The Two of Us

Gone

Alice was gone. She had left Cair Paravel to return to her own kingdom, Valhalla. It was at least a three day journey. Peter had told Susan he'd go after them, but Susan refused to let him.

"Let her go," she whispered, "It's for the best."

Peter looked so broken, it was an expression Susan had never seen on her older brother before. Whether he felt betrayed or heartbroken, she did not know. Nobody actually knee how Peter truly felt. No one dared to question him, either.

Ever since the day Edmund left with Alice, he was never the same. Unlike before, he'd treat the servants harshly. He's treat them like animals. He looked at his sisters with an icy stare, as if they were complete strangers. Or even less than that.

Every time Susan would see him for a talk, he'd shut her out and push her away. Sometimes he would yell, sometimes he'd remain completely silent. He'd be drinking for most of the day. Susan and Lucy would take responsibility for the royal court. It was never like this before.

Susan and Lucy would eat alone in the evenings. Every meal, to be more precise. Peter would barely eat. And if he did, he'd be eating in his study room.

One evening, Lucy had decided to see him. She missed her kind, loving older brother. She no longer felt safe without her older brother constantly being there for her. When she went to see him, he had almost forgotten who she was. This hurt her so much, and had never left the child's mind. Her brother was no longer the same.

Five months pass by quickly. Susan sat on Lucy's bed, staring at the floor. Everything had happened too fast. Her younger sister tugged on the hem of her sleeve, slightly pouting.

"Susan, why aren't you talking to me? What happened to Alice? And where's Edmund? And what's going on with Peter?"

Susan couldn't smile. She sighed, speaking honestly. "The two of them left to Valhalla, Lucy. Alice thinks that Cair Paravel is far too dangerous. Although it makes me sad... I think she made the right choice. And Peter, well.... I just don't know."

Lucy slowly nodded, as Susan smiled at her reassuringly. She had to at least smile for her younger sister. Deep down, Susan didn't understand why she had left with Edmund. Especially with Edmund. It all happened so fastㅡ Alice had left without speaking to either of the Pevensie siblings properly. Susan and knew that simply speaking to Alice wouldn't fix anything, however. And there was nothing she could do to fix whatever happened to Peter. The boy had lost his mind.

"Will she be back?" Lucy asked, innocently, tears visible in her eyes. "Will Edmund and Alice come back soon? And Peter?"

Susan just smiled. She didn't say anything, but patted her younger sister's hair. Lying was no good. Nobody had the answers, but all were hoping to get answers soon. Especially from Peter.

Five months pass by quickly. Alice and Edmund have not spoken to the royals from Cair Paravel since they had left. Four months ago, Peter had come to see them, but was refused entrance. Alice did not want to see him nor speak to him.

So many things had changed since then.

Alice had found a place for Edmund in her royal court, since he had been removed royalty from Cair Paravel. Together, as friends, they had been taking care of Valhalla. The land itself has grown stronger and prosperous.

* * *

A five month older Alice was standing by her balcony, as usual, looking out to the town. She smiles, something she hasn't done in a while. Everything looked so beautiful. The townspeople were happy, and her Kingdom had grown so strong. Help from other countries was no longer necessary. Just watching her Kingdom rise with glory makes her happy enough.

Her hair had grown longer. Skin now much paler. Although she smiles, thr sparkle in her eyes had disappeared. For the past five months, she has been spending her time wisely at court. Improving their trade, and improving their forces. Her Kingdom's prosperity means everything to her now.

A light knock was heard from the door. She clears her throat.

"Come in."

A thin servant walks in with an envelope in her hand. "It's for you, Your Majesty."

"Thank you." Alice takes the envelope from the servant, who bowed before leaving the room again.

The seal on the envelope seemed far too familiar. It was from Cair Paravel.

"What is it now?" she muttered, under her breath. The tone in her voice was harsh. A lot of things about Alice has changed.

She rips open the envelope, revealing a well-decorated card. It reminded her of the wedding invitations she had made half a year ago with Susan. It had the same kind of material and similar designs and patterns. It must have been made by Susan.

It was a wedding invitation. But it wasn't Susan getting married.

Alice holds the card up high, so she could read it well. She read it over and over again, making sure she had read every single detail correctly.

Peter was the one getting married.