The Next Four Months

Chap ten

(A/N) sorry for those who don't like it but I've done a bit of a short time lapse- I felt after the birth of baby one you- and I!- didn't need it to be duplicated. Sorry it is a bit of a cop-out but I want to complete this for you all so I do hope you enjoy it. Basically I've moved a few hours forward.

(Edmund)  

I'd cooled off by the time I returned to the Castle- I'd been a bit miffed to find out that I'm actual fact the first of the babies was born before I even got help. Then I was told- again by a fern dryad that there was another baby. Two little girls had been born, Susan had two little girls. I was a little thrilled for her. Not that I was a baby fan- especially when they were little and puffed up and frog-legged. They were my Nieces- being able to say those words, imagining introducing them 'yes this is mini-Susan one and mini-Susan two, my nieces' it was so strange.  

That sort of calmed me down and I realised what a spoilt brat I had been earlier- we were all only doing our job and I was just unable to admit that actually I had done all I could and Caspian wasn't to blame for anything. I'd been such a kid! I really hoped I hadn't been so much of an idiot that Susan was waiting to waggle her finger at me as I trudged home.  

I began to get suspicious- a real oh-oh- when I realised there should have been celebration, fireworks and announcements and one thing the trees hadn't said. They announced the High Queen had given birth to twin girls but there was no 'mum and babies doing well'. There was something going really wrong. I reached the draw bridge to be welcomed by none other than mister-I-love-Peter, Thornpaw himself. 

"Your highness," he grunted, treating my title as a joke. "The siege was controlled quickly after you left." I had a strong feeling that was a dig at me and it really hurt, I had a sister to look after- and two nieces. I had two new baby nieces and nothing was going to ruin this day. 

"What time is it Thornpaw?" The old cat looked at me in shock and mumbled that it was around 2:35am. I did some quick rough calculations and laughed, catching the old bat off guard.  

"Did you know Thornpaw that underground, north of here my twin nieces were born on different days!" I laughed again and he went to skulk off but I caught him with a glance- as I was royalty he had an obligation to answer my every question. 

"No your majesty, I did not. Offer my congratulations to the Queen." Then he skulked of.  

Beyond the bridge everything was quite. Something was very wrong. It should have been in full party mode, there should be feasts prepared and wine brewed for the following day, a day where the whole of Narnia would have a holiday to honour the babies. I didn't even think a speck of dust was there to acknowledge my safe arrival home.  

I headed straight up the stairs and straight for Susan's quarters. The wooden doors were shut, she always left it cracked- unless her and Caspian were... But that was normally in his room. I had to knock on the door, a hornless head poked out along with one cloved hoof and Tibberus silently welcomed me into the room.  

My breath stayed at the door. 

Susan was laid on her bed, she wore the same revealing white petticoat as before but now it was soaked with what looked like a wine stain, the red went right from the hem to just under her chest. I knew it wasn't wine. It was blood. 

Her face was white pale, her hands laid out and her legs together. She looked almost dressed for heaven. She looked dead.  

"What happened!?" I couldn't stop it, I felt spoilt brat coming back but like a speedy train it could not be stopped. A strong hand laid on my shoulder and I snapped, everything I'd said to myself on the long two hour walk from the bolt hole to Beaversdam flew straight out the window in seconds.