My disclaimer for this story; I most certainly and evidently do not claim to have ownership over C . S Lewis's work. Any characters you recognise are not mine…unfortunately.

So please…read and hopefully enjoy!

Sun and Shadow

Chapter I

"King Caspian must take a wife!"

Caspian sighed heavily, running a weary hand over his throbbing temples as once more chaos descended around him. The young king stole a furtive glance through parted fingers at his councillors and advisors seated at the table before him.

Most of the older men were looking just as exasperated as he felt, and Lord Arvais had nodded off sometime during the proceedings, the braided ends of his great silver beard edging ever nearer to the goblet of burgundy wine his hand still clasped loosely.

Caspian clenched his jaw tightly as Lord Cras – one of the most adamant advocates of the proposal – launched his favourite argument.

"King Caspian is of an age now where he should have provided the kingdom already with an heir; an impossibility given he is yet to take a wife! That leaves the kingdom in a state of peril, should King Caspian – May Aslan forbid it – die unexpectedly there would be civil war with no apparent regent to take to the throne. And during this time of weakness when Narnia would be without leadership our enemies would take advantage and launch an attack!" Lord Cras finished, banging his fist down on the oaken table with conviction.

Caspian absently noted the ripples that appeared in his wine at the outburst.

"Your love of our kingdom is commendable Sir, if it were not for the fact that I was made aware that just last week you moved your own unmarried daughter into the palace…" Lord Restor spoke, leaving the insinuation hanging blatantly in the air as a chorus of shouts and accusations fired across the table both ways.

Lord Cras stood abruptly, his chair screeching across the marble mosaic floor.

"I will have you answer for that slander!" Lord Cras thundered; his face red and blustered and his fingers already straying dangerously to the lean sword at his hip.

Caspian tensed slightly, his gaze flickering at once to the guards who stood ready and ever vigilant; Caspian would have no brawling or swords drawn in his council chamber.

Incensed debate and disagreements were inevitable, but in the end they were all arguing for the same cause; for the good of the kingdom.

"Don't be bitter Lord Restor because you have only sons!" another shouted across the table and loud laughter rang out as Lord Restor's face paled, his eyes hardening in rage.

Caspian breathed an inaudible sigh of relief, as having seen Lord Restor quite clearly humiliated Lord Cras relinquished his previous fighting stance and dropped into his seat with a smug little grin as though he had conjured the insult himself.

And then the whole same argument began again and Caspian resisted the urge to vault from his seat and leave the accursed chambers and bickering lords behind.

The argument hinged on two points; when was Caspian going to take a wife? And perhaps more importantly who was Caspian going to take as a wife and by marriage make Queen of Narnia?

Caspian's gaze drifted; it was ironic really that as his councillors argued around him that most had actually forgotten his presence in the same room entirely; something Caspian had been most grateful for.

In any other council on any other matter Caspian would never be so silent but now his invisibility was a relief.

This council wasn't by far the first on the subject of Caspian's unmarried status; at first it had begun as gentle hints that he could easily brush off, prompting jokes about the length of time it was taking him but slowly impatience grew and anger bubbled as Caspian flat-out refused to marry eligible ladies from other lands that would secure beneficial alliances.

And the culmination of all those years had resulted in the loudly squabbling lords in front of him now.

Caspian knew deep down their concerns were legitimate; if tragedy would befall and some accident or other would strike him down unexpectedly Narnia would be left leaderless and vulnerable and it was not as if Caspian possessed even any distant family that could ascend to the throne.

However Caspian also knew that although the lords cared about Narnia deeply they also had more personal aspirations concerning the future of Narnia's royalty as Lord Restor had so shrewdly pointed out.

Most would beseech him to take a wife 'for the good of the realm' only for them to subsequently shove their daughters or on occasion sisters under his nose – not that the women in question needed much encouragement.

"And King Caspian will take a wife! However a decision made in haste is a decision regretted!"

The pleading exasperated tone of Nausus cut through his bitter musings and Caspian turned to give his Faun advisor a grateful nod; there were few remaining who fought in his favour on this matter.

