Wow, chapter 20. This story is great fun to write, or it wouldn't have got so far. Enjoy this rather light hearted chapter

A second christening took place without interruption, though there were slightly less people there. Afterwards Igraine carried her child up to the balcony so Uther could present her to the city "People of Camelot, Your Princess; Ruth Igraine Pendragon!!!" cheers rolled up from the courtyard and the knights raised their swords in salute. Igraine felt her sight blur and tears start falling but she didn't care if everyone saw. This meant so much; to see her child being acknowledged as an heiress to Camelot. Yet another of the things she'd missed with Arthur, all because of Nimeuh. As Uther handed Ruth back his hand rested on her arm, a warm comfort to restore her. Smiling slightly in thanks she turned away from the crowd and walked back down into the castle.

Later that evening there was to be a reception for the knights to meet their princess, even as she laced up Igraine's dress again Gwen found herself shaking from head to toe. SHE would be required to hold Ruth so the knights could greet her

"Nervous?" the queen knew her question was rhetorical, Gwen didn't normally take so long. "Come here" she walked over to the music box and pulled out a beautiful silk ribbon

"For me???"

"For you Gwen, you deserve it" Before her maid could protest Igraine freed some of her locks and wove the orangey-gold strip in. It glowed radiantly, suiting Gwen perfectly; just as Igraine had planned. Gwen twisted in front of the burnished mirror looking from all angles. The sudden ringing of a bell in the courtyard made them both jump.

"Oh dear, I think that means we are to get down to the hall fast" the queen grimaced slightly and handed Ruth over.

The hall was almost bare of furniture, only the empty chairs on the dais indicating its normal use as an audience chamber. Down one side stood a row of knights, all in the scarlet cloaks of Camelot. Merlin bit back smiles as he realised how much had changed since the Tournament (when the hall had last looked slightly like that); arrogant Valient was dead, Lancelot had killed a griffin and been disgraced, Owain and Pellinore had left, The Battle of Ealdor had been won, Nimeuh had been destroyed, Morgana had returned to Cornwall, the Queen had returned and Ruth had been born. Ruth; the one this whole gathering was for. Gwen held her firmly now as the first of the knights bowed to the king; Owain.

"My lady" Owain kissed Igraine's hand in courtesy and friendship

"Sir Owain" her voice was warm, only using his rank for protocol reasons. He walked three paces up the line and looked down at the bundle Gwen held, "Mistress" as he went to move away and allow the next knight their chance Ruth firmly removed one hand from the blankets and wiggled it in the air while sounding very annoyed. Everyone within seeing range was fighting smiles or giggles, including the king.

"I beg your pardon" bending to her as he had to her mother Owain caught the tiny hand on his finger and dropped a light kiss onto its back. Seeing he wasn't offended Gwen finally allowed herself a smile.

Several more knights followed Owain's example. During the short break while Uther was discussing something with Balin, next in line and one of the bodyguard, she lent over to Igraine and whispered "Someone knows her bloodline and rights"

Igraine threw her one of those impish grins "No need for Geoffrey to teach her genealogy when she's older then" They both dissolved into silent giggles, knowing her opinion of the Court Genealogist used to be low before the chaos and had now dropped off the scale.

The Prince of Camelot was last in line of the 22 for the presentation, more a formality than anything, as he'd held her the day she entered the world. "Sister" Arthur took a brief liberty, kissing his fingers and touching them to Ruth's forehead in loving kinship "Ruth" he said her name softly "Ruth Igraine, named for our mother"

"And will hopefully grow up to be as well behaved as her" the king strode past, nobody but Igraine seeing his rolled eyes on the 'Well behaved'.

"Gwen, kindly take Ruth up to bed and then come back to serve me. One of the older maids was briefed to guard her" Gwen started back toward the door when Uther called down

"Curtsey girl, don't you know etiquette?" Obeying that command was hard, curtseys require a hand to hold back the skirt and both of hers were full of wriggling Ruth. Putting her leg back, she sank down, only to tread on her skirt back as she stood up. Clinging to Ruth she wobbled dangerously, saved from falling by Igraine grabbing her arm. Steady at last she heard Uther laughing, he'd set her up, knowing it was impossible for girls to curtsey safely with their arms full.

"Don't worry Gwen, I'll get him for this" Igraine whispered as they moved off in different directions. Gwen had barely got outside before a sharp yelp rang from the audience hall. Bad luck for Uther that Igraine had been wearing pointy toed shoes.

"Remember your third vow Uther... and making servants a joke is not good etiquette" the queen hissed in his ear

The king's reply was loud enough for most to hear "Bother Etiquette!!!!"

Review please. I would like to reach 10 before the next chapter is posted. 3 for a story of this length is not good