Back in the Wardrobe

Chapter 7: A Dash of Love and Refusal

"Oh Caspian! What if something should happen to one of us during the battle?" Susan asked.

She and her love had snuck out of the strategy meeting, under the watchful eye of Peter. Currently, Caspian and Susan were laying in the orchard, Susan's head resting on Caspian's chest as he stroked her hair. 

"Don't worry, love, Aslan will protect us," Caspian reassured her, kissing her hand which was entwined with his. 

"I couldn't bear it if I lost you again," Suasn whispered.

Caspian twisted himself so he was looking her straight in the eye. "Nothing will ever separate us again," he said fiercely. 

Susan smiled, knowing that Caspian would make sure nothing would ever seperate them again. "My knight in shining armor."

Caspian grinned back at her. "My beautiful Queen."

The two leaned in for a kiss.

"Umm... I'll just tell Peter your busy," Lucy giggled, suddenly appearing from behind one of the apple trees.

Caspian and Susan broke apart. "What did Peter want?" Susan asked quickly.

"Something about Marilyn I believe. He said to make sure you all attend," Lucy told her older sister.

"Then we better go before Peter starts getting worried or starts assuming things," Susan stood up from her former, more comfortable, spot of laying across Caspian's chest. 

"Say Lucy, where is Nathan? I haven't seen him around much since Edmund beat him in the sparing contest," Caspian asked his future sister-in-law.

"I... I honestly don't know. He comes and goes. He always brings me back a flower," Lucy said, somewhat dreamily. Or what Susan took as being dreamily.

Susan and Caspian shared a knowing glance. Susan had told Caspian about what everyone thought Nathan was up to. At first, Caspian had the same reaction as Edmund : He wanted to teach him a lesson. But Susan told him that would anger Lucy, as she had no clue as to what was going on. 

The three made their way to the main tent, where everyone else ( Reeden, Edmund, Marilyn, Elizabeth, Peter, Nathan) were already gathered.

"Now that everyone is here," Peter said, sending a glance toward Susan and Caspian, "We need to discuss Marilyn's safety. If anything happens to her, we will have to chance of winning."

"We could have someone watch her," Elizabeth suggested to her fiance. 

"I'll do it," Reeden volunteered.

"No, I'll do it," Edmund said.

"Thanks for the offers,boys, but i'll have to refuse. I have my own means of protection from Aslan himself," Marilyn said.

Edmund and the others soon realized Marilyn was tougher than she appeared, as she showed them what they thought to be an ordinary sword.

The sword was a metal not even the dwarfs knew of. It was sharper than most, and could literally cut another sword in half. 

"See, I've got it covered," Marilyn smiled as Edmund stood gaping at the sword.

"Well then, I guess this meeting is adjourned," Peter said, also admiring the sword.

Lucy left the tent and was soon followed by Nathan. 

"Lucy, there is something I have been wanting to ask you," Nathan said.

"Lucy turned around, a strange, chilling smile on her face. "Yes Nathan, I know you are going to propose. But first, tell me this: Why propose to me when you have all the dryad's falling at your feet? Why prose to me when I saw you with that strange girl only this morning?" Lucy laughed mirthlessly.

"So you finally found out," Nathan said emotionlessly.

"I've know for a while. Now leave here at once," Lucy spat.

"And If I refuse to leave?" Nathan asked.

"Then we will make you," Edmund said, walking upon the scene with Caspian, Susan, Elizabeth, and Peter.

Nathan flinched. "I'll be going then."

The cheater fled, and Lucy's tears came.

"It's okay sis," Susan ran to comfort Lucy.

"I should have known he wouldn't change!" Lucy bawled.

"He isn't worth your tears," Elizabeth said.

Lucy wiped her eyes. "Your right, he's not. I won't let this drag me down." She then picked up her dagger and a bow and went to practice.

"Well, that went well," Edmund said.

Susan and Elizabeth looked at him. "She's hurt even though she's not showing it," Elizabeth said.

"Well, hopefully it won't be one her mind during the battle tomorrow," Edmund said.

Most of the others had forgotten that the battle was to be tomorrow. They quickly joined Lucy in practice, each now with their own set of fears.

Edmund, however, didn't join the practice. Instead, he went to sort some puzzling thoughts he had. He glanced at Marilyn, who was helping with swordsmanship. He knew he could never be more than friends with her, at least he thought so. 

Edmund glanced again at the strong willed girl in front of him. And he realized that he was feeling what he never expected to feel towards her. Love.