Queen of Camelot (continued) – by AudiRox
A new day has come with news of King Arthur choosing his bride. Villages closest to the kingdom have now been alerted to the fact that they will have a new queen… and soon. Camelot hasn't been blessed with a queen (a proper one) for a very long time and so a new era falls upon the kingdom and its people. News of Guinevere and the special circumstances surrounding this betrothal excite the people.
Back in the castle, everyone including Merlin hurries around so that everything is order for Arthur and Guinevere's first stroll outside in the courtyard as a betrothed couple.
"Everything will be fine," smiles Merlin as he looks at Gwen.
Gwen sighs, "This is a lot to process. And I'm a little nervous, Merlin."
"Of course, I understand," Merlin says as he looks at his dear friend, "but you have nothing to be nervous about. The people already love you."
Gwen is grateful that Merlin fills the comforting role that on any other such story would be the responsibility of a parent or a dearest female friend. Morgana could have filled that role. Alas, having her good friend back is only a dream.
"And…" Merlin continues, but stops.
"And what, Merlin?"
"Arthur couldn't have chosen anyone better," Merlin says with a kind smile. Then jokingly continues, "In fact, you're too good for him, I hope you know that."
Gwen sweetly smiles but is interrupted by someone entering the chambers.
"Ready?" asks the king.
Gwen turns around to find Arthur all dressed and ready to walk down to the courtyard with her.
Moments later, Gwen, with her arm hooked around Arthur's, walks down the stairs with her king. She notices the knights and other citizens on either side waving at them. Overwhelmed, she looks up at Arthur. "This is all so much."
Arthur smiles but explains with just a hint of pride, "When a queen is chosen, it is customary to have weeklong celebrations until they're wed. And it is definitely customary to show her off to her people."
Gwen smiles and looks over at the people.
"It is tradition, Guinevere."
"Is that so?" asks a cheeky Gwen. "Is it also tradition for a king to marry the daughter of a blacksmith?"
Arthur smiles to himself, "Well, some traditions change over time, I suppose."
The king and his future queen chuckle a bit as they walk toward the crowd of well wishers.
Merlin and Gaius watch them through a window in the castle.
"Finally," says Merlin as he turns to Gaius.
"Indeed," agrees Gaius, "it is time Camelot had a queen."
Elsewhere, near a lake, Morgana stands along the bank with Agravaine.
"Are you sure this will work?" asks the older man looking out into the lake.
"Of course," says a smug Morgana. "I seem to remember Gwen being very fond of Lancelot."
"She did cry a great deal by his funeral pyre," recalls Agravaine.
Morgana continues as she looks at the lake, "Oh, don't get me wrong, Agravaine, Gwen is very loyal to Arthur and would never do anything to harm him. Dare I say, she even truly loves the man. But I'm sure we can change that," with a smirk she turns to the man dressed in black. She unties the pouch around her waist and hands it to him. "I will take care of Lancelot, you go do your part."
Agravaine takes the pouch in his hand and looks at it. "But will this be necessary if Arthur is killed?"
"Oh, Arthur won't die just yet. I want him to feel unbearable hurt in his heart," says a serious Morgana. "Everything else will follow accordingly."
Agravaine nods, "Very well." He looks inside the pouch, "Simple, isn't it?"
Morgana sighs, "I've known Gwen a very long time since we were both young girls. Believe me; she would never go for anything extravagant."
Agravaine wonders about Morgana's childhood with Gwen and Arthur, but dismisses it quickly and takes his leave.
Later that evening, a feast is held in honor of Arthur and his chosen queen. Joyous music can be heard as the knights, members of the court and others gather around delicious food and wine. At the very head of the main table, sits Arthur and Guinevere.
Merlin stands behind, between Arthur and Gwen as Geoffrey of Monmouth arrives to greet the king and his future queen. To Gwen's surprise, Geoffrey holds out his hand. For a moment Gwen hesitates, but an assuring smiles from Arthur gives her the confidence to hold out her own hand. Geoffrey gently takes it in his and greets her.
"My lady," he says as Merlin and Arthur keenly observe.
"Geoffrey of Monmouth," says Arthur.
"Of course," says Gwen.
As stubborn and old as his ways are, Geoffrey can't deny the public opinion of the newly chosen queen and so he continues, "The people have spoken, and you are favored among the citizens of Camelot." He looks at Arthur, "I'm looking forward to overseeing the wedding ceremony."
