| Primary Characters: | Lucy, Tumnus |
| Rating: | M |
| Spoilers: | minor ones |
| Warning: | adult themes |
| Description: | Lucy’s having trouble adapting to life as a Queen of Narnia. Most of all she misses her friend Tumnus. One day, she decides to take matters into her own hands. |
Lucy, Queen of Narnia, sat in her chair at the banquet table, staring fixedly at a point somewhere slightly above the Calormene ambassador’s face. Her face was beginning to ache from constantly smiling. They had been at it since shortly after dawn. Even though Peter, as High King, was the one who had to preside over the negotiations over the trade deal, with some assistance from Edmund, Lucy and Susan had to sit through their share of dull banquets and receptions.
Lucy was longing to steal away, to make her way into the gardens, or better still, into the woods. It occurred to her that it had been almost three, no four months, since she last saw her good friend Tumnus, the Faun. Suddenly, she remembered the thought she’d had last night, as she was trying to go to sleep, head full of the empty phrases she’d been forced to use with the Calormene ladies, who all seemed to be wearing veils.
It had been such a long time since she’d last laughed for joy, instead of politely laughing at some state visitor’s jokes or since she had a good run. Her legs were itching to move, really move, instead of leisurely and modestly pacing through a banquet hall, making polite small talk, instead of truly talking about topics that interested her and the other person.
Tumnus. She would very much like to meet him, at his house or anywhere, for that matter, just not at Cair Paravel.
A rebellious thought crept into Lucy’s mind. Once the idea had taken hold, she knew she liked it. She would send her excuses, then make her escape. Distant memories of once entertaining such thoughts, in that other world, not, she thought, in relation to state functions but at school, floated through her mind, but were gone again before she had time to focus on them.
She decided that she’d been behaving herself and done what was expected of her for far too long. No one could expect more.
Very well, tomorrow she would make her escape. As she began to make her plans, her smile came more naturally. It never occurred to her that she might visit anyone other than Tumnus. After all, it was him that her thoughts kept straying back to, whenever a dull moment arose and she was left to her own devices for too long.
The smile lit up her face, and she was no longer pretty, but lovely. Her transformation did not pass unnoticed by the Calormene diplomat, who was going on at lengths about hunts he’d been on. Lucy did not approve of hunting for pleasure and secretly, not any kind of hunting. Her weapons were intended for the creatures of evil, not innocent animals.
The man, who was fifteen years her senior, wondered if a marriage proposal from an already married man, might be taken amiss by a Narnian, but of this, Lucy was blissfully unaware.
As soon as the banquet was over, she hurried back to her room, to pack and to continue making her plans. It had been many years since a creature of evil had been seen in the woods of Narnia, and she did not intend to take any escort. She was fed up with constantly being followed around, waited on hand and foot and in general stifled with polite attention.
This would be her very own little holiday and she did not intend to miss a second of it. She might stay away for a week, if no one found her and brought her back. Of course, she could not discount the chatty squirrels or talkative songbirds who couldn’t wait to tell anyone who wished to know, that a Queen of Narnia had passed their way.
Lucy made a face. She wouldn’t get even half a mile from the castle, before she was found and brought back in disgrace. Shaking her thick tresses, she dwelled miserably on how being the youngest could be unbearably annoying.
No, in order to enjoy her holiday to the fullest, she would have to go in disguise, and fortunately, she had managed to collect some boy’s clothes. It was more convenient to wear them when practicing her swordplay. Better still, they were plain and worn, some even patched in places, which would not aid in identifying the traveler.
However, since her tiresome maids did insist on waking her early, then proceeded to wash and dress her and style her hair, she would need to leave under cover of darkness, well before anyone else at Cair Paravel was awake.
Her hair – Lucy pensively twisted a lock of her hair around her right index finger, as she pondered her quandary. An idea occurred to her and her face lit up. Of course. Why hadn’t she thought of this before?
She began to rummage through a drawer, then another one, until triumphantly, she brandished the desired object in the air. A pair of scissors. Minutes later, layers of thick dark hair lay on the floor at her feet. Her hair, which had flowed down her back, covering her shoulder blades, now barely touched her shoulders.
Satisfied with the results, Lucy pressed on to the next phase in her plan. She packed a few essentials, then impatiently tore off her dress, leaving it lying on the bed. Unlike Susan, Lucy did not spend hours planning her wardrobe. While she did love a pretty fabric, she was utterly indifferent to the various odds and ends that a queen was required to wear. A pretty frock was a pretty frock, not a reason for living.
