Lancelot downed another pint of ale and willed all the noise in the background to stop. He wasn't sure how many days he'd been wallowing in this tavern but from the smell of him it had been awhile. His head slumped on the half empty plate in front of him, and he flinched when he felt a strong hand on his shoulder.

"Lancelot!"

Lancelot put his head up and looked at Arthur. He knew he looked a mess. His dark hair was plastered on his face; bits of food were stuck in his newly grown beard. His tunic was covered in a red spots from stale wine. Lancelot met Arthur's blue eyes.

"You look like horse dung," said his King, eyeing him disgustingly.

"Nice to see you too Sire," he mumbled, slurping down what was left of his ale.

"Aren't you going ask me to sit down?"

"You're the king," Lancelot slurred. "Can I stop you?"

"No," Arthur brushed a chair at his table and sat down. "I expected you to report in as soon as you got back."

"Sorry about that. I got detained."

"I can see that."

"Ever so sorry if this place isn't to your liking King Arthur, but I don't recall inviting you here."

Arthur's jaw tightened. "This place shouldn't be to anyone's liking. Look at it."

Lancelot looked around. Half eaten chicken and turkey legs covered the table. Empty wine goblets littered the floor where peas, cabbage, and string beans were colorful spots mingled with dirt. The room just reeks of old ale and decaying food. He groaned as a few beams of sunlight danced around the room.

"So, what brings the great King Arthur to the lower ward of his great kingdom?"

"I marry Guinevere in a few days and she wants you at the wedding."

"Me? I thought Gwen hated me."

"She is grateful for all you did to rescue her. Merlin told her how you cradled her in your arms when you found her. She credits that warmth with saving her life. She feels that you have help make this marriage possible and she wants you to walk with her."

"Of course," Lancelot agreed. "For the first time since Morgana stomped over his heart he felt like smiling. His little sister wanted him to stand up for her.

"She wanted to ask you herself, but she couldn't find you. Morgana did not know where you were, but Leon told me that he had left you here -three days ago! Of course, I couldn't allow Guinevere to visit such a place or to see you in such a state."

Lancelot rubbed his matted hair. "Controlling her already?"

"No, I protect her from herself."

"You control her for yourself."

"Whatever," Arthur said, turning around as loud fight broke out in the back.

Lancelot snorted as the fight escalated to the point where both idiots knocked each other out. When he returned his attentions to Arthur, he was writing Guinevere in a pile of drying rice. Arthur's love sickness made him feel his rejection by Morgana even more. How could two knights be reduced to such things by a woman?

"What would happen if she left you Arthur? Not childish running away in fear. But, breaking your heart and leaving you."

"I would hunt her down and kill her."

Lancelot rolled his eyes. He was trying to have a serious conversation with Arthur and he was being a prat. Arthur may be rash, and his anger uncontrollable at times, but Lancelot knew that Arthur would rather die than hurt Gwen. That knowledge was the only thing that made him stomach the idea of his sister embarking on what was going to be a difficult life as a Commoner Queen.

"She didn't run away in fear," Arthur said, looking up from the table.

"Who do you think you're talking too? I was there, remember. My darling sister ran because she was afraid of you. Your Emrys rants were terrifying."

"Slip of the tongue."

"Don't have anymore."

Arthur balanced his boot on the edge of the table. "Isn't this a touching display of protectiveness from a big brother who never bothered to acknowledge her?"

"I had my reasons for that."

"You were right to keep your mouth shut. Gwen does not need to know about her sordid family history. It would only upset her."

"You can't protect her from everything."

"I can protect her from everything. She won't leave me again."

"She won't understand Lenore."

Arthur's face grew dark.

"I am so tired about hearing about Lenore. For years, I carried on a relationship with her and you and Leon did little more than wink and smile. She was my invisible secret. You never even uttered her name when I was pursuing Gwen. Now she is all that anyone can talk about."

"You weren't serious about Gwen until now."

"I was always serious about Gwen. Lenore was merely a diversion until Gwen came of age. Now that I have my true bride, Lenore is the past."

"Keep it that way."

Arthur leaned closer menacingly. "Lancelot, you commit high treason threatening your sovereign."

Lancelot leaned back and smiled. "She's worth it. She's my sister, grabbed my heart the first time that I saw her, wailing at anyone who dared take her out her mother's arms."

Arthur smiled. "I love her fire. I fell in love in life with it."

