“Are you all right?” Peter asked, for what for what felt like the hundredth time in an hour.

 

“I’m fine,” Edmund said, gritting his teeth.

 

“Are you sure? You don’t look it.”

 

“I think he looks very well today,” Caspian disagreed. Edmund ducked his head, attempting to hide the blush that threatened to spread over his cheeks. Unfortunately for him, he was not given the time to savour the moment.

 

“I’m his brother, I know better than you,” Peter sniffed.

 

“I can tell when someone is unwell.”

 

“And yet you refuse to admit the fact that there’s something wrong with you.”

 

“What do you mean? I am fine.”

 

“Only physically.”

 

With a growl, Caspian advanced towards Peter, his fists clenched tightly.

 

“And you just proved my point,” Peter said smugly.

 

“Peter, don’t you have better things to do?” Edmund interjected.

 

“What, so you’re on his side?”

 

“You’re the High King. Find a different way to amuse yourself,” Edmund replied, shutting the heavy book that he had been attempting to read. He glanced out the library window, finding the sun still high in the sky.

 

With one last glare at Caspian, Peter stalked off, head held high. Edmund watched him with reproachful eyes, knowing that his brother would be angry with him.

 

“What are you reading?” Caspian asked.

 

“A book on the life cycles of different mammals.”

 

“Forgive me for asking, but… why?”

 

“To broaden my knowledge,” Edmund said, glancing at the handsome man. He felt the urge to brush his dark brown hair out of his face, but restrained himself regretfully. It looked so soft, like it would run like silk through his fingers.

 

“You are smart as it is. Don’t you have better things to do with your time?” Caspian said earnestly. He leaned closer, looking genuinely interested.

 

“Well, thank you,” Edmund said awkwardly. “I’m not really needed elsewhere though.”

 

“You are always needed,” Caspian smiled. Once again, Edmund desperately fought down a blush. “The Narnians would love the aid of one of their ancient kings,” Caspian continued.

 

Edmund sighed, disappointment flooding through him. Of course Caspian did not need him, it was foolish to hope. He was King Edmund the Just, of course the Narnians wanted him to be present, just to sort out any disputes. Caspian had been spending more time with him of late, but that did not mean that he was interested in him romantically.

 

“What is wrong?” Caspian asked.

 

“Don’t you start,” Edmund growled. “I’m going for a walk.”

 

“Good, I could use some exercise,” Caspian said, not getting the hint.

 

Edmund simply put his book down and stalked in the direction of the gardens, Caspian following in his wake. As they walked, Edmund noticed that Caspian kept sending his confused glances. After around five minutes, he finally lost his temper.

 

“What?” Edmund snapped.

 

“Nothing, it does not matter,” Caspian said, turning away with embarrassment.

 

“Just tell me.”

 

“Well…” Caspian began giving him another look, “You are always there.”

 

“Well observed,” Edmund muttered.

 

“I mean you are always there for people. You show up to help, then leave again.”

 

“After all the drama’s over, there’s no point sticking around,” Edmund said, feeling uncomfortable.

 

“I am just curious. You are very confusing, you know,” Caspian informed him.

 

“It’s nice to keep people guessing.”

 

“I need to know. Did you call off the hunting party because of me?” As Caspian’s eyes bore into him, Edmund decided that there was no point in lying.

 

“Yes, I did.” Edmund drew himself to his full height as Caspian bristled.

 

“I was fine.”

“No, you weren’t.”

 

“I did not need your help. I can take care of myself.”

 

“Just like how you fixed your ankle,” Edmund snapped, watching as Caspian’s anger continued to rise.

 

“I could have taken care of it!”

 

Edmund sighed, shaking his head as he realised what they were doing. “Let’s not fight, it’s pointless,” he said. Caspian simply grumbled, glaring at an unfortunate tree, prompting it to edge slightly away.

 

“I’m sorry if I offended you, but everyone gets wounded, no matter how silly the reason may be,” Edmund soothed.

 

“My horse reared suddenly and I fell off. Hardly an action befitting a king. Then you called off the activities because of me,” Caspian said.

 

“It was hardly your fault. Besides, it could have happened to anyone. Even Peter probably would have fallen at such short notice.” Edmund was pleased to see that his words appeased Caspian, and smiled lightly. Knowing that even Peter had his moments was consoling to the king, and Edmund mentally stored the information, in case he needed it in the future.

 

They continued their walk at a casual pace, at peace with their surroundings. The sun shone brightly down on them and the flowers swayed merrily in the light breeze. Narnians of all kinds could be seen frolicking and playing, their laughter carrying through the air. The trees danced, finally awake after hundreds of years of sleep.

 

Edmund was slightly startled when his and Caspian’s hands brushed, but the Telmarine didn’t even seem to notice. His gaze had softened as he stared at something ahead of him, and for a moment Edmund thought Susan had arrived. He was pleasantly surprised to see that Caspian was smiling as Trufflehunter forced some food into Trumpkin’s hands. Reepicheep and his mice were all happily nibbling on the food that the badger supplied for their picnic, and Trumpkin was the only one that seemed displeased with the events.

 

“Save me, Caspian,” Trumpkin said as the two kings reached the picnic site.

 

“Your Majesties!” Trufflehunter exclaimed. “Will you join us?”

 

“With pleasure,” Caspian grinned, flopping down onto the grass beside Trumpkin.

 

“Traitor,” the dwarf muttered. Edmund twitched slightly at the word, his mouth turning down. He was not addressing me, he reminded himself.

 

“What of you, your Majesty?” the badger asked.

 

“Yes, all right,” Edmund consented, seating himself in next to Reepicheep. Turning to Trumpkin, he said, “Cheer up, DLF, it’s not so bad.”

 

“For you, maybe. And don’t call me that.”

 

Edmund laughed good-naturedly and turned his gaze to the sky, watching the fluffy clouds. A smile remained on his face as the sun hit his fair skin, warming him to the bones. He glanced back to his companions, only to meet Caspian’s gaze. The other king had a strange expression on his face that he quickly covered up once Edmund looked at him. Edmund just smiled at him and accepted some fruit from Trufflehunter, pleased as he discovered its sweet flavour.

 

“It is a very beautiful day,” Trufflehunter said cheerfully, still bustling around with platters of food.

"Yes," Caspian agreed, making eye contact with Edmund. "Yes it is."