Chapter 4

Arthur and the knights were in their full Camelot livery as he led them through the corridors of Bayard's castle down to the banqueting hall, with Merlin and Gwen at the back of the party. He and Leon were deep in conversation and Arthur had just turned towards him to make another comment as they both rounded a corner. And that was the moment at which Arthur was destined to meet Ivan again, as they both collided.

Ivan exploded and shouted, "Watch where you're going, you stupid…. ", but before he completed his sentence, he finally looked up to see who he was talking to, and stopped. Ivan stood two inches taller than Arthur, and like him, had been blessed with good looks, but whilst Arthur was fair, Ivan had his father's darker hair. They both held each other's gazes for a moment, before responding.

Arthur gave a nod, "Ivan….." He couldn't quite bring himself to add, Good to see you.

"I'm sorry, Arthur, I didn't realise it was you, otherwise I obviously would not have said what I did."

There was a little too much forced sincerity in his voice, and Arthur, for his part, responded coolly, "Of course not."

Although all the others, apart from Merlin and Gwen (to whom Arthur had also confided), were unaware of the history between the two princes, they quickly picked up on the frostiness between them which characterised their polite responses to each other.

After another slight pause, Ivan continued: "I was terribly disappointed not to be able to join my father in welcoming you to Mercia earlier."

"Your father welcomed us warmly enough. I trust all is well with you?"

"Yes, very well, thank you. But I was so sad to hear that your father's state of mind has been somewhat disturbed recently. That must be hard for you to see him like that and a worry to see Camelot so weakened."

Ivan's intention to needle Arthur succeeded, and Arthur stiffened slightly. He chose his words carefully and deliberately. "He does well enough, thank you – as does Camelot."

"Well, I'm glad then that the reports have proved not to be as accurate as I'd feared."

"Quite." Arthur decided to deliberately change the subject. "These are my knights. This is Sir…."

But Ivan cut in on Arthur, deliberately slighting him. "I'm sorry, Arthur, but that pleasure will have to wait until later. Again, more pressing matters, I'm afraid. I will be with your shortly at the banquet. So, if you'll excuse me….."

And with that, Ivan continued his brisk walk down the corridor, leaving Arthur with a look of discomfort on his face.

Gwaine leant over and whispered to Merlin as they continued towards the banqueting hall, "Did I miss something?"

"Apparently they have something of a 'history'."

Gwaine replied with an unmistakeable tone of sarcasm in his voice, "Seems like a nice bloke."

"Yeah, can't think why Arthur doesn't get on with him….."

As they reached the open doors which led into the banquet, Arthur held back as the others went in to have a quiet word with Gwen, checking first that no one was around to see them. But before Arthur could speak, Gwen - mindful of Ivan's comments about Uther – asked him, "Are you alright, Arthur?"

He nodded, "It's nothing that I wasn't expecting….. and I have the joy of sitting with him at the banquet."

"Don't let him get to you!"

"Believe me, Guinevere, I'll be trying my hardest. Anyway, I just wanted to tell you to sit with Elyan and the others – they'll look after you." He paused, and then added jokingly, "….. and then I may also have some vain hope that your presence there may prevent Gwaine from bringing Camelot into total disrepute on the first evening!"

They both smiled. Arthur paused, and then took Gwen's hands in his and spoke with feeling, "One day you'll sit by my side."

Gwen responded playfully, "What, so you can inflict Ivan on me too?"

Arthur just laughed.

Gwen gave him a little curtsy. "But in the meantime, my lord, as your faithful servant I will protect Camelot's reputation for you!" and with that, Arthur led the way in with Gwen following.