Chapter 29 [Arthur's Chamber]
Dread washed over Arthur. Insomnia had kept him awake all night. Distress cut at his heart. His meals from the previous night and that morning remained untouched. Reports and other documents awaited his attention at the desk.
He could care less….
His eyes never left the window. Actually, they watched the plaza and the cobblestoned route leading into it. He followed the passersby going about their daily affairs. Knights went about their patrols. Courtiers scurried here and there. Sometimes he'd see Gwen in his mind's eye. He leaned out the window and follow the maid in question…
…but it wasn't his Gwen….
He waited for Uther to reappear with the Nemethian party and the knights. Given that they were coming back from the border, he expected them by late afternoon at the very earliest. He knew within the week, Marriage's ball and chain would manacle his heart. Duty would demand Amor's banishment from the kingdom.
"Sire?" George peered in. Caution taught him to creep around the forlorn Prince. Delicacy required not blurting out things. How did that peasant ever work with Prince Arthur as long as he did? A rude snort escaped his lips.
"Hmm?" Arthur turned to find George standing there. "Oh. George." He steeled himself for more stiff upper lip and polishing jokes. "What is it? Whatever it is, it can wait."
"It is nothing, Sire. I can have the kitchen warm something else up?" George bit his lip at the untouched food. If there was one thing he hated more than unpolished silver or untidy rooms, it was wasted food. He collected the dishes. "Might I refresh your wine?"
"Nay, George. The goblet is fine as it is. You may leave me." Arthur dismissed him with a wave of his hand.
George collected the plates. He left the chamber and headed toward the stairs. He watched Morgana and Gaius leading Mithian up the stairs. "Milady." He bowed to Morgana.
Acknowledgement coaxed a nod from Morgana. "The Prince is not eating, George?"
George glanced back toward the Prince's chamber. "Sadly nay he is not, Milady. I have tried bringing different foods. Perhaps you might know more, Gaius?"
Gaius shook his head. "I am not aware of any ailment, George. Thank you for raising the point. The Prince is dealing with melancholy and depression. Perhaps you might leave him to his thoughts?"
"Aye/" George repressed a shrug. He bowed and skulked away down the stairs.
Mithian sighed. "I am the source of his depression." She raised an eyebrow. "That is a most welcoming thought."
"You did not do anything, Princess. Any woman Uther brings other than Gwen would get the same response." Morgana frowned. She pressed on up the stairs.
Mithian nodded. Two days earlier, Anger and Indignation would've frothed inside of her. Resentment would've blinded Reason. Now, however, Relief lightened her own mood. At least Arthur would listen to her proposal of sorts. She followed the others up the stairs and to the chamber in question.
Sir Mortimer stood at attention. "Lady Morgana! It is a pleasure! I am sorry. The King has forbidden the Prince from receiving visitors."
Impatience pushed a snort past Morgana's lips. "Even his own ward? Even Prince Arthur's fiancée?" She motioned toward the door. "Open the door." Fire blazed in her eyes at him.
"Aye." Mortimer unlocked the door and opened it.
"Thank you," Mithian expressed. She rolled her eyes at Morgana's heavy handed tactics. She stepped into the chamber. "Good morrow, Prince Arthur. Are you simply going to look out the window all day?"
"Milady, please." Gaius frowned. "Sire?"
Arthur bristled. The visitor's impertinence raised an eyebrow. Gaius' return prompted other questions. "Nay, Gaius. Let her have her point." He ground his teeth. He turned to find Mithian dressed in her best yellow dress and a glittering tiara in her hair. "My apologies, Lady. And you are?"
Mithian smirked. "I am Princess Mithian of Nemeth…your fiancée. Am I inconveniencing you?"
YES! YOU ARE! Arthur's heart screamed.
BE QUIET! WE HAVE OUR DUTY! Arthur's brain bellowed back.
Surprise stiffened him. "You are the Princess Mithian?"