Everyone had limits to their patience it seemed.

Caspian subtly straightened in his chair, wincing briefly at the stiffness in his shoulders at having been sat in the same position for so long; even his crown was beginning to weigh heavier with every passing moment as he struggled to keep his head erect; afterall Kings did not slump and especially not when they were meant to be chairing councils.

He looked longingly towards the windows that bright giddy sunshine streamed through invitingly.

"King Caspian has had ample time to select a bride of his choosing. He has been presented with women of high breeding, rank and class; befitting brides for any King and yet he has refused each and every one!"

Caspian frowned darkly, looking down at the Lord from his raised seat.

Lord Farzán.

'He should have known' Caspian thought grimly after he had had to refuse Lord Farzán's daughter quite publically.

"My Lords and Councillors," Caspian cut through any and all voices that rose to second Lord Farzán's opinion, "it seems to me that we waste too much time discussing this topic when there are other more pressing matters to address. What of the threat from Calormen? What measures have been taken to aid Archenland in her fight against the slave traders that have raided two villages already? What of the drought that has befallen Galma – does any of you have a report on its severity or what steps we must take to assist the Galmians?"

Caspian trailed off allowing his gaze to lie heavily on the suitably silent Lords.

"We will have the reports for you by the morn my liege," Lord Restor spoke solemnly bowing his head in acquiescence, his words signalling the closure of the discussion.

Caspian felt relief tremble through him that the dreaded council had at last ended, though from the poorly concealed dark looks not all were so elated.

However Caspian kept his expression neutral as was befitting a King. He thanked the lords and councillors for their time, assured them he would take their advice into consideration and made a vague uncomfortable promise that he would address the issues raised at his earliest convenience.

His duties done and the morning councils drawn to a close Caspian exited the chambers at as respectable a pace as he could manage. He could hear the swift hooves of Nausus shadowing him as he made his way down the hall that led to the outer gardens.

Caspian slowed, looking yearningly towards the brief glimpse of the outside world he could see before he halted waiting for Nausus to catch up; his duties as King of Narnia came first and he was grateful at least that it was Nausus and not one of the other odious lords.

"What is it Nausus? Is there some other matter you wish to discuss privately with me?" Caspian inquired politely.

Nausus hesitated for a moment, "perhaps we could walk in the gardens while we spoke?" he suggested with a small smile.

Caspian returned the smile knowingly. Nausus had been his advisor long enough now to know that Caspian without fail, escaped to the peace and tranquillity of the outside gardens after a stressful council.

They walked along the marble of the long hallway towards the grand sweeping arches that opened out onto the sprawling vista.

Caspian sighed in almost relief, a wide smile spreading across his face as the rays of welcoming sunshine fell across him, basking him in soothing warmth.

The gardens at this side of the palace were a source of sanctuary for the young King given that they maintained a level of privacy being situated high above the bustling courtyard and more public expanses below.

The upper area of the garden was bordered by carven stone balustrades swathed in verdant ivy that overlooked the lower levels of the palace below. It was an open, green space with sloping stretches of lush grass and two huge beech trees centred in each of the lawns either side; their boughs so heavy with shrouds of foliage they almost brushed the ground.

A carefully tended pathway ran around the garden's perimeter, joining to run down the centre towards a flight of stone steps that led to a secondary level that overlooked the sea and distant horizon beyond.

Most of the stonework had belonged to the original structure of Cair Paravel before its devastating destruction and when Caspian had set in motion plans to rebuild the glittering palace on the coast he ordered that as much of the foundations as possible be kept.

It made for a nice contrast to have the weathered and rough stonework from centuries before meld together with the newer structures in an amalgamation of a Narnian past and future.

They began to walk down the crunching gravelly path and at length Nausus spoke, "Your Majesty…" he began.

"Please Nausus we are no longer in council, dispense with the formalities," Caspian said, flashing Nausus a teasing friendly grin.

Nausus smiled in response, "Caspian…" he began again.

