The stars lit up the sky outside, and the faint, comfortable candlelight filled the dark castle room.
Prince Caspian bounced onto his bed, his hair flopping into his eyes. He giggled, pushing it away.
Though he'd much prefer to be out under the stars, he smiled up at his Uncle Miraz happily. The hope-filled innocent smile of a child who believed in something better than the truth. One who thought the world kinder than it was.
Caspian cuddled his blanket up to his chin. His uncle never brought him to bed, that was the servant's job, but for some reason, he was here tonight. Uncle Miraz looked as angry as ever, but Caspian still wanted to love him. Caspian had no father, his uncle would be the next best thing.
"Goodnight Uncle Miraz." Caspian waited, staring at his uncle.
"Night." Miraz muttered.
Caspian popped up, hoping for a hug.
"Love you." He held open his small arms.
Uncle Miraz grunted. Caspian frowned, reaching out a tiny hand to his uncle's cheek.
"Aren't you gonna say you love me too?" He cocked his head, biting his lip.
Miraz shoved his hand down "No, I do not."
Caspian blinked, his eyes widening.
"You are not loved. No one here wants you- you are needed. Do not ask again." Miraz lifted his hand and Caspian flinched.
His uncle only readjusted his coat, and Caspian relaxed.
"I'm sorry." He lowered his head.
"Good. Remember- we're taking care of you and that is enough." Miraz left as Caspian nodded.
He hadn't meant to upset his uncle. But maybe their care wasn't enough. He wanted love, not just to be taken care of.
He might be small, but Caspian wasn't stupid. He knew the difference. He just wasn't sure what he'd done wrong. He knew he wasn't wanted, but maybe he could change that.
Once he was older, he could prove that he was worth something more than just his throne. His title.
He was pretty sure he could earn the love later that he wanted- or maybe it wasn't just that- needed now. Once he was able to show them what they expected, they had to love him.
He would belong to his aunt and uncle as if he were their own- that was his dream. Of his many fantastical dreams, this seemed the most realistic. Still innocently youthful, Caspian believed it wholeheartedly.
Caspian wanted Uncle Miraz to hug him, ruffle his hair, say I love you. And he had to believe that someday it would come. He could earn it, he was quite confident.
He nestled down into his blankets again. In a month he would be six- maybe he'd be old enough then.
Uncle Miraz hated when he acted like a baby. He said to grow up. If Caspian was to be king, he shouldn't act like a child.
Caspian did try to be grown up, even if it was rather difficult. He knew the expectations that came along with his name, and he would try to uphold them.
If that meant growing up before he was even a child- then so be it.
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(Narnia) Broken Pieces -Caspian X- A One Shot Collection
Fanfiction"If only he'd been a little older, then he would have his own memories. But his father and mother were gone, leaving him in a castle, surrounded by people, yet almost entirely alone. Alone without even a memory..." Short one-shots exploring Prince C...
