A/N: Here it is, the end, and I'm so sad, although not that sad, because I had an idea for a sequel, and I like Cirdon so much now that he may pop up in other fics. But thanks to everyone who stuck with this story that took forever to complete. I hope you enjoy!
Chapter 15: The Coronation
Lucy stood looking out the huge window in her room at the Terebinthian castle. Her view allowed her to see over the capital city of Danal. It started on the western shore at the huge port, and there were houses and merchant shops and a large square where the people met to trade or to celebrate, all of which pushed right up to the walls that surrounded the castle and the grounds. Beyond the city, she could just make out the farmland and countryside of Terebinthia, and beyond even that the rough sea spreading towards the East. It was raining a little, so Lucy kept the windows closed, even though she wished she could fling them open and step out onto her little balcony. It seemed to rain every day in Terebinthia, but the people in the castle had assured her that it was wet all the time because winter was knocking at the door and that during the summer months it was very beautiful.
Lucy and her siblings, along with a large host of Narnians, had arrived at the capital two days beforehand to celebrate Cirdon's coronation. King Lune himself had also come, with many of his court, and emissaries from Galma and the Lone Islands had met them there. Everywhere was a feeling of merriment, and Lucy noted the relief in the eyes of the people that she met. They truly did love their prince, and she knew that the celebration of his coronation, set for that very afternoon, would go on for many days. It had, in fact, started the very day the Terebinthian army surrendered. The army, which had been still technically held as prisoners, had set up on the Great Lawn outside of Cair Paravel, with several companies of Narnian soldiers standing guard. Susan sent out enough food and wine for all—it was, in fact, more food than most of them had ever seen. The Terebinthians toasted them all well into the night, and the camp became a celebration. The Narnians feasted with them, and many friendships were formed. King Marlan had encouraged strange rumors and falsehoods among his people about the Narnians, but with their kindness and hospitality all fears were quickly put to rest.
But Lucy was not feeling quite up to it all. She had not seen the prince for many days, and she wished that she could speak with him again; yet a little part of her was also relieved, because she did not know what she would ever say. The last time she had seen him was at Marlan's funeral. Terebinthian kings were never placed in the ground; rather, they sailed out to the Eastern Sea, so that they could live on even in death. Peter ordered that all who were able should honor the fallen king, who had been a good man until anger and bitterness had clouded his mind. Meanwhile, Cirdon had locked himself away in the guest house he had been sharing with his father, and did not take any food but bread and water for three days (another Terebinthian custom). With the prince in isolation, Edmund took over command of the Terebinthian army. He had sent those who were strong enough back with the news of the king's death, and to prepare for the arrival of the prince and for his coronation. He also sent many of the Narnian soldiers with them, in case of any opposition from Marlan's supporters, and to show that the two countries were in league with the decision. In the interim, Peter decreed that those Terebinthians who remained should assist with the repairs on Cair Paravel, and the men were happy to help.
After three days had passed, the morning of the king's funeral arrived. Lucy had not yet emerged, so Susan went to her room to check on her. She knocked softly before entering and was shocked to see Lucy sitting on her bed, not yet ready to go. "Lucy!" she exclaimed. "Whatever is taking you so long? You will be late for the procession." She sat down next to her, and Lucy looked at her sister sadly. "How can I go, Susan? I am responsible for his death. I should have told Peter that I would take the proposal, or left with the prince when I had the chance. Now he is dead, and it is my fault."
Susan put her arm around Lucy, and the younger girl laid her head on Susan's shoulder. "Lucy," she said softly, "none of this is your fault. Marlan had been planning this for a long time. He had made up his mind years ago that he would invade Narnia. Your leaving would not have changed things."
"Before he died, he said it was my fault. He said that I had turned his son against him." She sat up suddenly and cried, "Oh Susan! How could I ever face the prince? And the Terebinthians—"
"The Terebinthians," Susan said, "are calling you a hero. And the prince made his decision to defend you, just as his father had made his decision to attack. No one blames you, and I won't let you sit here and blame yourself, either. It is only right that all four of us are there. Besides, I imagine that this day will be very difficult for the prince, and he will need his friends nearby." Lucy still didn't feel convinced, but Susan helped her finish getting ready, and the two girls went down to the Great Hall together, where all were gathering for the procession down to the coast. Peter saw Lucy's troubled face, and looked at Susan for an explanation. But Susan just shook her head (as if to tell him not to worry), and Peter felt a bit relieved (for although he was the High King, he never could quite handle his sisters' tears).
Nearly 300 Terebinthians and Narnians had processed solemnly down to the beach. Marlan's body was borne first inside of a small boat, carried by soldiers on either side. Cirdon followed him, and walked with Peter, Edmund, and King Lune, who had arrived the day before. Lucy walked a little behind the others, her arm linked through Tumnus'. Hyreus was, of course, by her side as always, having fully recovered from his wounds. They carried the small boat into the waves, and the soldiers waded out several yards before pushing the boat out into the water. All watched in silence as the boat made its way over the surf. Lucy looked over at Cirdon, who stood a little way apart, and was troubled to see the hardened look on his face. Many of the Terebinthians wept around them, but Cirdon's face was stone. When the boat was out of sight, they returned to Cair Paravel, and the ships were made ready. All would be leaving for Terebinthia the next day.
