Author's notes: Another chapter which I hope you will all appreciate, and I think a slightly longer one.

I know I am repeating myself, but once again I thank you for taking time to post reviews. Also, welcome to those who have chosen to follow and favourite my story, and myself. I am very, very grateful. It is so nice to know that I am not playing to an empty house, so to speak.

Again, I do not own Merlin, but am borrowing it for a time.

Chapter Fifteen

The Gauntlet is Thrown Down

Somewhat amazingly Arthur, Guinevere and Merlin made it back to the great hall by the appointed time, particularly since Arthur had been persuaded to lie down on his bed and had actually fallen asleep. As he drifted into the arms of Morpheus, he had the vague notion that there had been a sleeping draft in his medicine. He really had to tell Gaius and Merlin that they couldn't keep feeding him potions on the quiet when he needed to stay sharp.

Yet, somehow, on awakening, he'd felt more alert and definitely stronger, ready to take on his opponents. The most notable of whom, so far, was Lord Avebury, but there were no doubt others who would add their voices later.

The hall fell silent when the doors opened and The King and Queen walked in, followed by the new Royal Adviser and Physician. Spontaneous clapping broke out as they made their way to the dais, the majority of the crowd relieved and happy to see King Arthur return looking fairly healthy.

Geoffrey of Monmouth had done his work well when he had informed the gathering that The King's wound was troubling him, and had managed to infer, without actually saying so, that the incensed debate earlier had aggravated his condition. The ploy might not win over the entrenched doubters, but those who were sitting on the fence and who loved Arthur as their king might look more kindly on what he had to say.

In the face of Arthur's popularity, even Lord Avebury showed his support, though his hand clapping was without enthusiasm.

Arthur and Guinevere stood in front of their thrones with Merlin between them, while Leon and Percival came from the body of the hall to take their places either side of them. Gaius and Iseldir stood in the front row of the throng, while Lord and Lady Walton were shepherded up the few stairs to the rostrum by Lord Geoffrey.

Once everyone was in place, Arthur wasted no time. He held up his hand in salute and spoke to the assembly. "Greetings, again, my people. I hope you have all returned punctually, since we have little time to waste before this session ends." The King looked around his hall, deciding it was just as crowded as before; he could still see the shapes of people standing out on the walkway, though a light mist seemed to have fallen over the citadel. As evening drew in, the temperature would cool, so perhaps he should have ordered braziers to be lit, though, if there were less interruptions, they might wind up this first meeting before people froze.

With that in mind, he continued quickly. "We have an unexpected witness with us today. One who can corroborate Gaius' statement on the source behind my conception. I pray you, listen in silence and with good manners to Lady Amena Walton," Arthur said with an iciness that made his request sound more like an order. He took her hand and led her to the centre of the stage. "Lady Amena, if you would be so good."

"Thank you, Sire." Lady Amena, clothed in a dull lavender gown, bowed her now coiffed head, then turned to the rows upon rows of people, who were regarding her with curiosity and, in some cases, definite unfriendliness, if not animosity. However, she straightened her spine and spoke, as loudly as possible. "There is little I can add to what Gaius has told you, but the truth of his statement has been called into question, and I am here to say that everything he spoke of happened. I knew Nimueh, and she asked me to be present at the meeting. I didn't take part in the discussion, but I heard every word," Amena stated, while she searched in the pocket hanging from her belt and withdrew a folded parchment, which was wrapped carefully in a square of silk cloth.

Momentarily, she wondered whether this document should be made public, and she was certain she should have mentioned its existence to Arthur earlier, but the conversation had been fraught and there had been little time. Now it was too late. She already had the packet in her hand. Holding it aloft, she delivered a devastating stroke to those who doubted Uther's bargain with Nimueh.

"I have here Nimueh's copy of the document which was signed by both the High Priestess and The King. When Uther turned against her and all sorcerers, she left it with me, as my husband and I were travelling North, out of Uther's reach."

"They signed documents?" Arthur asked, shocked that his father should commit such a secret to the written word.

"Nimueh refused to act without a contract," Amena explained. "I think she had a premonition things might go awry, and she wanted proof that the idea had been Uther's alone."

Brennan Avebury, never far from the foot of the dais, shouted loudly. "How do we know this is true? Nimueh could have lied, or perhaps the Lady of Walton is making excuses for her friend. Is she also a sorcerer?"

