Back in the Wardrobe

Chapter 14: I.... I....

ONE CHAPTER AFTER THIS! Posted in honor of my b-day :)

"Lizzy, I can't do this," Susan said, worry in her voice.

"Don't worry Susan, it'll be fine. Trust me," Elizabeth smiled at her friend, placing her left hand reassuringly on her shoulder. The rings on Elizabeth's hands were shinning brightly, proudly. Peter and Elizabeth had been married a month and a half ago in a small ceremony.

Susan smiled back at her friend, still a bit worried. "If Elizabeth can do this, so can I," Susan thought. She wasn't sure why she was nervous. After all, she loved Caspian with her whole heart. Maybe in was something that happened to everyone before their wedding?

The music started, and so did the wedding. It went by in a flash, and before Susan knew it, it was time for the vows.

"Do you, King Caspian, take Queen Susan to be your lawfully wedded wife, in sickness and in health, till death do you part?"

"I do," Caspian's voice was strong and rang with emotion.

"And do you, Queen Susan, Take this man to be you lawfully wedded husband, in sickness and in health, as long as you both shall live?"

Susan looked around at all the faces staring at her. Some she didn't even know. It was pressuring her.

"I.... I... I.." She stammered.

Caspian looked at her reassuringly, a small smile on his face. Susan's nervousness melted.

"I do," She rang out just as strong, if not stronger, than Caspian.

And they were married. Susan smiled widely after her shared kiss with new husband.

The reception of the wedding began fine. Normal chatter filled the room and food was served. But Peter, being Peter, still couldn't stand that his sister was growing up. He found a server with cups of Archenland wine, and started toasting to anything that he could. Including his wife's hair, much to Elizabeth's embarrassment.

Susan was embarrassed by her brother's rambling, while Lucy and Edmund were amused.

Edmund went out to the balcony to escape Peter for a few moments. As funny as Peter was, Edmund needed a break. All those girls in there, throwing themselves at him. It made him sick. He still was in love with Marilyn. How could he not be?

Although it had been months, he still longed to see her, to feel her hand in his or her lips on his. Some days, when he was alone, he thought he could hear her laugh. Sometimes, he saw her smile.

"Last time I saw you, you were in Khakis," a voice whispered jokingly from behind.

Edmund turned around quickly. A shimmering figure was before him.

"Marilyn?" He asked, shocked.

The figured gave her signature sad smile.

"Marilyn!" Edmund exclaimed, embracing the shimmering figure.

"Oh Ed! I've missed you so much!" Marilyn said, burying her head into his chest. "But I can only stay for a little bit."

"I wish you could stay forever," Edmund sighed sadly.

"I do too," Marilyn said, kissing him lightly.

Edmund spent quite a while talking with Marilyn, surprisingly no one coming out to the balcony.

-

Aslan appeared at the wedding, wishing to speak to Susan and Caspian privately. The guests of the wedding didn't want the bride and groom t just leave, however. But Aslan convinced them it would only take a second. 

They headed out to the gardens, below the balcony. "What is it Aslan?" Susan asked, nervous something awful had happened. 

"Dear one, do not worry. I come bringing good news," The lion smiled.

He whispered something to Caspian that made him grim like a fool.

Then he turned to Susan and told her the same thing. Susan squealed with joy.

"Are you telling the truth?" Susan wanted to verify, the shock and joy hitting her.

The Lion smiled. "Yes, Susan, I am. The doctor was incorrect to think the cordial would not fix that as well. You can be a mother."

-

"H-here's to.... Here's to you sir," Peter hiccuped, toasting to an Archenland dignitary. 

Lucy laughed at her brother. It reminded her of his 25th birthday party in the golden ages. He was so silly when he drank to much.

She looked at the rest of the party, a bit of sadness in her eyes. Sure she was happy for her sister, but why was she made to be alone? Why couldn't she have someone to dote upon her the way Caspian doted on  Susan, and Peter did to Elizabeth. She would even rather be in Edmund's shoes. to have loved truly, than to be in her own.

Nathan. At least now he couldn't break anyone else's hearts. Lucy realized she had never loved him. It had been a crush, but not love. 

She decided to focus on the positive, to laugh a little. So she watched and chuckled at Elizabeth's embarrassment at her husband's state. 

-

Susan and Caspian, overjoyed, ran smiling back into the party. Lucy noticed right away.

"What's got you all excited," She asked, raising an eyebrow.

Susan whispered the news to her sister.

"Yes!" Lucy screamed loudly. 

The people turned at looked at the youngest queen. Now, I should probably tell you that no one besides the family had know about Susan's condition. 

She quickly blushed and dropped her voice. She hugged her sister and brother-in-law.

"I expect lots of nieces and nephew," She said in a teasing voice.

Caspian wrapped his arm around Susan's waist. The gentle queen smiled.

"I promise. Lots and lots."

-

"Goodbye Edmund," Marilyn whispered as the shimmers started to disappear. 

"Goodbye," He murmured sadly, feeling her hand slowly disappear from his. 

He looked at the spot where his love had just been standing, wishing she was still there. He prayed silently to Aslan, asking for any sort of way to be with her. 

He kissed his fingertips ands held them to his heart. Then he silently went back into party.