'Hello Guinevere'
I could not believe what was going on. That he was here, in my house. Without my knowledge, and without my consent. That he was here, in Camelot where he was sure to be caught and killed. But I could not bring myself to regret his decision. Realising the front door was wide open, where anybody could see inside, I shut it hastily. Bringing the light away from his face. It looked like it had been deprived of sleep and the treacherous journey that had led him to Camelot had been a long one.
"Lancelot. What are you doing here?" I breathed, just glad to be in his presence after so long. He smiled his dazzling smile at me, which made me fall weak at the knees for him.
"I heard about the Dragon attack. I came to offer my assistance to help rebuild Camelot." He croaked. He tilted his head to the left slightly. "I see you were hurt by the dragon," I shook my head.
"No, these injuries were much more recent." I touched my swollen eye gently. He growled. Stepping towards me.
"Then who has hurt you My Lady? I shall not rest until he is found and has been drawn through with my very sword for injuring a woman," he kissed my hand. My heart began fluttering as soon as he touched it with his worn fingers.
"Lancelot, you risked a great deal in coming to Camelot. If the King does not grant you a pardon then you shall indeed be killed. I cannot have that burden upon my shoulders. You must leave. Leave this Kingdom and do not ever return to this place," I begged, placing a hand on his cheekbone.
"I will not leave you unprotected Guinevere. You are too delicate. And I shall not have you die at my hand," he pleaded, stroking my cheek.
"I am not unprotected. And I do not need the protection of a man to ensure my safety." I whispered. His eyes boring into my own with such force, I would have been knocked over if his gaze were that of the Wind.
"I have thought about you incessantly. Thought about your eyes, if you were thinking about me?" he placed his other hand on my other cheek.
"Why have you returned when you return only to break my heart once again? To toy with my emotions and to take advantage of a lowly maid when you could have the heart of a Lady if you wished," I lowered my gaze so I was not looking into his eyes.
"Guinevere, I tried to stay away from you. I fear my efforts have been in vain. Guinevere, I cannot bare to stay away from you any longer," He breathed, his face getting closer. I leant back.
"No. Lancelot." He himself leant back. "I cannot. My heart belongs to another."
"That of Prince Arthur." He sighed. "I plead you to reconsider. I can give you so many things that he cannot. A family, a life free of complications. A love we can display publically." He begged, stroking my chin. I will not lie, I was not completely un-tempted. I could imagine little children with my curls and his texture of his beautiful hair.
"I am willing to wait for him. He his loyal and will do anything to protect me," I growled.
"And yet you stand before me battered and bruised from a savage attack. Where was he then?"
"That is not fair Lancelot," I moved away from his body and flew to the other end of the room.
"Guin-"
"No, not that everything is as easy as you perceive. At least Arthur stays around to face the music. You just disappear from my life. I cannot take you anymore. Arthur is a real man. Unlike you," I grumbled.
"Guinevere, I lo-'he started, before being interrupted by a loud knock on my front door. We both froze.
"Who is it?" I asked, Lancelot moved slowly towards me.
"Gwen? It's Leon. I am here by orders of the King," My eyes widened.
"Alright, one moment." I sighed. Lancelot nodded sombrely before slowly clambering into my wardrobe. I sighed, composing myself.
"Hello Gwen," Leon smiled, as I opened the door. I grinned nervously as I noticed that he was not alone. 3 guards accompanied him, each with plain expressions on his face.
"Leon, Gentleman." I nodded towards them, they nodded in recognition. "To what do I owe this pleasure so late in the morning?"
"I have come by order of the King of Camelot. He has expressed his concern about your welfare. And as a result, he has ordered that you are to reside in the western wings of the Castle. Whilst still owning your house of course." Leon smiled.
"The Western wings?" I breathed; Arthur resided in the Western Wings. I would be in the same part of the castle as he would be.
"That is correct. He also requests that you dine with him this evening. If you are settled in of course," I noticed some of the guards looking at the messy house around them. My eyes flitted to my wardrobe.
"Why exactly is the King doing this?"
