Chapter 72 [Twenty Minutes Later—Royal Dining Hall]
[A/N: I know Lancelot may seem OOC in this chapter. It's all in the plan…..]
Elaine paced about the magnificent chamber anxiously. Her eyes gazed upon the garlands streaming across the walls. She could see careful hands had aligned floral centerpieces and ivory candles at measured intervals down the length of the aligned tables. She noted the exquisite white table cloths regally covering the experienced oak underneath.
While pleasurable to her senses, she still felt out of place to say the least….
"It will be all right, Milady," Lancelot assured her from where he waited alongside their new friend. He had fetched a goblet of water to wash down the latter's much needed meal. "Princess Mithian concurs as will King Rodor. I assure you." Admittedly he still experienced more of the soothing warmth she'd elicited in the garden and on the steps. She easily brought the smile to his lips….
…something only Gwen could have done before….
"Will Pretty Princess like me?" the girl queried.
"Why yes, Precious!" Elaine assured her demonstratively. "She gladly presented that whole loaf to you, did she not? She invited us here despite the bustle of her day." Her warm smile broke through Despair's dark overcast. "Why would you say that?"
"Because people say I'm accursed!" the girl inquired.
"I have seen and fought against the accursed, Little One. I can assure you that you are not one of them," he insisted pointedly yet pleasantly. "It seems you have not told us your name."
The girl sighed. "Marie. My name is…Marie, Sirrah."
"A beautiful name for a gentle soul such as yourself," he complimented with a tip of his own goblet.
"I should say so!" Elaine concurred heartily.
Before the conversation could go any farther, Rodor and Mithian entered the room. As with the others, they had been obviously talking about the situation.
The three visitors bowed and curtseyed politely.
"Let us all sit," Rodor indicated evenly. Admittedly his mind wondered at how the pre-wedding ritual had brought this encounter about. He did have last minute preparations to oversee for the ceremonies and related activities. He had a score of guests to be with. "Princess Mithian has informed me of what happened outside. I apologize for not having sufficient knights to restrain the masses."
"Thank you, Sire. That is most kind. If I may, Sir Lancelot rose to the challenge singlehandedly. Princess Mithian aptly quelled a crisis." Elaine nodded to both of the named parties. "You have my gratitude."
"Finding one with a heart and the desire to gladly help others is a worthy gift, Lady Elaine," Rodor assessed. "It makes me wonder how I cannot find a match for you."
"I am a poor shadow of a noblewoman, Great King. Your treasurer can tell of my family's situation. My dower is but a pittance compared to the other women of this kingdom. Then there is my own curse." She bowed her head.
"Curse?" Rodor looked to his daughter who rolled her eyes. "Princess Mithian?"
"You have magic, Lady Elaine?" Mithian queried. Once more she felt the energy in the other woman's aura.
Elaine looked to Lancelot who nodded in support. Then she turned back to the royals and quailed in fear. "Y…Yes."
"Well then…I have my answer," Rodor realized. He sighed deeply. "Foolish sentiments all." He squeezed his daughter's hand recalling how close she'd come to death in that regard. "Lady Elaine, magic is no longer an official crime. It depends upon how it is used." He looked expectantly to Mithian to continue.
"Thank you, Sire. Lady Elaine, watch." Mithian focused on her hand. "Flora!" Her eyes glowed golden.
In her palm, a rose bloom sprouted and lay open for their consideration.
Mithian beamed at her creation warmly. "Now I understand where our shower of rose petals came from." She chuckled lightheartedly. "You already use our common gift with a warm heart. If not for tradition, my fiancé would be telling you the same right now. I am sure Sir Lancelot has regaled you with the tales." She arched an expectant eyebrow at Lancelot.
"He has related a few things. So one can be good and have magic?" Elaine wondered aghast.
"I am learning to use my gift to benefit the kingdom. Our allies do the same," Mithian pointed out. "And rulers such as our King graciously allow us the leeway to do so." She offered her father a gracious bow of the head.
"Indeed." Rodor observed the trio carefully. Unlike in their past encounters, he saw none of the depression in his ardent knight's face. In its place, he could see contentment and satisfaction. "And the environment for such cooperation to flourish." He cleared his throat. "Sir Lancelot and Lady Elaine, it seems we have a solution."
"We do, Sire?" Lancelot inquired anxiously.
"Aye we do. On this most auspicious day, four matters stand before me to solve. One will be dealt with in short order. You three however represent other quandaries. Sir Lancelot, as a new knight, you will require an estate to sustain your title and position. Lady Elaine, while you do have standing…more so than you give yourself credit for…you need a husband to protect your name and holdings. In addition I would have you with a man who favors and understands your magic. On all of those fronts, I recommend a marriage between you both," Rodor pronounced.
Elaine smiled. Her heart skipped a beat at that possibility. Her eyes glittered with joy over being with the gallant knight. "I do my duty, Sire. Admittedly it would be most pleasurable to be matched with such a knight and gentleman as Sir Lancelot if he'll have me. But I will not force him to do so."
