"Have you heard the news, My Lady? About the tragic death of King Bors?" Lady Gonilda asked Gwen, slipping an arm into hers as they walked into the hall. The two Lord Ackerlys had gone ahead, engaged in conversation with another man Gwen didn't recognize. That was often the case for Gwen, as she hadn't grown up mingling with Camelot's nobility.
"No, I haven't. What's happened?" Gwen asked, straining to recall King Bors. Gaul, she thinks, but she can't remember for certain. She's heard the court gossip from Morgana since they were children, but she's never been one for the details of politics since it had never been her job until now.
Lady Gonilda looked pleased to be able to break the terrible news. "Oh, such dreadful business occurred while he was on a hunt. He suffered a particularly vicious attack by a rabbit of all things."
"What? You can't be serious," Gwen looked at her with amused skepticism. "You're teasing me, My Lady."
Lady Gonilda grinned. "It's true, I swear it! He was removing a rabbit from a trap and it bit him! A dreadful, gaping wound from a dangerous creature!"
Gwen stifled a laugh and shook her head. "Ridiculous."
"Very well, so it wasn't the animal bite itself," Lady Gonilda admitted. "But it was truly the catalyst! He succumbed to infection from the wound and," she paused dramatically, her hand on her chest, "then he died."
"Oh, that is awful. Who is to be king now? Does he have an heir?" Was Gaul an ally of Camelot? She would need to ask Morgana.
Lady Gonilda grew serious, a truly gifted storyteller. "He did, until two months ago, when his only nephew was killed by raiders in a skirmish, and he didn't have any other close family. His poor wife had never borne him any children that have lived past a year, and she died in childbirth just this Spring. He hadn't even the chance to remarry yet. So they've had to look to the distant family to crown a new king. His closest family member is a lesser noble of Camelot, a second cousin. Perhaps you know him? Sir Accolon?"
"Oh… ohhh, Sir Accolon, yes, of course," Gwen said, keeping an even expression. "Sir Accolon served here, he was one of our guards. So, he is now the king of…"
"Of Gaul, yes. Can you believe it? The man was barely even nobility. What strange fortune that comes from grave misfortune," Lady Gonilda said. "But I have since heard the new King Accolon shall be in Camelot for the wedding next weekend."
"It is true, he is on the guest list. Well, despite the tragic end for King Bors, that is good news, indeed, for our Sir Accolon to be crowned king. Camelot will surely have a strong ally now in Gaul," Gwen said.
"Indeed, My Lady, it is most excellent news. If you'll excuse me, there's someone in particular I must share this news with," she smiled brightly, and shuffled away.
As Lady Gonilda went to share her gossip with other ladies of the Court, Gwen went to find Morgana.
Gwen pulled her aside gently to be out of earshot of anyone else. "There's important new information. Remind me, were you on good terms with Sir Accolon when he departed from our service?"
Morgana looked at her with a puzzled expression. "I don't recall any hard feelings. Accolon left to manage his family's estate when his father died well over a year ago, that's why we… parted company. Why, what have you heard?"
"Accolon is to be crowned King of Gaul," she said.
"No!" Morgana gasped, shocked. "How can that be? He was merely a distant cousin of King Bors. Bors had a son, and a nephew, among other relatives. What's happened?"
Gwen told her what Gonilda had reported.
"Oh, that must be so very difficult for Accolon, he didn't even want to leave his post to manage his father's land," Morgana said, then lowering her voice. "I'm not sure if you'll recall, but when we were occasional lovers, he was pining away for the current wife of Lord Ector, Lady Evaine. He had loved her since they were children but she'd refused him because his family's estate is quite small and she has very expensive tastes. Lord Ector is twice her age, and she had no love for him, but she accepted his proposal soon after refusing Accolon's. Accolon was devastated by her rejection, and has still never wed."
"I do recall that Accolon's love for Lady Evaine was well-known," Gwen agreed.
"I imagine that's why Lady Gonilda is speaking with Lady Evaine currently, to inform her of her poor choices," Morgana nodded her head towards their new friend.
Gwen cringed. "I imagine you're right. Lady Evaine looks like she's just seen an apparition."
Morgana stifled a wicked grin. "Good. Oh, I do like Lady Gonilda."
They shared a chuckle.
"Oh, and King Accolon is on the confirmed guest list for your wedding, I just received word this morning. We shall see him next month," Gwen commented.
Morgana hummed thoughtfully. "It is very kind of him to still come, knowing his responsibilities must be quite consuming now. He has remained a good friend."
"Would that friendship be good enough to support you in war?" Gwen asked.