"You fell in lust."

Arthur frowned. "Whatever, my heart is hers."

He loves her fire? Arthur should be careful for fiery women are the most dangerous thing in the world.

He snarled as he saw Morgana's beautiful face laughing at him.

"Do you want her fiery?"

"Not really. I love her sweet and caring."

"You don't get it. She is sweet, loving and caring, but she does have fire in her blood."

"I can handle it."

"Can you?"

Arthur didn't feel comfortable talking about his relationship with Gwen's brother. Lancelot was his best friend. But some things were off limits. Besides, from the look of him he had women problems of his own.

"Lancelot, what is her name?"

Lancelot sat back. "Morgana."

"Morgana, who?"

Arthur didn't know of a Morgana in the nobility.

Lancelot chuckled and raised an eyebrow. That's when Arthur knew. But it couldn't be. Surely Lancelot was not that stupid.

"Morgana," Arthur asked incredulously. "My sister?" His anger was beginning to rise. Lancelot had not right to touch the King's ward!"

"You dared seduce MY sister?"

"Seduce? Morgana? Come on."

Arthur tried to maintain his scowl, but it was useless. He knew Morgana well enough to know that no man could manipulate her into giving him her favors. If anything, she probably seduced him but still…

"You had no right."

"Perhaps not." Lancelot waved his hands melancholy. "But, she's beautifully. Her spirit is incredible. She's a wonderful fighter. Can you blame me?

He couldn't. Arthur knew all too well how tempting forbidden fruit was, but unlike Gwen, Morgana was a princess who belonged to the state. Her virginity was not hers to give. Lancelot was lucky that he had abandoned his idea to marry her off to Leon or had no plans to use her in a marital alliance. He would have been forced to take actions that would have hurt him very deeply.

"I thought she was loyal to me," Lancelot droned on. "But, we want different things. I was ready for a wife. She wants adventure and conquering Albion."

"You were looking for a wife? You, who never met a maid who you did not conquer?"

"Perhaps, I am just following your example."

"Loving Guinevere has certainly made me better and once my heir is born…"

"An heir?" His friend looked aghast. "Is that wise? Gwen is still recovering."

"Merlin healed her. His magic is strong now."

"And her mind?'

"I'll heal her mind."

Lancelot rolled his eyes. "If you can." Lancelot leaned forward. "Arthur, you don't know the damage to young girls, you must tread carefully with them and if you don't, the guilt that lingers on your soul…."

"Lancelot, Gwen is not THAT young. She is twenty one. My mother was eighteen when she married, her mother was sixteen, and her mother was only fourteen."

Arthur shook at the thought. His grandmother, like her mother before her, were very young girls who died in childbirth, which was why marriages for young girls were now banned and why he dared not touch Gwen until he was sure she was old enough to bare his child.

Arthur punched his knight in the arm. "Well, when you are done wallowing here, I need you to meet two men, who I am thinking about knighting."

"Who?" I did not know of any noble men who had reached that age of majority."

" Their names are Gawain and Percival."

"Who?"

"They come from the East. Good men, strong solid knights."

"We'll need them."

Arthur smiled. "What you need is a bath and maybe," he said pointing to two very pretty slatterns who had been eyeing them for a while now, "Some better company."

"No thanks. I'm through with women."

"That's a good thing because it's obvious they both like me."

Lancelot looked back and waved at the now giggling girls. "Oh please, they are clearly beckoning me with their eyes."

"You dare challenge your sovereign over a woman?" Arthur laughed.

Challenge? What challenge? I'd surely win."

"Are you insane?"

"I look better than you."

"Do not?"

"Do too. Women love dark, brooding thing and I am poetic."

"Flowery nonsense," Arthur scoffed. "Lancelot, I am the king. No woman would prefer you to me."

"I am a knight. Some have even called me the perfect knight, the knight by which all others will be eternally judged."

Arthur tossed his plate at him.

Lancelot laughed. "Can you imagine us after the same woman?"

Arthur walked towards the door. "The only woman that I could ever love is Guinevere and she is your sister."

"But if she wasn't…"

"If she wasn't; I'd fight to the death to keep her from you and you'd be my traitorous rival for all time."

Lancelot threw his hand up. "Thank the gods; there is no chance of that.

Arthur smiled.

"I'm almost over her," Lancelot said sadly.

"I know."

