I promise, I haven't abandoned this story! And I admit
freely, 8 months is far too long. I apologize for the long wait, and for
anyone who has sat with me through all of this, thank you so much for your
continued patience and support.

I haven't got much else to say today; there is a lot of exposition in this chapter
and it was difficult to write. I'm going to go ahead and give you a heads
up: I have been stuck in the next chapter for ages, and while I have no intention
of putting you through another 8-month hiatus I also make no promises about
when this next chapter will be ready.

As always, thanks a million to CaraLee934, my incredible Beta (who has done some
pretty great work herself) and to anyone who has left reviews, followed, or favorited
Once and Future. Your input is always appreciated.

Dislcaimer: I do not own Chronicles of Narnia, Merlin, or any of the characters therein.

Chapter 17: Something Wicked

In which a Murder is committed, a King is furious, and a Warlock gets no rest.

Cair Paravel was in a rare state of pre-dawn stillness when it happened. The boys raced with swords drawn to their sister's room.

The sight that met them chilled Edmund's blood; Susan sat in a crumpled heap on the floor and Lucy was already beside the corpses of her sister's guards. Halia crouched protectively over Susan's lap, hackles raised; Eyla stood beside her charge. Neither let down her guard when the kings entered.

Edmund joined Lucy while Peter rushed to Susan, who was staring at Helen's body with glassy eyes. She leaned readily into his arms.

"They're cold," Edmund said. He pulled Lucy away from Lady Blackbeak. His sister – his sweet, strong, hyperactive baby sister – was docile in his grasp, her eyes fixed on the Falcon.

By this time, others had arrived at the door. Oreius pushed his way past the small group of shell-shocked Narnians and entered the room.

"I heard the screams, Majesties," he said, seasoned eyes taking in the scene in a second. "Who was posted at Queen Susan's door?"

"It was I, my lord." The kings turned their eyes to Janna, who stood on the balcony. Her mouth was pressed into a thin line; she stomped a fore-hoof on the stone and balled a fist over her chest. "No one entered through the doors." Oreius nodded and turned his eyes to the girls.

"Look to your sisters, my Kings," he said, stern but not unkind. "I will work here. They should not have to see such horrors where they sleep. Halia, Eyla, attend your queens." The Black Panthers nodded, but did not relax.

"Thank you," Peter said. He didn't bother helping Susan to her feet; he scooped her up as if she were a small child. Before he could take her out of the room, the Centaur covered her bloodstained gown with a blanket. Peter nodded his thanks and shifted his grip so the blanket wouldn't fall, before carrying her bridal-style down the hall and away from prying eyes. "Ed."

Edmund looked up from his place at Lucy's side, and if Peter hadn't spent almost every day in his life dealing with Edmund is some way or another, he would have missed the dangerous flash in his brother's eyes, the one that was gone fast enough that even he would doubt its presence later.

He didn't have to repeat Oerius' instruction; Edmund moved to do help Lucy to her feet, but she stirred against his arms.

"Their... their bodies need tending," she said. "Their families... Helen's mate, and the Blackbeak chicks..."

"Oreius and Janna will see to it," he said, standing her up. Peter noted how tightly he held her waist, but it seemed whatever dark part of his mind Edmund had lost himself in was firmly locked away. For the time being, there were more important things to worry about. "Come on, let's get away from here."

"I... no, I need to see to them. They... they were there because I told them not to leave her alone."

"Come, Lu. They will be taken care of. Let's get you cleaned up." She opened her mouth to protest, but only a choked sob came out. She didn't say anything more when Edmund walked her back into her own chamber. He shut the door behind them, grabbed a shawl for her to bury her hands into, and led her down toward the parlor where they had met the night before.

"Edmund!" He turned to see a harried-looking Morgana hurry down the hallway, past the few animals that still remained outside Susan's room. "What happened?"

"Not here," he said. Morgana looked back and nodded, hugging her dressing gown to herself. She followed the siblings into the solar.

"Susan? What... what happened?"

"Can the girls borrow dresses from you?" Peter asked. "They can't go into their rooms."