"He wants to make sure that you are safe, is all. Don't worry Gwen; I am sure that there is nothing to worry about. You have a few of us to help you move some of your possessions to the castle."
"I don't understand, I won't need to move everything. I am quite happy here,"
"Guinevere, it was an order. Not a request." Leon reminded me, highly amused.
"I suppose I can go. But is it a permanent thing?" I rolled my hands in nervousness, scared they would find out I was harbouring a fugitive.
"I could not tell you Gwen. But if I were you I would grab this opportunity with both hands because the King does not often show a liking to the poorer people. So be glad he has for you, he must have something planned for you." Leon smirked, I smiled back at him. That was what I was worried about, the Kings Plans for me.
"I do not require assistance; I have few objects of importance to me. None that require 3 men." I smiled at them.
"They are your guard, Gwen." Leon sniggered.
"Right," I nodded my head slowly. Trying to get my head around the situation. Lancelot had reappeared in my life, I had been attacked and I was now suddenly being escorted to the castle. I walked over to the back wall of my home, and grabbed the pink blanket that belonged to my mother, and then underneath my bed, I grabbed my sword. Wrapping the sword my father made inside the blanket my mother created I sighed. Leon raised an eyebrow, and I got up slowly.
"Are you ready to go?" I looked around my house. It could be a great many days until I was back here again.
"Well the back door is a little loose, so can you make sure that it is secured. I wouldn't want anybody to break in, or break out for that matter," I smiled to myself. Hoping that Lancelot got the message. "Goodbye," My voice finally breaking as I bid farewell to my home. Leon looked at me bemused.
The knights were ready for me. Leon locked the front door behind me, and suddenly I was surrounded by red. I now noticed that Owain, Galahad and Bors were the guards. Each looked a little bemused. My attention turned to one of the Knights I was familiar with. He looked at me suddenly, his face stretched into a wide grin.
"So Gwen, who would have thought it hey? My guarding you?" Bors smiled, offering me his hand. I laughed. Taking it.
"I wouldn't have bet my pension," I laughed. His big, burly frame shook around my own. At 6 foot 5 he was over a foot taller than me. And he knew how intimidating he could be when he wanted to be.
"Stop flirting with the poor girl. Hasn't she been through enough?" Galahad interrupted, but laughing at the same time.
"And I understand that I have you to thank for telling the King?" my eyes narrowed.
"I was only concerned for your well being Gwen. We all know what you are like. You could be on your death bed and not wanting to make a fuss," he nudged me in the ribs. I should have winced but they seemed to have healed at an abnormal rate.
"Well I was just there."
"Exactly Gwen." Owain sniggered. I exhaled in desperation. This caused them all to laugh.
"Come on Gwen, up we go," Bors Laughed, lifting me up with ease and onto his broad right shoulder.
"No, Wait-Wait." I protested. "You know, the view from up here is rather marvellous,"
"Exactly. That and you are safe up there."
"Don't you guys have to go to training or something?" I leant on Bors' head.
"Nope, doesn't start for another half hour,"
"And Arthur always turns up late anyway," Owain added.
"Used to anyway. The last few months he actually turns up on time." Galahad sounded surprised.
"And he actually treats us with respect," Bors boomed.
"He has definitely changed."
"Probably a woman. We all know how the love of a good woman can set us all upon the right path," Bors murmured.
"And I don't think we should be discussing this in front of a woman? Do you gentleman?" Leon interrupted, looking up at me with disapproval.
"Calm down Leon, I am sure Gwen has heard much worse than this. She is a servant after all. They know everything" Bors chuckled, I felt my cheeks burn.
"And she's a friend." Galahad laughed. He winked at me.
"Even if she does have a black eye, she is still a looker," Owain added. I gasped.
"I shall have you know Sir Owain-"
"Gwen?" A new voice entered our conversation. I looked down to see a bewildered Merlin staring up at me.
"Merlin?" I stopped.
"What's going on?" he asked quizzically. Dropping the sword from his side.
"Bors?" I asked. He gently lowered me down so that I was level with Merlin; my feet felt strange reaching the floor.
"Well?" he smiled.
