Broken But Breathing // Edmund Pevensie

Chapter Four

Gabrielle really didn't want to disappoint her family, but she was beginning to think her own life didn't really matter to them at all. She understood this marriage was going to happen, whether or not she liked it or not. But it was set for years after now.

But maybe that was their plan after all, drag her here, manipulate Susan and Peter into think controlling their younger brothers life into a marriage.

A. Life. Long. Agreement.

But, to be honest, Gabrielle did cry for a bit. Silently, she didn't want anyone to know she was crushed about the whole situation. But she knew no matter what she did, nothing could change what's happening.

So she carried on her day as usual, after her own emotional barrier was broke however, the atmosphere around her wasn't as guarded. It was like Gabrielle was distancing herself. And this, was only what the servants who were dressing her felt like, so far.

She just stared endlessly into the mirror once the clock stroke the hour of eleven. But, whilst the Thorns were tying her corset, except from breathing in, all she could think about was how she was being forced to marry someone for her families benefit.

And not hers.

It did hurt, she admitted that hours ago, but she wouldn't admit it too anyone else, because she was due to be queen some day. And if her people saw her weak, and distraught maybe they wouldn't classify her as a suitable ruler for Avra.

After the Thorns were done fiddling with her corset, she wandered outside, watching the kings and queens battle with Telmarines and other worthy Narnians. It was still a cold day, and one of the concrete courts were shut off due to it being completely iced over, and a complete death trap.

Gabrielle noticed some faces, of course the Pevensies, but some Narnians from the ball the previous night. She hates to admit such a monstrosity but she really thought the different races of Narnians did look the same. So she couldn't tell the different from Thorn to Thorn or from Minotaur to Minotaur.

Although it was freezing, the snow had stopped. The sun was peaking out from the blue sky, and the white quilt laying over the scenery did seem to melt. That wouldn't stop it from filling up once more tomorrow she thought.

She dazed into the cages were the men fought. Susan wasn't practicing her bow and arrow anyhow, and Lucy was just sat reading on a bench not even paying attention. Her mother and father were nowhere to be seen, and Peter was fighting a young mad with a dashingly handsome smile.

She was joking of course, the boy wasn't smiling, instead shouting curse angered words at his brother, and throwing his sword with such power that he could snap a limb with ease. Gabrielle watched as Edmund did seem rather tense, she couldn't ever imagine why...

Susan noticed Gabrielle gazing from across the courtyard, and the Telmarines seemed to follow Susan's gaze almost instantly. One of the men, a suited up in posh, grand fur waltz to Susan's side, and Susan didn't even hesitate on who it was. It was Caspian, who had arrived late last night and whisked Susan off to his room. They were in complete love, but he had to bounce back and forth from Narnia to Telmar like a ping pong ball hitting a Minotaurs stomach.

"So that's the girl?" Caspain whispered, watching Gabrielle staring into the fighting area, her shoulders bare and he face pale and emotionless.

Susan nodded slowly, and tightened her jacket around her, not letting the cold in. "Yes, that is." She said unsteadily, and her eyes slowly wandered to Edmund, but drifted quickly back to Gabrielle with a twitch of her mouth.

"What's wrong Suse?" Caspian asked with care, sloping his arm around her waist, a small barley noticeable smile coming to her lips.

"Oh I don't know, I can't read her. Usually I can read everyone-" she began, her sake hair contrasting with the pale orange dress she was wearing.