Edmund flushed a deep, dark red. Embarrassment and anger warred within, competing with those strange new instincts. But instinct couldn't hold back the hurt and recoil he felt at those accusations.

"Enough!" he roared at Al, though his limbs were shaking. "I don't need a presumptuous Lion berating me to justify my decisions. I answer to Aslan. Not to you."

Taken aback was putting it lightly. Edmund felt torn apart by the things Al thought of him now. But he couldn't show it. It would be weakness, and he'd already shown enough of that today.

"I am sorry about your brother," he said again, eyes still blazing with some of that old fire. "I wished you to advise me...but all you've done is insult me and urge me to act unjustly. I see I was wrong to confide in you." Silently fuming, he stalked to the door, unlocked it, and flung it open. "Go. I know it's your dearest wish."