Thank you to CuttlefishShiz and Prydwen Magic for reviewing. Who ever posts the 50th review will get a reply from me
Arthur swallowed his goblet of wine and found it instantly refilled. Normally he would have watched his drinking on a diplomatic visit, nervous of Camelot's reputation. But tonight he would have downed all the alcohol in Albion without thought. Anything to escape Lady Vivian. How his father could ever consider her suitable to live in Camelot he didn't know. But then he couldn't blame his father, the king had only heard reports of Lady V's beauty.
"Dance with me"
God forbid, she'd stopped ridiculing the minstrels and was actually paying attention. But chivalry wouldn't allow him to ignore a lady.
The four knights watched as their leader got up and began to lead his prospective bride through a waltz. Their feet were in time but the consensus was that there had been more unity and rhythm seen when Igraine had led a stumbling Uther along at Camelot. Lancelot met his prince's eyes and mouthed 'snob' with a gesture of his head to indicate Vivian, Arthur dropped his head in acknowledgement that the suggestion was correct.
"You're right" Leon rolled his eyes "Remember that ribbon I was to give her as an alliance gift" the others nodded, that gift had been made out of priceless silk. "Well all she said was; 'It is a silly trifle, you shouldn't have bothered'. Silly trifle wasn't said in a demure I-quite-like-it-but-am-not-sure-if-I-should-respond way either. It was outright dismissive"
Owain groaned sympathetically under the cover of the music. Vivain's yelp bought them sharply to reality.
The lady bent double, clutching her ankle in mock pain. Arthur staggered as she clung to him to keep her balance
"You kicked me you stupid oaf! I think it may be broken" the second was spoken in a simpering whiny tone, the Prince recoiled backward toward his compatriots at the insult. Arthur had stood being called many things in his life, Stupid Oaf was not one to fit.
"Vivian" Olaf had walked over to settle the commotion "That is no way to speak to our guest"
"But he kicked me..." Arthur switched off as she whined, the final word brought him back "Deliberately!" Vivian had half screeched the word "He holds no respect for ladies, he tried to take advantage by laming me so he could lead me out to my chambers"
As one the four from Camelot stood up and moved to shadow their prince, a pair on either side. This was a base insult to the knights code, if it came to a fight they would sell their life's blood to save Arthur.
"What do you say to this Pendragon?" Olaf had faced the prince
"I know of no wrong doing on my part" Arthur kept himself neutral.
Lancelot looked Olaf up and down, sizing him up mentally. Suddenly he noticed something
"Sire" Arthur turned his head in acknowledgment without moving his gaze "There is no bruising on the lady's ankle, I believe her accusation to be sham"
"Let me see Vivian" Olaf had listened well, bending to inspect his daughter's ankle. There was no mark, he straightened and bowed to Arthur "Forgive me Sir, I with draw all allegations... perhaps you wish to retire now?"
Arthur nodded "Apology accepted... If we may be excused?" he turned on his heel and the quintet marched out in formation.
Outside Arthur slapped his friend on the shoulder
"Lancelot, you have just saved honour, a kingdom's future reputation, and many lives"
The knight grinned, but the significance of the statement wasn't lost on any of them. Camelot would have been in great danger had Vivian's ploy succeeded. Pellinore was suddenly aware of how weary Arthur looked, rubbing his eyes and fringe like an old man
"How long have we been away from Camelot?"
"Including the journey Sire?" Owain tilted his head back as he did some maths "Two months"
"The journey took three weeks at a good pace" Arthur spoke half to himself " We'll have to conclude business and leave soon in order to be back by Ruth's birthday... Life won't be worth living otherwise"
I enjoyed writing this, Vivian was so conceited and self-centered in Sweet Dreams, it was almost amusing.
Hope the title gave you a laugh
