Hey guys, a long chapter this time... I had a great time writing this chapter. It was fun to do. Uther is nicer in this story BTW. I like to think he has a nicer side to him... Anyway, review and make my day! Happy New Year!
AGAGAGAGAG
The sobbing man's boot's thudded against the hard stone floor of the courtyard. A long purple dress trailing down to his calves. He was holding the young woman who was covered in blood tightly in his arms; refusing to put her down. There were mutters in the courtyard, as to why the Prince was in such a state. But this would have been common had it been a woman of status, wouldn't it?
His servant was trailing after him, looking solemn which was unusual for him. He also was out of his usual garb, wearing a Mercian soldier's uniform. He then rushed off suddenly leaving the Prince, carrying the girl, tears dropping down on her cold face.
The Prince's grief suddenly overtook him, falling to his knees. Much like his father had when he had been bitten by the questing beast. Holding her upper body in his arms. There were now gasps as the courtiers realised who the dead woman in his arms were. Some started to cry and sought comfort by gathering around the Prince.
There were shocked gasps as the Prince leant down to the woman and kissed her lightly on the lips. His father, who was watching with private anguish from his balcony, who had valued the woman's effect on his Ward, shook his head as he realised that his son was too grieving. The crowds tittered amongst themselves as his tears wet the young Woman's lifeless face. He stroked her hair slowly. Willing her to become animated with his kiss. Alas she stayed still. He held the woman close to his body, not wanting anybody to touch her; to take her away from him even though she was already gone.
Speaking for the first time, he shouted with his hoarse voice, "GUINEVERE!" It echoed off of the walls of Camelot's courtyard, and the Prince grieved for the woman he had lost...
AGAGAGAGAG
I awoke with a start. The dream had been so real; I had seen my own death, or what would have happened if Arthur and Merlin had been too late to rescue me from Hengist's. I had fallen asleep by the window sill, which was odd. I didn't recall falling asleep here. I stretched; my arm and it stung a little bit. But on the plus side my ankle felt better and I could now actually walk.
I stood up slowly, and remembered that I was in Arthur's room. My eyes widened when I remembered this fact. I shook my head, also remembering as how he had been scheming behind my back. Plotting to keep me 'safe'. I sighed to myself. Looking over at the snoozing Prince. He was dead to the world. I shook my head; it was just gone dawn, so he wasn't due to get up for a fair while. I decided to get changed, remembering that my dress was in Arthur's wardrobe. I walked over to the oak wardrobe and took out my purple gown. A gift from Morgana, as a birthday gift. I couldn't help thinking that I was doing something bad as I took out my clothes.
Moving swiftly behind the wooden barrier that hid me from the view of prying eyes. Putting the dress on was easy, the hole had been mended where I had been stabbed and it felt unusually soft. Putting on the corset on the other hand. When I went to tighten it, my two broken ribs obviously didn't like being put under pressure. I sighed, pulling it looser than usual, so that it sort of hung off of me. Taking the Pyjamas I had worn the night before from the floor, I could take it to the laundry this morning on my way home. They were her favourite pair.
I sighed, placing them on the window sill as I returned to my resting place. I looked at myself again, not usually one for vanity, but I looked dreadful. The black eye was now ripe and hurt when I touched it, but the lip had stopped swelling and was staying at one size. I would need to wash my hair at some point, still matted with blood. I looked down at the courtyard below. Still practically deserted. If I left now, then nobody would see me leave.
Nodding to myself I returned to the wardrobe once again getting vaguely familiar with its layout. But my cloak was nowhere to be found. I didn't believe my eyes, it was just there; I was sure of it. I flittered through the clothes in the rack. Arthur's now seldom used red Jacket, with identical black and brown ones next to it. Trousers and various tops. But my cloak was no longer there. Also my shoes that were sitting on the bottom of the wardrobe were gone. Unless I was affected by my head injury, I was sure that I had seen them there.
I growled in frustration. Massaging my head, trying to figure out if I had even seen them in here at all. I was sure I had, positive.
"Going somewhere?" An irritated voice said, I moved the door slowly, spotting Arthur with a risen eyebrow holding my shoes and my cloak. I exhaled exasperated.
"Am I in trouble?" I whispered.
"Yes," he growled. He was sitting on the end of the bed.
