The Last Priestess: Part II
Chapter 14: In Memory of a Princess
For the first night in nearly a week, Anabelle felt relaxed. She watched as Merlin moved around the King's room, blowing out many of the candles so that she could sleep. The heartbroken Princess had been sleeping on and off over the past week, waking on occasion, and eating so little that it had the King on edge and troubled. After first gaining permission from Mordred, Arthur had insisted Anabelle stay in his chambers, allowing him to help her during this time of distress. Arthur had been sleeping at her side each night, Mordred often sleeping in a chair to the side. Both men kept her close as she struggled through the nightmares she experienced. Anabelle knew that Arthur had undergone a similar period of loss and bereavement when Uther had died. He had then lost Guinevere a short time later, having to go through the emotional disruption all over again. He understood what she felt better than anyone. He had been her anchor; the one who could pull her out of the bubble she wanted to wrap herself into. A restful sleep came easily for the first time in what seemed like forever. Before she knew it, morning had come.
"Anabelle, wake up." Arthur sat beside her on his bed, his hand placed over hers.
Her eyes slowly blinked as Merlin pulled the curtains open. She saw his blue eyes shining in the light, and it made her happy. She smiled up at him. "Good morning Arthur." She stretched her arms up over her head. She watched as the look on his face changed.
"What is it?" The anxiety of danger had returned. She groaned but he laughed at her.
"Nothing is wrong Anabelle. I am happy to hear your voice sounding more cheerful is all."
"I am feeling better today. Maybe I'm just getting cabin- fever." She sat up and looked around the large space. "I hadn't realized how much of your space I have taken over." She motioned to the nearest chairs, his bed, and to the closet space where Merlin had hung many of her clothes next to Arthur's. "I will return to my room soon. I promise."
Arthur ran a hand through her long hair just as he had done each night as she slept. "I am in no rush to see you go Anabelle. You can take all the space you need for as long as you wish."
When he stood, Anabelle noticed his attire. He was dressed in his armor as though he were preparing for yet another journey outside the castle walls.
"Where are you off to this time?" She inquired.
He sat back down for a moment, at her side. "I will not be gone long. I should be back by the evening."
Anabelle knew there was more he was not saying. She crossed her arms, indicating to him that he could not hide much from him.
"While I am gone today, I am leaving Leon here to watch over you." He cringed, feeling the shock and frustration replace her good mood.
"Leon? Why not just let me face a three-headed dragon?" Her tone was unmistakably condescending, and she was not sorry to sound so disappointed in his choice. "Could you not leave Mordred, or…anyone else?" She fell hard back onto the bed, trying to understand why Arthur would make such an unkind decision.
"Anabelle." He started, knowing her mood had changed. "I would not leave you to Leon's care if I did not trust he would do everything in his power to keep you out of trouble."
"I do not wish to be left to the care of someone who no longer wishes to value any part of my friendship."
She heard Merlin laugh, and both she and Arthur turned to him.
"You haven't told her?" The young sorcerer questioned the King.
Anabelle gave him the same look when he turned back to her.
"Is that what you really think Anabelle?" He took her hands. "You should know that Leon has asked after you every day for the past six days. He has even volunteered and given up his time to sit at your side when Mordred and I could not ignore our duties. And it was Leon's idea to stay behind with you today." Arthur leaned down and kissed her forehead before returning to his preparation for his latest excursion.
"He has been here to watch over me still?" Anabelle focused on all that Arthur had confessed to her.
"He has."
The two had been so hostile to each other. Anabelle had refused his presence and he hers, and yet, he had continued to be at her side when others were unavailable. Anabelle had often been willing to admit when she was wrong, and to see wrong when she had been the cause, so as she once again considered her own behavior, she was unable to deny that her stubbornness had potentially blinded her judgment.
She sat up again, swinging her legs from the bed. Gliding over to the King's desk, she used the ink to jot down a message to be delivered. Handing it directly to Merlin who was busy with Arthur, she then set to making herself look presentable.
"Please deliver that to Leon before you leave." She instructed, covering behind a set of curtains to dress. She finished shortly before Arthur's door was opened.
Anabelle was not surprised when Mordred entered, walking directly to where she stood, pulling her hair up from her shoulders. Kissing the area of her shoulders that still lay bare, Anabelle once again felt her knees weaken from his touch.
"You are looking incredibly well this morning." He said, his arms moving around her waistline.
"My heart is not yet recovered, but I thought it might be time for me to join the living again and socialize." She smiled as he kissed her again. The two were happy and very much in love.
"I am guessing that the King has informed you of the awaiting quest."
"Yes." Anabelle turned. "You must go with him. He will need you. I will be perfectly fine on my own."
