"Good morning, Milady!" the flustered maid rushed out of Hunith's chambers, bobbing a wobbly curtsy before tottering off.
"Good morning, Eilidh," Gwen said, holding the skirts of her gown back to give the girl and her basket of linens space to move.
Gwen thought she should check to see if Hunith was okay, but when she approached the door to knock, she heard the gravelly voice of Lord Balinor. She suddenly understood what Eilidh's embarrassment must have been, clasping her hand over her mouth to stifle a laugh. Merlin would be delighted to know how well his parents are getting on, she knew.
Gwen would go to poor Eilidh later to make sure she knew she did nothing wrong. She remembered how it felt to be a young servant in the palace, and walking in on nobles in private moments. She wanted Eilidh to not have the insecurities she often felt at her age. She also tried to remember her confidence as a grown woman as she prepared for her role as Queen.
One by one the servants had begun to recognize her authority in the palace, and she felt less out of place as a member of the Court than she initially did. She wondered, however, if they would all feel as warmly about her when she became Queen. She liked to think that, between her and Merlin, the people were beginning to see that it didn't matter if you were low born, that you could still be a person of value. So much so that a King or a Princess might love you. But she still worried that the people of Camelot would resent a peasant Queen.
Gwen hardly had time to worry over this possibility, however. Between covert undercover missions with Merlin, finishing the plans for Morgana's wedding, and never-ending court duties, she barely had time to sneak away to see Arthur, let alone actually see her brother since his return. At least until she crashed into him, accompanied by Sir Percival, outside of Arthur's chambers.
"Elyan!" she said, hugging him after she regained her balance. "It's so good to see you! I've missed you so much! Welcome home, both of you."
"My Lady," Percival greeted her with a smile.
Elyan smiled brightly. "I've missed you too. I've been by to see you since we arrived, but you're never where I expect to find you. Been busy?"
"Very. I can't believe the wedding is almost upon us, there is still so much left to do," she said, smoothing out his crimson cape. "How was your journey?"
"Long and tedious. I was just about to speak with the King about it. Were you going in to see him as well?"
"Yes, actually. Let's go in together, and then hopefully we can spend some time this evening catching up," she said, knocking on Arthur's door.
Arthur had summoned them to review their trip with Agravaine, still wary of his affections for Mithian, and what that meant for their alliance. Elyan and Percival described the journey as largely uneventful, and the mission a success. Agravaine, in their assessment, represented Camelot well, and acted with honor. However, on the return trip, Agravaine began to take a significant interest in Mithian, spending a lot of time with her. Her father had a frank discussion with him and warned him off of his interest in Mithian.
"Lord Agravaine didn't push the matter further, and the king made no further mention of it. They've continued to have a warm relationship," Percival said.
Arthur nodded. "Frankly, I'm very surprised to know his feelings are reciprocated. Mithian is a beautiful young woman, and while my uncle certainly has admirable qualities, he's a bit…"
"Mature?" Gwen supplied.
"Old," Arthur said, bluntly. "Did you observe any unusual behavior on her part? Does she truly wish to wed my uncle?"
"I can't say I've seen many noblewomen in love, Sire. Other than Princess Morgana, and I gather her affections towards her betrothed are unusual, as they are more…" Elyan struggled for a polite word.
"Passionate?" Gwen suggested.
Arthur rolled his eyes. "Crossing the lines into flagrant social impropriety. Yes, that has always been my sister. But I gather Mithian is much more reserved than Morgana. I wouldn't expect her to become a lovesick fool over even the most dashing suitor."
"Nor would I. But Morgana spoke with her. She assured her she loves him and would wed him if permitted," Gwen said.
"Meanwhile, Agravaine recites poetry and pines for her like a lovesick fool. It's simply odd. Don't you think?" Arthur asked.
"I've never even been in love, Sire. I definitely wouldn't know if it's normal to act as such," Percival said.
"I've been in love many times, including times I've acted the fool, but I wouldn't expect a fancy lord like Lord Agravaine to act like that," Elyan offered.
Arthur shook his head. "I've known more than a few fancy lords to make a fool of himself for love. It still feels out of character for Agravaine, at least."
"Perhaps his response is only because he cannot wed her. It is his heartbreak that makes him so emotional?" Elyan asked.
"Yes, that must be it. He pines because he wants what he cannot have. If they're truly in love, Arthur, could they not wed?" Gwen asked.
"She would have to defy her father. He apparently doesn't find him an appropriate match, and I can hardly blame him. There's no benefit to the marriage for Rodor. Agravaine may be a king's uncle, but he doesn't have a great deal of land or wealth of his own. My grandfather's estate went to Uncle Tristan's son. I don't think I could persuade him to marry Agravaine on his merits alone."
