As I saw them ridding closer I began to look for anything that could help get us out of this potentially dangerous situation.
Then it hit me. They couldn't see the swords and though that wouldn't help the fact that Tristan and I were alone together it might help some. I put my sword down when Tristan was teaching me how to move my feet and I was currently blocking Tristan's from view.
Turning back to look at Tristan I said, "Tristan, quickly throw your sword behind you, they haven't seen it yet.''
But all he did was shake his head and look down at the ground abashed.
I can't believe this is happening!
I totally forgot about the whole ' I shall not lie to my kink' thing. I wonder what happened to Lancelot? Not the time for that, not the time.
Oh no. He's getting closer.
Growling in frustration I hissed, "Just don't say anything. Leave it all to me.''
But what was I going to say? What could I possibly say that would get us out of this one? I hadn't really done anything wrong. (Well nothing wrong if we had been in my time.)
Maybe Arthur's really mad about me being alone with Tristan. Maybe he's mad about me leaving the castle, without telling anyone…yeah, right.
Well whatever it was we were going to find out soon enough because Arthur had already halted his horse a few feet away from me.
Shielding my eyes from the sun and looking up at him, I found myself at a lack-of-words moment. In my defense I'd like to say that it isn't my fault I couldn't think of anything to say so soon. He was looking at me so…majestically. Majestically pissed. Hah. Not funny I know but I can't think right now. He looks scary.
Say something, anything, "Lovely day for a ride.''
'Lovely day for a ride?' Why couldn't you think of something more sophisticated to say?
But it didn't matter what I said because Arthur didn't even answer. All he did was swing down from his horse (followed by Merlin and Lancelot) and stride towards us, purposefully.
He stopped a few feet away from me and just kept glaring at me. Okay I was scared of him but I wasn't going to let him know it. I'm proud to say that I held his gaze for a few seconds before turning away. Better than nothing at all, right?
A few seconds later without turning his gaze from me (I know because I could feel it.) he said, "Tristan go and wait for me in the council room. I will deal with you later''
Behind me I heard Tristan moving around and mounting his horse. When he rode past me I looked up at him and meeting his eyes mouthed the word 'sorry'.
He was about to grin but one quick glance in Arthur's direction changed his mind and he kept his gaze straight in front of him.
After he rode away there was silence for a few seconds when no one even moved. Merlin and Lancelot stood a little behind Arthur glaring down at me too.
What right did Lancelot have to glare at me for? Merlin and Arthur I could at least understand but Lancelot? No way.
Maybe I couldn't meet Arthur's gaze but I could sure meet Lancelot's and did.
" What's your problem?'' I demanded in a nonconsumer friendly voice.
His gaze flicked over to Arthur then back to me. He didn't answer but a frown appeared on his face.
" It would seem,'' Arthur began in a cold, steady voice, " that you cannot be left alone to your own devices. I am aware that Merlin told you that it was improper for you to be alone with an unmarried man. And yet you go behind our backs doing just that. Until you are able to redeem yourself you will be restricted to the castle. You will only be allowed to leave it when you are accompanied with Merlin or myself. You will have classes in the morning and then attend me with whatever I may be doing that day. Also as it seems that you need constant watching my most trusted knight, Lancelot, will guard you.''
For a few seconds I was openmouthed and dumb struck. When my mind came back to me I said, "What you can't just do that. It isn't fair!''
Looking sternly down at me he said, "I can and I will''
Fuming I turned around and walked away, before I said something I might regret.
A baby! He was treating me like a baby. I can't believe this! Lancelot! The only knight I really detest and he sticks me with him! Well, that at least I can try to change.
Spinning around and facing them all again I said, " I want a different guard. I don't want Lancelot.''
Crossing his arms over his chest Arthur looked down at me and said, "My word is final.''
Sighing I turned and looked at Merlin for help but he just stared back at me a little, angrily. I did lie to him after all. Lastly I looked at Lancelot. He just glared at me coldly. Apparently he didn't like the situation much more than I did.
Can my life get any worse, I ask you? No. Why?
"Mount.'' Said Arthur as he turned away from me and grabbed the reigns to his horse. Lancelot and Merlin did as they were told and then waited for Arthur. Who was walking his horse closer to me.
" Seeing as this is my last time out of the castle alone for a while I'd rather walk back,'' I said as I sidestepped him and his horse.
Arthur didn't reply but bent down to pick up my sword before mounting his horse effortlessly.
So he had seen it. Damn.
Trying to look as if I didn't care, I started walking off towards the castle. I didn't get more than a few steps before Arthur scooped me up and placed in front of him, on his horse.
Growling I tried to turn around and hit him but anticipating this, he pinned down my arms with one of his own and held me tightly against himself.
Lowering his lips to my ear he said, "What lovely manners you have Serena.''
And laughing slightly at my pitiful attempt on his life, he flicked his reigns and the three horses started back to the castle.
I can't believe this! All I wanted to do was learn how to use a sword and suddenly I'm under house arrest. With Lancelot!
I fumed silently for the rest of the ride back to the castle. My spirits weren't lightened when we reached the courtyard because waiting for us was Morgan.
Like my day hadn't been bad enough. With my luck Arthur would probably force me to be her friend.
" Lady Morgan is there something I may assist you with?'' asked Arthur kindly, as he dismounted and reached up to help me down. (And I let him but only because I didn't want to look like an idiot in front of Morgan.)
"No little brother. I would like to know if you have some spare time though. It would be nice to take a walk but I can see that you have other things to deal with.'' She said this last part looking at me and scrutinizing every inch of me.
Lancelot and Merlin, whom had dismounted and handed their horses off to some guys, came over to stand with us.
" No I'm done here,'' replied Arthur, "A walk would be refreshing, Lady Morgan.''
Well I guess I can go then. Pulling my arm from Arthur's grip, I turned my back to them and started walking back to my room.
Leaving I heard someone say, "Good day Milady'' and then the sound of someone walking in my direction.
As I entered the castle I could tell that those same footsteps still followed me. Turning around I saw that it was Lancelot.
" What do you want?'' I snapped.
Stopping a little in front of me he said, "It is my duty to watch you.''
Oh great. How could I forget?
" Fine,'' I said and started walking towards my room.
"Lady Serena,'' Lancelot said interrupting the silence, "I must point out that just now you were very rude to Morgan. Since you have no manners, I am inclined to believe that you did not know what you just did was of great offense to Morgan''
" Good. I wouldn't want her to start to think that I actually liked her.''
Hearing a snort I turned around to see him with a smile on his face.
"What's so funny?''
Shacking his head he answered, "You may just not want to show her that you dislike her to her face. It could have…hazardous effects on your health.''
"I'm not going to pretend I like her just so that she wont hurt me.''
Looking at me he said, " No, I don't think you will. Just be forewarned. Be careful what you say about her because it will reach her ear.''
" Why are you going to tell her?''
A disgusted look quickly passed over his face before he said, "No.''
On that note the conversation ended and we continued to walk back to the room in silence.
Maybe it wouldn't be as bad as I thought for Lancelot to be my guard. Don't get me wrong; I still don't like him, for everything, but a Morgan hater couldn't be that bad to have around.