The arrival in Terebinthia had been a surreal experience. It seemed that every one of Cirdon's subjects had come to see them arrive, and the people cheered and wept when the prince descended down the plank of the ship. They also cheered the Narnians and other allies who arrived, and as Lucy rode on her horse to the castle, children ran along beside her, waving and calling her name. The people followed them right up to the castle walls, and many of them stayed to camp outside. She had taken a brief tour of the city the next day with Susan, and dined each night with the other guests, but Cirdon had never emerged. Tumnus told her that there were a great many things for him to put in order and he was probably extremely busy, but Lucy looked for an opportunity to go and seek him out.
The prince was extremely busy, as were both of her brothers, in putting straight Terebinthia's affairs. When they had arrived in Danal Castle, Rehidar had been waiting for them, along with a small battalion of soldiers who had been loyal to Marlan. News of his uncle's death had infuriated Rehidar, for he knew that the people would not accept him as king without Marlan's public statement, and he was not ready to give up his own claim to the throne. Since that had not happened, Rehidar decided to eliminate Cirdon as the heir once and for all. However, he had not counted on the fact that he would be arriving not only with the Terebinthian army fully supporting him, but the strength of three other countries as well. He had also not counted on the change that had come over Cirdon, who now had a hard look in his eyes and would obviously not be intimidated by Rehidar or his bullying any longer. When the host arrived at the castle, Rehidar had taken one glance and decided against a fight. He was given the choice between either supporting the new king or leaving Terebinthia forever. Rehidar chose to leave, although he did not do it quietly.
Lucy heard voices in the next room, and she knew that Hyreus had arrived to escort her down to the procession. Edmund had come as well, and he led her down to the courtyard. Soldiers were standing at attention, ready to lead the way, and after ten minutes of confusion, all took their places and the procession began. One of them blew a long note on the trumpet, and the mail-clad soldiers led many of the lords and ladies, followed by the Lucy, her siblings, and the other monarchs. Cirdon was last of all, followed only by the pages who carried the royal crown and scepter of Terebinthia. Hundreds of people waited outside for the ceremony, and they cheered as the procession came through the castle gates. Outside, a small dais had been erected, and Lucy took her place with Edmund before it, watching those who were part of the coronation climb to the top.
The Master of Ceremonies was a Terebinthian noble named Brun that Cirdon had known all his life. He was a good man that had supported Marlan during most of his reign, but had been sent from the court when he finally spoke out against Marlan's injustices. Cirdon stood to the side while Brun unrolled a large parchment and began to read the list of responsibilities that Cirdon must accept. The Terebinthians watched silently, many of them weeping, but Cirdon remained stoic, only nodding when the list was completed. Then Brun read aloud the names of the Terebinthian kings, the line stretching all the way back to Persis, who had landed on Terebinthia nearly 800 years before. There was a long silence after Marlan's name, the last, was called.
Then Cirdon stepped forward to the center of the dais, and Brun called, "Men of Terebinthia, hear me! Behold Cirdon, son of Marlan, son of Morgan, prince of Terebinthia, lord of Danal, chief of the Royal Army. He has come to claim kingship of Terebinthia, and its lands and inhabitants. Will you allow him to take the throne, and serve as king?" Then a great "Yea!" went up in the crowd, and the sound of the cheering went on for many minutes. Cirdon looked out among the people, silent and still. Peter stepped forward to place the crown on his head, and he whispered to him, "Cirdon! You must kneel to take the crown." But Cirdon had not heard him, and continued to stare out over the crowd.
Lucy stood next to Edmund, watching and listening. She felt incredibly proud of Cirdon at that moment, and wished that she could somehow tell him so. Suddenly, Lucy felt a prickling on the back of her neck, and she turned her head to look down the long aisle. Most of the people had fallen to their knees. She craned her neck to see what was happening and clasped Edmund's hand tightly. "Lucy, let go," Edmund whispered to her, annoyed. He turned to her with a frown, and then followed her gaze out over the people. He drew in his breath sharply, for he saw what was happening: it was Aslan, walking slowly down the path made between the people. There was a stunned silence.
When the Lion reached the front, Lucy and Edmund knelt before him. He paused in front of them and nodded before walking up the steps to the platform. All bowed low. "Welcome, O Aslan," Peter said, and knelt, taking the Lion's paw and kissing it. Aslan touched his warm tongue to Peter's forehead, and the High King stood and stepped aside. Then King Lune stepped forward to kiss the Lion's paw, welcoming him. Aslan nodded to him before turning and asking, "Where is the new king?"
Shaking, Cirdon stepped forward. "I am here, Sire." His voice trembled and his eyes were wide. He went down low on one knee, and Aslan breathed on him as he kneeled.
