Who:KingCaspian X and QueenSusan Pevensie What: Having a secret rendezvous of sorts. When: Day Twelvish Where: Secluded spot on the island Status: Closed; Complete Rating: PG-13ish
For as large as the island was, the more people who arrived, the smaller it sometimes seemed, and that meant that there were fewer places to go to be by oneself - or with someone else. It was also difficult to arrange times to meet when one’s family was often around, but Susan and Caspian had finally managed to arrange a time to meet while she was out practicing her archery.
The place Susan picked was near the shoreline, but on a patch of grass just short of the rocks and sand. There was a pile of driftwood not far, and at the moment it was her current target. As she waited for Caspian to come, she was indeed practicing her archery. Her arms and body had been far too tired after shooting the hounds for two days straight, and Su had decided that if more threats would come, she wanted to be ready.
The Narnian bow, once gifted to her by Santa Claus himself, felt smooth and familiar in her hands as she lifted it. Calouses that had grown thanks to the few years of archery competitions after the initial forays into Narnia and back had faded quite some time ago, but even now she could feel them, tingling beneath the surface of her fingers as she held the string taut, encouraging her to continue so that they’d once again grow. At one point, after she’d given up archery, she had despaired at the state of her hands and had sought out lotions and balms and salves in a vain attempt to rid herself of the calouses and the memories of a life she’d never have again, but now? She almost welcomed their return.
A part of her was a little concerned at how easy it seemed to fall into old habits, and she wanted to rail against it; but another part embraced and relished it, and it was that side of her she listened to now as she breathed out slowly and let another red-fletched arrow fly, striking the distant pile of driftwood yet again.
Between the arrival of Susan’s family and the hounds attacking, Caspian and Susan had scarcely found a moment in which to be together. However, finally, they’d managed to carve out a time and place for themselves.
It was afternoon, following a quick meal, that Caspian rendezvoused with Susan at their designated meeting spot. It was near the beach, a little ways from the sand, and consisted of a patch of grass and not much else. The location was ideal for spotting and shooting pieces of driftwood strew along the beach. While Caspian did not have his crossbow, he’d agreed to meet with her during her practice session to provide encouragement (though he doubted she’d need it) and much needed conversation.
The king of Narnia arrived just in time to watch Susan effortlessly strike a piece of driftwood with an arrow. He recalled how she’d been apprehensive when the bow first arrived. It was wonderful to see her accepting that side of herself once more. Relishing in the queen and warrior he knew her to be. A hand resting on the hit of his sword, he came to stand beside her.
“I told you that you would not have to hope,” he said gently, gaze shifting from the driftwood to the beautiful young woman beside him. “You’re a natural, Susan. Such a skill comes as easy as breathing to you. It’s inspiring to witness. Magnificent, truly.” And he was grateful to be able to see such a side of her again. He enjoyed seeing her always, every single side, but when she was like this, free, it was some of his favorite moments of all.
Susan still wasn’t entirely sure if it was good or bad that her skills seemed as sharp as ever, but for the moment she put aside the concern and had a warm smile on her lips as she lowered the bow and turned to the man beside her. “You know, I once thought it was because of the bow that I rarely miss - but I’ve used other bows, and know now that it isn’t so,” she said absently, for a moment thinking of those years when she was a teenager and threw herself into archery and swimming before her mother had begun to encourage her to be more of a lady and before her friends had begun to point out boys and pretty things that distracted her. Blinking away the memories, her deep blue gaze settled on Caspian once more.
“Did you have any trouble getting away?” She asked a little mischievously. “I only told Ed that I wanted to practice alone for a while. I didn’t see the other two.” But Caspian might have.
Caspian knew of how the siblings received their gifts. Though, the king always believed the gifts were only meant to support what already resided within each of the siblings. After all, Aslan was all about learning and experience. The gifts were tools. Even in the beginning, when he was just coming to know the siblings, he felt Susan’s abilities were her own. Of course, at that point, Caspian was still a boy himself and coming to terms with his own abilities and strengths.
