It had been all but 10 minutes since my crowing ceremony had finished. Servants of the castle , ladies and knights of Camelot, and other nobles were filing out of the grand hall. I Still next to Arthur upon our thrones. Thrones. I still couldn't come to terms with the fact that I was now queen. I had waited so long to rule beside Arthur. Only now was I realizing that my fantasies were revolved around Arthur, and no so much the ruling side of things. I knew nothing of being a lady , of how to sit , stand , walk, talk , eat, breath. Which was surprisingly difficult in these ridiculous corsets that where unbearably ridged.
My breaths increased as panic started to enclose up and around my throat. I felt a light pressure on my hand, and turned to find Arthur , looking concerned towards me " Is everything alright? " He asked.
"Yes" I answered with a smile , though I could never fool him.
"Gwen " he sighed with a knowing tone.
" It's just that-well- I feel like I've waited so long for this, to become your wife -your queen. They have seemed like such prosperous goals for so long…." she expressed " What I mean to say is, I haven't really given much thought as to what is to proceed. I have no idea how to be a lady of royalty, I'm not even sure I'll conduct my self properly in front of other nobles…..What if I say the wrong thing? What if I -" I was cut off by Arthur " Guinevere. Calm down. If anyone understands the needs of our people. Its you. Don't not fret my love. You will learn in time. "
"That's just the thing though Arthur , I don't have time , what if I am needed tomorrow? I cannot learn all I need to in such a small amount of time"
"You will be fine . Trust me " He said with a smile.
Looking around , the hall was empty with the exception of the workers removing the velvet carpet and laden flowers. Arthur Stood up looking down at me , and offered his hand.
I took it as we started to make our way down towards the large oak doors.
" I have no doubt that you will excel in your duties, Gwen. You will know what to say and how act when the time comes"
I laughed " Your saying that my performance is nothing but guess work? I hardly think that will sit well with the council"
He laughed along with me "No , what I mean is that you have an open heart , and any decisions you make I know will come with just."
"I hope so…"
They now exited the hall , and entered the wide berth of the castle corridors "Shall I introduce you to our chambers ?" Arthur asked excitedly.
"Please do " I answered with a smile.
Arthur and myself had not been permitted to spend our wedding night together - much to my disappointment - in fact the laws of Camelot stated that we were not to do so until my crowing, something to do with a final act of eternal bonding. Some customs and laws really were not to my liking.
We walk a little too fast down the corridors together , I giggled as we hurried up the stone stairs. Arthur lead me through the all too familiar snaked twists and turns of the upper castle's corridors.
Until we reached the front door of his - our - chambers.
"Well, here we are" He breath with a nervous edge to his tone.
" I have seen these chamber's before Arthur , it's not a mystery to me " I said .Unless he's forgotten , I had visited these chambers a number of times and for various reasons. Why he was implying that there was something to be unveiled I had no idea.
"Oh really" He replied ,opening the door , indeed to unveil a sight unlike no other.
Arthur's chambers had been completely transformed.
A newly carved four posted bed lay in the place of the old one , with shimmering cream fabric draping around the wood. Vases of brightly coloured flowers all around the room. But more prominently , and open wardrobe revealing dozens of beautiful dresses. I was abruptly frozen into a state of shock, as I made my way towards the open cascade of wondrous fabric. I unconsciously brushed my hand across the materials. So many different colours, texture and patterns far beyond my own creative hand. I was so enthralled by the sight , that I didn't notice Arthur make his way to my side , and therefore jumped out of my skin when his voice suddenly became so close.
"Do you like it?" he whispered
"These can't all be for me?" I replied, bemused. I don't think I'd seen so many dresses in all my life, let alone wore them.
"Well I'm certainly not planning on wearing any of them"
I laughed at that. "I might have to make and exception for Merlin though " He continued, picking out silk gown in emerald green. "This would defiantly suit his skin tone don't you think?" He asked.
We both laughed and made our way over to the expansive desk table , now accustomed with two grand chairs on either end. Arthur began to explain The where parchment and quills were kept, and where we were to store updated taxes and so fourth. That was until a knock , knock came at the door. Arthur looked up at once and said "Ah, Right on time… Enter!" and in walked a petite young woman , with dark hair and pale skin, but a bright and warming smile.
"Guinevere" Arthur began " Allow me to introduce you to your new maid. Suzette"
"Maid?" I turned to him and asked " I really don't think there's any need…"
"Your are a lady now, and you may require her more than you think" Arthur reassured me, and signalled Suzette to come fourth.
"Pleased to meet you , My Lady" She said with another warm smile.
"Pleased to meet you too " I replied, throwing Arthur a nervous glace as he retreated to the doorway.
"I'll let you two get acquainted , but don't take too long" He said with a smug grin.
"And why is that?" I questioned.
"Because we have our first council meeting in under half an hour" he said. And with the same grin on his face , he snuck out of the door.
"Oh my- Arthur!" I yelled after him , but it was too late. In less than an hour I'd be sitting amongst the most influential people in the kingdom , and I wasn't ready.
I wasn't ready to offer guidance and opinions on matters of which I've never heard of before!
Suzette noticed the fear in my face , and tried to comfort me "Don't worry my lady, we'll find you something suitable to wear" She said. As if finding the right dress to wear was the cause of my problems….