Your Highness, the ambassador from Archenland will arrive today. The lady Queen Susan requests your presence for breakfast.”
Duty calls. Sighing, he told her, “Of course. I will be down momentarily.”
“By your leave your majesty.” The sound of a door closing, and a silence.
He turned, and walked into his chambers, closing the door of the balcony behind him.
Opening the cabinet, he picked up his crown, fingering the leaf design.
“Keep us in thy paws that we may keep thee in our hearts."
Breathing in, he placed the crown on his head.
XXXXXX
The trumpets blared.
“Presenting their highnesses, High King Peter, Queen Susan, King Edmund, and Queen Lucy, rulers by Aslan’s grace and by His blessing.”
Sitting down on the throne, Peter sat up straight.
“Aslan’s Blessings on this new day, and on you all.” He said, looking around at their court.
Edmund looked at the herald. “Well then, good sir, please do bring in our guest.”
Door opened, and he read out, “Announcing Sir Volarsi, knight of Archenand and envoy from King Lune.”
A man dressed in Archenland finery walks in, bowing in front of them.
“I bear a letter, and a message, from his Highness King Lune of Archenland.” He said, holding the scroll of parchment bearing the seal in front of him.
Peter said, extending his hand as an invitation to walk up the steps to the throne, “Thank you good sir. I wish to see the letter and hear the news from our biggest allies. But Narnia’s people will speak first. After the day’s court proceedings are finished, we will have your message.”
The ambassador handed Peter the letter, which was sealed with Lune’s own personal seal.
“You are welcome to stay and watch the court proceedings, of course.” Susan said, a slight smile on her face. “But if you wish to rest after your long journey, we will have someone show you to your quarters.”
“Thank you my lady. If your majesties do not mind,” he said, addressing all of them now. “I wish to watch the activity in the court.”
“Of course.” Peter waved his hand dismissively, and the ambassador sat down.
“Any petitioners today?” Edmund asked.
The question was only customary. There were always petitioners.
The first was an elderly badger and her son. She walked in slowly, and said something quietly to her son.
“Your majesties, my mother would like to, first apologise for her rudeness. She has seen many a harsh year.” He said, bowing in front of them.
“Do not worry yourself over us My Lady Badger.” Susan said kindly. “Would you like to have a seat?”
Her son gave her answer. “She says that you are too kind, My Queen, but that she would prefer to stand on her own two feet.”
“Of course.” Susan smiled.
Somehow, as it usually was, the monarch to handle the petition had already been decided. Lucy would handle this case.
“What is your complaint?” Susan asked.
“Your majesties, the snows will come again soon, and in our village, we did not get enough wood to build solid roofs this year. There are many young ones around who wouldn’t survive it.”
“We will send a shipment of lumber to your village as soon as possible, of course.” Susan said. “Is this a common problem in the surrounding villages as well?”
“Yes your majesty.”
“We will figure out a solution to get you more lumber trade. For now, please give your village’s name and location for the record-keeper.” She said.
“T-thank you.” The frail voice came from the elderly badger. “Narnia will prosper. I know it now.”
“Thank you my lady.” Susan told her cordially.
The Badgers walked out, but there was another.
They went on like this, one after another.
The wild horses angry at being chased around.
The dogs wanting more traders to trade food with them.
A dwarf’s guild, here to ask for a trading permit in Cair. (This they could not grant. The Black Dwarf’s Guild had monopoly over Cair’s market, they must go through them.)
And soon the day was out, and the petitioners gone.
The Ambassador stood up. “Your majesties, thank you for this opportunity. I greatly enjoyed observing the court processes in Narnia.”
Peter laughed. “There’s no need for flattery good sir. Please speak. We wish to hear the message from Narnia’s greatest ally.”
“My king Lune sends his warmest regards and his best wishes. He also wishes to inform you that he will be coming to Narnia himself very soon, to attend the celebrations of Spring’s Coming.” He said. “At that time, he will conduct the final negotiations in person.”
Edmund smiled. “I am glad King Lune has finally accepted our request. I speak for all of us when I say we will be delighted to have him here.”
“You may stay here until Lune arrives, of course.” Susan said.
“Thank you your Majesty.” The messenger bowed low. “I am honored.”
XXXX
Susan knew what she was doing. She’d done this twice before.
At least, that was what she told herself.
But she hadn’t been doing it alone the last two times.
Groaning, Susan buried her head in her hands. Planning the Spring’s Coming Festival, the celebration of their victory over Jadis and the beginning of their reign, was the biggest, most important thing she had ever panned by herself and by Aslan she was not going to mess it up.
“My lady Queen?” A voice called out timidly from behind her.
Instantly, her back straightened, and she turn, trying to look regal.
“Yes?”
“The florist is waiting. He has some samples for you to look at.” The maid said.
“Of course. Please inform him that I will be down to meet him in just a moment.”
The maid curtsied. “By your leave, your highness.”
Susan knew what she was doing.
Aslan give me strength, and I shall overcome all obstacles.
She repeated the words. This festival was for Aslan’s people. He would see it done.
She just need to calm down, right?
Looking down at the many unchecked items on her to-do list, she sighed.
It was no use. Stress was inevitable.
XXXXX
That night, both Lucy and Edmund dreamed.
Edmund dreamed of her.
Her cold hands, her cruel smile, her words, calling him a traitor, telling him he didn’t belong. That he was hers.
And he feared that he would never truly be Aslan’s, he would never truly be free, because so much of him belonged to her.
Lucy dreamed of Aslan.
She saw the Great Cat, and ran to him, hoping to hug him, to feel his comforting presence.
But he turned his back to her, and walked into the mist, leaving her alone, and the meadow that had been so cheerful before was suddenly menacing, dark, and cold.
And the owners of both dreams woke up in cold sweat, and it is hard to tell who’s was more terrifying.
The prayer written is by the amazing elecktrum from her story Passing Down the Crown