Arthur walked through the door. He couldn't help but feel sorry for his friend. Never would he suffer like Lancelot. He would ensure that Gwen never dreamed of nor desired another man. He would have his woman; he would have his heir; he would secure Camelot. He would have it all.

Morgana closed her eyes and tried not to think about Lancelot. She kicked her blanket off and sat up. Why was she feeling bad? None of this was her fault. She never promised him anything. They both knew what this thing was when they got into it. If he was stupid enough to fall in love with her, then that was his problem.

She closed her eyes and remembered when it all went to Hades.

Morgana watched as Lancelot eyed the portal cautiously. Merlin promised that the portal would ensure a quick return for them and she was eager to experience its mystery. She watched in awe as a huge shimmering purple circle that hummed formed, a bright light floating in the center. The portal beckoned to them. Lancelot was ready to return home, but Morgana wanted to stay longer and explore the forbidden world of the Druid Nation. She lost the fight.

Lancelot wouldn't stop complaining about how long, tiring, and painful their mission has been. He also wouldn't stop whining about Gwen and her injuries.

"I only hope that our love can heal her," he said, as they lead their horses into The Royal Stables.

Morgana thought she was going to be sick.

"It's good to be home," he said, grabbing her arm. "I think we are owed days and nights of rest and rejuvenation." He leaned in for a kiss and she pulled away.

He leaned against her horse as she idly wiped her horse's nose and whispered endearment in his ear. When he realized that she wasn't interested in talking, he calmly housed his horse, but he was soon in her face.

"What is it Morgana? You have been silent the whole trip back."

"I have nothing to say to you."

His eyes grew sad. He smelled of confusion and disappointment. She tried not to laugh. This was the great Sir Lancelot?

His hands curled into a hard ball as his anger built. "What happened? Last night, you laid in my arms as I made love to you. You called my name in ecstasy. WHAT HAPPENED?"

Morgana flicked her sable hair. She ran her tongue along her lips. "I don't like this domestic bliss. I don't want to be your wife."

He made her feel as trapped as these horses in their stalls.

Lancelot lowered his head. "I never asked you to be my wife Morgana."

She folded her arms. "You thought about it, Lancelot. Can you deny that you had dreams of me bearing your children?"

"And if I did would it be so wrong?" he asked, gently cupping her chin. "Look at us, two knights who have never really loved anything but the sword. Two people who have mistaken lust for love more times then we can count. Who else will have us? We are perfect for each other."

Morgana laughed as she swatted his hand away. "You are so arrogant. Do you really believe that being bedded by you can replace a life of adventure and excitement? I need the rush of the fight. Sorry, but the great Lancelot just isn't enough for me!"

"Morgana, you love me!" said Lancelot, with a desperation that he had never heard from him.

At that moment she hated him.

Morgana laughed again. "Love? Let's not fool ourselves. We were having a good time, that's it. Besides even if I did love you, I couldn't anymore, not after tonight and that spectacle that you made of yourself over Arthur's whore."

Lancelot head whipped up. His eyes filled with disdain. "You're jealous of my sister?"

"I'm not jealous, just tired of the never ending adoration."

"She could have died, Morgana."

"I should be so lucky," she scoffed. "No, that little girl will live forever to keep everyone on her hook and to spread her legs for our king."

Lancelot rushed towards Morgana with his hand raise.

She smiled, a bit of fire at last. But instead of striking her, he gently cupped her face with his hands. His lips brushed over hers until her mouth opened softly. He crushed her lips with his passionate touch. His fingers stroked her beautiful face.

For a brief second she felt vulnerable and bit regret began to creep in.

"Goodbye, Morgana. Have a good life."

"Don't worry, I will." She hissed at him, grabbing a rock and throwing it at his head as he walked away. She missed - this time.

She hadn't seen him sense.

She laid back down and allowed herself to relax. The more she thought about it, the more she realized that she did nothing wrong. In retrospect, she was almost too nice.

Morgause watched Edwin curiously, a small smirk twisted her beautiful face as Edwin continued to methodically pack a large brown traveling bag. His hands twisted various articles of clothing to snugly fit in the case. Edwin continued his wordless movement towards the wardrobe and Morgause snapped. She stomped towards the bed and dumped his clothing on the floor. The clothes fell to the ground in a silent heap.

"Morgause, what in the name of the gods are you doing?"

Morgause clutched the handle tightly as she faced her husband. "When did we stop being equal partners?"