Mirth twinkled in Mithian's eye. "I believe I have been since the day of my birth, Prince Arthur." She glanced about the chamber. She wrinkled her nose. "Perhaps that servant…what was his name?"
"George, Princess." Arthur glanced toward the door. "Princess I am most sorry." He noticed the chamber pot filled to the brim. Merlin would've emptied it by now…if he did not trip over it first. He shook his head. "I am training a new servant."
"Merlin was his former servant before his exile," Morgana explained to Mithian. She inspected the chamber. Dichotomy greeted her eyes. She beheld Silver's polish and Floor's cleanliness. Still the unmade bed and full chamber pot elicited Sarcasm's stare.
"Merlin ran into some difficulties at the end." Arthur cleared his throat. "We had to sack him and another servant a few days ago. Their replacements are learning."
Mithian regarded the overflowing goblet. "I should say so! I cannot see Merlin allowing such things."
"Merlin?" Mithian's remark grabbed Arthur's attention. "You know him?"
"Aye. We met on the north road by the border last night. He was very nice." Mithian smiled. "He even saved my life."
"Merlin? Save your life?" Arthur scoffed. "He can barely keep from tripping over his own boots. I'd like to have seen that."
"Oh I assure you he did, Arthur. I was there." Morgana cleared her throat. "He actually defeated Dynwald of Cawdor by himself."
"He…what?" Disbelief forced Arthur to swallow hard. He grimaced. "Gaius? Did you…?"
"I only heard of it myself." Worry and Frustration once again reddened Gaius' face. Lecture brewed in his head for Merlin upon their next meeting. What were you thinking, Merlin? Please tell me you did not use your magic!
Arthur knew Dynwald from a few tournaments and aborted treaty talks. He'd witnessed Dynwald annihilate skilled knights with little effort. He'd seen Dynwald spar with Meleagant in a training courtyard without a scratch. "Perhaps, Gaius, I should send you to him? Despite his exile, I do not want him dead."
"I can assure you that Merlin is quite well, Prince Arthur," Mithian replied. "Perhaps we might close the door for privacy?"
"Huh? Oh!" Arthur trudged across the chamber. He pushed the door shut. "You have seen him since?"
"Indeed I have. I left him this morning. He is quite the character." Mithian coughed. Her heart skipped as she said those words. "Amazing. He has nary a scratch on him from that duel."
"Not a scratch. Merlin? HAH!" Arthur guffawed half-seriously. "Next you will tell me he faced Meleagant himself?"
Amusement spread its smirk across Mithian's face. "You really have no idea what he does, do you? He follows you and the knights onto the battlefield. You remember the battle years ago at Shalott?"
"Aye I was there." Arthur shook his head. "Meleagant should have defeated us. What did Merlin do? Beg him like a girl not to press his claim to Nemeth or you? Princess, it's Merlin."
Mithian coughed. "He stepped between Meleagant and my brother. He took a blow in the shoulder. I saw the scar."
Arthur scoffed. "Gaius! Are you listening to this?"
Gaius frowned. He remembered watching Merlin limp off into the woods near Shalott. He saw the manor's lady, Linora, touch Merlin's shoulder. Her healing magic reset the afflicted limb. "Aye, Sire. It is true. The lady would have healed him completely if the knights had allowed it."
Arthur scowled. "She was using sorcery on him!" He snorted. "Father was right to do what he did."
Mithian slapped her hand on the table. "Prince Arthur, Lady Linora was a kind and compassionate soul! She used her magic to heal people! She did not have a mean bone in her body even toward those who executed her. My father regretted that act until his death. I understand there are those who use magic for evil ends. They should be reined in and dealt with. But perhaps…"
"Perhaps what?" Arthur allowed a hard breath through his teeth. "Princess Mithian, you do realize that magic is evil. It is responsible for my mother's death. Father would lecture you soundly for what you just said. You just arrived so I will let it go."