She swiftly dispensed with her shift and at last felt free. The tunic she had in mind was lying in the bottom drawer of her chest. Many a time it had run the risk of being discarded by one of the maids. They had sniffed and snorted, when they believed Lucy was out of hearing, but she had stubbornly refused to give it up. It was a good quality garment, although worn and the colour faded after many washes.
With a feeling of satisfaction, Lucy put it on, then the leggings. Already, she was feeling relieved and excited all at once. This, without a doubt, would be the most splendid adventure.
Frowning in dismay, she glared at the flimsy shoes she was wearing. Those wouldn’t do. Without a second thought, she kicked them off and went off in search of the sturdier, yet more comfortable boots she wore for fencing practice. She found them tucked away at the bottom of an oak chest filled with odds and ends she didn’t like the maids to get their dainty hands on.
Even better. Her feet now had room to move a little. But she’d wasted enough time. Her bag was packed and she was dressed. All she needed now was a cloak and she would be all set to go. The trouble was, she only owned cloaks and capes more suited for walks in the gardens. That was the one flaw in her plan.
But she didn’t think she’d be that cold, in the relatively short walk to where she was heading. However, she just recalled that when Edmund had outgrown one of his cloaks, she’d begged him for it, and he’d agreed. Meant for a child, this shorter cloak would not impede her movements.
She flung it on, then hanging the bag’s strap over her shoulder, she tiptoed into the passage outside. This was another weak point in her plan. Unless she proposed to climb down the sheer wall outside her window, she would perforce have to pass Susan’s door on her way to freedom. But Susan, who had drunk perhaps a little too deeply from her goblet, would be deeply and soundly asleep.
Lucy felt confident that she could make her way not only past her sister’s door, but down the stairs and out through the back of the castle. At this hour, no one would be abroad. If only the back door wouldn’t be locked, she could be well into the woods by the time the sun was up.
To her relief, this proved to be the case. With every step, she felt as if she’d tossed off a burden, she hadn’t realized she carried. She loved life at Cair Paravel, except – There were times when she missed being young and carefree. Queens, she thought, had far less spare time than a schoolgirl.
After a while, the darkness became less inpenetrable and she began to make out the outlines of the trees. Oh, how she loved the trees. It used to be her favorite pastime, trying to discern which ones were really a dryad, and not what she had learned to think of as a tree, in that other world. This time of night, it was of course impossible to tell, but she still felt that little shiver of excitement whenever she passed another of the tall, silent sentinels lining her path. She couldn’t resist reaching out to touch the bark of the nearest tree.
Before long, the birds began to sing, and she recalled her fears about being identified and intercepted. After a moment’s consideration, she pulled the hood up to partially cover her face. Anyone who saw her must surely take her for a boy, several years her junior. For a second, she even began to think of a name to call herself should anyone ask, but in the end, she shrugged and let the matter go. No one would ask.
Besides, she was almost there now. Even while still partially cloaked by darkness, she could easily recognize the clearing with the Lamppost where she’d first entered Narnia, though at present, she did not recall that fact. From here, it would only be a few minutes’ walk to her dear, dear friend Tumnus’ house.
How she loved his cosy, welcoming little place. Her intention of seeking Tumnus out was one reason she had not bothered to pack any provisions. Tumnus always had such delicious jams and tarts and scones and other dainty morsels. Though she had eaten her fill last night, she was already beginning to feel the first pangs of hunger. Only a minute or so more and she’d be there.
There. Lucy couldn’t help smiling again. If she’d been some years younger, she knew she would have begun to jump up and down for joy. Why had she let so much time go by since her last visit or since the last time she invited Tumnus?
Excitedly, she knocked on the little door, then stepped back to wait. Impatiently, she waited and waited, and just when she was beginning to think that Tumnus wouldn’t be in after all, came the sound of someone turning a key in a lock.
Slowly, as if hesitatingly, the door opened, then at last she saw her friend’s face again.
“Tumnus. It’s me. Lucy.”
The faun gazed incredulously at the slight figure standing on his doorstep.
Realizing that the hood was still partially concealing her face, Lucy pushed it back, gazing contentedly at her friend. He hadn’t changed a bit. Those huge, slightly slanted eyes and the high cheekbones were reassuringly familiar.
