Despite being next in the line of succession, Theoden's father, Prince Caspian, chose to publicly renounce his claim to the throne when he turned 18, handing the title of heir over to his younger brother Prince Sebastian. At a very young age, Prince Caspian decided he wanted absolutely nothing to do with being a King. Sebastian was 2 years younger, however he was much smarter and more responsible than his older brother. He had displayed a knack for leadership and was much more suited for the role of King. Caspian on the other hand, was a free spirit, he cared about no one but himself and would much rather go on exciting adventures, and explore the world beyond the hidden Kingdom. His father King Bartholomew did not argue with his decision and allowed him to do as he pleased. He gave him his blessing to pursue his own path in life and see what else the world had to offer. So, with the consent of his father, Prince Caspian set out on his own journey.
Five years had passed since Caspian set off on his adventure, he would visit the castle occasionally but usually only when he needed his father to get him out of trouble. He became known as a legendary explorer, uncovering hidden treasures and fighting beasts at the border, who were trying to break through the barrier. His reputation spread far and wide, as people marveled at his daring escapades, and while Caspian's reputation as a legendary explorer grew, his brother Sebastian thrived as a wise and respected heir, steering the kingdom towards prosperity and ensuring the well-being of its people. Caspian received a letter informing him that his father was going to abdicate his position, and his brother would finally be crowned the new King. To celebrate, King Bartholomew was throwing a coronation ball and every Noble in the kingdom was invited. Caspian chuckled as he read it, he knew that this letter was not just an invitation, it was one last dictum from his father before he gave up the crown. Although the King let Caspian do whatever he wanted his entire life, he would not sway on his injunction that Caspian had to get married, and if he did not find someone the night of the coronation ball, a marriage would be arranged. Caspian never stayed in one place long enough to meet someone he felt any kind of fondness for, although an arranged marriage was unappealing, it was probably the easiest solution, he did not believe in love, and never had an interest in anyone.
On the day of the coronation Caspian spent the majority of the ball attempting to hide from King Bartholomew and the noble women who had come to meet the bachelor Prince. As he was avoiding his father he found himself in the palace garden. The garden was filled with exotic flowers, and sculptures of gods and goddesses from long ago. He wandered into the hedge maze he used to play in as a child. The Hedgemaze was renowned for its confusing layout, groundsmen had to walk through it extensively at the end of each day to be sure no one was lost inside after there was an incident. Caspians mother Queen Meredith was startled on one of her morning strolls by a dehydrated woman who had been lost in the maze for 2 days. The Queen was distraught for a week because of the experience, King Bartholomew on the other hand, spit his wine all over himself in a fit of laughter when he was told what had happened.
Caspian was intimately familiar with every twist and turn of the maze, He could remember every single shortcut he and his brother had discovered while playing tag as children. His favorite part was an extravagant fountain placed in the middle of all the twists and turns, he would often go there to hide from his studies, or to just think. At night the fountain glowed with an ethereal light, as if the stars themselves were shining from within its depths, creating a mesmerizing display. It was a breathtaking sight that he missed while he was away from the castle. When he turned the last corner to get to the fountain he froze, there was a beautiful woman sitting on the bench by the fountain crying; moonlight reflecting off her tears as they streamed down her face. He could feel the sadness radiating from her, yet the tears running down her cheeks made her look even more lovely, he was captivated by the sight.
He felt guilty as he watched her knowing he should turn around and walk away, but his feet wouldn't move, as if he was one of the sculptures in the garden, rooted to the spot. So instead he stood there and he watched, his heart heavy as he wished that he could do something to ease her pain. After a few minutes the woman looked in his direction. She jumped up from the bench she was sitting on and quickly wiped the tears from her face.
“M-my apologies,” she stuttered looking down at the ground now. “I didn’t think anyone else would be out here, I will take my leave”. When she turned to leave Caspian noticed her left cheek was as red as a beet. She tried to rush by him, but he stopped her, grabbing her wrist and pulling her back towards him.
“Have I done something wrong My Lord?” She asked nervously, still refusing to look at him. “I apologize but I must return to My Lady, I’ve been gone far longer than I anticipated and she will be very angry if I do not make haste.”
