Somebody to Love
By: BourbonCowboy
Chapter 9
Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?
All roads lead to Camelot. All roads in Camelot lead to the castle at the center of the city. From afar it appears as a shining beacon of hope. Merida heard it said in the city that even back in the real world, Camelot castle is visible, appearing as the brightest star in the sky. Merida was skeptical of this last statement, but still it was a pretty powerful image. The Highland Princess stood beside her mentor. They had just disembarked from their carriage and stood at the base of the steps staring up at the palace. They had entered from the city road, though off to the left Merida could see a bridge from the castle leading over the river and to the woods. Their driver had brought them through the gate at the curtain wall, through the outer and inner courtyards all the way to the central courtyard and the entrance to the great hall. Merida smoothed a hand over her gown, hoping she did not look as nervous as she felt as she stared at a massive blue oak tree in the center of the courtyard. "You ladies look stunning!" a warm male voice exclaimed. Merida smiled gratefully up at Snow's husband, David.
He looked every bit the prince with his crown resting on his dark hair over twinkling blue eyes. He wore a handsome red brocade jacket with a high collar, gold embroidery down the center and around the full cuffs on his sleeves. His jacket was cinched tight with a thick black belt and was worn over dark pants and knee high black boots. At his waist hung a handsome long sword and a silver hunting horn. Snow White was resplendent in a red ball gown that matched her husband's jacket. Her gown also had a high collar, and full sleeves at the shoulder in alternating red and gold fabric. The sleeves then fit snug to her arms down to the wrist where they flared out into a bell shape outlined in gold embroidery. The V-neck was etched in the same intricate gold which came together in the center of her chest and continued in a straight line to the hem at the bottom of her full skirt. A delicate gold crown rested atop her short jet-black hair. Merida herself was ensconced in a sleeveless satin dress of navy blue that sat off the shoulders and tapered in a deep v-neckline that highlighted her cleavage in a way that made her somewhat uncomfortable. The gown hugged her body all the way to the knees where it flared out in a good impression of a mermaid's tail. All around the edge of her skirt were Celtic symbols for beauty, grace, and love done up in shining silver thread. Merida wore her rambunctious red curls in a series of intricate small braids that came together to form one large braid that went all the way to the small of her back. The braids were tied together with ribbons in different shades of blue and silver. A single navy-blue ribbon tied around her neck sufficed for jewelry and she wore white silk gloves that came almost all the way to her shoulders.
Snow White squeezed Merida's hand. "You do look beautiful. Don't worry. You will do fine." Merida smiled gratefully and together with her mentor ascended the stairs to the palace and the grand ball room. Two liveried foot men opened the giant double doors and bowed deeply before the party, ushering them into a large chamber before the great doors that led to the ballroom. Tonight, the doors were open to all who wished to dine in the palace. Prince Charming and Snow White descended the stairs together, a stunning portrait of regal grace. Merida took a deep breath, prayed silently that she not trip on her gown and took the first step. As Merida carefully descended the Great Stairs into the ballroom she groaned internally, thinking that Snow had told her tonight's affair would be a quiet dinner. There were at least two hundred people in the ballroom! Maybe quiet, like everything else in Camelot, was relative. Her mentor was waiting for Merida at the bottom of the stairs, beaming like a proud mother.
"Wonderfully done, Princess. Dinner will be served in about an hour. Only a select few are invited to dine with King Arthur, everyone else will enjoy the banquet out here. Come, there's people I want you to meet."