The wardrobe clicked as Edwin slammed it shut. "This place isn't for us."

"Camelot is my birthplace. My mother and brother reside here. I'm a Pendragon. I need to be here."

Edwin curled his fingers in frustration. "They don't know about you. You're my wife. Wesley's mother. We have a home."

Morgause brushed tears from her eyes. "How can I make you understand? Stop being a Druid monk! Be my husband. Listen to me!"

Edwin stepped back in shock. Morgause rarely cried. She never begged. She dealt with life's roughness. Maybe, he didn't understand his wife as well as he thought. Or maybe this place was making her lose her true self.

"Don't you understand what it feels like to be around Arthur and Igraine? Your mother stole me away from them and although my foster mother was wonderful and I did love her, there was a part of me that missed Igraine every moment of my life. Now, finally, my mother speaks and laughs with me. She touches my hand and I feel a thrill of joy. I can't leave now. I won't leave now."

Edwin paced in aggravations. "I know it hurt to be separated from your mother, but Nimueh had her reasons."

"Like she had her reasons when she stole you from Gaius?"

"Morgause," he warned.

"What? Your mother robbed you of your father's love just like she robbed me of my mothers'," Morgause spat.

Edwin walked over to his wife and put a hand on her shoulder. "This place isn't good for you. It isn't good for me. It isn't good for our son."

She brushed his hands away. "He loves his grandmother. He has a right to know her."

Edwin cupped her trembling chin. "Sometimes, I forget that you aren't strong as you appear.

Morgause moved away, but her husband pulled her close.

"Still, you were never some vulnerable little girl. I remember that seductive child that entered my order. It was a dark night. You stood there in that black gown eyeing the temple like you were already its priestess. I pretended to be indifferent to your allure, but I would have given anything to win your heart."

"I'm not a child ,Edwin. I am a grown woman who is in control of her own life. I love you, but I won't leave this place."

Edwin rested his brown head on her shoulder. "I love you too, Morgause, but evil lives in this castle. I can't place it."

"Are you looking in your mother's chamber?"

"I was referring to other places."

Morgause rolled her eyes."Oh."

Edwin's expression softened as he gently turned her to face him. "I know how you get when your mind is made up, so I guess we are staying. I will not leave you to face the coming darkness alone."

"Thank you."

Edwin brushed Morgause's tears away. His fingers gently traced her lips. "Besides, it will give us a chance to keep an eye on Gwen and Merlin. I don't trust Arthur with them."

And he didn't. Arthur was unpredictable. His rage was real and potent.

"My brother is not dangerous!"

"Stop reading minds."

"I can't help it," she giggled. "I'm still struggling to control my gifts."

Edwin used his best shielding spell to make sure that his thoughts stayed to himself. This was why he wanted to flee Camelot. Morgause couldn't focus with her family near. He couldn't risk another incident. Morgause didn't really understand the depths of her powers. Thankfully, she didn't remember those moments when she lost control, but others did and he didn't want his mother explaining anything to her.

"We'll mediate in the morning," Edwin said as his wife smirked at him.

Morgause nodded. Her blonde hair gently rubbed against his face. "Last night, I dreamed of Gwen. She was with child."

Edwin bit his lip. "Can you tell how far in the future you were seeing?"

"No, but I think it will be soon. Gwen is not as fragile as people think, but she is only human. Her body might not be able to have a child with fairy blood."

"What is meant to happen will always happen," said Edwin, sounding too much like his mother for her liking.

"We will meditate for her and her baby."

Morgause pushed closer to her husband to borrow his strength.

"I don't care how long we meditate; Arthur will still be a jerk."

Morgause slapped his thigh hard.

"He needs to control the darkness in his soul."

"Maybe, if we taught him how to meditate…," Morgause teased.

Morgause and Edwin looked at the door when a soft rapping vibrated into their chamber.

"Yes?"

"It's Igraine."

Morgause moved from her husband and instinctually began rubbing her face and smooth down her dress.

"Enter."

Igraine came in, holding Wesley's hand.

"Mother…Queen Mother," she said bowing.

"Please. No bowing. I will not here if it. Look who I found sneaking around in the kitchens."

"I'm a growing boy," said Wesley.

"I am sorry if he has been an inconvenience ,milady."

"Nonsense, I haven't had a little boy bring me such pleasure since Arthur. It is amazing how much he reminds me of him. It is a joy to spend time with him."

