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TWENTY - FOUR | PARTING IS SUCH SWEET SORROW

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ANGELINA MURPHY DIDN'T KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN SHE WOKE UP ALONE IN HER CHAMBERS THE NEXT MORNING.

Angelina Murphy had forgotten what it was like to actually wake up in a real bed. She had got so used to sleeping on straw and stone that waking up on a real, handsewn mattress made Angelina feel as if she had died and woke up in Heaven. A harsh analogy, but true nonetheless. The Murphy girl had long forgotten the feeling of waking up without constant backpain, when stretching didn't make her back crack to the point here she thought it would crack in two and she felt amazing.

She had never slept so well in her life.

Of course she imagined the events of the night before had something to do with that very fact. She and Edmund had spent hours at Cair Paravel watching the stars, running down the beach and feeling the sand and waves on her bare feet. They even broke into the ruins chambers again and managed to find most of Edmunds gold chess set so that the two could have a battle of wits to see who would win.

Angelina unfortunately had to be the one to break Edmunds ego.

The Just King swore that he would get revenge the next time they played, though that only resulted in a giggle from the Murphy girl. She remembered him chasing her across the sand before he tackled her to the ground, their sweet laughter filling the air as they relaxed in each others company.

And that's how she remembered falling asleep.

Truth be told she didn't remember how she had got back to the Telmarines castle, snuggled up and put to bed as if she had been there all night long. She couldn't imagine that Edmund had carried her the whole way, for it had taken them a while to get there in the first place and the horses were at least two miles away from Cair Paravel. 

But Angelina didn't care, she was just happy to be alive.

The last few days had been so surreal that the young girl didn't know how to feel. Deep down in her heart she could feel that something was brewing; the arrival of the Great Lion could only mean one thing and she didn't want to admit it. Hearing the Pevensies talk about their last experience in Narnia was enough to make Angelina understand how it all worked in their adventure and Angelina only frowned at the thought. 

Aslan appearing was a sign that it was time to say goodbye.

She knew that she shouldn't have expected for things to stay as they were forever but for the First time everything in her life felt so good. She had real friends, a family and someone who made her feel like she was so much more than a poor decision. 

For once in her life she was well and truly happy.

Though she feared that it would be short lived as she walked to her window and saw everyone gathering in the courtyard, a single knock falling upon her door telling her that it was time.

And Angelina, didn't want to say goodbye.

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There was a triumphant feeling in the air as applause erupted when the Kings and Queens of old, Caspian and Angelina all walked out of the castle together. Though she knew the applause wasn't for her, Angelina revelled in the moment as she glanced at all the smiling faces in the crowd and felt a sense of accomplishment. Though her part in the battle was small she had proved that she could do more than just make mistakes, that she could fight the evil in this world and not be the cause of it.

It was thrilling to say the least.

"Narnia belongs to the Narnians just as it does to man. Any Telmarnies who want to stay and live in peace are welcome to. And for any of you who wish," Caspian started to address the crowd before turning to face the Great Lion himself. "Aslan will return you to the home of our forefathers."

"It has been generations since we left Telmar." Someone from the crowd spoke out, an echo of agreements following him as the smiles on the crowds faces began to disappear, a look of discontent filling them.

"We are not referring to Telmar." Aslan stated as he too took a step forward, his voice firm and proud as corrected the crowd. "Your ancestors were sea-faring brigands, pirates run aground on an island. There they found a cave, a rare chasm that brought them here from their world, the same world as our kings and queens."

Aslan took a moment to set his gaze upon the Kings and Queens of old, his eyes meeting Peters who merely nodded his head at the lion before hid gaze met his sisters. Angelina furrowed her eyebrows at the pair, not for a second believing that the two weren't up to something or knew what was about to happen.

"It is to that island I can return you." Aslan promised, Angelinas eyes perking up as she looked at him but only to find him already staring at her as he shook hid head. "It is a good place for any who wish to make a new start."

Realistically Angelina should have known that was coming. Her discussion with Aslan in limbo had been clear enough but that didn't mean the girl wasn't holding onto hope of one day being truly free. It was not that she regretted her choice for her truly believed she did the right thing, but still the girl continued to wish for more and more and a chance at a true life.

A chance at real happiness.

Though she should have none long ago that this would never be the case.

 "I'll go." Glozelle offered as he stepped forward, walking forward to meet the Great Lion before bowing out of respect. "I will accept the offer.'

"So will we." Prunaprimsia agreed as she while carrying her baby followed Glozelle and stood next to him and bowed to Aslan.

"Because you have spoken first, your future in that world will be good."

A smile grew on both of their faces as Aslan softly blew on them. Gasps erupted through the crowd as the tree that stood firm behind Caspian began to twist. Angelina watched in awe as flowers bloomed upon the trunk and a gaping hole opened inside the tree. The duo hesitated, looking at each other quickly before they ventured through it together and completely vanished from sight. 

