With Courage [King Caspian X OC]

Chapter 33

Caspian had never been a fan of dances. Under Miraz's rule they were stoic affairs, filled with pointed comments regarding his father and an implacable sympathy he wouldn't understand for years. It was only when his cousin was born and Doctor Cornelius helped him flee the castle that he could place it; all of them had seen Miraz for who he was and his intentions clear as day. When they looked at Caspian, they saw a gravestone, not a future king.

The situation improved somewhat when he was crowned. He would take an insistent Lord over a murderous one any day, but he did wonder how it must feel not to have the details of his life sharpened to a potential political weapon. To walk through a room without every eye on you. Part of him hated himself for inviting Amber into such a life, but her introduction into Narnian society was the resounding success he knew it would be.

It was, in part, thanks to the years he spent relaying to anyone who would listen the tale of their voyage, and his inability to disguise his feelings when recounting the story. His lack of betrothal had added fuel to the rumours he had no desire to quash, if only to frustrate Wellin, and soon Amber had become a figure of myth in their history much like the Pevensies were.

That night, they spoke of art and music and sailing while skirting around the details regarding the nature of their relationship. She was shy yet playful, passionate and curious, and he enjoyed watching the light in his guests' eyes grow brighter with each passing comment. She would squeeze his arm subtly when he needed to intervene. And when she lay her shoulder against his, having been overwhelmed with the names and titles of more than half the room, he knew it was time to leave.

After five years, one of his favourite freedoms as King – which he had used more often than strictly necessary – was the ability to end a ball with a simple nod to the doorman. He did so then, watching the order travel to Helvitt and the rest of the staff, undulating like a wave of quiet action through the room. A bell was rung, the doors swung open, and the band began a sweet melody to see them on their way.

Goodbyes and well wishes were extended with excessive grace. Many appraised him differently – a kinder smile, a friendlier tone. They knew their King was human of course, but that night he had openly displayed his joy and his want as openly as any man would. There was a vulnerability in such a simple display of humanity. He found that he quite enjoyed it.

As the final guests trickled out, Caspian was unwilling to say goodbye to Amber again just yet. It felt unfair to have her so close yet so emotionally far away. Knowing nothing of her journey, her wellbeing, beyond the most surface level information was maddening.

They snuck onto the balcony and watched the final carriages leave Cair Paravel. Footmen begun dousing the candles that hung suspended along the path like stars, while maids began disassembling the towers of glasses inside, softly clinking together as they walked.

"I still can't quite believe you're here." He said softly.

She could tell. With every brush of her arm and the intensity of his gaze, as if she would disappear the moment he looked away, she could feel the disbelief in his actions.

His eyebrows furrowed. "I never should have let Aslan send you back." The rough stone of the balcony scraped his hand as he flexed and clenched his fist against it, an anger turned inward. He spoke in a rush, "I should have fought for you, I should have stopped it. If he comes again, I... I won't give you up. Not again. Never again."

"There was nothing you could have done, Caspian. Aslan was right, I had to go back." She covered his hand with hers, trying to smooth the tension in his white-knuckled grip. "He actually... he was here. Last night."

Panic blew his eyes wide. "What did he say? He's not sending you back, is he?"

"No! The opposite. I'm staying for good." She replied quickly.