Morgana smiled. "I would like to believe so, and if I am correct, this is very good news indeed. Another ally, and a strong one at that. Bors had little interest in the politics of Albion, but Accolon is a fierce fighter and a gifted tactician, and he'll have command of one of the strongest militaries. This could change everything, Gwen."
Gwen sighed with relief, and squeezed her hand, as Arthur began to address the crowd.
. . .
"Lord Agravaine, thank you for dining with us this evening. I have missed your company during your absence," Morgana said, closing the door to her chambers once Gwen and Eilidh exited to continue their duties. Arthur and Merlin had traveled to the Druid camp, along with Kara and Mordred, to gather more information about the Diamair, so Morgana took the opportunity to spend time with Agravaine, newly arrived back in Camelot. He had only arrived hours prior with their allies, King Rodor and his daughter Princess Mithian. However, they had requested festivities be postponed celebrating their arrival due to the exhaustion of the journey.
"I am delighted to be in your company once again, my dear," he said, as Morgana poured him a fresh goblet of wine.
"I want to clear the air, because I know that Uther did you great wrongs. He never treated you as his brother, which is what you deserved. He caused your brother's death. And he caused your sister's death by sacrificing her to have Arthur."
Agravaine looked surprised. "I didn't realize you knew."
"Arthur and I discovered the truth. It nearly destroyed Arthur to know what his father had done to his mother. I think, had I not been there to calm his rage, he would have struck down his own father."
"I can relate to his feeling," he said flatly.
"Arthur didn't yet know about my magic, but it changed him. He wasn't content to allow sorcerers to suffer punishment for Uther's crimes. He became a better man that day than I could have ever imagined. And through his strength of character, grew mine. I was able to forgive Uther as well, and call him Father. And when Uther died and Arthur discovered my magic, Arthur accepted me and has accepted my people. Together we are undoing all of the wrongs suffered under Uther's reign. And Arthur and I thought we should next address yours."
"Is that so?" he asked.
"Indeed. You have done so much for us. You didn't have to leave your home and come to Camelot to help us after Uther's death, but you did so anyway. Your diplomatic mission has solidified the alliance with Nemeth and given us a strong ally. But we have struggled to find a just reward that would adequately show our love and appreciation for you, as our beloved uncle. Is there anything in particular you desire?"
"I… can think of one thing, my dear," he sighed, grabbing her hand. "I have fallen hopelessly in love."
Morgana's eyes widened in alarm.
"I know you must think me too old for such attachments, but spending these weeks with Mithian…"
"Mithian? You're in love with Mithian?" Morgana realized with both shock and relief.
"Oh, what a tremendous woman she is," he gushed. "As brilliant as she is beautiful. Immensely talented, and a fierce huntress. I have never felt this way in my life, Morgana."
Agravaine? In love? She was still shocked. "Does she return your affections?"
"She has said so, yes. But her father will not give his consent. He is unimpressed with my station, believes me too old as well. I am not what he envisioned as his son-in-law. Mithian shall be queen someday."
"And you would be her consort," Morgana said.
"Yes, but that is not why I desire her. She has beguiled me in these weeks I have gotten to know her. I would wish to wed her even if she were but a serving girl. She is the very best among women. I can now appreciate your desire to marry Merlin, despite his lack of station, now that I have loved one I cannot have. It is impossible to deny the heart what it wants and not break into a million pieces."
Morgana's eyebrows shot up. "I'm certainly surprised at this turn of events, but I am glad for you. Mithian shall be a fortunate woman indeed to have such a handsome and wise king by her side."
"You flatter me, my dear. Her father will not permit it, however," Agravaine sighed.
"Uncle, Arthur will persuade him. You shall have your lady love," Morgana said, squeezing his hand.
She was surprised to find tears forming in his eyes as he brought her hand to his lips and kissed it. "Thank you, my sweet niece. I look forward to celebrating your marriage and your happiness. May we both be so happy."
She smiled at him with amusement, "I think it very possible we both shall be."
. . .
"You can't be serious," Arthur said, laying down on Morgana's bed with a thud. She crinkled her nose at the sight of his boots on her bedspread.
"He loves her. And I confirmed it with Mithian, she would wed him," she said, organizing the scrolls and books on her desk.
"He's twice her age!" Arthur said, cringing.
"As though that were uncommon. Look at Lord Ector and his wife, for instance," she said.
"And I bet she's regretting that now. How is Accolon anyway? Heard from him since Bors died?" he asked, sitting up on his elbow to see her reaction.