“Did she do that to your face? His voice was low and irritable. Caspian didn’t know what came over him, he was usually impassive towards others and their troubles, but the moment he discovered her crying he felt like he needed to rescue her.
“It was my fault My Lord, it does not hurt any longer, please do not concern yourself with me.” She responded nervously, he could hear the fear in her voice.
“Stay here with me,” he demanded. “I came to this place to escape the party and I would like someone to converse with.” He hesitantly released her wrist, praying she wouldn’t instantly run away.
“I can not do that My Lord!” She exclaimed, and as soon as he let go of her wrist she began to once again rush away.
For the first time in his life, Caspian was intrigued by another human and he began to fear he would never see her again. There was something about this woman that enticed him and he wanted to know more about her, no, he needed to know.
“That wasn’t a request!”, he shouted out to her. “Or do you make it a habit of disobeying The Prince.”
The mystery woman abruptly stopped, almost losing her balance, she did not turn around.
“Pp-prince?” She asked, barely able to get the word out.
“Yes, I am Prince Caspian,” He half expected her to throw herself at him like all the other women he’s encountered, but instead she stood there trembling. “Will you not turn around and face your Prince?”
The mystery woman stood only a few feet in front of him, but she seemed so far away. “Must I really stay here, your Highness?” She sounded as if she was fighting back tears.
Caspian was confused, he had always been reclusive, never wanting any kind of attention, but he was drawn to this woman who, even after finding out he was the Prince of, wanted nothing to do with him.
“If you do not wish to stay here with me, you are free to go.” He Sighed, “ Could you atleast grant me the honor of knowing your name?”
“Charlotte Valencia, your Highness” Answered Charlotte, her fists clenched at her sides.
“Was she afraid of him?” he wondered.
“Well Charlotte Valencia, although I wish you would stay by my side, I will not force you,” he professed.
“Why do you want me to stay your Highness? I am only a Lady in Waiting, I am nobody of importance.” Caspian could hear a sadness in her voice that caused him pain in his chest. This woman who proclaimed to be nobody of importance, had suddenly become the only thing that mattered to him. He had to save her, he had to have her. Nothing else mattered anymore.
“Do you know anything about me Charlotte?” Caspian began to slowly walk towards her, like a man trying to sneak up on a timid rabbit “I am sure you’ve heard rumors.” His voice was playful yet serene.
“Yes your Highness, I have heard a few.” Charlotte was beginning to feel less anxious, she hesitantly turned around finally looking at him. She was met with the sight of his lustrous blue eyes that were impossible to look away from. His chiseled jawline and high cheekbones only added to his magnetic appeal. She could not help but be mesmerized by the sight of him.
“Please, enlighten me about my exploits.” Caspian was an arms length away now, his lips were curved in a gentle smile that was both inviting and comforting.
Charlotte did not respond at first, there was a silence that surrounded them, as if they were the only two people in the world. There was a calmness in the air that made her feel relaxed.
“Well, while I was buying bread at the market, I overheard two men say a bear attacked you in the woods. They also said you wrestled it to the ground but refused to kill it and now it stays in the castle as your pet”. A smile snuck onto Charlotte’s face as she answered, she lifted her hand to attempt to hide her smile, but Caspian reached out and grabbed her hand stopping her. He was standing right in front of her now, fixated on her.
“His name is Oberon.” Caspian flirtatiously chuckled.
“Pardon?” She questioned with a puzzled look upon her face.
“The bear, his name is Oberon. He is in fact my pet, would you like to see him?” A sly smile appeared on his face. Charlotte began to blush, she felt her cheeks getting hot.
“The stories they tell about me are in fact all true. I have faced down wild beasts, raging storms, and even the darkest depths of despair and yet I felt no fear. I have personally met death himself and I laughed in his face, for I fear not even him.” He paused for a moment feeling a wave of emotion wash over him that he couldn't quite put a name to. “And yet, the instant you rejected me, I have been afraid I will never have the chance to see you again, and I do not know what to do.”
Caspian took her hands in his own. “Please, don’t leave.”
