The Queen of Narnia

Before

   My fingers rested against my horn, debating on whether it was time or not. The giants had sent me to my room almost right after I'd met them, claiming that I needed rest before we began negotiations. That was two days ago. They'd sent me food regularly, and my trunk was indeed here, but the door would always be locked. The room had a simple bed, a desk, a bookshelf, and chest, with a window above the bed. I'd already climbed up to peer out of it, finding out that I was several stories too high to escape from there.

   Instead, I kept myself busy by reading through the books. They were mostly the history of the Northern Giants, but it was something to pass the time, until I was finally summoned. A maid came in and out very quickly, saying I had five minutes to prepare to appear to the lords and lady of the giants. After a moment of confusion, I moved, changing into a dark dress with silver linings and gemstones across it, and tied half my hair up, allowing the rest to fall over my shoulders. My horn stayed around my waist, and I put on a lace thigh holster, slipping in a small dagger just in case. Satisfied, I knocked on the door, and it swung open to reveal the maid with-

   "Grandridge," I smiled, relieved to see a familiar face.

   The giant tried to hold back his own smile as he bowed his head. "My lady. This way, please."

   He led me through the halls, and when we came across a fork, he went the opposite way from the main chamber. I frowned, stopping.

   "Where are we going?" I asked, suddenly weary.

   "I am afraid I cannot say, my lady," He apologized, but his expression was urgent. "Now, please, quickly follow me."

   My frown stayed in place, but I gave him the benefit of the doubt and picked up my skirts. We continued down unfamiliar halls, and a bad feeling set in. There were no maids in the halls, no one but us. This didn't help ease my worries. One of my hands wrapped around my horn again, but I pushed that fear aside.

   You are Lady Susan of Narnia. Royal advisor to King Caspian X. Former High Queen of Narnia. You are no coward.

   Grandridge cut my self-motivation off by stopping abruptly in front of a door that looked identical to all those we passed before. I gave him a questioning look, and he nodded.

   "Right this way, my lady," He said and ushered me inside. This room was full of light, and the sun felt nice against my skin, making me realize how dark my room had truly been with its lone window. It was a study of some sort, with walls of books and a massive table in the middle covered in notebooks, papers, and quills. It reminded me of Caspian's study, where we spent most of our time making plans, and the thought made me homesick all over again.

   "It is good to see you, Lady Susan," A giant emerged from behind a stack of notebooks, and I instantly recognized him as one of the council lords. He was young for a lord, with dark hair neatly combed back, and bright turquoise eyes. He wore a formal green tunic and black pants, and was just shorter than Grandridge, making him still taller than me. A sword hung at his waist in a sheath, and I was glad to have the small dagger resting against my thigh.

   "And who are you?" I asked, keeping my voice strong.

   The lord nodded at Grandridge, who moved back to guard the door. I frowned in confusion, which the lord saw, and he inclined me towards the table. "My name is Lord Stormwire. I am one of the ten lords of the council."

   "Yes, I saw you there," I said carefully. "But none of you seemed inclined to speak with me then."

   "There is a reason, but I must know that you will swear to keep it a secret."

   "That depends on your reason."

   He smiled. "I knew I liked you. Please, come take a seat, my lady. We have much to discuss."

   "Might I inquire as to the subject?"

   "Ensuring the giants can truly achieve peace with Narnia."

   I frowned again. "Lady Rhodalina didn't seem to have that goal in mind when we spoke."

   "Rhodalina controls the council," Lord Stormwire explained. "None of us want to go to war with Narnia, we'd much rather have peace under fair terms. But she controls each of us, and has made the giants suffer because of that."

   "So what is it you want from me?" My tone was hesitant and I couldn't help the suspicion that crawled in.

   "We need to overthrow Rhodalina, but none of us have the power to," Something twinkled in his turquoise gaze, something that looked close to hope. "You do. You have the power to call the armies of Narnia here to help our people."

   My mind raced. Here I thought the giants intended to wage war against Narnia, only to find out they wanted to wage war against one of their own. There was no way for me to contact Caspian, not under these conditions. If I were to blow the horn, he'd come charging in with his armies. This greatly complicated things, but it also helped a lot. So I took a deep breath and took a seat at the table.

   "It would seem we have much to discuss, Lord Stormwire."