Caspian gave her a smile in return. “Even when we were younger and I was just coming to know you all, I always felt that all of your abilities were your own. That the bow and arrow, Peter’s sword, and Lucy’s cordial were all just tools for you to hone those abilities. Of course, I was still a boy myself so I was unsure if my opinion truly carried any weight.” Or held any truth. In those moments, he’d simply been trying to find himself as much as he’d been trying to reclaim the throne for the Narnians.
The King chuckled. “Perhaps they are not watching me nearly as closely as they are watching you.” Or Caspian merely was lucky enough to not run into any of the siblings. He knew at some point he would have to speak with Edmund and Peter. Not necessarily to ask permission, but to be open about his intentions and his feelings for their sister. He respected the two brothers and he didn’t particularly like keeping things from them.
Even if at this point he felt the brothers probably had some idea of what was going on between them.
“You’re certainly not a boy any longer, and your opinion always held weight with me,” she told him truthfully. “It still does.” Sometimes, the way he looked at her made her feel almost like an imposter, because she didn’t know if she could be what he thought he saw. Other times, like now - she wanted nothing more than to be exactly the woman he was courting, even though it was being kept rather quiet for the moment.
Even the thought of being “courted” was still a little odd for her, after living so long in London and among people who had a very different sense of decorum. But she enjoyed it all the same.
“Perhaps not yet, at least,” she said with a smile as she stepped closer and lifted a hand to his cheek. “I’m glad you were able to meet me. It seems as though we haven’t had much time alone.”
Caspian was pleased to hear she valued his opinion even when they were both still young. Back then, Caspian had been merely trying to find his place in everything. It was impossible to not be intimidated by the siblings, by Peter in particular, who would always be High King and whom legends were spoken. How could Caspian hope to live up to their reign? It felt like an impossible task at the time. As did sharing his opinion. He felt he did not have much to offer other than to be the banner under which all Narnians would unite to reclaim what was rightfully theirs.
“As I have always valued yours and that of your siblings,” he replied honestly. It was by their reign that he’d tried to model his own. Their values and beliefs. While he would never be able to recreate the ‘Golden Age’ of Narnia, he did everything in his power to make his reign as close as possible.
While they were still coming to know one another, Caspian found he liked all sides of the young woman before him. He liked how she was modern in a way that he was just coming to learn and understand. He was inspired by her strength, by her gentleness, and yes the breath might always be stolen from his lungs when he first glimpsed her at any given moment of the day. Susan was beautiful, but such beauty was more than physical. It shone in her heart too. Queen or otherwise, Caspian was growing to care for Susan beyond the young woman he’d met in Narnia so long ago.
“Then I shall take as much advantage as possible.” She stepped closer and touched his face. Caspian leaned into the touch, not fully realizing how much he’d craved it till the moment her fingers grazed his cheek. A hand cupped her wrist and he turned, pressing a brief, gentle kiss to the palm.
His gaze found hers once more and he released her wrist in favor of wrapping an arm around her waist, drawing her closer. “Hence why we should take advantage of every stolen moment in which we have.” He dipped his head, lips briefly brushing hers in a teasing kiss.
“I’m glad to hear that,” she told him with a smile. She had a feeling that after they’d left, he’d had quite a hard task because she had a feeling that there were some who would compare his reign to that of the siblings, despite the centuries of differences between them.
And as for her own feelings toward Caspian, she found herself often charmed not just by his eyes or words, but in his gentleness towards Lucy, and the way he listened to Peter and Ed and others on posts or in person. He’d truly grown to be a good man, and she was happy to see it and see who he’d become. She’d once thought she would never see him again, and then they’d come to this island and she’d had precious little time to be with him, yet still she knew that she was falling hard and fast.
“I agree,” she murmured, her other hand lowering her bow completely as the one on his face slid into his hair when he drew her in. Without argument, Susan returned the kiss softly, smiling at the brief brushes. “I’ve thought of doing this so much the past few days,” she admitted.
At first, after the siblings’ departure, it had been difficult. Inspiring trust in the Narnians took time and Aslan had only been present for part of that journey. For the rest, he had to rely on the allies he’d made among the different factions during the war and those that had been loyal to the Pevensie’s during their brief stay in Narnia the second time. A rough road, but Caspian could appreciate every step of the journey. He felt in those moments that he truly earned the right to be King of Narnia.
