Too Many Sunsets (Prince Caspian)

Epilogue

Most of the crowd had dispersed after the Narnian Kings and Queens left through the gap in the tree. As for Red Feather, she flew off immediately. She had no idea where she was flying to only that she knew she had to get out of there. Her head was spinning fiercely, so she landed in a deserted part of the castle. Her breathing was heavy and when she landed she dropped to the floor in a heap. 

Red spent what seemed like hours, sat alone in the same place. Her tears dried on her face and stung around her eyes. Every thought was a blur. Nothing made sense anymore. Her heart was in pieces and it felt like the string connecting Peter to her had been cut. 

The sun had started its descent casting long shadows over the castle walls. Someone cleared their throat which took Red out of her thoughts. 

"Do you intend to stay out here all night?"

Red looked up to see Aslan stood before her. She quickly rubbed her reddened eyes and stood up leaning on the wall. Aslan looked at her earnestly; he felt her pain and empathised for her. It took Red a few moments before she finally spoke.

"I should have gone with him, shouldn't I?"

"Would that have changed how you are feeling? You would have missed being here too much. You love so hard that the pain would have been too hard to bear".

"But I would've been with Peter. I belong with him. Don't I?"

"Do you believe that?"

"You said yourself that we had a connection that we would never truly understand. Something I imagine like star-crossed lovers".

"Stars cross paths more than once. They don't touch but pass each other and meet more stars along the way".

"So this is it. We have moved on from each other?"

"There are better things ahead than any we leave behind". 

"But I am his Protector. How can I protect him from different worlds?"

"You are the Protector of Narnia–"

Red Feather lowered her gaze slightly. A small part of her still didn't believe she deserved that title, and Aslan knew it. 

"–You protect the Kings and Queens of Narnia. Peter and his family will always be our Kings and Queens but Narnia has a new King. One that will need your guidance, much like Peter did". 

"Caspian is more familiar with this world than our Majesties".

"He will need you. More than you know".

Red Feather nodded hesitantly. They stand together in peaceful silence. 

"Will you stay?"

"Only until the sun rises".

"Why does it feel like everyone is leaving me?"

"Or are they walking ahead to clear the way?"

Red Feather pushed off the wall and buried herself in the comfort of Aslan's mane. He turned his head to lean into her.

"Thank you, old friend", Red whispered. 

Red Feather walked through the petal-dusted streets watching the people cheer and celebrate with the Narnians. She walked up towards the main castle through the courtyard. Fauns and Telmarine soldiers gathered together in perfect harmony. The sight was truly heartwarming. Even so, Red's heart felt the bittersweet sting. Every smile just reminded her of what she had lost. Their smiles and pure delight seemed further away from her than she cared to admit. Caspian spotted Red entering near the stables. He smiled and started to make his way over to her. He stopped when he saw her abruptly jump on a saddled horse and ride back out of the city. Immediately, Caspian instructed for his horse and followed her out of the city. 

Caspian calls after Red but she is deaf to his voice. She urges the horse to gallop faster. Tears poured from her eyes blinding her, despite her hands hastily wiping them away. The King continues to follow her closely and doesn't stop his calls. Once Red Feather reached the open field she slowed her horse down. Her head fell into the horse's neck. The mane was drenched from her tears. Caspian stopped beside her. The Sun had hidden itself behind the hills and the stars began to appear in the dark blue sky. 

"Where are you going?"

"Running".

Caspian looked at her confused. "Running to where?"

Red Feather shook her head and swallowed, "just running".

Caspian watched her closely. Red climbed down from her horse exhausted and lay on the grass. Caspian did the same and planted himself next to her.

"Would you have gone? If Susan had asked, would you have gone with them?"

"I'm not sure. I've spent so long wanting to make this world better and now I finally have the chance to. I'm not sure my father would be proud that I would give up what he died for".

"You will be a great King". 

Caspian stays silent thinking on the Kings of the past. Red Feather watched as the sky darkened and the stars started to shine brighter. 

"Aslan once told me, that when we die we become stars. We watch over our loved ones until they join us in His country".

"That's beautiful. Perhaps my father is looking down on us right now".

"I'm sure he is. And he would be very proud". 

"I am just glad that we finally were able to give the Narnians justice. They deserve their home".

"And for many years to come, they will have you to lead them". 

"I'm glad I have you. I don't know if I would be able to do this without you". Caspian traces the grass until he finds Red's hand. He holds her hand sweetly. 

Fireworks sound off in the distance over the castle. The two lean up and watch the colours burst. Red Feather stands up and brushes her dress down. She reaches out her hand to Caspian. 

"Come, my Lord. Your people are waiting".

Caspian grasps Red Feather's and pulls himself up. They stand close together holding hands and look into each other's eyes. Caspian walked towards his horse releasing Red's hands gently.

Red Feather looked to the final light of the sun. The wind brushed through her hair and she heard a sweet, calm voice. 

"Courage, dear heart".