Caspian gave an acknowledging wave back to a dwarf that was diligently working on some weeds that were infiltrating the colourful flowers beds before he turned his attention back to Nausus.

Caspian frowned after a moment, his expression troubled as he saw the clear unease in Nausus from how he kept turning the silver ring on his left index finger with his right hand and how he glowered at the ground.

"Nausus?" Caspian prompted expectantly.

Nausus' gaze snapped up immediately apologetic as it alighted on Caspian and Caspian sighed despairingly.

"Not you too Nausus!" Caspian bemoaned, halting suddenly.

"Caspian you know I do not want to force you into a marriage…"

"But you are!" Caspian interrupted bitterly.

The Faun looked immediately regretful, "I assure you I am not," Nausus enforced.

Caspian didn't reply as they walked along the path, a disgruntled expression still on his face.

Why did Nausus have to ruin what was mean to be a calming walk after the council by bringing up that blasted topic again?!

"Caspian – ?" Nausus ventured cautiously again and with a heavy sigh and a resigned eye roll Caspian nodded minutely giving Nausus his sought leave to continue.

"Impatience is rife amongst most nobles for you to choose a wife; even the ladies of the court wish to have a female monarch to look to; a kingdom needs a queen to fulfil her duties as much as it needs a king," Nausus urged gently.

Caspian frowned slightly, "I know all this Nausus," he replied tiredly.

Nausus nodded eagerly, "of course and I didn't mean to waste your time insulting your intelligence by reiterating things you already know," Nausus rushed apologetically, "however…"

Caspian cast his advisor a side-long look, thinking that Nausus suddenly looked very ominous.

The Faun's steps slowed even further, as he fiddled with his wedding ring on his finger again, his usually cheerful blue eyes pensive.

"To appease the impatience of your court…plans to stage a grand tournament in your name as a celebration of your birthday have been put into motion," Nausus finished looking to Caspian.

Caspian halted suddenly, " – in my name?!" he echoed.

Nausus nodded.

A tournament – a king's tournament – a tournament in his name meant only one thing; every eligible lady from lands far and wide would be flocking to Cair Paravel.

Caspian closed his eyes for a brief moment's respite, "dare I ask who suggested this?" he intoned frigidly.

"Lord Farzán," Nausus answered and the two exchanged a knowing look.

"That man is becoming far too forceful in his dealings," Caspian mused concernedly, wondering briefly how Lord Farzán could have organised such a spectacle without the King's consent and then begrudgingly considered that it wasn't that difficult. All Lord Farzán had to do was present the council with plans to throw a 'surprise tournament in our King's honour for the celebration of his birth'.

What loyal councillor would refuse such an innocent offer to celebrate their king's birth? -

Caspian's frown deepened further as his thoughts drifted to Lord Farzán.

Caspian had had no reason to suspect the man of disloyalty and Lord Farzán had never seemed to want to displace Caspian from his throne...initially.

However bad blood lingered between the two from when Caspian had refused Lord Farzán's daughter; Caspian imagined that Lord Farzán had been grievously wounded by what he considered an insult to his family; he was afterall a fellow Telmarine – who now lived at peace with the Narnians but all the same he had somehow expected Caspian to honour old allegiances.

And from then every opportunity that presented itself Lord Farzán worked ceaselessly to expose Caspian's shortcomings and failings.

"What do you expect Lord Farzán hopes to achieve with this tournament? – You have already refused his daughter, naught can change that?" Nausus disturbed Caspian's silent musings.

"I suspect it has little to do with his daughter anymore. He wishes to subject me to the council's displeasure when I once more fail to take a wife at this tournament," Caspian said grimly.

"Then I wish heartily I had of done more to prevent it from taking place," Nausus said sincerely.

"There's nothing to be done about it now; if I try and prevent it I will be seen as ungrateful and no doubt offend many nobles," Caspian said wearily as they reached the end of the centre pathway to overlook the wide veranda below them; the secondary level of the gardens that provided an unprecedented complete view of the sea that stretched endlessly into the distant horizon.

