Narnia: the untold tale

Edmund

The problem with ruling a country that was in complete and utter disarray not even a year before, is that it got overwhelming. Especially since the diplomats and royalty had arrived. Lately he'd even taken to coding his journal with words from England and Earth. Though that last part was probably just paranoia on his part.

Maybe it was because Lucy had been so young when they left so she hadn't been educated in history. Because of this she didn't know how practically every child ruler ever's reign ended horribly. Like country going into complete disarray for a good century or so bad. It could also be the fact that she was the youngest and theoretically the most innocent. Either way Lucy was always the bouncing light of their family. Always happy and joyful and excited.

Maybe that's why it took him so long to realize that something was wrong.

Lately she had become more withdrawn, it had happened slowly so none of her friends or family would notice. They hadn't, in fact, and it was only the remark of a visitor that had taken him by surprise.

"That was queen Lucy I suppose" Edmund had hummed in acknowledgement "I thought she'd be more... I don't know, bouncy?"

"And why would you think that good sir?"

"Well an acquaintance visited you a while back and he told stories of the queen's boundless energy. Is something wrong?"

"No, my royal sibling is simply tired. There was a great party last night"

Except Lucy never got tired. She was like any other child with boundless energy after a full rest. He had spent the rest of the day pondering her strange demeanour. Edmund still hadn't quite figured out what was going on but he had a good enough idea. After all even Lucy would be subjected to the pressures and expectations of the crown. She had been no more ready for it then the rest of them when it had been given.

So the Just King found himself hovering outside his little sister's room. Almost knocking, then deciding against it before the cycle repeated itself. Until finally the door opened of its own accord and there stood Lucy.

"You've been pacing outside my room for ages and the clicking noise that your boots make is annoying. So are you going to come in or what?"

Edmund squeaked a bit before walking in, cheeks aflame at being caught, as Lucy stepped aside. Her room was decorated in gold and red and overflowing with plants and paper. Her curtains were drawn back all the way so to let as much light as possible in through the pained windows. The balcony doors were open so he imagined she had been stargazing before he distracted her. He might have to join her at some point, you could never see the stars properly in London.

"So what is it that troubles you brother dear?"

"Actually" he began "I believe I am the one supposed to be asking you that"

For a moment his sister wavered, clinging desperately to the mask she showed to foreigners. But she was still a child and that barrier crumbled quickly. He was thankful that they had both sat down as the force from when Lucy launched herself at him would have certainly knocked them both over.

The tears that had been welling in her eyes were now staining his tunic but Edmund couldn't find it in himself to care. All that mattered was that his little sister needed someone to comfort her and he was the person there. He couldn't quite tell how much time passed like this but he was quite certain it was a large amount. Finally Lucy pulled back and wiped her eyes.

"Oh Lu, what's wrong"

"It's... it's so very silly. It's just..." She faltered there but Edmund was solving this problem right there and then.

"If it's troubling you then it can't be silly"

"It's just, what if we end up like the witch? I've read stories where power went to people's heads and that could happen to us. I mean we could hurt Mr. Tummnus and the Beavers"

He could almost laugh "Oh Lucy, it's because you're so worried that you won't. I mean, I don't think the witch cared for anyone but herself and if that's the case you're about as far from her as anyone could get"

"Really?" She looked up at him with big watery eyes.

"Really." He confirmed

"Thank you Edmund"

She hugged him again but this time with much less tears. The king contented himself with wrapping his arms around her once more. Maybe one day he could make up for all the hurt he had done her. Tonight was just a small step towards that goal.

The next morning Edmund found her chatting with the mermaids in one of the pools that were drawn up from the ocean. All seemed to be well again.