Chapter 61 [Merlin's Chamber—A Half Hour Later]
Merlin stood at the window and gazed down on the familiar sights and sounds he'd come to know so well during the previous decade. He marveled at the rapidly rebuilding efforts in the marketplace. He saw the bustle of servants and commoner folk passing through the gate between the Upper and Lower Towns….
…much as he had been…
…the way hopefully he'd never be again….
…different window and different perspective indeed…
Still his mind struggled with the reason why Rodor wanted the private conversation at that particular point. Had they done something to offend the King? Perhaps Hunith had been correct about her own misgivings concerning the request? Perhaps there were second thoughts?
"Father will be all right, Merlin. You'll see," Mithian assured him from the writing table across the chamber.
"I don't know what I did. Everything was fine and then he asked to depart," he wondered almost fearfully.
Father did have his issues. I could clearly see it on his face. She shrugged. "I suspect it will be contained in what he wants to tell us, Merlin. As I said, trust that it will be all right." She smiled at him to reassure him.
At that moment, a knock came from the door.
"There. You see?" She walked over and opened it to find Gawain, Lancelot and Britomart standing there. "Sirs Lancelot and Gawain? Britomart? Please enter. We expect King Rodor presently."
"We know. He sent word for us, Milady, as well," Britomart declared.
"Yeah. Kings like that don't interrupt a party unless something really stinks," Gawain assessed knowingly. He glanced at Merlin finding a like theory brewing in his newly-named Prince's contenance there.
"Whatever it is, my friends, we shall find out soon," Lancelot added as he appreciated the new surroundings. "Very nice indeed, Merlin. Quite the step up from your previous lodgings."
"Yes it is," Merlin concurred not caring if his friends saw his awestruck expression. "I just hope I get to keep it."
"And why would I take it from you? You have more than earned it," Rodor supposed earnestly from the hall. A curiously arched eyebrow pointed to the puzzlement on his face. "You sense my concerns however, don't you?"
"I did, Sire," Merlin noted as he bowed to his new father-in-law.
Rodor nodded allowing the Prince a complimentary smile. "Already your senses and instincts are doing you justice, Merlin. Excellent!" He clapped his hands for emphasis before closing the door to insure their privacy.
Mithian exhaled with relief. "But you still wish to speak with us, Father?"
"I do, my Daughter. Thank you," Rodor expressed. He regarded each of them in turn weighing his assessments with care. "First of all, I thank you all for the service you have given Nemeth and shall continue to do for the kingdom. As your king, I am extremely proud of such devotion and loyalty. However, I do have a simple request for each of you." He sighed heavily wondering how to say it gently.
"Yes, Your Majesty?" Britomart queried expectantly.
"Perhaps to carry yourselves with greater regard? There is a way that members of the royal court should act in public. It seems King Arthur allows more leniency. I am definitely not Uther in my outlook. I want you all to enjoy life even as we serve together. Just be aware that your actions reflect on Nemeth and on the court in general. And, Merlin, I did have one thing to add for you," Rodor noted.
"Yes?"
"I know King Arthur and you have developed a deep bond during your service to Camelot's royal household. While I would hope we could continue that alliance and friendship, remember, just as Uther made you his man a decade ago, you are now my man and a Prince of Nemeth. To your credit, your reminder to him that the new servant, George, is in your place was just the reminder that King Arthur needed. I would have to be blind to see that he misses you and everyone else that he regards and appreciates. Still I shall speak to him on that note," Rodor continued pointedly before looking at Mithian in remembrance of the previous slight. "You've seen how Mithian picks her moments. Much as you assist her with sorcery, perhaps look to her when it comes to court manners? If you have questions, of course, I will be more than happy to answer them and provide advice at the appropriate times and places."
"I am sorry that I've disappointed you, King Rodor," Merlin apologized.
"You have done no such thing. Your entire world changed in the blink of an eye last night alone. That does not count what has happened since Odin and Morgana Pendragon invaded Nemeth and set off that infernal affair. Merlin, where as you've lived alone and in the shadows, now you are in the light and in a bond with Mithian. Where you were a servant, now you are a noble, a knight, a leading warlock and the Crown Prince. If you had been raised as a Prince, I'd be more stern with you. As it is, I just ask that you perhaps consider the implications of your actions?" Rodor embraced Merlin affectionately. "We can talk more when we return to Whitgate. For now though, I couldn't be more proud of you."
"Thank you. That is very gracious of you to say," Merlin accepted.
"You're welcome. It will be all right as I said. You carry a great burden now…perhaps greater than before," Rodor indicated. "For this reason, I welcome Avalon's assistance. Your colleague, Talesin, will be at court. His experience, I feel, will prove beneficial to you both. And from what you've said, Mithian, Freya respects the bond between Merlin and you. It can only be for the good therefore." He took a deep breath. "I wish to take a ride through the woods with all of you. Will you accompany me?"
"Of course, Father," Mithian agreed for them all.
"Then follow me," Rodor invited pleasantly while leading them toward the stables. "Perhaps when we return, Merlin, you can learn to hunt?"
"I can try it. I know the Princess enjoys it," Merlin relented for her benefit.
"I appreciate that. Now come." She let her eyes sparkle into his momentarily before they headed toward the stables.
It seemed that balance in all things was needed. How that would steer things remained to be seen….