Thank you to FireChildSlytherin5 and CuttlefishShiz for reviewing
Igraine straightened her back just a tiny bit more as Gorlois and his daughter, this Morgana, walked in. Arthur, his armour making a dazzling spectacle even indoors, simply stayed stone still.
In a single long stride Uther had stepped off the dais and was walking down the hall to meet his friend and former ward.
"Sire" with the deep bow and curtsey respectively the pair gave their homage. The king's smile grew even broader as he gave them leave to stand upright
"Gorlois, you old dog fox. As well as ever I see" he gave the knight a playful thwack on the shoulder
Gorlois grinned boyishly "aye Sire, you've not seen the last of me and my skills" Arthur choked, Igraine could see he fought not to laugh at Gorlois's thickened country accent. She concentrated on what Uther was saying
"And Morgana my dear, you have changed somewhat already" Igraine stiffened even more, surely she and Ruth were Uther's only "dears"
The lady spoke lightly "You forget that we have been apart for nigh on 7 and a half years my lord" she cast a not altogether friendly look towards Igraine and Ruth "Many changes can take place in such a length of time"
Uther caught the direction of her glance and grimaced almost unnoticeably but quickly recovered composure. He led the pair forward
"May I present Queen Igraine, my wife" Gorlois bowed deeply to the woman who had brought such goodness to Camelot, Morgana remembered her manners and dropped an equally low curtsey
"Arthur" this time the bow was less while Morgana simply took her princes hand hissing as she did so
"Still a perfect prat I see" None of the others heard those words but the prince grinned. Uther steered them back to the side
"And our daughter Princess Ruth" Igraine realised something was wrong, Gwen's hand on her arm was shaking like a leaf. Gorlois bowed again but his daughter had to be elbowed in the ribs before she put one leg back in a very perfunctory curtsy. Her eyes were cold as she surveyed the pair of ladies, something akin to dislike was clearly obvious.
There was a dinner banquet that night for the whole court. Igraine started at how formal it seemed; no jokes and banter passing up and down. Just stolid eating, whispered comments and stiff congratulatory toasts. Gwen had been coaxed into serving by Ruth (having flatly refused after the reception) but she was shaking so much it was amazing that nothing spilt. Ruth had also been coerced into joining them, she sat nearly asleep next to her mother while attempting to look not the slightest bit scared about being there. And failing.
"My Lords, Ladies, Knights and guests" Uther had risen to his feet inkling his head slightly toward Gorlois on the last word "Join me in a toast... To the kingdom of Camelot; long may it stand"
"To Camelot" the soft echo ran up and down but Morgana said nothing; her eyes were locked on the top table. Igraine met them but was ignored, that bitter cold gaze was locked on the person who stood between her and Ruth, three strides back from their chairs; where a maid should stand.
Gwen.
Uh oh. I can smell jelousy and trouble in the air. Keep reviewing