The Honest and The Brave // Narnia

Chapter 20

~ 12 Years Later ~ 

Groaning, I bury my head further into my fluffy pillows - not ready to accept that the day has begun. Yet the sunlight peaks through my eyelids, making it extremely hard to ignore. 

"Ara, what in Aslan's name are you doing waking me this early?" 

I mumble to my handmaiden, trying to dive back into the dream I was having mere seconds ago. It was quite odd to be honest, with mechanical vehicles roaming around everywhere and humans stalking the streets - yet my curiosity desires more. And it's that curiosity that gets me in trouble, not only on the battle field but in council meetings as well - most Narnian's believe that their twenty four year old Queen would have grown out of it by now, but sadly I haven't. All of a sudden, my covers are thrown off my body and I'm succumbed to the cold - my body shivering intensely. 

"Cleo, give that back." 

I mumble to my second handmaiden, hoping the twins are not playing tricks on me again. I shuffle around trying to find warmth as my eyes slowly pry open - a yelp escaping my lips as they focus on the lady in front of me. My best friend grins widely with her eyes twinkling in mischief, which causes me to groan aloud. 

"Lucy, you scared me. What are you doing in my room? Just because you turned twenty two last week does not mean you can do this to me." 

I barely finish my words before the girl giggles loudly, rolling her eyes whilst sitting down comfortably on my bed. Her bubbly attitude hasn't faltered over our reign, in fact most say it has only increased despite the tragic displays of events we've been witness to. The Narnian's love her, a crowd forming whenever she trots through the villages close by or visits our old friends in the forests. She is adored, just as she should be. Slowly, I too sit up in bed whilst rubbing my eyes softly, listening as the young girl sighs. 

"You're late to breakfast again." 

My eyes widen as I stare at Lucy, biting my lip sheepishly. Breakfast as been at the same time for nearly a decade, yet I always seem to miss it - Ara or Cleo having to force me out of bed and into a gown most days. I apologise softly, running my hand through my hair to rid the tangle of knots forming from my reckless sleep. 

"You should be thankful that it's me in here and not Su."  

Lucy's words make me hum in agreement, realising this is actually a rather good wake up call. While most of the Narnian's call Susan the Gentle Queen, sometimes she can be rather demanding with the expectations of everything to be perfect. From the first ball we ever held, to Lucy's birthday celebrations last week, her attitude to detail has been impeccable. The only true way to let the twenty seven year old breathe is if you direct her to the library, where she can practically read all day - no one knows how to get her stop. Hoping today does not have to be one of those days, I quickly discard my nightgown for a baby green gown bridge gripping my tiara tightly - knowing the youngest Pevensie might start pulling me at any time. 

"Couldn't you all have had breakfast without me?" 

I try and persuade like I do most mornings, but the answer is all the same - a loud snort of laughter and a shake of the head. I sigh and barley have time to place my tiara upon my head before I am pulled out of my quarters and through the maze of hallways. Lucy doesn't let me regain my balance, guiding me down the grand staircase and toward the dining room door. As it approaches, rather too quickly, I contemplate making a run for the kitchen - the chef being kind enough to let me eat in there instead here. I've done it a few times actually, hiding from not only Susan and Andrew, but suitors that have just not gotten the idea that I do not like them. Far too many times than I'd like to remember. Suddenly, the large door opens to reveal the circular dining table and the rest of my family to gaze out with amused expressions. Well, all expect Susan who raises an eyebrow with a sharp gaze hardening in her eyes. I gulp and send her a sheepish smile, sitting with beside her hesitantly. However, as I reach for the closest apple, it's my brother that is the first to speak up.