This is the tale of a journey that takes Luna not only to discover the world beyond Narnia's borders; she will find a purpose that goes deeper than protecting her king.
» That's why. I can't protect you the way I should... « As she looks into his ey...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
The next morning, they remain undisturbed. Despite still being tired, Luna cannot return to sleep once she opens her eyes. At least Caspian barely stirs as she crawls out of bed to take a look out the window. Grey clouds hang over the hills, obscuring the rising sun. Its light is not yet strong enough to color them orange and pink. The Crown Shield shrugs and pulls her tunic over the crinkled blouse – scrunching up her face at her sore side – as a single knock sounds from the door. After a glance at Caspian to make sure he is not stirring, she quietly opens. Trumpkin smiles and is quick to slip past her inside the room. Luna watches his steps falter upon spotting the king, yet she does not feel caught or embarrassed, simply...curious about their old friend's reaction. The dwarf, however, coughs lightly, eyes glimmering with a relieved smile as he turns to her. No accusation or judgement can be found on his features, nor surprise – which surprises Luna. Then again, their closest friends probably knew of their feelings for one another. They haven't exactly always been subtle, especially not Caspian, not at the beginning. It doesn't matter, but Trumpkin is still here for a reason. She nods towards the still ajar door. They should talk outside to let the king rest.
Luna suppresses a yawn as she follows her friend down the corridor. After a stretch of silence, Trumpkin finally speaks,
» You know of the suitors. « It was no question. After the events of the previous evening, everyone knows of the council's ultimatum. Caspian must choose a bride and marry within the year – that leaves barely five months. The dwarf glances at her to gauge her reaction. Luna feels no worry, not even jealousy. A few months ago she would have been shocked at the mere suggestion, but now... Now, she has seen and endured too much to not stand to her feelings. Plus, being engaged, even only for days she spent conscious, does something to a person's heart and mind. Though, she wishes she still had the ring Caspian slid onto her finger that evening on the Lone Islands. Marriage, however, does still frighten her. Or less the marriage as the wedding and what it entails. If she is to marry Caspian, the King of the Narnian Empire, she will inevitably become its queen. That worries her.
Trumpkin's hand on her arm pulls her from these thoughts. His lips are parted as if to say something, but he simply studies her. She holds his gaze, silently telling him what she expects him to already have figured. The dwarf nods, more to himself, and leads them back down the same corridor they just came from,
» He shall not wake alone. « Then, his playful tone fades to a serious one, imploring even,
» Stay with him, Luna. « Frowning, she glances at the older. Why would he say that? That is what she has always done and what she will continue to do. Maybe she was born for it. Before she can say anything – they nearly reached her chamber – he turns to her again, catching her gaze.
» He saw you in a deathly sleep, weeks long. You must understand he will always seek you, protect you, more than ever after he nearly lost you, « the dwarf's brow furrows,