"I have been ordered by the King to move into the castle." I whispered to him, as I pulled him into a hug. I felt his jaw drop.
"Uther wants you to move in? Why?" he sounded aghast.
"How on earth should I know? I was summoned here, not by choice either. I am to dine with him tonight," I sighed.
"Where about? The servant's quarters," he said. I could hear the knights entertaining themselves.
"That's what I thought. But I am moving into- the- Western chambers,"
"What?" He shouted, echoing off the walls.
"I know. They are reserved for royalty."
"I cannot believe that. Uther wants you to move into royal chambers?"
"Don't forget wear the royal clothes," Galahad added, eavesdropping.
"What? I don't remember anything about that?" I turned to him.
"Oh, didn't Leon tell you?" I shook my head," Oh, well there you go,"
"Ri-ight," I whispered. Merlin nudged me smirking.
"Save me," I hissed. He laughed.
"Come on Gwen," Bors boomed, I shot Merlin a look. "Time to go,"
Bors put his arm around my shoulders and started to saunter up the stairs, the rest of the knights in tow. I put my arm around his waist, not that it got far. He was also very warm, even through his chainmail.
"You are terrible. All of you," I laughed. They all joined in. Our jovial mood was interrupted by a loud voice bouncing off of the stones.
"MERLIN!" The man approached vengeance in his eyes, and terror in his voice. I clasped my hands against my ears trying to block out the violent noise. It must be a side effect from the injury.
Arthur descended the stairs in a vengeance, not even looking in our direction, as if we weren't even here. Sword swinging, eyes fiery and hair clung to his face. All we could do was look on in bemusement as Arthur shouted at Merlin. Poor Merlin. I went to go and defend him but Bors held me back.
"That is just an everyday. Don't worry." Owain sighed.
"Gwen, come on. The King will have our heads if anything happens to you," Leon laughed. He nearly made it to the top of the stairs before...
"Leon? Bors? Galahad? Owain? Where there hell do you think you are going? Get down to the training ground. NOW!" Arthur yelled.
"We are working under the King's Orders Sire." Leon answered.
"What is more important than training as a knight of Camelot?" Arthur growled.
"I think that the King would agree that this is," Owain spoke up.
"Go and practice, don't get in trouble on my account," I whispered. They all looked at me.
"What is going on?" Arthur asked. "Whatever it is, will not need four of you will it?"
"No sire, Bors will take her to her chambers then will meet you at the grounds," Galahad announced.
"Right. Bors you have ten minutes, any later and I will have you doing drills for two hours, got it?" He snarled.
"Yes Sire," Owain passed me my sword and just as Bors and I opened the doors to the castle when Merlin had to open huge mouth.
"Oh and Gwen?" He called. I turned around instinctively, Merlin was grinning.
"Yes Merlin?" I asked. Arthur suddenly stopped in his tracks.
"Gaius wants you to see him. Make sure all of your injuries are healing the way that they should be. Just pop round whenever you can,"
"Okay." I nodded. Arthur did not turn around, but he stopped in his tracks for a few moments.
Bors and I entered the Castle, Bors held my sword as we walked around to the other side of the castle. Making idle chit chat as we walked. My heartbeat increased as we both entered the corridor where I was now destined to stay in. It seemed like I was trespassing and I slowed down, dragging my feet a little. Arthur's chambers were further away; the ones I was staying in were closer. It was beginning to wear on me. How I had given up my home without a fight.
"Gwennie, your chambers." Bors laughed, he unlocked the door. I gasped. It was grander than I had ever seen it before. There were now vases of flowers and garlands of herbs around the ceiling, giving a nice odour to the room. It was spacious, light streaming in from the windows, which overlooked the courtyard.
"Are you pleased?" Bors sounded amused.
"It is beautiful," I whispered, my bed was a four poster and it looked soft. I resisted the urge to jump onto it.
"I shall tell the King you are pleased." Bors folded his arms.
"You should go to training. You wouldn't want Arthur to get angry,"
"Ah, Arthur is a pussy cat. Just have to know how to keep him sweet," He smiled. "I shall leave you to settle in,"
"Thank you" I smiled.
