Chapter 41 [Arthur and Gwen's Chamber—A Half of an Hourglass Turn Earlier]
Gwen shook her head. She marveled at the guest chamber. It was actually twice the size of the previous night's accommodations. A fine polished desk and table on par with Camelot's sat ready for their use. Fine oak and walnut paneling shone in a gentle reflection of the strategically-placed candles throughout the room. She'd enjoyed the roasted pork, beef, roasted vegetables and sweet desserts from Whitgate's kitchens. Pride warmed her heart for Merlin, Hunith and Mithian.
And yet Arthur still acted like an ass. In spite of everything, Suspicion darkened his thoughts. He acted with Merlin more like they were in his chambers rather than at a political event. He hesitated at a simple 'thank you' for Kilgarrah after the rescue.
Arthur, what is wrong with you? Why are you doing this? These people are genuine. She looked herself over in the mirror.
"Now what is it?" Arthur frowned. He came into the room from down the hall. "Gawain and Lancelot are really into this too. I wonder what Rodor's angle is? Whatever. Father will not take it lying down."
"THERE IS NO ANGLE!" She threw her hands in the air. "Oh I am sure Uther will march here! There will be fighting. And why? Because Uther does not want to see sense!"
"Gwen, I appreciate being here with you. The food was great. But kidnapping is kidnapping. Merlin cannot just march into Camelot and take me." Arthur filled a goblet from a pitcher by the bedside.
"You mean like Uther coming in here and threatening his father? Right here in this very citadel? Arthur, we have both seen him do things like that! He had my father killed on the suspicion of magic! He was an innocent man! And harassing Merlin because of smoke dragons in the woods? Arthur!" She ground her teeth.
"Even horseplay against sense is a violation." Arthur frowned. "Merlin should have known better."
"Why? Merlin thought he was out in the woods by himself. He cannot even be himself for a quarter of an hourglass? Uther has the people so paranoid that one was scared! They reported him for what?" Exasperation scrunched her face.
"Gwen. Stop. You are making too much of this!" He tried to put his arms around her.
"Am I? Am I really?" She shook her head. "And I suppose your horseplay downstairs was all right? Arthur, you cannot have it both ways!" She slapped the end table. "Merlin and you are both Princes now! How do you think Uther would have reacted if Merlin started doing that?"
"He…wouldn't care for it." Arthur winced like a schoolboy getting a lecture.
"Nay. He would not. Rodor would not either. Merlin swore his oath in the throne chamber this afternoon. You know how that goes. He swore to represent Nemeth and act like a grown up." She curled her lip.
"I act like that! It was…" He started.
"Oh? And how so? You do not think Mithian's feelings are important? You do know what your father was planning. Right?" She shook her head.
"Father was not planning anything! Gwen, stop! Now who is being paranoid?" He gulped from his goblet.
"You have a blind eye for your father, Arthur. After he married Merlin and me, he was going to force Mithian to marry you. It would have resolved that land dispute. It would have kept us apart. Mithian would have done her best. But have you seen Merlin and her together? I do not believe it!"
"I have noticed." He rolled his eyes. "He is sotten! Maybe he should follow her around like a whipped dog."
"I doubt Mithian would force herself on him like that. She would want her pursuits too. You remember those. Right?" She raised an eyebrow.
"She loves hunting." He coughed. "Merlin's afraid of hurting the animals. Poor rabbit. We have to eat."
"He is sensitive." She looked at him. "And if he acts like a girl, so what? I am a girl. Right?"
"Gwen…"
"Oh so now you do not want to be around me? I am a girl!"
He sighed heavily. "Gwen, you are supposed to act like that!"
"Act like what? Really sensitive? I am just supposed to be a limp flower? Maybe I should just hide during the next battle?" She put her hands on her hips. She glared right into his eyes.
"Gwen, that's not…." He backpedaled.
"Merlin the Girl charges into things your knights refuse to deal with." She frowned. "Perhaps we might talk to the Queen Elena about that. I am sure she would love that comment. That will go over really well."
A knock came from the door. Gawain stuck his head. "Hey! Rodor wants to see you both. Might be a good time?" He grinned.
"You are not helping, Gawain." Arthur narrowed his eyes.
"Oh? Am I helping? I am just here to tell you that the King needs to see you. Come on, Big Guy." Gawain patted Arthur on the arm. "We'd better back you up before the Girl here kicks your arse but good." He smirked to drive the point (still further) home. "Oh and you wish you were half the girl Merlin is."
"Well…." Arthur winced. "Rodor is waiting."
"Yeah. Rodor. Come on, Princess." Gawain gave Arthur a good natured shove out the door. He winked at her.
She'd made her point all right….