The Naiad and Her King

Chapter 21

The Naiad Trilogy

Part 2: The Naiad and Her King

Chapter 21

Ava lay on the floor of the State Room on her back. Her damp hair was splayed across her serene face, and her eyes were closed softly. She looked as if she could be sleeping, but when Caspian called her name she did not stir in the least. Caspian rushed to her side and placed a hand to her throat; her skin was warm and he felt the small thump-thump of her pulse. He visibly relaxed and let out the breath he had been holding.

"She's alive," he said, "but maybe we should give her some cordial anyways. It could still be the poison." Before Caspian could even finish his sentence, Lucy was already heading to the cabinet. Caspian turned his attention back to Ava.

He brushed aside the hair from her face to see a vision of beauty. She had to wake up. She had to make it through this. He could never forgive himself for letting her go off alone, if she didn't wake from this. As he waited for Lucy to return, he wondered briefly if he would feel this way if Liliandil were in Ava's place. He knew instantly that he would not. There could be no substitute for Ava in his heart.

"Here, open her mouth a little," Lucy said as she knelt on the other side of Ava. Caspian quickly obeyed and Lucy let a single drop fall. Caspian cradled Ava's head in his arms and waited anxiously for her to wake; gently stroking her cheek as he waited.

"Come on Ava, please wake up," Caspian urged.

"You need to be prepared, Caspian. She might have to sleep for a few days like she did on the Lone Islands."

No sooner had Lucy said that though and they both heard the faint whisper of a Lion's roar. They looked around the cabin for Aslan but saw nothing. Their attention was quickly brought back to Ava when they heard her mumble something indistinctly. Her eyes fluttered a few times before opening fully. Her blue orbs immediately found Caspian, and she smiled faintly. Caspian helped Ava sit up before pulling her to his chest and embracing her tightly.

"You've got to stop doing that, Ava," he muttered.

She let out a breathy laugh. "I'm sorry, but really, it wasn't my doing this time. Aslan called me away."

"Aslan?" Lucy questioned.

"Yes I...I had to do something." Ava pulled back from Caspian to look into his eyes. "There's something I need to tell you," she said to him.

"There is something I wish to say too. Please, may I go first?"

"Caspian, I..."

"Please, Ava, before I lose the courage." Ava smiled and relented with a nod.

"You were right; Liliandil is beautiful and she would make a great Queen."

Ava said nothing and showed no sign that Caspian's words had any effect on her.

Caspian continued without pause. "But, she is not the Queen I want. I love you, Ava. You are the epitome of beauty. Ava..."

"Caspian—"

"—Please, let me finish." Ava pressed her lips together in a tight line. "There are no words to describe how strong my love is for you, or how it grows stronger with each passing day. Ava, if you will not be my Queen, then I will choose to have no Queen because I know I could never love her. I know what it is I ask of you, but I could never love another more than I love you."

Caspian fell silent but Ava did not respond immediately; she waited a few seconds before saying, "May I speak now?" Caspian gave a single nod of his head.