Chapter 18

Gawain stalked out of his chamber. Hunger burned in his stomach. Josiane's lecture grated in his ears. Britomart's snootiness and brown nosing begged for Ridicule's scoffing. I cannot even have some fun! What a load of bollocks! I was having fun. A long sigh escaped his lips. I hope Merlin's here. I could use a real mate right about now.

"Gawain!"

Gawain saw the warlock in question walk toward himself. "Merlin! You are here! And no Arthur?" He raised an eyebrow at that notion. "What in blazes is going on?"

"I would like to know the same thing." Merlin grimaced. "Arthur is back in Camelot. Uther exiled Gwen and me. Uther and King Kay of Nemeth want Arthur to marry Princess Mithian." He shook his head.

Gawain curled his lip. A rude snort escaped from his mouth. "Guys like Uther never learn. Too bad for Arthur. He deserves better than…."

"Gawain." Merlin motioned down the passage. "She's right down the passage and…." He saw Mithian step from the chamber. He winced.

"So that's the Princess?" Gawain assessed Mithian. He noted Purpose's effect on her movements. Firmness set her jaw. He shrugged.

"Aye." Mithian cleared her throat. Her eyes met Gawain's. She noted the wrinkles in his shirt and pants. She did not react to his unkempt hair and beard. "And you are the one who insulted my maid?"

"If you mean, Brit, Your Worship, aye that was me." Sauciness prompted Gawain into a rather dramatic yet languid half-bow.

"Gawain." Merlin shook his head. "Not helping."

"Merlin! Come on, Mate! Bad enough Josie's carrying on. Now you're…?" Gawain turned to his friend. His eyes now looked at Merlin in a new light. The eyebrow twitched. He smirked. "Bloody…!" A chuckle escaped his lips.

"What?" Merlin stared at the rogue. Incredulity widened his eyes.

"The day you're whipped, Merlin." Gawain slapped Merlin on the back. "Too bad Arthur's…"

"ENOUGH!" Mithian stomped her foot down (literally). "Do you not have ANY manners, Gawain? I could have you put in irons! Do not question Merlin's loyalty despite his current status! I would not have any rumors about the castle about my loyalty to Nemeth or Prince Arthur either!"

Gawain rolled his eyes. "Lady, when it comes to Merlin, I know better than that! He'll kill himself for Arthur. He is doing the same for you. Brit could learn…."

"Gawain, just apologize to Britomart. We have enough with Cawdor and Mercia right now. Princess Josiane probably said the same thing." Merlin looked at him. Then he turned to Mithian.

She nodded. "He's there, Merlin. I believe we both know I am standing here." She allowed him a fleeting smirk. Her former look returned as her eyes met Gawain's once more.

"Red needs to lighten up." Gawain shook his head. "Bloody stick up her arse!"

"Britomart is loyal. She CARES about her position! She is also my friend as well as my servant! You will apologize!" Fire blazed in Mithian's eyes.

Annoyance flicked Gawain's eyebrow. "Merlin. Come on!"

"Do not look at me. I am in enough trouble of my own." Merlin raised his hands.

"You? What did you do, Merlin?" Surprise elicited a rude snort from Gawain's lips. "I always knew you had it in you…."

"WHAT? NAY! I…." Merlin facepalmed himself. "Just stop…right now."

Mithian sniffed. "Either apologize or I take you to Camelot in irons. I am sure King Uther will deal with you. It is your choice, Gawain." She turned and stalked down the hall toward the far door.

"Best run after her, Merlin. She's a good one. Might be fun." Gawain shrugged off the threat. "So when do we eat?"

Merlin shook his head. Diplomatic Incident hung over everyone's head….