Narnia: The Royal Advisor (Side Stories)

The Red Absence (1.4) Part 1

It was now thirteen years into the reign of the kings and queens whom ended the winter of the White Witch and the kings and are were conducting a meeting with the elders. Peter had just suggested that we allow the Prince Rabadash and his company to stay in Narnia for a couple of months in order to strengthen our relations with Calormen.

"Your Majesty," I blurted out, during his speech, "pardon my sudden outburst, but are you sure this is the best course of action? Prince Corin of Archenland will be arriving the day after tomorrow and King Lune is entrusting us with his son's safety. Are you sure that we can protect Prince Corin from the Calormenes?"

In a quick turnaround the High King snapped at me, "I don't believe I asked for your advice, Lady Emmaline."

With my feelings crushed I stood from the table, "I understand that you will no longer be requiring my assistance at these meetings. So, I shall excuse myself." I turned and bowed to Peter and Edmund as well as the rest of the Elders in the room, "Please excuse me, Your Majesty, Your Highness, My Lords."

I stormed out of the room and locked myself in my bedroom. I knew that this day would come, but I never thought that it would be so devastating. They no longer needed me to advise them anymore, which meant I no longer had any purpose in the Narnian court. 

I cried my eyes out feeling useless and like I was a burden to them now. I decided that as to not be a burden I would leave Cair Paravel. After drying my eyes I made my way down to the meadow, just outside the castle walls to speak in private with Mayberry. "My lady, are you alright, you look distraught," my noble, flying stallion asked.

"Aye, I was dismissed from the council chambers because I was trying to give advice where there was no need for any." I sighed, trying to push down the sadness in my throat, "I came to ask a favor of you."

"Of course, my lady, anything."

"You must keep this a secret from everyone, but I wish to leave the castle in secret so as to not be a burden on the kings and queens. Can you help me journey to the Dancing Lawn?"

Mayberry lowered her head, "I shall be sad to see you go, my lady. I am strong enough to fly you there alone, but not with any extra luggage."

"We will not be flying then. We shall travel along the ground, which will take a couple of days, and I shall allow you to return to the castle once I have arrived safely at the Dancing Lawn."

She nestled her muzzle against my chest sadly, "I understand, my lady, I shall remain silent about your plan to leave the Cair, but when are you planning on leaving?"

"The day after tomorrow, when the Prince Corin arrives in Narnia. Susan is planing on throwing a welcoming party for the Prince at nightfall. Once the party is in full swing I shall have Sir Kastor and Sir Hektor help me sneak out of the castle and I shall meet you near the western gate. Is that alright with you, Mayberry?"

"Of course, Lady Emmaline, I shall be waiting."

"See you then, my loyal friend."

She nodded before responding, "Sleep well, my lady."

Before returning to my room I went to find Sir Kastor and Sir Hektor out on the training grounds and relayed my plan to them as well. Both reluctantly agreed to help me with my plan and remain silent about the whole ordeal.

As I returned indoors, and stalked in silence up to my room, I found Edmund waiting patiently outside the door, "Your Highness?"

He looked up as I approached, "Emma, I came to apologize on Peter's behalf. You know that he didn't mean to upset you, right?"