Published on: 23/03/2020 Monday

The 17 year old Crown Prince of Narnia was fighting back his laughter at his 13 years old sister’s defeated growling face expression. This was a regular thing between the both of them while playing Chess. As always his sister is defeated by him once again.

“ Oh! Stop it Cas!’’ Princess Cerlesta pouted, yelling at her brother who by now bursted into laughter.

Her yell made his laughter increase. Because her yelling wasn’t strong enough and she looks quite adorable whenever she’s mad. So Caspian purposely runs her to madness against himself because he loved how cute she looks.

“You’re too cute when you’re mad.’’ Commented Caspian.

“Ah, you always say that.’’ Cerlesta said, rolling her eyes.

“The more mas you get, the more cuter you look.” Caspian teased.

Hearing those words from her brother, Cerlesta gave him a childish, 'oh really?' kind of look and tilted her head sideways, “Then why don’t you give your cute little sister at least one chance to win?’’ she asked.

“I thought you’ll never ask.’’ Caspian shrugged.

“Is that a yes?” asked Cerlesta in excitement and Caspian nodded.

“Aww thanks Cas! So shall we play now?” asked Cerlesta, still in excitement.

“Now? Come on Cery, we’ve been playing chess today for 5 times without a break! Let’s play tomorrow or….tonight before bed. I promise to make you win!” Caspian said

“Cas…. I know you’ll keep your promise but I want to play now. You always beats me on chess, so winning might not be a big thing for you. But you see, I’ve never got a chance to win you and this is a lifetime opportunity for me. Just one more time, them we can have a break as long as you want, Please?” pleaded Cerlesta, giving him her best puppy eyes.

Caspian sighed. And Cerlesta’s face lit up as a familiar sigh escaped from him. She have always known, it means her brother is about to give up. “Alright Cery, I’m in.’’ Caspian said in defeat.

“Great,” cheered Cerlesta “Let’s play again.” Caspian chuckled at his little sister’s cheer and played chess again.

Sometimes later, Cerlesta found herself about to beat Caspian for the first time in ages. Her heart began to race in excitement as she watched Caspian loosing each men of his.

And finally she shouted victoriously with wide and bright smug smile on her face. She laughed when she heard her brother groan.

“Cut that smug look out, you little princess! I gave up so you could win, remember?” Caspian asked with fake serious look.

“Aww Caspian, aren’t you the sweetest brother in the world? Thank you, thank you, thank you!!” said Cerlesta in childish way as she jumped up from her chair. She walked to the other side of the table, jumped onto her brother’s lap and threw her arms around his neck.

“Well, what a brother am I if don’t make my precious little sister happy?” asked Caspian sarcastically and squeezed her. “Cas, I’m not little anymore!” complained Cerlesta, laughing as she squeezed him back.
“I- can’t- breath!” said Caspian dramaically, acting breathless. Cerlesta laughed,
“Am I not the best squeezer?” she asked as she loosened the squeeze.

“Uh, seems you are good in squeezing,” started Caspian Sarcastically, “as I am good in chess!” and completed with a smug smile.

Cerlesta groaned at his statement, “I bet you’re not as good as King Edmund!” she laughed.

“Hushh, Cer!! Keep your voice down! Don’t say that name aloud!” hissed Caspian.
“Oops! Sorry,” Cerlesta covered her mouth with a hand and whisppered, looking to the doorside to make sure nobody was there.

Letting out a sigh of relief, she turned to Caspian, “Well, who’s going to hear us here in our suit?” she asked raising her eyebrow.
Caspian shrugged, “Anyone who hears, I guess?”

Suddenly they heard a knock at the door which gave them a quick shiver of fear. Caspian looked at his sister, who’s rosy cheeks turned to pale at the knocking sound. She looked back at him with fear in her eyes.

Caspian took a deep breath and called out, “Come in,” The door opened and Cerlesta’s maid came through and bowed her head, “The lunch is served, Your highnesses.” Said the maid.

Both simblings breathed in relief, “Oh Fersia, you really frightened us.” Cerlesta breathed as she rested her head to Caspian’s shoulder.
Fersia let out a slight gasp and covered her mouth in horror with her both hands,
“Oh dear! Not again! You might not need me to remind you what will happen if King Miraz finds out that you still haven’t let go of those fairy tales! I still haven’t recovered from the shock of missing your dearest nurse, poor old Pelisie. I beg your highnesses, please…I can’t watch you two being beaten too!” pleaded the middle aged woman with tearful eyes.

“Oh dear Fersy, please don’t worry about us, we won’t get ourselves into troubles and Uncle Miraz is not going to find this out, I… um.. we promise!” said Cerlesta confidently.

Caspian rolled his eyes when she said ‘we promise’. The maid bowed gracefully.

“We’ll be there in five minutes. And please ask our Professor to join us.” Requested Caspian.
“Yes my Prince, I’ll ask him to join you. And…King Miraz wishes both of you to join him and Queen Prunaprismia for tea at evening, in the royal garden.” Fersia informed them.
The both simblings surprisely shocked at the invitation news.

“Please tell our uncle, we’ll join him for sure.” Said Caspian. “Sure, your highness.” Said the maid with a curtsey and went out.

“Strange….isn’t it?” asked Cerlesta to her brother. Caspian nodded,
“Totally strange! Uncle has never invited us like this. If I’m right, a news is waiting for us, good or bad.” Said Caspian sounding more like a prince in his stern tone.
“What do you think that news might be, if your feelings are right?” asked Cerlesta.
“I have no idea!” shrugged Caspian.