Charlotte looked up at him with tears in her eyes. “Your Highness, I am not worthy of your affection, I’m no longer a noble, my family is disgraced, we have no money or power to help the crown, I am nothing more than a humble servant.”
Before she could say another word Caspian pulled her into his chest. She felt the gentle rhythm of his heartbeat against her ear and the tears flowed freely. Caspian held her tightly, she felt safe in his embrace and the warmth of his body slowly calmed her.
"That is not true," he said firmly as he wiped the tears from her eyes. "You are no less worthy of my love than anyone else. I want you regardless of your station in life. I do not care about titles or power, all I want is for you to give me your heart freely.”
This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.
Charlotte could see the longing in Caspian’s eyes, his confession was sincere. She wanted to scream my heart is yours as loud as she could, and tell him to save her from the miserable life she had been living. Steal her away and live happily together. But before she could open her mouth she heard a shrill voice screaming her name.
“CHARLOTTE!!! Good for nothing wench! Where are you!” It was coming from over the hedge, Charlotte lightly pushed Prince Caspian away just as a plump woman turned the corner, her corset tied so tightly that her cleavage spilled out of the top of her gaudy ball gown.
Charlotte came from a prestigious family. Her father, Duke Charles Valencia, was a very influential man in high society, however after her mother passed away her father took to drinking and he gambled away all of the family’s fortune. Once the debt collectors started showing up, Duke Valencia tried to sell Charlotte off to a handsy old man, who was willing to give him a small fortune for Charlotte’s hand in marriage, but she refused telling her father she would kill herself before she married the old pervert. Even after her father beat her and locked her away in her room for months, she would not waver. Then one day her father gave her an ultimatum, either she married the old man, or she became Marchioness Margaret Bryon’s Lady in waiting. Charlotte quickly chose to be a Lady in waiting, unaware of how cruel Lady Margaret could be. Charlotte was a beautiful girl, her soft features often complemented her gentle personality, which was evident in her warm and inviting smile. She did her job well so everyone at the Byron manor was fond of her, which made Lady Margaret extremely jealous. Lady Margaret's jealousy towards Charlotte grew with each passing day. She couldn't stand the attention and admiration that Charlotte received from both the staff and the residents of Byron manor. It ate away at her, fueling her resentment and driving her to scheme and plot against Charlotte.
“Lady Margaret, I am so sorry, please let me explain,” Charlotte called out as she quickly walked towards the noble woman.“I was at the fountain washing off the wine you threw at me and this gentleman and I started talking, I lost track of time and…” Before she could finish talking Lady Margaret's heavy hand came crashing across Charlotte's face causing her to fall over.
“I don’t care about your excuses, you worthless cow! AHHHHHH!” Lady Margaret screamed as she was suddenly pulled back by her hair and thrown to the ground.”
Caspian rushed to Charlotte's side, he knelt down as he checked her for injuries. After he was reassured she was not hurt he placed his hand on her swollen cheek.
Charlotte closed her eyes, “My heart is yours, Your Highness” she whispered and she leaned into his hand.
Caspian smiled gently as he caressed her cheek. “No one will ever lay a finger on you again.” He calmly said as he leaned forward kissing her forehead, his lips were soft and warm, he lingered for a moment before pulling away.
Their romantic moment was interrupted by the shrieking woman. Lady Margaret was cursing the couple as she attempted to get herself off the ground, however her corset was tied so tightly she was unable to bend and rolled around like a turtle trapped on its back. A crowd of guests began to flock to the fountain following the loud commotion through the maze.
“Lady Margaret, let me help you!” a nobleman from the crowd yelled out as he rushed to the vulgar woman's side, he struggled to lift her on his own and two more gentlemen ran over to help.
Once she got to her feet she shoved the men away and marched angrily towards Caspian and Charlotte, her fat finger pointed at them. “DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHO I AM! I AM MARCHIONESS MARGARET BRYON! I WILL HAVE YOU EXECUTED FOR WHAT YOU JUST DID!! BUT NOT BEFORE YOU WATCH YOUR WHORE AND HER FAMILY BE KILLED FOR BOTH OF YOUR IMPUDENCE.
