Chapter 3 [Royal Dining Hall]

Arthur leaned back in his chair. Negotiation dragged the day along. He and Odin argued about restitution for Nemeth. Fortunately, Rodor took the high road. He insisted on restitution and restoration rather than punitive measures. After going back and forth, Rodor retired from the other rulers' company. He would not put Mithian through a shared meal with Odin at that point.

Can't say I blame him. Arthur took a draught from his wine. "I hear you like venison, Odin. I had our kitchens prepare a special meal for the occasion."

Odin raised an eyebrow. Suspicion regarded his host. "That is most considerate, Pendragon. I would not have expected that in this setting."

"Nonsense, Odin. We have spoken about the situation. Everyone is all right. Measures are in place to prevent it from happening again. You are a guest." Arthur looked about the area. "Where is Merlin?"

"He has assumed Matilda's responsibilities." Gwen gulped from her own goblet. She tried very hard not to look at Odin. Given that she'd consoled Mithian for the entire day, she wasn't in the mood for that state dinner to be honest.

Odin coughed. "So he's looking in on that Princess? Careful, Pendragon. That boy's getting big for his britches. You let him tell you what to do on the battlefield. Now he's sniffing around that Princess."

Storms brewed in Arthur's narrowed eyes. "Merlin is quite aware of his place, Odin. You might remember that you owe him your life."

"Princess Mithian is not like other nobles. She actually regards servants well. I am very impressed by that." She frowned.

"Given your own former state, I'd say so." Odin snorted. He understood Arthur's attraction for Gwen. He could see her beauty and intelligence. Still, he'd have made her a mistress, taken his fill and left it at that.

"Queen Guinevere earned her freedom, Odin." Arthur tapped his fingers on the table. Patience frayed increasingly with each barb.

"And your bootlicker has not?" Odin tsked loudly. "I'd make that one a knight. Morgana told me she'd whacked him good by the river. There is no way she did. No servant runs and fights the way that one did. Even less likely with a wound."

"He was wounded. Gaius is an excellent healer." Arthur cleared his throat. Displeasure stained his tone.

"Merlin surprises us. Just when we think we know everything about him, we discover something else. He is very loyal and protective. He requested to take the meal to King Rodor and Princess Mithian. I gave him permission." She allowed both men a smile. She'd made a friend in her former rival for Arthur's hand. They talked about various subjects but Merlin came up repeatedly. She explained to Mithian about Merlin's defense of her prerogative.

Affection beyond royal-servant or simple friends had struck Mithian. Her questions and interest intrigued Gwen. Several times during the conversation, Crimson streaked the visiting Princess' cheeks. Amor's sparkle caught her eye. Concern for Merlin's injury caught her breath in her throat. Admiration spread the smile across her face.

If anyone knew the signs, it was Gwen. She had heard of Merlin's visit to Mithian's chamber the night before the expedition to Nemeth. She'd noted Concern in his eyes. She saw him struggle not to offer comfort when Mithian told her account in the throne chamber. Moreover, she saw Merlin divided between Arthur and Mithian.

Much as with Arthur and her, Merlin and Mithian had feelings for each other. Much like in their case, there was an unwilling King in the way….

…a King with a Merlin codependency….

Odin has a point. Gwen thought back over the course of her friendship with Merlin. Memoria recalled the times that he'd accompanied Arthur into battle. How many times had Merlin saved Arthur's life and the kingdom?

Given Arthur's double standard, he would never agree to free Merlin. He counted on his servant and right hand too much.

Why can't Arthur see that Merlin deserves his freedom? She frowned.

George marched into the chamber. He cleared his throat. "Pardon me, Sire. Dinner is served." He bowed. Then he set a plate in front of each royal. He held his wine pitcher up.

"Fill that." Odin shoved his goblet toward him.

"Aye." Intimidation jangled George's nerves. He filled the goblet. He spilled several drops on the table just missing Odin's sleeve. "So sorry."

"WATCH IT!" Odin glared at George. He yanked the goblet and soaked his cuff in the process. "Look at what you did! You Imbecile!"

"George, leave the pitcher. We shall call when we need you." Arthur shook his head. He looked at her. "Merlin should be here." He sighed.

"We could not neglect King Rodor and Princess Mithian. Merlin had to confine Matilda…." She bit into her own venison.

"Now the servant's confining other servants? Really?" Odin scoffed.

"Merlin is also Gaius' apprentice. He is the healer with Gaius out in the provinces." Arthur shook his head at the thought of Merlin being in charge of the castle's health care.

"A healer as well?" Odin nodded. Amazement lightened his tone. Regard dawned even across his steel trap of a brain.

"Merlin has many skills. He also trips over chamber pots and his own feet." Arthur rolled his eyes.

She shook her head. She wondered what she had to do to get Arthur to compliment Merlin without some backhanded barb getting involved in the bargain.

A knock came from the door.

"Now what?" Arthur rolled his eyes. "Aye?"

Gawain stuck his head. "Hey, Arthur. Reggie's here. There is a real problem."

Arthur stood up. "Problem?" Many potential issues ran through his head. "King Rodor and Princess Mithian?"

"Are they all right?" She looked past Gawain to Reginald.

"They are, Milady." Reginald bowed to the royals. "It's Merlin. He collapsed in their chambers."

"Wonderful!" Arthur sucked in a grating breath. "Come. Odin, please feel free to finish your dinner. We shall speak again later." He led Gwen and the two knights from the chamber.

Even if he is capable, I'm worth more than that boy! Odin speared his meat. He shoved a piece in his mouth. Disdain soured the bite.

Questions would remain….