Morgause smiled brightly.

"I promised Wesley a walk and I was hoping that you would join us."

Edwin shook his head "Thank you, milady ,but I do not think…"

Morgause stepped forward.

"I'd love to more then you could ever know."

She shot her husband and angry look and took her Mother's hand.

"Morgause, darling, like a moth to a flame."

Leon stopped at the door when he heard his mother's voice. His mother did very little entertaining since she became ill and he was surprised that she was accepting visitors so late in the day.

"But you must!"

The desperation in his mother's voice peaked his interest. He moved closer to the door.

"But milady I promised," came the sad and equally desperate reply.

Leon looked through a crack in the door and tried to see who his mother was talking too.

"You are the only one I can trust."

Leon opened the door, determined to get to the bottom of whatever was going on and was surprised to see his mother's handmaiden Beulah, trying to remove her hand for his mother's grasp. Both women jumped apart when they saw him. Beulah dropped the tray she was holding, breaking glass and splattering tea all over the floor.

"My forgiveness milord," she said, bowing.

He raised his hand and moved over to help her as she frantically tried to pick up the broken dishes.

"Leave it, Beulah," his mother said.

"But milady…"

"I said leave it!"

Beulah nodded and got up, bowing before she left.

Leon tried to offer her a comforting smile as she scurried off. He waited until the door was closed to look at his mother.

"Mother, what was all that about?"

His mother sighed and sat on her palette.

"I was merely giving the girl a simple task to do and she acted as if I wanted her to find The Holy Grail. She's a sweet girl, but like most servants she isn't very bright. I wonder if I would not have kept her as a handmaiden if she hadn't been such a wonderful handmaiden to our Elaine. Gods," she said, grabbing head. "I have a headache now."

Leon smiled and kissed his mother's shoulder as he placed her cape around her shoulders.

"It is chilly in here mother, how do you ever expect to get better if you don't stay warm."

His mother grabbed his hand. "I don't."

Leon's face fell.

"It is ok sweet boy. I am old. Old people die. It will happen to you one day."

Leon took a deep breath. His mother had been getting progressively ill but he still held out hope. He kissed his mother's hand and smiled at her.

"You are not old and you are going to live forever."

She laughed. "Just like your father, full of horse dung. Sit my son."

He did.

"Did you recover Gwen?"

"Yes we did, but she suffered greatly."

"I heard," she said, wrapping her cloak closer. "I am sorry to hear that she is suffering, a sentiment not shared by our fellow nobles let me tell you. I heard that Sir Franker had secret prayer vigils for her death to 'save Camelot and the King from the peasant whore Queen.' "

Leon shuddered. If Arthur were to ever find this out Sir Franker and his family would suffer greatly. He hoped his mother's gossip chain was wrong – for once.

"Disgusting!," his mother continued. "While, I agree that Gwen is wrong to try and move out of her station. She has no business marrying our King, but she is a sweet girl."

Leon nodded. "Mother, your words could ruin us. You just committed treason against Camelot. Arthur would have your head. Threats to Gwen; bring dire consequences."

Leon's mother rolled her eyes. "If you say so."

Leon gave his mother a cold look. "DO NOT SPREAD GOSSIP ABOUT THE FUTURE QUEEN," Leon warned. "I can't protect you from Arthur''s rage. I have seen things, Mother. Gwen, has powerful allies. People and beings more powerful than a group of mere human mortals that claimed to be noble. Yet, they never act with nobility.

Leon's mother paled. "I meant…"

"Things have changed."

They sat in silence as his mother fluffed her cape.

"Were THEY with you?"

Leon leaned back. He knew exactly who they were.

"Yes, Mother, and they are unharmed." He thought of when he last saw Lancelot. "For the most part."

"Too bad."

"Mother!"

"Don't mother me. Do you really expect me to forget how that dark haired devil treated Elaine? How she teased her and talked about her? And don't even get me started on how she treated you. She made us all believe that she was going to marry you and then nothing. I swear if she were not the King's ward and supposed sister…"

"But she is and it's done. I broke it off with her, remember."

"For reasons that I still don't know." His mother sat up. "I hear that she has moved on to him."

Leon didn't answer.

"They deserve each other, two disgusting pigs."

"Mother. I know that you were disappointed that nothing came from Lancelot and Elaine's association. But it was never a real courtship and Lancelot broke it off at my request. I think it proves how honorable he is."