"Of course, but -"

"Morgause has made good on her threat," Edmund said. "Where is your guard?"

"I... I left her asleep," Morgana replied. She lowered her eyes. Peter sighed, pointedly didn't reply, and turned to his own Cougar guard, Khol.

"I am safe with Halia, Eyla, and Borus. See the Lady Morgana back to her own guards and summon Mrs. Badger. Riddinus, too, if he's not already on his way. Then come straight back. Morgana… we will speak later about this. You cannot leave your guards when your safety is at risk. Morgause's assassin could have just as easily been sent to kill you."

The Great Cat bowed and Morgana followed him out silently. She could be hardheaded at times, and Peter was glad she had not insisted on staying. At least she understood the gravity of what was going on, even if she didn't know exactly what happened.

Susan still hadn't said a word, but she looked paler than ever. Her hair hung lank as it fell over her shoulders, framing a wan face. He made a note to speak to Lucy about a sleeping drought for her; surely there was some way to help her get some strength back up.

Lucy's wine from the night before was still sitting untouched on the fireside table, as was a bowl of fruit. Peter poured a glass for each of his sisters, then one for himself. He didn't even bother offering one to Edmund – his brother stood ramrod straight, as if they were teenagers training under Oerius once more. He didn't expect the wine to be of use at any rate; It was more something to do with his hands than the belief that any of them would benefit from the gesture, and he didn't take it personally when no one bothered to actually drink it.

The siblings sat in silence until their heads of the household arrived.

Mrs. Badger was the first to appear. She went straight to Susan and wrapped her in a hearty Badger hug, all propriety forgotten.

"I have made rooms ready for their Majesties," she said to the boys. "And I have a bath drawn for Queen Susan. I will take her, if my Kings will allow it."

"Thank you, Mrs. Badger," Peter said. "Halia, stay with them. Do not let my sister out of your sight, and if anything should happen, send word at once. Nothing is more important than the safety of your queen."

"Yes, Sire." Halia stood right beside Susan, with her head under Susan's hand should she falter. Mrs. Badger led the woman into the servants' hallway, out of sight of the rest of the Cair. When Susan had departed, Lucy took a breath.

"She was already beside them when I found her. I think she tried to help, but... whatever happened, it happened last night... the... they had been… dead for a few hours."

"Did you hear anything?" Edmund asked. Lucy shook her head, then looked down at Eyla.

"There was nothing from Queen Susan's chambers, my King," the Panther said. "I remained awake all through the night. Not a single sound, not even the wind."

"Were her doors open when she went to sleep?"

"I... I don't remember," Lucy pursed her lips together. "We didn't open them, but... I can't recall if they were when we got in."

"Helen would have seen them closed, given the alert," Eyla supplied. "I closed your doors, my Queen."

"That's what Janna was doing; she was looking for any evidence of a break-in," Peter guessed.

"We will speak with her later," Edmund said. "Right now, we need to see to our own. Where is Riddinus?"

"I am here, Sire." The Faun entered. "I have sent a maid to help Queen Susan, and another to fetch you breakfast in here."

"Prince Arthur?"

"Rhol is with him. There was no activity in the guest wing during the night; the guards on duty have all been alerted to the threat, and are keeping their vigil until relief comes."

"Has he been told?"

"Not as of yet, Sire. He is still asleep, as far as anyone knows."

"He needs to know," Lucy said. "We cannot keep this from him."

Edmund nodded. "Have a messenger sent up to the guest wing. Inform his party we will convene within the hour."

"We need to keep any more guests from coming in," Peter pointed out. "Susan will have a fit, but we cannot justify inviting more dignitaries into the Cair if there is a murderous witch about. I'll not have Corin hurt here, or give Calormen reason to attack. Riddinus-"

"I will see it done, Sire."

As Riddinus left, Morgana reappeared at the door, two dresses slung over her arm. Her guard, Challa, trailed behind with Khol.

"Is there anything else I can do?" she asked.

