Chapter 5 [A Half Turn of the Hourglass Later]
[Arthur's Chamber]
Arthur sat at his desk. Tedium blurred the documents' text. He rubbed his forehead. Details swamped his mind. He reached for his wine glass.
Wine sloshed and overflowed its containment. Stains darkened his sleeve.
"GEORGE!" Arthur shook his head. He set his jaw. "CAN'T YOU REMEMBER ANYTHING?"
George set a pillow down on the bed. Worry chilled his heart. "What is it, Sire? Perhaps I can…."
"Do you not remember how far to fill a wine goblet?" Arthur cleared his throat. "You don't fill it to the top!" He held up his sleeve. "See that? Now I have to find another top before the meeting with the King!"
George bowed. "At once!" He rushed toward the closet. "I can…."
Arthur held his hand up. "Nay, George. Nay. You may help me dress. I have this." He stomped over to the closet. "Even Merlin would know better than to overfill my bloody goblet!"
George curled his lip behind Arthur's back. How dare he think that peasant is better than me? I'm a hundred times the servant that Merlin is! Indignation frothed up within him.
Arthur took out his second burgundy top. "This will do." He pulled on that garment. "Can you bring my belt and sword, George?"
George composed himself. He straightened himself. The political smile reasserted itself. "Aye, Sire!" He grabbed the belt and sword. He brought it to Arthur's side. "Here it is!"
Arthur rolled his eyes. "I see that! Just buckle it on me."
George pulled the belt around his waist. He tried to buckle it.
Arthur groaned. "WHAT ARE YOU DOING? STOP!" He yanked himself away from the servant. "I have this!" He buckled his own belt. "Just…just…wash my garments! I will deal with it!"
George collected the clothing. He started toward the door. Seeing Leon walk in, he bowed.
Leon watched George disappear into the passage. For a heartbeat, Curiosity wondered about Merlin's whereabouts. He exhaled a sharp breath. "I'm sorry to disturb you."
"Leon, it's quite all right." Arthur's face brightened. "For some reason, the King sacked Merlin and put George as my valet. I'm just trying to keep my patience." He shook his head.
"Speaking of the King, he is waiting for you in the council chamber. Nemeth's ambassador is with him. The King only says it is extremely important that you come at once. Can you come with me please?" Leon cleared his throat.
"Nemeth's ambassador?" Surprise arched Arthur's brow. "Truly so? Hmm…Father has not talked with King Rodor in years." He pulled on his jacket. "Follow me." He led Leon out into the passage and shut the door behind them.
[Council Chamber—A Twelfth Turn of the Hourglass Later]
Aethelwald finished a rather sumptuous breakfast. He savored the ham, cheese and grapes on his plate. He drank deep draughts of Camelot's best vintage. "This is a fine vintage, King Uther. My compliments! I appreciate you having a fine breakfast for me."
Uther nodded to Morgana. "It is our pleasure to share with guests, Lord Aethelwald."
"Indeed, Sire." She smiled. "We are delighted you are here, Sirrah."
"And I appreciate the extra consideration, Lady Morgana." Consideration prompted Aethelwald to look her over one more time. He was taken by Beauty, Charm and Charity in the woman in front of himself. She would be a worthy match for King Kay. "Your Highness, does our lady have any prospects at this time?"
"Why, Lord Aethelwald! Whatever are you getting at?" She cleared her throat. She somehow kept the frown from her face.
"Nay, Lord Aethelwald. I thought the new King had an engagement already?" Uther could see Aethelwald's interest. He was delighted in Arthur's engagement. Still he wanted to forge another alliance for Camelot's fortunes.
"Princess Esmerelda died in the Iberian plague. Alas!" Regret paled Aethelwald's face. "King Kay considers potential matches. The match between Prince Arthur and Princess Mithian will benefit both Camelot and Nemeth."
"Indeed so! Prince Arthur is ready to do his duty to our two kingdoms." Uther raised his goblet. "To our kingdoms!"
"To our kingdoms!" Aethelwald chimed in.
"To our kingdoms and our success!" She raised her own goblet as well. As long as it binds Arthur to Mithian and not Gwen. As soon as this is over, I will get her out of Camelot.
The door opened. "Sire?" Leon stepped in and bowed. "Prince Arthur is here with me. May I show him in?"
"Aye! Of course. This is of vital importance to him and Camelot." Uther stood. "Please show him in, Sir Leon. Then you may go."
Leon bowed. He looked to Arthur and then walked away.
Arthur strode into the room. "Sire?" He nodded to his father. He noted Morgana and Aethelwald alongside the King. "Morgana. And if our guest will forgive me, he seems familiar but…."
"There is nothing to forgive. Lord Aethelwald has not visited Camelot in several years. He is a member of Nemeth's ruling council. Lord Aethelwald, you remember my son, Prince Arthur?" Uther allowed himself a smile.
"Aye, King Uther. I do indeed. Who can forget such a gallant knight?" Aethelwald bowed to Arthur. "Nemeth is honored by him this morning."
"And I…am honored to hear such tidings, Lord Aethelwald." Arthur tried to figure out the reason for this meeting. "We would be honored by your King's presence."
"King Kay will be here within the fortnight if all goes well, Prince Arthur. He is adjusting to his throne. In fact, I am here at his request. It concerns Princess Mithian." Aethelwald smiled. "The King will be delighted that we have agreed upon the Princess' marriage."
"Really?" Arthur recalled his meetings with Mithian from years prior. He recalled her as being more of a tomboy than a proper lady of the court. Rumors had reached his ears concerning her issues on the marriage market. He also knew that Kay and Mithian had never been particularly close. "That's wonderful! Perhaps one of our knights?"
She bowed her head. Her eyes glanced sideways toward Uther. An ever so slight shake of the head.
