Narnia: The Royal Advisor (Side Stories)

Dread and War (1.7)

Weeks and months would go by with out so much as a single word from either the north or far south. When there were no council meetings, Lucy could be found in either the palace gardens or out on the balcony, overlooking the sea, hoping to see Narnian sails peek over the horizon.

I wasn't going to lie, I did the same thing whenever I was feeling desperate. However I spent my free time practicing with the knights and soldiers and of course dealing with matters of the court.

My favorite new pastime has been deciding where and what I wanted for my wedding. I knew Edmund would return to me, I just had to wait.

One particular day, both Lucy and I were on the balcony, overlooking the sea. She asked me, "Emma, when you marry Edmund, do you want a throne made for you? You will be a queen after all."

I thought about it, "No, I do not want to be called queen. I do not deserve the honor. I abandoned Narnia and it's people believing them not to need me anymore. Besides, having a new throne made would mean moving around the thrones already there and I don't want to mess up the symmetry."

She giggled and I chuckled. She looked up at me, "You know that none of the Narnians blame you for leaving and even rejoiced once you returned. I wouldn't mind calling you Queen Emmaline."

I shook my head, returning her gaze, "No, my young queen, I don't think I want to be a queen. When I marry Edmund I shall make that quite clear to all the Narnians. I am no queen and do not wish to be called as such. I am happy where I am now, Royal Advisor and first lady of the court. Calling me a queen just wouldn't sound right to me." I looked out at the horizon and saw something. My eyes widened, "Kastor, fetch me a spyglass, immediately!"

"Yes, my lady!"

As Kastor ran off Lucy asked, "What? What do you see?"

I pointed to the horizon, "I think I see sails peeking along the horizon."

She must have seen it and went to run down to the docks, but I grabbed her, "Wait my queen, we don't know if it's friend or foe." She stopped and I said gravely, "It could also be foe disguised as friend."

She nodded and Kastor came back with a spyglass. I took it and spied the vessel, "Well, it's our ship and flying Narnian colors, but I don't want to take any chances. Sir Kastor gather 300 of our best soldiers, tell them to arm themselves. We shall go to greet them at the docks. I also want all men on the walls, ready for any kind attack or confrontation. I'll be in command at the docks and Sir Hektor shall be in charge of the castle's defenses should we fall on the sand."

He nodded, taking the spyglass back, "Yes, my lady."

I looked back to Lucy, "Oreius!" He galloped over, "Yes, my lady?"

"Take the queen and 20 good soldiers to the throne room. You are not allowed to leave her side."

"Yes, my lady. Come your highness."

I looked down at the mature young woman, "You have nothing to fear, my queen. Now go."

She hugged me, "Be careful."

I hugged her back, "I will."

She finally released me and went with Oreius as I made my way down to my men. I put on my armor and strapped on my weapons, marching with my men down to the docks and stood there waiting as the ship came closer and closer, "Archers! Nock!"

As the ship came to dock I called, "Take your aim!" I drew my own arrow as Kastor drew his sword only to gasp in surprise as King Edmund and Tumnus were the first off the boat. 

"Lower your weapons!" Edmund commanded, "I don't feel like getting shot today!"

I smiled and dropped my bow only to run down the dock and leap into his arms, "I missed you!"

"I missed you as well, Emma, but there is no time to catch up on lost time. We  must call a council meeting immediately."

I nodded, "Kastor, send word to Hektor to disarm, the king has returned and call the councilors."

"Yes, my lady," he answered as he took off on horseback to the castle.

I turned back to the ship, "Has Susan returned with you?"

My question was answered as the woman herself leaned over the bow, "Yes I have, and you were right, Rabadash lot his charm as soon as he was comfortable in his own country. Prince Corin has returned with us as well."

I smiled, "You have no idea how much joy that brings me."

Edmund suddenly grabbed my shoulders, "Yes, but we must be ready for anything. We left Calormen under the cover of night without anyone's permission. They might feel disrespected and invade Narnia in order to return the favor which is why we need to mobilize."

I nodded as Philip and Mayberry were brought to us and we rode swiftly to the castle to draw up battle plans. We set up a blockade in the harbor and sent word to King Lune by griffin as to the danger he will most likely face. In these tense situations is when I thrived, I remained cool under pressure and decide to take a squadron south to be prepared for word from Archenland or undesirable invasion from Caloremenes.

Just as I was about to leave, Edmund stopped me, "Be careful, I don't want to lose you before I see you walk down the aisle in white."

I rolled my eyes, "Who says I'll be in white? But you have nothing to worry about from me, my sweet. I am the Red Lady after all."

He smirked, "Of course, but I still worry."

I nodded, placing my hand on the side of his face, "I know the feeling. Lucy and I worried for you and Susan every day you were gone. Have no fear, my love, we will fight to defend our country and our allies in Archenland. Now I must go."

Edmund nodded and I trotted away on Mayberry alongside both of my most trusted knights.