Elizabeth's POV
"So, do you know of anyone here who can cure magic?" I ask Mr. Rhince.
"No." He replies simply.
"No as in: no I don't know, or no as in: no one here can help?" I pry.
"No one here can help." He answers.
"I'm so sorry about Caspian, Ellie." Gael sighs, taking my hand.
"Me too. It's ok, we'll find a cure and bring him back." I reply confidently as we board the Dawn Treader.
"Your Highness, we were given an abundant supply of resources. Food, water. Even fresh clothes and bedding!" One of my crewmen smiles.
"How much money did you spend?" I ask, both shocked and angry.
"Barely any, Your Majesty. It was given to us as condolences." He answers, and I smile, feeling warm inside.
"When we cure Caspian, on the way back, we ought to give back what we don't use."
An exasperated sigh leaves Peter, but he doesn't say anything. Maybe he's given up on talking me out of this.
"Alright if you're on the first shift, get ready. Everyone else, to bed." I order.
The men follow my command, some of whom did so far more eagerly than others. I'm sure you can figure out who the more reluctant group was without me having to tell you, but in case you're not all that smart, the watchmen were the unwilling (yet still obedient) ones.
"So, how old are you now?" I ask my old friend.
"Fifteen." Gael replies.
"Oh my goodness, you've gotten so big!" I gasp, hugging her.
"So how have things been since we last met? I mean, before Caspian-" She begins.
"Pretty great. I've got four kids back home, and a loving husband." I interrupt, not wanting to talk about Caspian.
I know we'll bring him back, but talking and thinking about him still hurts.
"Marku?" She pries.
"Yes indeed. And what about you? Any romance in your life yet?"
"Well, there is this boy, Nathan."
"Ok, we have to talk about this boy tomorrow. Right now, we need some sleep." I reply, gesturing to the pullout bed underneath mine.
"Goodnight, Ellie." Gael smiles as I turn off the light.
"Goodnight Gael. Sweet dreams." I reply.
"Sweet dreams." She repeats sleepily.