Queen Guinevere found out about Brian and Justin one afternoon, by accident. Arthur was not feeling well, which was very unusual, and Arthur had sent her to tell his Knights that they would not be meeting that evening. Some of them were at home with their families, in which Guinevere sent messengers to, but those Knights who were in the castle, she took it upon herself to tell in person. She had found everyone except Sir Lancelot. Surprisingly he was not in his room. She was sure he was always in his room when he was in the castle, rarely did he spend time roaming the castle, even though he enjoyed visiting every now and then. After exhausting all possibilities, she had no choice but to check the secret passage. You see she had found it too. Lancelot was sitting in the glade of trees when she came to the end of the tunnel and path. Neither ever told Arthur about the passage because they both understood that as close as they were to the King and as trusted as they were as friends and advisers, sometimes you need to escape where no one can find you. So they both used it from time to time, but one day she discovered something that she certainly never expected to see.

She used the secret passage in hopes of finding Lancelot. This time, however, she heard something before she saw anyone. Lancelot was a very quiet individual, so hearing anything worried her. What concerned her even more was when she could make out the kind of sounds she was hearing. Any person who is known to the world of human pleasure knows what those sounds mean, but never, ever had Guinevere heard those sounds coming from this glen, much less from Lancelot. In fact she wasn't even sure Lancelot did those kind of things in his bedroom, not that he couldn't, but he just didn't.

As she came to the clearing under the trees that she usually found Lancelot in, what she saw shocked her, on several levels to be honest. First was that Lancelot was having sex, second was that he was having sex with another man, and third was that he was having it with Justin, King Arthur's Justin. She had long admired Lancelot's handsome features, and she knew Justin and thought he was beautiful. She stood in stunned silence for a few moments before realizing that not only had she not been heard, but she was intruding on a very private moment between two people who were obviously in love, more so than any couple she had ever known. They were also very beautiful together. Anyone seeing them together would never question their feelings for the other, anyone except maybe Arthur. She slowly, quietly, and quickly went back to the palace. She hoped the first place that Lancelot and Justin would go would be one of their bedrooms, so she would have to wait. Although where to wait she wasn't sure, both their rooms were very near the Kings and her chamber.

As she sat in a seating area in the corridor near their chambers she thought back on what she had heard. Trying desperately to forget the actual sounds of passion (because although a proper lady would never admit such a thing – it was rather pleasing and watching others share such a passionate, intimate embrace was wrong, she wouldn't technically mind seeing that again, although she'll never go looking for it), she concentrated on the comments she heard after their obvious hard breathtaking release. Both declaring their undying love for the other, Justin calling Lancelot Brian, she wondered about that. Both sharing the others thoughts that they wished they could always be together and never part. She understood lovers never wanting to part.

She secretly loved Arthur more than he knew. They shared a bed, in more ways than one. It was not only their duty to produce an heir, but they were both human and while it was disconcerting at times when her husband found his marital duties, just that, duties, he seemed to enjoy them as well. Although she was sure that he could rub against anything and seek a release, it's a bit harder for a woman to feel pleasure that simply. They never talked about it, but she hoped he had some enjoyment from it, she certainly did, although it could have happened more often. That's when she realized that it had been more often. At first she thought it actually was her, but now that she'd just seen Justin with Lancelot, perhaps Arthur is not getting what he wanted from, as often as he used to from Justin. Then she wondered how long had Justin been with Lancelot and she was pretty sure that Arthur didn't know.

Guinevere did confront the lovers after they came back, although she waited a couple hours, and they both looked completely flushed with color, but both…so much happier than she had ever seen them before. She couldn't break that up, but they all needed to discuss the particulars of such a situation.

She found out it had only been going on for a few months, that it was completely by accident, that they couldn't tell Arthur, but they couldn't be apart and not see each other. She found out that Arthur had not been spending as much time in Justin's bed as he was previously. Although no one was sure what the circumstances were around that. Justin spent many nights in Lancelot's bed, not on purpose, but because they wore themselves out with their activities that lasted longer than most people. Not that they were objecting, it was such a wondrous feeling to wake up in the arms of your lover.

