Walking the Right Path.

Another story that popped into my head. Don't worry I'm still not giving up on my other stories :D

I own Nothing... Please Review...

...

Narnia...

Caspian leaned over the balcony, looking out at his kingdom. He was King of Narnia now; it felt so strange, the heavy weight was already resting on his shoulders, as was the heaviness of his freshly broken heart. He watched the sun setting behind the tree on the edge of the cliff. He couldn't believe she had gone, he couldn't process that he would never see her again. He felt a comforting hand on his shoulder and he turned to see Professor Cornelius standing beside him. Caspian looked back over to the sunset.

"The Kings and Queens of Old will be greatly missed." Professor Cornelius said casually as he studied Caspian's heartbroken expression. "Perhaps one Queen in particular." Caspian looked down as he fiddled with his hands. "You're in love with her." He stated.

"I fell in love with her from the first day and I never stopped falling."

"She seemed to return your feelings."

"She didn't want to leave. I could see it in her eyes. In all their eyes. I knew something was wrong when I saw her, I should have..."

"You cannot change the will of Aslan, my King."

"I'll never stop wishing we could have been together. How am I supposed to bring a kingdom together when I feel so lost and broken?"

"You do it for her." Caspian finally met his gaze. "Be the King she believes is inside of you. Bring Narnia into peace and harmony. Do it for her, for your father and for your people."

...

England...

Susan rested her head against the window looking out at the rain, not reading the open book placed on her lap. She looked so broken and delicate as her siblings watched her from the archway of the door across the large room.

"Should we go talk to her?" Lucy whispered looking up worriedly into her brother's eyes.

"It won't help." Edmund muttered.

Peter silently walked over to her and sat down opposite her. "You okay?" He asked softly expecting her to reply with the usual 'I'm fine'.

Susan's watery eyes met his, shocking him at the depth of pain within them. "Not really." She whispered as she struggled to contain her tears.

Peter scooted closer to her and put her legs over his, wrapping his arms around her as she rested her head on his shoulder.

"We're never going back." She chocked.

Peter struggled to swallow the painful lump in his throat as he gained control of his emotions. "We're going to get through this Su. We're going to be fine." He said trying to reassure both of them. Susan hid her face in his shoulder and fisted his shirt as tears fell down her face.

"I can feel my heart breaking." She whispered as her voice quivered and finally broke.

Peter shut his eyes tightly containing his own tears as he held onto his sister tightly, rocking her gently as he soothingly stroked her hair. He could feel Susan slightly shaking as tears felt down her face, wetting his shirt.

The sight or sound of Susan crying would break any heart. Lucy cried so regularly and openly, it became less of a shock, whereas Susan would try to convince herself and everyone around her she was fine until she couldn't hold it in any longer and she would cry quietly where no one could see or hear her. She never wanted anyone to worry about her. Her heart was so gentle; she would feel everything at such a deep level, much deeper than many others. That's why when she laughed, or smiled and was truly happy, her eyes would sparkle intensely, everyone would feel the love and warm radiating from her like the sun. Yet each little beating or break she would take to the heart would wound her so deeply, the only way she remained strong was because of her strong, logical and wilful mind.

Lucy and Edmund glanced sadly at each other before they joined their older siblings by the window. Lucy sat next to Peter, hugging them both as Edmund sat next to Susan, rubbing her back in soothing circles. The professor leaned in the doorframe watching the Pevensie's as he smoked his pipe. He was all too familiar with the pain of being told he had to now live in their own world. Yet as he watched the four of them he got the feeling their adventure was not yet over. In fact, it was merely the beginning.

...

Narnia – Two years later...

Caspian had matured greatly in his two years as King; he had defeated the Giants of the North and had just returned from the victorious battle against the Calormen army across the Great Desert. A grand feast was hosted in honour of their victory.

"To Piece across all Narnia!" Caspian shouted as he raised his goblet.

"To peace!" Everyone echoed as they raised their goblets towards him.

