back, again | prince caspian

fifteen

"You are very welcome here; you can choose your own rooms based on what you like, and treat this place as your own, Your Majesty," Caspian's professor announced, his voice warm and welcoming. Lucy and I exchanged excited glances, our eyes sparkling at the thought of having our own spaces.

"I just wanted to be clear; you said we could choose our own rooms?" Lucy asked boldly, her inquisitive nature shining through. I mentally slapped my forehead, wishing she hadn't put the professor on the spot. He simply nodded and smiled sweetly.

"The available rooms are on the third floor, which has three master bedrooms. We also have the fourth floor, with two master bedrooms in the west wing. The other wings are designated for the assigned lords and the soon-to-be king." The professor's words seemed to hang in the air, tantalizing us with possibilities.

Without a moment's hesitation, Lucy and I raced to the fourth floor to vie for the best room. My years as an athlete paid off, allowing me to dash ahead. When I reached the largest room, I dropped onto the plush bed, staring blankly at the intricately painted ceiling.

My moment of tranquility was interrupted by a firm knock on my door.

"Come in!" I called, trying to sit up and brush my hair out of my face. The door creaked open, revealing Lucy's cheerful face as she bounced into the room.

"You always get the nice ones! These heels are killing my running abilities! Now tell me, how in the world did you run so fast in those?" she said, glancing down at my feet. I giggled, lifting the hem of my dress to show her my flats.

"Hey! Where did you ever get those?" Lucy asked, a hint of betrayal in her voice.

"I borrowed them—well, stole them—" I grinned widely. "From Edmund."

Lucy gasped, eyes sparkling with mischief. "I wonder how long it will take him to notice that one of his shoes is missing."

"Let's bet on it," I suggested, my competitive spirit ignited.

"The next day!" Lucy declared.

"For the next three hours," I countered, her expression breaking into disbelief.

"Three hours? Why?" she asked, glancing around my room before her eyes widened in realization of my clever plan.

"Oh, he's gonna kill you," she said, backing towards the door as if trying to distance herself from any potential fallout.

"He won't if someone doesn't snitch." I shot her a teasing smirk.

"Oh no, I will not!" Lucy giggled, her laughter growing as she stepped back toward the door and quickly opened it.

"Is the bet still on?" I shouted before she took her leave.

"NO!" she shouted back, knowing full well she couldn't win, especially since I had worn Edmund's shoes during the previous day's battle.

Settling back onto my bed, I awaited Susan and Lucy's arrival to help me prepare for Caspian's coronation. Time passed lazily until I heard a familiar voice echo through the corridor.

"Tori, do you happen to have my other shoes?" Edmund's voice was laced with urgency. I shot straight up, my heart racing as I raced to the door, gripping the handle tightly with the intent to keep it locked.

I cracked the door open just wide enough to slide his shoe through, watching as he quickly snatched it from my grip.

"You better open this door or you'll never get your hair and clothes sorted," he said, his tone deceptively sweet.

I scoffed, "No, thank you. I'd rather stay here than face you right now."

Just then, Peter's voice chimed in, humorously perplexed. "Edmund? Why do you look like a tomato?"