Lancelot hesitated. As he'd surmised in the garden, he'd have to move on past Gwen. Duty demanded he assume his place as a knight—estate, loyal following, his sword and a wife of his lord's preference. Elaine's magic would enable her to be at court…..
Marie stared at the couple through hopeful yet lonely eyes. Admittedly she hoped they'd be together and adopt her as their ward…if not their daughter. She trembled in anticipation torn between joy and dread herself.
Mithian observed all of this from her father's left. Her keen eye discerned the distinct reactions to the royal recommendations. Much as in her own case, she knew of course he wouldn't force the marriage. Still she could understand the advantages as Rodor had laid them out. She also knew that Lancelot's continued feelings for Gwen might pose a difficulty toward continued relations with Camelot….
…toward the bond between Merlin and Arthur….
…a bond she and Gwen would both fight and die for if needed…the bond needed to insure a united Albion…..
Still she owed Lancelot a great deal as well. She would not imprison him in a loveless marriage either. "Something vexes you, Sir Lancelot?"
"Hmm?" Lancelot roused himself from his ruminations. "No, Milady. I am weighing the proposition. It would make sense on all fronts. I would not steal the shine from your day, Princess, nor from the Prince however."
Mithian chuckled warmly. "Lancelot, your happiness is a gift to us both. You are not stealing anything. From what Prince Merlin has said, you have labored in the shadows for far too long. Step into the light. I see love in your companions waiting to express itself to you. I realize you shouldn't rush into the decision."
"It is no rush." Lancelot gazed toward Elaine affectionately. "There is a great deal to admire in this woman. I am blessed to be cared for by such a lady. King Rodor, I am grateful you would allow us the opportunity." He bowed to the King respectfully. "I accept. Lady Elaine, I will be faithful to you if you'll have me."
"Oh yes!" Elaine wiped an estatic tear from her eye. "And I will be the best wife and companion, Sir Lancelot! You'll see."
"I have no doubt of that, Milady," Lancelot concurred with a smile. "With your indulgence, we do have another issue. Normally it is not customary to put such a thing forward until the wedding."
"Oh?" Elaine queried. She stole an anxious look toward Marie before noting, "I admit I had something to ask you too. You first, Sirrah."
"In that case…thank you. I would propose that we care for this girl. Marie has no family. She cannot continue as she has. What are her options?" Lancelot proposed.
Elaine giggled. "That was my thought as well. It seems our minds are in concert with one another, my gallant knight." She turned to the trembling girl. "It is there, Little One. We shall take you in as our daughter."
"Really?" Marie queried in disbelief. She couldn't believe it could really happen for her. She nervously looked toward the King and Princess.
"Yes, my Child. I see no reason not to allow it." Rodor clapped his hand on the table. "Well it seems we have a solution. Now…speaking of marriages, we have a coronation and then one to attend." He assessed Mithian's sackcloth dress. "We do have wardrobe matters to address."
"My gown is ready in my chambers, Sire," Mithian affirmed. "Perhaps, Lady Elaine, you might accompany me? I have need of another bridesmaid. It would be an honor to have you there."
"Really, Milady? Princess, I…I…" Elaine gasped.
"Go ahead, Milady. I shall see you at the coronation. Perhaps Marie might wish a proper dress as well?" Lancelot indicated.
"We shall provide accordingly," Rodor agreed. "I assume that ends our business. We shall see you all soon." He stood bringing them all to their feet. "My congratulations on a beneficial match, Sir Lancelot and Lady Elaine. May you have much happiness and delight in your union."
"And our thanks in allowing us this bliss, Sire," Lancelot expressed for them both gratefully. He rubbed Elaine's shoulder. "Savor this, Milady. No more doubts."
"No more doubts," Elaine replied.
"I mean it. You have more than you know. Be steadfast and true. Marie and I will be watching." He looked down at the little girl. "Won't we?"
"I can't wait to see what Pretty Princess does!" Marie burst out.
Mithian arched an eyebrow before snorting in spite of herself. "Beauty is on the inside as well as the outside. I am not the fairest in the land. Trust me."
"We can ask Prince Merlin for his opinion, Princess," Lancelot countered with a sly smirk.
Mithian rolled her eyes. "He'd better support you on that point. Come, Lady Elaine, the wardrobe awaits. My thanks, Father, may I have your leave?" She bowed her chin respectfully.
"I shall be there soon. I trust Lady Britomart will be awaiting you both," Rodor noted. After the two women departed, he told Lancelot, "We shall speak of her father's estate on the morrow, Sir Lancelot. I trust you can make more of it."
"I shall endeavor to take it and forge a paradise, Milord," Lancelot agreed. He squeezed Marie's hand. "If I may be excused?"
"Of course."
Lancelot helped Marie to limp out of the room. He knew the royal tailor would be overworked on that morning as it was. Still he wanted his new charge to look her best.
Life, it seemed, had wrought a garden for him. Perhaps not the one he'd sought but with its own delights for the eye and singularly beauteous blooms nonetheless. It would take him a while to balance his feelings in all regards. He knew that he'd always care for Gwen…
…but Lady Elaine and Marie needed his love and support now….
Duty demanded he'd take those steps.
And so it would go…..