Finding the Queen of Old

What The Future Holds

Things progressed normally over the next few days. Lucy had taken to showing Tumnus around, though to them even he appeared human. Peter was..reaquainting himself with Felicity, and Ed and Leah still were not speaking about the kiss, though they continued to talk as to not raise suspicions about what happened. 

Susan was entering her fourth month, and it was showing. Dark marks formed faintly above her lips and under her eyes. She was also beginning to devour whatever she could find to eat. Caspian put up with her even when Lucy became frustrated, showing his concern and love.

On a more pleasant day, Susan decided to get the whole group out of the house. She had remained inside most days, with Lucy and Edmund doing the shopping. Leah and Felicity couldn't join them, however, as they had other plans. 

Susan stretched her back carefully. She looked at everyone, realizing that without them she could have been with James still, or even have lost her life in one of his abusive rampages. She had to push aside her thoughts if him more and more this past month, the bliss of Caspian's return no longer being able to fully mask the damage James had caused her. She even felt herself tense when he would take her hand or drape his arm over her shoulders. But if he noticed it, he said nothing. After all, she could take care of this on her own. She didn't need to burden him more. 

"And then Ed thought he could climb the tree and get his kite. Mother was furious when he came home all bruised and scratched," Lucy's giggle brought Susan back to the conversation they had while out on their stroll. 

Caspian and Peter bit back a laugh while Tumnus, who they all started calling Thomas in public, let loose a snort. 

Susan shook her head at them, though she was glad that everyone was happy.

They turned the corner to head home when Susan felt a tug on her dress.

"Ahh Missy. I see many things in your future," A woman said. Her hair was dark, covered with a blue bandanna, and draped over her tan shoulders in small waves. The white and black outfit she wore made Susan recognize her occupation right away. A fortune-telling gypsy.

Susan smiled tightly. "Not interested." She motioned for them to keep walking.

"But what if it came from Aslan himself?" She turned to see the woman smirk, and eyebrow raised. "That's right, you heard me."

Susan narrowed her eyes. "And how am I supposed to trust this?"

The gypsy's face took on a cocky expression. "I guess you just have to have faith in me. After all, hasn't he been silent to you these past few days, Gentle Queen?"

Lucy interrupted before Susan could respond. "I'll listen if she won't."

"Thank you little Valiant one. But the news is about her, so I believe it should be accepted by her." The woman then walked up to Edmund. 

"Ah, woman troubles in your life? Well, if you need any company I have a room at the local inn. Drop by for a visit sometime, sweetie." She winked, and when Edmund squirmed we let out a rolling laugh.

Turning her attention back to Susan, she smiled genuinely. "Now, Kitten, will you hear what I have to say?"

Susan nodded, still watching the woman warily. Feeling Caspian's arms wrapped around her did nothing to soothe her nerves at this point.

"Calm down, I don't bite." The gypsy shook her head, "And you can call me Isabela. I doubt this will be the last time we speak. Now, Aslan told me something... ah yes! "To the gentle queen: Be cautious now, for dangers lurk where you least expect them. Hold tightly to those you trust, but beware a traitor that will cause the harm of your new family. Oh! and it's a boy," Isabela finished with a mock bow.

Susan's head swam. A traitor amidst them? What could happen to them here in England? A better still, why was Aslan not communicating with them directly? But her thoughts soon cleared out when she realized what Isabela said. A boy. Her child was a boy!

Caspian placed a hand gently on her stomach, as if to see if it was real. Susan smiled lovingly at him, still not able to understand how he helped her so willingly. 

"Thanks! Was there anything else?" Lucy thanked her. 

"No, but when you meet with me, I suggest you do not bring the girls who trail behind you."

"Leah and Felicity?" Peter asked, finally stopping glaring long enough to speak. 

"Yes, kitten. One of them will be the traitor." Her voice hung over them as they all grew silent.

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AN: Wow... *Hides because its been so long*