Amena flinched, but she did not back down. "Once I had a modicum of magic, but I have not practised it since Uther declared it illegal. I have never broken Camelot's laws on sorcery. But you are right to question, Lord Avebury, which is why I am happy to give this contract to The King, so that it and the royal signature can be verified."

The parchment was exchanged, leaving Arthur handling the packet like it was contaminated by some odious toxin. He still couldn't understand his father's reasoning. Quickly, he passed the document to Geoffrey of Monmouth, while he turned to Amena. "You mentioned a copy, Lady Walton? Did my father have the original?"

"Yes, he did, but what happened to it, I could not say. Perhaps it is locked away in the vaults."

Gaius came forward. "It was once kept in the vaults. I saw Uther put it under lock and key in the deepest part of Camelot, though I also saw him destroy it after Ygraine died, partly out of anger and regret, and partly because he didn't want any written proof to link him to the bargain," the white-haired physician said, his voice seeming to tremble with age. "He forced me to retake my oath of silence, though he had no need. I would have kept silent till death, had you not asked me to tell the truth, Sire."

Arthur nodded to both Gaius and Amena. "I thank you both for holding to your vow, but also for having the courage to speak the truth now for the sake of Camelot."

"What good does such a truth do for Camelot?" Avebury sneered.

"We know now that Uther waged war against all sorcery for a very personal and, some might say, misguided cause," Arthur retorted. "Not only that, but the present King of Camelot was born of magic and his life was saved by magic. Unless you object to my Kingship, Avebury, and be careful how you reply for you have taken an oath to uphold me as your King, surely you must admit that not all magic is evil?"

"Yet your half-sister was a High Priestess of the Old Religion and she spent the last few years using sorcery to try to kill you. I'm told she successfully invaded Camelot twice. Did she have any right to the throne and did she treat the people of this kingdom with justice and honour?"

"Since you are so well informed, I assume you already know the answer to both these questions. However, because some sorcerers are evil, it does not follow that all are so," Arthur replied, fighting to retain his calm. "In fact, as I have already stated a number of times, were it not for a good and powerful warlock, I would have lost both my throne and my life, as would a great many others. I refuse to quarrel with you, Lord Avebury. I called the Grand Council to debate the issue, and I believe you will have the opportunity to bring up all your issues in the days to come, as will everyone who has the right and is present."

From the back of the crowd there came a shout, the voice rustic. "Aye! Why don't you shut up, Lord Avebury. We want to hear what them others have to say."

Arthur hid a smile, glad that someone else shared his annoyance, before deliberately turning his attention away from Avebury and speaking to the others in the hall and outside on the balcony. "We have listened to some very strong objections to the re-introduction of magic to our land, now I think it only fair we hear the other side of the argument." Arthur stepped aside, and in a gesture some would consider extraordinary, be gave a small bow and waved Merlin forward. "Merlin, I believe you are the expert on the subject."

Moving to the front of the dais, Merlin took a few deep calming breaths. For years he'd dreamt of the day when his magic would be recognised, but, somehow, he'd never envisioned standing in front of a large amount of Camelot's population and confessing to being a warlock. Arthur and he had deliberated for long on their tactics and reached the conclusion he was the best person to explain magic, but, now the moment had arrived, he began to doubt their sanity. Arthur was the one used to giving speeches; he was more suited to acting behind the scenes. Perhaps he'd have been more comfortable facing the public as grumpy, old Dragoon... yet those days of subterfuge were over.

With a side glance at Arthur, who gave him an encouraging nod, Merlin began to speak.

"People of Albion, many of you will have known me for a long time as King Arthur's servant, and that I have been proud to be, but I am more than that. I am a warlock. I was born with magic. I was never taught by other sorcerers or members of the Old Religion. Magic was something I could always do, since I was a very young child. Even when I did not understand how or why I could perform such actions, I was able to prevent accidents by simply thinking obstacles aside. I would use magic to play games too, until my mother impressed on me that exposing myself as a child of magic was dangerous and might lead to my death. Because of her fear, she chose to send me to Gaius to learn how to control my gifts."

Merlin cast a glance over the throng, trying to judge how his confession was being received. Some people were mesmerised, most seemed to be reserving their judgement, while there were those who looked on with utter disapproval. Avebury was almost incandescent with rage. His eyes bored into Merlin like daggers, and his reddened face appeared fit to burst, yet he was keeping silent, probably because Arthur had ordered him not to interrupt again on pain of expulsion.