"I expect he's holding out for you, Arthur," she teased. "As Camelot's most eligible bachelor." Arthur shook his head, stiffing a smile at their private joke.
"If you could broker their marriage, Sire, Agravaine would be greatly in your debt," Elyan said, eyeing the couple suspiciously.
"Yes, and Morgana believes Agravaine is important to forging additional alliances," Gwen agreed.
"Were the lands of Gedref not enough of a dowry for my uncle?" Arthur scowled. "Fine. I suppose I have no choice but to make Agravaine into a more favorable match for Mithian. What lands does Rodor want?"
"Hinton Hill, within the borders of Deorham, Sire," Percival said.
"It isn't mine to give," Arthur countered.
"Nor was Cornwall," Percival countered. "Princess Morgana's ancestral home is technically within Odin's borders since her father's death."
"So he may claim, but he's never taken the castle, it sits empty. Odin's a coward and knows doing so would incite revolt, and invite war. Besides, giving Merlin the title was ceremonial to allow him to wed my sister. They don't intend to leave Camelot and retain the castle for some time. Meanwhile, we've no claim to any of Alined's lands, and no quarrel with him. The Peace Accord was signed when my father lived."
"That's not what Morgana says. He'll ally with Morgause and The Order to overthrow you, likely on the promise that the southern territory of Camelot will become his, as well as Rodor's lands," Gwen said.
"If I promise Alined's lands to Rodor, then I certainly make an enemy of him."
"You could give Agravaine control of the southern ports, so that it will be easier to control those lands when war comes, Sire," Elyan suggested.
"That would give Agravaine control of more territory than Camelot, and our only access to the sea," Gwen said. "Are you sure that is wise?"
Arthur sighed. "I'll take it under advisement. Elyan, Percival, thank you for your counsel, and for accompanying Agravaine on this diplomatic mission."
The knights bowed and Gwen curtsied, but Arthur asked her to stay behind to discuss Morgana's wedding.
Once the knights were gone, he kissed her deeply. "I never get to see you, Guinevere, you've been so busy."
"Indeed. Why is it I've been busier than a king?" she teased.
"I believe you're learning that the Queen is more valuable than the King," he smiled against her neck, placing gentle kisses across it.
"Mmhmm," she grinned. "Well, I'm afraid that leaves little time for entertaining bored kings. Unlike you, Your Majesty, I have a million tasks to complete before supper."
"Are you dining with us this evening?"
"Yes. The banquet, remember? For the arrival of Rodor and Mithian? And also Accolon will soon arrive, his banner was just spotted in the distance. I will join you to meet him at the gate, but Morgana is seeing a patient with Kara in the village."
"Ah, yes, George has been fussing around to get clothes ready for tonight. I suppose I need to speak to Rodor prior to the banquet, see how he feels about Agravaine as a son-in-law, and how much this match is going to cost me."
"See? You're quite busy after all," she said, kissing him again. "Now, quit distracting me, I've got work to do."
She swished her skirts and left the king looking quite sullen.
. . .
"Then it's settled," Arthur said. "Agravaine will be given the title of Duke, with control of the southern seaports, and as a matter between us, promised control of half of Deorham should that land come into the control of Camelot. In return, he will be given permission to marry Mithian, and reign as her consort when she ascends the throne of Nemeth."
Rodor nodded. "I'm pleased with the deal, and Mithian says they love one another, which is a promising start to a marriage." He shook Arthur's hand. "Shall we announce the engagement at tonight's banquet? Or would Morgana take offense to the announcement so close to her wedding?"
"We should certainly announce the news. I believe Morgana will be quite pleased by it, she favors the match," Arthur said, nodding to George to bring the quill and ink so they could both sign and seal the agreements. Each would retain a copy.
Rodor took his leave and Arthur began to get ready for the banquet.
"George?" Arthur asked, as he fastened his pants. "Have you shrunk these trousers? They're rather snug."
George blinked. "Ah, how careless of me, Sire. I shall fetch another pair."
There was a knock on the door, and Merlin entered.
"Merlin," Arthur rolled his eyes. "You aren't my manservant any longer, you can't just barge in here when I'm without trousers. George, try that pair, I wore those last week, I know they fit."
Merlin shook his head. "Your trousers are snug again, aren't they? George is feeding you too much."
"George is doing nothing of the sort, Lord Merlin," George said, helping Arthur into his pants. "His Majesty's pants must have shrunk in the wash."
Merlin burst out laughing. "You don't have to spare his ego, George. Arthur's got more than enough. Your duty is to keep Camelot's protector in peak physical condition, not let him get soft."
"Are you only here to criticize my diet, you scrawny clotpole, or do you have a real purpose?" Arthur scowled at him.