Lancelot had noticed that Arthur seemed a bit more distant, but no one knew why. Brian and Justin were afraid that he knew something about their relationship, but they didn't believe so. Guinevere could see the love so clearly on both their faces and in their eyes, that she couldn't tell them to stop, that she would keep this secret to herself and never let on. She would also, although she didn't really want to, suggest that she and Arthur work a little harder to try and produce an heir or two. It's not like she was using him, he was her husband and they were King and Queen.

We all know that King Arthur was a tragedy and most believed it ended badly. Birth, life and death are all part of the great circle of life, so even if King Arthur had lived passed the legends and stories about him, his reign would have ended eventually. But the circumstances and people surrounding the tragedy are also different than what most people believe. King Arthur did eventually find out about Lancelot's betrayal…but again, it was not Guinevere, but Lord Justin that Sir Lancelot fell in love with. Arthur could have almost forgiven Lancelot had Guinevere been the one. But Justin, his Justin, Arthur needed Justin, needed to protect Justin, needed to keep him safe. Justin needed Arthur's love, of this Arthur was sure. So to have his most trusted advisor and his lover share the same bed, and hide it from him was unforgivable.

And so it came to pass that once Arthur knew of Lancelot's crime, so too did the rest of the Knights. Lancelot was to be held accountable to his crime against Arthur, for bedding Arthur's lover and making the Queen lie and keep the secret from him. What hurt him even more was Justin's betrayal. Arthur had always loved him, protected him, kept him safe and the times they had shared in all activities and conversations, Arthur thought they were the happiest times in his life. He should have known something was different when Justin was missing from his bed those nights, but he didn't think anything of it. The only difference he could pick up with anyone was that Justin seemed happier. Even Lancelot seemed happier, he never could make the connection, nor would he. He honestly didn't remember Lancelot being interested in men or women that way, any way, actually.

King Arthur's knights, they filled the Table Round,

Save for one who stood before them,

For once without a weapon;

For once he stood in shame.

The trial's charge was treason

And betrayal of an oath,

And should his guilt be proven

Death would fall on traitors both!

The knights would counsel Arthur's hard decision.

And Lancelot, his head held high, said,

"I'm tried for love of Justin...

My crime was love."

The first to speak was Kay with sharpest tongue,

"He is a man like any other

The word of kings command him;

His heart does not obey.

For all his strength and boldness,

This knight's spirit is too weak.

His crime knows no excuses,

And no favours may he seek!

The laws of kings don't bend and can't be broken."

And Lancelot, his head held high, said,

"I stand for love of Justin...

For pride in love."

"I know this knight right well," spoke bold Gawaine,

"And he has ever stood beside me.

With steel he's answered insults,

Defended chivalry.

And oft this man contended

For the honour of your wife and kingdom.

His actions were not proper,

But should not cost him his life!

His service past should earn of you some mercy."

And Lancelot, his head held high, said,

"I fought for love of Justin...

I'll fight for love."

Sir Tristan spoke, "I love my uncle's wife.

For her I gladly suffer;

She is my heart's delight:

Iseult, the one who tempts me

And she for whom I'm pure...

My love for her confounds me,

And is all of which I'm sure.

I understand my brother's contradictions..."

And Lancelot, his head held high, said,

"I cry my love for Justin...

I've cried for love."

Spoke Galahad, the purest of them all,

"Have no fear of predilection,

For though he is my father,

He is my source of shame.

He joined in sinful union

With my unbeguiling mother,

And for all his claim at virtue

He has gone and bed another!

The laws of God declare this act damnation."

And Lancelot, his head held high, said,

"I lie in love with Justin...

I've lied for love."

As Arthur wept, he called the wrath of Heaven

On the lovers who'd betrayed him:

On the knight he had called "brother,"

Thought worthy of his trust;

On the queen who'd hid deception,

Yet could say she loved him still;

For lost innocence and beauty,

And in justice for their guilt,

King Arthur knew the only price for treason...

And Lancelot, his head held high, said,

"I'll die in love with Justin...

I'd die for love."