"Being in Camelot and meeting Arthur was not only my destiny but my pleasure, though perhaps in the early days, I did not see it that way." He exchanged a fleeting smile with Arthur. "I have refined my skills as I've grown older, and I am more proficient than the day I arrived in Camelot. Yet never once, before coming here and in the years I've spent in Arthur's service, have I used my magic for my own ends or for evil..."

Avebury kicked the ankle of the man standing next to him, who jumped in surprise before throwing a question at Merlin. "Are you saying you've never killed anyone? We've just been told you slew hundreds at Camlann!"

"Hundreds of Saxons, who would have wiped us out, if Merlin hadn't been there!" Percival could no longer keep silent.

"Sir Percival is correct, Sir Eghan," Arthur added, marking the knight as one of Avebury's cronies. "Perhaps if you'd come on time to the battle, you might have used your sword to kill some ten or twenty of our enemies, and you would be called a hero. Merlin used the weapons he was born with, so where is the difference?"

"There is no difference," Merlin said, redirecting attention back to himself. "There is no evil in sorcery, only in the hearts of men. I can't deny there have been sorcerers who used their gifts wickedly, though many were driven to evil to avenge their loved ones. If you try to eradicate a race of people because you have a pathological hatred for their kind, one day, some of those people will turn on you. King Uther's time is over, and Arthur bears no such grudge. Arthur prosecuted only those with magic who committed treason against his kingdom. We do not seek to abolish that law, only amend it. Besides, magic itself can be used for the good of all, and we wish to encourage that use. If anyone is still afraid of magic, be assured that those sorcerers who do not conform to Camelot's decrees will still be outlawed."

"And who will decide which sorcerers are using magic wrongly?" Avebury asked, worrying the question like a dog with a bone.

Merlin would have dearly liked to throw a thunder bolt at the querulous lord, yet it behove him to remain composed for the sake of the future return of magic. "Lord Avebury, since The Grand Council has been called to debate whether the laws on magic should be changed, I feel it would be presumptuous of me to answer that particular question at present. However, I should imagine that if a magic user commits a crime, he or she will face the courts as does any other felon."

"But what if the sorcerer is too powerful?" Sir Eghan questioned, without a prompt this time.

Sir Leon took a step forward to answer, steel underlying his soft voice. "For twenty years King Uther had little difficulty imprisoning and executing sorcerers. Camelot is just as secure under King Arthur. In fact, the people of Camelot have prospered during his rule." At Leon's words, there was a murmur of agreement, and he paused for a few minutes to allow the hall to quieten again. "I am not totally convinced that magic should be allowed free rein in Camelot, yet I trust King Arthur and Adviser Merlin and I am prepared to listen to their proposals. I think we should all do the same."

"Well said, Sir Leon!" Arthur took centre stage again. "But I fear that we have all heard enough talk for today. If anyone who wishes to air their views but have still to register their names, I suggest you do so now, but this session is closed. We will convene tomorrow, one hour after noon."

Arthur took Guinevere's hand and marched quickly from the hall, looking neither left nor right, giving no one a chance to intercept them, and not until they reached their chambers did he relax his guard.

"Guinevere, I'm sorry, but we are dining in here tonight. I cannot face another argument, and I'm sure Lord Avebury will make sure there is one." A deep frown wrinkled his brow as he threw himself down in his chair.

"Are you feeling unwell, Arthur?" Guinevere asked, hesitantly, remembering his outburst of earlier when he'd bridled at the yoke of people's concern over his health.

"It's not what you're thinking, Guinevere. I'm sick of hearing about my father's actions. No one knows more than I that an heir is important, but how could he have taken such a risk with the health of my mother, who he professed to love? Not to mention that he blatantly lied to me when I discovered the truth from Morgause." At that, his head lifted and he pointed an accusing finger at Merlin. "You told me she lied! That she had conjured my mother to tell me her version of events to drive a wedge between myself and my father. Why did you lie to me too?"

Merlin looked askance, knowing himself to be on very shaky ground. He walked forward, wondering how often Arthur would accept the excuse he had lied to protect him and Camelot. "I didn't know for certain, but I did think there might be a little truth in what the spirit of your mother said. I was sure Morgause was trying to manipulate you into killing your father, and I knew that would have destroyed you. I couldn't let that happen."

It seemed Merlin was about to discover the answer there and then, because Arthur pushed himself out of his chair and stalked to the window, his hand fisting on the glass. "Damn it! What gives everyone the right to imagine they can decide what's best for me. I had a right to know!" He swung to confront the people in the room, his eyes blazing. "I'm presuming that Gaius told you the truth, Merlin, so why not me? It was my birth you were talking about. I had a right to know!"

