Chapter 30 [Two Hours Later—Whitgate]
Merlin walked about the citadel. He looked over the solstice preparations. Somehow, he restrained himself from jumping in and helping out. He had checked with Master Wyngate on his condition. Awe hit him over the temporary guest quarters and the chamber he and Mithian would share after their handfasting.
Quite a move up from being the servant….
Guilt stuck at him. Will Arthur be all right? Gaius must be having a fit. Uther will explode when Rodor pulls the deception. I just hope we do not have a war.
If we do, Uther Pendragon is the one at fault, Merlin. Malodius joined him by the window. King Rodor and Princess Mithian are within the law. Uther is not. Much as you have, the woman, Guinevere, has proven herself. She will make an excellent Queen.
No argument from me. Just wish I'd make a decent Prince. Merlin shook his head.
You are already showing that quality. The King will work with you. So will the Queen and the Princess. Malodius rubbed up against Merlin. Lancelot and Gawain speak of your quality to the knights. Already I believe a ballad is in the making.
Lancelot would! Merlin shook his head. I want to earn respect on my own. You know?
And saving the Queen's life does not do that? Are we worried about the Princess? The Lion narrowed his eyes.
Of course! Uther could threaten them or worse! Merlin grimaced.
He will threaten. Malodius turned. He bowed.
"What?" Merlin noticed Queen Taene slowly ambling toward him. "Your Highness!" He bowed to her. He rushed over to her side. "Should you be walking around?"
She nodded. "I feel fine, Merlin. I will try not to do too much. Fortunately everything is ready for tomorrow." She regarded the holly sprigs on each door. "Princess Mithian enjoys the festivities as much as I do."
"I could see her excitement, Your Highness." He smiled. "Maybe next year I can work with you both on this?"
"Oh you will." A special sparkle twinkled in her eyes. "No wonder you are regarded the respect you are, Merlin. We saw that first hand on our last state visit to Camelot a few years back."
"Prince Arthur asked me to see to your needs. You are our guests. I know I am…was a servant but…." He bowed again.
"You take on the task personally. Caring for those around you is an important part of being a Prince, Merlin. As the Nazarenes would say, 'the first shall be the last'. Do not lose that special quality." She looked through the frosted window toward the courtyard below. "Perhaps Princess Mithian and I will have a special project for you in the spring?"
He saw the barren dirt patches and withered plants down there. "Winter should not have killed those plants yet."
"It was not the cold. Our gardener, William, passed to his reward this past spring. For some reason, none of his plants would grow. He had that special touch with flowers." She shrugged. "He had a connection with those plants. When he died, they did as well."
"I will do my best. Perhaps we can plan something as a family? We can do something special?" He rubbed his chin. "I will need to ask Princess Mithian."
"You should do that." She noticed his absent look. "Merlin, are you all right?"
"I was thinking. I hope that Uther will realize that Gwen is worthy of Arthur. He is not my Prince any longer but I still worry about him and Gwen. It will not interfere in my responsibility here but…." He tried to balance Friendship's and Politics' conflicting aims within himself.
"King Rodor would remind you of your priorities. He and I will speak with you when the time is right. I am glad to hear you say that. Thank you for acknowledging that. It is a good thing to watch out for one's allies as long as you remember our subjects and Nemeth's needs come first," she noted.
"I wanted to ask about my father. Sorry." He bowed his head.
"Why are you sorry? Merlin, Sir Balinor was a reserved yet quiet man. He served his brethren and Nemeth well for the time he was here. Perhaps you should ask your question when King Rodor and Princess Mithian are here? She would like to hear the King's account. Perhaps Sirs Galahad and Ywain would add something? They served as very young knights beside him." She nodded. "If I may ask, when will you bring your mother here?"
"I was going to wait until after the feast and handfasting." He turned to her. "I do not want to ask any more before that. You all are already being so good to me."
"Merlin, her invitation has only been outstanding for your entire lifetime. I believe you should bring her here. Perhaps you can have Priestess Freya or Princess Josiane assist you?" she suggested. "I will make it a royal invitation. I insist that you have an escort with you."
"Mother takes her responsibilities seriously back in Ealdor. I will need help working on her." He smiled. "I can finally make sure she has the life she deserves. You will like her. I get my service from her."
"Only a woman of that quality would be worthy of Sir Balinor." She raised an eyebrow. "You are of noble stock. It was simply a question of that breeding being brought out into the light of day. We will do the same for Gawain and Princess Josiane. Truly we are blessed with Solstice gifts."
"I will wait until afterwards. I do not wish to take away…." He started.
"Wait for what? The handfasting? I would say not! Would you deny my daughter her most desired for present? She has waited so long. I wish for you both to be joined. Perhaps Priestess Freya can assist us?" she settled with a firm tone.
Freya? He put out a telepathic feeler.
Aye, Merlin. Are you and the Queen all right? The contingent is ready to return. We shall be there shortly, Freya replied.
It can wait. Is everyone all right? He glanced out toward the east. Trepidation bit into his stomach over the matter.
I will let King Rodor tell you himself. We shall speak within the turn of the hourglass. I would rather everyone was safely back in Nemeth. Thank you for thinking of me, Merlin, Freya concluded.
He nodded.
"Merlin?" Taene tapped him on the arm.
"Hmm? Sorry, Your Highness. I worry about the delegation. And there is Princess Mithian." He sighed.
"Already you care. Thank you, Merlin." She saw an emerald clad knight rushing toward them. "Sir Owain? What is it?"
Owain bowed to them. "Queen Taene, Lord Merlin, pardon me. King Rodor and the delegation have returned! They enter the city gates as we speak. I would escort you there?"
"Already? Camelot is a day and a half ride from here!" She puzzled over that fact in her head.
"They had help, Queen Taene." He smiled. "Magic. I want to make sure everyone is okay."
"Follow me." They followed Owain toward the stairs and the citadel's front area.
News would be forthcoming….