Cressida's whole world is one frozen prison.
The land of Narnia was long ago plunged into eternal winter by the White Witch, Jadis Queen of Narnia. The powerful sorceress who stole Cressida from her home and her people. Cressida is little more than...
I feel the long grass move fluidly around my shins as I dip into a curtsy, head bowed, legs straining, and back protesting.
"Rise, child, be at peace."
"Thank you, your Majesty."
"It relieves me to see you freed, Princess Cressida."
"You know who I am."
"Of course." The lion smiles. "I only wished I could have helped you sooner, but everything happens in its proper time."
"Nine years she held me," I sigh, "Your Majesty, do you know anything of my family?"
"In your homeland, the late King Erato was succeeded by his eldest son, King Eroan the steadfast, and Queen consort Brydia of House Cetae."
"My father is dead."
"Yes, child, he passed two years ago."
It's sad, knowing he's gone, but in a way, I barely know him anymore. I can't remember the sound of his voice or the smell of his clothes. I've lived more of my life remembering him than with him.
"My other brothers and my mother?"
"Your mother and all but one of your other brothers are alive and well; your brother Daysus set sail looking for you and never returned."
Again, Daysus' death hits me as a sad thing; another member of the family I cherished lost, but he feels so removed from me. I'm surprised he was the one to look for me. He hardly paid attention to me while I was there.
"I am sure, child, when all is said and done, you will see them again."
"Thank you, Aslan."
"Now, remember, Princess, it is your choice to fight; no one expects it of you."
"I have to. I expect it of myself, Your Majesty; for years, I've watched her torture and kill with no remorse, and it has to end."
"You could make a great leader one day, Princess, should you choose."
"Thank you, Aslan," I curtsy again and turn to leave, "please don't tell the others who I am. I'm not ready to be a Princess again."
"You have my word; now go eat and rest."
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The Pevensies are sat on plush cushions around a low table. They're arguing about something as I approach, and Peter has a concerned look on his face. Clearly, his siblings aren't agreeing with him.
"Lucy, it's too dangerous. You almost drowned; Edmund was almost killed!"
"Which is why we have to stay." Edmund offers calmly.
"I'm sorry to interrupt," I say quietly, choosing to talk normally. They deserve that.
Peter shoots his gaze up to mine and moves to stand.
