The Court of Camelot
Being Queen
Chapter Two
"You look lovely!" Lyones proclaimed
Gwen anxiously examined her reflection. Lyones and Lynette had spent hours preparing her for the reception of Queen Mithian, but something seemed to be missing…
"Hmmm…I'm not so sure" Gwen worried
"It needs some earrings" Lynette murmured
"That's it! Of course!" Gwen rummaged through her jewellery box until she found some suitable earrings. She slipped them in and turned back to the mirror.
"Perfect" Lynette decided
xXx
The party paused at the castle gates to be checked by the guards. Mithian swallowed. The letter inviting her to Camelot had been signed by two people: King Arthur and his Queen, Guinevere. Was this the blacksmith's daughter he had spoken of? Or someone else entirely? Either way, she had trumped Mithian.
The guards waved them on and the party rode on into the castle. As they crossed the drawbridge Mithian nervously smoothed her hair and gown.
And then they were clattering into the courtyard, where a welcome party stood on the steps to greet them. Mithian's gaze swept over the various courtiers and knights and paused briefly on an unchanged Arthur before coming to rest on the woman next to him.
Her glittering gold crown rested atop a cascade of dark curls. Her skin was a golden shade of caramel, and her eyes were like jewels. Her blue dress shimmered like the ocean; her hands were clasped over her round belly.
Mithian gasped. She was pregnant. And she was beautiful.
xXx
Gwen's eyes were fixed on the regal looking woman in the centre of the party. She was adorned in glittering jewellery, and her dress was a deep shade of green that perfectly complimented her rich brunette locks. A fur trimmed cloak fell from her shoulders in delicate folds. Unlike Gwen, who felt self-conscious dressed in her finery, Queen Mithian wore her shining crown with ease. Gwen bit her lip. She was a true royal. And she was beautiful.
xXx
Arthur awkwardly cleared his throat and stepped forwards.
"Queen Mithian, it is a pleasure to see you again"
"Indeed, my lord" Was Mithian's guarded reply. She rode her horse to the base of the steps and gracefully dismounted a few feet away from Arthur.
"My lady" Arthur took her proffered hand and bent down to kiss it. "May I introduce you to my wife, Queen Guinevere?"
Gwen slowly descended the stairs, coming to a halt next to Arthur.
"It is an honour to meet you at last, Queen Mithian." Gwen said, smiling shyly.
Mithian returned the smile. "And you, Queen Guinevere"
xXx
"This is Sir Elyan," Arthur told Mithian, leading her over to a handsome dark skinned knight "and Sir Percival" he indicated the tall, muscly knight next to him. The two knights bowed gracefully.
"Welcome back to Camelot, my lady" Elyan said.
"Ah, yes – I remember you two: two of Arthur's closest friends." Mithian stated matter-of-factly. Arthur and his knights looked a little surprised, but before they could say anything -
"You're looking lovely tonight, Mithian, if I may be so bold!" said Gwaine as he strutted over with a goblet in his hand and a grimacing Leon in tow.
"Gwaine! Show some manners!" Arthur exclaimed
"Sorry, he's had a lot to drink" Leon apologised wearily.
"Already?" Mithian asked, eyebrows raised.
"Believe me, he's only just begun" Elyan said with a chuckle
"Gwaine is…" Arthur sighed "T is Sir Leon." He indicated the bearded, blue eyed knight behind Gwaine.
"Yes, your right hand man. It's lovely to see you again, Sir Leon." Mithian smiled. Leon opened his mouth to respond, but was interrupted by the tipsy Gwaine.
"And it's more than lovely to see you, my dear Mithian. Actually, I've a suggestion –"
"Gwaine!" Arthur snapped
"Sorry, sorry" Gwaine said, grinning
"We'll take him away." Leon said. Him and Elyan took an arm each and led a giggling Gwaine back across the banquet hall.
"I do apologise, my lady. I don't-" Arthur stopped midsentence, his eyes fixed on something over Percival's shoulder. Mithian and Percival turned around to see Gwen entering the hall. She was wearing a glowing gold dress made of many layers of chiffon, with off the shoulder sleeves like filmy wings. The sight was breathtaking. Arthur was transfixed, his eyes filled with adoration.
"She looks lovely" Mithian observed
"She does" Percival agreed. Arthur was still staring.
"Is he always like this?" Mithian whispered to Percival
"When Gwen's around? Yes." Percival answered. Mithian grimaced at the thought of spending two whole weeks with the loved up pair. "You'll get used to it."
Gwen noticed them and went gliding over.
"Guinevere…" Arthur trailed off. He cleared his throat and began again "You look beautiful." Mithian and Percival nodded their agreement.
"Thank you." Gwen said shyly "Shall we start eating now?" she asked, eager to have the attention off her.
"Of course!" Arthur agreed. Arthur announced that the feast was to begin, and everybody took their seats. As the guest of honour, Mithian was seated next to the king and queen. The servants entered with magnificent platters piled high with mouth-watering delicacies.
"Merlin!" Mithian exclaimed as he approached the top table with a tureen of soup.
"My lady." Merlin responded, smiling "Nice to see you. Vegetable soup?"
"Yes, please. You're…still a servant?" Mithian seemed perplexed
"Of course, he's my manservant" Arthur said, equally confused "Why wouldn't he be…?"
"…I don't know. Forget it." Mithian backpedalled furiously. "Who made your dress, my lady?" she asked, turning to Guinevere.
Arthur looked at Merlin quizzically. Merlin shrugged.
"Soup?"
xXx
Arthur and Guinevere were strolling back to their chambers, hand in hand.
"So, what do you think?" Arthur asked
"Of what?"
"Mithian!"
"Well, she's lovely, isn't she? Practically perfect" Gwen said, without a hint of bitterness or sarcasm.
"Guinevere, you are such a kind person…I shouldn't have worried that you two wouldn't get along." Arthur leaned in to kiss her tenderly. "Why don't you come to my chambers tonight?" he suggested seductively.
xxxXxxx
I've had this amazing image of Gwen's golden dress in my head for quite some time now, but I'm a rubbish artist, so I slipped it in here instead of drawing it (which is what I would've liked to do). This chapter is very description heavy, so I am sorry if it bored you. Things are going to speed up soon (and there's going to be some action, too!) but for now, what can I say? I love writing poetic descriptions. Thank you for reading and reviewing, it means a lot to me. The next chapter should be coming soon!