"Oh, and get changed Gwen," he laughed as he left the room. I walked tentatively towards the wide oak wardrobe. It creaked open, showing a vast array of magnificent gowns. Pinks, Purples, Blues, Reds and Yellows. I ran my hands over them, admring the soft silk that ran underneath my roughed hands. A note fell from the top of the wardrobe. Picking it up, I read it slowly.
Guinevere,
Please help yourself to any of the dresses in this cupboard. They are for you and it is my wish that you wear these from now on.
Uther
My eyes narrowed. He wanted me to dress like royalty whilst I stayed in his castle. This was not normal behaviour. There was something I was missing, and I felt uneasy as I was sure I was soon to find out.
AGAGAGAGAG
It was nearly time for dinner, and I was dreading going to dine with Uther. I had decided upon a pink floaty dress that I had deemed appropriate to wear. It was the finest salmon coloured dress I had ever seen, including some of Morgana's old ones. It hugged my figure perfectly. It seemed too good to be true. It trailed after me for at least two feet, and the silky cardigan that shielded my arms was soft and beautiful. I must surely be dreaming. I looked like a Princess, fit for a knight upon my arm.
I could not help but think of Lancelot, had he escaped? I hoped he had, but what could I do to find out now? I could do nothing to help, to ease his route out of Camelot. The courtyard was oddly still, the few people, I looked out to the horizon, praying that he was safe.
There was a knock at the door.
My head turned slowly, walking briskly across the carpets and over to the wooden door. Taking a deep breath, I opened it poking my head around the door. I smiled.
"Leon, what are you doing here?" He chortled.
"The King wants to make sure that you did not forget his request for this evening?" He offered his hand. I nodded. And opened the door. He smirked, as I revealed my outfit. I took his hand in my own, before locking the door behind me. I wondered where I could place it, on my person would be too obvious. Leon laughed and took it from me. Placing it in soil to an adjacent plant pot.
"Thanks," I smiled.
"No problem, Now Uther does not like to be kept waiting," He took my arm, and I linked them. We walked arm in arm to the other side of the castle. There were many twists of heads as people recognised me, titters were bound to ensue.
I went red as we passed through some of the more intrigued males of the court. I couldn't help but wonder what they were thinking, why the peasant girl was dressed so extravagantly and bonded to the head Knight. My heart rate increased as we got to Uther's dining room. Leon knocked firmly on the door.
"Come in," he yelled. Leon swung the door open. Uther Smiled at me. Welcoming me to sit at the end of the table. I curtseyed, lowly.
"Come now Gwen, let us enjoy this meal together," He smiled. Leon pulled my chair out for me, I nodded to him.
"Sire," Leon bowed and retreated to the door. Closing it behind him. I was suddenly aware that I was alone with the King. I didn't quite know how to begin. It wasn't until Uther had gotten half way through his Turkey leg he noticed my empty plate.
"Gwen, Help you," He gestured to the array of food that lay in front of me.
"Yes Sire, I am just not accustomed to having such a wide selection is all," I laughed. Nervously reaching for a pheasant. I smiled crookedly as I went to cut it up slowly. We both ate in a comfortable silence for a few minutes. I could feel the King's gaze upon me as we ate but I did not meet his gaze, for fear that I would break under the pressure. Even though we were both at different ends of the table, it seemed like he was just under my nose.
"So Gwen, how old are you now?" Uther asked, taking a sip from his wine goblet. I spluttered embarrassed.
"Well, I will be 25 in a couple of weeks, why does it matter?" I grinned, drumming my hands down on the wooden table. He smiled to himself, putting his glove covered hand to his chin, he looked at me.
"25?" He sighed, as if remembering something.
"Milord?" I asked, smiling.
"Guinevere there was a reason that I asked you to dine with me tonight."
"I did wonder Sire," I laughed lowly.
"Now that you are almost of age, I feel I must honour a long kept promise that I have not been keeping as well as I should have," he confessed.
"A promise?" My heart started to pound against me.