When he recognized his friend, a hesitating smile appeared on Tumnus’ lips. For a second, it widened into a grin, then to Lucy’s astonishment, faded again.
“Good morning, Your Highness.”
“Oh, don’t call me that. That’s just silly.”
“Lucy.”
“Well, aren’t you going to ask me in?”
“Of course.”
Tumnus made a gesture and Lucy happily followed him inside.
“I suppose you’re wondering why I’ve come like this. All alone and dressed this way.”
“Now that you mention it, Your – Lucy -”
“Oh, I couldn’t stand the dull receptions and banquets anymore. I thought you and I could go away on a trip. Remember when we bathed in the lake at -”
“I – see.”
Without being asked, Lucy had sat down in her favorite chair, and Tumnus hastily began to prepare breakfast. Truth to tell, he had still been in bed when the knock on his door had called him to investigate who it might be that sought him out this early. Stealthily, he began to rub the sleep out of his eyes.
He was filled with mixed emotions. Part of him was filled with exultation, as always, to see his dearest friend Lucy. Another – But it was no use dwelling on such matters and he had a guest to entertain. A very important guest.
He set out cups and saucers and plates and dishes containing a variety of jams and other delicacies he knew Lucy loved. The younger Lucy had delighted in hot chocolate and without thinking Tumnus had prepared this beverage, only to realize that those carefree days were over and that the grownup Lucy would most likely prefer a cup of tea. He hastily began to make preparations for this too.
Belatedly, Lucy was struck by her conscience and she jumped up, threw off her cloak and decided to help Tumnus set out the rest of the dishes. She found a loaf of bread on the counter and reached out her hand for it, only to brush Tumnus’ hoof. The brief touch had a startling effect. Tumnus, who had been in the process of collecting knives and spoons to be placed at the table, dropped his burden to the floor.
Lucy let go of the bread and fell to her knees to help, thus placing her face almost exactly at a level with Tumnus, who in his turn had kneeled to tidy up the mess. Their faces almost touched, causing Tumnus to flinch back.
Lucy’s bouyant mood began to evaporate. Something was wrong. Tumnus didn’t want her here. Why had she assumed he’d always be pleased to see her and be willing to drop everything and follow her every whim?
“I’m sorry. Did you have other plans?”
By now, Tumnus had recovered some of his poise and sensing Lucy’s feelings felt awful for causing her distress.
“Of course not. And even if I had, I’d gladly change them so I could see you. You know that. I’m sorry I’m being so clumsy today. Never mind. Leave the spoons for later. Let’s sit down and eat. You haven’t had breakfast, have you?”
“No. I just thought I’d help.”
“No need. It’s finished. Besides, you’re my guest. Do sit down and let me serve you.”
“Only if you will call me Lucy and forget all about that Queen of Narnia nonsense.”
Tumnus bowed his head in acquiescence, but did not reply. Lucy being Queen of Narnia was one thing he could not ever forget. Worse, she was a Daughter of Eve and he – But such foolish thoughts were useless. Even if Lucy’s visits caused him consternation, they were precious to him and he would not spoil even a second of them. He knew how rare these occasions were and he was determined to make the most of this one.
So Tumnus served Lucy breakfast, then extensively discussed her plans for an outing. He agreed, not without qualms, to go away with her. Not wanting to spoil her mood, he did not point out how highly inappropriate such an undertaking was. The two of them alone, without a chaperon –
Instead, he let Lucy help him pack all the food they would need, then split the load equally. Long before midday, they were already on their way.
Lucy was beginning to relax. She put Tumnus’ initial lack of enthusiasm down to the early hour. He was still sleepy. Naturally, he would find it difficult to follow her reasoning. But now everything would be alright.
He led her along gently winding paths, through the woods, towards the lake which would be their first stop on their little journey. Lucy had expressed a wish to stay out for at least three days, preferably as much as a week.
Tumnus doubted the Kings and Queen Susan would wait that long before sending out search parties. He was sincerely hoping his part in the caper would not be misunderstood. While a thoroughly respectable faun, he was well aware of his people’s reputation as seducers of young women. He did not want anyone to believe him capable of presuming on young Lucy’s trust and affection.
Lucy had once again covered most of her face with the hood, and Tumnus fancied she was hoping to fool any casual observers into believing she was a boy. A son of Adam. That might work with other humans, but Tumnus sincerely doubted any animal or other Narnian would be taken in.