"What difference would it have made, Arthur? Once your anger was spent, would you really have killed your father?" Merlin asked, approaching his monarch warily, his skin as pale as Arthur's.

There was a long pause, while Arthur clenched one hand within the other. He couldn't deny that committing patricide would have torn him apart, but he wasn't prepared to let go his disappointment at being kept in the dark. "No! Probably not. But I might have left Camelot..."

"Would that have made you happy?"

"You know it wouldn't. Camelot means more to me than anything, except for yourself and Guinevere. But, Merlin, I might not have followed my father's decrees on magic so blindly had I known. I could have saved innocent people..."

"And what do you think your father would have done had you gone against his laws on magic?" Guinevere stepped forward to ask, her heart breaking for her husband.

"I doubt he would have killed me... Banished me probably. After all, he disinherited me in favour of Katrina."

"Arthur, he was enchanted at the time." His wife had reached his side and slipped her hand over his, massaging his tensed knuckles. "In his own way, he loved you. Remember, he gave his life trying to protect you, and I believe, in that last year, his conscience troubled him."

Time seemed frozen, as a myriad of emotions chased themselves across Arthur's face, mirroring his confused thoughts.

"You're right, Guinevere. I can never forget he died for me. Yet I do not think his conscience troubled him over much." A derisive laugh broke through Arthur's anger. "When I recalled his spirit from the afterlife using the Horn of Cathbhadh, he attempted to kill you, knowing how much it would hurt me. Ye gods, he knocked me out and might have done more when I refused to do his bidding. I cannot deny my feelings for him, but my father was flawed, and I could have done something about it sooner, if only I'd known."

"What kind of something?" Merlin asked, relieved that Gwen had defused the worst of Arthur's ire. "A disagreement with Uther would have rent Camelot in two and would have given Morgana a stronger hand to take over the kingdom."

"Or perhaps I could have saved Morgana from falling under Morgause's influence."

"We will never know." Guinevere shook her head sadly. "And we cannot change the past no matter how much we may want to." Gwen reached out a hand to Merlin, beckoning him nearer. "What is more, you two must not be estranged. With hindsight, there are always things we wish we could have done differently, but none of us is perfect and we make mistakes. You both have to learn to live with these mistakes, or Camelot's chance of peace is lost."

"That's true, Arthur. I am sorry I lied to you for so long about so many things, but a lot of the time I had no idea what to do. I was living on a knife edge..."

"Say no more, Merlin," Arthur conceded wearily, accepting that he would always feel contradictory about Uther. "I can only imagine how difficult your life must have been when my father was alive, and I already know I didn't always make things easy for you either. We've had this conversation before and it's pointless. Guinevere is right about burying the past and concentrating on the future, and I'm sorry for losing my temper. But I still can't go down there to dinner." He returned to his chair. "Though I need to know what's happening between the nobles. Guinevere, will you stand in for me? Perhaps Merlin will accompany you. Make whatever excuses you think appropriate, but keep your eyes and ears open. Avebury is the chief protagonist, but he will have associates. Besides, I have a feeling there is more behind his objections than a hatred of magic. He wasn't even here in Camelot for most of my father's reign."

"So you feel it too, Arthur?" Merlin cocked his head and studied his king.

"Clearly I've spent too long in your company, my friend." Arthur gave a tiny smirk. "Your funny feelings are beginning to rub off on me. But yes. I do not trust Avebury, and with that in mind, could you send Leon to me? He can keep me company during dinner, and you won't have to worry about me being alone."

"You wanted to see me, Sire?" Leon stated as he entered the royal chambers.

Arthur looked up from his seat at the table where he was pouring out two goblets of wine. "I did, Leon. Come... come. Sit yourself down." He indicated the chair next to him at the table which was set for dinner. "I had George serve me dinner up here and I thought you could keep me company. Please, eat with me."

"Are you feeling unwell, Sire, that you have chosen to dine in private, and wouldn't Queen Guinevere or Merlin be more suitable companions?"

A grimace of annoyance crossed Arthur's countenance, though quickly hidden. "I'm not sick, Leon, though I admit I couldn't face the knowing looks and snide remarks which are probably being thrown around in the dinning hall tonight regarding today's revelations. That has been hard enough already..."

"Sire, I think you are misjudging. Most of the people are sympathetic of your... position," Leon finished lamely, not knowing quite how to describe the conditions surrounding The King's conception.