Indignation burned in Mithian's heart. She forced the Mask of State to remain firmly fixed in place. "Perhaps. Merlin is alive because of sorcery. So are you and I. Consider that." She tapped the table.
"I am what? Princess…." Arthur gulped from his goblet. Wine overflowed its banks soaking his sleeve anew. He grimaced. "I do not have to put up with this! I will tell Father about your attitude. That will be enough to stop these negotiations!"
"I have heard enough. There will be no marriage between us." Mithian set her jaw. "For one thing, I discovered last night that I would not be your primary focus." She raised an eyebrow. "Gwen is actually very nice. She loves you very much. You should consider her for your Queen."
Morgana snorted. "He cannot think of anything else."
"Milady! Uther would never allow that!" Gaius reminded them.
Incredulity narrowed Arthur's eyes and deepened his frown. "Princess, we are engaged by order of our respective Kings. It is not a choice. And how did you…?"
"Gwen and Merlin accompanied us back to where we stayed last night. Do not worry, she is well," Morgana reported keeping the attempted ambush to herself.
"Indeed they both are. It does not matter now. Not if the reports are true." Mithian bowed her head. "Prince Arthur, I am sorry. If what we heard is true, you have my condolences." She shook her head.
Arthur noted Sympathy'sheaviness in her eyes. "What reports? The King took a patrol in search of your caravan and you. They are supposed to escort you back here. What happened?"
Mithian sucked in a deep breath. "We traveled through Nemeth and Gedref along the North Road. We had almost reached the Severn. Sir Galahad suspected an ambush. He sent my maid, Britomart, and me on ahead across the river. He followed. The Cawdorians rode down on our camp. They came after Britomart, Galahad and me. We had aid from friends. Galahad and Britomart held their own. Dynwald came at me. Merlin stopped him. Thinking it would be best not to be in the open after dark, we retreated for shelter. News reached us there that King Cedric led a Mercian patrol there. He met your father and his patrol. I am sorry. I heard that Cedric killed your father."
"But there is no body or proof." Arthur shook his head. "Princess Mithian, you will have to do better than that. We need proof to take to the Royal Council. I will not usurp my father's throne. Camelot is my first priority."
"I thought that was Gwen." Morgana smirked at him.
Arthur frowned. "There is no question! And what of King Kay?"
"We heard that he died as well from a disease." Mithian shook her head. "Rumor should not be the basis of diplomacy. We should hope that our Kings are well, Prince Arthur. Your feelings are clear. I have met someone as well."
"You…have?" The last revelation lightened Arthur's mood. Relief warmed his heart.
"Sire, Princess, with due respect, may I remind you that until there is proof of these reports, we must proceed accordingly? Lord Aethelwald will require that as well." Gaius knew that Arthur would go after Gwen at the first possible opportunity. From their argument, Observation and Anticipation both noted a big rift between Mithian and Arthur over magic. And then, Mithian had admitted that Amor and Duty played their tug of war with her feelings.
Disaster marred this potential union….
"Perhaps you might wish to send a scouting party in case? If nothing is wrong, the knights accompany the King and his knights back here. If the account is true, you can be ready, Arthur," Morgana suggested.
"Sire, you can bring this up to the Council. As long as you do not lead the patrol, that would remain within the King's order." Gaius nodded to Morgana. Doubt and Suspicion suspected an ulterior motive. "Milady, I am sure the Council will be relieved to know that you are safe. When you did not return, the knights searched for you as well."
"They what? And I was not notified?" Arthur shook his head. "My father has me locked in here. The kingdom thinks they can run without him or me?" Frustration curled his mouth tighter around the edges. "Morgana, I wish you had taken someone with you."
"Arthur, I am very capable of handling myself. One of our nobles, Count Boeve of Hampton sent aid from his castellans. Prince Accolon of Tintagel assigned knights to accompany us here. They are waiting outside with Sir Galahad. And I have news of my own." Morgana sucked in a deep breath. "Tintagel's king will ask Uther for a marriage between Prince Accolon and me."
