Susan Was Always First

Greed

Susan's bow felt familiar in her hands, but she could not focus on the idea of fighting. Caspian seemed to notice her discomfort, as he kept his eyes on her while he continued to share the information Aslan had shared with them, but Susan had yet to share the reality of the situation that was currently happening with her. It was about two weeks earlier than she had expected, but the baby was most certainly going to be arriving in the next few hours. If she could just pretend to be fine for a little longer, they would be on their way home and the baby could be delivered safely. Nature held no pause for anyone, though, and the contractions had grown more intense and made her nauseous.  The one thing she still knew meant she had some more time was that her water had yet to break. Wincing at the pain that shot across her back and stomach, Susan let go of her husband's hand to instead rub her stomach. 

Lucy made her way over to her shortly after this and signaled to the others present that she was going to speak with Susan in the hallway. Susan let herself be led out by her sister, who turned to speak to her as soon as she felt them far enough from earshot that their voices would not carry if they whispered. "How long have you been having contractions? When you winced last night, was that the start? How far apart are they?"

Susan placed a hand on her sister's shoulder. "They started shortly before Caspian arrived, and they are still-" Susan cut off as she covered her mouth, nausea washing over her. She had not eaten since yesterday, so there was no food in her system that could be expelled, but it did not stop her from dry heaving. 

"You have to tell them, Susan. You can't go up into the hall while in labor!" Lucy crossed her arms, eyes wide. "I'll stay here with you."

Susan shook her head. "You heard what Caspian said. Aslan believes Greed won't show up until we are all present. If we don't go up there, this will all have been in vain! Greed will escape."

"But you are currently having your baby!" Lucy raised her voice, then dropped it. Susan hoped no one had heard her sister's outburst. "I won't fight with you on this, Susan. I'll tell Caspian and Peter if I have to. You are staying here."

"Lucy, please." Susan pleaded, and her voice broke as she spoke. "You don't know what Greed is capable of. I am terrified of them and I cannot see my child brought into a world where a being like Greed exists." 

Lucy paused at this, and Susan could see her sister planning. "Very well, I won't tell Caspian or Peter and I will let you go upstairs. We just have to show up in the main room, right? Once Greed has appeared, you and I will leave the room and find you someplace comfortable far away from the fight where I can help you. Those are my terms."

Susan nodded, rubbing her back and wincing. "Okay."

The two re-entered the room as Caspian finished up relating information. Whatever they had missed had Peter looking as if he were made of rage, and Caspian was clenching his hand tightly at whatever he had related. Susan gently took her husband's clenched fist and held it until he relaxed, linking his fingers with hers once more. His eyes softened, and he spoke quietly to her. 

"Are you alright, love?"

"I'm fine." Susan set her bow down to reach up and caress her husband's face, sending him a smile. "I'll be better once we're back at the palace and can rest at home." 

Caspian smiled at her and he kissed her softly. "Now that I'm back with you, I am home." He locked eyes with her for a few moments, then seemed to remember that they needed to head out, as Edmund had likely already reached the hall, so he handed Susan her discarded bow and motioned that they should head upstairs. 

Peter was quick to head out the door, with Reepicheep and Drinian following after him. Caspian kissed his wife's hand, then too exited. Lucy looked to her sister, and the two of them set out after the others to face Greed. 

Or, in their case, make an appearance to make Greed show and then find somewhere safe that a baby could be delivered. 

---

Edmund, even knowing who they were facing, was unprepared to feel such an icy presence grow as the neared the main hall. He could not yet see the enemy, but he could feel that they were close, his mind on edge. Beside him, Elda remained on edge as well, the girl refusing to leave the hall due to wanting her revenge on the being that had caused her such harm. 

The Just King heard footsteps, and his hand rested on the hilt of his sword just in case. However, he was thrilled to see that the footsteps belonged to Peter, and he rushed to his brother to pull him into a quick hug.

"You look like death." Edmund said teasingly, though his words rang true. "And you smell like you haven't bathed in months."

Peter shook his head, lips quirking into a small smile. "I've missed you too, Edmund. Did you miss me so much you tried to dye your hair blonde like you did when you were eight?"

Edmund's words of protest were drowned out by Elda's laughter, with the others joining in and Susan's tinkling laugh soon joined in as well. At the sound of Susan's laughter, Edmund turned to embrace her, his face lighting up into a grin as he noticed the swell that held his future niece or nephew. 

"Su, I'm so glad you're okay!" Edmund hugged her right as a contraction hit, though he was clueless to the grimace on his sister's face. "How's the little one?"

"The baby is doing just fine." Susan schooled her face and grinned when her brother pulled back to look at her. 

"I hate to ruin this happy reunion," an eerie voice chimed in, and Edmund felt the hairs on his arm stand up, "but now that you're all here..."

"Greed." Susan's eyes narrowed, speaking at the same time as her younger brother who said only one word.

"Jadis."