Disclaimer: Sadly, I do not own King Arthur.

A few days had passed since her talk (and subsequent anger) with Lancelot and Amelia kind of felt bad about her behavior now. Taking her anger out on the very man who'd rescued wasn't exactly polite or even proper for that matter. She should be grateful. She should be - a clinking and clashing of metal against metal caught her attention and she was drawn to her window. It wasn't the more modern crystal clear surface she was used to and even though it was extremely blurry she could still make things out, sort of.

Right now it kind of looked like two men were dueling each other. Or maybe the knights were having a bit of fun. During her first few days here she learned they liked to pass the time by besting one another, keeping their skills sharp or something like that. Her thoughts were interrupted by a light knock on her door. Turning towards the door she cleared her throat, "Come in."

Illyanna opened the door with a smile. "The King and Queen have sat down for dinner. I was sent to fetch you, miss."

"I'm not very hungry, Illyanna, but thank you." She replied, however her stomach had different ideas and chose that moment to let it's hunger be known.

The servant stepped into the room, hesitated and spoke. "You haven't eaten since yesterday morning and even then it was just a few pieces of cheese. The last time you had a full plate of food was your first breakfast here." Pointing out her lack of appetite didn't seem to have an impact and so the younger girl chose a different route, "Please don't send me back there to tell them you've refused yet another meal. The King is getting more upset. He thinks Sir Lancelot has said something to offend you and I fear he may take action." It was a lie but how else was she supposed to get her to eat than to guilt her into it?

Amelia sighed, lightly chewing on her bottom lip. "Okay, okay, I get it. I'll come down for dinner." She said and followed Illyanna to the dining hall. No matter how many times she walked these halls, sat in these rooms or admired the architecture it would never ceased to amaze her how beautiful the castle was.

When she entered the dining hall three pairs of eyes looked up to stare at her, looking away only when she sat down at the table. This time, however, she was seated next to the Queen while Lancelot sat next to the King on his other side talking in hushed voices. A plate full of meat, cheese and bread was placed in front of her along with a cup of ale. Expecting it to be water she eagerly took a large gulp only to be surprised and spray it back out in a spectacular display of unlady like fashion. Unfortunately it was Lancelot she managed to hit. Covering her mouth with her hand in shock she careful set the goblet back down on the table as she stared at him, the look on his face was priceless. He seemed to have been in mid sentence, mouth wide open when her outburst happened, the ale had thoroughly dampened his hair and now ran down his face in little rivers, settling and soaking into his tunic.

She couldn't help it, she laughed. A loud, hard and deep within her belly kind of laugh. It was so infectious even Guinevere and Arthur started laughing. Guinevere was more subtle, light. While Arthur was booming, echoing along the walls. Illyanna finally rushed forward and began mopping up the ale with cloths. Handing some over to the stunned Knight who was only just now coming out of his shock.

When everything calmed down Arthur slapped a large hand on Lancelot's back, a smile on his face. "Now that we are all relaxed, I'd like to discuss Amelia's lessons with everyone."

Lancelot briefly caught Amelia's eye before beating her to the punch and asking, "What Lessons?"

The smile never left Arthur's face as he turned to Lancelot. "With you. I've already arranged it. You'll be teaching Amelia here how to ride and properly defend herself. According to my wife.." He took a moment to pause and look over at Guinevere who smiled in return before continuing. "..Amelia will be staying with us for an unknown amount of time. With that in mind she needs proper lessons. Riding a horse, how to use a sword and you dear friend, will be her teacher."

Amelia raised a brow. Lessons. Horse riding? Sword fighting? Had they all lost their minds? "I don't want to-"

"I'll do it." Lancelot said, accepting Arthur's idea or rather orders.

"But I just said I don't wa-"

"Great. You can begin tomorrow."

And with that Arthur stood, offering his arm to Guinevere who stood as well. Lancelot stood, giving the smallest bow of his head. He didn't sit back down until the doors closed behind them.

Amelia crossed her arms, staring at Lancelot. "Do any of you ever listen to what the woman wants?"

"No. Not really. Unless it's in bed, which I'd be more than happy to demonstrate with you if you would like." He replied, grinning.

"...Not really, no. Thank you though, such a generous offer."

Lancelot smiled now, "It is generous and you are most welcome."

Amelia ignored him, "Why do you do that? Stand when they leave?"

"Sign of respect. They are after all my King and Queen. Don't you stand and bow to your King and Queen?"

"We don't have Kings and Queens in my country."

"Why not?"

"Because.. it's not a monarchy. It's a democracy. We have a President and you can't possibly pay me enough money to bow to him."

"This President pays his subjects to bow to him?" His pronunciation of President was more along the lines of Presi and don't put together. Cute but wrong.

"No.. no he doesn't. Nobody bows to him."

"They should show more respect."

"Respect is earned."

"Are you always like this?"

"Like what?"

"Consumed. Like there's a fire burning within your very soul. Like.."

"Intense? Passionate in what I believe or say or do? Yes. I am."

He nodded, seeming to think for a moment. "You'll enjoy tomorrows lesson. We can start at first light. Are you finished?" He asked, gesturing to her plate. Looking down she was surprised to find just a bone from the meat and bits of crumbs left. She had eaten and didn't even notice.

"Yes, I'm done."

He waved Illyanna over who began to clean everything up while he stood and offered Amelia his arm. "I'll walk you to your room."

They walked in comfortable silence and when they reached her door he stopped her form going in just yet.

"I'm sorry, about the other day, if I said anything to truly upset you." He apologized.

Amelia shook her head, a small smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. "There's no need to apologize. I think I was just upset about.. other things and you happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. If anything, I'm sorry for my behavior. I'm sorry about tonight too with the drink, I thought it was going to be water."

Lancelot smiled, "Apology accepted." Taking her hand he bowed at the waist and placed a kiss to the back of her hand. "Goodnight, Amelia." He said as he straightened back up.

"Goodnight, Lancelot." She replied, the smile that had been begging for purchase now rested comfortably in place. She watched him walk away before quietly slipping into her room.

Author Note:

Dear Readers,

I hope you've enjoyed this chapter, many more to come! (Check back tomorrow for Chapter 5, my gift to you!)

Be sure to check back next week as I will be posting a new chapter on Wednesday, January 29nd.

Please let me know what you think by following the story, adding it to your favorites or leaving me a review!

Thanks for reading!

XoXo
W.S.