Lucy, as all other sons or daughters of Adam and Eve, exuded a distinctive scent, each their own, and could not be mistaken for any other. But he did not have the heart to disillusion her. Besides, unless the animal or other Narnian in question had met Queen Lucy in person, even a young woman would not be entirely exceptional out here.
Eventually, Lucy began to walk more slowly and she stopped to glance around her, in a way that suggested to Tumnus that she was either tired or hungry, or possibly both. And sure enough, her next words confirmed his suspicions.
“Is it far to go?”
“Yes, at least as far as we’ve already come. But if I don’t misremember, there should be a pleasant spot up ahead, where we may stop and take refreshments.”
Lucy smiled brilliantly.
“Oh, good. I’m starving.”
“Not much further now. Just through there and -”
Tumnus directed her towards the place he’d mentioned. An expression of delight spread across Lucy’s features.
“Oh, Tumnus, this is lovely. I don’t remember this from the last time we were here.”
“The last time you were on horseback, were you not?”
“Yes, but -”
“I imagine that you went another way. This way is prettier, but slightly longer. Besides, it would be hard to get horses over some of the stretches.”
“I see.”
They made themselves comfortable on the soft, emerald green grass. Tumnus handed over napkins and all the other necessities for a picnic. Lucy greedily stuffed one of the little pastries into her mouth, then licked her lips and her fingers.
“Mm. These are delicious. Where do you get them?”
“At mrs Bear’s.”
“I don’t think I’ve met her.”
“No. I don’t think so either. She and her husband set up shop here about six years ago. They make all kinds of baked goods. I always shop there. And of course at mr Quoran’s, the Grocer’s.”
“Right.”
Lucy picked up another type of pastry, took a tiny bite of it and appeared to consider. Her face lit up and she devoured the rest of it, in three big bites. She grinned happily, making Tumnus forget the possible consequences of their folly.
“I have my appetite back. It must be the fresh air.”
Tumnus glanced at Lucy, instantly filled with concern.
“You didn’t tell me you’d lost your appetite. I hope you’re not ill.”
“No, not at all. It’s just so boring to sit at the banquet table all the time. I want to be out doing things, not sit and wait and talk endlessly about things I don’t really care about.”
Her conscience appeared to strike her and she covered her mouth with her hand.
“Not that the royal administration isn’t important. Naturally, I see that -”
“Don’t worry, Lucy. Your secret’s safe with me.”
Lucy leaned over and kissed Tumnus’ cheek. He started and pulled back, then couldn’t help smiling.
“You’re such a sweetheart. I do so love you, do you know that, Tumnus?”
She glanced keenly at her friend, but Tumnus seemed suddenly to have developed an awkward cough and once he’d spluttered and sprayed crumbs all over his napkin, the question was lost.
Lucy jumped up and helped pack everything away again, after their picnic.
“I’m not tired anymore. Let’s go.”
Tumnus watched her out of the corner of his eye. It was odd. Images of the old Lucy seemed to partially overlap this new, grownup Lucy, but mostly, young or grownup, she was still the same Lucy. Surreptitiously, Tumnus’ hoof kept returning to the spot where Lucy’s lips had touched him. He found he had to blink to clear his sight. Lucy was – But he broke off before finishing the thought even inside his own head. There was absolutely no reason to get sentimental. It never did any good.
At last, when the sun had sunk below the tree canopies, they came around a bend in the path and saw the lake. Even Tumnus, who had been there quite a number of times more than Lucy, gasped slightly. It was one of the loveliest spots in this part of Narnia, especially the way it lay hidden until the very last minute, when you rounded a corner. And now, when the early evening sun cast a reddish tinge over the still waters, it was quite possibly even lovelier than earlier in the day.
Lucy squealed happily and to Tumnus’ alarm, she began to undress, carelessly tossing her cloak, tunic and leggings all around her.
Awkwardly, he stood facing half away, not quite daring to look. In the end, he found that she wore nothing but a very tiny white garment that barely covered her body, and not at all her arms and legs.
“Lucy -”
“Don’t be silly. You know it’s perfectly safe. Hurry up and get in.”
Unhappily, Tumnus put aside their supplies, then again dared to glance in the direction of the lake. Hastily, he looked away again. Now that it was wet, the tiny white garment was clinging even more closely to Lucy’s body, making him wish himself anywhere but where he was.
