The Queen of Narnia

Before

  We both knew it was a trap. Capture the king's royal advisor, then force him to surrender the Northern border to them. The giants were playing a dangerous game, and we all knew it.

  Caspian paced angrily in his study, still trying to think up an alternative as I sat in the plush velvet chair, reading over the letter for the hundredth time. There was no way around this. I was to take a ship across the canal with a completely unarmed vessel and crew, leave the crew at the port, and travel to the leaders' circle, where we'd begin negotiations. They were very specific on what would happen should a single thing be out of line.

  "Caspian, there's no other way," I said quietly, feeling like a broken record.

  He shook his head. "I am not sending you into the den of our potential enemies while we rest on the brink of war, Susan! It won't happen."

  "How else do you propose we speak with them?" I argued. "They won't accept no for an answer. No, they will, but only to attack our borders. You said it yourself, you don't want to see people get hurt, and this is how."

  "Yes I won't see the Narnians get hurt, but instead a person I care most for?" He demanded, anger in his tone. He'd stopped facing, his eyes livid and swirling with rage I knew wasn't aimed at me. "I'm not sending you there!"

  "We can't go to war over this," I tried to reason. "They're giving us an opportunity, we have to take it. This could save many innocent lives."

  "And could result in me losing you!"

  I stood, moving to stand right in front of him, and channeled my most gentle tone I could. Aslan had named me the gentle queen for a reason, and I needed that now. "Caspian, you won't lose me. I've been to war before with stronger enemies. I'll be able to handle myself fine."

  "But-"

  "Besides, they never said I had to come unarmed," I continued, cutting off his arguments. "I'll take everything I can, and should they try anything, I'll be able to fight them off."

  He didn't say anything, his frown deepening, so I continued.

  "Caspian, we can't risk this," I said, putting every ounce of persuasion in my tone. "You trust me, don't you?"

  "Of course." His answer was immediate.

  "Then let me handle this," A small smile crossed my face. "Believe me, I have the experience necessary to negotiate with giants."

  "I know, Susan, I just-" He glanced away, unable to finish. My gaze dropped and I nodded.

  "I know," I repeated. "But it'll be fine. This is a chance for peace, one which may not happen again. We have to take it."

  Caspian stood frozen for a long moment before letting out a long sigh, slipping his hand into mine. "Alright. I'll arrange everything. But promise me you'll be careful."

  I smiled, catching his eye again. "Always."