Chapter One – Betrothed
Morgana sat with her hands resting on the silk skirts of her blue dress as the horse-drawn carriage was pulled through foreign territory. But it wouldn't be unknown for long. Oh no, the kingdom of Essetir was to be her home now. She was betrothed to King Lot.
As she stared forlornly out of the small gap in the carriage, Uther placed his hand over Morgana's own. Quickly, she snatched it away and continued looking out of the gap, refusing to meet Uther's eyes. It was entirely his fault that she was leaving everything and everyone she knew to go and marry some old king whom she'd never met before. All she knew was what was rumoured. And the rumours were that Lot was a hostile man who ruled his kingdom with an iron-fist and took being criticised badly; very badly.
The only reason she was marrying a man old enough to be her father, was because Lot was threatening war and Uther decided to sacrifice her for the sake of his kingdom. He was marrying her off to seal an alliance.
When she'd found out, Morgana had cried and screamed and begged. She'd tried to run away from Camelot but been brought back by the knights and consequently been confined to her chambers for two weeks. She hadn't minded in the slightest. At least she didn't have to look at Uther with the exception of the twice he had come seeking an apology; and receive none. She loathed Uther now. This was his fault. He cared more for his kingdom that for her. He'd broken the promise to her father to keep her safe and well. She loathed him; and that would never change.
Suddenly, the carriage came to a halt. Uther offered his hand to help her down, but she pointedly refused and stepped down herself. The courtyard was drab and unoccupied. Nobody wandered around as they did in Camelot. The only people who passed her were servants who scuttled to and fro, heads down and silent. The atmosphere was chilling and awkward. It was not a good impression of the place where she was to live her life.
Morgana thought about pleading with Uther but she decided against it. She would not appear weak. Instead, she crossed her arms against her chest in an act of defiance.
Gracefully, she walked down the bitter cold corridors, encircled by guards. Uther stood by her side but did not try to reach out to her. Finally, he'd got the message.
Eventually, they reached the throne room. Sitting in an ornate throne, was a man slightly younger than Uther. He was clothed from head-to-toe in black leather with the exception of a heavy fur coat. Atop his dark, slightly-greying hair sat an ornate crown. His face looked like it was permanently set in a scowl, judging by the lines.
Uther nudged her and she stepped forward and curtsied.
"Your majesty," said Morgana, straightening herself.
"My Lady Morgana, King Uther," said King Lot, flashing a very false smile.
"It's a pleasure to seal our peace through this linking," said Uther "Morgana is a most desirable bride."
"I'm sure she is," continued King Lot with a leer which made Morgana feel deeply uncomfortable "Now, you will be given guest accommodation until we are official wed, but we shall dine together each day."
Morgana did not like his attitude at all. She was sure to clash with him. In a last ditch attempt, she looked over at Uther in a pleading manner but instead he placed a kiss on her forehead.
"Be good now, Morgana," he told her, as if he was talking to a small child.
And then he was gone, leaving her alone with her husband-to-be.