back, again | prince capian

sixteen

I was jolted awake by a sudden noise, sitting straight up in bed, eyes darting around my dimly lit room. Shadows danced across the walls, and as I groggily reached for the bedside torch, I realized it was already dark outside. Panic stirred within me for a moment, and I touched my clothes, noting that I was still in my sleeping dress.

Images from Caspian's coronation flooded my mind—the grandeur of the ceremony, the excitement on his face, the intimate dances we shared, and the warmth of our fleeting skin contact. Each recollection sent a rush of emotions coursing through me, enveloping my heart in a sweet ache that I wasn't quite ready to acknowledge.

Desperate to shake off the memories and the heat creeping into my cheeks, I stood up, making my bed with shaking hands. I needed to distract myself, to escape the rush of thoughts clouding my mind.

I found a white coat in my closet, one that still held the softness of the dress I had worn at the coronation. It felt like an echo of the evening—elegant yet comforting. With the torch in hand, I grasped the doorknob and stepped out into the cool castle corridor, ready to seek adventure in the dark.

As I climbed to the top of the west wing, I placed the torch on the table beside the door when I reached the top, allowing myself a moment to admire the view. The moonlight cast a silvery glow over the vast expanse of Narnia, illuminating the rolling hills and the shimmering river in the distance. Awe enveloped me, pulling me into a trance as I sat on the cool stone floor.

But the solitude didn't last long. I soon caught sight of a figure standing at the opposite end of the corridor. Curiosity piqued, I stood up and walked cautiously toward it, the dull sound of my footsteps echoing softly. As I approached, I realized it was Caspian, his silhouette outlined against the faint light.

"I never knew you were the curious type," he remarked without looking back, his tone playful.

"Well, who wouldn't be curious when they see a creepy shadow hanging in the dark?" I shot back, glancing sideways at him before returning my gaze to the breathtaking view. Caspian turned slightly, an amused smile spreading across his face.

"You could get killed, you know," he half-joked, the playful smile fading as he focused on me.

"We're in a castle. Who would be bold enough to attack a trained lady and a lost queen with a sword?" I countered, my own smile creeping back.

"But you don't have a sword," he argued, looking directly into my eyes.

"I have a torch! I could easily burn the bad guys," I replied, laughing at the thought.

He chuckled softly, and the conversation felt natural in a way that made my heart flutter.

"What are you doing up here at this hour?" Caspian asked, finally turning to face me.

"Just getting some fresh air. I woke up all of a sudden," I said, slowly sinking back down to sit on the cold stone floor.

"You're a king now," I reminded him, still looking at the expansive view before us. "More responsibilities, more battles, and perhaps even more marriage letters to read?" I teased, watching as he took a seat beside me. I caught the muttered words he uttered under his breath.

"Sorry? What was that?" I prompted, leaning closer.

"Nothing," he replied, his eyes drifting back to the shimmering landscape outside.

The quiet returned, but this time it was different. An electric tension hung in the air, igniting a warmth between us that had blossomed during our dance only hours before. I could still feel the rhythm of our bodies moving together, the way his hand had felt on my waist, guiding me swifter through the steps, drawing me into a closer orbit.