Beyond My Control Book #6

Chapter 7 Bad Dreams

It was the day of the great voyage. I stood leaning against the deck, while the ship was preparing to set sail.
"I can't believe it!" Lucy exclaimed, "It's finally happening!" She stood beside me.
"I wonder what the Lone Islands will be like?" Ruth asked.
"Probably lonely, Rue," I answered sarcastically. "But I can't wait to see Ahanu, Peter said we will be making a peace treaty with him and his people." Ahanu was what you would call an Indian in our world, they had similar customs. He helped us win a battle against the rebels two years ago and in return Peter promised to let his people dwell in the Lone Islands. When I asked Ahanu where he came from, he said many moons ago his people found the islands. So similar to Indians back in America. I mean it could be possible, I believed in a God who could do all things.
"Wonder what it is like. It's odd a land we rule, and we haven't laid our eyes on it," Lucy mused.
"Well, those are the things about having a country that was just handed to us," I replied.
"It wasn't just handed to us," Ruth corrected me.
"We fought for it," Lucy put in. "Three times."
"But if it hadn't been for Aslan we'd have lost," I said, "But we did fight hard."
"Pull up the anchor!" I heard Irvin shout.
Peter and Andrew came up to us girls, "Where's Edmund and Susan?" Andrew asked.
"Somewhere," I answered, "In this ship."
"They're going to miss the departure," Ruth said.
"Who said we're going to miss it," Edmund replied.
"I'd never miss it," Susan told us, she placed a hand on Lucy's shoulder.
We watched as the boat made its way from the beach.
"So what inhabits the Lone Islands," I heard Armand say.
"Narnians," Peter informed him. "And humans as well."
"Narnians!" Scoffed Armand, "Haven't we seen enough? And the humans you speak of aren't they savages."
Peter, Andrew, and Edmund both glared at him, I was the one to speak.
"Armand, as kings and queens it is our duty to visit our people, so if you don't like it..."
"Oh, I do, Your Majesty; one wouldn't want to miss such an opportunity to accompany a queen as pretty as you," he replied boldly.
I blushed, but tried to hide it, "I must say, Armand, you are getting a bit bold."
"One can't help but be," he answered.
"Too bold," I heard Peter mutter under his breath.
Lucy and Ruth gave fake coughs to hide their giggles. Edmund and Andrew stared at Armand warily and I knew Peter was doing the same.
Susan broke the ice, "Armand, so when do you expect Verity to come to visit you?"
"As soon as possible," he replied, "But if Her Majesty wants to."
"Well, I'd...." I began.
"Verity, will not be going to Archenland," Peter finished for me. My smile disappeared, "She has school in Tashbaan."
"She most definitely will be going to Archenland," Susan argued back.
"In that case," Irvin came up to us, "She should come to my place. My Father owns one of the grandest ships in Archenland and Verity here is quite fond of the sea."
"But we are on the sea at this moment," Armand protested, "She can see all she wants to hear."
"Well, there's more she can see at a harbour," insisted Irvin.

"Then I shall come too," Susan replied, smiling up at him.

"Didn't I make myself clear!" Peter exclaimed upset, "Verity is not going to Archenland!"
"Peter," sighed Andrew, "I think this is Verity's decision, not yours."
Finally, someone seemed to understand me.
"I am the oldest here," Peter said, "Don't you think I have the right to decide what should be the next step for Verity's life? And she needs a higher education, Drew."
"She will not go back to that school! We only agreed to one year!" Susan retorted.
"Of course, she will; she agreed to it before you put those foolish notions into her head!" Peter returned.
"Foolish notions, Peter Pevensie...." fumed Susan.
I sighed. Here we go again; I decided to slip off so no one would notice. Climbing below deck, I found myself in the storeroom. I leaned against a barrel. I didn't have any foolish notions. Peter had changed, we had used to get along so well, but now it's like all he wanted to hear was approval for his ideas.
What about mine? He had always said I was the smartest. Did he or Susan even care about what I had to say? But was I brave enough? I didn't want to hurt any of their feelings.
"Verity?" I could hear Lucy call.
"Down here," my voice croaked.
Not only was it Lucy, but also Edmund.
"Do you want to talk?" Lucy asked.
"Yes," I nodded, "It seems I can barely say anything anymore. Peter and Susan do it for me."
"What's going on?" Edmund asked.
"Easy," I laughed, "Peter has plans for my life, so does Susan, so do I and Aslan might even have another plan, which I'd take gladly."
Lucy patted my arm, "Do you really want to go back to Tashbaan, Key?"
"No," I shook my head, "It's too dangerous...."
"What?" Edmund asked.
I held my tongue.
"Is something wrong?" Lucy broke the silence.
"I'm a writer," I told her, "And Tashbaan, I just can't go back. As for Archenland, do I really want to be fought over by two young men? I want to rule with my siblings, which is what Aslan told me to do."
"You're a writer!" Exclaimed Lucy, she looked over at Edmund, "You know!"
"She told me a few days ago," Edmund said.
"But don't tell anyone. Armand and Irvin already know," I replied.
"Verity, are you in love?" Lucy asked curious.
I blushed, "With neither. Promise you won't tell about my book," I said, "solemnly promise?" I held up to my hand and she shook it. It was what we used to do as children. Oh, how I had loved those years.