That's when the sinking feeling filled Angelina again.

 "How do we know he is not leading us to our deaths?" One of the Telmarine shouted from the crowd, followed by various other remarks similar to the opening statement. Nobody could blame them really for thinking so for it was rather mysterious how they just vanished into thin air in front of everyone.

Hoping to deescalate the situation, Reepicheep approached the Great Lion followed by his remaining mouse army.

"Sire," Reepicheep started, his voice shaking slightly as he tried to form a coherent sentence. "If my example can be of any service, I will take eleven mice though with no delay."

The Narnians muttered protests, not thinking it right for them to lose one of their most noble friends over the Telmarines questioning Aslan. Though Angelina herself thought it rather heroic. She had known Reepicheep a long time and she knew that he would always put his duty before anything else. He had been prepared to give his life on the battlefield merely two days prior, allowing himself to die for his country and for what was right.

If Aslan let him go then she would be proud of him, no matter how distraught she would be.

 Angelina eyes furrowed again as she saw the Great Lion look towards the Pevensies once again, Peter and Susan sharing a look before nodding at each other and stepping forward. 

"We'll go."

"We will?" Edmund asked in confusion, a frown settling on his face as he looked between his brother and then back to Angelina who was facing away from him as if she were afraid to meet his gaze.

"Come on. Our time's up." Peter insisted as he walked up to Caspian and placed his sword into his hand, the two looking at each other in admirability. "After all, we're not really needed here anymore."

"I will look after it until your return." Caspian promised as he took the sword from him with a smile.

"We'll guard it with our lives." Angelina promised, trying to keep calm as she forced a smile.

"I'm afraid that's just it." Susan said as she too stepped forward with a sad smile. "We're not coming back."

"What?!"

Edmund felt his heart shatter, his eyes darting around in confusion as he tried to read everyones face to see if this were a joke. But it wasn't. Susan merely gave his shoulder a squeeze, Peter choosing simply to nod as he stepped away from Caspian and Angelina. The Just King merely shook his head not quite knowing what to say or do. 

He simply couldn't leave her.

"We're not?" Lucy asked visibly frowning. She couldn't bare to give up Narnia just yet for she had so many more things to do, so many more things to see. Narnia was her home and she didn't want to go back to England.

But she didn't have a choice in the matter.

"You two are." Peter looked at Aslan expectantly, hoping that he wasn't about to crush his youngest sisters spirit. "At least, I think he means you to."

"But why? Did they do something wrong?"

 "Quite the opposite, dear one." Aslan promised solemnly. "But all things have their time. Your brother and sister have learned what they can from this world. Now it's time for them to live in their own."

"It's alright, Lu. It's not how I thought it would be, but it's alright." The High King reassured her but there was still a hesitance in his voice. "One day you'll see too. Come on, we still have time to say goodbye."

Angelina wanted to believe that her ears were deceiving her but as the Pevensie siblings began to band off to say goodbye, she realised it really was a reality. The first to approach her was Peter, who honesty looked scared to approach her in the First place. She couldn't blame him really for they had a rocky history that had changed so much in the last few days. She had gone from loathing him to befriending him so quickly.

She didn't think it would be this hard to say goodbye.

Peter found himself in front of a girl, his lips quickly opening and shutting as he tried to articulate a sentence but no words fell from them. The Murphy girl stifled a laugh at this before crossing her arms over her chest and shook her head.

"Peter Pevensie being speechless?" Angelina feigned confusion before another laugh left her lips. "Surely this is a First."

"Pust as charming as ever I see." The two laughed together for a moment, enjoying ecahotehrs company before a loud silence fell before them. "Its been fun."

"Its been torture." She corrected the High King, Peter gasping as he lifted a hand over his heart.

"I'm genuinely hurt. After all I did for you." The High King feigned hurt. "Name one negative thing I did."

"Lock me in a cage." She deadpanned as brutally as possible. 

"I was clearly just showing you some fine real estate." Peter argued his cause, a smile cracking Angelinas stoic demeanour as another laugh left her lips.

"Oh yes, I had such a lovely stay." She insisted with a smile. "You were such a pleasant host."

"Is that a compliment?" Peter questioned genuinely shocked, grinning from ear to ear. "Well I'll be damned."

It was then the smiles and laughter fell again. It was bittersweet and both wanted nothing more than to hold onto the moment a little longer for both knew that the long line of goodbyes would only hurt them both. Truthfully saying goodbye to each other isn't easy and Peter knew he was doing a great injustice to force his brother to say goodbye to her.

But they knew it had to be.

"Please look after him." Angelina pulled the High King into a hug, the High King placing his head on top of hers as the two embraced. She wanted nothing more than for Edmund to be happy and she needed the reassurance that he would see to it. 

"I was about say the same about yours." Peter muttered as he looked to Caspian who was already staring at the pair in confusion. Pulling back from the embrace, Peter only smiled. "Look after yourself too."