“Or maybe….to discuss any ruling matters with you... because you’re the next King!” exclaimed Cerlesta hopefully. Caspian laughed.
“What so funny?” she poked his chest gently.
“So that’s what you think?” he grinned.
“Yess?” she replied coolly.
“But, I don’t think I’m ready for Kingly things!” said Caspian shrugging his shoulders.

“Oh come on, Cas! I trust you! I know you’re ready! I know that, you’ll be the best King in the history! Besides, you can’t step out of this saying you’re not ready. You’re the crown prince, rightfull heir to the throne!” said Cerlesta.
Caspian took a deep breath, “You always are confident and you never doubt my abilities.” Said Caspian softly as he gently rubbed her cheek with his thumb finger.

She smiled, “So….once when you’re King, you will allow Narnian tales to be roomed free, won’t you Cas?” asked Cerlesta with a sheepish grin.
“Do you really had to ask me about that?” asked Caspian with a knowing grin.
“No, I just did; in case if you’ve forgotten.” She teased. “Forgotten? Me?” asked Caspian trying to sound serious, but laughter filling his grin as he tried harder.
Cerlesta laughed, “Never been good at seriousness towards me!” “Why you little--” Caspian began, but Cerlesta cut him off,
“Alright, Prince Caspian, let’s not make our lunch wait for us!” said Cerlesta sarcastically as she pulled herself from her brother’s lap.
Caspian groaned, “Okay, I’m starving.”

Cerlesta giggled, gabbed his arms and pulled him from the sofa he was sitting.

Both of them walked to their dining room, where they saw their dearest Professor Cornelius, waiting.

“Professor, you’re here!” exclaimed Cerlesta, let go of Caspian’s arm and hugged him. “Well, your maid informed that you wishes me to join you for lunch.” Said Professor Cornelius nodding with a smile as he smoothened her hair.

“Did we made you wait?” asked Caspian as he neared the professor to give him a hug.
“Not at all, my Prince; I came here just before you did.” Answered the professor, hugging him back.
“Shall we eat? I’m really starving.” Said Cerlesta, taking her seat.
Caspian nodded and led the old professor to his seat opposite to Cerlesta. Then he took his seat next to the professor.

As they started eating, Caspian told the professor about their uncle’s tea invitation.

“What do you think, professor?” asked Cerlesta, eyebrows frowned as she saw him deep in thoughts.
“I’m not sure Cerlesta, but though I agree with Caspian; it could be any news, good or bad.” Professor’s voice sounded serious and his face went hard as he said the last words.

Cerlesta drew her lips into a tight line, a strange tension occupied inside her.

Caspian noticed the nerves look on her face.
“Cery?” he called softly; she was suddenly pulled back from her thoughts,
“Yes?” she responded.
“Are you okay, honey?” he asked with a touch of worry in his voice.
“Yes, but not really,” she frowned, “I’m just feeling... it will be a bad news,”
“How can you be sure of that? What if it’s a good news?” said Caspian, trying to ease her worries.
Cerlesta nodded at her brother with a slight smile. Caspian’s face relaxed, seeing her smile.

“Don’t loose your spirit. Just have faith, no matter what.” Adviced the professor.

“Like Queen Lucy!” whispered Cerlesta in her best whispering voice.
“Of course! But we’re not supposed to talk it here, remember?” Professor whispered back.

“Ahh! Cery,” sighed Caspian dramatically, “Letting this secret into you wasn’t a good idea after all.”
Cerlesta shot him a glare, “Caspian!” she hissed in frustration.
“What?” he shrugged, “You’re the one who always mention those things out of our plans. Why couldn’t you just keep it from exploding?” he asked calmly.
“I-I’m very sorry. It’s just…..it makes me very happy whenever I spit their names out. Especially Aslan’s.” she whispered softly, hanging her head down.

Caspian exchanged looks with professor Cornelius,
“Cery, you think I’m not feeling that same way? Of course I do! But we know what will become of the three of us, if uncle Miraz finds out. So let’s keep up with our plan. Remember what happened when I let all Narnian secret stories explode when we were younger? Poor Nany was sent away because of me.” said Caspian softly.

"Hey Cas, what are you talking about? You just gave only the hint, I'm the one who blew it up." she said.
"That's the point sweetheart, If i hadn't given a hint, you wounldn't have blew up anything." Caspian explained.

"Don't worry about that anymore, they all are in the past and what is done is done. Now all we have to do is, take care in the future." adviced the professor. "I'm very glad we have you as our tutor and best friend, professor. You were the only medicine that alone was able to cure us from the departure of our Nany. You always knows what to say and you're the best advicer! We owe you so much!!!!" said Cerlesta.
"Think nothing of it, my dear," professor said. They smiled gratefully at him.

Then there was a silence between the three of them. After some moments Cerlesta found her voice first,
"If only we had known where she lives now." said Cerlesta sadly as she hardly remembered her face. "I wish the same too, but you know, she...uh- she was already an old woman then itself. So, she would be very aged by now since almost 8-9 years have passed." said Caspian.

What he really meant was, 'what if she's dead by now?' but he didn't give a point of what he really meant, because he was sure that it will only make Cerlesta sad and earn himself a scold from her for saying it. 'I'd rather shut up than earning her scolds' he thought and shuddered slightly at a memory of her scolding him like a grown-up matured lady, when he talked something like that about their uncle Miraz.

"Don't worry Cery, we'll try to find her," Caspian encouraged her. Cerlesta looked straight and met her brother’s gleaming dark brown eyes with a smile and nodded in agreement.

I hope you all enjoyed, Stay tuned for the upcoming chapters. Please comment and let me know what you think and don't forget to vote this chapter if you like it!!