Chapter 79 [Next Morning]
Perhaps in deference to both the previous night's joy and the morning's brewing tempest, the building grey clouds filtered the sunlight onto the castle and its surrounding environs. A brisk wind kicked up scattering a few bits of refuse on the square's cobbles. A few stray spits of rain scouted for the storm to come.
As a later author would say, the best of times and the worst of times indeed….
[Palace Balcony Overlooking the Square]
Freya surveyed the unfolding scene around herself. With the previous day's royal affairs completed, life in the capital was returning to normal. The merchants and tradesmen headed for their shops. The servants bustled through the early lit morning to acquire water and food for their masters and mistresses. She knew the farmers already tended to their animals and checked their implements for the day ahead….
…and those were the peaceful ones….
The conflicting energies drew her early from Avalon. She breathed serenely tuning into her surroundings. Her mind clearly discerned the dichotomy in that place. The healing and happy vibes from the previous day while holding their own now held their own against something else….
…a dark brooding cloud festered within the palace itself….
Her eyes narrowed toward the floors below. They're already seeking to destroy what we've created! She ground her teeth impatiently.
We cannot meet them with force, my Priestess, the triple goddess advised her telepathically. Patience. This will be a test for you all on this morn…one of which will continue. Deal with their ignorance with gentle compassion. Morgana Pendragon's infection still burns in their veins. Purging said poison will take time.
Yes, Great Mother, Freya relented. Her cheeks flushed with shame over her impulsive thoughts.
You are concerned for Emrys and the Greater Good. Do not let yourself be troubled. Remember my advice to Emrys however. You must be aware of how you seek to execute my will. Diplomacy represents a key element in my design, the goddess assured her. Trust that Mithian will guide the discussion as needed with assistance.
You mean Master Talesin? Freya supposed.
Among others. You have an important role in soothing feelings. Your role is to bridge relations between this world and the hidden isle. Your gathering will take place shortly. Already I have alerted Sir Mordred of Camelot and Kilgarrah. Prepare well, my Priestess. With that the goddess went quiet turning her attention to other affairs.
"Prepare well she says." She sighed heavily; her heart sinking. "My first real mission as High Priestess and I have to broker this truce."
"Not alone, Milady. Take heart in that."
She turned to find Talesin leaning on his staff and observing her intently. "Good morning, Master Talesin." She nodded her head to him respectfully. "Forgive me. My mind was elsewhere."
"You listen to the goddess and contemplate her instruction. That is a most noteworthy activity," he pointed out. "She allowed me to listen in."
"Oh." She grimaced. "You must think me ill prepared or worse."
He smiled. "Not ill prepared just human. Did you think your vow and role would wipe those feelings from you? They're not supposed to. We serve a higher purpose is all. So do Emrys and Mithian. They are learning as well."
She chuckled; his words lightening her heart. "Thank you. I suppose we should meet those nobles as a united front. We have a lot to learn from you."
"We have a great deal to learn from each other, Priestess. Now I believe we have breakfast with Kings Rodor, Arthur, Queen Guinevere and our fellow sorcerers? Follow me," he reminded her sagely before leading her from the balcony.
I won't disappoint any of you. I'll definitely do my role! Freya noted to herself anxiously.
[Newlyweds' Bedchamber]
Much as was the case on the balcony, the filtered sunlight cast its shifting shadows throughout the chamber. Sunbeams sparkled off of glass, metal and varnished wood. A breath of cool air wafted through the air ruffling linens and hair alike.
Mithian stirred slowly not wanting to open her eyes. She'd slumbered more deeply and contentedly than she had in ages. Her mind floated with romantic impulses. Admittedly her body still tingled from the previous night's lovemaking. She sighed contentedly and glanced at her left wrist.
On it she beheld a glittering golden bracelet with rubies, garnets and sapphires. It caught the sun's fairy dust laiden streams reflecting a kaleidoscope of its own around the room.
How thoughtful. What a unique present from a special man. I wonder what else he'll come up with? she supposed. Once we finish with the nobles, we do have our trip to the provinces. He'll come up with something. I know it. I….
A sharp snore disturbed her reverie.
What? She quirked her eyebrow while glancing over to the left.
There Merlin snuggled against her side snoring away contentedly. A big sloppy grin had spread itself across his face.
She rolled her eyes. Nobody's perfect…not even my Warlock. Ah well. If that's the worst thing, I can deal with it. She carefully leaned over allowing her lips to brush his bare shoulders affectionately. "Good morning, my Love," she whispered low. Then she eased herself from his arms and slowly rousted herself from the lovenest. She drew a lavender robe around herself before cinching it at the waist. Her feet felt like feathers floating about in the fairie-dust laden sunbeams. She closed her eyes focusing on the special scene around them.