The next hour was a blur of new names and faces. Everyone was very friendly and welcoming. She had several offers for lunch dates and to be shown various places around town. Fortunately for Merida, Snow promised to make arrangements for all of her dates. Almost before she knew it, a herald was announcing that dinner was to be served shortly and requesting that guests return to their seats. Snow White, David, and Merida headed towards the back of the ballroom and through a set of double doors to a private dining hall where Merida was surprised to see a large round dining table. No one chair was immediately apparent as the king's own and Merida looked in confusion to her mentor. Snow leaned in close and whispered that there were place cards designating each person's seat. Merida began walking clockwise around the table until she found her name. She noticed that she was not seated next to Snow White or Charming, but the table was so small it was not cause for concern. Snow White and Charming took their places almost directly across from where Merida stood. The princess pulled out her chair and sat gracefully. She had to stifle a giggle at the thought of how she would have handled this gown several years ago! As she shook the image of ripped seams and startled gasps from her mind, she noticed that the other guests were taking their seats. To her right, a handsome knight in deep blue tunic and silver hose. He wore a golden pentagram the size of small hand mirror on a chain around his neck. A quick peek at his place card revealed his name: Sir Gawain. The knight bowed politely before he sat but turned to speak to someone on his other side. A hand on Merida's arm pulled her attention to her other side. A pretty young woman sat on Merida's left.
"I'm Charlotte!" The girl proclaimed, sticking out a hand for Merida to shake. Merida reached out her own hand tentatively only to have it pumped up and down enthusiastically and then clutched hard against the other young woman's ample bosom. "Oh!" Charlotte squealed, for there was no other way to describe that high-pitched sound. "Oh! Can you believe it? Camelot! I declare, in all my years I never could have imagined something so wonderful! I mean, I had started to think that all that wishin' on stars nonsense was just for babies and crazy people but then Tia found her prince and I just knew that if I wished hard enough my dreams were sure to come true too. And now they are!" Merida wondered if this was the verbal equivalent of being run over by wild horses as her dinner companion paused to draw breath. Charlotte had a funny way of speaking that intrigued Merida's ear, each word was drawn out slowly, like it was dipped in honey. The other young woman had large guileless blue eyes and a wide mouth that could not stop smiling if it tried in a round face topped by pale blonde hair. She wore a gown of soft pink with a sweetheart neckline that tapered to a trim waist and flared into a full skirt. Jewels winked at her earlobes, at her neck, and on her wrists and she wore them with the air of someone accustomed to such finery. Although reformed of her wild ways, Merida still felt most comfortable in a serviceable gown lacking in all the trappings of her station. Charlotte seemed to realize that she was holding Merida's hand captive and let her loose after a quick apologetic squeeze and a self-aware smile. "I'm sorry. I do tend to get excited. I didn't catch your name, sugar?"
"A pleasure to meet you, Charlotte. I am Merida of Dun Broch." The princess said automatically reverting to her genteel training.
"Well, it is lovely to meet you, Merida of Dun Broch. I can tell we are going to be the best of friends!"
The king chose that moment to make his entrance. Looking around, Merida realized that the remainder of her dinner companions had filed in and taken their places while she was conversing with Charlotte. As the king entered the room, a chorus of scraping was heard as everyone pushed to their feet and applauded politely. The king held up his hands and smiled genially. He had a pleasant, open expression. He was tall and fit, carrying himself with a warrior's grace. He had shaggy blonde hair that looked overdue for a trim, cool blue eyes and a sensual mouth half hidden by a full beard. The thing that Merida found the oddest was how young the king appeared. He looked like a lad in his early to mid-twenties not a king who had been ruling his kingdom for time immeasurable. On the king's arm was the beautiful Queen Guinevere. She had smooth, darkly tanned skin the color of roasted nuts, with a smattering of freckles across the bridge of her nose, and warm chocolate eyes. The queen's dark, thick curly hair was braided and coiled at the nape of her neck and Merida felt a kindred spirit – momentarily imagining the queen battling wayward curls before a ball in much the way the king would battle a dragon. Merida couldn't help but smile. The king pulled out a chair and Queen Guinevere sat gracefully, the folds of her buttercup yellow gown whispering softly as it settled around her. She had a royal air; that something intangible that Merida had strived for her whole life – a trait her mother had in spades. Everything about the queen exuded gracefulness and beauty. King Arthur sat down at the queen's right and spread his hands in silent invitation for his waiting guests to join him at his round table.
"Thank you all for joining us tonight for supper," King Arthur said jovially. "Let us eat, drink, and be merry." A bell rang somewhere, and dark liveried serving men and women descended on the table with heavy plates laden with sumptuous looking delicacies. Merida was impressed with the showmanship and if Charlotte's continuous loud gasps were anything to go by, so was she. Merida eyed the other guests to determine the proper etiquette for selecting food for her own plate. After the food was served and the dinner guests had had a chance to settle into the work of enjoying the delicious offerings, King Arthur started the table's conversation.
