Narnia: The Royal Advisor (Side Stories)

Unfavorable News (1.6)

The party was wonderful as I dances with Edmund and received congratulations from nearly every person in attendance, even the Prince of Calormen! I learned, however, just how dangerous he was when I was called to an emergency council meeting early the next morning.

I arrived a little later than the rest and bowed the the council before sitting down, next to Edmund and asked Peter, "What has happened, Your Majesty?"

With slight anger, trembling his voice he replied, "The giants have once again began stirring up trouble in the North."

I sighed, "Again? Won't they ever learn?"

Edmund took my hand, "I'm afraid that's not all."

I squinted, "What greater problem could there be besides the giants in the North?" I looked back at Peter, "Tell me."

Anger evident on his face he spoke as if the words were poison on his tongue, "Prince Rabadash has asked for Susan to return to Calormen with him and even extended and invitation to Prince Corin to join her; and she has agreed."

My eyes widened, "Sorry? Queen Susan has agreed to go to Calormen with Rabadash and recklessly take the prince of our closest ally as well? Has anyone tried talking Her Grace and the young prince out of it?"

Edmund spoke up, squeezing my hand, trying to comfort me in some way, "Peter and I both tried, however, even you know how stubborn she can be in her decisions and Prince Corin is not one to turn down a new adventure." Suddenly he delivered the horrible news, "Peter has no choice but to gather his forces and go north to deal with the giants. I have agreed to accompany Susan to Calormen to watch over her and Prince Corin."

I placed my other hand over his, "Please let me come with you."

He smiled sadly, "I wish you could, Emmaline, but without Peter, Lucy will need yours and the council's guidance to run Narnia while we are gone. I hate to do this, but our wedding shall have to be postponed until I return, with or without Susan."

Tears creeped into my eyes and I nodded, taking his face in my hands, "I understand, but at least take Mr. Tumnus with you. He will gladly watch out for Prince Corin while you watch over Susan."

Peter nodded, "That is an excellent suggestion."

Edmund nodded, "Then I will take him as well, if only to ease your concern for the safety of our mission."

Peter turned to the rest of the council, "Any other matter that demand our immediate attention?" With no answer Peter rose from his seat and the rest of us followed and he said, "Then this meeting is adjourned."

In the days that followed, I spent most of my time either crying at Lucy's side or brooding alone in my room. I saw off Peter's war party and prayed to Aslan to bring them back safely and only two days later the boat to Calormen was ready to set sail.

Lucy and I stood on the dock, side by side, saying our goodbyes. The hardest for her was to say goodbye to Tumnus, but he reassured her that he would return with Prince Corin and Edmund both. I subtly told Susan to be cautious as she was entering a very foreign land, I dropped a hint saying, "Men away from home act differently from when they feel safe and comfortable, Prince Rabadash is no different. Please for my sake, exercise caution."

She nodded warily, "I understand."

Next was Prince Corin, "You stay out of trouble, understand me? If I so much as hear otherwise then I will sail down to Calormen myself, wail on you, and then forcibly drag you across the desert to your father to receive punishment from him, understand?"

He shivered in fear, "Yes, milady."

I hugged him, "Good, then please promise me to enjoy yourself and be safe."

The prince returned my hug, shouting, "I promise," before following Susan and Tumnus on the ship. Last was Edmund and it took most of my willpower not to cry. He took my face in his hands, placing our foreheads together, "Do not worry about me, I promise to return to you and once I do we shall plan our wedding together however you want."

I kissed him and let him go, "You had better keep that promise, Your Highness. I shall be waiting."

As the ship pulled away from the harbor I felt a piece of my heart leave with it, my fiancé. I hadn't realized I was crying until Lucy comfortingly took my hand as tears rolled down her cheeks as well.

I smiled, squeezing her hand, "Well, my young queen, it is now just you and me, but have no fear we shall pray to Aslan that our family will return swiftly and safely and in the meantime, I will not leave your side."

She nodded through labored breaths, "Thank you, Emma, I am happy you are here with me." We stood there until the ship was out of sight and Lucy said, "I would like to return inside, please."

I nodded, "So would I."