The Queen of Narnia

Before

  "I'd hoped we'd have a little more time before having to do this," Caspian sighed, running a hand through his hair, stress etched on his face.

  I nodded from my place across from him. "I did as well. But I'm not sure we can hold off the giants for much longer. You and I have both seen the kind of destruction they caused to the coasts."

  "I know," He pursed his lips and leaned back in his seat, clearly deep in thought. We sat alone in the castle's study, a map of Narnia placed between us on the table. The kingdom had been in peace for a mere month before the first threat came to be; the giants of the North were making a move on our Northern borders, causing slight chaos in the villages along the coast. The council of lords had first brought this to our attention last week, but a recent attack made the matter all the more pressing.

  "We'll need to fortify defenses in those villages," I said, running a finger along the Northern coastline. "Otherwise many more Narnians will be hurt."

  He nodded in agreement. "And we'll need to send a group of scouts there to scope out the land. If the giants intend to wage war for our land, we will have to know what we're up against."

  "Agreed," I looked up and saw the clear anxiety on the king's face. It was hard to imagine him like this when he was in front of a crowd. He'd always invoked the image of a strong ruler, even as he stood before thousands. Yet, he was only a year older than me, and that youth only showed in moments like this. I reached over and took his hand, startling him from his thoughts.

  "It will be alright," I reassured him. "Let's send those scouts, see what they find, and then we can begin negotiation attempts with the giants. War will be a last resort, when all else fails."

  His eyes dropped to the map, then our clasped hands, and then back to me before he spoke. "Yes. I'll issue the command immediately. The scouts will also bring a small group of soldiers, just to protect those villages, but not as a threat."

  "Good," A small smile formed on my lips. "See? That wasn't so hard."

  "I don't want anyone else getting hurt, Susan." He frowned.

  "I know, but it will be inevitable. Miraz had enemies, and those enemies may not care for who's on the throne. You'll have to face them regardless, but you can always decide on how you wish to do so. Not every conflict has to be resolved through war."

  "I only hope you're right."

~~~

  A week later, Caspian and I were walking through the royal gardens, trying to take our minds off our troubles. As his royal advisor, I stayed by his side throughout the entire process to resolve the issues with the giants of the North, even when the council of lords didn't. We spent many long nights to formulate plans, and had sent a letter to the giants in hopes of negotiating a treaty. A small group of troops were sent to the Northern villages and there had been no immediate threats yet, but the scouts reported activity on the giants' Northern borders, which brought concern. Still, we could only wait for them to make their next move.

  I'd been telling Caspian of the battles against the White Witch my siblings and I fought in so long ago when a figure tore through the gardens towards us.

  "Your majesty! My lady!" A royal page rushed up, skidding to a stop right in front of us. The page had to only be around fourteen years old, his uniform the same royal purple as the Narnian flag. He bowed deeply, though he was breathing heavily like he'd run very far very fast.

  "Yes, Mateo?" Caspian addressed him after exchanging a confused look with me.

  "The giants of the North have sent this in response to your letter," Mateo held up an envelope that was stamped shut with a green wax seal. Caspian quickly tore the envelope open, eyes darting across the page as he read furiously. I turned to Mateo and gave him a small smile.

  "Thank you for delivering this," I said. "We greatly appreciate your efforts."

  The younger boy actually blushed, making my smile grow a bit. "Of course, my lady. If that'll be all?"

  I nodded. "You're dismissed, Mateo. Thank you again."

  He bowed once more, gave me a grin, before taking off again, leaving me with Caspian. A frown formed on the king's face, his body tensing as he read the letter.

  "What's wrong?" I asked gently, hoping to coax the answer out of him without startling him. He was so wound up it seemed he'd explode with a moment's notice. Caspian didn't reply for a long moment, and then his eyes darted up to me, full of anger.

  "The giants are open to negotiations," He said, words curt. "But only if you are the one to travel to their leaders for them."

  I nodded, not seeing the problem. "I can be ready to go at dusk. Perhaps Lord Caraven and some of his soldiers can accompany me?"

  "No, Susan. The giants want you to come alone."