"I must thank their majesties, Queen Snow White and Queen Aurora, for bringing these two lovely young ladies to dine with us this evening." The King smiled at Merida and Charlotte. Snow White inclined her head in the King's direction. "Of course, your majesty. We were delighted by your invitation." Seated on Snow's left must be Aurora, Merida thought as the beauty offered similar niceties to the king. Studying Aurora, Merida admired her classically delicate features. The queen had beautiful, long golden hair, large violet eyes framed by dark lashes, and a pert bow mouth. Charlotte leaned over and whispered to Merida "Queen Aurora is my mentor here in Camelot. She's also Queen Guinevere's cousin. Sitting next to her? That's her husband, King Philip." Merida glanced at King Philip. He was a good match for his wife in looks – classically handsome with chestnut brown hair and warm brown eyes. As he was seated, all Merida could see of his outfit was a dark blue doublet and a red cape. Sensing her gaze, Philip glanced over and caught Merida's eye. She felt herself blush at being caught staring. Merida inclined her head in greeting and Philip nodded, offering a tight-lipped smile before turning his attention back to his conversation with David, seated next to him. "Don't mind him," Charlotte whispered, "Aurora told me he hates court functions and would spend all his time hunting if he were allowed!" From her right, a voice chimed in "Who could blame him?" Merida looked at Sir Gawain, startled. But the knight just winked at her and went back to his supper. Before she had a chance to speak to him again, she realized that King Arthur was saying something to her and Charlotte.
"You ladies have come to Camelot at a very auspicious time." He was saying. "We are a mere six months away from our 500th anniversary celebration. Our wizard, Merlin, has been working tirelessly on some amazing enchantments that are sure to make this the most spectacular event we have ever had in Camelot." At mention of his name, a man seated to the king's left stood halfway from his chair and offered a small bow. He was the most ancient person Merida had ever seen! Despite his age, blue eyes twinkled mischievously from behind small round glasses. The wizard had to tuck his exceedingly long white beard close to his belly as he sat back down, so as not to dip it in his soup. The gathered guests applauded politely.
Talk around the table turned to the anniversary celebrations. Those who had been in Camelot a while talked about previous anniversaries and the festivities that had surrounded them. Apparently, this year, Camelot was preparing for an entire month-long celebration culminating in a grand ball. The king laughed and joked with the others at the table, a charismatic delight. Merida found it difficult to keep her eyes off the king. No one else seemed as hung up as Merida was on the fact that King Arthur had said it was the 500th anniversary of Camelot. Five hundred years! Yet the king looked like a boy still! As she considered this fact, a conversation to her left drew Merida's attention. It was the king's wizard, Merlin. He was speaking with a pretty blond woman wearing a red leather jacket over a gray shirt. "You're absolutely right, Princess Emma," Merlin was saying softly, "I perform quite a bit of magic renewal spells every anniversary."
"I know that. But what I'm saying is that this year, the 500th year, you will be renewing the Time Spell, right?" Emma pressed.
Merlin looked uncomfortable and lowered his voice further, "I do now know how it is you came by this information, Princess, but I must warn you not to dwell on the subject. Things have been in motion for longer than you realize. All that is necessary is the Spark, and his majesty is taking no chances on that measure." Without looking, Merida knew that the wizard had glanced her direction as he said this.
"What is the Spark?" the Princess pressed. But Merlin would say no more. Instead the wizard stood, excusing himself from dinner with a murmured word to the king as he left. Merida waited another moment and then risked a look at the woman Merlin had called Princess Emma. Merida felt her gaze lock with Emma's steely blue eyes and she knew the Princess was aware that she had been eavesdropping. A dashing man seated beside Emma whispered something in the Princess' ear and then the two were excusing themselves from dinner as well. To Merida's surprise, Emma walked around the curve of the table to kiss Snow White's and Charming's cheeks. "I'll see you later, mom and dad."
