Prologue
Arthur
"King Thomas and Prince Helios were buried several weeks ago; leaving a young impressionable King Eylan with his devoted sister at his side. How do we maintain a cordial relationship with Eylan after Thomas and Helios' betrayal?"
Annis' words penetrated deeply in my thoughts. King Eylan presented several problems for Camelot. King Eylan was not born to rule. He was a second son; yes, his ascension to the throne was never consider a true possibility. A few years ago, I would have laughed at the suggestion. He can't function without his twin sister, Guinevere. Helios was born to rule; a fierce warriors with lofty ambitions. King Thomas and Helios aligned themselves with Odin to wage a senseless war. With his desire for power, Helios lacked wisdom to see beyond his immediate needs. Our kingdoms spent years with a profitable and friendly relationship. We provided protection, and used Thomas' port for shipping and war. Now, a young untested king controlled a valuable port.
My eyes glanced at my allies. Morgana, my elder sister, driven to the brink of insanity by Odin's son, Alator. Merlin, my advisor and sorcerer, driven to the brink by his love for my sister. Queen Annis, my godmother, one of the few people in the lands who spoke to me with a sharp tongue. Her daughter, Morgause, inherited a tongue sharp than my sword. King Olaf was a wise king with an overly spoiled daughter, Vivian. He actually proposed marriage between us…once. King Godwin with his pensive wisdom, and his daft daughter, Elena. Ever faithful, Gaius, provided wisdom and guidance. Geoffrey was here to scroll our thoughts and brokered treaties. Of course, George hovered in the background to meet our needs.
"Helios and Thomas," I began calmly. "They broke our treaties. Not only did they fracture years of goodwill and peace. They fractured friendships. We protected them from foreign invaders. Yet, they conspired with Odin. Eylan is young, studious, and impressionable. I saw them three years ago. Eylan and Guinevere have a bond, an unnatural bond. They need to be separated for the common good of our kingdoms. "
Annis wavered a hand," They are delightful young children. They are barely 18 years old."
"I was king of Camelot at 18," I countered softly. "Eylan requires a wife selected by us. His wife will guide him, and shape him into a king. His wife needs to be a princess from one of your kingdoms. Morgana is ruled out."
Godwin shook his head in dismay," Elena cannot proved guidance to anyone. She can't select linens to create dress each year."
"Vivian is not ready for marriage," Odin protested.
His daughter would never be ready for marriage in my opinion.
Annis leaned forward," I suppose Morgause is an option for his wife."
I nodded in agreement," She is stern. She is wise. She won't allow him to make unholy alliances."
"Stern is a sweet word to describe Morgause. One of the nicest word to describe her."
"She's incredibly beautiful," I remarked.
Godwin took a deep sip of red wine; I noticed he locked eyes with Morgana. Everyone drew quiet for a moment. I don't like silence.
"Arthur, Guinevere is a variable. If Eylan marries Morgause, Guinevere needs to have a husband. She needs a husband that Eylan would never think of crossing in fear of her protection."
"Why would anyone want to marry Guinevere? She is peculiar."
"Arthur, I'm insane," Morgana reminded us.
I closed my eyes as a brief flash of pain seared my heart.
"Who should marry her?"
"You," Merlin stated bluntly.
Merlin has gone mad. Over the years, I have denied princesses from every land. I sent away Mithian, her beauty was unsurpassed. I have no desire for a wife.
"You will marry Gwen" Annis ordered. "You need a queen and heir. She's young and healthy. She's intelligent and charming. She's beautiful. She speaks several languages. "
"She's also fragile."
"You saved her as a child," Odin argued. "She's a perfect match for you."
"Eylan would never cross the Pendragon," Gaius reasoned. "His beloved sister married to Arthur Pendragon. He would never betray you. "
Eylan would never cause harm to his sister. I don't want a queen. They require protection. They want attention. I would have a weakness.
"A wife brings danger."
"A wife brings order," Morgana screeched. "I have seen your life with her. You are happy. Camelot prospers. You will marry her."
"Why should I, Morgy?"
"I ask it of you," she whispered softly.
I nodded my head in agreement. Morgana never requested anything of me. She paid a great debt for my youthful foolishness before I became king. Her requests were never refused.
"Guinevere will be given rules as my wife and queen. She is not allowed to watch me training. She is not allowed alone outside of Camelot's walls without guards. She will not display affection upon me. She will not refuse my advances. She will sleep in her own chamber. She will not question my judgement. She will not wear purple. She will eat regular meals and visit Gaius to protect her health. She will not speak in her strange language with her brother. She will not hide behind her nurse."
I slammed my hand on a shiny table," What about the male nurse? Why do they still have a nurse?"
"Edwin is my counterpart. He loves them like his children. He advised Helios and Thomas against raging a war. Edwin will remain with Eylan."
"He needs to stay away from Guinevere when she becomes my wife," I spat.
"Jealous, brother," Morgana teased.
"No, a queen can only have one king."
Gwen
The Pendragon in his wisdom spared us. We are to marry. Elyan must marry Morgause. She's rather scary. Her beautiful left several men … speechless. She doesn't speak, but she hisses at people. My poor brother. Arthur Pendragon as a husband. He's handsome and rude. Marriage or death, they gave us a choice. We must pay a steep price for Father and Helios' foolishness.
"Children, what say you," Edwin asked cautiously.
Edwin, our caretaker, watched us with nervously eyes. I can't remember life without Edwin. He soothed our hurts. He brought us out of the darkness after mother died. He prepared father and Helios' funerals. He does everything.
"What," I began
"Say you," Eylan continued.
Edwin leaned back in his chair. He studied us for a brief moment. "It's not a bad match. Arthur is hard; yet, he is a good man. Morgause is harsh, but she is fair. It could be worse."
"How," I asked in unison with Eylan.
"The pain of death."
Elyan's eyes widened. I merely shrugged.
"What about these rules, Edwin? I can't speak to my husband in public. How dare he!"
"Calm, Gwen" Edwin cautioned. "We can make amendments."
"I refuse to marry Arthur until he behaves like a gentleman. He needs to cone here. He needs to ask Eylan for my hand in marriage, a proper marriage agreement between us. He will not shame me. In person, he will discuss terms of a marriage."
"Gwen," Eylan warned. "He might just take one of your hands."
"I will not have a husband without respect and kindness. I would rather die. He comes here!"
Eylan shook his hand wearily. Edwin smiled at us.
"I will send word to Merlin," Edwin proposed. "What would you like for dinner?"
Arthur
"She refused my proposal. I must come, and ask her properly for her hand in marriage," I shouted. "Her father and brother betrayed my trust. Her hand in marriage. I should have chopped her hands off along with Elyan's head. Yet, I must cower to her demands. She makes demands of me! I am twenty-five years old… I do not cower to a child. I've ruled Camelot for nine years. She will be my wife and queen!"
I turned to stare at a shaking George," Prepare us for a journey; we leave in the morning."
I ignored Morgan's smirk and Merlin's giggles.