"Well then I think I should go and think about what I have done. If you could just hand me my shoes," I asked. He didn't move. I didn't think that that would work, if it had, I would have lost respect for him.
"Ignoring the fact that I am awake, how do you think I would have felt waking up finding you had disappeared?" he asked seriously. There was silence. I couldn't bear to answer him. I lowered my head, not wanting to look at him. "Well? I am waiting," I gulped.
"I must go," I muttered, curtseying before heading towards the door.
"Oh no you don't Guinevere," he got up and headed me off, blocking my exit. I glared at him.
"What do you want me to say Arthur?" I growled. He took my shoulders then turned me around, before putting me in his chair, pulling one up for himself, I rolled my eyes.
"The truth would be nice,"
"Likewise," I replied. He looked suddenly on guard.
"I don't know what you mean," he denied. I tapped the arms of the chair impatiently.
"You know full well what I am talking about Arthur Pendragon," I retorted. I took some of the salve from the table, and began rubbing it onto my knuckle wounds.
"I honestly don't, I wouldn't do anything to offend you," he said, if I didn't know him any better, then I would have believed him. I shook my head, in anger.
"So you don't know anything about say, the eastern wing?" I asked. His eyes faltered for a moment. "Or a 24/7 group of Guards, would you?" I continued. I heard him gulp.
"Where did you hear about that?" he asked, angrily. I couldn't tell if he was angry with me.
"It isn't important where I heard it from. But why would you do this without consulting me first? Arthur I thought you had more faith in me? I thought you trusted me even?" there was an awkward silence, "Obviously I was incorrect,"
"I do trust you. Just not other people. Especially men, they are bad creatures." He pleaded.
"Also the fact that you don't care anymore? What about me Arthur. Who says I am ready to let everybody know? I am so disappointed in you." I got up. Slowly going to his bed to fetch my shoes and my cloak, slipping them on. My feet were one of the only places that were not injured. I took my cloak from the bed and pulled it on carefully, using one arm.
"I am sorry," I turned around; Arthur was playing with the cork of one of the bottles. "I just, don't see the point of waiting anymore. I would marry you tomorrow if I could," He looked around.
"Those are dangerous words. One may take them literally." I whispered, but my mind's eye was suddenly filled with images of me in a white dress, with Arthur at my side.
"I would. So then I could protect you. What can I do now? All I can do is watch as you are beaten and abused," he massaged his temples. "If I ever find out who did this to you,"
"You have to let this go Arthur. These things just happen," I walked over to him. "I am going to be fine. Nothing is wrong," I smiled down to him, stroking his hair. He looked up at me, before pulling me into his lap. I laced my arms around his neck; he put his around my waist.
"I will never let this go," he pulled me in tighter, subconsciously.
"I wish you would, it would make everything so much simpler," I leant on his shoulder.
"What do you mean simpler?" I felt his voice tremble from his chest.
"Ever heard of a place called Cameliard?" I asked.
"No, should I have?" he laughed.
"No, no. I just wondered," I sighed. The birdsong that came from outside alerted me to the time. "I should go,"
"I don't think you should. You are still weak," he protested. Holding me tighter.
"My house won't clean itself you know. And it isn't a pretty sight." I thought about it and felt a little ill.
"I could make Merlin do it. Think of the fun he would have," he offered. I looked at him again, frowning.
"I should do it. If I set my mind to it, it could be done by nightfall," I thought aloud.
"I could help you?" I looked at him, shocked, "Yeah that wouldn't happen either," I laughed.
"Now let me go, or I will scream," I smiled.
"I can think of other ways to make you scream," he muttered to himself. I ignored him.
"I have to go, now!" I joked.
"Fine, on one condition," he smiled.
"Which is?" I asked.
"I want you to come back here tonight. I don't like to think of you alone in your house. Please?"
"Fine. And if I see so much as a guard around my house, then you will be hearing from me," I threatened.
"I promise no guards..." I didn't like the way that that sentence ended, but I let it go. I went to get up and he loosened his grip on me, if not begrudgingly. I went to tie the clasp of my cloak. Making sure that it was secure. Then pulled my hood over the top of my head.
"There," I mumbled to myself.
"I shall come and get you later," Arthur mumbled. He was getting changed and took this opportunity to leave.
