Chapter 25 [Merlin's Bedchamber]
Merlin grimaced. His fingertips brushed up against Quilt's and Mattress' softness. Pillow cushioned his face. "Mmm…." His eyes blurred back into focus. "What?" He pulled himself up into a sitting position.
All around himself, the chamber remained as it had been prior to his slumber.
So was it all a dream? He stretched his arms. His legs worked inch by inch toward the floor. He stood in a herky jerky fashion. Tension had disappeared. Giddiness seemed to warm him for some reason. That must've been some dream. He rolled his eyes.
It was no dream, Balinor's Son.
Malodius? Merlin froze stock still. Shock widened his eyes and slackened his jaw. What do you mean?
Open the door and allow me inside, my Prince.
Your…what? Merlin rubbed his forehead. He hustled across the floor. His hand pulled the door open to find the Great Lion awaiting him. Malodius? He stepped aside allowing the other to enter.
Thank you. Malodius swung his tail to and fro. His eyes scanned the chamber. He bowed before his host. How little everything seems to have changed. Yet all is changing. Would you not say, Dragon?
Indeed. How like Merlin to be lost in a dream. Yet he will not consider its deeper meanings. Kilgarrah snarked.
Merlin frowned. His mind struggled with the dream vision. Detail and Horror overwhelmed him from the goddess' warnings. Juxtaposed to that, the notion that Mithian had proposed…nay begged him…to marry her and rule beside her in Whitgate. He trudged to the water jug. "Empty." He set the wooden vessel back on the table.
You can change that. Call and it shall be done, Malodius urged.
Prince Arthur's engaged to the Princess! I cannot step in. I would…if… Frustration slammed his fist down on the table.
If what, Merlin? Kilgarrah let the point hang in the air for a heartbeat. Then he continued, Uther and Kay made that arrangement. They have passed beyond the Veil. Neither the Young Pendragon or Princess Mithian want that marriage. I believe that they have both made their views clear on the matter? Arthur wants the girl, Guinevere, as his Queen. Mithian has set her sights on you, Young Warlock. They are both the next in line to their respective thrones. The treaties were never consummated in the marriage bed. Therefore it is null and void.
Malodius narrowed his eyes. Distaste unsettled Stomach and Sensibilities. Crude, Dragon, but valid points nonetheless. Besides, even the goddess' will and prerogative overrules two mortal rulers. She approves of your feelings, my Prince. We all know your worth.
So…umm…this is not a love spell then? Or like that? Merlin had seen love spells at work. He had pulled Arthur and Uther out of such things. The situation certainly seemed that way. Coercion or a simple shove might have seemed right up the goddess' alley of sorts.
Nay, Merlin. I believe I know how you are under such circumstances. You are not one to readily fall in love. Yet do you not remember your feelings for the Druid girl? It was not much different than what you are feeling now for Princess Mithian. In fact, your heart and hers know their match. Listen to that. Feel it, Kilgarrah reminded him.
A knock came from the door.
"Now what?" Merlin opened it to find Britomart waiting with a water jug. "Good morning, Britomart. I hope that's water. I am out in here and…."
Britomart grimaced. "Good morning. I meant to get here sooner." She curtseyed. "I was helping Princess Mithian. Let me swap out the water jugs, my Prince. And…"
Merlin raised his hand. "You called me your Prince?"
"Aye." Confusion quirked her eyebrow. "Princess Mithian told me. You accepted her proposal in front of the goddess. Princess Josiane is very happy. Even that oaf, Gawain, will not stop bragging about it." Crimson streaked her cheeks. "May I speak frankly?"
"Of course. Please do." Merlin watched her set up the new jug and take the old one.
Britomart smiled. "Thank you for bringing joy to the Princess. I have known her since we were both children. Others have scorned her. You are different. You have a kind heart. You serve as a matter of instinct. You care about her and the rest of us genuinely. I am glad you are to be her husband and our King." She curtseyed again. "I just wish you could teach that oaf some manners."
"We told him to apologize." Merlin rolled his eyes. "Britomart, I am sorry. I…."
"He did…in his irreverent way." She made a face. "I want to show him that I am not just some bootlicker! Ugh!"
Malodius snarled at her. He motioned with his head toward Merlin.
Merlin raised his hand again to the lion. "Nay. It is all right. Britomart is speaking out of love for the Princess. Gawain embarrassed her yesterday. That is her frustration talking."
"Thank you for understanding. You are making my point for me, Milord." Britomart picked up the chipped cup. "I will refill it."
"Thank you." Merlin rubbed the back of his neck. "Is the Princess awake and dressed? I'd like to talk with her."
"She is. I believe she is about to leave for breakfast. You might catch her there. Will you not be downstairs with her?" Britomart walked toward the door.
"I wanted to greet her. I trust in this. I just wanted to confirm it with Princess Mithian. What are her favorite flowers?" Merlin picked up an empty wooden vase.
"Liliacs and white roses. Why?" She considered him with care.
Canary flashed in Merlin's eyes. The aforementioned flowers appeared in the vase. "I think Princess Mithian will like these. Can you lead on, Britomart?"
"Certainly, my Prince. If you will follow me?" She waited for him by the door. Admiration elicited a nod. She will never believe this!
Go and reassure Milady, my Prince. Very well done. Malodius left the chamber.
Follow your heart, Merlin. Do your duty to the goddess and Britannia, Kilgarrah concluded.
Maybe I can understand these changes too? Merlin stepped out of the chamber. He watched her close the door and then start down the passage toward the Princess' room.
Transitions and Changes indeed….