Chapter 3 [Another Sixth Hourglass Turn—Royal Dining Chamber]
Uther sat at his banquet table. His fork stabbed at the plate's meat and placed it in his mouth. His mind sought to digest recent events pertaining to Arthur. He flouts the rules of Chivalry and the Knight's Code! He shook his head. "That maid and the servant boy." He frowned. Despite Gwen's pardon, he still wished to sack her. The boy, Merlin, spoke far too freely around his son. He held too much influence over Arthur's thinking. He acted more like an advisor and knight rather than a servant.
Nay…that would have to stop.
He tapped his fingers on the table. He knew Gaius felt close to Merlin. Surely he did not want to disappoint his old friend and physician. True allies in the war against magic were hard to come by after all. He recognized Merlin's loyalty. Still, he'd heard that the boy spent more time at the tavern of all things….
I should tell Gaius when he returns from the provinces. Arthur needs to learn to act like a proper Prince! He must understand where his duty lies. Uther sighed.
A knock broke into his thinking.
"Aye? Who is it?" Uther called out.
"Sire?" Morgana peered inside of the chamber. "Might I join you for breakfast? I am sorry to intrude."
"Nonsense, Morgana!" His disposition brightened. "Please come in!" He breathed in a composing breath. He motioned to the steward. "Bring in a plate for the Lady Morgana."
The servant bowed. He scurried from the area.
"Thank you, my Lord. I was not able to sleep. I wanted to spend some time with you." She offered Duty's nod and took her seat.
He frowned. "I hope it is not more of those nightmares. With Gaius gone, I do not know where to get the elixir."
"Nay, Sire. I am well. I have a great deal on my mind." She palmed the vial in her hand. "What are we eating this morning?"
"Sausages and potatoes. I believe it used to be your favorite breakfast." Uther grinned. "I am glad you are past those nightmares. It troubled me when you suffered with them." He heard another knock at the door. "Now who?" He glared at the door.
She moved quickly. In under a heartbeat, she eased four pink drops into his wine. Then she concealed the vial once more. "It is the breakfast perhaps?"
"Perhaps." He raised the goblet. "I would not keep you waiting a moment longer, my Dear." He took a draught. "Enter!"
The servant hustled back to the table. "Here is your breakfast, Milady. I trust you still like grapes and oranges?"
"Why yes! That is very thoughtful! Thank you so much!" She allowed the servant a warm smile and expression.
Uther nodded. "Indeed. I am most glad to see such initiative." He rubbed his forehead. "That is curious. I felt fine before." He motioned to her plate. "Please eat, Morgana. I shall be fine."
"Sire, shall I have the messenger wait then? He has come from Nemeth." The servant bowed.
"Nemeth?" Uther frowned. Bile burned at his stomach and throat. "What does Rodor wish to challenge me on now? Camelot will not give up its claim to the Gedref! He should be grateful I do not force him to punish more sorcerers." He drank another mouthful of wine. "I shall see him."
The servant bowed and hustled toward the door.
"Sire, perhaps we should postpone this discussion? You seem most unwell." She rubbed his left hand. "It must be serious for this man to ride so far."
"Perhaps. We shall see." Uther narrowed his eyes. "Please eat your food before it gets cold. I wish you to enjoy it."
"Aye. Thank you." She bit into her sausage. The spices pleased her palate. "These are always quite good."
"They are indeed." Uther mulled over the nagging questions once more. "Morgana, might I ask for your opinion?"
"Aye of course!" She drank from her own goblet. "Whatever I can do to assist, Sire." She knew the tincture weakened his will. She prepared for her opportunity.
"It concerns two of our servants, Merlin and Guinevere." He shook his head. "I fear they are influencing Arthur."
"Sire, truly?" She restrained her enthusiasm. Rather Tact offered the best way. "They have worked so hard for us over the years. Prince Arthur trusts them. Perhaps it would be time for a new manservant? The girl, Penelope, is hard working and very nice. She can learn to do Gwen's job. Merlin could return to Ealdor and care for his mother." She scooped more potatoes and put some in her mouth. "Our servant met my needs very well. I am quite sure Arthur would be pleased with him."
Uther nodded. "And it does not trouble you to see Guinevere leave your service? I was given to believe that you and she were quite close."
"Aye, Sire! Gwen is my dear friend. Still, given that nasty business between Arthur and her, do we not have to put Camelot before our personal feelings?" She sold the point further with another shrug of her shoulders.
"Indeed!" Uther slapped the table. "I wish Arthur would feel that way. Despite his protests to the contrary, I know he still cares for that servant." Disgust crinkled his features. "I appreciate your sacrifice for the good of the realm, Morgana. I shall not forget this."
