His Majesty, Her Grace - Sequel to A Prince Caspian Love Story

Chapter 22 - Dark Island Pt. 1

Althea's POV

After Liliandil left, we enjoyed the feast to the best of our ability, eating until our bellies were full and our eyelids were heavy. We trudged back through the forest, feeling much safer navigating it than we did a few hours ago. It's silent when we return to the ship and turn in for the night, everyone too tired to make conversation. Except for Caspian. He did his best to cheer me up but I couldn't help but feel disheartened by Liliandil's lack of an answer. Everyone collectively agreed to wake up early to prepare for whatever is inside the dark, clouded island, that we are now headed straight for.

"So, what do you think is in there?" Tavros asks. His question isn't directed at anyone in particular.

"Our worst nightmares," Ed says grimly.

"Our darkest wishes." Caspian echoes.

"Pure evil," Drinian says, letting the first mate take control of the helm. "Tavros, unlock the armory."

"My lord." Tavros nods and stomps down the stairs to the main deck to carry out his orders.

"Archers! Prepare yourselves!" Drinian shouts loudly and the men get to work, arming themselves with multiple sleeves of arrows and bows sturdy enough to last the battle.

"Let's get ready," Caspian says, his tone steady and strong.

I'm about to follow Lucy and do anything I can to help, but Caspian catches my arm. "I'm assuming there's no way to talk you out of fighting in this?" He asks.

"You know I can't, especially not now," I say. What sort of queen would I be to not fight alongside the crew?

He smiles sadly, but nods. "You'll be needing armor then, come on."

He pulls me away, following Ed into the study where armor is already waiting for us. My set looks identical to there's with large shoulder guards and multiple straps to keep it in place, except that mine's a tad bit smaller. Even so, it still seems too big for me to wear.

"Is this the smallest one we have?" I ask while holding it up to my significantly smaller body.

"I believe so." Ed laughs, taking off his jacket vest.

"It'll fit better once we get it strapped on properly." Caspian chuckles and does the same as Ed.

I follow their lead and pull the bulky chest plate over my head, locking the leather belt around my waist as tight as I can.

"In case we don't get through, whatever this is, I want you to know that I think of you as my brother Ed," Caspian says sincerely. I take a few steps away to give them space and try to figure out how to tighten the rest of this chest plate. It feels like I'm going to slip out of it at any moment.

"Me too," Ed says with equal emotion.

Caspian steps around Ed to help him with his armor. "You gave up your sword." He says.

"It wasn't mine to keep."

Caspian moves to where his sword is propped against the wall, grabs it, and holds it out to Ed. "Use this."

Ed whips around, shocked. "But it's-"

"Peter would want you to have it." Caspian insists.

Ed stares at the sword for a few seconds before taking it firmly in his hand. I smile at the two of them, glad that they're closer than ever before.

"Need help?" Caspian turns to me.

"Yes, please," I say relieved.

"I'll see you guys out there," Ed says. He straps Peter's sword to his side before leaving, an expression of longing on his face. It's safe to assume that he misses his older brother, especially in this moment of uncertainty.