Arthur brightened at that news. "Truly so? Accolon is quite a warrior and a diplomat! I cannot see why Father would not approve of that match. That would benefit Camelot and Tintagel. Besides Accolon is a friend. I remember how close we all were as children. Congratulations, Morgana. I hope Father will be able to negotiate for that."
"Thank you, Arthur. I can hope so as well." Morgana glanced at Mithian and Gaius. "If I may be excused, I wish to return to my chambers."
"Aye. I am sure you must be tired. Make sure you get something to eat first." Arthur raised his goblet albeit slowly.
Morgana departed the chamber. She closed the chamber door. You think that I will simply ask for permission? The goddess has declared this will happen!
Patience, Child. We must work within their system. Even now, Accolon gains support. Mithian will soon need the same. Emrys must prepare for his increased role. Do as the Young Pendragon suggested. It will serve you and me both, the goddess reminded her.
Aye, Milady. Morgana turned toward the stairs. Between Plans and her heart, Patience proved a difficult guide.
Everyone needed to think long term….
[Back Inside of Arthur's Chamber]
Mithian watched the door close behind Morgana. Akin to the door slamming shut on a trap, her breath caught in her throat. Parch claimed her mouth. Instead of Hunter, she felt like Prey. She folded her arms across her chest. "I will need to consult with Lord Aethelwald. I wish he was awake."
"The remedy will make him sleep until tomorrow. Your guest chamber is ready, Milady. You can stay here. King Uther and Lord Aethelwald will want to get to the bottom of this matter as well." Gaius motioned in that place's direction.
"Thank you but nay." Mithian bit her lip. Shelter and Good Fare tempted her. Camelot's stout walls served Incentive's purpose still further. "I have arrangements made."
"Aye. Here with us. Princess Mithian, you are supposed to be here," Arthur reminded her.
"Was supposed to be here, Sire. Matters have changed. I came to let you know about Guinevere and the change in our respective situations. I have done that." She nodded to him. "Prince Arthur, thank you for speaking to me. Be wary. Cedric is coming. I have to return to Whitgate. First however, I wait for my allies."
"Your allies? Princess, if you are right, you're alone. Your nobles, no matter how loyal to your father, will not accept you unmarried as you are. Let us support your claim." Arthur grabbed her by the arm.
She looked to Arthur's hand. Then her eyes met his. "I am well aware. I have the aid of a dragon lord. He is recruiting others as we speak. Now release my arm, Prince Arthur."
"You speak of suicide! Princess! I…." Protest formed in Arthur's mouth.
YOUR DEFIANCE OF MY ORDER IS SUICIDAL, ARTHUR PENDRAGON!
"Who said that?" Arthur tensed. Instinct pressed him toward the sword that was not there.
Gaius' eyes went wide. "The triple goddess?"
AYE, GAIUS! I HAVE NOT FORGOTTEN OLD ACCOUNTS! IT PLEASES ME THAT YOU WILL ACCOMPANY MITHIAN OF NEMETH BACK TO HER DESTINATION! MAY IT REMIND YOU OF WHERE YOUR PRIORITIES LIE!
"Priorities? What gibberish is that?" Arthur's skin dimpled. He rubbed his arms. "Why is so bloody cold…?"
Mist flooded the chamber and the hallway beyond. An unearthly heaviness sagged over the granite stones. The slight breeze ceased. Chill stabbed through guards and castellan alike. Not a hand could be seen nor limb could move.
Mortimer shook himself back awake. He could not see Galahad or the Tintagel knights. "Where are they?" Panic jarred him. "Prince Arthur!" He unlocked the door and stared inside..
The chamber lay empty save for himself.
Disbelief loosened his jaw. "I never left my post! They could not have gotten out of here!" He stared out the window toward the guards below. "Impossible! Sorcery! The King is right!" He ran toward the stairs to get help.
Assumptions drove some still further….