Beauty and the Beast: Part One
Evaine and Anna stood to the side in the council chamber watching as a beautiful woman walked forward.
"Lady Catrina, is it really you?" Uther asked, smiling at the familiar woman.
"I can hardly believe it myself," Catrina answers.
"We had tidings from the north that the House of Tregor had fallen to invaders," Uther said, rising from his seat and meeting the lady half-way as she rose from her curtsey.
"All that you heard was true, my lord, and worse," Catrina said. Evaine shared a sympathetic look to the lady, knowing the Tregors were a close friend of her father's.
"Your father, the King?" Uther asked.
"Gone, Sire. The enemy attacked without warning. We were outnumbered five to one. He could not endure. I would never have survived had it not been for my faithful servant Jonas. But we did survive, and we have made it this far..." Catrina trails off, swooning forward before Uther caught her. "Forgive me, my lord. I fear my trials have taken a toll."
"Your sufferings are beyond imagining, my lady. It would be an honour to help you in any way we can," Uther stated, helping her stand upright.
"A bed for the night would be most welcome," Catrina asked, and Uther nodded.
"And consider yourselves our esteemed guests. It's the least we can do. Please join Arthur, Morgana, Evaine and myself for a meal tonight," Uther said, and Catrina smiled gratefully.
"Thank you," she answered, before being led away to a room by a servant. Evaine smiled at Uther who nodded with a smile before leaving the chambers.
"Another opportunity for Arthur to stare at you longingly," Anna teased quietly, noticing the glance between her mistress and the prince.
"Oh shush," Evaine mumbled, smiling despite herself at her friend's words.
Later that night, she sat beside Arthur at the table, facing Morgana and Catrina as they dined. "Well, this is wonderful. Thank you," Catrina said, smiling at each of them.
"It's an honour. The Houses of Tregor and Pendragon have been allies for as...well, as long as anyone can remember," Uther stated.
"My father often spoke of you, my lord," Catrina mentioned.
"And I will remember him always," Uther promised.
"I'm sorry I didn't get the chance to meet him," Arthur said, and Catrina smiled softly.
"I'm sorry too. For the House of Tregor is no more," Catrina said, pushing her plate away.
"Well, no, Catrina, it lives on in you," Uther argued.
"I only wish that were true."
"It is, my lady. Your courage, your modesty. And you are as you always were, ever since you were a child," Uther commented.
"Ah, I fear I am much changed since then, my lord," Catrina said, sharing a smile with the ladies.
"Oh, yes, it's true. You are far more beautiful now," Uther compliments. Morgana smiles while Evaine notices how appalled Arthur looks.
"I'm sorry, hard day's training. If you'll excuse me," Arthur said, rising after faking a yawn.
"Of course," Catrina said. Evaine and Morgana share a small nod.
"We should retire as well. I believe Anna and Gwen are waiting for us to return before they retire," Evaine said, and Uther nodded, Catrina smiling at the two as they left.
"I never knew Uther could give such compliments," Morgana whispered, hooking her arm through her friends as they walked to their chambers.
"I know, I couldn't stop smiling. Perhaps Arthur should take some lessons from his father," Evaine said, the two laughing as they continued their walk.
The next morning, Evaine is stood grooming her horse, close to where Arthur and Merlin were grooming Arthur's horse.
"Honestly. Look at them," Arthur states, catching Evaine's attention as she glances up to see Catrina and Uther laughing with one another.
"Don't you think it's odd how quickly they've become close?" Merlin asked.
"There's nothing odd about that. My father's a wealthy and powerful man," Arthur pointed out.
"Do neither of you believe in love?" Evaine asked, the two turning to look at her, mounting her horse and adjusting her skirts. "Is it that hard to believe that two people share a connection?" she asked, catching Arthur's eyes before kicking her horse to a trot, deciding to take a ride in the forest to clear her own head of a certain prince and a knight.
XXXXXX
A week passed since Catrina had arrived, and the whole kingdom knew how smitten Uther had become with the lady. Evaine and Anna stood beside Morgana and Gwen after being summoned to the council chamber by Uther. They curtsied as Uther entered, Catrina walking beside him, his hand atop hers.
"Thank you all for coming. You are, no doubt, wondering why I have gathered you here today. Though we live in dark times, today I bring you light, and love. It gives me greatest pleasure to inform you that the Houses of Tregor and Pendragon are to be united in the closest bond of all. I am to marry Lady Catrina of Tregor," Uther announced, the room clapping at the announcement. "I am to marry Lady Catrina tomorrow. This union heralds a new dawn for the kingdom, a new beginning... ...and a new queen for all here in Camelot. I could not hope to have made a better match. I hope you will all share in our joy," Uther finished, the room clapping once more before Catrina and Uther hurried out of the room.
"Well, that was unexpected," Anna said, watching the two leave.
"A happy surprise," Morgana said, smiling at the news. Evaine stayed silent, noticing the way her smile had dropped half-way through Uther's speech.
"Yes, an unexpected surprise indeed," she mumbled, pausing before following Anna back to her chambers.
"We must pick a suitable dress for tomorrow," Anna said excitedly, Evaine nodding, her thoughts remaining on Catrina's face during the speech.
XXXXXX
The next morning, Anna dressed Evaine in a deep purple gown, adding small flowers in her hair before the two left for the throne room. Evaine stood beside Morgana, Anna and Gwen standing behind their mistresses. Trumpets sounded as Arthur and Uther entered, the court bowing at their entrance before the trumpets sounded once more, announcing the presence of Catrina.
"She looks beautiful," Morgana whispered as Catrina walked past, Uther holding his hand out to her.
"My lords, ladies, and gentlemen of Camelot, we are gathered here today to celebrate, by the ancient right of handfasting, the union of Uther Pendragon and Lady Catrina of Tregor. Is it your wish, Uther, to become one with this woman?" Geoffrey asked.
"It is"
"Is it your wish, Catrina, to become one with this man?" Geoffrey asked.
"It is."
"Do any say nay? With this garland, I do tie a knot, and by doing so, bind your hands and your hearts for all eternity," Geoffrey announced, Evaine smiling at the wording of the ceremony.
"I, Uther Pendragon, King of Camelot, I shall not seek to change thee in any way. I shall respect thee as I respect myself," Uther vowed.
"I now pronounce you to be husband and wife," Geoffrey said, walking to the side as Uther and Catrina kiss, the crowd erupting into applause for their new queen.
