“MY dear sister and very good Lady, ” said King Edmund, “you must now show your courage. For I tell you plainly we are in no small danger.”
“What is it, Edmund asked the Queen.
“It is this, ” said Edmund. “I do not think we shall find it easy to leave Tashbaan. While the Prince had hope that you would take him, we were honoured guests. But by the Lion's Mane, I think that as soon as he has your flat denial we shall be no better than prisoners.”
One of the Dwarfs gave a low whistle.
“I warned your Majesties, I warned you, ” said Sallowpad the Raven. “Easily in but not easily out, as the lobster said in the lobster pot! ”
“I have been with the Prince this morning, ” continued Edmund.“He is little used (more's the pity) to having his will crossed. And he is very chafed at your long delays and doubtful answers. This morning he pressed very hard to know your mind. I put it aside-meaning at the same time to diminish his hopes—with some light common jests about women's fancies, and hinted that his suit was likely to be cold. He grew angry and dangerous. There was a sort of threatening, though still veiled under a show of courtesy, in every word he spoke.”
“Yes, ” said Tumnus. “And when I supped with the Grand Vizier last night, it was the same. He asked me how I like Tashbaan. And I (for I could not tell him I hated every stone of it and I would not lie) told him that now, when high summer was coming on, my heart turned to the cool woods and dewy slopes of Narnia. He gave a smile that meant no good and said, ‘There is nothing to hinder you from dancing there again, little goatfoot; always provided you leave us in exchange a bride for our prince.'”
“Do you mean he would make me his wife by force? ” exclaimed Susan.
“That's my fear, Susan, ” said Edmund: “Wife: or slave which is worse.”
“But how can he? Does the Tisroc think our brother the High King would suffer such an outrage? ”