"Yes. I feel you have waited long enough to find out." He sighed. I was anxious, I did not have a clue as to where this conversation was heading.
"Yes sire," I nodded, though still bewildered.
"Many, many years ago, before the great purge. I knew a wonderful woman." He paused, looking into my face. I could only imagine what he was imagining.
"Indeed, Sire?"
"She was smart, Beautiful, energetic. She was one of my closest friends," He tilted his head to the left. I could not understand why he was telling me this, I was just a servant. "Her name was Isabella," He sighed.
"Isabella?" I asked that name sounded familiar to me, but I could not work out why.
"Isabella, she was a very dear friend to the Pendragons, before even Arthur was born." He paused for a few moments, "Which is why I must tell you-"
There was an urgent knock at the door. Uther's expression went from sincere to Angry in one motion.
"Come in," He barked. It was Leon, "What?"
"Milord, we have captured an enemy of Camelot. He is charged with trespassing. He is known in Camelot," he finished. I froze suddenly. Lancelot.
"I see, I shall judge him in the morning." He turned to me, "Gwen, I am sorry that this evening had to be cut short."
"No, no. It's fine, I was feeling a little tired anyway. If I may, I would like to retire to bed,"
"Of course Gwen. I will speak to you tomorrow," He smiled. I got up, and slowly curtseyed before leaving the room. When I was free from Uther's gaze I had to make a decision. If I turned left then I would return to my chambers. If I turned right, I would go to the dungeons. I took a deep breath and sped off to my right.
AGAGAGAGAG
"Please Bors, please let me pass. I only want to see this person," I begged. I had been trying to get past him for ten minutes straight.
"Gwen!" He sounded exasperated, "I can give you a few minutes, but please stop!" he begged.
"Thank you," I flounced past him, patting me on the shoulder. I hated coming down to these places. It was damp and the worst part of the castle. "Lancelot?" I whispered.
"Guinevere?" A voice said. I moved towards it. "Over here,"
"Lancelot? What on Earth are you doing here?" I urged, Lancelot moved towards the bars. Grasping my hands through the cold iron.
"I had to see you again. Not after what happened to you," he whispered.
"And you thought the best way to do that was to get arrested? Honestly. Lancelot, you can be so dim," I chided him, he grinned.
"You look beautiful, Very Royal," he smiled, I felt my cheeks burn.
"I have just had dinner with Uther. He was trying to tell me something." We looked into each other's eyes. "I can only stay for a few minutes; if anybody finds out I was down here."
"I will not let any harm come to you My Lady," he gripped my hands a little tighter.
"And how are you supposed to do that when you are locked behind bars?" I challenged. "I just came down here to make sure that you were alright. I didn't want your death to be on my hands," I went to step away, but Lancelot didn't want to release me.
"Guinevere, you are the most important thing in my life."
"And yet you chose to leave me? How can I trust you Lancelot?" I begged.
"Trust me," he urged. We were then silent for a long time. Just looking into each other's eyes. Our peace was interrupted by Bors' voice.
"Gwen! Come on!" Bors whispered.
"I have to go. I am sorry. Be safe," I looked away. And took my hands away from his. Beginning to walk away and towards the light.
"I will wait for you," he whispered. I nearly turned around but resisted. I carried on, and reached the upper parts to the dungeon.
"Thank you Bors." I grabbed his hand.
"No problem, but that never happened."
"I understand. I need to get going anyway. I will probably see you tomorrow." And with that notion I left him alone.
I did not really like to think of Lancelot, he just came back into my life without any regard for my feelings. He left me alone, with nobody to turn to. Nobody to trust. With only memories to keep me warm at night. He did not care what happened, as long as he got away scot free, he was fine. I wished I cared about him less; it would make disliking him so much easier. But how could I ever dislike Lancelot. He was noble, Kind, respectful and brave. He was every inch the knight, only he could not see that.
"Guinevere!" A loud voice interrupted my train of thought. I was round the corner from my chambers and I willed it not to be the person I knew it was. I ignored him. Sighing as I went on to my destination, although admittedly at a slower pace than I had before.