"Ah, you heard that too, did you? No, I've not had communication with Accolon since he left last year, other than word he will attend my wedding, but I'm very much looking forward to him being at the wedding. You must be sure to give him special attention, he was always quite fond of you."
"Not as fond of me as he was of you, fortunately," Arthur rolled his eyes.
"I was quite fond of him as well. He's very handsome and charming," she smiled.
"But not as handsome and charming as my manservant?" Arthur said with a snort.
"Indeed, he is not. But he knew my affections were with another, as I knew of his unrequited love of Lady Evaine."
"Everyone knew of his unrequited love of Lady Evaine, I suppose that was his appeal for you, you never liked the doting romantic fools, at least until Merlin," Arthur said. "Uther obviously didn't know about Accolon's evening visits in your chambers, but it was certainly no secret among the knights."
"That's because men are far bigger gossips than women," she said with a smirk.
"I honestly expected Accolon would ask for your hand, at least before Uther gave you the title of princess."
"Oh, he half-heartedly did, and I declined. He only asked out of pity for us both, that since neither of us could be with our heart's desire, that we should seek solace in marriage to one another. He didn't know that I had glimpsed my future, that I could be with the one I loved someday. But even if I hadn't, it would have been unfair to Accolon. He's a good man, and he deserves the full devotion of a wife. Of his queen."
"He'll have to take a wife now, he needs heirs for the stability of Gaul."
"I could say the same for you, Brother," she grinned.
"I have an heir. I have you. And considering how often I find my former manservant in my sister's chambers, I suspect I will have new heirs soon enough," he said, soundlessly gagging.
"Very amusing," Morgana rolled her eyes.
He snickered. "But back to the topic of Agravaine. This is what Mithian truly wants as well?"
"She says she loves him. I believe her. She sees a side of Agravaine that we haven't, absent his hatred and resentment of Uther. He's always been ambitious, clearly ambition is part of his attraction to Mithian despite his protestations. I think… in my vision, it was me who corrupted his ambitions. I had promised he would rule Camelot at my side. He was eager to please me, and destroy Uther's legacy. But now, we've already undone Uther's legacy by legalizing magic."
Arthur cringed.
She looked at him with sympathy. "Does that still bother you? To know Father would be so disappointed in us?"
"At times, yes," Arthur admitted.
Morgana left her desk to sit on the floor in front of Arthur, her arms crossed on top of the mattress.
"I'm sorry, I know what his approval meant to you. I came to terms with being a disappointment long ago, but you…"
"He wasn't disappointed in you, Morgana, he loved you. He was proud of you," he said, grabbing her hand.
She smiled sadly. "He wouldn't have been if he'd known who I really am. What I really am."
"Maybe he would have been, I don't know. But I'm proud of you though, if my opinion counts for anything," Arthur said.
She laughed. "Yeah, it counts for something. And I'm proud of you too. Uther may not have approved of your choices, but he would be proud of the king you are. You really will be the best king Camelot has ever had. They'll sing songs of you for all of time," she teased.
Arthur dropped her hand and sat up in the bed. "That's actually what I came to talk to you about."
"Yes. What did you and Merlin discover?"
"Nothing good. Merlin will be able to tell you more, but what it seems to come down to is how much harm my reign will bring to the future."
"We don't know that. And even if that is a true picture of the future, it's based off of a false telling of your story, not anything you've done or will do, surely. We can't help if history will turn our sacred magical objects into artifacts of Christendom to create a narrative of you as the enemy of magic and the Old Religion. That's beyond our control."
"But is your sister right? If I weren't the King, would that future be prevented?"
"No, I don't think she's correct at all. So, you abdicate and give me the crown, then what? You think history will record that any more accurately than your reign as king?"
He frowned. "I suppose not."
"Is that honestly what you're thinking? That you should step aside and let me rule?" she looked at him with bewilderment.
"If it will prevent a terrible future… the elimination of the Druids and magic," he said, looking sad.
"Oh Arthur, I do love you," she said, standing up suddenly and hugging him. "That you would give up your crown if it meant a better future, it shows what sort of king you truly are." The sort of king worth dying for on a battlefield, she thought.
She pulled away after a moment. "We can't control a future that happens generations outside of our lifetimes, and we can't be responsible for it. That's the responsibility of future generations. Morgause places an unreasonable burden upon your shoulders with this prophesy. She should know better, they all should. But they are blinded by their hatred of Uther and the Pendragon legacy. Do you really think they would be appeased by me as Queen and you ruling with me as Prince? That it would stop the war from coming?"
"No, only my head on a pike would appease them," he agreed.
"Then we must prepare for the war that's coming," she said, determined to change their futures again.