The Queen's Tales

Chapter 20: Door in the Air

The following morning Chloe awoke with the sound of birds chirping and conversing outside the window. Aslan had sent messages all over the country with a proclamation to the scattered Telmarines- including the prisoners. It was a reminder of the newly crowned King and Queen, and that Narnia would henceforth belong to the Talking Beasts and the Dwarfs and the Dryads and the fauns and the other creatures quite as much as to the men. Any who chose to stay under the new conditions might do so; but for those who did not like the idea, Aslan would provide them with another home.

Rising from her bed, Chloe looked over at the still sound-asleep boy. Edmund looked so peaceful it warmed her heart to be back with him. Carefully she leaned over and planted a soft kiss on his forehead before going over to her wardrobe and dressing in a shirt and trousers with her boots before grabbing her staff and quietly leaving the room to let Edmund get some more rest.

Outside it was a beautiful morning, it was as though all the grey tones that had once darkened the skies were now bright and lively again, "You're up early," a voice sounded from the landing above her.

Turning her head, she saw Caspian smiling down at her. "Oh my! It's King Caspian!" She gasped sarcastically before bowing, "My Liege," she greeted solemnly before bursting into laughter.

"Oh you hush," he lightly shoved as he joined her on the ground. He laughed, looking up at something behind her, slowly his smile turned serious.

Chloe's brows furrowed in confusion when she saw his face, turning she saw Aslan walking with Peter and Susan. The two of them stared out of curiosity, until they'd been spotted. Susan caught Caspian's gaze, and she looked really sad. Peter also had a frown on his face as he looked at her, Chloe felt her stomach tighten nervously, what was happening?

Even Aslan's eyes were drooped downward, like he was upset over something, "Everything alright?" He asked them.

"We are ready. Everyone has assembled," Caspian reported.

The lion nodded, "Very well. You two," he looked to Peter and Susan, "Go wait with Caspian. I must speak privately with Chloe before we begin."

They nodded, walking past them, avoiding Chloe's eyes as they followed Caspian into the courtyard. Anxiously, she approached the lion, "Is everything okay? Why did you three look upset?"

"Goodbyes are hard young one. That's something you know well..." Aslan sighed.

For a moment she didn't realize what he meant by that, until she recalled the sad looks on Peter and Susan's faces, "We're leaving again aren't we?" She asked sadly.

"No. You're not," he shook his mane, "Narnia will need you, as will Caspian. You helped the Pevensies bring in the first Golden Age, and now it is time you ruled your own."

In the distance they could hear the people gathering in the courtyard, "But...Edmund and the others..."

"Will understand that you are doing what a Queen does. Caring for her kingdom."

It was a hard pill to swallow, but she knew she had to stay. Narnia needed her, she had to fix what had been broken for the thousand years she had been absent. Even if it meant being away from Edmund for who knows how long.

With a hesitant nod the two of them walked to the courtyard together where the Narnians and remaining Telmarines were waiting for them. Chloe stood with Caspian in the middle to address the people. Peter, Edmund, Susan, and Lucy stood on their left, watching with pride; Aslan stood on the right with Trumpkin, Reepicheep, Glenstorm and the professor.

It was Caspian who spoke first, reiterating the proclamation that had been sent all around, "Narnia belongs to the Narnians. Any Telmarine who wants to stay and live in peace are welcome to."