Chapter 77 [Inside of the Banquet Area]
Even though the guests of honor had yet to be introduced, the party had kicked into high gear, it seemed. People circulated more so than they might have in light of the spontaneous announcement. They shook Gawain's hand congratulating him on his choice. They kissed Britomart's hand, disregarding her armor and knight rank while already shoving her back into the female courtesan role in their minds.
Meantime the royal servants skillfully attempted to put the ship of state back on its intended course. They navigated through the shoals of conversing nobles and heads of state urging the conversations back toward the long tables and the designated seating arrangement. Slowly they edged the scattered denizens back into their places.
Such as the pond is when the rock is tossed in. One could only wait for the ripples to settle down….
Britomart slumped in her seat; her chin resting sullenly in her hands. She really wanted to sink through the floor in embarrassment. She couldn't believe how the courtiers and heads of state refused to treat her as an equal despite having earned her role. She chastised herself for allowing her temper to get the better of herself.
She'd upstaged her dear friend's wedding night….
She'd torpedoed a decent proposal on Gawain's part. Granted the oaf might never have asked (or may have after he'd wenched his way to that point) but he would have….
She sighed and watched him talking with people. Several times she'd observed him getting impatient with people regarding her as little more than an arm ornament and a piece of meat. At that point she saw the conversation quickly end and he'd find another person to talk with. At least he does treat me like an equal. I have to give him that…even if he is an oaf. She snickered to herself feeling a sliver of warmth in the winter of her despair.
A cup set down next to her hand disrupted her reverie bringing her back to the situation as it was.
Her eyes turned in that direction to find Gawain looking intently at her. "Had enough bragging, have we?"
He rolled his eyes. "Brit, let me enjoy the moment. Okay?" He raised his goblet. "To a fine woman even if she nags me to death." He saucily tipped it and then took a hearty draught before setting it down again. "I've fought beside you. I know you're not like those pretty flowers around here. Get over it already!"
"We've upstaged Prince Merlin and Princess Mithian! This is their night!" she countered.
"Lance and Elaine did it this morning. Bloody hell! The Princess herself helped push them together and adopt the kid. I know Merlin. He's happy when everyone else is too." He reached over and rubbed her hand. "And he's happy for us too. I'm happy for us." He grimaced. "Even if you're going to stop me from drinking."
She arched an eyebrow. "We can drink with our comrades, Gawain. I just don't want you wenching after we're officially married." She sighed. "I love you. I…want you to take that seriously."
"Don't worry. Case you haven't noticed, I've been setting these clod poles and prats straight where you're concerned. You're my equal. You're my partner. Maybe share a drink with me in private?" he assured her.
"That I will do. Thank you," she conceded while raising her goblet and clinking it against his. Then she downed its contents.
"That's more like it!" he praised.
"Don't get any ideas," she retorted firmly. Seeing Regis standing by the door, she noted, "It's time."
"Then we be happy for our friends. We can talk to Rodor and the others tomorrow about the other stuff?" he indicated.
"Tomorrow. For tonight belongs to the Prince and Princess," she asserted as they watched the drama unfolding.
Regis stood primly in front of the room. He watched his associates corral the party guests and shepherd them to the seats. Given the spectacle between Gawain and Britomart, he wasn't sure if Rodor would have to enter out of the normal sequence to restore order in the chamber. At least everything is back as it should be!
"Are we ready?" Rodor queried with concern.
Regis turned and bowed. "Almost, Sire. The guests are almost all seated. Pardon the delay."
"I know you all do your best, Regis. Thank you," the King replied frankly.
Regis peered back out into the chamber to see that everyone was in position. He nodded to his fellow servants. Then he turned back to Rodor. "We're ready, Sire." He signaled to Gimwald down the hall and then strode into the chamber.
Please no other theatrics tonight! Rodor groused to himself. He wanted a perfect evening for his daughter and new son-in-law to celebrate their marriage and his crowning as Prince. Still between the fracas on the steps that morning, the wave of unexpected negotiations during the day and now this situation, he felt his blood boiling. At least Merlin and Mithian handled themselves well under the pressure. Perhaps I can send them on a tour of the kingdom for their honeymoon. They deserve a respite.
Then the trumpets sounded and his mind snapped back to reality.
The show was about to start…..
Gimwald pointed back to Regis letting him know he'd seen the cue. Then he cleared his throat. "Prince Merlin, Princess Mithian, it's time. Get ready."
"Very good. Thank you," she expressed. She squeezed Merlin's hand affectionately. Are you all right?
Just nervous. Having you here really helps. He smiled at her while trying to seem confident.
It will be all right, she told him telepathically.
The trumpets sounded at that moment harkening that the moment had arrived….