Uther coughed. "Prince Arthur does not understand his value on Crown Prince, Lord Aethelwald. Surely a young man of that stature should look to marry a proper Princess."
Arthur stiffened. He did not want to embarrass his father, Morgana or Aethelwald. On the other hand, he did not want to marry someone he didn't know much less love. "Sire. That is a…stupendous honor. I am not sure I deserve it."
"Nonsense, my Prince!" Aethelwald turned to Uther. "I can call Prince Arthur that now?"
"Indeed you can, Lord Aethelwald. I will be drafting a letter of acceptance and gratitude shortly after this meeting. Nemeth and Camelot will indeed benefit from this union." Daggers glared from Uther's eyes toward Arthur. He anticipated Arthur's resistance. "There would be no reason to believe otherwise. Would there, Prince Arthur?"
"Father, we should talk before…." Arthur bit his lip. Resentment and Anger burned in his own eyes. He didn't want to insult Kay or Mithian. Really he didn't.
"I believe I know what's best for Camelot and you. You are embarrassing me." Uther hissed between grinding teeth.
"And I should have been consulted…." Arthur allowed to slip out. Pain stabbed at his heart.
"Should have…?" Uther brought his fist down on the table. "I AM YOUR KING! YOUR MARRIAGE IS A STATE MATTER!" Sarcasm rolled his eyes. "You believe that we marry for love? How truly naïve! Nay. Peasants marry for love, Arthur! We marry for our realms and duty!"
Arthur got down on his knees. "Sire, with due respect, I cannot…."
Uther curled his lip. "YOU CAN AND YOU WILL! YOU ARE PRINCE ARTHUR OF CAMELOT NOT SOME COMMON CHURL! NOW APOLOGIZE TO LORD AETHELWALD AND ACCEPT THE MARRIAGE! THAT IS YOUR DUTY!"
She watched the brewing episode between the three men. Behind their backs, an almost serpentine glimmer of the eyes and smirk. Anticipation had deduced this exact outcome indeed. Morgause couldn't have arranged this any better!
Aethelwald quailed. He didn't want to return to Kay without the treaty in hand. "King Uther, might I say something on the Princess' behalf?" He bowed as low as he could manage to reemphasize respect for both Uther and Arthur.
"Of course. I am terribly sorry you have to witness my son's misunderstanding." Uther smiled. He stepped back. "Please go ahead."
"Thank you, Your Highness." Aethelwald turned to Arthur. "Prince Arthur, I say this with due respect. King Kay has known you directly and by reputation for many years. He regards your father and you very highly. Princess Mithian, in spite of her rough edges, is a fine Queen in the making. She is very experienced at court matters. She assisted our late King Rodor on his council. She cares a great deal for our subjects. She expressed a desire directly to me that she looks forward to extending the same care to Camelot and your subjects. She looks forward to meeting you as well." He bowed to Arthur as well.
"Well spoken, Lord Aethelwald! I appreciate your consideration. I believe Princess Mithian will be a valued addition to our court!" Uther agreed.
Arthur kept his eyes averted to the floor. He understood the ramifications of refusal. He also knew there was no other option. He's making sure I cannot be with Gwen. He pardoned her. Still he knows I will not let her go. He knew Uther's seal on the treaty bound him and the two kingdoms to an ironclad agreement. "If that is all…."
"Nay, Arthur, it is not. You will marry Princess Mithian. I will not offend King Kay or Lord Aethelwald any further." Uther shook his head. "Get out of my sight! Before Lord Aethelwald leaves, you will apologize! GUARDS!"
Two knights hustled into the room. They bowed to Uther.
"Escort the Prince back to his chambers. He is not to leave there for anything. I will speak to him later." Uther shook his head.
The knights bowed again. They looked to Arthur.
"You heard the King." Arthur led the knights out of the room.
Aethelwald frowned. Despite his words to Uther, he knew both sides faced similar situations. Much like Arthur, she'd argued with her King about love and its place in a marriage. Still his observations about Mithian had been true. She would care for her subjects. She wouldn't shirk her duty either. Why did King Kay send her here if there's so much resistance? I pray she will convince the Prince.
"Once again, I apologize, Lord Aethelwald. Now come. I can assure King Kay and you that all is still on course. I will make sure Prince Arthur accepts the marriage." Uther gulped down another draught of wine.
"Of course. I understand, Your Highness. I only wish to serve King Kay and you." Aethelwald bowed. "Might I rest a while? You understand that the journey is very long especially with the south bridge washed out."
"Oh? I was not aware of that." Uther sighed. "I will send a patrol to attend to that at once. I would not inconvenience the Princess in any way."
"I believe her retinue follows the northern route, Sire. They left at sunrise for here. All will be well. I appreciate the meal and your hospitality." Aethelwald smiled.
"I would be delighted to show Lord Aethelwald to his quarters, Sire," she offered.
"That would be very kind of you, Morgana. Thank you. It is two doors down from your own chamber. I trust your maid will have had everything ready?" Uther smiled.
"She will, Sire." She nodded to him. She held her hand over the visitor's wine. "Perhaps he'd like to finish his wine first?" She emptied the vial into Aethelwald's goblet when Uther turned his head.
"I would like that! Thank you." Aethelwald accepted the goblet. He drained it and set it back on the table. "That is most refreshing! My thanks, Lady Morgana, and Your Highness!" He bowed once again. Then he followed her from the chamber.
Uther tapped his fingers on the table. Relief warmed him over Gwen's sacking from her previous position. He wanted her as far away from Arthur as possible. Despite Gaius' sadness over Merlin, he had to say the same about the boy. Those two have influenced Arthur. It was time to curb that! He strode from the chamber. A letter needed to be written.
Politics would proceed whether his son wanted them to or not….