In one swift elegant motion Prince Caspian stood up and pulled out his sword, pointing it at Lady Margaret. The tip of the sword was delicately pressed against her throat, a droplet of blood trickled down.
“How dare you threaten Charlotte, I should slice off your head where you stand!” Caspian was filled with a fury he had never felt before, he wanted to kill her.
The crowd of nobles were silent as all eyes were on Lady Margaret who stood shaking at the end of Caspian’s sword. Suddenly a booming voice roared causing the crowd to scramble and kneel.
“What is the meaning of this!” King Bartholomew and a small group of guards turned the corner. He saw Caspian holding the sword to the noblewoman's throat. Her eyes were begging the King to save her. “Caspian! Have you lost your mind, drop your sword at once!” He cried out to his son.
Caspian hesitantly lowered his sword and Lady Margaret dropped to her knees sobbing. “This cow threatened me your Majesty, she said she would make me watch as she murdered my future wife before having me executed” Caspian’s eyes were filled with hate as he stared at the woman wailing on the ground.
“Your Majesty there has been a terrible mistake.” Lady Margeret dramatically called out to the king . “That woman is my Lady in waiting. I was concerned when she went missing so I left the party to go look for her, but when I found her she was trying to seduce this man. I disciplined her, and then this barbarian pulled me to the ground!”
The King's eyes widened as he began to rush towards them. A sinister smile formed on Lady Margaret's face, thinking the king was coming to her aid, but as she reached up for assistance the King rushed past her knocking her over and instead wrapped his arms around Caspian hugging him tightly, and after helping Charlotte to her feet he hugged her as well.
“Future bride?! My son, why didn’t you tell me! The King’s deep voice echoed through the maze. The crowd of nobles huddled by the entrance to the fountain all gasped at once and whispers began filling the night air.
“Did the King just say ‘my son’?”
“That must be Prince Caspian.”
“He’s just as handsome as the rumors say.”
“He said future bride, that means Lady Margaret slapped the future Princess!”
“Gasp! Lady Margaret threatened the Prince!”
“That's treason!”
“Treason….”
Lady Margarete's heart raced. A wave of nausea swept over her as the whispers grew louder and the stares intensified.
“I’m sorry! I didn’t know!” she wept, but the whispers drowned out her cries.
“Spare my life! Please, Your Grace!” She screamed over the whispers. Everyone got quiet.
King Bartholomew sighed, “Guards take her to the dungeons until I can speak with her husband, we will see how much his wife’s life is worth to him.” The guards quickly lifted Lady Margaret up by her arms and dragged her away kicking and screaming through the maze. Charlotte watched as they disappeared behind the hedge.
“I’m free.” She whispered to herself, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. As the adrenaline slowly left her body, she stumbled back. Almost instantaneously Caspian wrapped his arm around her waist catching her, when Charlotte looked up, she saw that he was staring at her. She felt her cheeks get hot as she noticed the intimacy of his gaze.
“Thank you, Your Highness,” She swiftly looked away, trying to hide her flushed cheeks.
Caspian chuckled, finding her bashfulness endearing. “I will always protect you.” He promised as he pulled her close to him, kissing the top of her head. With him by her side, she felt an overwhelming sense of security and the courage to face any challenges that lay ahead.
At the end of the Coronation ball, Lady Margaret was released from the Dungeon and banned from the castle, unable to attend all future events. Gossip about how she treated Charlotte and what was said in the maze spread quickly, and as a result, her reputation was tarnished. News of Prince Caspian's affection for Charlotte spread like wildfire, fueling rumors of a fairytale romance that captured the hearts of the kingdom's people. All the noble women who turned their back on Charlotte when her family went bankrupt, soon began bombarding her with invitations to tea parties, where the women gathered to network, gossip, and establish social connections. By extending their invitation, the noble women were trying to regain favor with Charlotte and restore their social standing by associating themselves with her newfound status as a prominent figure in society. Refusing to be their source of amusement, Charlotte gracefully declined their invitations, focusing instead on her life with Caspian and finding true happiness outside the confines of high society. Even her father tried to get in good graces with her but once Caspian heard how he treated her, he had him sent away to a temple against his will to “cure” him of his addiction. He was ordered to stay and work there, keeping it clean for the rest of his life, and if he ever attempted to contact Charlotte or leave the temple he was to be executed for disobeying a royal order.