"Whatever Camelot and her people need is always my priority." She bowed her head. Disdain, however, ate at her stomach. "I shall make sure she has a nice departure. I would hate to run into Arthur on the way."
"I'll keep him occupied." Uther leaned back in his seat. He watched the servant rush back toward them. "What is your name?"
"My name?" The servant quaked. He bowed at the waist. "I am George, Sire."
"George." Uther nodded. He allowed the name to weigh on his tongue and mind. "You have pleased the Lady Morgana and me very much. I am promoting you."
"Promoting…me?" George bit his lip. Enthusiasm and Nerves threatened to bowl his legs out from under himself. "I live to serve you, Sire! This is a stupendous honor! Thank you! You shall see!"
"Aye. I am sure you will. Please bring the messenger in. Then you are to go directly to Prince Arthur's quarters and inform him of my decision. Morgana, do you require anything else?" Uther looked to her.
"Nay. George has met my needs very well." She smiled toward George. And in forcing Merlin out, you will do quite nicely, you Oaf!
"Thank you, my Lady!" Sire!" George bowed several times. Then he rushed out the door. He nearly tripped on the threshold. Then he caught himself to face a slender elderly man. "King Uther will see you, Sirrah." He bowed to the visitor.
"Thank you." The messenger straightened his emerald robes. He cleared his throat. His knees clicked with each step across the granite floor. His eyes surveyed the dining hall. He remembered every detail from Rodor's visit decades earlier. He stopped several steps from the table. His hand removed the hat from his head. He bowed low to the two royals. "Good morrow, King Uther and Milady. Thank you for the audience. I apologize for disturbing your meal."
"Nonsense, Lord Athelwald! You have always been a courteous and dutiful advisor for King Rodor." Uther leaned back in his chair. He noted Regret's presence in Aethelwald's eyes. "I must say this is a most unexpected visit. We were not expecting an embassy from Whitgate."
"I hope everything is well." Morgana put on Sympathy's best mask for effect. She modulated her tone perfectly to convince the others of her intent.
"Thank you for asking, my Lady. King Rodor passed away three days ago in his sleep. King Kay now rules in Whitgate. He wants to bring Camelot and Nemeth closer, Your Highness. I have an offer from my King for you." Aethelwald brought out a parchment scroll.
"An offer?" Intrigue tugged at Uther. He'd coveted the Gedref in its entirety. He'd wanted to bring Whitgate's policies into line with Camelot's. Rumors had reached his ears of Rodor's allowing sorcerers to hide within Nemeth's borders. He motioned for the scroll. "Thank you. Let us see what King Kay wishes to offer us."
"Perhaps it is a great treasure, Sire?" She sipped from her wine.
"I trust Kay would not send Lord Aethelwald all of this way with anything less, Morgana." Uther broke the seal and opened the scroll. His eyes read its contents. "Well now! This is great news indeed!" He set the scroll down on the table. "This offer would solve many issues, Lord Aethelwald. Princess Mithian would be a suitable match for Prince Arthur."
"My King will be pleased to hear of your approval, King Uther." Aethelwald bowed to the two royals. Along with his fellow counsellors, he wanted an end to Mithian's presence in the Council's proceedings and in the throne room. Kay, he and the other older advisors wanted an end to magical tolerance. "Then this will be acceptable?"
She smiled. A slight nod moved her head up and down. She admired how well Morgause's plan played its tune on the men around them. Mithian will be forced to act appropriately here. Whatever. As long as the headstrong tom boy can force Gwen from Camelot, she will suit my purposes. She remembered Mithian's struggles with Expectation's standards on earlier visits between the two kingdoms. "I am sure Princess Mithian will serve alongside Prince Arthur. This is a most advantageous match."
"Indeed!" Uther stood. "Will you follow me to my scriptorium, Lord Aethelwald? I agree to these terms. I will sign and seal the document. Then perhaps, I can offer you some refreshment?"
"Thank you, King Uther. That is most generous. Please lead the way." Aethelwald bowed to Morgana. "My Lady Morgana."
"Morgana, please excuse us." Uther cleared his throat. "This matter must be tended to immediately."
"Of course, Sire! I understand." She bowed her head to him. "We can continue our conversation later. In the meantime, I shall finish my meal and find Penelope."
"That would be suitable. Thank you, Morgana. I shall make it up to you at dinner." Uther turned and led their guest from the chamber.
She savored Cuisine's and Plans' respective feasts in front of herself. "Aye. Please do…Father." She toasted the open door and drank down her wine. She rose from the chair and walked out toward the passage.
Triumph beckoned and she wanted a front row seat….