This takes place directly after the events of The Squire's Quest.
Arthur sighed, leaning forward with his elbows on the parapet, staring into the night.
"Sire?" he heard behind him.
"So, Terence, you and Lady Eileen?"
Even without being able to see him, Arthur knew that Terence was blushing.
"How long has that been going on?"
"Um, well, since a few months after we got back from the Green Chapel," Terence muttered nervously.
Arthur let his head fall into his hands. "How could I be so blind?" he muttered. Behind him, Terence moved forward to stand next to Arthur.
"It was not your fault, Arthur. Everyone saw what they expected." Terence paused. "Both with Eileen and I and with Mordred." Arthur winced at the name.
Arthur sighed. "I think I'm getting too old for this."
Terence huffed. "Don't be ridiculous, Arthur."
"But I am! I endangered my people, my country! Everything!"
"Arthur, you made a mistake that anyone could have made." Terence's voice softened. "It is natural to hope."
Arthur sighed again. "Still, at least one good thing came from this whole fiasco."
"What's that?"
Arthur turned to Terence. "Now people know what you have done for me."
Terence blushed again, glancing down at the ground. "You know I don't need recognition, sire."
Arthur chuckled, his hand coming up to rest on Terence's shoulder. "That's exactly why you need it."
They stood there in companionable silence for a while, watching the clouds above them float in front of the moon. Finally, Arthur broke the silence.
"So, you and Lady Eileen. . .?" He asked again, laughing as Terence blushed.
Arthur smiled.
He may have lost his son, but at least he still had his friends.
