Chapter 26 [Mithian's Chamber]

Sol's beamsstreamed through the window. Morning's Light brightened and warmed the air. Lavender wafted through the air. Blue skies stretched out to the Horizon's edge and beyond.

Natura's beauty reflected to the person therein….

Water quenched Thirst's hold on Mithian's throat. Her eyes watched a few sea birds outside. She loved how the gulls soared and glided on Ocean's breeze. Concerns lay leagues behind them. Freedom buoyed their transit.

Her heart soared in much the same way…

Merlin said aye! He really said it! Delight squealed through her lips. Despite Kay's wishes, she had Britannia's best man. Kings, princes, knights and others could take the back bench as far as she was concerned. Her fiancé had magic. He was a sorcerer. He was a dragon lord. He knew how to run a household. His heart overflowed with warmth toward everyone. He treated her like a woman rather than a tool.

Merlin…now her special servant, equal, friend. Soon to be husband, partner and King…

…unless Invasions destroyed Hope's bastions first…

Cawdor and Mercia at the same time? A grimace soured her mood. Meleagant still wants me for his bed. Revulsion evoked a shudder from her shoulders. Memoria well recalled the Red Knight's leers in Lust's service. Her skin practically crawled. Cenred was not much better either. And who was this sorceress with him?

A knock jarred her from Reverie's grasp. "Aye?"

Galahad opened the door. "Begging your pardon, Milady. Merlin wishes to see you."

Her eyebrow arched. "Of course! Merlin is part of our family now, Sir Galahad. Please allow him in once."

Galahad narrowed his eyes. Part of our family? Merlin is a peasant without a country! What is going on? He strode over to the door. "Merlin, the Princess will see you now." Suspicion regarded Merlin and the vase and flowers in his hand.

"Thanks, Sir Galahad." Merlin offered a slight nod of the head to the First Knight. Nerves jarred about in his stomach. Chills shot up and down his spine. "Princess, good morning." He bowed to her. "In honor of a great morning, I thought you might like these."

Appreciation and Gratitude warmed her heart. "Why, Merlin! How did you know lilacs and roses are my favorite flowers?" She sniffed deeply of the blooms. We are all so overwhelmed. He still remembers to do something like this? Ecstasy threatened to raise her to the ceiling.

"I…uh…asked Britomart. She knows your tastes best. Right?" Relief eased Merlin's mind in that regard. "I could've guessed. I wanted it to be extra special."

"And this is truly special, Merlin. You do amaze." Warmth twinkled in her eyes. She set the vase over on the night table. "I appreciate your consideration."

"It's not too much for…well…the morning after our…?" Merlin started.

Indignation flared in Galahad. "Morning after what?" He drew his sword. "WHAT DID YOU DO?"

Malodius roared in challenge. He rushed in from the passage. He inserted himself between knight and the engaged couple. His eyes narrowed.

She curled her lip. "GALAHAD, SHEATH YOUR SWORD! NOW! HOW DARE YOU THREATEN YOUR PRINCE AND FUTURE KING?"

"Prince? Future King?" Hesitation locked Galahad in place. His eyes moved back and forth between the others. Queries flooded through his mind. "Mi…Milady, there is the agreement with Camelot! You are engaged!" He saw Malodius step back and bow before Merlin. "What madness?"

She sucked in a deep breath. "We had an agreement. We will say more at breakfast. Needless to say, Prince Arthur and I are free to choose our own partners. I will speak to Lord Aethelwald when we reach Camelot."

"Only Kings Uther and Kay can underdo that, Princess. Forgive me but…." Galahad frowned.

Merlin sighed. "Sir Galahad, I assure you. I have not done anything to dishonor the Princess or Nemeth. I want your respect not disdain. Princess Mithian proposed to me last night. I accepted. The rest you will hear downstairs. Now you follow us downstairs?"

"I…follow…?" Galahad ground his teeth. "Princess Mithian, this is most…!"

She raised an eyebrow. "Sir Galahad, I assure you that it is not irregular. We have received the gravest of news from Whitgate and Camelot. Now follow your Prince and me. Merlin, come with me." She marched out of the chamber.

Merlin frowned. "Sorry." He hustled in her wake.

Malodius jerked his head toward the door. Disrespect like that was not to be tolerated even from Galahad.

What in the goddess' name is this? Lord Aethelwald has an agreement! King Uther and King Kay will never accept this! Galahad marched out after the others.

Conflict loomed in the dining chamber….