Her ears could almost perceive Amor's melody. Her heart pitter pattered to the happy tune. She glided in tune; her movements choreographed by the sweet song. Unbeknownst to her, she floated up into the air allowing her celebration to take on an almost angelic quality. Her footfalls betrayed no hint of uncertainty in their pirouettes.
No longer would she be alone or incomplete….
She'd become part of a whole.
No more games or negotiations like a piece of chattel…ever….
I have my Prince and my place! I count as a person!
I'll agree with that.
What? Her eyes snapped open. The words broke her concentration shattering her focus.
Merlin floated in his own robe over his dark pants. His eyes glowed as he willed her to stay afloat at his side. Nice to see you're so good this morning.
Oh I am! She smirked serenely. Her eyes glowed yanking him to her side. About time you broke in. I thought you would snore the day away!
I do not snore!
Whatever you want to think. She giggled while wrapping her arms around his waist. Her eyes sparkled into his. Good morning, Husband.
Good morning, Wife. He leaned close capturing her lips with his own. Warmth blossomed within his chest. His own heartbeat eased into the same rhythm as hers. Glad I make you so happy.
It was *all right*, she teased.
All right?
Her eyes twinkled mischievously saying everything else that need to be said for them both. She kissed him again passionately. Dance with me.
Forever if we could. He held her closely against himself. For several dozen steps, he guided her through the air in their matrimonial dance of sorts. He twirled before allowing her to do the same. He let her spin and pirouette before drawing her back in close.
As the melody drew to a close, they sealed their affair with (yet another) passionate kiss before he set them gently back on the floor.
"Back to reality," she sighed in disappointment.
"Yes but we're traveling it together now." He raised her chin so that he looked right at her face. "Together."
"I will remember. Thank you," she expressed in gratitude.
"You're most welcome." He smiled and glanced toward the door. "It seems Talesin's waiting."
She frowned. "The breakfast and meeting. Wish politics could wait."
He shrugged. "We could say we're sick and…." He motioned toward the bed.
"Stop!" She snorted. "As much as I wish we could, we have to deal with this issue. But I will expect you to follow through later."
"Oh really?" he supposed with a light air.
"Yes later," she insisted with a purposeful glint in her eye and a smile on her face. "I'll need something to help me get through that meeting with the council."
"We'll be fine," he assured her while picking out a fresh shirt from the wardrobe and pulling it over himself.
She shrugged wishing to herself that they could follow his suggestion and simply keep on their honeymoon activities. Unfortunately, however, they were the reigning Prince and Priness of Nemeth and duty called. She pulled on a royal blue gown with brown trim. "Can you secure the back?"
He smiled and tugged the ties in back of the bodice playfully. "I have it. Do your hair?" he offered.
She quirked an eyebrow at him in surprise.
"I used to do Gwen's when her maid was indisposed," he explained while cinching the ties in the bodice's back.
"All right." She eyed him uncertainly. Still she decided to trust him with her coiffure.
He took her brush in his right hand. Delicately he led its bristles through her thick chocolate brown locks with skill. Rythmically he repeated the gentle motion drawing every hair into place. Then he drew her mane into a long ponytail before braiding it. He drew it up into her familiar style. Then he leaned close; his lips stealing a kiss off of the side of her neck.
"Greedy, aren't you?" she cracked even if her heart raced with passion. For a full minute, she wanted to take his suggestion seriously and just throw themselves into each other's arms for the entire day.
"As you said, we get through business. Then we can talk to your father about some time to ourselves?" he proposed while rubbing her shoulders.
She sighed deeply. "Yes business." She squeezed his right hand in hers. "We will have our time however." She stood and walked over to the door. Opening it, she found Talesin waiting tersely. "Pardon us. We needed to dress."
"Yes in the celebratory mode, I presume?" The mage arched an eyebrow. While he didn't care to be kept waiting, he granted the couple a pass under these circumstances. "Arthur, Guinevere, Freya and your father are waiting, Princess Mithian."
"It was my fault, Talesin," Merlin declared taking the brunt on Mithian's behalf. "We should get some balance here." He frowned. "After the last month, I would presume we'd get some leniency today?"
"You can thank Priestess Freya and Queen Guinevere for making that point actually, Emrys. Since you are ready, we can proceed," Talesin directed.
"Come along then, Merlin. I am famished," Mithian indicated while letting her own moroseness color her tone. She shot the older wizard an impatient look before stalking out of the chamber.
Okay! And this was supposed to be a great day? What will happen next? Merlin shook his head as he hustled after his wife.