"I will." She promised before she pushed his backwards lightly. "Goodbye your royal arseness."

"Goodbye Angie."

As Peter stepped away to say goodbye to some of the others, Susan was the next to approach. She immediately enveloped Angelina in a tight embrace, not wanting to let go for she feared what would happen if she did. Angelina could feel the Gentle Queen tremble as if she wasn't ready to take this grand step. 

"Its been nice knowing you." Susan finally mustered up the courage to say. "I'm sorry we couldn't have more time together."

"Life happens for a reason, its just been Good to know you." Angelina muttered as she pulled away from her and gave her a smile.

"I'm just glad everything worked out in the end." The Gentle Queen admitted before she took Angelinas hand in her own. "I know you'll be a great Queen one day."

"I could never be a Queen," Angelina muttered, her gaze falling quickly on Caspian before falling on Susan again. "unless I married him and that's not happening."

"You could do a lot worse." She insisted as she gave Angelinas hand one last squeeze.

"But he could do a lot better."

Susan nodded before she let her hands fall from Angelinas, stepping back and allowing Lucy to sprint at her and wrap her arms around her. Lucy had moved at such magnitude that she almost knocked Angelina off her feet. Angelina retaliated by pulling her in tighter, allowing the Young girl to feel comforted in her embrace and allowing her to let all her feelings out.

"I don't wanna go." She whimpered, Angelina smiling sadly as she kneeled down in front of Lucy to look her firmly in the eye.

"Its not the last time that we'll see each other." Angelina promised, taking Lucy's hand and squeezing it tight.

"But what if we don't come back as quickly like last time." Lucy asked frantically, not wanting to experience the same type of grief again. "What if we come back and you're gone?"

"Well on that extremely rare circumstance, you'll just have to remember me for who I am." Lucy smiled at her words, Angelina placing a hand on her cheek as she rubbed her thumb across it slowly. "I'll miss you."

"I'll miss you too." The two embraced again, Lucy sniffling into the girls shoulder and Angelina pressed a soft kiss to her forehead.

"Stay out of trouble."

"Shouldn't I be telling you that?" Angelina chuckled as she ruffled the girls hair, watching as she walked away.

That's when she felt his arms snake around her. 

The Murphy girl relaxed into his embrace, wanting nothing more for this moment to last forever. She feared that this embrace would haunt her but it was a risk she'd be willing to take for nothing every felt more right than his hands on her waist that made her heart swell. The two remained in silence for a moment, neither wanting to speak First. It was only when Angelina heard Edmund clear his throat that she spoke.

"Don't say it."

"Say what?" Edmund asked as he spun her around to face him, her hand falling lightly onto his chest while his stayed firm on her waist. "You don't know what I was going to say."

"Whatever it is it would only make me miss you more." She admitted, Edmund holding her tighter as she tried to stop tears falling from her eyes.

"I could stay." He whispered softly to her, Angelina sighing as she shook her head at him.

"No you couldn't. Your family need you and you need them. You said so yourself," Angelina smiled before the two looked upon his family together, reciting his words from the night before. "Lucy needs her big brother to protect her."

"I wish I didn't have to choose." He muttered back to her, Angelina shaking her head as she placed a hand upon his cheek and smiled up at him. 

"Then don't." She deadpanned, her words getting caught in her throat as she tried to keep her composure. "I'll wait for you."

"I can't ask you to do that." Edmund replied, removing one of hid hands from her waist before pulling something out of his pocket and placing it softly into her hand. "To remember me."

The Solid gold chess piece glimmered slightly in the light, Angelina smiling as she grasped it tightly in her hand. Looking up at the Just King she could see the sorrow in his eyes, the yearning to stay and the conflict to go. Never in her life would she expect him to choose her over his family yet she could see the temptation in his eyes. The longing.

Little did he know how much she longs for him too.

"This isn't goodbye." Angelina declared, wiping a stray tear from the Just Kings eye.

"Then why does it feel like one." He questioned her, Angelina shaking her head as she leaned up and placed a small kiss to his cheek.

"We'll see each other again, I'm sure of it."

The tension between them was strong and it was evident that the two wanted to do something more but there was something strong holding them back. The more Angelina tried to will herself to lean up and kiss him, the more she felt herself being pulled back. It was as if her body was frozen in the position the two were in and she had no control over herself. It was as if she was locked out of her own body, unable to proceed as she needed until Edmund pulled away. She couldn't being herself to meet his eye as placed one final kiss to her forehead, stepping away and walking back to his family, unwilling to look back. 

Angelina felt herself walk away from the scene, not allowing herself to look on as the Pevensies left through the open tree likely never to be seen again. She could hear Caspian calling after her as she ran up the stone steps to her Chambers and let herself fall onto her bed in dismay.

But she couldn't cry, she couldn't grieve because it wasn't goodbye, it was merely a see you later.

Though Angelina wasn't sure if later would ever come.

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