That evening Lucy could be found watching the rolling waves of the sea outside her open window in her room. The crash of water against the  rocks made a glorious sound and it helped her to relax after her troubled day.

After their painting lesson outside, there had been lessons of music, embroidery, and lastly Narnian history and geography. All completed inside and all while sitting still, a hardship for Lucy. More than once, she had felt suffocated from the still air and longed for a breeze. Susan had consented and windows were opened. Yet they did little for the young queen's state.

Now as Lucy gazed out her window, the sea gently tossing about, she was able to breath. The sun was just beginning to set and the purple and orange sky was remarkable.

Suddenly two short knocks sounded at the door. Lucy reluctantly turned to face the door and spoke,

"Yes? Who is it?"

"It is Mrs. Beaver, your majesty.

Lucy beamed at the chance to speak with an old and dear friend. The Beaver family had been asked to stay at Cair Parevel while the new kings and queens moved in and got settled. In return, the Beaver's home was being repaired from the damage done by the White Witch's secret police.

Leaving the beautiful view, Lucy hurried to the door and opened it. Sure enough, there stood Mrs. Beaver. She gave a quick bow and smiled at the queen.

"Do come in!" Said Lucy happily as she widened the door for her friend to enter.

The Beaver nodded and walked inside. Lucy led her to a gold colored couch that sat along the wall beside the closet.

"It's so nice to see you." Said Lucy as they were seated.

Mrs. Beaver smiled, "Yes, I don't get to visit as much as I'd like. Mr. Beaver and I keep plenty busy."

"It's not too much, is it?" Asked Lucy with a frown. She was concerned about her friends being over worked.

Mrs. Beaver patted Lucy's hand. "Of course not. Don't fret my dear, we are pleased that we can be of help."

Lucy nodded, "You have already done so much. Without you and Mr. Beaver, why, I have no idea what might have become of us." Lucy's mind traveled back in time as this idea suddenly occurred to her.

What would have become of them? We can never know but perhaps it is for the best.

"Anyway," began Mrs. Beaver. "I wanted to talk to you."

"Yes? What about?"

"You, my dear. I've noticed you've been less than your cheerful self."

Lucy's smile dropped. "You could tell?"

"I'd have to be blind not to. You seem upset. What's troubling you?"

Lucy needed no more coaxing as she opened her mouth and poured out all her troubles. Mrs. Beaver patiently listened and nodded in all the right places. After Lucy finished speaking, she waited for a reply.

"Well that is a problem." Said the Beaver.

"What should I do? I cannot possibly be expected to sit inside all day painting and embroiding. That cannot be all that a queen of Narnia is to do."

"Certainly not. You are Lucy the Valiant, not Lucy the painter." Said Mrs. Beaver.

Lucy smiled and let out a laugh at the reply.

"Have you told all of this to your sister?"

Lucy shook her head sadly.

"You must."

"But- she will not understand. You do not know Susan like I do."

Mrs. Beaver looked at the queen. "You are going to be a great queen someday. One I shall always love."

Lucy smiled as she gave the Beaver a hug. The words were simple but they filled her with such warmth.

"I hope to be a great queen." She replied softly.

"You will my dear. I know you will. I trust you will do what's best."

Mrs. Beaver climbed down from the couch, gave a bow and wished her queen good night. Lucy watched her leave and closed the door, leaving the queen alone with her thoughts.

"Perhaps she is right. Su and I always used to be able to talk."

Lucy climbed in her soft bed and had no difficulty falling asleep.

A/N
I'm so sorry for never updating this! I had a lot trouble with this chapter. Anyway what do you think? Next chapter will move along faster.