"Some, perhaps. But some, like your uncle, were shocked, angry... even revelling in my discomfort and, I imagine, are now scheming on how they can turn this knowledge to their advantage."

"My Lord, I must apologise for my uncle's behaviour..."

"Why?" Arthur cut in, his voice hard edged. "You are not responsible for his actions, no more than was I responsible for Agravaine's." For some seconds, he was lost in thought, then he added more reasonably. "If life has taught me anything, it is that the people we ought to be able to trust aren't always the most trustworthy. And, Leon, will you stop using my titles. We've known each other for years. Just because Avebury is making my life difficult, doesn't change our friendship."

"Nor my doubts about magic?" Leon couldn't help but ask again.

"No! Though for someone who is ambivalent towards magic, you backed Merlin and me in the hall today, and for that I thank you."

A blush coloured Leon's pale face. "Avebury was out of line, and I will always do my best to protect you and Merlin from any attacks. Besides, if the choice is between my uncle and his friends and yourself and Merlin, then there is no contest. My allegiance is with you, Arthur."

"But that should not be the subject of the debate, and I don't want it to develop into a war between factions," Arthur said more in hope than in certainty. "I'm sorry. I sent Guinevere and Merlin to the hall for three reasons. The first, because I need them to keep an eye on what is happening; the second because they fuss too much over my health and the third... I wanted to question you about Avebury, which I now realise is unfair. I should not put you in the position of spying on your relative." Arthur took a sip of his wine and lifted his cutlery. "But that does not mean we can't enjoy a meal together. Please stay, Leon. I'd prefer not to eat alone."

Musing that his Uncle Brennan had no such scruples about spying, Leon pulled up a chair. "Thank you, Arthur." He smiled and began to eat.

There was silence as both men satisfied their appetites, though it had to be said that Leon ate more heartily than his king. He watched Arthur from the corner of his eye and was disappointed to see him push his plate away when he was only half finished. The King's head was down.

"There isn't much I know about my uncle," Leon blurted out and saw Arthur's keen eyes rise to meet his own. "He left when I was a very young child and I never met him again until my grandfather's funeral, when he returned home to inherit the leadership of our house." Leon also put down his knife and fork. "I never heard the true story, but I think my grandfather quarrelled with Brennan and he walked out. As you know, he spent most of his life fighting overseas, and accruing a fortune, if what I've been told is correct."

"He does appear to be incredibly rich, if his raiment is anything to go by," Arthur agreed. "But did he never try to mend the disagreement between himself and his father?"

"I think he might have revisited our home some time after my father died. I never knew for sure, but I do know he didn't stay." Leon settled back in his chair and gazed blankly at the ceiling. "I remember because my grandfather went around like a bear with a sore head for weeks and, according to castle gossip, it was because my uncle had paid a flying visit. Brennan might have wanted to make peace with the old man since my father had died, but it didn't work out. From all accounts they were both too stubborn for their own good."

"And you never knew what lay behind their feud?" Arthur's head shook sadly from side to side as he contemplated what could possibly divide a family so irrevocably.

"Only hearsay... but I will tell you what I know, if it will help," Leon finally said.

Again, Arthur shook his head, only this time with more force. "I will not coerce you, Leon. Just as I will never demand that you follow me where you have no wish to go."

"I understand, Arthur. It is why I do follow you," Leon replied with a slightly droll grin. "This all happened such a long time ago, when I was a still a babe, and it was never spoken of afterwards... well, only in whispers by the servants. But from what I could glean, the disagreement took place while Uther was fighting for the throne of Camelot." Placing his elbows on the table, Leon studied his hands; hands which were calloused and scarred in the service of this man beside him. "As you know, my grandfather was one of your father's staunchest supporters, yet for some reason Brennan did not follow his father. There was a huge argument, and though my uncle never openly opposed Uther's claim, when Uther was crowned he did leave Albion; took ship over The Narrow Sea, and was never heard from again for many years. My grandfather refused anyone in the household to speak his name and it was like my father became his only son."

"And yet when your grandfather died, he did return, assumed his title, and swore his allegiance to me," Arthur said thoughtfully. "I doubt it was out of love for me or the Pendragons."

"Perhaps he just missed his homeland as he grew older. People do change, Arthur," Leon pointed out.

Suddenly, Arthur pushed against the arms of his chair and stood. "I'm sure you're right," he echoed Leon's sentiments, though his mind was racing. He had seen enmity in Brennan's eyes, and not only for sorcery. Yet without evidence, he would not slander his First Knight's kinsman. "Thank you, Leon, for your candour and for your company, but I find I am tired. I think I am for bed."