"Goodbye My Lord and I stepped out of the door. The corridor was not crowded, so nobody saw my hasty exit from the Prince's chambers. I set off down the corridor that I knew so well and continued my journey out of the castle. I kept my head bowed, to stop people from jumping to conclusions. My heavily battered face was sure to be a giveaway; the girl who had been beaten up and nearly killed so easily. I was sure it was all over the castle, people always saw these things.
The stairs down from the courtyard seemed longer than usual, and it took a moment for my eyes to adjust to the sunlight. Sighing, I descended the stairs. My cloak billowing after me. The workers were up and ready, set to begin the restoration of the castle once more. I would return tomorrow to help with the building. Claire and Seamus were already starting.
"Oof," I bumped into somebody. A man by the sounds of it.
"I apologize, I was not paying attention to my whereabouts," There was a laugh.
"Gwen? Is it you?" the Knight replied. I smiled, the rose my head.
"Yes Leon it is me," He smiled.
"I thought that you weren't going to make it, I am so glad to see you here," he looked into my eyes.
"Well the cuts will heal and the bruises will go," I sighed. I twiddled my thumbs.
"May I hug you?" he said jovially.
"Of course," I laughed, he pulled me into his arms, raising me off the ground. Twirling me around. I giggled. He smiled.
"You look well rested," He put me back down, and we began walking in the direction he had just come from. Following me, he dismissed the other knights, only to see them already gone.
"Well I have been asleep for the past two days. I didn't think I would make it," I thought aloud. Leon looked awkward for a moment, "Leon, what is it?" I asked, smiling.
"It's just;" he sighed heavily, "The King wants to know what happened,"
"How on earth did the King find out?"
"Galahad told him," He admitted guiltily
"Of course, Galahad." I grumbled.
"Listen, you don't have to tell him until you are ready too, he doesn't even know it was you," he comforted, walking over the drawbridge. I shook my head.
"No, it's not going to go away is it? I may as well tell him today, get it over and done with," I reasoned. I looked down at my bruised knuckles.
"I shall tell the King you shall testify, I shall come and retrieve you when you are needed," He said, "Where will you be?"
"In my home, I must clean it," I saw it at the bottom of the road, "It is in quite a state you know,"
"I am sorry," he mumbled.
"It is fine, it cannot be helped," there was a silence. "Listen Leon, I haven't had a chance to say...Thank you. Without you I would have perished a few nights ago, and I hope to return that favour one day,"
"Think nothing of it. It is my duty to protect the citizens of Camelot. And you are my friend also,"
"You are a good friend Leon. Now go and get some rest before the meeting." I smiled, we had reached my house, it felt cold, and I could already imagine what damage had been done.
"I shall come and get you in about an hour. Be ready," he warned, before turning on his heels and returning to the castle gates.
I took a deep breath, waiting outside my door, trying brace myself for the carnage that lay inside. I could feel people's gaze on me, and decided to bite the bullet, opening my door with a little more force than was necessary. I staggered as I saw what was inside.
There were feathers from my pillow, all over the floor as well as potatoes from the sacks. A large puddle from where the bucket of water had been over turned. The vase that held my flowers had been smashed. The beautiful pink tapestry that had belonged to my Mother had a large tear in it; I suppose I could mend it. The candles had been burnt down to the end of its wick and now completely useless. My bed had been turned over. There was blood everywhere.
I sighed. I could clean most of it, but the blood would not be easy to hide or mend. I glared at my once safe little home. All pretence was now gone. All innocence left behind. This was now a place of danger and anxiety.
I hung my cloak on the back of the door as I usually did. Deciding first to clear up the shattered pottery and glass first, then where ever the mood took me. I had lost track of time completely until I heard a rapid knock on the door. I paused, looking round my now somewhat presentable home. My bed was now the right way up, and the floor cleared. But there was still blood everywhere. Gathering my strength I found my voice.
"Who is it?" I mumbled.
"Sir Leon," he answered sombrely. I breathed a sigh of relief. Not wanting him to see my house in such a bad way I grabbed my cloak and left my house. Pulling my hood up before I left the door. I caught Leon's gaze. He smiled. Walking to him, his face grew sombre. "It's time,"
"I gathered. Let's get on with it." I started to walk quickly down the road, Leon trailing behind me. There was an awkward silence, until we reached the drawbridge.