"Leon is staying." Mordred whispered, an edge of contempt still heard in his voice.
Anabelle backed away slowly. "By the time you return, I hope to have my friendship on its way to repair with Leon."
"You will be speaking with him?"
"Yes. I am on my way to meet with him now." She turned around, straightening the tie of his red cloak.
Mordred looked wary to leave Anabelle with the other man, anticipating that there may in fact be another loud altercation between the two.
"I will be perfectly fine." She assured him. "There are things that I must say in order to apologize."
"You are apologizing to him?"
"Yes my love." She calmly reasoned. "Just because he and I have fought, does not mean that we do not care."
Mordred soon agreed, leaving her to finish preparing. Arthur and Merlin exited shortly after Mordred, and Anabelle was alone, ready to go and meet with the Knight she had come to realize she missed.
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
Her note had asked Leon to meet her in Uther's study; a room that she felt comfortable and under control in, and a room that she would not be interrupted in when speaking to the arriving Knight. She knew just when he had entered the room because the wind that blew from the corridor had made his cloak rustle.
"It has been a long time since I have entered this room." He spoke aloud, unsure if he was speaking to her or making a general comment.
"I used to sit in here often, reading every book that Uther would show me." Anabelle returned. "When Arthur and I would disagree, or when he was being a giant-sized prat, Uther would always let me hide away in here." She shifted her body, picking up a book, and immediately setting it back down. "I used to feel so safe in here." She paused, finally lifting her eyes to those of the much taller Knight. "I used to feel comforted and safe in all of these halls."
When he stepped forward, trying to move closer to her, she held up her hands. Instead, she sat down onto a small couch, curling her legs under her. She offered the couch across from her to Leon. As he sat, she kept eye contact.
"Arthur says you have periodically taken watch over me the last few days. I had not realized you had done so. I appreciate your efforts."
"I do not do it because it is expected Anabelle."
"I owe you an apology Leon." Anabelle offered with sincerity.
"No, you do not." Leon refused. "I deserve so much…"
She stopped him. "I do. I really do owe you so much. I owe you my life, and I owe you what you have always had."
"What is that?"
"My unconditional friendship." Her hands shook with nerves, so she sat on them, continuing to speak. "Before I do apologize, I wonder if you will let me fully explain to you my reasons for doing what I did."
"Of course Anabelle." He was curious to know what she might say as the two were in a much calmer state. Reaching across the space between them, Leon put his hand to her knee.
"I remember the very first time that you and I met Leon." She chuckled, causing him to recall the same moment. "When I arrived to Camelot with my father for yet another Summit of the Kingdoms, you were standing right beside Arthur. You did not know anything about me other than what you had been told. I am a Princess. During that visit, I also remember you treating me as a person rather than just a Princess. You were the only Knight to do so." She put her hand over his as she spoke, watching him lower his head.
"We have been friends for a long time now."
"It was also during that visit that I witnessed the bravest act I have ever seen."
Leon looked up at her with even more curiosity.
"Uther and my father had both emphatically refused to let Arthur run off on some futile and dangerous quest, but the Prince as always was headstrong and determined to defend Camelot with his life."
"When you say headstrong and determined…"
"I secretly mean stubborn and out of his bloody mind."
The two laughed in agreement.
"When Arthur asked his Knights to volunteer to accompany him, I could see in his eyes that he did not expect much, but you were the first to step up and offer your life in service to him and to this Kingdom."
"That is my job Anabelle. It has been my vow for many years."
"I know." She said. "I saw the sacrifice that you made then, and I have seen it many times since then. And that is my point. You are willing to play with fate. You are willing to offer your life for the King at any given moment." She stood up, removing his hand from her, beginning to pace in thought. "Arthur is my best friend. I am by no means a Knight," she gave another laugh at the idea, "but I am no less willing to keep our King safe. Arthur could have undoubtedly battled Trystan and won. I'm not an idiot. He is the best fighter I know with a sword. But, like you, I have the King's safety in mind at all times. If he had been hurt, it would have been my fault."
"And if you had been hurt…" Leon tried to interrupt her again, but was quieted.
"If I had been hurt, you would have blamed yourself and Arthur would have blamed himself, but history would not have been altered."
"I do not care about history Anabelle. I care about you."
"And I for you." She returned to where he sat, watching her every move. She sat beside him, pulling his arm around her as her head rested to his chest.
"Trystan was the physical part of my inner demons. He was the thing that I had to face on my own. It was not just about the King, but about my own courage." She admitted. "As a member of royal court, I have a constant need to prove myself. In my realm, I have to prove myself worthy of being a Queen; someone who could rule without hesitation in the face of any danger. And here in Camelot, I have occasionally felt the need to prove the same thing. I want to prove that I am just as brave and worthy of my title as anyone."