Caspian glanced and saw the reclining figure beneath the shade of a cherry blossom tree on the veranda and a fond smile graced his lips in recognition.

He turned to Nausus once more, "I wish you had of told me sooner though Nausus," Caspian admonished gently, the prospect of this looming tournament darkening his thoughts once more.

Nausus immediately looked horrified, "but Sire I had no knowledge of it until yesterday when the last council on the matter was called," he exclaimed animatedly.

Caspian clasped Nausus' shoulder with a brief look of grim understanding, "peace Nausus!" he called to halt the other's wild panic, "I suspect that was on purpose as well; Farzán knows how loyal you are."

Nausus smiled in relief, clearly placated, "the others are loyal as well Your Majesty," the Faun began encouragingly.

"I know you're right," Caspian replied, "they are only doing what they think is best; they have no ulterior motives unlike others perhaps to see me fail."

Nausus nodded dourly, wishing the other councillors could have more patience with their young king.

"Well Nausus I believe after the morning we've had we deserve some respite – go and enjoy the sunshine with your wife and son," Caspian commanded grinning; there were still some orders it gave him joy to dispense.

The Faun looked pleasantly surprised, "wouldn't you like to know the particulars of the upcoming tournament planned?" Nausus inquired.

Caspian grimaced briefly at its mention, "we can leave it until later," Caspian said firmly, sharing a wry smirk with Nausus.

"Thank-you Caspian," Nausus said, bowing low despite the friendly address, "I hope you enjoy the rest of your day."

Caspian watched Nausus trot back down the path, a jaunty spring in his step at the prospect of enjoying the day with his family.

Caspian swallowed thickly; family?

Pushing away the longing twinge in his heart Caspian turned and swiftly descended the stone steps that had long been bleached white by the sun.

He made his way across the veranda, glancing out briefly at the rolling blue waves of the sea beyond, each crest sparkling as the sunshine caught it as though a thousand tiny gems had been cast into the white foamed surf.

A stiff sea breeze that held the bite of salt ruffled his dark hair as he reached the figure still resting beneath the cherry blossom tree.

Professor Cornelius looked up as Caspian's shadow fell across the book in his hands, a smile immediately springing to his old tutor's face.

"I thought you were meant to be resting?" Caspian inquired sternly, trying to keep the mischievous smirk from pulling at his lips.

"Even with my dwarven blood there is only so much time I can spend cooped up behind four stone walls my king," Professor Cornelius answered, his eyes dancing with mirth.

Then they both laughed as Caspian felt the tension and irritation that lingered from the council still evaporate like early morning mist before the sun.

Caspian dropped himself carelessly down on the grass beside his old professor, casting an amused and pointed glance towards the simple serving tray resting nearby.

There was the familiar earthenware pot with its Dwarven runes etched on to it and an entirely incongruous dainty porcelain cup sat beside it on the tray. Beside that was a long curving pipe, the stem worn thin with use, a small leather pouch which Caspian knew contained the foul smelling stuff the Professor would use to fill his pipe with and then there was a rather large plate of delicious looking honey-seed cakes.

Caspian frowned at the latter of these items as he swiped a honey-seed cake from the plate, taking a rather large bite.

"I thought the healer said no rich foods to allow your stomach time to recuperate?" Caspian mumbled around a mouthful of honey-seed cake.

Professor Cornelius peered over his wire-rimmed spectacles at Caspian, "very kingly," he commented teasingly.

Caspian smirked swallowing the rest of the cake, looking to the Professor expectantly.

"Young King you forget I sat at your bedside reading to you when you had made yourself ill gorging on honey-seed cakes as a young boy," Professor Cornelius huffed impertinently and Caspian grinned shaking his head in fond amusement as he looked slightly apologetic.

Professor Cornelius smirked knowingly, "one honey-seed cake will not kill me," he muttered, closing his book to set it on the warm grass beside him.

Caspian grinned and tilted his head to the side curiously to better read the title of the richly bound book as the Professor reached for his pipe and leather pouch.

"It is an account by the winged horse Fledge, penned by Queen Helen herself," Professor Cornelius explained as he tamped down the bowl of his pipe.