"Gwen, before we go in there. Please tell me. What happened?" he pleaded, grabbing my arm. I faltered for a moment.
"Does Uther know I was the one attacked?" I changed the subject subtly. He admitted defeat.
"No, nobody knows apart from Gaius, Merlin and I," Also Arthur I added mentally. I nodded. So full of a room packed with nobility and my friends, I was going to have to say what had happened. Something which made me gag just thinking about.
"Ok." I hurried still, trying to get it over and done with. Leon was shocked. The stairs to the castle were nothing compared to my speed, merely a blur. I knew my way to the Throne room, but that didn't make me want to go there. My speed was halted as soon as I saw the wooden door in front of my hooded face.
"Are you sure you are ready to do this? I can tell him you have been halted."Leon offered, I shook my head slowly.
"I must show him that I am not afraid of him, or give the person who did this the satisfaction," I glared at the door.
"The room is filled with friendly faces, Me, Gaius and Merlin. Don't worry," he consoled me. Arthur was probably in there too. Great.
"Ok then, let's do this," I smiled. He took my arm in his hand and led me to the filled room. Even though I had my hood up and nobody knew who it was under here, I could feel the eyes of everybody on me.
"My Lord, the Girl who was attacked two nights ago. She is ready to explain," Leon stated.
"Sire," I was careful not to look up, and kept my head bowed as I curtseyed. It hurt my legs.
"Yes, yes. Can you remove your hood, so I can see who I am speaking too," he requested, it wasn't an order. I stood up straight. Still looking down, I removed my hood. There were titters amongst the crowd. I felt Leon's hand brush against my arm is support as he stood back. "Gwen?"
"Yes sire," I looked at him. He was confused, and angry if I placed his emotions correctly.
"How did this happen? Why are you injured so." He asked, drumming his fingers along the arms of his throne. I was surprised by his reaction. I looked at Arthur, who was wearing a look of confusion also, staring at his father with a strange expression.
"Well um...I..." I struggled with the words; they refused to leave my mouth willingly. There was a pause.
"Would you like to speak of this in private?" he asked, genuinely concerned.
"Please sire," I asked. He nodded.
"Everybody is dismissed." He ordered. Merlin looked confused as did Gaius and Leon. There was a lot of confusion going around this morning. It took a few minutes for the hall to completely drain itself. Eventually there was only me, the King and Arthur. I saw Uther exchange a glance with Arthur. He did not move. "That includes you Arthur, now go and let me speak to the poor girl," I looked into Arthur's eyes. They seemed to be suspicious but sincere.
"Fine," he grumbled something about stables and Merlin followed his sentence. I smiled to myself. When we were alone, I felt even more pressure than I had been before. I had never been alone with Uther in my life. I was always accompanied by Morgana at least.
"Now Gwen. Sit down, I hear your injuries were severe," he gestured to a chair that lay on the edge of the room.
"It is not as bad now, Thank you Sire, but yes I could do with a sit down," He walked me to a chair, and then sat down on one next to it. There was a pause.
"What happened?" he commanded. I took a deep breath.
"Well I was about to retire for bed you see. I had been working on the restoration of the western wall that day," he nodded, "And there was a knock at my door. It was dark and I had locked it, so to make sure that nobody untrustworthy was to enter. I requested who it was, and then let them in."
"Who was it" he continued.
"It was somebody I knew, and somebody I had not seen in a great long while. We caught up, and he brought up the reason for his visit." I began to have flashbacks, "I did not like why he had come to visit. He insisted that it was for my own good, and that I should be grateful for what he had done for me, Sire. When I refused his grand gesture he did not take to it kindly. That was when he started getting angry,"
"What did he do to you Gwen?"
"He started yelling at me. Telling me that I was an ungrateful wench, that I should be thankful that somebody like him was able to help an orphan. I tried to fight back but he was too strong." I had not noticed that the tears had started until this point, when he offered me a handkerchief, "Thank you My Lord,"
"Did he violate you?"
"No, but when he attempted to drag me outside is when I struck him. He swore that he would return to claim what was his. And then I reached the castle." I explained.
"Who was your Attacker Guinevere?" Uther used my full name, it felt strange.
