The Cold and the Just | E. Pevensie

XI

Edmund didn't want to leave me, but with a small nod in his direction, he did as I wanted and left with his siblings, leaving Caspian and I alone.

Neither of us spoke.

I breathed deeply and waited for him to yell at me, to scold me, to banish me away again.

But he didn't.

"(Y/N)..." Caspian mumbled, running a hand through his dark locks. "(Y/N), I'm...I'm glad your back."

My heart jumped with joy and I smiled. "I'm glad as well-"

"We can use you in the war against Miraz."

My heart sank, but anger overcame my sorrow. "Excuse me? I am not just a pawn in your chess game, Caspian. I'm still a person!"

My brother nodded, turning away from me. "I know, (Y/N), I didn't mean it like that. I just...you're so powerful. It's something I must get used too."

I sucked in my breath and stayed quiet, letting him continue.

"Remember when we were children? How you would run off through the meadows and I would have to find you. We would get lost in the flower gardens and lay in the sun, for hours," Caspian said softly. "You're not the fragile little sister I remember."

I stepped towards him. "But I'm still your sister. Though not by blood, our relationship is strong, Caspian. Don't let this small difference in me change anything.

"I taught you to fight with a blade," Caspian responded, ignoring my comment. "Yet you don't even need a weapon.  You are one."

I angrily stepped forward, a groan arising in my throat. I wanted to scream at him how I wasn't a weapon, I didn't want to harm anyone - but before I could say a word he turned around and embraced me in a hug.

"You're powerful, (Y/N). You're beautiful and powerful and fit to be a ruler. I'm sorry for the drama I've caused," Caspian spoke into my shoulder, his voice quiet and sincere. "You're right. I'm still you're brother, and I won't turn on you again."

I breathed a sigh of relief and let my shoulders relax. Suddenly, Caspian pulled away and a nervous look set across his face.

"Now, what's going on with you and Edmund?"

My cheeks reddened and I looked away, not answering. Though I couldn't help but smile -  Caspian was back to being the protective older brother I knew him to be.

"(Y/N), get Edmund. Send him in, we need to speak," Caspian muttered, his chest puffing out with air.

I quickly exited the cavern and dashed down the hall, looking for Edmund. I found him quite quickly, for he was standing near the doorway, leaning himself against the cave wall.

"(Y/N)! Are you okay? How did it go?" Edmund asked me, taking my hands in his.

"Everything is better between Caspian and I," I said, "but he wants to speak with...with you. About us."

After my statement was said, all of the color left Edmund's face.

"Oh."

I nodded. "Yes."

"Well-" he started, "I guess I should-"

I quickly pecked him on the lips. "Come on, you'll be fine."

Edmund was stunned for a second, but a grin slowly formed on his face. "You know, I feel better now...but not completely. Maybe you should kiss me again-"

I laughed and pushed him away. "After you're done speaking with Caspian. Now go!" I giggled, sending him towards where Caspian was.

Edmund's POV
I tried to steady my breathing as I walked away from Y/N, but my efforts mostly failed. For one, I was worried about speaking to Caspian, and two, I sure enjoyed kissing Y/N...but I couldn't think about that right now.

Come on, Ed, you've fought in battles against fierce monsters, speaking to your girlfriend's brother won't be that hard!

Hm...girlfriend. I like the sound of that.

I stood up straighter as I entered the cavern where Caspian stood.

"Hello, Edmund," he spoke, his voice calm and low.

"Hello, Caspian. (Y/N) said you wanted to speak with me?"

He merely nodded and walked closer to me, his hand tracing the edge of the stone table as he walked.
"I've seen the way you two look at each other. Tell me, what do you feel for (Y/N)?"

I gulped, noticing Caspian's sword was strapped to his belt.

Y/N promised to kiss me after this conversation is over...I can do this.

"I think she's a beautiful young woman with outstanding intellect and skills. She's determined, kind, powerful, and...she makes me happy."

Caspian nodded and thought my answer over. "I think the same of her. But what do you feel, Edmund?"

Somehow I gained a surge of courage and answered,

"I love her."

Caspian's eyes grew wide and he stepped back in surprise. "You've known her for only a few days. Love is a strong word."

I nodded, looking everywhere but Caspian's eyes. "I know. But we've faced life-threatening challenges together. Anyone could form a bond as strong as ours after what we've been through."

Caspian breathed deeply, again not answering right away. "And how do you think she feels about you?"

"I think- I think she feels the same as I do," I replied, my stomach twisting. I hoped Y/N felt the same way...

"I do, Caspian."

Y/N's voice echoed off the stone walls. She stood in the doorway, watching us. I grinned.

She loves me.

She loves me.

"You do?" Caspian asked, looking between us. "You both feel...the same toward each other?"

She grabbed my hand as I nodded at Caspian. "Yes," we answered, together.

"Well," her brother spoke, "then I hope you two the best. Just do me a favor and don't kiss in front of me."

u p d a t e d !!!!!
Kind of a boring chapter, but cute, I guess. The next chapter will be more intense, I think.
Anyway, I hope y'all enjoyed and I'll try my best to update more regularly...we'll see how that goes.
~ Later Gators ~