Crowds always gathered to wave at their beloved king. To cheer for their hero. Everyone watched excitedly as the carriage of the king approached. Joyful shouts and claps already filled the air, celebrating one year of peace.
As it reached the people, the curtain was pushed aside from the window, and King Caspians' face appeared, his crown was perched regally on his head, surrounded by his hair- slightly calmer- just for this occasion. The crowd waved happily.
King Caspian X smiled and waved.
Long live the king. Their brave, strong king. He'd brought so much peace to Narnia, and he continued to do so, keeping everything calm and safe. Everything was happy. Everyone was happy; so happy.
But if the people had looked closer, they might have seen the truth.
Though he was all they believed him to be, the one who gave up everything for everyone else, lost almost everything- but not yet hope, fought for them all, selflessly, asking nothing in return but their loyalty, there was a sadness silently surrounding him. If they really looked, they would see.
But all they saw was what they wanted- what he wanted them to see- their joyous king on this joyous day.
And to the people, King Caspian X smiled and waved.
What they didn't see was as he left the castle, he sat alone, with his kings crown beside him, his eyes closed, taking an unsteady breath. The low murmur of celebration could be heard, even this far away.
His eyes remained dry, but it took much effort to stay that way. He sighed. He'd been king for a whole year. One lonely year. His work was time-consuming, but not difficult. King Caspian X was doing just fine as king.
But Caspian wasn't always doing fine. At times, he felt empty inside.
Especially today.
The cheering grew closer, and he bit his lip, swallowing hard.
A year ago, he hadn't done this alone. A year ago, on this very day, he'd been happy. A year ago, Caspian had, in a way, a family- though he couldn't keep it.
He took his crown off the seat beside him, placing it on his head. It seemed to weigh so heavily on him. True, it meant so much good- but it also held a responsibility. One that never allowed him to be like anyone else. One he'd always carried alone.
Shaking his head, and his thoughts away, Caspian pushed aside the curtain, leaning slightly out the window.
With actions stiffly practiced, almost false, King Caspian X smiled- and waved.
YOU ARE READING
(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...