Caspian rolled onto his stomach, reaching for the book to flick through it deferentially, "really?" Caspian said in awed reverence as he ran his fingertips along the much worn spine with its faded golden script.

"Fledge was the first flying horse Aslan created. He allowed Digory and Polly to ride him; I'm surprised you don't remember – it used to be one of your favourite tales," Professor Cornelius' said.

"I do remember," Caspian answered, "I just didn't think anything so old still existed today."

"The Narnians held the book very precious to them for its content as well as its scribe; Queen Helen was a much beloved queen. So they harboured the book safely through the ages," Professor Cornelius explained as he puffed out a ring of blue-grey smoke.

Caspian wrinkled his nose in distaste as the smoke ring vanished with a wisp into the fragrant air and Professor Cornelius gave a rumbling laugh, his smile hidden behind his bushy white beard.

"You young sensitive ones," he teased as Caspian set the book down once more with a smirk.

Rolling onto his back Caspian placed his hands behind his head gazing up.

The cherry blossoms were like a blush stained white cloud hovering above him; their sweet scent drifting along the breeze and he could glimpse a strip of clear blue sky between the bountiful boughs…blue like her eyes.

Caspian's eyes fluttered shut as he hung onto the brief image for a little longer.

Then Caspian sighed; peaceful moments to remember like these were hard to come by since he had become King for all too soon other matters began to crowd into his inner silence; such was the burden of being a King.

He knew that he could not put off the urgings of the council indefinitely, could not distract them all the time with other problems or appease them forever with half-hearted promises.

And Caspian being a good King knew that the best thing for Narnia…was to take a wife and give the kingdom an heir to celebrate.

"I bet I can guess what this morning's council entailed…"

Caspian smiled inwardly as the Professor's voice sounded near him, the tone cautiously playful, but Caspian knew the deep concern that would be reflected behind the wire-rimmed spectacles.

"You know everything," Caspian replied easily as he would have done as a young boy, hoping to delay the inevitable.

The Professor made a 'harrumph' sound as he shifted and Caspian opened an eye to peek up at him.

The Professor chewed contemplatively on the end of his pipe but his knowing yet gentle eyes were trained on Caspian.

Caspian shut his eye again; he did not know if he could bear the Professor's gentle sympathy yet stern unyielding words today.

He wanted to enjoy the memories in silence; the memory of eyes as bright and blue as Narnia's skies, of shadowy hair brushing against his cheek and a kiss that had seared his heart and mind alike.

The Professor understood the mood Caspian was in and sighing resignedly, he decided to indulge him today.

Caspian might not have been the young boy he once was anymore but to Professor Cornelius he would always be the inquisitive little imp that had gazed up at him with wide dark eyes before piping up and asking him 'why are you so short?' Professor Cornelius wouldn't have taken offence only Caspian had barely been able to reach his waist at the time.

"I heard a few mermaids were singing down by the cove not so long ago," Professor Cornelius conversed casually, gazing out towards the horizon.

"Really?" Caspian hummed distractedly, his eyes still shut, his long legs outstretched, "I remember waking to them singing on the Dawn Treader."

"Not many Kings can say they sailed to the very edge of Aslan's country and returned," Professor Cornelius said with gruff pride in his voice.

Caspian chuckled lightly, his eyes fluttering open to reveal a forlorn light in his dark eyes.

"Your father would be very proud of all that you have achieved," Professor Cornelius said quietly and Caspian glanced up at him, a rueful smile on his lips.

The Professor since he was a little boy could always tell what was on his mind, even when he was trying to hide it.

"I wish he were here now," Caspian confessed in a small voice, "I could use his advice."

Professor Cornelius' bushy white eyebrows knitted together in consternation, in his eyes shone a sympathetic light as he leaned across to pat Caspian's shoulder with a weathered hand.

"I am afraid to say I cannot offer advice on matters of the heart my King, but I can listen," Professor Cornelius offered sincerely.