“Come on, Tumnus. It’s lovely. Do get in.”
She waved impatiently at him.
In the end, he decided that since he couldn’t very well walk away, he might as well get into the water. Just because he did, didn’t mean he had to look at her.
So he slowly and hesitatingly walked into the welcoming waters. Normally, he wasn’t this shy, not quite. Of course, he knew that other fauns talked about him, behind his back, about his lack of prowess. Briefly, in his youth, he had – danced – for want of a better word – with the dryads and to some extent behaved the way you would expect a young faun. However, it had been many years since then, and now –
Still, Lucy had been right. The water was exquisite. He immersed himself completely and leaned backwards, letting the water hold his weight up. Fauns don’t exactly swim, but they let the waters hold them afloat. And just like everyone else, they could and often did run around, splashing water at each other.
As if in illustration of his thought, water now hit him in the face. Startled, he looked up and found Lucy standing only a few feet away, laughing happily.
“Go on. Splash back. It’s fun. Don’t you think so?”
Again, Tumnus was tormented by the sight of Lucy in such a flimsy, clinging garment, and he tried his best to look at anything but her chest.
Lamely, he splashed a little, which did not satisfy Lucy at all. She moved closer and began to splash him mercilessly.
The sound of her laughter was so irresistible, Tumnus couldn’t help joining in. Momentarily distracted, he looked up to find her standing so close, he almost flinched.
“Oh, Tumnus, I’m so happy. I never have any fun anymore. Cair Paravel is beautiful, but living there can be so dull. In a way, it’s like a prison. I don’t want to go back. I want to stay with you. Don’t you wish we could go away and never come back again?”
A worried frown settled on the faun’s face.
“Lucy, I didn’t realize you were so unhappy.”
Lucy appeared to consider, then nodded.
“Neither did I, until now. I’m so grateful to you for taking me here, and not telling me to behave myself and act with decorum. Susan keeps saying that all the time. It’s all very well for her. She might be married soon. But I want -”
Suddenly, she leaned over and putting her arms around Tumnus, she pressed her lips to his. Her breasts too, pressed against him in a way that made him recall that summer when he’d been so very young and foolishly followed those dryads into the woods, not fully realizing what it would mean.
This time, he did flinch back.
Lucy’s features lost their animation and she let her arms drop down by her sides, a look of such distress on her face, that Tumnus almost pulled her back into his arms. Almost, but not quite.
“I’m sorry. Please forgive me. But I did tell you I love you.”
Tumnus hastily regained control over himself, or at least his voice.
“Yes, so you did. I just didn’t realize how much. Lucy, dear Lucy, don’t you know that this is highly inappropriate?”
“Inappropriate?”
“Lucy, I’m a faun and you’re a daughter of Eve. Don’t you see that this can not be?”
“Why not? Don’t you love me?”
Tumnus felt himself shrivel up and die a little inside. Her words tore at his heart. How could he bear to disappoint her?
“That’s not what I’m saying.”
“So you do love me?”
“That’s not the point.”
“Why not?”
“Because – I’m not worthy of you.”
“Because I’m a queen?”
“No, I mean, yes, but -”
“What then?”
“I told you. I’m a faun and you’re a woman.”
“Yes. I know that, Tumnus, but that doesn’t explain anything.”
“Don’t you realize what people will say?”
“No. What will they say?”
He sighed. Was Lucy being deliberately difficult or did she have a point to her questions? In any case, he couldn’t refuse to answer her. There was very little he could refuse her. But this, he had to, or risk the wrath of the Lion and that of all of Narnia.
“That I – succumbed to my faunish nature and took advantage of you. That I – seduced you.”
“Don’t be silly. Besides, who cares what others think?”
“What do you think High King Peter would say?”
“Peter? He’s a fine one to be talking. After what I just found out about him, he wouldn’t dare to say anything. He and Edmund are lovers.”
Tumnus felt his resolve slowly vanish. What was Lucy talking about? All her questions and talk were confusing him.
“Edmund? Your brother, King Edmund?”
“Of course. So you see, they wouldn’t dare. And Susan’s mind is full of dresses and jewellery and suitors.”
“But -”
Tumnus was rapidly running out of counterarguments. He felt that Lucy’s mind, as always, was far quicker than his own and that she was already miles ahead of him.
“So I really only want to know one thing. Do you love me, Tumnus? Or rather, do you love me the way I love you?”