Caspian owed a lot of his disposition in matters of conversation and diplomacy to the reign of the Pevensies. He’d truly tried to imitate and adapt as much as he could from their time as kings and queens of Narnia. While this was a different environment, many of the same lessons still applied. To know that Susan truly thought him worthy of being not just king, but of her heart meant more to Caspian than anything else.
Her lips tasted sweet and her mouth was soft on his. He pulled back, head resting against hers, and savored the feeling of her fingers in his hair. “It pleases me to know that it was not just me thinking of these moments. The moments where I have you all to myself and can enjoy every second I can kiss you breathless,” he murmured.
Since they hadn’t spent much time together, Susan was still looking forward to learning more about Caspian - talking to him about philosophy and history and learning more about all he’d done in their years apart. She also wanted to share some of her own favorite books and experiences with him in return. The potential for all they could be to one another made it seem like they had all the time in the world, and she savored it.
And in the midst of all that was the obvious physical attraction. Even now, she could feel her body responding when he pulled back to rest his head, and she closed her eyes briefly at the feeling, enjoying the simple feel of having his breath brush against her cheek.
“I’m happy to make the most of this moment with you,” she said softly, and drew back enough so that she could lay her bow on the ground next to her quiver. Once both hands were free, she again lifted them to his face so she could lean in and kiss him once more as she stepped even closer so that they were pressed together a little more. A bold move, sure, but Susan didn’t think he’d mind in the slightest.
Caspian had plenty to tell. From beating back the Giants in the North to traveling aboard the Dawn Treader in hopes of finding the seven lords of Narnia, Caspian had tales that could fill many days and nights. He was eager to share it all with Susan and, really, anything else she wished to know about him. He’d always been a fan of stories and would happily listen to Susan speak of her favorite books for hours. Caspian remained a dreamer despite being a young adult and he looked at such a conversation as a source of new dreams and potential adventures as well as coming to know the young woman before him.
The physical attraction had been present even when they first met. At the time, Caspian was still a boy and unable to truly grasp the reason for his interest in Susan. It was only later on that he realized what it meant. Though, Caspian could hardly fault himself for not acting upon it; they were both children and the reason behind their meeting held significantly more importance than mysterious “feelings.” They were brought together to save Narnia, liberate the occupants, and hopefully usher in a new era as prosperous as the one in which Susan had reigned.
However, they were no longer children and Narnia did not require saving at the moment. Caspian could savor the small moments he had with Susan. He could enjoy the feeling of her fingers in his hair and the way her warmth breath tickled his cheek. Blissfully allowed himself to become intoxicated by her scent and drown in everything that was her.
“As I am with you. There is not a moment of being around you in which I am not completely entranced,” he replied. With her bow and quiver set aside, Susan’s hands returned to his face and drew him close once more. She leaned in, her breath tickling his skin like a summer breeze, and Caspian’s eyes slid closed as her lips found his. It was a soft kiss that quickly deepened and Susan stepped closer. It was a bold move, but Caspian did not shy away from the gesture. He’d been waiting for what felt like forever for a chance to be close to Susan and he did not want to waste a second of the time they now had. Instead, he responded by cupping her cheek and the arm around her waist drew her closer, his body pressed against her own.
Susan was looking forward to hearing his stories, but just now, well, she was far more distracted by Caspian’s hands on her face and around her waist and how intimately they were pressed together. Her arms tightened as they slid around him, and she continued to kiss him, letting it deepen further.
She was happy to let it continue for the time being, especially since the last time they were like this, they’d ended the night early and had gone to sleep. Who knew when this chance might come again? For now, Susan didn’t want to stop touching Caspian, and didn’t want him to stop touching her in return, either.
All the same, they did have to breathe eventually and she broke the kiss just enough to let them both do so, smiling against his lips.
Being in a full house did not lend itself well to privacy, especially when most of the other occupants were family. As much as Caspian adored Susan’s siblings and considered them the brothers and sister he never had, part of him did wish they’d had a few more moments together before all of them had arrived. It would have been nice to have explored more of their relationship without having to be under the watchful eye of Peter and Edmund.