Merlin smirked. "Fine, fine. I heard from Morgana that you're giving Agravaine control of strategically-important lands so he can wed Mithian."
"That is correct," he said, as George helped him into another pair of trousers.
"Are you sure that's wise? What if Agravaine betrays us?"
Arthur rolled his eyes. "You only now want to bring concerns? It's a little late for that, the deal is made with Rodor."
"I don't trust Agravaine," Merlin said. "I think he's insincere about loving Mithian."
Arthur sighed. "I have no proof of that though. And even if he is insincere about his affections, it's a tremendous match for him. He'll rule Nemeth when Rodor is gone."
"What of Mithian? Doesn't she deserve…?"
"Mithian wants this, Morgana spoke with her directly."
"I know she says that but he's so…"
"Old, yes. I'm aware. But I suppose if the Princess of Camelot can fall in love with an impudent, scrawny clotpole with no lands and no title, the Princess of Nemeth can fall in love with a nobleman nearly as old as her father, who's also the uncle of a king."
Merlin rolled his eyes. "One can't always help what the heart wants, I suppose."
"What the heart wants keeps giving me a headache, Brother," Arthur said, giving a dramatic sigh.
"Aw, that's the first time you've called me that, Arthur. I love you too," he said, hugging Arthur tightly as he squirmed away.
"If you would excuse me, Lord Merlin, His Majesty needs to prepare for the banquet," George said, looking at Merlin with his usual disdain.
"Just keep an eye out, Merlin, for any funny business," Arthur said. "I'm not disagreeing with you that something's amiss. I just have no evidence there is."
Merlin grinned. "As you wish, Brother."
Arthur rolled his eyes and Merlin left. He smiled and shook his head, turning his attention back to George, who was letting out seams from his pants. "I guess I'm skipping the extra servings tonight," Arthur groaned.
"As you wish, Sire," George said.
. . .
The banquet was quite the whirl of activity. Accolon was still as handsome as Morgana had remembered him. His golden crown sat atop his head of wavy brown hair, and his beard had grown fuller. All of the ladies at court were stunned by his beauty, combined with the finery of a king, outshining even their own handsome sovereign. Morgana had no doubt he would have his pick of the available noblewomen of Camelot, and certainly it would solidify their alliance even further if he did. Lady Astolat was quite beautiful, as was Lady Laudine. Although less of a beauty, Morgana thought Lady Enide would make a fine queen for Accolon, as she was exceptionally kind and highly intelligent. Yes, Morgana would find Accolon a queen and he would defend Camelot, and maybe she wouldn't have to die on a battlefield…
"My Lady," Accolon greeted her.
She curtsied. "Your Majesty."
"Congratulations on your marriage," he said, bowing and kissing her hand. He then lowered his voice. "Am I to assume your betrothed is the man who's had your heart for all these years, but was unattainable to you due to his station?"
"He is," Morgana smiled, squeezing his hand.
"I must admit, I always suspected it was Merlin. My heart overflows with joy for the happiness you have found," he said, giving her a brilliant smile. "I hope Merlin knows the immense value of your love."
"There is no greater treasure," Merlin said, approaching them.
"Merlin!" Accolon said, shaking his hand. "Congratulations, my friend. It is good to see you again."
"We're really glad you could be here, it's been far too long. And congratulations to you as well, King Accolon. Becoming king must have been quite the shock," Merlin said.
He gave Merlin and Morgana a sheepish smile. "It was not something I've ever wanted. I am still not accustomed to it, and the responsibility is often overwhelming. But the fates have decided I must rule, and have given us this opportunity to provide a strong alliance between our kingdoms, to protect our lands and our people from the threats that gather. So I will embrace my destiny, rather than resent it."
Morgana smiled, squeezing Merlin's hand, who bowed to King Accolon and took his leave to greet the next noble family who had arrived.
Morgana took the arm that Accolon offered her. "I am overjoyed to hear you say so, and I know Arthur will be too. Come, you must be famished after your long journey."
Once everyone had eaten, Arthur stood up to welcome their royal guests. Mithian sat stoically as Arthur and Rodor announced her engagement to Agravaine. While Agravaine was overjoyed, Mithian smiled demurely looking almost overwhelmed.
Accolon leaned over to Morgana, who was seated on her right. "I haven't seen a bride that unenthusiastic about her engagement since Evaine agreed to marry Lord Ector."
Morgana sighed. "She's just nervous. She assures me she loves him and wishes to wed."
"Evaine said the same, but we all know that wasn't true."
"Why else would Mithian want to marry Agravaine if not for love? It wasn't an advantageous match for her."
"Maybe it wasn't Mithian who wanted it. Maybe it was Rodor."
"You think Rodor deceived us?"