If Sir Lancelot had truly been with the Queen, that would have been a treason punishable by death. However, since Lancelot had fallen in love with and slept with Arthur's lover, no treason was truly committed. King Arthur was still very angry and hurt that his true lover and his best, truest Knight had an affair; he banished Lancelot from the Kingdom. Guinevere was not sentenced to death, but she and Arthur did drift apart after that. For while no crime was committed, she also did not tell the truth of Lancelot's or Justin's crime.

Arthur desperately wanted Justin back in his graces, for while furious at such a betrayal, he still loved Justin and could not wait until Justin stopped grieving his loss and sought Arthur's comfort. This did not work out the way that Arthur had hoped though, for throughout the rest of his life, which is unfortunately short, due to the quest for the Holy Grail and battles and civil unrests and wars over lands and power, he had lost something very important. For while Lord Justin was still in the castle, gone were his days of glorious paintings, ended were his beautiful tapestries, no more drawings or baking could be seen of Justin's. He no longer smiled or laughed, even Lady Debbie and Michael missed him in the kitchens. He would do whatever was requested of him, but whoever was making the requests had to go to his room to tell him what to do. And when Arthur came to him when he had a free moment, he found that it was like controlling a rag doll. His Justin had no more life in him. Soon Arthur stopped spending time with Justin and more and more time with his Knights on whatever quests and wars he deemed necessary.

Most people assumed, although it was never spoken out loud, that the reason King Arthur's reign fell quickly was due to his increasing anger and loneliness. For you see, although he had not lost Queen Guinevere, but because she knew of Justin's and Brian's affair the King had refused to continue to confide and trust in her. Others saw this weakness and this change in power and took full advantage of it. Not even King Arthur understood how deeply he cared for Queen Guinevere until she no longer gave in to his will. She had taken up sleeping in Justin's room, while Justin had started sleeping in Brian's room. King Arthur had wanted to get rid of and burn all of Lancelot's belongings, but he could not see Justin in pain. And when guards started to remove things from Lancelot's room, Justin was in so much pain that Arthur took some mercy on him and said the bed, it's coverings, and the tapestry Justin made could stay. It did pain terribly to see Justin live in Brian's room, or rather exist, because he wasn't living at all.

Meanwhile Brian was miserable, as well. He had left the country, for no one wanted to be associated with a former Knight of King Arthur who had betrayed the King so thoroughly. He changed his appearance, took all the money he could and lived on his own farm far outside the realm of the kingdom. It was a simple existence, but one void of any love, happiness or joy. The months he had spent with Justin were truly the best he had ever known in all his life. His deepest, most fervent wish, hope and prayer were that one day he would be reunited with Justin, even though he didn't see how that was possible. He went back to Britain twice a year, to hear any rumors or stories about King Arthur's reign, and of course if there were any whispers at all about a blond boy around the palace. Arthur wasn't happy, Guinevere wasn't happy and there was no mention of Justin at all, in any context. So Brian would return to his farm in the Scottish lands, and was somewhat content until the next time he would return near Camelot.

After the eventual, but untimely death of King Arthur, Guinevere did join a convent, for she truly did love King Arthur, but after Lancelot was banished, and Justin was barely alive, Arthur was a different person and she realized when he died that the only thing she could do was join a convent and spend her days serving the Lord with other like minded women…where there was no kings or queens, duties or responsibilities, or enemies or wars. The last thing she did before she left was say good-bye to Justin, who wept for her leaving him. But Guinevere did something for Justin, even though she did not tell Justin. She was aware of Lancelot's returns, and on his last visit she had him followed. Before her final journey to the convent she gave Michael instructions to go see Lancelot and give him word that if he still loves Justin, to come get him, and she would instruct the few Knights remaining in Camelot that they are not to interrupt or harm either of them.

To say that Brian was happy and surprised by Michael's appearance would be an understatement. To further learn of Arthur's death and Guinevere's permanent move to a convent furthered his astonishment and misery. But Michael saved his best news for last. They took some time to grieve for their friend, master and king, but Michael had to tell Brian what he was meant to tell him.

"Sir L…"

"No… Sorry Michael, was it? It's Brian, only Brian, ever since I came here, I've been Brian, again. If only…ah well, sorry, was there something else you wished to tell me, son?"

"Yes, Sir, ummm… Brian, Guinevere did send me for more than King Arthur's death. I don't know how banishment works, but since he's *sniffle* no longer king."