"You wanted to fight Trystan in order to prove your bravery?" Leon questioned in disbelief. "That is ridiculous. Anabelle, you are braver than most Knights in this court. You have never needed to prove your worthiness to me or anyone else. I know an entire court that will agree with me."
"Hearing that only makes it more difficult for me to admit that I was wrong. I could have faced Trystan at the point of his death. I should never have put you in the position that I did. It was wrong of me and you were right to yell at me. You were being honest with me."
She had not often experienced such heightened emotions from people, especially not in Camelot, so she realized she was still trying to understand how different her magic worked here. Certain emotions definitely made her magic more electrified. And the truth was, Leon could not lie to her either, so she could not fault him entirely.
"Like hell I was right." Leon retorted. He tightened his hold around her. "Anabelle, I was wrong too. I should not have reacted so harshly without understanding what you were going through. I have had this past week to reflect, and not a day has passed that I have not regretted my own actions.
"We are agreed that we were both wrong?"
"Yes."
After a few minutes of idly catch up, the pair stood, deciding to spend much of the day together. Anabelle was halfway to the door of the study when Leon caught her arm with his fingertip. Spinning her body around, she could not ignore the contrition stayed upon his face.
"Leon?"
"This is what in fact passes for an apology from me my lady." The Knight said to her, leaning down as she stood in place. He kissed her cheek, just below her ear, whispering to her after. "I am truly sorry for what I have put you through Anabelle."
Anabelle finally felt the broken pieces of herself coming back together. She put her arm around the man at her side, making their way outside. Further into the day as the sun was no longer at its highest, Anabelle found a quiet site to admire the beauty of her surroundings. She had not been given this opportunity while Trystan roamed Camelot. She and Leon were patient and content, awaiting the return of Mordred and their King. Anabelle had brought parchment with her, along with black chalk she had discovered in Gaius' chambers. She was busily doodling when the recognizable sound of horses approached through the castle gates. Leon stood, moving to confirm that every man who had left, also returned. All who had joined the questing party were still accounted for, he mentioned to the occupied Princess.
"I will go to meet the King." Leon stated, taking off as Anabelle waved a hand at him. "I shall inform Mordred of your location."
Five minutes later, the Princess was in her same position, sat in her chair, concentrated upon her sketching, interrupted by an all too familiar pair of hands shifting her hair from one side to the other. Mordred leaned down and kissed her cheek. Turning her head, Anabelle looked into his eyes.
"I missed you today."
Mordred moved a palm to her lower back, effortlessly picking her up from the chair she occupied, pressing his mouth to hers as she stood face to face with him. The pair soon progressed well into a heated display of affection, Anabelle desperately wanting to smash the metal armor he wore to bits as he easily gained access to every part of her that he desired. Mordred only backed away, breathless, as his love became more and more frustrated.
"This is not working." She stated. "You must go and change."
"I can't do that yet." He informed her, kissing her neck again before she stood, replacing the clothing she wore to be fit to be seen. "I was given permission to find you, and then return to the King. He is expecting a short training assembly."
Anabelle frowned. "But you have just returned. Arthur must understand."
"My duty continues Anabelle."
"Then I shall join you." She decided. "I shall come to watch. Arthur will not mind." She took his arm, grabbing her parchment and chalk last minute. Mordred took notice, but did not comment. The content couple walked together, whispering and playing together as they made their way to the arenas where Arthur noticed their arrival. Anabelle stayed near to the steps as Mordred joined the sparring men. She watched as he made a passing comment to Arthur before the King turned, tilting his head in her direction. Anabelle sat down, returning to her sketching, not expecting the oversized cloak placed to her shoulders a short time later.
Leon stood above her, smiling down as he checked in on her. The two softly conversed, not surprised by the paused reactions from the other Knights as they watched. Leon knelt down beside Anabelle, laughing as she spoke to him. They were back on better terms, and it was not bad that the rest knew of their reconnecting.
Once the sun had set, and only the torches from town and stars lit the sky, Anabelle roamed through her room, assuming that the castle had since quieted. She was preparing for a quiet dinner with Mordred, on a mission to spend much needed alone time with him. The knock on her door was right on time.
"Come in." She called sweetly.
She had expected either Mordred or Merlin, who promised to bring her the food she had requested. She had definitely not expected Percival in her doorway. He was dressed very formally and official.
"What happened?" She panicked on instinct. "Where is Mordred?"
"He is waiting for you in the courtyard." He held a hand out to her, but the young woman looked skeptical of his appearance and behavior. His body language gave him away. "He and the King wish for you to join us."
"Us?"