"Of course, Sire." Leon gave a tiny bow as he backed towards the door. "Would you like me to send George to you. I believe Merlin will still be busy at the state banquet."

Once more, Arthur gave a humourless laugh. "Why does everyone assume I cannot dress or undress myself. It's not like I'm wearing chain-mail..." His voice tailed off , wistfully. Arthur was finding coping with this... this disability harder than he ever thought possible.

"Good night, Arthur," Leon said as he left, yet the knight suspected this would be anything but a good night for his king and friend.

When Guinevere returned to their chambers later in the night, she was surprised to find the room in semi-darkness, Arthur in bed, though not asleep. By the light of a couple of candles, she stood still, studying her husband, aching to see him chewing, subconsciously, on the nail of his right hand thumb. Quietly, she took a taper and lit the candles which stood on a side table.

The extra brightness alerted Arthur to her presence. "Guinevere!" he called, forcing a smile, while immediately hiding his bitten hand beneath the coverlet. He sat up in the bed. "Is dinner over?"

"Finally," she answered, crossing the room to sit by his side. "It seemed interminable. Thank goodness for Amena and Cedric... and Geoffrey. I never realised he could be such a support, and he was kind enough to bring Mary to sit with us at the top table."

"Poor Mary, if she had to put up with people like Avebury," Arthur murmured, while not really suspecting the truth of his words. However, his wife's face was a picture which told a thousand tales. "Don't tell me she did? I would have thought better of Geoffrey..."

"It wasn't Geoffrey's fault. Avebury simply assumed his place at the top table was his by right and he sat in Geoffrey's seat while he was showing Mary to her chair. Poor Geoffrey had to squeeze in at the end." Guinevere frowned, as she started to let her hair down, pulling out the jewelled pins which held it in place. "I'm sorry, but I cannot like that man, Arthur. Not only did he talk down to Mary, he had the audacity to treat me like I was still a servant... not to mention that he chose to ignore Merlin all evening."

"Don't apologise. The man's arrogant and rude. It's a pity he doesn't have a brave and wise serving girl to put him in his place." He stretched up to help loosen her curls, his fingers tangling in her dark tresses. Yet his mind was too troubled for romance. "I just wish I could call him a fool, but that would be underestimating him. He's dangerous. I'm certain he doesn't have Camelot's best interests at heart, Guinevere, and I want you to stay away from him. Merlin too!"

"Merlin can take care of himself. Have you forgotten he has magic?"

"No, and that's what I'm afraid of. If Avebury can, he'll bait Merlin into using magic inadvisedly, then he'll exploit that against us." Arthur clasped both of Guinevere's hands, shaking them urgently. "Is Merlin in his chamber?"

"I think so. He escorted me to the door and bade me goodnight. It's late and I doubt he was going anywhere else."

Quickly, Arthur threw back the coverlet and rose from his bed. "Guinevere, I'm sorry, but I must talk to Merlin... now." Opening the closet, he pulled out his blue cloak, while the candle-light caught the sparkle of tears in Guinevere's dark eyes and Arthur was, at once, contrite. "This is important, but I promise I won't be long. Would you like me to send for your maid?"

The Queen stood by the bed, a forlorn figure. She couldn't explain the feeling of dread which threatened to overtake her. All she wanted was Arthur's comforting arms to surround her, but Guinevere was a Queen in more than name. She understood the importance of duty, and she would never lessen Arthur's sense of responsibility, so she forced a smile as she replied. "Yes, please. I think I need a hand with these braids." She touched her hair which was now somewhere betwixt up and down. "And a warm bath might help to relax me."

With his hand on the latch of the door, Arthur paused, knowing that to be an excuse. Guinevere hardly ever bothered the servants this late at night by having them bring up bath water. Something was troubling his wife, and he felt guilt tear at his throat as he had no time to comfort her. "Sounds like a good idea, and I happen to think your hair looks beautiful - all tumbling down. Who knows, if I'm quick, I might share your bath... but don't wait up," he added, honesty winning out.

He couldn't rid himself of the premonition his kingdom was in danger; his city and all those he loved. An enemy had thrown down the gauntlet and Arthur would accept the challenge.

I do hope you found this chapter to your liking. I know there was a lot of court intrigue, but I did try to write some personal interaction between our main characters. I do love writing these little chats.

If you did, please review. I'm starting to feel ambitious and hoping to reach 80 reviews now!