The High Queen II

A Younger Brothers Worries

As the three younger Pevensies walked a little behind Peter, Eleanor, Caspian, and Glenstorm, Lucy couldn't help but notice the way Caspian's attention kept wandering to Eleanor. His gaze wasn't subtle either, lingering a little too long whenever she spoke, a soft smile tugging at his lips whenever she made a comment. Lucy felt a giddy warmth rise inside her as she watched. There was something undeniably sweet about the way he looked at Eleanor.

Unable to contain herself, Lucy nudged Susan, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Look at Caspian! He's so obvious, isn't he?"

Susan followed Lucy's gaze and chuckled, noticing the way Caspian's entire posture seemed to shift whenever Eleanor spoke—like he was drawn to her presence. "Oh, definitely. It's about time someone showed an interest in Eleanor. She's always so focused on everything else; she deserves a bit of romance."

Lucy grinned, her heart swelling with enthusiasm. "They'd be perfect together, don't you think?"

Susan tilted her head, giving the idea some thought. "I think so. Caspian's strong, brave, and respectful. And clearly smitten. It might be good for Eleanor to have something else to think about for once. She's been so focused on the war and looking after all of us. Maybe Caspian's what she needs."

Before Lucy could reply, Edmund, walking just ahead, groaned and turned around to face his sisters, his eyes rolling in exasperation. "Oh, fantastic," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Just what we need—Caspian falling head over heels for Eleanor while we're trying to fight a war. As if she doesn't already have enough on her plate."

Lucy frowned, undeterred by her brother's tone. "Don't be like that, Ed. Wouldn't it be nice for Eleanor to be happy? She's done so much for us. She deserves this."

Edmund snorted, his protective instincts kicking in. "Right, because what we really need is a prince who's too distracted to notice we're surrounded by Telmarines. Brilliant timing. Really." He crossed his arms and huffed, as though the idea of Caspian and Eleanor together was the worst possible distraction.

Susan, always the more pragmatic of the three, gave Edmund a light shove on the shoulder. "You're just being overprotective, as usual. Eleanor's not some fragile little flower. She can handle herself. Besides, it's been ages since anyone's caught her attention. Let her enjoy it."

Edmund shot her an incredulous look. "Overprotective? I'm just trying to be realistic. You know how Ellie is. Stubborn as a mule, and her heart is already tied to this place. If she falls for him..." He trailed off, his voice dropping, betraying the deeper worry that gnawed at him. "What's going to happen when we have to go back to England? It'll tear her apart. Narnia's already in her blood, and if she falls in love, leaving will be even worse."

Susan's playful expression softened into something more serious. "She's strong, Edmund. She's always known what's best for her. Maybe Caspian will give her something she didn't even realize she needed."

Edmund's face remained tense, a mixture of frustration and concern etched across his features. "That's exactly what I'm worried about. If she gets too attached, how is she supposed to leave when the time comes? If Eleanor doesn't want to go back—if she can't—what are we supposed to do then?"

Lucy, who had been silently listening, glanced up at Eleanor ahead of them, her voice gentler now. "But maybe Caspian will make it easier for her to stay, to feel more at home. He's been through his own struggles, and he understands Narnia like she does. Maybe he'll help her find peace here, instead of constantly feeling like she has to be the one protecting everyone."

Edmund frowned, the conflict clear in his expression. "That's exactly what I'm afraid of, Lu. Eleanor's always been the one to put Narnia first. She's a natural leader, and if she falls for him—if she really cares about him—how is she going to leave? How are any of us going to convince her to leave? It's hard enough knowing she'd probably stay behind even without him." His tone turned darker, more protective. "What happens if she can't let go when we have to leave? What happens then?"

Susan folded her arms, her brow furrowing slightly. "You're not wrong to worry, Ed. Eleanor's always had a deep connection to this place, even more than the rest of us. But she's also smart, and she's always done what's right. If it comes down to it, she'll make the right choice, even if it's hard."

Edmund scoffed, shaking his head. "I'm not so sure. Eleanor doesn't let go easily. You've seen how she is. She's fierce, and stubborn, and when she cares about something—or someone—she fights for it. If she falls for Caspian... well, I just hope he understands what he's getting into. The last thing we need is her heart getting broken because of this mess."

Lucy's face softened, her usual optimism returning. "But wouldn't it be better for her to have someone like Caspian with her, especially if things get difficult? He's not just some distraction, Ed. He cares about Narnia too. Maybe it'll make them both stronger."

Edmund let out an exaggerated sigh, his sarcasm returning full force. "Oh, fantastic. Yes, because nothing says 'perfect timing' like falling in love in the middle of a war. Next thing you know, they'll be writing sonnets to each other while the Telmarines are storming the walls."

Susan chuckled, but her tone was more understanding now. "You're impossible, Ed. Maybe Eleanor deserves someone who looks at her the way Caspian does. She's done more than enough leading troops, planning strategies, and protecting all of us. Let her have this. Let her feel something that isn't just duty or responsibility."

Edmund's face softened, though his worry didn't fully disappear. "I'm not saying I don't want her to be happy. I just... I don't trust Caspian to keep his head straight. He's a prince, sure, but he's also young and..." His voice trailed off as he glanced toward Caspian. "I just don't want him getting distracted and messing everything up."

Lucy giggled, leaning closer to Susan. "I think it's sweet. Caspian looks at her like she's the most important thing in the world."

Edmund groaned again, though this time there was a slight hint of a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Great. And maybe they'll start exchanging love letters, too."

Susan nudged him, grinning. "You're just upset because you're not the only protective brother anymore."

Edmund shot her a look. "I'm not jealous. I just hope Caspian knows what he's getting into. Eleanor isn't the type to be swooned over, and if he starts doing anything ridiculous, like singing to her, I'm out."

Lucy giggled again, clearly enjoying Edmund's discomfort. "I don't think Eleanor would mind. She might even like it."

Susan laughed softly, her eyes sparkling. "Who knows, Ed? Maybe she'll surprise you. You've seen how well she gets along with Caspian."

Edmund huffed, glancing toward Eleanor and Caspian one last time, his expression still conflicted. "Right. Well, if he starts writing sonnets, I'm leaving."

Lucy and Susan exchanged amused glances as they continued walking, leaving Edmund to grumble to himself. Though they both could see his worries ran deeper than just overprotectiveness, they also knew that Eleanor was strong, and if anyone could navigate the complicated feelings that came with war, Narnia, and love—it was her