“Lucy -”
She was exasperating as well as utterly adorable. And enticing. Seeing her like this, it was all he could do, to fight down his natural urges.
“Tumnus. Just answer this one question.”
“Yes. I do. But it’s no good. We can’t -”
But Lucy wasn’t listening anymore. The second Tumnus had revealed his feelings for her, she set her plan in motion. She tore off her undergarment and threw it into the water. Closing the distance between herself and Tumnus, she began to rub her chest against his, then let her right hand slide down under the water, searching for and finding the part of Tumnus’ body that had drawn her gaze from the moment he’d caught sight of her without clothes.
This was something she had no experience of, but she instinctively sensed how to go about it.
Tumnus tried to move away, but she threw her other arm around his neck and clasped him to her chest. He whimpered softly, then whispered an anguished plea.
“Lucy, please. You don’t know what you’re -”
“I think I do. Don’t make this more difficult than it has to. If you know what to do, you might help me, instead of trying to get away. You want me, don’t you? Don’t lie. You’re not fooling me.”
No, he was well aware that the time for subterfuge was long past. He again considered pleading with Lucy, but another possibility was becoming increasingly attractive.
“Well?”
“Yes. I do know – But -”
“But what?”
“I’m – ooooooh – afraid to hurt you.”
“Never mind that. Just stop fighting me.”
For a while, Tumnus did his best to follow Lucy’s lead, and found that it severely impeded his power of speech. Lucy’s mouth covering his certainly did not help either.
Eventually, he managed to pull back slightly, gasping for breath.
“Perhaps we should -”
“What? You’re not still trying to make me stop, are you?”
Tumnus eagerly shook his head.
“We’ll be more comfortable on the grass.”
Lucy nodded contentedly.
She didn’t waste any time following Tumnus’ advice. Overcome with desire, Tumnus stopped arguing with himself. If this was wrong, he’d gladly face the consequences later. Tonight, he’d just let Lucy have her way. After all, this too, was something he could not refuse her.
Closing her eyes, Lucy lay back and let Tumnus please her and in turn, she did all she could, to please him. Seduce her, indeed. She was the one doing the seducing, and quite well too, if she might say so herself.
It was close to dawn, before either of them slept.
***
They never visited any of the other destinations they’d planned to see. For as long as their supplies lasted, they remained near the lake and instead of exploring the countryside, they explored each other. At the end of the visit, Lucy reluctantly agreed they might as well return.
Try as she might, by fair means or foul, she could not make Tumnus agree to let her stay with him in his house.
And so it was, that Lucy, laden with parcels and packages filled with delicious tidbits from Tumnus’ grocer or pastry cooks, reluctantly set out on the road back to Cair Paravel. Long before she reached the castle grounds, she was met by a party of knights. One of them insisted she ride behind him all the way back to the castle and her brother Peter.
Lucy defiantly met his gaze. If he as much as said a word to reproach her for her little impromptu holiday, she’d let him know about her discovery. She didn’t think he’d dare to make any trouble for fear of having the entire court and worst of all, Susan, know about him and Edmund.
But to Lucy’s relief, no one scolded her and once she’d explained herself, a dozen times or more, mainly to Susan, who fussed and worried about her, as if she was a child of eight, everyone took her absence well enough. In fact, it seemed her older siblings were all distracted by other matters, and could not focus fully on her impulsive outing.
Later that night, Susan remarked in passing, that Lucy looked as if she was in unusually good spirits. Lucy smiled to herself, recalling exactly what had made her this pleased, then replied matter-of-factly.
“Oh, you know. I just needed a little break. In fact, I think I’ll go off on my own regularly from now on. It was ever so nice to just wander around and camp out and have a picnic in the woods.”
Susan wrinkled her nose, and seemed to be pondering her sister’s words.
“Really? Well, I think I’ll stay in the park and the gardens around Cair Paravel, but you’re right. We should make sure we get some time off once in a while. I’ll mention it to Pete. He’ll agree, I’m sure. Even the High King needs some time to himself.”
Lucy smothered a giggle. Or with his brother. Maybe she should drop an ambiguous hint now and again, just to shake Peter up a bit. At times, he was getting a little too pompous. Of course, her siblings would never in a million years be able to guess what she and Tumnus had been up to. They weren’t clever enough, which suited her just fine. It was her little secret. Hers and Tumnus’.
FIN
© Tonica