"Thank you, Geoffrey."
Gwen nods in agreement.
Geoffrey moves away.
"See? Everyone loves you," says Arthur as he leans in.
"Well, not everyone," says Gwen as she looks subtly over at Agravaine, who is drinking some wine at the end of the long table.
Arthur gently touches Gwen's hand. "He will come around, you'll see."
Outside in the hallway, Leon walks around the corner to join the festivities, but the sudden appearance of a man dressed in black makes him freeze.
"Sir Leon," says the man in the shadows.
Leon cannot believe his eyes.
Moments later, Leon enters the grand hall. The man following him a few feet behind makes people turn their heads. Music comes to a gradual end as they pass one person after another. Soft gasps are heard.
Arthur, Merlin, Gaius and Gwen look ahead wondering what is going on.
"My lord," says Leon as he bows. "Apologies for the interruption, but…"
Arthur cannot believe his eyes, and so he stands up and cuts off Leon, "Lancelot?"
Gwen also gets on her feet as Merlin steps closer.
"Lancelot," says Gwen under her breath.
Lancelot steps forward, "Sire," he nods.
Agravaine silently watches from the corner as Lancelot looks around.
"Apologies for interrupting the festivities, my lord."
Moments later, Lancelot is seen pacing in a lonely room in the castle. The door opens and in comes the king of Camelot, followed closely by his servant.
"Sire," says Lancelot as he stops pacing.
"Sir Lancelot," says Arthur, still unable to believe his eyes.
"I didn't mean for the festivities to be halted in such a way."
"No matter," says the king as he looks subtly at his servant.
Silence.
"We thought you were…" starts Arthur.
"Dead?" smiles Lancelot.
"Yes," answers Arthur.
"So did I, but this morning, I woke up in the middle of the woods just outside the northern border. I was unable to comprehend what had happened, but remembered my way back to Camelot."
"What's the last thing you remember before waking up in the woods?" asks Arthur as Merlin keenly observes.
Lancelot sighs and looks down, "Walking into…" he pauses, "darkness."
An expression of gratitude and guilt takes over Arthur's face. "You are a hero in my kingdom. I hope you know that. But your sudden reappearance…"
Lancelot cuts in, "I understand, my lord. I would be cautious as well."
Merlin is still not sure what to think, and so he stays quiet.
Silence.
"But I'm glad to be home," says Lancelot looking up at the king and his servant.
Arthur subtly smiles, "I'm glad that you're safe. We will talk more… tomorrow, after the jousting tourney."
"A tourney?" asks Lancelot.
"In honor of Guinevere, the soon to be Queen of Camelot," says Arthur proudly.
Merlin continues to keenly watch him.
"Come," Arthur pats Lancelot on the shoulder, "there's more reason to celebrate tonight."
Later that evening, Agravaine walks up to Lancelot as he enjoys welcomes from all the other knights.
"So good to see you again, friend," says Elyan as he pats him on the back. He sees that Lancelot's goblet is almost empty. "Let me fetch you more wine."
"Thank you," nods Lancelot.
Elyan moves away.
"Such a relief to see you alive," says Agravaine softly as he positions himself in front of Lancelot.
"Sir Agravaine," says the newly resurrected knight as he looks around to make sure they're not watched.
"You look well," says the older knight as he looks up and down the younger knight, "for someone who was recently declared dead." Agravaine notices a necklace around Lancelot's neck with a peculiar pendant hanging sternly near his chest. "You know of the plan?" he softly asks.
Lancelot's facial expression changes as he looks around and softly responds, "I have been informed of the plans as you have."
"You will take my place in the tourney tomorrow," informs Agravaine.
"Yes, and I am to play nice."
"Yes," nods the king's uncle as he and his new friend look over at the king and future-queen.
To be continued… (continue on to chapter three).
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I'm overwhelmed by your support. Thank you.
I have decided to publish this episodic/speculative story in 3-4 segments so that you do not have to wait long for updates. Keep in mind, this is inspired by spoilers and incorporates a few sourced spoilers. But the actual episode may not turn out quite the same. I'm not particularly fond of the "triangle" – but if we absolutely have to go down this path, this is what I'd like to see.
Please do let me know what you think. Your feedback is always appreciated.