Sorry it took so long to post this. I had a terrible case of writer's block.
I'd like to thank all you guys who reviewed last chapter and putthis story over the two hundred review mark. You guystotally rock! I don't have time to list all your names. But each of you (or those of you who did not give anonymous reviews) will be receiving an individual thank you from me.
Chapter Nineteen
The day was spent in harried preparations. Everybody was rushing about, making sure that everything would be ready for the party that Arthur had decided- only the night before- to give for the town. There were whispers as to what this celebration was about. Rumors flew about, spreading through Camelot like wildfire. But none knew the true reason for the celebration. None but the king and queen, and Juliana.
She had woken early that day and, though she wished only to lay in bed and wallow in her self-pity, she forced herself to get out of the bed and dress for the day. It was her first day as a maid, her first day of life outside the church walls. Needless to say that she was nervous. What if she messed up? Juliana did not wish to make Guinevere regret her decision. So, she was determined to do her best, and to make her queen proud.
Juliana hesitantly knocked on the door to Guinevere's chamber. The door opened to reveal Arthur. Quickly, she curtsied low, her eyes dropping down to the floor in a sign of humbleness.
"You must be Juliana." Shocked, her eyes flew to his face. How had he known her name? She was only a maid, a woman who, back in Rome, would never have gained the attention of the Emperor. Why then, did the king of Camelot know her name?
His throaty laugh echoed down the hallway. Juliana felt her cheeks burn hot in embarrassment. He was laughing at her. This was not a good way to start her first day. Juliana felt her shame all the way down to her toes.
"No need to be so shocked." Arthur said, his laughter coming to an end. "I make it a habit to know the names of all those who work for me."
Juliana attempted a smile, trying to hide the fact that she thought herself a fool. How would she ever survive here in this world? She was not made for this life.
"Guinevere is waiting for you in the bedchamber." He said, stepping out into the hallway. "Have a good day, Juliana." With that he walked off, leaving Juliana alone in front of the door.
Well, go on, get in there. She could not force her feet to move. You are not a coward. You can do this.
Drawing in a deep breath, she stepped over the threshold and closed the door behind her.
> > > > >
It wasn't too difficult for Juliana to fall into her role as Queen's Maid. Years of service in the church had prepared her for this new task. And it helped that Guinevere was patient with Juliana, and that the queen didn't mind explaining things to the young woman.
Juliana was kept in a state of constant business all that day as she helped Guinevere to prepare for the festivities that night. She was too busy to even have time to think. And for that Juliana was grateful. Her mind was too full to contemplate the fact that she would, once again, have to face Galahad that night.
It wasn't until Guinevere sent Juliana away so that the young maid could ready herself that the thought came crashing down on her.
She could not face him. Not again. Not after what had happened the night before. For if she saw him again, Juliana was certain that she would be flooded by the same anger that had taken her the last time. And she could not allow that to happen. Anger was an emotion that she did not need in her already complicated life. She was ill equipped to handle such a strong feeling. Life as a nun had not prepared her for evil emotions or thoughts, and Juliana knew that if she felt anger again that she would surely give in to it.
But I must go tonight, she thought, I must attend to Guinevere. That is my job now, and I cannot fail in it.
Juliana closed her eyes in prayer, seeking God's divine wisdom and His strength. She would need all His help in battling against her own humanness.
> > > > >
The festivities were in full swing. The main hall of Arthur's home had been transformed from a drab stone room into a beautiful Eden overflowing with flowers. The heady scents of each flower mingled with those of the delicious foods that sat on each table. The townspeople, when not eating, danced in the center of the hall. Music floated about the room, echoing through to the corridors and out into the gardens.
Despite herself, Juliana became wrapped up into the gaiety of it all; and all thought of Galahad fled her mind. She laughed and smiled until her face hurt, and ate foods that she had never before tasted until her stomach began to protest. Juliana watched the townspeople whirl about the floor in an array of colors. In spite of the short warning that they had received, all had come decked out in their best party clothes. Young men and women eyed each other through the fray of dancers, their cheeks flushed with childlike happiness as they flirted and danced. The older people of the village danced close to their loved ones, stealing kisses as if they were young again.
Juliana's feet itched to join in the dance, but she knew not the steps, nor had she been asked by any of the young gentlemen. Even if she were asked, Juliana was uncertain of whether or not she would accept. She'd never had much interaction with men before, not including Galahad, and she was uncertain of how to act around them. She watched the girls her own age as they batted their eyelashes and smiled shyly at the boys they liked. She could never act as they did, of that Juliana was certain. Any attempt she made at flirtation would likely end up looking stupid. And Juliana had no wish to make a fool of herself.
