Chapter 35 [Whitgate—Throne Chamber]
[A/N: I don't know if I've mentioned this before, so I'll introduce Blancheflors here. She was the love interest in Chretien de Troyes' Perceval.]
The throne room bustled on that afternoon. Visiting dignitaries dotted the front row. Nemeth's senior knights stood four lines deep. Behind them, knights in purple and blue surcoats watched for their kingdoms. Several women stood in plain nondescript cloaks. Their piercing eyes awaited the ceremony.
Four thrones sat across the front dais. Each was ornately fashioned from oak. The one furthest to the west had a gilt crown resting on it. A plain walnut table sat in front of the dais. Brumenwald looked over the audience. His eyes ascertained several surprises including now-King Accolon and Queen Morgana of Tintagel, the Amazon Queen Elena, Countess Blancheflor of both Cawdor and Nemeth, King Bors and Prince Bors of Gaul, Josiane, Gwen and Hunith out front.
It seemed that Merlin and Lancelot had their fans….
[Antechamber]
Merlin looked at himself. He considered the flowing emerald robes with dark black sleeves. At the King's order, household servants cleaned and smoothed over his appearance. His skin still burned from the stiff brushings. He frowned but understood such measures. "It's really happening?"
"Aye, Merlin. We are about to become knights. You are about to be a Prince. I cannot think of someone more deserving." Lancelot looked at his white shirt and dark pants.
"Wish they didn't get so close with that bath though, Lance." Gawain tugged at his collar. His nose wrinkled.
"What is wrong now, Gawain?" Merlin considered him.
"I am clean." Gawain frowned.
"That is a good thing." Lancelot grinned. "Take it as such, my Friend."
"I will bet that redhead was behind it. She poured a really hot pail into that tub." Gawain narrowed his eyes.
Merlin could not help himself. He laughed at Gawain. "It is called a bath. Who knows? Maybe Britomart wants you at your best?"
"She wants me out of town. She will gripe me to death." Gawain made a face.
"Or perhaps she likes you? She wants to straighten you out?" Lancelot shrugged.
"Nay! Not happening! I am not going to get whipped! I have too many taverns to drink and women to love!"
"Said the stallion who's being chased through the fields. You do know her mistress is a hunter. Right?" Merlin smirked.
"And you are a case in point, Merlin." Gawain's frown deepened. "Three days and you're ready to go 'Yes Dear'."
"Princess Mithian has always been really nice to everyone. She thinks I am worth it. I think the joke was on Arthur for assigning me to serve them. I guess people filled her head with stories about me." Merlin shrugged.
"Stories that I am sure are true." Lancelot sighed. "Merlin, you never change. Maybe you will finally give yourself some credit? You have earned this! You are the bravest person I have ever seen! Princess Mithian recognizes that! The King and Queen see it!"
"I cannot believe this is happening. I just wish Uther would accept Arthur and Gwen." Merlin moped.
"I can believe it. Whipped! Whipped!" Gawain sassed. He gulped from a goblet of water. He shook his head. "Think they'd give us some ale or wine before the swearing in stuff."
"Stop with the whipped cracks. I could tell the Princess." Merlin shook his head.
"Maybe she could assign a maid to his quarters permanently?" Lancelot coughed for emphasis.
"You have got something! I am sure Gawain would love his personal maid. Maybe a certain redhead?" Merlin scratched his chin.
"I would send her running within an hour." Gawain smirked.
"From the banal odor of your feet, Lord Windbag."
Gawain froze. His hair stood on end. His eyes rolled. "Don't think we need anything cleaned, Brit."
"Just that manure between your ears." Britomart shook her head at him. She stood in a white blouse and a dark skirt. Her hair flowed in a ponytail down her back. "And nay I will not be cleaning any more rooms except maybe to rid the castle of your putrid stench!"
"Merlin, they are going to destroy the castle." Lancelot shook his head.
"All right, you Two. We should maintain dignity for the occasion." Merlin cleared his throat. "I know I am not Prince yet."
"You are in all but crown, Prince Merlin. Unlike some, you understand dignity." She curtseyed.
Gawain was about to add his two shillings before Merlin shook his head. "Gawain, nay. Not now."
"But, Merlin…" Gawain rolled his eyes. "Lance, he's not even crowned and he's acting like the Princiness."
"Gawain, I can have you appointed to Vegetable Sampler out in the square." Merlin arched an eyebrow.
"Vegetable Sampler?" Gawain narrowed his eyes.
"He means the stocks, you Oaf." She sighed and shook her head. "And you put up with him on quests?" She arched an eyebrow.
"Aye, Britomart, I have." Merlin looked her over. "So this is what Princess Mithian meant. You are going to get your spurs too? Congratulations."
"Thank you, my Prince. I look forward to serving my kingdom outside of the tavern." She curtseyed again.
"Outside of the tavern." Gawain sighed. "Girl, you are missing the best part."
"What? Getting drunk? Maybe having fights? Having lewd women drink and wench your money away? The best part of being a knight will be outfighting you, Sir Cabbage Head." She sniffed.
"Lots of guys have tried. Lots of guys have failed. You aren't no guy." Gawain snorted.
"And you notice that now? Why, Sir Knight! How observant you are!" she snarked right back.
Merlin shook his head. "Gawain, quit while you are ahead. I mean it."
Regius knocked at the door. "Lord Merlin?"
"Aye, Regius?" Merlin turned to the herald.
"It is time." Regius bowed.
"Thank the goddess." Lancelot muttered under his breath. He stretched. "I agree with Merlin, Britomart. Congratulations."
"Thank you, Lancelot. I am glad that I will be one person who knows chivalry." She headed out toward the hall.
Merlin sighed. "Come on. Let's get this taken care of."
They're really making her a knight? Seriously? Gawain face palmed himself.
This was going to be some ceremony...