"Cirdon," Aslan said. "Your father caused much injury to Terebinthia and Narnia. But those times are over. Find healing now. You will rule Terebinthia in peace, as will all your heirs. Now accept your crown, if you so choose." Cirdon met the Lion's eye, but was unable to speak. Peter stepped forward with the crown, placing it on his head, and Aslan cried, "Terebinthia, I give you your king!" The people wept and cheered and cried, "Long live the king!" Lucy cheered as well, and hugged Edmund, and when Cirdon slowly stood, she saw tears in his eyes.
A great feast and celebration went on even until the first light of dawn. Lucy sat with Tumnus for most of the night, dancing with one or two of the young lords throughout the evening. Susan was the real star, as she always was, and many young men went home nursing broken hearts. When Susan and Cirdon danced together, everyone cleared the floor to watch, and there was a great round of applause when the dance finished. Soon afterwards, Lucy made excuses to Peter, complaining of a headache, and she sent Hyreus back to the festivities when she reached her room. She was glad to see that most of her things were already packed, for she planned to return to Narnia with the first ship the next day. She could still hear the noise from downstairs, but overall the room was quiet, and she enjoyed the solitude and peace while packing up the last of her personal things.
A while later there was a soft rap on the door, and Lucy sighed, sure it was Hyreus or one of her brothers come to check on her as if she were a child. She called out that she was fine, and to please go away, but the door opened anyway. She turned her head to the sound, and opened her mouth in an "O" of surprise when she saw it was Cirdon. He stepped inside and paused a moment, staring at her. Lucy was standing by the window, and in the light, she looked very beautiful.
"Please pardon the intrusion, Your Majesty," he said. "I just wanted—" but then he stopped short when he looked around the room. "You were planning to leave without saying goodbye." He said this matter-of-factly, as a statement, not a question.
"I am anxious to return home," she replied. "And you seemed so busy with a number of things—and rightfully so, given your new position—I was writing you a note—" and she gestured towards the small writing desk in a feeble sort of way. There was an uncomfortable moment before Lucy went on, "I was very proud of you today, and wished to tell you so. Especially when Aslan came to give his blessing."
"It was rather amazing, wasn't it?" Suddenly Cirdon seemed flustered. "I could not believe that he was there, that he spoke to me . . . It never actually felt real, taking the throne, until Aslan said it. And the people were all so happy. I just wish my father had been there to see it." As soon as he said that, he immediately regretted it, for Lucy winced and he could plainly see that she was terribly hurt. "I am sorry, my lady, I meant no harm."
"No, no, don't apologize. I should be asking your forgiveness. If I had left with you, or had stayed away from the battle, he might still be alive. And I had the power to save him, but I did nothing. I am so, so sorry—" She bowed her head, tears slipping down her cheeks.
"Lucy," he interrupted sharply, so sharply, in fact, that her eyes snapped up to meet his. "I don't ever want to hear you say that again. My father chose his death. He refused to see reason, just as he refused your help." Cirdon grasped her shoulders and bent his head until they were eye level. "Now promise me that you won't think on this any more."
He waited for Lucy to agree before continuing, "Do you know what I did for those three days I spent alone?" Lucy shook her head. "It is an old tradition in Terebinthia, to go into seclusion after a death. It is a time to reflect on one's loss, and think about those who are gone. But I could not think about my father. All I could think about was you, Lucy. I was afraid you would never speak to me again, after I tried to convince you to run away. You asked me if I would abandon everything so willingly, and I was convinced you thought me a coward. But I spoke the truth when I said I did not want to leave you." He held Lucy's hands tightly. "I had lost my father long ago. He was half mad in his anger, and he was using me to get what he wanted. Standing up to him to defend you was probably the only brave thing I have ever done. I did not wish to kill him, and I am glad that he was stopped before I had. But if he had hurt you—I wouldn't have been able to bear it." Lucy had no idea what to say, so she simply put her arms around the prince and held him tightly. He was caught very off-guard, but was nonetheless pleased. He hugged her back, laughing for what felt like the first time in a long, long time.
Terebinthia remained a close ally of Narnia for many years. After receiving Aslan's blessing, any fear or doubt among the Terebinthian people was gone, and the country lived in peace and prosperity for years even after Cirdon's reign. Cirdon and Lucy stayed close friends, and visited each other as often as they could. As the years went on, people began to whisper about the two, and questioned whether or not they would be married. Cirdon did not hear all of this, but he knew that his people wanted him to choose a queen, and soon. He did indeed love Lucy completely—and had, in fact, since the day they had traveled together to the Stone Table. He did not know if she felt the same, however; but one day he woke up and felt a great urgency that if he was ever going to ask for her hand, he had best do it immediately. He set out that very day to Narnia, but when he arrived, he found it in turmoil. The kings and queens had disappeared while on a hunt, and it was feared that they were lost, or worse. He and his men joined the search, but of course, the four were never to be found. Cirdon mourned the loss with all of Narnia, and Lucy especially; and he felt a bitter pang of regret that he had waited so long, even until the end of his days.