It did not take him more than 10 seconds to catch up with me.
"Guinevere, I have been looking all over the castle for you, where the hell were you,"
"When were you going to tell me you had imprisoned Lancelot?" I sighed, looking at his eyes.
"I did not know that you knew that," he sighed.
"The servants, we know everything," I growled, I grabbed my key out of the plant pot and thrusting it into the lock.
"You don't look much like a servant," he replied. The lock clicked, I opened it forcefully.
"Now is not the time for flattery Sire." I slammed the door, at least I tried, and he slipped into the room before I could stop him.
"What is wrong with you tonight?" he asked, clearly irritated.
"I don't know Arthur, maybe it's the fact that you imprisoned a man that not only is a dear friend f mine, but has also saved my life. Maybe it's the fact that I had dinner with your Father tonight, and I have no clue why. Maybe it's because the King has given me my own chambers, clothes fit for royalty and something important he wants to tell me; do you think that authorises me to be a teensy bit on edge?" I asked, my voice gradually rising in hysteria as I finished my tirade. I was silent for a while, Arthur looked confused. I couldn't blame him. He was first to break the silence.
"My Father gave you this?" he said, gesturing to the chambers, which highly resembled his own.
"Yes, I don't know why though." I was calmer now. And I began to work my way over to my wardrobe, to look for a nightgown of some kind.
"That is odd." Was all he said.
"Listen Arthur, about what I said, I am sorry. I shouldn't have yelled at you like that." I turned around, my face sincere. He shook his head.
"I should be apologizing for what I said. It was inconsiderate and rude, and I am deeply sorry. That's why I was trying to find you," He smiled. He was wearing my favourite blue jacket on him.
"Right pair we make," I smiled.
"A good one," I closed my door to my wardrobe, and saw Arthur had wandered over in my general direction. I sighed, yawning.
"Where were you?" Arthur asked.
"Hm?" I asked, trying to avoid the subject. Arthur did not need to know where I had just been. It would only cause problems.
"You seemed very distracted, that's all." He took my undamaged arm. My heart leapt, at his touch.
"I was just thinking about my dinner." I lied.
"Then how come I saw you wandering away from the dungeons?" he was suddenly serious again.
"I do not know what you are talking about," I lied.
"You went to see him didn't you?" he sounded hurt.
"I just thought that should make sure he is okay," I whispered.
"Lancelot is a big boy, he can take care of himself," He muttered darkly.
"Don't Arthur. Please. Lancelot was there for me, when I thought I was over. If he was there, I wouldn't be here," I pleaded. I could feel him getting angrier.
"If he hurts you, I will hunt him down and kill him, "he said with a dark edge to his voice.
"Arthur, can I ask you to do something for me?" I asked, tentatively.
"What do you need," he looked concerned again.
"I want you to Kiss me," I barely got time to finish my sentence.
Suddenly his arms were around my waist, mine around his neck. He lifted me off the floor with anticipation. We somehow managed to reach the bed. Arthur on top of me, as we continued to kiss passionately. Our bodies intertwined as our breathing got heavier and heavier. He sounded desperate, like he had been waiting to go this for a long time. I wrapped my fingers through his hair, and I could feel Arthur's hands pulling me closer towards him, wiling me to get closer to him.
Each time we kissed it got better and better. Our third kiss was better than our first and second combined. Maybe it was the fact that I could feel his hands more through the thin silk and I felt much better because it was the silk. I heard him groan 'Guinevere' as we pushed up against each other. I knew that we should both stop, that when we eventually did, it would make things harder. But for now, we were just Arthur and Gwen, and we were just kissing. Being together and enjoying the moment, until we had to break apart.
"I should go," Arthur said, breaking the kiss. I looked up at him.
"Yeah, but can you do me one more favour?" I asked, regaining my breath. He sat down next to me.
"Sure," he laughed, maybe to mask his embarrassment.
"Can you just stay with me until I fall asleep? I don't want to be alone," I begged. He nodded. I smiled at him.
We leant back onto the bed, and the last thing I remember was falling asleep in a pair of arms, wrapped around me...