Hence why he savored this moment. It was indeed a rare occasion and one that he was unsure when it might come around again. With the arrival of Cor and Avaris, there would be more eyes to watch and far fewer chances to slip away. Though Caspian doubted Cor and Avaris would truly be opposed to anything between Susan and Caspian, he knew they could easily report anything back to Susan’s brothers. It was all the more reason Caspian and Susan should speak to Peter and Edmund sooner rather than later.
In the meantime, he simply enjoyed holding Susan close and feeling how perfectly her body molded to his own. The sensation of her soft mouth on his and how the world seemed to fade away whenever they were together. It was perfect. With his lungs burning, he reluctantly pulled away, but only by mere inches. He could feel her lips curl into a smile against his mouth and Caspian couldn’t help, but return it.
“I have missed being able to hold you like this. Kiss you,” he murmured, thumb brushing tenderly against her cheek. “I know there is still so much we have to learn about one another that ventures far beyond childhood, but I want you to know I am looking forward to every moment. More so than any adventure this place or any other could grant me.”
Opening her eyes, she tilted her cheek against his hand and smiled again. “I’ve missed this, too.” They’d been there for more than a week, but it seemed that they barely had the chance to do this. And she also knew it’d be harder to find moments with the addition of two others - who were friends, of course, but Susan didn’t want an audience.
“So am I,” she replied. “I’m looking forward to learning more about you, and sharing my life with you,” though since Narnia, it wouldn’t be nearly as interesting to him, she didn’t think. “I am happy to hear we feel the same way.” And then she kissed him again, because now? She had no reason not to. Of course, they’d have to tell her brothers eventually, but at the moment Susan wanted nothing more to simply experience and enjoy this romance of theirs.
Of course Caspian was eager to learn more about Cor and Avaris. Much like the Pevensies, all his knowledge of the two royals came from books and stories from his beloved tutor. He was excited to have the chance to speak to such legends in person, as he had with Susan and her family. To hear their stories as told from their point of view and learn of adventures perhaps not captured in the pages of a book or passed down through the generations.
But, such thoughts flew from his mind when he was around Susan, hearing her laugh and seeing that beautiful smile. She stole his attention as easily as she’d stolen his heart. He was pleased to hear that she was eager to learn more about him, to share her life with him, as he was with her. The latter part sent his heart into a gallop in his chest. She wanted to spend her life with him. Something inside of him had always wanted to hear her say those words even if he’d only truly recognized his feelings for her once he was older.
“With all of my heart, Susan,” he replied tenderly. She leaned in, kissing him once more, and Caspian happily returned it, eager to take advantage of this rare stolen moment they had.
Relaxing into his arms, Susan let her eyes close again and deepened the kiss. Her hands slid down from his hair slowly and slid down his back, then stopped at his hips and stayed there. She wanted to see more of him but at the same time, she was willing to go at whatever speed he was comfortable with. Women from her timeframe were a little more forward than in Narnia, which she knew from her own experience.
Meanwhile, she continued to kiss Caspian, even as a part of her wished there was a nearby place to lean against with him - or better yet, to lay down.
Though from her perspective, the grass would do just as well.
Despite being an adventurer and risk taker, Caspian wished to court Susan in the way she deserved. They had only been reunited for about two weeks and while there was a part of Caspian that wanted to dive head first into the physical aspect of their relationship, there was a part of him that wished to take it slow too. To savor every kiss and touch granted to him by this beautiful woman in his arms. To truly know her before they took that next step so that when they did, the intimacy would be without boundaries. Without hesitation.
But he was willing to settle on the grass, tug her into his lap, and happily continue to kiss her until they were both flush and breathless. So, that is what he did. Though he did not want to break the kiss, Caspian pulled back and moved to settle on the grass. Gently, he tugged Susan down beside him. There was a hint of a smile playing on his lips as he pulled her into his lap and wrapped an arm around her waist. His other hand cupped the back of her neck, urging her mouth to his once more.
When he kissed her again, it was deeper and more passionate than the soft kisses they’d shared while standing.
She would have liked being courted slowly and romantically, savoring everything - had they been anywhere else, be it Narnia or London or some other city or world. Here, on this island there was little to do besides taking care of others or contributing to the whole so they all survived, which meant that these precious few moments with Caspian were an escape and a refuge, in addition to being exactly what she wanted.