"Somebody I knew and loved. Somebody I thought that would never hurt me...I was wrong," I wiped away the tears. There was a long silence. Uther was considering what to do. After a while he spoke up.
"I will not have one of my most loyal subjects, be threatened thus." I looked at him confused.
"Milord?"
"You have proven to be an Ally of Camelot, and I shall make sure that you will not be affected by the animal that nearly killed you. If this ever happens again, you must tell me straight away. DO you understand?"
"Yes sire," I nodded.
"Now go home and get some rest Gwen. Do not come back to work until you are ready," He began to stand up taking my arm with him. Linking them, I was surprised to say the least I had never been this close to the king before.
"Yes Milord," I said, he patted my hand as we opened the door into the corridor outside.
"Good, good child. Now go home and be sure to be well rested, my dear," He leant down and kissed my forehead as if he was my father, or uncle. I tried to mask my shock, and just smiled. He released my hand and turned around.
When he had gone I turned around, pulling my hood up keen to hide my scarred face. Still confused about Uther's affectionate behaviour towards me, I held onto my elbows as I walked down the corridor slowly. It was unnerving, I never thought that Uther had a doting side to him; but I would not have bet any type of money that he would have displayed it towards me. He must be having an off day.
I had not got 20 yards down the corridor before a large pair of hands grabbed my left arm and pulled me into an alcove that I had never noticed before. I stifled a scream, and came out as a gasp. I should have felt scared, but felt oddly safe. I felt the familiar pair of arms around my waist. I sighed exasperated. I knew who it was.
"We have to stop meeting like this," I squeaked.
"What was that about?" He sounded disgusted; he had obviously seen the performance between me and Uther. I shook my head; he pushed the hood away from my head, so he could see my face.
"I honestly could not tell you. It was probably because I was a good servant to Morgana," I looked out into the corridor, as unsuspecting people pass us by.
"What happened two nights ago Guinevere?" He urged.
"I...can't tell you," I stammered. Not wanting to lie to him.
"So you can tell my father, but not me? I thought that you understood my intentions about you," he said, I could tell he was trying to charm me into telling him. That and I could feel his breath on my cheek. I could feel my heart hammering.
"So what? So that you can get your sword and start hacking him to pieces?"I countered.
"Aha! So I now know it is a man," he laughed to himself. I rolled my eyes.
"Please let this go. I am begging you, no good can come of revealing his identity," I pleaded, stroking his cheek as I had once before.
"Guinevere, please tell me. If you value my sanity you will tell me," he sounded irate. I groaned and pushed my hands against his chest. I smiled as I felt is heart beat under my fingers.
"We are just going to get into an argument about this so I think that I should just go home, and I will see you tonight," He moaned, un willing to let me go.
"Well it was only be expected," It was suddenly tense. I could feel Arthur's arms tighten and a deep sigh as he realised his mistake.
"What is that supposed to mean?" I tried to sound rational. It was difficult.
"I just meant that a woman living alone, bad things are expected to happen,"
"Right," I nodded stiffly. "I really think I should go now," Trying to remove Arthur's arms.
"I didn't mean it like that."
"I realise that, I have to go and clean my house," I stared at him. He looked sorry, but I was in no mood, "That is, if nothing bad happens to me, because I am an orphaned woman,"
"Gwen just stay here, please. I am sorry," But I had had enough, and could not take him anymore.
"No! No! I have to go. I have to go home!" I shouted. Moving my way away from Arthur's arms. I ran down the corridors of the castle, not caring who saw my bruised face, not caring that this may be the last time that I could be able to do this. Everything was pointless. I just wanted to go home and cry myself into oblivion.
The looks off of the people in the street were strange and also irritated as I bustled past them. Not bothering to look at the people who are my friends and neighbours. Just willing to return home. To be on my own, away from all the commotion in the Castle. I pushed my door open, before halting it in surprise.
"What are you doing here?" I breathed. He looked the same as the last time I had seen him, all that time ago, when things were not as complicated, but still confusing.
"Hello Guinevere," he smiled his dazzling smile, and running his fingers through his beautiful, brown short hair...
AGAGAGAGAG
Ooh a mystery visitor. Who could it be? Hope you enjoyed the direction I put this in. Review please, and I will write more chapters!!!