Note: Please keep in mind that I haven't exactly read all the books, I've seen all the movies, but the books' language is quite foreign to me, even if I tried to recreate and modernize it a bit. Book and movie-compliant as far as I intended it to be. Thank you for your read (I hope) and do try to enjoy it. Feel free to review as often as you'd like! I love hearing from other aspiring authors (or just some avid readers). Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I don't own any of it, except some OOC-ness from characters you know.

An Unfortunate Reminder

Edmund: 16, 15, 13, 11 in the middle of a battle with the surviving followers of the Witch, Edmund is being reminded of his betrayal. Peter helps him slay the followers, then comforts Edmund, preventing nightmares.

Year: 1003

As Edmund swung his sword at yet another white tiger, he forced himself to take a deep, calming breath, just as all his trainers advised him to do. He'd found that taking deep breaths during a taxing battle could mean the difference between panic and calm, something he'd desperately needed when he was younger. Even now, three years into his siblings' and his reign, he still needed those deep, calming breaths sometimes, to keep fighting.

Once he took his breath, he felt more comforted than ever. He was with Peter and Oreius and a few other battle-worn Narnians; he was as safe as he could be in a battle. But, he could still hear Jadis' voice whispering in his ears about how awful a traitor he was to his siblings. The only reason he was hearing the evil witch at that very moment was because he was busy fighting her remaining followers. As awful and unbelievable as it sounded, her creatures still showed their hand and their threat in the lives of all Narnians.

And so, the royal family had to do something to protect their beloved subjects and the country they loved dearly. Which was why the brother kings were currently reaping havoc against Jadis' remaining followers. The kings and the general Oreius believed that this battle may be their last against the White Witch's followers. A thought that drove each Narnian soldier into a frenzy, eager to end the reign of terror the witch had hung over them for over a hundred years.

And so, the thirteen-year-old forced another deep breath, before slashing his sword across the side of a minotaur going after Peter. He wouldn't let the dead witch's words and his fear of her get to him, he was stronger than that.

But, all the sudden, some of the animals he was fighting seemed to recognize him. After an initial shout, they swiftly picked up the cry of, "traitor!" throughout their ranks. Edmund's breath caught in his throat in the middle of his next deep breath and he found he couldn't breathe. These old followers of Jadis' remembered his face, his betrayal, and his despair at condemning Mr. Fox and Tumnus to eternal life as statues, shells of their former selves. They remembered a time when he wasn't King Edmund the Just, when he was just a child who sold out his family for sweeties.

He felt sick. He still couldn't manage to find his breath and he turned urgently, searching for his older brother, only just managing to fend off his opponents. Peter would make everything right again. And sure, enough, there was Edmund's magnificent older brother, sword raised, armor sparkling in the relentless sun, hackles raised (figuratively, of course, for his brother was a Son of Adam). Anger and vengeance took their place in Peter's eyes as he turned to face their adversaries, after sending his dark-haired brother a reassuring nod and quirk of his eyebrows in a silent question. The question wasn't left unanswered and Edmund nodded back to indicate that he was, in fact, unhurt physically, but still felt very threatened by the shouts in their midst. Peter's simple nod and question gave Edmund new hope and he turned back to the shouts of his betrayal, newly inspired by his brother's strength.

The siblings charged as one and cut down an entire line of wolves on their own, united in bravery and love for each other. Edmund knew it would be okay because Peter was there; Peter knew they would survive because Edmund was fighting alongside him. Edmund, still deeply affected by the cries and reminders of his betrayal, struggled to cut through the throng of shouting creatures, baying for his blood. Peter waded through the sea of enemy animals to reach his little brother, determined to defend him and Narnia as one.

Eventually, they stood back to back, swords facing opposite directions. This was how they fought best, working as one unit, in perfect harmony. When all four Pevensies fought in this way together, no enemy could strike a mortal blow upon any of the siblings. But, alas, the other two siblings remained at Cair Paravel, unneeded for this skirmish. Or so said two fiercely protective brothers of the two young queens. Lucy and Susan were never forced into battle if their kings could help it, though they were both quite willing to fight for their beautiful country. Lucy, in particular, defended Narnia with honor and valiance, as was her title as queen. The two queens fought with their kings only when the true need arose, and when it did, the siblings were never felled.

Edmund and Peter, however, were nearly as effective when fighting together. They cut down enemies like old butter, just as they were now. They defended each other and made quick work of larger enemies, such as the minotaurs they fought during the first few years of their joint reign.

At last, the final unfortunate follower of Jadis died by a centaur's swift and terrible arc of a sword, and the battle ceased. Peter and Edmund lowered their swords and Peter seized his younger brother in a tight hug, after assuring himself that the surrounding area was clear of living enemies. Edmund allowed his brother to hold him, even squeezing him back for a moment, before excusing himself to set up a tent for the evening. It was getting rather late, and as the brothers knew quite well, their oldest sister would have their heads if they tried traveling home in the dark.

Peter watched his brother go, sadness in his eyes, but as duty would have it, he could not run after his brother like he so wanted to. As High King, each battle required him to help with the wounded, unless he himself had been wounded. It was not a real requirement of Peter's sovereignty, but it did help raise morale and saved soldiers from hopelessness. It also meant that the brothers were allowed time apart from ruling and space from each other, as they usually needed after a battle. Edmund was often excused from such activities per his older brother's request, for Peter still tried to protect his siblings from the horrors of seeing fallen friends. Each Narnian soldier understood that Peter's word on this was law and did not try to force Edmund to help.

