The Choice

the battle

The next morning dawned far too quickly. The air was crisp with the promise of battle, every sound in the camp sharpened by tension. Lucy and I had risen early, readying ourselves for the journey ahead. It was our task to find Aslan—our last, desperate hope. The horse pawed at the earth impatiently, his breath steaming in the cool air as I secured the reins. Lucy was just about to mount when Susan came running towards us, her bow strapped across her back, her eyes wide with urgency.

"Maria, wait!" she called, her voice almost breaking. She reached for my hand, holding it tightly as if she could anchor me there. "I'll go with Lucy. It's too dangerous—I cannot lose you again."

Her words pulled at my heart, I wanted nothing more than to stay by her side, but I shook my head firmly. "No, Su. You're needed here. You're the best archer we've got. Without you, we don't stand a chance."

Her lips pressed together, trembling, but she nodded. "Just...please be careful," she whispered.

I managed a small smile, though it cast me more than I care to admit. "I promise. Now go—they need you."

Susan nodded, then pulled me into a fierce embrace. I clung to her for a heartbeat longer, willing her to be safe. "This isn't a goodbye," I murmured.

She swallowed hard, nodded again, and tore herself away. Watching her run back toward into the fortress, my chest ached with both pride and sorrow.

I turned back to the horse and reached to help Lucy mount, steadying her as she swung her small frame onto the saddle. I was preparing to climb up myself when I suddenly felt to strong hands at my waist, lifting me up with practiced ease. Surprised, I turned to look at him, my gaze meeting warm brown eyes I could recognise even in the darkest night.

Oh...those eyes.

I froze, caught in them, before Caspian gently set me on the horse's back behind Lucy. He lingered a moment, one hand resting lightly against my boot as if reluctant to let go.

"This is Destrier," he said softly, his voice carrying something deeper than formality.

"He has served me faithfully since I was a boy. Now...he's yours. You're in good hands."

I blinked at him for a moment, overwhelmed by the gift. "Or hooves," Lucy muttered with a mischievous smile.

Caspian's lips curved, and for the briefest moment, laughter broke through the heavy air.

I looked down at him again, shaking my head. "he's beautiful, Caspian. But I can't accept this—he's your horse."

Something flickered in his eyes—gentleness, stubbornness, and a fierce devotion all at once. "Then let him be ours. You can't refuse me this, Maria. Besides..." He hesitated, his voice lowering, "why shouldn't I give something to the woman I—" He stopped himself, smirking faintly instead. "—to my dearest companion?"

Heat rose to my cheeks, but I leaned down before I could lose my courage and pressed my lips to his. For an instant, the world disappeared—no war, no fear.

When I pulled away, he whispered, almost pleading. "Please. Be safe."

I placed a hand over his, still resting on Destrier's side. "Always."

And then Lucy and I rode our, hooves thundering against the soil as the camp fell away behind us. The trees rose tall and silent around us, shadows stretching like watchful sentinels. For a while, the ride was quiet, save for the rhythm of the hooves and the occasional rustle of branches.

"You know I was there the whole time, right?" Lucy snickered suddenly, breaking the silence.

I groaned, nudging her playfully. "Oh, shut up."