The normal dedications are in order, yes?

To Elecktrum, and MyBlueOblivion, for sticking through this with me, and to my little sister, Rose.

I hope you all enjoyed the story.

Chapter 9: Stuck

"You idiot! You are far too bloody noble for your own good Pevensie, you know that?"

Peter smirked, feeling decidedly pleased with himself. Anything he could have done to stop Edmund from throwing worried frowns his way every time he passed by was a victory for him. That night that he had slept peacefully for the first time in more than several weeks, had done him a world of good. Or, so he thought. He was pretty sure that Susan, Edmund and Lucy would disagree, probably violently. He leaned against the corridor wall, crossing his arms and quirked an eyebrow at his younger brother.

"Oh?" he queried.

Edmund shot him a dark look. Peter chuckled under his breath, enjoying his brother's current state. Edmund did not appear in a good temper tonight, in fact he looked a bit riled up. He paused, curious as to what could have gotten his fellow king so angry. His brother continued to glower at him, his lips pressed into a thin line.

"And what exactly do you want me to do about that, Ed?" Peter teased, grinning.

"Nothing. Unfortunately Peter, you're stuck and so am I," Edmund retorted. "I have no cure for your idiocy."

Peter rolled his eyes, resisting an urge to sigh. Edmund understood some things far better than he ever would, so there was no use fighting with him, especially since he was probably right. After all, it spoke volumes that Edmund had already pinpointed his schedule to the degree that he had caught Peter just as the High King had been turning the corner to start down another, well-worn hallway.

"I do know what your problem is, though."

"You do? Well, then, out with it, Edmund."

It was Edmund's turn to smirk, and he drew himself up proudly to his full height before explaining, "Me."

Peter stood, leaning against the corridor wall and just stared at his brother. What in all of Narnia had brought his brother to that conclusion? He knew for a fact the core of his problems rested with Jadis, and his inability to protect his siblings. Particularly the one who had almost died on a battlefield not too long ago. If it had not been for Lucy. . . he was happy to not continue the thought.

"You? And what gave you that idea?" Peter asked, his voice dead.

"I'm related to you, Peter. I know how you think."

"Aslan preserve us," he muttered under his breath. Aloud he said, "You're right, Ed, you must be my problem. Because that makes no sense whatsoever," the High King replied. He tried not to grimace. It was obvious that Edmund knew how his older brother thought, since he had caught him so easily.

"That's what's happening now, right? The reason you wander these corridors is because you're worried. Worried about making the right decisions as the High King, worried of disappointing the people who look up to you, and worried about our sisters and their safety. But what worries you the most is keeping your younger brother safe. After all, it was me who died on the battlefield, trying to save your life. Anyone would probably worry after that. Only you though, Peter, would worry to the point where it started to affect your health!"

"I'm supposed to worry about you and Susan and Lucy, Edmund! It's my job," Peter said. He was trying to weasel his way out of actually explaining what was bothering him so much, and still get his brother to give up this idea. It was by no means Edmund's fault that his older brother was plagued by nightmares.

"Just because you're the eldest doesn't mean you have to do it by yourself. Susan, Lucy, and I are capable of worrying too. Is that why you're out here instead of asleep? I know you love our new home, Peter! I do too! But this is taking it to the extreme, don't you think?"

"Well what are you doing up, Edmund? You should be in bed, too."

"I was reading," Edmund muttered. Peter raised an eyebrow, curiosity and suspicion warring for domination within his mind.

"Reading?"

"Yes, reading. I wanted to study some of the texts that we have in the library. Why does no one believe me when I tell them that? You know, I do know how to read," Edmund retorted and paused. He acted as though he wanted to add something more, but wasn't sure if he should or not. Peter waited, knowing to push Edmund right now would do him no good.

"And, I couldn't sleep either. I haven't really been able to since I fell asleep in your room the other night. I've just been so worried."

"About what, Ed?" Peter asked, anxiousness coloring his own voice. Anything that was worrying his siblings was important, and he wanted to know about it right away.

"You!" Edmund hissed savagely. "Because you won't talk to anyone about why you won't sleep, and it has me worried about my perfect, very dense older brother. Since you refuse to sleep, you are getting yourself sick. And you refuse to talk to someone about why you won't sleep, and I can't help but wonder if it's because you don't trust me!"

Peter's eyes widened at the same time Edmund's did. With a choked sound, the older brother pulled the younger into a hug, his eyes glistening with tears that had yet to fall. He had known there was a reason Edmund had seemed so unsure of himself, and it pained him to know that it was because he had been working under the belief that his brother still didn't trust him.

"Are you sure I'm the idiot? Eddie listen to me," Peter held his brother at arm's length, and leveled him with a steady glare. "I trust you more than anyone else in this world or the next. You need never doubt that. The reason I can't sleep is because I keep seeing the same memory over and over again. It's always Jadis stabbing you, and this time I can't save you, and neither can Lucy. It is not, and could never be your fault that I am having these nightmares. In fact," Peter smiled warmly, "I sleep better when your there because I know that you're alive."

Edmund pulled away from Peter's embrace and gave him a long, hard look. Peter stood very still, for he suddenly felt as if he had been caught. Finally, his brother's mouth twitched into a bitter smile.

"A word of advice? You should take a page out of my book, Pete. What's done is done, and you have to try to leave it behind."

"I'm trying."

Edmund gently took him by the sleeve and tugged him down the corridor back toward his own room. Peter followed him without complaint, knowing he had been beaten, and having the good grace and common sense not to say anything.

"I know," Edmund replied.

"So now what?"

"Now I have to have Martil shift my things into your room. I'm moving in."

OoOoOoOo

Peter shook his head slowly as he watched Edmund throw the mass of blankets and pillows onto the window seat. He sank down onto his bed, all the sleepless nights finally catching up with him. He felt truly tired, as he watched their valets fussing, both where put out about the sudden change to their precious routine.

"Why?" There was so much behind that question that he could not put into words.

"Because I need sleep, and you, dear brother, are worth it."