So, she stayed by Guinevere's side, refilling the queen's goblet with watered wine whenever it was low. And she contented herself with simply watching the fun.
> > > > >
From his place in the corner, Galahad watched Juliana. She was so beautiful with the light of a thousand candles playing off her ivory skin and brilliant hair. She moved with a grace that was surpassed by none other.
He was so deeply in love with her that Galahad feared his heart would burst simply by watching her. He wanted nothing more than to take Juliana in his arms and kiss her senseless. He wanted to take her to his bed and show her just how much he cared. But he couldn't.
Galahad was stuck where he was, knowing that he could never have Juliana. And the reality crushed his heart until there was nothing left of it.
Zephaniah's hand was like the grip of death on his arm. She had not left his side once since he'd entered the hall earlier and she had materialized beside him. It was as if he were her slave; constantly having to serve her and never gaining his freedom. She stifled any hope that he had of being near Juliana. For Galahad knew that as long as Zephaniah was beside him, Juliana would not step towards him, nor would she even look at him.
I am a knight, damn it! His mind cried. I should be able to free myself from this woman.
But what woman did he speak of? Was it Juliana, whose love he would never have? Or was it Zephaniah, the woman who he wished he'd never set eyes on? Even Galahad did not know, and the thoughts were his own.
"Come," Zephaniah whispered in his ear, "let us dance."
She ran a hand seductively down his arm and entwined her fingers with his own. Disgusted, Galahad threw her hand from his. She glared at him, her eyes twin pits of fire and fury. But the look quickly faded from her eyes and she smiled.
"What, do you not wish to dance with me?" She pouted. Her sudden change of mood frightened Galahad.
"No," he replied, quickly diverting his eyes from hers, "I do not."
Galahad felt suddenly stifled within the hall. The walls felt as if they were closing in on him, and the delicious feast of smells began to gag him. He needed fresh air and freedom.
He stood and began to walk towards the nearest door. Zephaniah moved to follow him, but he whirled around and placed a hand up to stop her.
"No," he said, "I wish to be alone."
Her mouth tightened into a line and her eyes hardened. But Zephaniah made no move to follow him out of the room.
> > > > >
Juliana's cheeks burned with the heat of the room. She moved swiftly through the crowd, carrying a new pitcher of wine towards the table where the king and queen sat with their knights. Juliana had been nervous when she'd first seen that the knights would be joining the table, but she'd breathed a sigh of relief when she saw that Galahad was not among them. But why was he not there? The question pestered her as she worked. Why was he not at the party like everyone else?
A thought sprang to her mind. And her cheeks flushed, but not from the heat. She knew the reason now. Surely his little companion was keeping him company this night. He must have no need to venture from his own room, for certainly his bed was warm with the heat of another body.
Juliana tripped over the hem of her gown. A strong hand reached out to steady her before a drop of wine could be spilt on the stone floor, or on her dress.
"You must be more careful." A deep voice spoke softly in her ear.
Her eyes flew to the face of her new companion and she was startled to find the blonde bearded knight standing next to her. Gawain was his name, and she remembered him clearly from that day in the church. She still had not gotten over the fright of it.
He smiled down at her, his eyes kind and not showing a hint of the man who had cornered her that day. His hand still rested on her arm, just above her elbow, burning her skin with the heat of his touch. His beard had been combed and trimmed for the night's occasion, and Juliana couldn't help but think that he looked quite handsome now.
"Thank you." She whispered, her mouth dry and tongue numb. It was as if she'd forgotten how to speak.
"You are quite welcome," he replied, the smile taking on a teasing quality. "It's not every day that I get to come to the aid of one so beautiful."
Juliana was certain that he'd used that very line on many other women, but that thought did not stop the blush that crept over her face, turning her cheeks the same shade as her hair.
"I…I must get this to the table." She said, her eyes fixated on the jug of wine that she held.
"Jols can do that." He waved to a man in the shadows, who came quickly and took the jug from Juliana's hands.
Gawain's hand slid from her arm. He held the rough, war calloused hand out to her.
"I would be honored if you would join me in a dance." He said gallantly, bowing at the waist.
Juliana stared at him, opened mouth and surprised.
"I…" she stared down at his hand and confessed in a whisper, "I do not know how." She glanced at him through lowered lashes.
He grinned devilishly and leaned close, his lips nearly touching her ear. Juliana tensed at his closeness.
"Then allow me to teach you." He whispered.
> > > > >
Well, I hope this chapter was worth the wait and I hope that you guys liked it. Please review and tell me what you thought. I'm hoping that the next chapter won't take nearly as long to get out. But I'm not making any promises. Anyways, please review.