There may have been the faintest sound of protest when he drew back, but it banished quickly when he sat and encouraged her to sit as well. Before she could even think of settling, he had tugged her onto his lap and she smiled, only now feeling a little breathless herself.
Susan needed no urging to bring her lips back to his, and was more than happy to kiss him in return just as deeply, almost hungrily. At least now, she didn’t have to worry over silly things like trying to remember how to stand when this would have made her feel weak-kneed. There were too many thoughts whirling around in her head, but she let Caspian kiss them all away for the time being, until he was her only focus.
And such was the dilemma that plagued Caspian’s thoughts. On one hand, he wanted to court Susan properly. On the other, he was painfully aware of the reality of the situation they found themselves in. It was survival and there was scarce time for much else, including the act of properly courting a woman. He knew they had to take advantage of moments such as this because such moments were rare and more precious than gold.
Hence why Susan was in his lap now, her lips on his, and the rest of the world distant and far away around them. Still, Caspian hesitated to take that step with Susan just yet. Even as every fiber within his being screamed at him otherwise, Caspian wanted to know more of Susan before such a moment. Besides, he wanted it to be in a place a bit more comfortable than a field. Of course, if the moment arrived, Caspian knew he wouldn’t particularly care where they were. He’d simply want to be with Susan and the location would be irrelevant.
But thinking in general ceased entirely while they kissed and even time seemed to stand still. Nothing around them mattered; their focus solely reserved for one another. Sadly, his burning lungs demanded retribution and Caspian pulled back, but only far enough to allow his head to rest against hers. His lips were swollen and face flushed from the exchange, but, looking into her beautiful blue eyes, he knew there was never a moment he’d felt so full, so alive, until now. Even being crowned king and venturing the seas could not grant him such a feeling as this.
And he would not trade it for the entire world.
She could have happily continued kissing him even despite the need for breath, but when he drew back she opened her eyes and gazed into his in return. It should have been impossible to have such strong feelings for someone she barely knew, but instead, the depth of how much she felt for him wasn’t surprising. Susan felt nothing but safe and happy in his arms, and no one had ever before tugged at her heart the way he did.
As they both caught their breath, she moved her fingers to his cheek, just brushing along the skin softly, drifting down to his shoulder and resting there as her thumb softly rubbed the bare skin at the edge of his shirt.
“I wish we weren’t trapped on this island. There are so many places in my world I’d like to show you,” she said softly. “And people and cultures and stories to share and experience. I’m going to look through the library later to try and find some books to share.”
Even with only fleeting moments together as children, the two had already formed a strong bond here as adults. Caspian knew some of it was because of their shared experiences in Narnia. They’d both ruled the country and fought in battle to keep it safe and sovereign for those that resided within its borders. He could not fully explain the rest only that when he was with Susan he truly felt as if he’d found a place for his heart. A kindred spirit. From their conversations, the way in which she settled into his arms, and graced him with her kisses, he knew she felt the same.
As they both caught their breath, Susan’s fingers brushed his cheek softly and then traveled to his shoulder. Her fingers rested against the bare skin there and goosebumps rippled across his body with the gentle touch. The fingers of his one hand ventured into her hair, tucking loose strands of dark silk behind her ear.
He also wished they were not trapped on this island. However, he also knew if they were not, he would not be holding Susan right now. Aslan would not allow Caspian to venture into Susan’s world. Oh, he’d wanted to so badly. He wanted to see what it was like, witness the customs, and adventure through the different environments. He wanted to see Susan. To see the others too. But it wasn’t to be. Caspian trusted Aslan’s judgment, but there was a part of him that resented how he’d barred Susan from returning to Narnia. He understood she needed to be in her world. Grow up there and have adventures, but could she not also come to his once more?
None of that mattered now though. “I too wished we were not trapped here, Susan,” he replied softly. “I would truly love to see your world with you. To share in those experiences.” He leaned in and pressed a kiss to her forehead. “I like the idea of finding books we can look through together. You can still share those parts of yourself with me even if it is not the way in which we both wish it to be.”