"Get dressed," Peter instructed. "It's going to be a long day; we need to prepare for whatever comes next. When you are ready, meet me here and we will go together to speak with Arthur." Morgana nodded and headed back the way she had come, and Peter turned to his sister. "Will you be alright, Lucy?" he asked. She nodded, standing.

"I need to see to them," she said, sounding stronger and more resolved now. Peter knew better than to deny her this comfort; if tending their bodies would bring her healer's heart peace, then it would happen. Now that she had more command of her senses, he did not worry for her sanity.

"Come to the Small Council Hall when you are ready," he said. "I think it's time we decide what's to be done here." Lucy nodded and preceded her brothers out of the room. Peter turned back to his brother.

"I will speak to my contacts," Edmund said. "Someone will have heard something; whoever did this will pay for it." There was a chill in Edmund's generally inscrutable voice, and Peter almost found himself pitying the fool who would risk the Just King's wrath like this. Perhaps the Lion will grant mercy to whoever did this, he thought grimly, because my brother surely will not.

Merlin jumped out of the bed when he heard the scream, but before he could do anything else the Hound assigned to him rushed into the room.

"What happened?" he asked.

"It came - from the - the Eastern wing, Sir. The Kings' and Queens' chambers."

The first thought that came to his mind was that there was yet another person up and about while he was sneaking around. It took him a moment longer than it should have to think of Morgause and the threat she issued. "We have to help."

"Now wait, Master Merlin. Stop bustling about - listen here, Sir: King Peter would have my hide if I allowed any harm to fall upon you and your company. Shan't even imagine the trouble I'll be in with Queen Lucy. Good, thank you. Now, the Kings will send word when there is something to be done. Until then I would suggest that you put your coverings on and get ready for the day." The words came in one big huff. The Hound's great, sad eyes held a worried tone, if it were possible, and his tail was wagging with such a ferocity that Merlin wondered whether he would start to fly.

A Faun knocked on the door as Merlin was finishing lacing up his boots.

"What happened? Are the Queens safe? The Kings?" the Hound asked before the attendant was even in the room.

"Yes, for the moment; but Lady Blackbeak and Dame Helen," the Faun panted. "They were found dead in Queen Susan's chambers. Murdered, they say."

"What happened?" Merlin asked.

"Lady Morgana is safe," he was quick to say, "She was guarded most heavily last night."

"Have they - I say, stop fidgeting for a moment and listen, will you?" the Hound chuffed, "Have they any idea who it was?"

"I only know what has been passed through the palace; General Oreius has taken over command of the search, I believe."

"Then come along, Sir, and we shall find answers with the Kings and Queens." Merlin followed the Faun and the Hound out into the hallway, just in time to see High King Peter and Morgana walking their way. Both were subdued and grim, but relatively unhurt.

"What happened?" he asked, not bothering to bow.

"Wait a moment," Morgana said softly. "Is Arthur up yet? The knights?"

Merlin didn't know, but one of the Fauns posted outside the doors answered, "Sir Leon woke when the messages were delivered; he is getting ready now. I've heard nothing from Sir Geraint's quarters, nor from Prince Arthur's."

"I'll get Arthur up," Merlin said.

"Ask him to come with us as soon as he is ready," King Peter said. "There is much to discuss, and less and less time to do it." Merlin nodded and entered his liege's room.

Arthur was just waking up; he inhaled deeply and sat up before even noticing Merlin's presence.

"Good," he said. "For once, you're on time. Could you see about finding me some breakfast? I didn't eat a bite last night."

"I'm sure there will be food soon, Sire," Merlin said, "but High King Peter is outside, and he asks that you come immediately. Apparently, something happened with one of the Queens, and everyone is getting nervous."

"Are they alright?" he asked, sobering immediately. "Morgana?"

"Morgana is waiting with the king. She wasn't part of it. As for the Queens, I was told there was a murder, but that the girls aren't hurt.

There was a moment of stunned silence, likely Arthur processing the news through the muddled din of early morning. After less time had passed than it felt like, he jumped into action.

"Help me get dressed."