"And to King Caspian, the most noble contradiction in history! The Telmarine who saved Narnia!" Trumpkin shouted with a huge grin across his face.

"Hail the King!"

Caspian looked down at his friend with raised eyebrows and a smirk. "What? You deserve some credit." Trumpkin said casually.

"Thank you my friend. I don't know what I would have done without you all these past two years." Caspian said.

"My King."

Caspian briefly closed his eyes and inhaled deeply at the sound of the man's voice before he turned to him with a respectable mask on his face.

"Lord Pelion."

Lord Pelion bowed before him as two lovely young ladies hovered behind him looking at Caspian with much admiration. "My I introduce, Princess Arielle of Glama and Princess Adriana."

The two ladies curtsied. Princess Arielle was the eldest of the two sisters. They both had black hair and brown eyes, yet Princess Arielle's features were sharper than Princess Adriana, who was a rather plump young lady with rosy cheeks and bright enthusiastic eyes "You may indeed. Your Majesties, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

"And yours my king." Princess Arielle replied flirtatiously. Caspian inwardly groaned as Trumpkin rolled his eyes. He had witnessed far too many ladies throwing themselves at the young King, hoping he would fall for them.

"We have heard much about you King Caspian. Tales of your heroic and honourable deeds." Princess Adriana said giggling slightly.

"How you won back your throne and brought peace throughout the lands." Princess Arielle added in a husky voice.

"Well, I didn't do it alone." Caspian said modestly in a casual tone.

"Of course, the Kings and Queens of Old returned! I would have loved to have made acquaintances with them. Were they truly everything legend says?" Princess Adriana asked overly enthusiastically as she practically bounced up and down.

"That and much more." Caspian replied deeply as he smiled at the younger Queen. Princess Adriana smiled brightly in return. She must have been no more than 17 years of age, yet her enthusiasm and bright personality made Caspian feel more comfortable in the ladies presence.

"I hear you have not found yourself a Queen my lord." Princess Arielle said casually making him turn his attention to her.

"I have not, no." Caspian replied a little awkwardly.

She smiled at him flirtatiously as she looked him up and down, making even Trumpkin raise his eyebrows at how little this lady tried to hide her intentions. "Perhaps you're just waiting for the right lady to steal your heart."

Caspian felt himself getting frustrated with her open flirtations, which were most definitely not appreciated. "One cannot steal something that has already been stolen." He said gently yet firmly as he set his goblet down. "If you will excuse me, your majesties." He bowed before them and left the room. Princess Arielle watched him as she raised her eyebrows, appalled that the young King wasn't interested in her. Her younger sister just looked at him rather confused as Trumpkin shuffled awkwardly as he glanced across the room to Professor Cornelius and Trufflehunter, who were also watching from afar.

Caspian swung a set of doors open as he frustratedly stormed along the halls of the castle. He leaned his arm, above his head as he rested against one of the pillars, looking out into the courtyard. He sighed heavily and ran his fingers through his hair.

"Oh, Susan..." He whispered as he closed his eyes trying to imagine her.

"My liege..."

Caspian's eyes shot open as he turned to see Lord Pelion storming towards him. "Not now my lord." He said irritably.

"Sire, Narnia may be at peace, but how long will that last? The council has been begging for you to marry or at the very least court a respectable lady for the past two years. You've been putting it off thus far due to the wars and other pressing matters, but they have been overcome sire."

"My lord, I have told the council time and time again, I refuse to marry one whom I am not in love with." Caspian said trying to control his temper.

"The longer you wait to marry and conceive an heir, the more danger Narnia will be in."

"This discussion is over my lord. Do not breach it again." Caspian looked at him firmly before he turned from him.

"You put Narnia in danger for what? For the Queen that was banished by Aslan himself?" Lord Pelion snapped with distain lingering in his voice. Caspian whipped back round to him with blazing eyes.

"She was not banished!" He snarled.