Again the Knight held out a hand to her, needing her to accompany him. Anabelle took his hand, no less suspicious of his intentions. Walking past Arthur's chambers, she noticed that he was not inside. He was not in the Throne room either. Her suspicions were on higher alert until she saw Arthur at the front door of the castle. She stopped, dropping Percival's hand. She was visibly taken aback by the lengths in which the King had gone to. Arthur stood at the open doors, dressed in all of his armor, his cloak, and his sword. He looked so traditionally royal. He even made a point to wear his crown, worn by Arthur in only the strictest of royal ceremonies. She gave the King a strange look as Percival took her hand again, handing it to the King before rushing down the steps of the courtyard, joining the crowd of Knights.
When Arthur stepped to the side, Anabelle knew that something was up. Each Knight stood statue still in multiple lines, looking forward, moving with regimental military precision when the Princess descended the steps with the King. The Knights created a path for the two, and it was then that Anabelle noticed the white roses held by each man. Passing her Mordred, she touched her hand to his. She expected him to stay in position, but felt her heart jump when he met her eyes for a second and winked. He could still make her stomach and heart do cartwheels together.
Walking the makeshift pathway, she looked at all of the faces of the Knights who now seemed so serious and formal. At the end of the pathway, Anabelle spotted Leon. He stood rigidly, waiting for her and Arthur to approach. Behind the Knight a pyre had been constructed, smelling strongly of oils to be lit. Anabelle squeezed Arthur's hand. He stopped a few feet from Leon.
"Anabelle," He turned to face her, still looking just as unyielding and decorous as his Knights, "I know that you have been distraught from the deaths of your parents." He watched her incredulity increasing again. "I, We," He included to the men around them as well, "wanted you to have a way to properly say farewell."
Anabelle looked around again, suddenly feeling comforted.
Leon then stepped forward "In memory and great honor of His Royal Majesty, King Preston Richard Gregory Abbott, and his wife and most cherished Queen, Her Royal Highness Queen Adrianna Karin Abbott, we give to you what we can." Leon spoke so formally to her. He handed her a book. The binding was tattered and breaking. Anabelle recognized the book at once. She gasped, choking back a flow of emotions.
"This belonged to my father." She spun to the side, turning to Arthur. "Where did you find this?"
The King looked down at her. "This was all Leon's idea." He said, and Anabelle felt grateful for the friends and supporters she had made.
She wanted to jump up into his arms and hug him, but this was not the time nor the place for such a reaction. She knew that protocol would dictate that she stay dignified and discreet during such an affair, so she did.
"Thank you Leon." She whispered, catching the hint of a smile from the man.
He then reached over to Gwaine who held out a rectangle black box, tied with string. Leon handed it to Anabelle before returning to formation, lowering his head in respect and remembrance.
"What's in the box?" Anabelle questioned, not knowing if she should open it.
"It belonged to your mother." Arthur told her, taking her hand with his again. He walked forward a few more feet, taking a torch from another Knight as Anabelle opened the box.
Anabelle took in a short breath as she opened the box, revealing a long colorful and scented scarf worn by her mother.
"It still smells of her perfume." She said.
"This pyre is a symbol." The King shouted, still in duty mode, saying in respect over the courtyard of people. "We lay to rest those who have shown us the beauty in what will be, and to those who have provided us a treasure of beauty and perfection to last in our hearts." He smiled again at Anabelle, handing the torch to her.
Taking the torch in hand, Anabelle placed the fire closer to the tall wooden structure. When it caught fire, she stepped back. Not only did Arthur stand at her side, watching the flames reach higher and higher, but Mordred soon took her hand, holding her as she said goodbye.
"Thank you for this." She spoke to the men around her, still unaware of the danger and assistance that lurked within the walls of Camelot. Things were only going to get worse before they got unimaginably unrepairable.
"You know that this makes you a Queen now Annabelle." Arthur whispered, only loud enough for her to hear.
"My sister is Queen."
"It was your birthright to hold such a title. In this realm I consider you a Queen. If you had chosen to return to your time, it would be you who would…"
"Shoulder the burdens of an entire Kingdom?" She joked.
Arthur smiled. "Here, you are a Queen from this moment on." He almost bowed to her before she forced him to stop. "We will celebrate with a feast." The King informed all around them, immediately beckoning Merlin to his side, making plans, and being secretive as he stepped away from Anabelle.
Anabelle took Mordred by the hand, sending him a most apprehensive look.
"Anabelle, are you alright? Are you feeling unwell?" The Knight quickly and quietly asked.
"I am well enough Mordred." The return in comment still held a wariness that Mordred could not place. "That which our King desires is what we must do." She finished.
Mordred only squeezed her hand with his, knowing there was something that she would not yet say, something that bothered the Anabelle he knew and adored, and something that he could and would do to change.