His mother snorted. "Lancelot? Honorable? Please!"

"Mother!"

He was interrupted by his brother who came bouncing in and jumped on his lap.

"Leon."

"Sir Galahad," he said, bowing his head. "Justin is trying to get me to do my letters, but I do not want to do my letters. I want to go out into the field with John and practice my sword play."

His mother laughed. "Galahad has become quite good with the sword. Justin says he is a natural."

Leon frowned. "The sword? Is he not too young for that?"

"Leon, he is five. You started at four."

"Only because Prince Arthur had been trained to kill since birth and Father feared I was already behind."

"Uther was so hard on that boy. Igraine felt he would crack."

"Have you talked to The Queen Mother lately?"

"No, I've only seen her once this summer. But I miss her."

Leon squeezed his mother's hand. His mother and The Queen Mother had been friends since they were children. She traveled with her from their land as her chief Lady in Waiting when she married King Uther.

"I am sure that she will be by to see you soon."

"I hope so, but it is not matter," she said, putting her hand on Galahad's knee. "I have my two boys and that's all that matters."

"I'll always visit you, Mother," said Galahad.

"I know," said their mother.

Galahad ruffled his little brother's head. He had been the most amazing surprise. When Elaine became ill his parents thought the sea air would do her some good. It was on that pilgrimage that his mother realized that she was with child. His father demanded that she stay put until Elaine was better and until the child was born. He'll never forget the day she returned, without Elaine and with a babe in her arm. Her grief over losing Elaine compounded when he had to tell her of Father's death. She fainted and was caught by a servant, who handed him his little brother, who looked at him with expectant eyes.

"Justin says that I am all but guaranteed a spot in the knighthood is that true?"

"Well, I am a knight, as our father before him, and his father before him, and so on, so I'd say that you have a pretty good chance."

"Do you think that Sir Lancelot will still be a knight then?"

"I'm not sure, why?"

"Because everyone says that he is the best knight ever and I want to beat him."

Leon laughed.

"Do not worry my sweet, you are already more of a man then Lancelot will ever be."

"Okay," said Leon lifting his brother up in his arms. He carried him over his shoulder to the door and the young boy laughed all the way. He called for the first servant he saw. "Theresa."

"Yes, milord," said the tall blonde girl, bowing. "Can you please take Galahad to the kitchens to get a small snack and then take him back to Justin so that he can finish his letters?"

Galahad groaned.

Theresa offered her hand. "Come, my young lord."

Galahad took it and they walked out.

"I worry about him," his mother said.

"He'll be fine."

"How can he when he has no inheritance to cushion him?"

"Mother' I do not wish to talk about this."

"You never wish to talk about this but we must, with your greedy older brothers hoarding everything for themselves, we must think about our futures."

"They are doing what the law allows."

"Well, the law is wrong."

Lancelot didn't argue. His brothers, being the elder sons by his father's first wife, were entitled to everything while he as a third son and Galahad as a fourth son got nothing. They would not even have this house if The King, no doubt on the Queen's urging, had not gifted it to them. It was the main reason he joined the knighthood, it gave him decent wages and allowed his family to keep their honor.

"Lady Chesa Weilaret asked about you."

"Mother, don't."

"Don't what? Don't try and match you with a beautiful woman with an impeccable pedigree that just happens to be …"

"Rich."

"I was going to say interested."

"Leon, Chesa is an only daughter, as her husband you would inherit all her lands and all her titles."

"And in return I would be stuck with a slow witted snob as a wife who talks about her friends like they were dogs, treats her servant abysmally, and faints at the drop of a hat to prove her delicacy. I am sure that there is a man who is willing to take that on, but I am not he."

"You are always talking about duty and honor as a knight, but what about your duty to us. You need a prestigious marriage to restore the DuNobely's name. I am dying my sweet boy, but how can I go in peace if you are broke and Galahad has no mother. You must marry a woman of wealth for all our sakes."

"And what if I wish to be like our King and marry for love?"

His mother grunted.

"Arthur has the luxury of being reckless; he is a king with more wealth and power then any king who has ever come before him. He does not want for riches nor does he need a political alliance to secure his borders. You are not so lucky. You must do right by us Leon before it's too late."

Leon kissed his mother's forehead. "Think of these things no more." But even as he said the words he knew that for the next few days he'd be able to think of little else.