Chapter 20 [A Quarter Turn of the Hourglass Earlier]

Arthur hustled from his father's council chamber. Frustration seared his brain and heart. He glared back at the chamber's doorway. I know Merlin's an idiot but really? He ground his teeth. His bootfalls echoed to his ears. His mind struggled with the next move.

Uther planned his strategy well. Five of Hourglass' turns earlier, his offer to Rodor for Mithian's hand rode with Sir Reginald for Whitgate. His observation noted Morgana's close relationship with Gwen and Merlin. Besides, Decorum not Bad Influence should rule in Arthur's immediate circle. New servants would report on the following morning. Accolon and Morgana would enjoy Gwen's and Merlin's efforts in their regard.

Change…Reset…Reassertion….

Father is so obsessed! First, that woman screams bloody murder. Father calls that Aredian to do his dirty work. Accolon comes to finalize that alliance. He does not think I act properly enough. I do my duty. I know how to run my life. I know my heart as well. Arthur curled his lip. He smacked the wall. A ragged breath escaped his mouth. His head bowed. Dejection stabbed at his heart. Personal Rubicon had flowed through Ealdor. First Morning's Lecture about food stung his Pride. Strength and Belief sparked in dark eyes. Mouth set in firm line. Head shook at him….

Her head…Gwen….

Why is she still a servant? She has done enough! There are the Capability Laws! She would be a worthy noble woman and Princess! Father, of course, does not care! He will determine what is a proper feat and what is not! Merlin was an idiot at Shalott. He saved our supplies. He even impressed King Rodor and Princess Mithian with his service. He should have still been in bed. Even if he acted like a *girl*, he still impressed. He and Gwen did more good between our realms. Father's insistence on burning that witch caused more harm than good! Now, Father wants to sack them both?

"Sire?"

He stiffened. His heart skipped a beat. He turned to his left to find Gwen watching him in turn. Linens piled in her wicker basket. Sweat beaded on her forehead. A few hairs sprayed here and there. Still, speech and breath itself abandoned him. Unfair judgment rendered her a servant still.

Servant with common sense? Nay…anyone with sense knew Gwen should be Princess…his Princess….

"Pardon me, Gwen. The King and I had a most difficult meeting just now. Matters of state require certain changes here at court." He rubbed the back of his neck. "Have you seen Merlin at all tonight?"

She shook her head. "Nay. Not since Uther questioned that woman in front of the entire court." Nerves banged up against her stomach. "You don't think there's a sorcerer around. Do you?"

"That is why Father summoned Aredian, Gwen." Arthur furrowed his brow. "The man is a fanatic. We do have to be committed about our stand against sorcery. Still…." He went quiet. Meditation pulled him into his own thoughts. Memoria reminded him of Reyna's suffering anew.

"Still…what? Sire?" Gwen stepped toward him. Amor's budding shoots inside of her heart raised her hand. Intention wanted to comfort and support him. In that heartbeat, everything else seemed to fall away. Protocol and Reality, however, stopped said hand in its place.

He shook his head. "I do not want another trial like the one in Nemeth." He sucked in a deep breath.

Gwen's eyes went wide. "That was Aredian!" A gasp escaped her. Realization slapped her hands over her mouth. A tortured breath sucked past hands and lips. "It was my father all over again!" She shook her head. "Sire, I…I…can't watch that again. It is not right!"

"I know." Restraint now held him fast. Impulse wanted to sweep her up in his strong arms….to draw her near. Despite Situation's dire nature, his feelings deepened. Admiration warmed him. How can they feel she is not qualified? She has done enough to be freed and made noble! Gwen is strong, brave and capable. Surely, Father and his advisors can see that! "The King, however, is the King. He has called for Aredian. He wants this dealt with." He looked into her eyes. "Gwen, about your father, I am sorry about what happened to him."

She set her jaw. A slight nod bobbed her head up and down. "I know that. As you said, you are not King…yet." Her hands touched and then settled on his biceps. "But you will be one day, Prince Arthur. I know you will be different. You will rule for all people not just your favorites!"

Her belief crashed into the conditioned wall within his mind. Father's inground lessons cracked and splintered against Purpose's assault. His heart's harp strummed to her words' play. Protocols fell away. Nothing else mattered. He just saw *her*. His ears heard *her*. His hands squeezed her hands. His lips met hers.

His heart had its Queen. It bowed to her. Token offered to Amor's service. Service on her behalf. Gwen…not some Princess from Nemeth…not anyone else….

"For all." Affirmation whispered past his lips to her ears. His eyes met hers anew. Amor's twinkle sparkled in his eyes.

"For all." Tears welled in her eyes. Smile spread across her face. Heart skipped to Joy's beat. "One day, it will be us."

Arthur nodded. His own smile spread across his face. "One day."

"I believe not!" Uther ground his teeth. Disapproval smoldered in his eyes. Despite Arthur's care with his feelings, reports had reached the King's ear. Dalliance or Tryst could've been dealt with. Affirmation and Commitment of this nature? Threats to his purpose and state's designs. "You should know better! We will discuss this later. KNIGHTS!"

Arthur stiffened. He stepped between Uther and her. "Sire! You and I both know King Rodor and Princess Mithian will never agree to that proposal!" Impatience and Desperation sought escape from the proposed arranged marriage.

