The Prince, The Girl And The Lion (Prince Caspian Fanfic)

Chapter 20. "Forever May They Reign."

Hey guys!

Happy New Year! How is 2022 treating you?

So, I have finally finished chapter 20, which is arguably one of the most important of this fic. I will not get into it, because it's been too long and you guys want to keep on reading but let me just tell you that I'm so excited about the final chapters. It's going to be so good!

Also, we finally have the coronation!!

Disclaimer: All of which you recognize from the books and movies, it's not mine. 

Cheers for reading!!

Chapter 20. "Forever May They Reign."

"If you thought this has a happy ending, you obviously haven't been paying attention." - Tyrion Lannister, Game of Thrones.

Waking up first was a true privilege for Beth.

Not that sleeping next to Edmund was anything other than a blessing. Ever since that night in which Beth opened up more than she had in a long time, she had woken up to warm, comforting hands running smoothly up and down her back. For the week after that night, she had woken up to sleepy, warm brown eyes smiling at her. She had woken up feeling loved, cherished, accompanied.

It was the most rest she had gotten in a lifetime.

But then, the morning of the coronation arrived and the implications of that event were clear in Beth's mind. She was no longer a relatively passive agent in Narnia's politics. So far, she had been able to pretend she had no relevant pull in the twists and affairs of the Narnian court. She had saved Narnia, yes, but so had Caspian - the prince who had actually began this whole revolution. She had travelled far to help, yes, but so had the Legendary Kings and Queens of Old.

So far, she had been able to pretend she was small in comparison to her family. If anything, she was feared by the Telmarines and intimidating to the Narnians so the spotlight was never truly on her. Only the prophecies seemed to be focused on her and really, how much could they matter in comparison to the iconic tales of the Pevensie and Caspian?

In any case, nothing was meant to last. Including her fantasies.

Because as of that day, she was no longer passive. She was no longer aided by the shadows that were the secrets related to her identity.

She was becoming High Queen Elizabeth of Narnia, Daughter of Aslan and Saviour of Narnia.

And no one who had more titles than names was meant to fit in the shadows.

When thinking about the pressures of that day, the fact that she had managed to wake up before Edmund was not in the least surprising.

But at least, she could get to enjoy the moment first.

Making sure she was completely still, Beth slowly studied her boyfriend's features, marvelling at how for once, he was loose and serene, not in control.

His pale cheeks were slightly blushed. His raven hair tousled and messy lay across the cream pillowcase. He was wearing a white night shirt, its collar slightly opened so Beth could take a peek at his marble, warm skin. His chest rose slowly, his breaths coming out in soft, tender puffs. One of his arms was bent under his pillow, supporting his head, while the other was snuggly wrapped around Beth's waist, keeping her close to him.

Beth was almost scared to move, her heart quickening as the beauty of her love dawned on her in a way it hadn't before. How marvelous it was, to love someone and be loved in return. How beautiful it was, to be able to have these moments, to be in such a level of comfort with someone that it allowed for these moments of complete and utter trust to happen.