Smiling into his eyes as he tucked her hair behind an ear, Susan kept her hand in place. There was so much she wanted to see and do and share with Caspian, but they were limited within the confines of the island - that is, unless something else like that mysterious staircase arrived.
“I’d be happy to share as much of it as I can with you.” Brushing his skin again with her fingers, she tilted her head curiously. “Are you interested in languages? Or art, sciences, mechanics - I’ve just realized that we haven’t really talked much about that. I know you like to sail and explore,” she added, though there was little to do on their island that related to ships or leaving.
“Do you have any questions for me?”
Would Caspian ever tire of that smile? The way in which she tucked a piece of hair behind her ear? No, Caspian didn’t believe he ever would. He drank them all in like a man dying of thirst in the desert who’d finally stumbled across an oasis.
He did wish they could explore outside of the island. Perhaps another event like the staircase would arise. The King had hope that something similar would occur. He would love to see another world, another time with Susan.
The touch, while simple, easily ignited the desire in his heart for the woman in his lap. Obviously, there were plenty of thoughts that followed, but Caspian instead took her hand and brushed his thumb across the knuckles, forcing himself to be satisfied with the simple touch.
“I would love to know more about languages in your world. About art, science, and mechanics. I have an insatiable curiosity Susan. I also wish to know more about traveling there. About ships,” Caspian replied, excitement evident in his voice. “Anything you wish to share, I will gladly listen.”
As for any questions, Caspian paused, considering if there was anything he would ask. After a moment, he spoke up again. “I suppose I would want to know about the courting customs in your world to ensure I court you properly, but I don’t necessarily need to. Though, I am most curious about you. Always. I love hearing about you and your life in your world. Your stories.”
She smiled at the sheer joy and excitement in his voice in regards to learning. There was so much she wanted to tell him about, so much she planned to tell him. When he ultimately chose to ask about courting, and then about her, Susan’s smile grew somewhat and she leaned in to kiss him tenderly before responding.
“It’s very different from customs in Narnia,” she began, then went on to tell him about how people interested in one another might meet in public, and attend events or dances or have meals together. She also explained about the various sort of dating and marriage agencies that London had, though ultimately, she concluded by saying, “I haven’t really dated many myself - not for the past year, at least.” For obvious reasons, since dealing with her family. “I wasn’t sure if I’d even want to spend time with someone like that anytime soon. Now, I think I was just waiting for you,” she told him, reaching up to brush her fingers across his cheek and the faint stubble that had grown.
“As for my stories…I can tell you about the travel I did with my parents, and then for school. I loved learning languages, and I’ve always believed that the best way is to live where it’s spoken.”
Caspian was first and foremost an adventurer. The king had an insatiable curiosity. He always wished to explore and learn more about his world and the worlds of others. The idea of learning more about Susan, about her world, thrilled Caspian to no end. He was pleased that it seemed she was eager to share as he was to learn. When she leaned in to kiss him, Caspian returned it, sensing the tenderness in the gesture and again simply savoring that fact that such an emotion was for him.
The King leaned in, listening intently as she explained the courting customs of her world. While there were some elements that were the same, like dances and sharing meals, others were foreign to Caspian. He was surprised to hear that permission was not always needed to date someone or to marry them. Still, it was all fascinating to Caspian and he drank in her words as one does the water of a cool spring on a hot day. All the information he mentally filed away.
Her words earned another smile from Caspian albeit softer than before. As her fingers brushed the stubble of his cheek, he caught them and pressed a kiss to the tips. “I am forever grateful you did,” he replied, voice filled with sincerity and he gazed at her warmly. “There was never a moment I did not think of you, Susan.” Caspian knew it was because of Susan that he had not committed to anyone yet in his world. It was because there was no one quite like the gentle, kind-hearted, but fierce woman beside him.
“And, if you wish, we could…try some of the courting customs from your world,” Caspian added. It could potentially be awkward at first because Caspian was unfamiliar, but he was willing to try. He was always up for new experiences, especially if they included Susan.
The mention of travel and school, Caspian once more looked excited. “Please do tell me, Susan. I fully agree. I believe the best way to learn, especially languages, is to experience them in the context in which they are used.”