The look in Caspian's eyes was enough to make any man feel unease. Lord Pelion took a deep breath as he challenged the young King. "Your infatuation with her must come to an end. Do you think you were the first to taste her lips? The first she would flutter her long eyelashes at and smile beautifully at? No, legend writes of how she would claim the hearts of men with a mere look. Do you really think she's holding onto feelings for you after all this time?"

In one swift move Caspian had Lord Pelion raised, into the back of the wall by the fist of his collar. "You speak ill of her again and I will-"

"My King."

Caspian didn't need to look to know Nymeria's voice.

"Not now." He snarled, refusing to break eye contact with Lord Pelion.

"Caspian, I wish to seek an audience with you. Please, Sire." Sir Gwaine asked firmly, ready to intervene if necessary.

Caspian looked over to see Nymeria and Sir Gwaine looking at him pleadingly. He exhaled before he released the Lord and stormed into his study as his friends followed in pursuit. Nymeria was a cheetah, kind and caring, she had a motherly presence about her. Sir Gwaine was Caspian's oldest Telmarine friend; he was a charming young knight with dark brown, tightly curled hair and soft brown eyes. He was the bravest of the knights and had quite a reputation with the ladies.

"The sack of wine!" Caspian cursed as he shoved the door open.

"Sire, control your temper. Lord Pelion is a snake; you know he's not afraid to strike." Gwaine said firmly.

Caspian slumped heavily in his chair. "He needs to learn his place."

"What did he say to you?" Gwaine asked folding his arms across his broad chest.

"I must choose a wife before Narnia is put in danger." Caspian said bitterly.

"We hear that almost every week during the council meetings, it has never enraged you like this." Gwaine pushed, not really buying that it was only that information that had angered his friend.

"He spoke ill about her." Caspian mumbled.

Gwaine and Nymeria exchanged a glance of understanding. "Ahh."

"Why must she torment me so? She's been gone two years yet she still fills my thoughts." Caspian said brokenly.

"See this is why I will never fall in love." Gwaine said causing Caspian and Nymeria to glare at him.

"Gwaine you are not helping." Nymeria muttered rolling her eyes at him before she sat by Caspian's feet looking up at him sadly.

"I understand if I don't marry, if I don't sire an heir then I risk losing everything we have achieved, I risk losing my kingdom and a risk open war. Yet I can't stomach the thought of anyone else but Susan being my Queen, being the mother of my children. None of them can even compare with her." Caspian said softly as he looked down at the floor.

"She was truly, one of a kind. Love fills us with hope. And it is your hope of her returning to you that keeps you strong. Hold onto that hope Caspian, there is still a chance, no matter how small it may be, that this is just a part of Aslan's plan for you both. This is just a path you shall travel to lead towards your destiny, yet you must be careful to tread the right path." Nymeria said wisely.

Caspian smiled at her sadly as he stroked the top of her head. Usually Narnian's didn't like to be petted like an animal but Nymeria was such a loving soul she liked the affection. "You're rather wise, Nymeria."

"And you Sir are a great King."

...

England – 1 year later...

Mr. Pevensie had returned home from the war several months ago due to an injury, once he had recovered he was offered a job that would have him work in America for over the Summer. Peter at the age of 19 had been staying with the professor for the past year as he entered his first year of studying in medicine. At the age of 18, Susan finished her final year in school, much to her relief. Since her return from Narnia she had tried to make some effort in making friends, realising that she was going to be staying permanently. Yet jealous of her every growing beauty and seeing her as an outcast and a bookworm, Susan didn't succeed in making any friends at all. Edmund at 16 was in his second to last year at school and Lucy at the age of 14 was in the midst of her education.

Mr. And Mrs Pevensie had agreed to take Susan to America for the summer along with them. They had been rather worried of her lack of friends and her general behaviour. She just didn't seem to be the sparkling little girl they once knew. They both assumed it was the war getting to her delicate, caring heart, little did they know on the inside she felt completely broken and lost.