Not long after, all the other guests had excused themselves. The only ones left at the table were King Arthur and the two new ladies with their mentors. The waiters had cleared all the dishes away and the fat white candles in the center of the table were burning low. Merida was beginning to feel quite drowsy and was dreaming of her bed in her new apartment and eight to ten hours of uninterrupted sleep. The king cleared his throat, catching her attention. He smiled, and it was such a normal look. The king appeared not embarrassed but maybe mildly chagrinned. Merida found herself feeling more drawn to the king than before. He was, despite everything else, still a human man. "I do apologize, ladies, for keeping you so late." He said softly. Merida had noticed during dinner that King Arthur seldom had to raise his voice to be heard. His deep voice carried well, and his natural charisma had those around him quieting to catch his every word. "I promise I shan't keep you much more. Princess Merida, Lady Charlotte, believe it or not you have both come to Camelot on the same quest." Merida felt her cheeks grow hot and she clenched the fabric of her dress beneath the table, silently begging the king not to say it out loud. Heedless of her distress, the king continued. "You both seek True Love, one of the rarest and most powerful magics of all." Charlotte nodded eagerly, Merida could see her blonde head bobbing even though the princess kept her own eyes downcast in shame. "I have consulted with your mentors and your fairy godmothers and read your files so that I may accurately place you both in some form of employment while you are here in Camelot. As you have already learned, everyone in Camelot works. Everyone does their fair share to ensure that Camelot remains a mecca of enlightenment and cooperation."
"My Lady Charlotte, while you are a guest in my fair city and continue your quest, you will be apprenticed to the Lady Giselle of Andalasian Fabrics. You will learn the art of dressmaking and the value of hard work. It is my hope that in doing this, you will attain valuable skills to assist you in your quest. You will also have the chance to meet many of Camelot's citizens and hopefully," he paused to offer a kind, fatherly smile, "your prince." Charlotte seemed anxious about the job she had been assigned, but more than that she was determined. Merida sensed a strong resolve beneath Charlotte's sweet and bubbly exterior. "Thank you, your majesty, for this opportunity." She said reverently. Beside her, Aurora nodded in approval. Charlotte and Aurora stood, dipping deep curtsies to the king, and bid everyone a good night.
Merida looked around the almost empty table. It was just herself, her guide, and the man known as the Once and Future King. The king regarded Merida was a keen interest. Merida lifted her blue eyes to his, trying not to squirm under his scrutiny. Finally, the king nodded as if he had come to a decision. "Princess Merida, the Brave." He proclaimed. Suddenly he grinned with such boyish charm that Merida felt herself answering with a smile of her own. "You will be my new scout." Beside her, Snow White inhaled sharply through her nose, but otherwise did not speak. "You see Princess, Camelot is a deeply magical place. Part of what helps keep it that way are numerous spells and enchantments performed by our wizards and mages and alchemists and what have you." He waved a hand dismissively, as if the fact that he had so many magic users at his disposal was nothing worth mentioning. "Most of these spells require very specific ingredients that must be collected from the Wilds. We have an elite corps of scouts whose job it is to travel into the Wilds and the Outer Realms to retrieve these items. I believe your skill set to be uniquely suited to this."
Merida was rendered momentarily speechless. This was absolutely the last thing that she ever would have expected. Wasn't she supposed to learn how to be a queen? Shouldn't she give up her yearning for adventures and focus on being proper and regal? But her spirit already ached for this amazing chance the king was offering. "Yes." She found herself saying in a voice far more confident that she felt. "Yes, I do believe ye are right, your majesty. Thank you!" The king's grin grew wider, though Merida felt Snow White's discomfort next to her.
"You will work closely with the alchemist's guild, the mages guild, the witches, and Merlin of course. Queen Snow White will arrange a scout trainer to help guide you. And of course, it is my deepest wish that while performing these duties for Camelot, you will also find that which you seek. In fact, were I a betting man, I would lay money on you and your soul mate crossing paths very soon."
Despite these warm wishes, Merida felt a sudden chill run up her spine. It was gone so quickly she wouldn't even have noticed it had she not seen Snow White shiver at the same time.