The Narnians also knew that Edmund, of the two kings, needed more time to recover from the heat of battle and the horrors of death. Edmund, though he was called the Just, could only use Aslan's reassurance after each battle. His own, or even his family or subjects' reassurance was not sufficient when he could have the Lion's unwavering love after a battle. So, he was left alone, until Peter left the injured behind to go to his younger counterpart.

The two kings, bonded by battle and hardships, were often able to sense the other's distress. After a battle was no different. Peter always seemed to know exactly the right time to enter the royal tent he shared with his younger brother. Once he entered, all Narnians knew not to follow until morning came, for Edmund was a sensitive, but easily mortified king. He had a kind heart, but did not appreciate his subjects seeing just how vulnerable it was, only his siblings (mainly Peter) were allowed that privilege. And the young king and queens knew it.

As fate would have it, not many of the Narnians had been injured in the battle, and Peter, had he been less tactful, would've returned to the royal tent at exactly the wrong moment. But, the general Oreius, accustomed to the royal family's habits, had asked his high king to help plan their route for the return to Cair Paravel. Peter gratefully accepted, for he now had another excuse not to disturb Edmund before he was needed.

Oreius and Peter looked over several maps, finally deciding on a dirt road route. They had taken up the chase of the White Witch's followers through a nearby forest, but returning through the same way would take much longer, and therefore was quite unnecessary. Just as Peter and Oreius had decided their route, Peter looked up, as if feeling a disturbance. The High King glanced at his general, who took notice, and nodded to Peter. Peter bid his general good night and hurried from the war tent without another thought.

Peter took off at a quick pace toward the royal tent, pausing only briefly outside the entrance and walked inside. The sight he found inside saddened the eldest sibling, but did not shock him. Edmund was curled on his cot, clutching the side of his makeshift bed. He was also crying, hot, bubbling tears found their way down his face and even after so many years, all Peter could see was Edmund in the bomb shelter against their mother's chest in tears, during the Blitz. Peter knew, no matter how long any of them lived, he would never be over or immune to Edmund's tears, Lucy's big, tearful blue eyes, or Susan's worried tone of voice. He would forever dread each, but also love his siblings even more for it, because when they turned their pleads or tears to him it meant they still needed him and his love. And this moment was no exception.

Peter took a careful step forward and knelt beside his brother's cot, pulling said brother into his still-armored embrace. Peter whispered careful reassurance to Edmund, first about the battle, knowing that Edmund would need that first, always. No matter how many times Edmund killed evil Creatures or other Sons and Daughters of Adam and Eve, he still wept for their deaths. He still begged Peter and Aslan to assure him that it was right of him to kill for Narnia and their cause. Peter always satisfied Edmund's primal need for reassurance after so much death, wishing he could prevent his younger brother from ever seeing such horrors. But, alas, such things were not possible, if Aslan wished Edmund to do battle, Edmund would do so. Who was Peter to question Aslan? Even as the High King he was. Peter, finished with his initial reassurance, gave Edmund time to recover from his older brother's words and then pushed on. His next words were the most difficult for both kings, however true they were, they were never spoken of unless Edmund was very upset indeed.

This battle had been different and so Peter's words were different, fiercer somehow than usual. His hands just as gentle as ever, he spoke of Edmund's forgiveness for his betrayal, he professed his love for his brother and reminded Edmund that Narnia, Aslan, and the other three Pevensies had long since forgiven him for his betrayal. Edmund, even now, still hadn't forgiven himself. Although he took to his title the Just like a dog to a particularly delicious bone, he had not yet forgiven himself for almost destroying his siblings and many other Narnians.

The other three siblings knew this of course, and did their best to constantly assure Edmund that he would always be a forgiven, just, kind, and brave king in their eyes. They also knew that he did not usually agree with their assurances, except at times like this. When Peter held him after he's seen more horrors, more death, he became absolutely sure about how forgiven he truly was. Peter held him like he was the most precious treasure in the vaults of Cair Paravel, never wavering from his strong embrace, and that was what convinced him. If Peter could hold him with such reverence, such pure, unadulterated protective love, how COULDN'T he have forgiven Edmund? Edmund believed Peter's words of comfort and love only when he was at his most vulnerable. Peter knew this and never took advantage, although he did his best to ensure that no other creature knew of his brother's vulnerability, save for their queens.

Although it took a long while and Peter's best words of love and encouragement yet, eventually, Edmund's tears began to slow and Peter joined him on his cot, an unspoken message of devotion to his little brother. It was then that they prayed to Aslan, for forgiveness, for strength, for loyalty, for love, for trust, for justice, for kindness, and for bravery. Soon after their prayers ceased, and all that was heard was steady breathing from the brothers, the sovereigns fell asleep in each other's' arms.

And, well, if one of them woke during the night, they found themselves in such a loving, protective embrace that they soon slumbered once more next to their brother, their best friend, their king.

Note: I hope you enjoyed this shot at capturing these two's relationship and love for each other. I hope I did them some justice. Thank you for your read! Up next is the Gentle Queen.