Arthur found it difficult to part with Guinevere, painful to let her go.
He knew where this would lead. He was, after all, a man.
He was determined to be an honorable one.
He knew few married men, and none of them well.
His father's advice was dubious - he'd fathered Morgana.
(Such thoughts simply hurt.)
Gaius was a bachelor; Geoffrey: celibate.
Merlin, like himself, was without reference.
Arthur had seen the anguish of widows but not the glory of brides.
(Except the troll.)
His heart, nevertheless, guided him. It led with surprising strength.
He would marry Guinevere.
And soon.