Chapter 2 [Throne Chamber]

Somberness hung heavily in the air. Issues vexed. Opinion remained in short supply. Even as Nemeth moved forward, it seemed to move back.

Nothing was ever easy….

Mithian took a healthy draught from her goblet. Her mind spun over the latest problems to end up before the royal prerogative. She'd read over several disputes between nobles, needed repairs for transportation infrastructure and cries for intervention by peasants and lords alike. Meleagant still pressed for a marriage alliance despite Rodor's repeated denials to the contrary. Edgar demanded Josiane's extradition (or her head) back to Hampton. Protests over the Old Religion's revival had come in. And of course, complaints about Merlin as Prince topped everything.

Unfortunately counselors remained in short supply….

The jackals scrounge where they believe there's easy prey. She frowned at the three empty seats. Treason left an obnoxious stench in the air. They know we can't make any decrees or pass any legislation without them. What can we do? She tapped her fingers on the arm rest. Maybe we could accelerate Merlin's coronation? He's already noble despite the opposition to his presence. She bowed her head. They'd sentence me to a life in Hell. Why can't they deal with a man who's proven himself more times than all of them put together? WHY?

Rodor studied one of the protests. He sighed and set it back on the pile. "And this is how Arthur feels. The kingdom suffers. Things muddle along. It is like a wagon." He sipped on his own goblet.

"Father, we have a crisis. You're talking about wagons?" she retorted.

He rubbed his chin. Contemplation weighed on his brow. He sipped on his goblet. "Whether we're in a storm or shine, Mithian, our wagon must bear its cargo. A horse can run off. A driver can be ill. The wagon itself can break a wheel. These parts can be replaced if defective or disloyal. Either way, Pain must be borne as we continue on Duty's path. The goods must make it to market." He picked up the documents. "These goods."

"I don't understand. Where do we find replacements? The law says we can't just pass laws by ourselves," she pointed out.

"I pressed on after your mother and brother died. We just named a new lord to Riversmore. We need three counselors. I can name three members of our nobility. We have several to choose from. I was going to suggest Lady Elaine, Sir Galahad and Lord Brumenwald to fill those seats. Merlin will be crowned tomorrow as Prince. By this time next week, he and you will be married," he clarified.

"Who will be the new High Chancellor? How about First Knight?" she demanded.

He raised his hand. "Brumenwald has trained Peter in the basic parts of the chancellery. Sir Ywain can assume First Knight duties. Trust me, Daughter, it is quite legal and within our precedent. Whatever else happens, the kingdom must function. We maintain our loyalty as they do us."

She blanched. "Merlin understands that. So does Galahad. I wish I did."

"Your actions say otherwise. Look at how you served as a diplomat to Camelot. You could've pressed your claim to him at any point. Aye it was within your rights. I would've supported you. So would the majority of Britannia's rulers. Still Instinct guided you toward the Greater Good first. You look toward the relations between our kingdoms before your own feelings. You allowed me to decide when to make our move. Have faith, Mithian. You are more capable than you know. So are they. Besides we have other allies. Princess Josiane has knowledge of state craft. Sir Gawain and Lady Britomart can take Galahad's place if need be. Beyond that, Faith will guide our way. The goddess will send what we she believes we need."

"Merlin is here. Thank the goddess for that. At least Arthur isn't torturing him anymore," she supposed. At that point, she saw Peter run into the chamber. "Master Peter?"

Peter bowed to them. "Sire, Princess, Master Merlin requires your presence downstairs."

"Our presence? What?" She scratched her scalp. Why didn't I pick up on Merlin's concern? Is he all right?

"What exactly is going on?" Rodor demanded.

Peter bit his lip. "Follow me. Princess Josiane and he are waiting." He hustled out into the passage.

Merlin, what's wrong? I don't feel pain. I…. Mithian started.

You have to see this. You've been so depressed. I…umm…I've been working on a surprise for you. Merlin assured her.

A surprise? Really? Merlin, what's going on? Mithian pushed.

Trust me. You'll love it. Just bring your father, Merlin concluded.

She sighed. "Father, we should follow Master Peter." She ushered Rodor from the chamber and closed the door.

Whatever mystery Merlin had stumbled into, she'd be right there…no matter what….