Six months after the Coronation Ball Caspian And Charlotte had a small wedding in the castle garden with only his parents and brother in attendance. The intimate ceremony was a stark contrast to the grandeur of the Coronation Ball, but it held a special charm for Caspian and Charlotte, they were able to create meaningful memories and share heartfelt vows in a peaceful and personal setting. After the wedding the young couple decided it would be best to live in the castle. Sebastian was now king and asked Caspian to oversee specific aspects of the kingdom, such as the military or economic affairs, ensuring that Sebastian's vision for the kingdom was effectively implemented. Despite Caspian's initial reluctance, Charlotte managed to persuade him, assuring him that his knowledge and capabilities would greatly benefit Sebastian and the entire kingdom, ultimately leading to a prosperous and successful reign.
Four years passed under the joint leadership of Sebastian and Caspian, their shared vision and complementary skills allowed them to effectively govern and maintain peace and stability in the kingdom and the people admired and respected both brothers. Charlotte, played a crucial role in maintaining the harmony and goodwill between the royal family and the citizens. Her genuine empathy, and dedication to the welfare of the kingdom earned her the admiration and respect of everyone around her, so when Charlotte discovered she was pregnant the entire Kingdom of Elberethion rejoiced. The citizens eagerly anticipated the birth of her child, believing that the royal family's values of compassion and empathy would be passed down to the next generation, little did they know how wrong they were.
During Charlotte's seventh month of pregnancy, she felt a sudden pain in her stomach and collapsed in the hallway. The midwife was immediately called and Charlotte was rushed to her room once they noticed blood seeping through her dress. Screams echoed through the walls, as Charlotte pushed for hours. Tension hung heavy in the air as Caspian's heart raced pacing outside the door listening to his wife's screams, his mind was filled with worry and fear. Every agonizing cry made him want to burst through the door and offer his wife comfort.
As the hours dragged on, Caspian couldn't help but dread the possibility that something could be wrong, and then a sudden silence filled the air, as if the world held its breath. Caspian’s heart sank, he knew something was amiss; he could feel it. The silence was deafening, and the wave of unease that washed over him was suffocating. Every second that ticked by without any sound or movement from the delivery room intensified his fear and deepened his sense of helplessness. It had become unbearable for him and he forced his way into Charlotte's room. What he saw left him speechless. His wife's lifeless body lying in a pool of blood, Caspian's heart shattered as he stood frozen in the doorway, his mind unable to comprehend the devastating sight before him.
“Chhharlotte?” Caspian could barely speak, as he called out her name. He slowly made his way to her side, each step heavier than the last.
"My love, please answer me." He cried out to her knowing there would be no response. Reality began sinking in as he reached out to touch her cheek, hoping for some sign of warmth or movement, his trembling fingers brushed against Charlotte's icy skin, sending a wave of anguish through his entire being.
“Don’t leave me, please, I can not do this without you.” Tears streamed down Caspian's face as he sat on the bed next to Charlotte, lifting her into his arms, clinging to her desperately, unable to accept reality.
Suddenly one of the maids walked up holding a bundle of blankets.
"Eee-xcuse me Your Highness, I am so sorry for your loss, but would you like to hold your son?"
Caspian's eyes shifted from his wife's lifeless body to the maid. In the nervous maid's arms was a tiny infant sucking on his hand.
"The Princess named him Theoden." The maid stepped closer, attempting to hand the baby to the grieving Prince.
"Get that thing out of my face if you value your life," he growled, his voice filled with a mix of pain and rage. The maid recoiled, her eyes widening in fear, as Caspian turned away burying his face into his wife's neck.
The room fell into a somber and heavy silence. All the help cautiously retreated with the baby, leaving Caspian alone with his wife's lifeless body.
When the former King and Queen heard the news from the panicked maids, they rushed over to Charlotte's room, but their son was already gone.