They were all at the Professor's countryside mansion having tea and saying their final goodbyes to Peter and the Professor before they caught the train to the dock. Susan managed to sneak away to find a moment to herself. Trying to appear happy and excited was utterly exhausting. She wandered absentmindedly until she found herself standing in front of a particular door. She took a deep breath before entering the room.

Her heart hit fiercely against her chest as she saw the wardrobe covered with a large white sheet. She struggled to swallow the large lump of emotions that were rising in her throat as she slowly glided towards it. She gently grabbed the sheet and threw it off the wardrobe. As it floated to the floor she looked sadly at the beautiful engravings of the wood. She caressed it gently before opening the door and stepping inside. She pushed aside the fur coats and saw only the wood of the wardrobe.

'Lucy, the only wood is in the back of this wardrobe." Her memory echoed through her mind.

Her heart fell as she shook her head at herself. Was she really expecting to see the trees of Narnia, welcoming her back home? Did she expect Caspian to be standing there with open arms?

She slowly reached out and lightly touched the wood. "I miss you." She whispered as tears made their way to her eyes. She pushed them back as she stepped out of the wardrobe and closed its door.

"Susan?" She looked up to see the Professor standing in the doorway smoking his pipe.

"Professor... I was just..."

"Saying goodbye?" He said in understanding. Susan looked down sadly. "Come with me, my dear."

She followed him into his study and sat opposite him on the sofa as he smoked his pipe.

"I've seen your brother work out his anger and frustration on a sand bag hanging from a tree, almost every day since you returned from your previous time in Narnia. I've seen your younger sibling's struggle also to adjust to life in this world, but they know they will return. Yet you my dear, I have witnessed all the signs of a broken heart and still you try to appear intact." He said calmly. Susan felt rather intruded upon as she shifted in her seat.

"I don't want them to worry." She replied trying to wave it off as nothing.

The Professor raised his wrinkled brow as he stared at her. "I thought as much."

"They won't need to now anyway, I'll be in America."

"They will still worry, they're your family. They see you more than you think they do." He said wisely.

Susan looked at the statue of a lion on the wooden table for a moment as she pondered whether or not to confide in him. "Professor? How... how did you get through it? Living each day here, knowing that you really belonged there." Susan asked softly as she searched his eyes painfully.

"It takes time, but the longing to be in Narnia never fades, my dear. But you pine for more than just your home." He replied gently as he looked at her knowingly.

Susan's eyes opened in shock. "Did they say-"

"No, they didn't need to. I could see it in your eyes, in your behaviour, every time King Caspian's name was mentioned, every time Narnia was spoken of. You fell in love with him."

Susan struggled to swallow as her vision blurred with hot tears. "Yes." She whispered.

"And you have shut out the pain, because it is too much for the Gentle Queen of Narnia to bear." Tears rolled down her cheeks as she felt herself falling apart. Susan hadn't spoken about her feelings on the matter with anyone since the night they had returned from Narnia, her siblings had tried to talk to her, but she would do anything to convince them she was fine.

"I thought if I ignored it I would just go away, but it gets worse as time goes on. I miss him so much." She confessed shakily.

The Professor placed his large wrinkled hand over her two clasped small ones. "To find such love, is a rare gift indeed. If you don't' allow yourself to feel the bad, how can you possibly feel the good?" He said wisely as his words hit Susan deeply.

There was a knock at the door, Susan jumped and quickly wiped away her tears and quickly composed herself.

"Come in." The Professor said as he studied Susan thoughtfully.

Lucy walked in smiling at the two of them and Susan smiled back. "We're ready to go."

"Coming." Susan replied standing up, straightening her skirt and looking over at the Professor.

"Don't forget what I told you." He reminded her, seeing there was still hope for her.

"I won't." She said gently.

"Promise you will write me, whenever you feel yourself getting lost." He whispered as he walked next to her towards Lucy. Susan looked up at him and smiled gratefully as she nodded.

"Thank you."