Caspian smiled fleetingly in thanks before his expression sobered, "how can I even begin to contemplate marrying another when I'm already in love with her?"

Professor Cornelius furrowed his brow in deep thought as he took a long contemplative draw from his pipe; he of course knew who Caspian spoke of without him having to name her.

"I would have nothing to give to a wife – everything I am already belongs to her," Caspian said emphatically.

"You would have an heir to provide," Professor Cornelius advised seriously.

Caspian frowned darkly, "a child born of a loveless union?"

"It would not be the first and unfortunately not the last. Those born into a noble life do not always have the luxury of love," Professor Cornelius said gently yet firmly.

Caspian exhaled noisily, throwing an arm carelessly over his troubled eyes, "the idea of marrying someone - anyone else feels impossible," Caspian murmured earnestly.

"Perhaps at first," Professor Cornelius began to reason when Caspian sat up abruptly, shaking his dark head irritably.

"I have had this from my councillors all morning Professor - I do not want to hear it from you as well!" Caspian said heatedly, holding up a hand to stall the Professor's words.

The Professor clenched his teeth around the stem of his pipe, puffing out rings of smoke at an alarming rate as he watched the tense rigid line of Caspian's shoulders against the horizon.

But then Professor Cornelius felt the same pitying exasperation weigh heavy in his heart as he saw the proud head before him bend and a quiet exhale pass from wearied lips.

"I do not mean to distress you my boy," the Professor ventured gently, the term of endearment slipping by without notice.

Caspian's neck turned slightly, lengths of dark hair brushing his shoulder as his eyes met the Professor's for a brief moment.

"I know you only meant well," Caspian said gently, "and I'm sorry I was sharp with you. I value your judgement and trust you implicitly."

Professor Cornelius waved the apology away with the stem of his pipe, "none of us have flawless judgement my boy, except save Aslan himself."

"I wish I knew why she cannot return to Narnia?" Caspian sighed wistfully, his gaze trained upon the vista before him; of the bright golden orb of the sun that blazed high in the blue of the sky that harboured not a single pillow of white.

To the radiant Southern Sun…Queen Susan the Gentle.

"It is not for us to question Aslan," the Professor grumbled sternly, his brow puckering into a frown.

"I do not question Aslan – I just wish I understood why?" Caspian confessed.

"Time will bring understanding – and with it acceptance," Professor Cornelius assured in soothing tones.

"I do not wish to accept…" Caspian began resolutely when the Professor cut across him firmly, his patience frayed at seeing the young King he loved so well distressed.

"And what good does your stubbornness yield you? Hmm?" The Professor inhaled a deep rallying breath, his blue eyes flashing like lightning, his voice admonishing, "Queen Susan will never return to Narnia my King; to cling to such an impossible hope will bring only heartbreak and the end of your line!"

King Caspian leapt to his feet, stalking across the greensward to the stone balustrade digging his fingers into the unforgiving rock, old Cair Paravel remnants where once her pale hands may have rested as she beheld the same dauntless horizon he did now.

He had sailed into the unknown Eastern seas, to the end of the world, the very edge of Aslan's country but no ship would bear him to her. She was out of his reach.

His anger at Professor Cornelius' stern words faded; the Professor had been his guardian long enough for Caspian's keen eyes to immediately see the care-worn crevices and lines creasing the old man's face when he turned, to see the concern etched deeply into the wise eyes and know that harsh words were born out of the most tender care the Professor harboured for a boy he had essentially raised since childhood.

"They say Queen Susan's bow never missed," Professor Cornelius mused aloud, a sad note to the usually merry if gruff song of his voice.

"And I fear her arrow may never leave my heart," Caspian finished quietly, his chin dipped to his chest.

Well, what do you think?! Reviews, criticism – all feedback is much appreciated and listened to.

I already have the next few chapters written up and all, I just need to proof-read them again so feel free to let me know if I should continue?

I know it's also meant to be 'Doctor' Cornelius but I decided to go with movie-verse for that one.

And I know the first chapter wasn't really that eventful but I hope it wasn't too much of a chore to read.