The High Queen Book Two

Chapter 18 - Home

Third-Person POV

After three days of constant celebrations, the festivities had come to an end, and time was running out on certain people's time in Narnia. The six royals ate breakfast together in the dining room, as the Kings and Queens of Old many years ago.

"Alright, Peter and I have to go now. We'll meet up with you a lot later." Susan says, trying to hide her sadness.

"Yes, Sue. Caspian and I have something to discuss, so we will be going to."

"What?" Edmund asks, still eating his toast.

"Don't worry, Edmund. I'm very aware Tilly's yours." Caspian says, holding his hands up in surrender.

"I'm pretty sure the whole Castle knows." The High King snorts, making Tilly blush profusely.

"Peter Pevensie!" She snaps, glancing over at Lu, hoping she's oblivious to this conversation. The older boy laughs before quickly running out of there, with Susan trailing behind him. Tilly shakes her head, kissing Edmund's forehead before leaving with Caspian.

After the two had organised for everyone to meet at the tree outside the Castle walls, they walked silently through the castle; the boy looked down at the girl beside him.

"Why did we need to talk? I could have done that myself."

"I know, and we didn't. We just needed to get away from Lucy and Edmund." Tilly says, walking down the stairs into the courtyard.

"But why..." The King is cut off when he sees Susan and Peter strolling with sullen faces as they talk to Aslan.

"That's why," Tilly mutters, a gloomy feeling filling her body. The two royals can barely look into Caspian's eyes as he tells them everything's ready.

"Everyone has assembled." He tries to smile but can't force himself to before he turns and leaves, with Tilly right behind him, but Aslan calls the girl back.

"My Dear, the time has come." Tilly nods slightly, looking at her family. Two people who've been like older siblings to her. In a split second, the three wrap their arms around each other in a tight hug.

"I don't know what I'm going to do." She whispers to the siblings but knows Aslan can hear her clearly. "But whatever happens, promise me you'll look after Ed. And Lucy, of course." Susan nods, wiping a tear from her cheek.

"We promise," Pete answers before they take their leave, heading out to the tree. Tilly is left alone with her father, fresh tears welling in her eyes.

"Are you ready?"

"I don't know. I've thought about it for days, and I don't know what to do," Tilly's voice wavers, thinking about leaving the Pevensies, but Narnia is her home.

"You will know at the moment. Trust me."

"Always," she mutters as they walk out the doors towards the gathered crowd, all waiting for the two to arrive.

Caspian stand before his people, with Tilly to his left, the Pevensies further to the left, and Aslan on his right, with the tree behind them.

"Narnia belongs to the Narnians, just as it does to man." The new King addresses the people of Narnia.

"Any Telmarines who want to stay and live in peace are welcome to." Tilly joins on, showing her standing beside Caspian is good for the Narnian's trust in the Telmarines and vice-versa.

"But for any of you who wish, Aslan will return you to the home of our forefathers." Caspian finishes, which the townspeople are shocked at.

"It's been generations since we left Telmar." A village man says, not sure where the lion will send them.