Hearts Connected As One

Chapter 20 - Settling Into A Place Far From Home:

Back at the castle the first few days were spent preparing for the coronation and settling into the royal life. It was bizarre changing from living in a hut in the woods to living in a castle.

I had things that I never had before, servants and people waiting on my every desire. I had guards to keep me safe. As much as it was helpful sometimes, I still want my independence. I miss being able to ride through the wood with the centaurs practising archery or my sword skills. I could barely walk out of my room without someone following me.

It was all growing to be too much after the second day. I can't talk to the Pevensies they would never understand, they had ruled as Kings and Queens for years, it was all part of a prophecy for them. Caspian wouldnt understand either, he was raised in a castle his whole life. I can't even talk to my Narnian family. I don't want to let them down.

They all believe I was raised to save them and I have done that. I just didn't realise how much my life would change in such a short span of time, after I had fulfilled my mission. My options seem so limited now, I appear to only have one, well the only one that comes to mind. I have to run away. Getting away from here and returning to Trufflehunter's sett back in the forest. My home. However, sneaking out of the castle would be quite difficult, good thing I have a plan.

I changed into my hunting gear and borrowed one of the servants' cloaks, sneaking through the corridors.

As I travelled closer to the door leading to the armoury, I bumped into a familiar face. Keeping my cloak up and my face down curtsied to Edmund. I apologise in the fakest voice I could before excusing myself. He just stared at my figure as I slipped through the armoury door.

I grabbed my belt with my sheathed sword, my bow and full quiver. I also grabbed a pack of food. I have no idea how long I am going for or if I am coming back. I don't care, I just need to get away and leave.

I made it down to the stables with little trouble only to find the same black horse from the battle waiting for me. His leg seemed completely better, stroking his nose softly. I finally let my walls down.

"I can't do this. I'm sorry." I sobbed. The horse nestled into my touch gently.

"You understand, don't you? You can see why I have to leave. I wasn't born for this life." I sniffled awkwardly. The horse let out a deep breath. Taking this as a yes, I untied his reins and mounted the horse's back.

Gently, I guided him out of the stable towards the gates, only to have my path blocked by a certain Lion. Aslan.

My suppressed feelings of guilt began to bubble in my core, as I broke down. I was starting to realise just how selfish I was being.

"Guinevere, follow me child." I climbed down from the horse's back, anxiously following the great lion. Was I about to be lectured, or scolded by Aslan. I don't want to have let him down, but I guess my actions today have let everyone down...

We made it a little way away from the castle into a large field with a few patches of wild flowers. I had no idea something this beautiful was anywhere near the Telmarine castle.

When we stopped walking and the great Lion turned to look at me I finally found the courage to speak.

"Aslan, I am so sorry." I mumbled, the Lion smiled back at me kindly.

"I understand why you tried to run away, child. It can be a lot changing from one life to another, think of our Kings and Queens of old. They left their home to become Kings and Queens." Aslan explained.

"I had never thought of it like that. They just seemed to adapt so quickly into the royal life, it was all part of the prophecy and Caspian was born a Prince, he has lived like this for most of his life." I added, causing Aslan to nod.