Chapter One
Arthur Pendragon knew Guinevere Leodegrance's return was going to be trouble the moment she rode into Camelot. Not that he knew it then.
He and Merlin were sat on horseback looking down on Camelot enjoying watching over the town. Even though Arthur was a king he enjoyed watching his people and ensuring that everyone was happy and listened to any complaints.
They were chatting amicably about what needed to be done to ensure a successful season in crops when a white horse galloped past with its rider riding hell for leather to Camelot.
The two men exchanged a look. 'Well the rider seemed to be in a hurry to get to Camelot,' Merlin commented.
'In a big hurry,' Arthur replied.
'Maybe we should find out why they were riding so fast for Camelot.'
'That was my thought.'
Both men turned their horses to follow the rider. With their excellent riding skills they caught up with the white horse moments later. It was now apparent that the rider was female with her diminutive figure bent over the horse. She slowed as she entered the town and she came to a house where she jumped down. With her cloak hood pulled up over her head Arthur and Merlin still didn't have a good look at her face.
'Hello,' Merlin said kindly to her back, 'do you need any help?'
'No I'm fine,' the woman replied in a low voice. 'I've come back to Camelot to help my friend.' She turned around and Merlin recognized her immediately. 'Gwen?' he said incredulously.
Arthur gaped at the woman he'd loved and lost. Guinevere Leodegrance was back, his heartbreaker and betrayer. From the moment he'd banished her, Camelot had spoken none stop about what she'd done, a girl who loved one man and betrayed him with another. Even years later she was still spoken about in hushed tones though no one ever spoke of her to Arthur.
'Hello, Arthur,' she spoke quietly. 'Are you planning on having me executed?'
Her tone was negligent, but Arthur did appear to be considering what to do next. Merlin froze he'd forgotten about Arthur's edict as he was just happy to see Gwen back in Camelot. He heard the hint of defiance in Gwen's tone as if she was challenging Arthur to have her arrested and charged again.
Gwen waited for Arthur's response and rolled her eyes. But inside Gwen was trembling. Even though it had been years Arthur had obviously not moved on. Gwen didn't care she wasn't here for him she was here to help her friend no matter what Arthur thought of her.
As if I care what he thinks of me. She didn't understand her past actions but she'd moved on. She'd had enough of this waiting, she looked at Arthur. 'What's going to happen? I'm to be dragged off to the dungeons or am I allowed to visit?'
'I'll let you visit,' Arthur granted speaking through clenched teeth.
'Good.' She led her horse away. 'Don't let me stop you from carrying out Camelot's important business.'
And without another glance, she turned away and led her horse around the back of the house.