"I'm happy here Michael, well, as happy as I can be, by myself. I appreciate you coming all this way to tell me in person, it would have been good to see Guinevere again, we were great friends, along with…never mind. I like it here, and I don't think I'll ever go back."

"Forgive me for being so bold, but is there nothing, not one thing, or person, that you would go back for?"

"What are you asking Michael? Do you have someone particular in mind?"

He's a cute kid, but nothing compared to who he gave up. And having not heard anything about him the last few years, he has nothing to go on, best to move on and hope the hurt lessens.

"Begging your pardon sir, but I don't mean me… not that I wouldn't be interested, but I know someone who would be very hurt should I try anything. Someone who would very much like to know you're doing well and I'm certain you would want to know the same."

If he didn't know better… but it's best not to hope that much.

"Get to the point Michael, I haven't got time for riddles or guessing games."

"Fine then… Justin."

…..

"What did you say?"

"Justin… would want to know you're well, and you should know that he's, well, physically he is well enough, but he never comes out of his room, or should I say your room, he barely eats, he never…"

"MICHAEL! Are you telling me you know where Justin is, and he's not well, and you want me to go, what, get him, make him better? How is that supposed to work, he's used to palace life, not farm life."

"Brian…at the moment I don't think he'd care, if he got to see you. He moved into your old room over a year ago, never leaves, sleeps all the time, he doesn't paint, bake, sew, or even talk. My mom has to force feed him so he stays healthy. Queen, well, I guess just Guinevere now, she used to talk to him, but with her going into a convent she won't be there to take care of him. Oh, and the few Knights left who were loyal to Guinevere, who are still in Camelot are staying there until you hopefully arrive. Guinevere gave them all specific instructions that they are to wait till you return before leaving, if they so choose. Justin has nowhere to go. If the Knights leave, all the servants will probably leave. I don't know what exactly will happen, but he really only listens to Guinevere, and barely at that. When she found out you had been coming back she had someone follow you last time so that's how I found you this time. She didn't tell Justin anything for we didn't want to get his hopes up, but when he's not staring at nothing, or asleep, he's crying. I know he really loves you and he misses you terribly and I bet it would mean more to him than anything else in the world to see you and know you still do love him."

By this point Brian is sitting, as his legs have turned to mush. Justin has given up on living, not happy, not painting, oh to be in a world with no sunshine. Only a few knights remain…what choice does he have? He had to see Justin… oh, god, to see Justin again. Did he dare hope that he could bring him back here, with him? He truly had no choice, if Justin is sick and lonely and lost, then he could only do one thing… go get him. Brian honestly never thought he would get the chance at a life with Justin, and this soon. He felt for Arthur, verily he did, but he never really gave us a chance to explain ourselves either.

"So Michael… you coming back with me? Or are you leaving now and I'll meet you in Camelot when I'm finished packing?"

"Oh, that was fast, umm… if you don't mind, I'll go with you, it took me a couple of days, on horse, and I would need to restock before leaving, and I certainly wouldn't mind traveling with someone."

"Well, that settles it. I have a carriage we can ride, that will not only carry more supplies for more people, but hopefully I won't be coming back alone, either. I'll gather all that I need, why don't you go to the local village and get what you need to get, and meet back here as soon as you can. My horses and I don't need rest, so why don't you take one of my horses, then your horse can rest before going back."

After all preparations were made Michael and Brian were on their way. The trip took two days, but they had more than enough for several people for several days. Brian wanted to make sure he had more than enough not knowing what they would need. Michael was pleasant to be around, he was glad Justin had him among his friends when Arthur kept him, well, not a prisoner, but seemingly close enough. At times they traveled in silence, Michael wondering how Justin was doing and what his mom and he were going to do. Brian thinking solely about Justin and what was going on and what would happen next.

When they finally arrived in Camelot Brian was surprised at the changes, it was a little bit worse for wear, but a lot less people. A lot less happy people, and apparently no one recognized him. He knew his appearance had changed, but didn't know it had changed that much. Of course he no longer wore armor or chain mail, or any type of uniform. He must look like a commoner, he knew his hair was longer, and he had a beard and mustache, short, but there.