"He seems much happier than Mithian right now," Accolon said. "Agravaine, however, is quite delighted. I don't think I'd even seen the man smile before. Rather thought his face might crack if he did."
Morgana shook her head. "Arthur arranged the marriage for love of Agravaine, so as long as he's happy, and Rodor remains our ally, it is still in our benefit."
"Yes, Camelot will need allies for the war to come," Accolon said, taking a long drink of wine.
Morgana looked at him. "What do you know of Camelot's enemies?"
"Some we share. The Saxons, in particular. Others would have us as their allies."
"Oh? Who's approached you?" she said nonchalantly, taking a sip of her wine.
"Your sister, for one," he said.
"So that's where she's been. We believed she was with Cenred," Morgana said.
"She was. They were both in Gaul, even before I was. She attended my coronation," he said.
Morgana looked at him with surprise. "Does she have your friendship, then?"
"She left unsatisfied with my decision."
"Which was?" Morgana asked.
"That my great affection for you would never allow me to side against you," Accolon smiled.
Morgana returned his smile. "I'm fortunate indeed to have such a true friend as you."
"You mean a great deal to me, Morgana. You always have," he smiled. "Come, dance with me. If your betrothed does not mind, of course."
Merlin was immersed in conversation with his father, and not paying attention.
"I would be honored, Your Majesty," she said, taking his hand as he led her to the dance floor.
As the dancing continued, Morgana soon ended up dancing with Agravaine.
"Morgana, my dear girl, thank you again for your advocacy with the King," he said, as he took her hand.
"I am so very happy for you," Morgana said.
"I have never been happier. We are going to wed quickly, without much fuss. I can't wait to be her husband," he gushed.
Morgana snuck a glance at Mithian, who was dancing with Arthur. She supposed Accolon was right, she did not look like a woman thrilled to wed. She hoped she had not set up her uncle for a lifetime of unhappiness with a woman who did not wish to be his wife. What she knew of Mithian, however, is that she would be an honorable wife regardless.
By the end of the evening, her feet were throbbing from having danced with nearly every nobleman in attendance, but she stayed until the end to bid farewell to every attendee.
"I've hardly gotten to see you this evening. I didn't even get a dance," Merlin said, as he walked her to her chambers. She winced with every step.
Morgana laughed as Merlin swept her up like a bride, carrying her the rest of the way. "Well, you were quite busy as well, drinking with Accolon," she said, burying her face into his shoulder. "Getting all caught up? I would think that might be awkward under the circumstances."
"What, you think I should be jealous of a king?" he teased. "I would have only been slightly devastated if you'd accepted his proposal, never even knowing you were thinking of me the entire time."
She flushed. "Ah, I see you were getting on quite well then. Gossiping more than women."
"Accolon and I always got on well, he's a good man. He just wanted to be sure there were no hard feelings about the past. The lads, they um, tend to talk, and he would always shut down any talk of you. He also said he knew it was me you loved then," he grinned.
She smiled and rolled her eyes. "He told me this too. He's very perceptive."
"Not as much as you'd think. He didn't know I was trying my best to suppress the feelings I had for you."
"Were you now?" she asked, skeptically, as he put her down in front of her door.
"Of course, I just never allowed myself to think of us as a possibility. That's why Freya…" he trailed off, as they entered her chambers. He lit her candles with a wave of the hand.
"Ah, I see," she smiled sadly, knowing how he'd loved the poor girl. "I would have been happy for you, truly. Even as devastated as I would have been to never be with you, as long as I had your friendship, I could have borne the pain of unrequited love."
"I almost left you though," he said softly, touching her hair reverently. "I almost lost you."
"I almost lost myself to the darkness inside of me," she smiled sadly. "But I think we're stronger because of our journey. We know what we're capable of now, and what we can achieve together."
"That's coming together because of you. The choices you've made."
"The choices we've both made. Those we've loved. Those we've lost. Those that will remain. You forget I see the future. You'll see Freya again, we both will, Our Lady of the Lake," she said, softly. "And much like our friend, Accolon, you should know that she's happy for us. She wanted you to know that. She loves you and she's happy for you."
Merlin clasped his hand over his mouth and breathed deeply, his eyes brimming with tears. He took another deep breath and nodded his head. "Thank you," he whispered, pulling her close.
"You're welcome," she said, holding him tightly.
. . .
"Accolon, what are you doing here?" Evaine whispered, pulling the door closed behind her. "You could wake Ector."
"I had to see you. To tell you I still love you. That I still want you. When I saw you in the courtyard this afternoon, I…" he pulled her close and kissed her deeply.
She pulled away after a few moments. "Accolon, someone could see," she said, looking around in alarm.
"Come, I know these halls better than anyone, I know where we can be alone," he said, leading her down a chamber.