The three figures returned to the castle and sat down in the office.
"Until we figure out why The Darks sought her, I think it'll be wise to keep an eye on her." Sol started while making her way behind the large wooden desk. She sat down with a natural grace and looked back at the two men standing on the other side of the desk. Edmund and Caspian couldn't be more similar and contrasting at the same time.
Caspian was always neat. He was wearing an official uniform: a navy blue blazer with gold trim and a white blouse with upright collar, black trousers, and black leather high boots that were perfectly polished. Every crease was in the desired place. He combed his dark ear-long hair back with some gel, and he was always shaved. During more official meetings, he'd be wearing a cap and a cape over his left shoulder. His brown eyes usually were full of sympathy towards her, full of unspeakable warmth and kindness. However, she was fully aware of how stern he could be with his subordinates.
Edmund was different. Usually scruffier due to his fieldwork and being prepared to work in extreme environments. He didn't wear the uniform unless he was deployed on a mission, and it was practical. He preferred the practicality of his casual wear, which didn't differ much from day to day.
He wore a loose black t-shirt, black trousers, and a pair of scuffed black boots. Sometimes he'd wear a pair of camouflage trousers, but even that was rare.
His dark hair was usually kept short. He'd be usually shaved clean like Caspian, but he also regularly appeared with stubble on his face, like this morning. His appearance didn't have as much value to him as to Caspian.
His blue eyes were piercing through anyone he looked at as if he could read their thoughts.
He was always collected without an ounce of emotion showing on his face. He mastered a perfect poker face.
Sol felt a shiver going down her spine as she looked at Edmund. It was her usual reaction to his gaze—something she couldn't control or explain. Sol looked at him, and at that time, she understood why some compared him to a demon or even a devil himself. She knew that Edmund could be trusted, and he proved it over and over again. She knew that he wouldn't harm anyone. But there was something inhospitable about him, some things that hinted towards danger.
"Are we assuming that their enemy is our friend?" Caspian asked, bringing Sol's focus back to their conversation.
"I assume that she's important enough, so they didn't even try to be discreet about trying to get her. By protecting her, we might be able to stop one of their plans," Sol sighed. Caspian slowly nodded in agreement. Edmund, however, seemed to lose interest and looked out through the window on his side."Edmund?" Sol called out to him.
"Yes, your majesty?" He looked at her again, and like every time before, his cold blue eyes gave her chills.
"Please understand that what I'm asking of you is due to the highest respect of your capabilities and nothing else", Sol started carefully as if she was worried about his reaction. "Nalsy will be the safest under your care. They will never search for her near you, and even if they did, you have the strength and skills to protect her. I want you to take care of her" Sol waited for Edmund's response nervously. Even though Edmund looked directly at her, his face didn't give away his current thoughts or emotions. He wasn't pleased with the request, but he was loyal to the Queen, and he understood the importance of this request. "You will be rewarded accordingly", Sol added in a persuasive tone. Edmund wasn't worried about any rewards as Queen's order was enough.
For some reason, Edmund hesitated for a moment. He was happy to accept the request, but then he remembered his broken nose, and he felt his previous annoyance.
"Yes, your majesty" he tried to contain his feelings, but his answer still came out through gritted teeth.
"Thank you," Sol said with slight relief. "I give you my full trust in deciding what is best for her safety."
"I will take full responsibility for her safety," Edmund said with a slight nod. Sol quickly changed the topic after that as she noticed Edmund's irritation. She inwardly wondered what was happening with him, but it was one of those things that she would never ask about out loud.
After the meeting, Edmund wandered off to the side of the castle, which overlooked the training grounds.
Edmund leaned over the balcony's railing and was lost in thought, replaying the scenes of what occurred at Nalsy's hand, something tugging on him and bothering him.
"Is something bothering you?" Caspian asked as he walked up to Edmund.
"Frankly, yes," Edmund admitted, still looking into the distance. "I've been in the military for years. Nearly eight years. At this time, I was sure of one thing. No matter what, every person fought for their life until their last breath. Whether they screamed or kicked or threw themselves around, there was always a fight."
"It is human nature to fight to survive," Caspian said with a nod standing beside Edmund.
"Yes, it's an instinct. And I've seen it every time. I've seen my comrades fight until their last breath. I've seen victims of injustice fight back. I've seen the most cold-blooded murderers fight back." Edmund paused and shifted his gaze onto Caspian. "She didn't fight the Darks. She didn't scream or even cry." Edmund said. "I've never seen anyone so willing to accept their fate and just welcome death with their open arms."
"It might've been a freeze response," Caspian said with a shrug.
"I'm not sure. It seemed a bit different." Edmund looked into the distance. "I don't think someone with freeze response would have thought on their feet as fast as she did. She managed to escape unnoticed by anyone besides me, and it was sheer luck that I've spotted her. And…" Edmund hesitated. "There's something in her eyes, something I can't explain or describe, that makes me uneasy. As if she hid a horrible secret."
"You're probably just stressed," Caspian said with a shrug.
"Maybe." Edmund decided not to argue.
"What's going on with your nose?" Caspian asked a question that was lingering for a while.
"Well, it's broken," Edmund said as he shifted his cold gaze to Caspian, giving him a warning look.
"I've noticed this much," Caspian replied, but without another word, Edmund gave him a nod and left the balcony.