Uther curled his lip. "YOUR MARRIAGE IS A MATTER OF STATE! LOVE…!" Sarcastic scoff escaped his lips. "LOVE IS FOR THE LIKES OF SERVANTS LIKE HER!" Threat burned in his eyes. "YOU WILL MARRY WHO I TELL YOU TO MARRY! YOUR SERVICE IS TO CAMELOT!" He ground his teeth.

Resistance stiffened Arthur. "FATHER! I WILL NOT!"

Uther shoved Arthur into the wall. "YOU WILL DO WHAT I SAY AND THAT IS FINAL!" He waved Leon and another knight toward them. "Sir Leon, Sir William, this woman is a TRAITOR!" His lip curled still further on itself. "Take her to the dungeon! I will decide what to do with her!"

"NAY! FATHER!" Arthur struggled. Denial flared in his eyes.

"I AM YOUR KING! YOU HAD BEST REMEMBER THAT!" Uther stepped back. Restraint held him back from committing far more than that. "She has bewitched you!"

"SIRE? SIRE, PLEASE! I AM NO WITCH!" Panic numbed Gwen. She fell to her knees. Aredian's threat lingered in her mind. Noose or Stake loomed large. "I'M LOYAL!" Tears drizzled down her face. Trembles shook her arms and back.

"WHAT? FATHER, GWEN HAS NO MAGIC!" Incredulity pressed further denials from Arthur. "STOP! THINK!" He grabbed onto his father's arm.

Uther shrugged him off. "HOW DARE YOU? I CERTAINLY HEARD ENOUGH BEFORE!"

"THE ENTIRE PASSAGE HEARD YOU BOTH, SIRE!" Morgana ran toward the arguing men. She wormed her way between King and Prince on one side and her maid on the other. "I agree with Prince Arthur. Gwen? Sorcery? With respect, I'd say not!" She added a nod for Uther's benefit. "Might I propose a solution?"

"Morgana, please!" Arthur shook his head.

Morgana raised an eyebrow. I am trying to help you, Idiot! Think for once! She raised her hand. "Prince Arthur, I am trying to save Gwen's life!" Her eyes blazed into his for a heartbeat. Then, she turned back to Uther. "Pardon me." Another nod punctuated that sentiment.

Uther sucked in a couple of calming breaths. "At least someone knows respect. Thank you, Morgana." His temper cooled slightly. "You can see the issue at hand here!"

"I do." Morgana considered Situation's complexities. Her sensitivity detected Arthur's and Gwen's feelings. Irony fed Amusement's little joke. I wonder what Uther would think if he knew Mithian has fallen for Merlin? Her hand stifled a wry cough. "Apologies. My throat's dry. Perhaps we might have an understanding? I can ask Prince Accolon if he and King Ruthbert can help us?" She edged closer to Gwen. "I do not want anything to happen to Gwen either. Maybe if we could send her to Tintagel?"

"Morgana!" Arthur pleaded.

"ENOUGH! CAN YOU NOT SEE THAT MORGANA IS TRYING TO CLEAN UP YOUR MESS?" Uther rubbed his chin. Morgana's suggestion aligned with his plans. "That is a very sound suggestion, Morgana. Thank you." Disdain seethed in his glare toward Gwen. "Perhaps I should wait to mention this. This girl will go with you. I am sending the boy, Merlin, as well. King Ruthbert informed me that his physician is in need of an apprentice. We can accomplish a great many diplomatic aims in one stroke. Meantime, Prince Arthur will have a new valet who understands his proper role."

Morgana raised Uther's hand. Her lips brushed over Uther's knuckles. "Thank you, Sire. You are most generous! I believe Merlin and Gwen will benefit from being in Tintagel. Gilbert and Merlin know each other. I am sure there is someone who will benefit from Merlin's skills as a valet and servant. It will reassure Gaius to know Merlin is being watched over and cared for. I will enjoy having Gwen continue in my service. King Ruthbert and Prince Accolon will delight in her service to Tintagel I can assure you." Despite Uther's intentions, Advantages presented themselves. Wheels turned in her mind. Uther gives us the answers to everything. And here, Mithian and Rodor were wondering how to get Merlin away from Arthur and him. All too easy!

"Aye. You are most welcome, Morgana. I have the documents prepared for King Ruthbert and Prince Accolon. You should both prepare for your journey. Perhaps someone can tell that boy that he is to accompany you? I need to think of what to say to Gaius." Uther nodded to Morgana. "You solved this issue with skill and efficiency. I am glad for that. Perhaps, Prince Arthur might learn from your example?" He squinted at his son.

"I can hope to help however I can. That is the most important duty." Morgana bowed her head. Words and Sentiment soothed and calmed Uther's ego. Purpose, however, manipulated the situation. Capability Laws already listed sufficient accomplishments on Gwen's behalf. Furthermore, Accolon and she could present Merlin to Mithian as her valet. "Come along, Gwen. You can help me pack."

Uther waved his hand. "Release the girl. Sir Leon, Sir William, you may go." He watched them depart. "Let this be a lesson for you all. We should all know our places! Prince Arthur, you should prepare for Tintagel's contingent. They will be arriving shortly."

"Aye." Arthur nodded to Uther. Defeat stung his pride. He turned and hustled toward his quarters. This is not over, Father! That I promise you!

"Milady?" Gwen navigated Emotion's inner turmoil. On the one hand, Gratitude fueled Relief over Morgana's rescue from Uther's (and Aredian's) punishment. Her eyes remained riveted on Arthur's back disappearing down the passage. Protest wailed in her heart.

Morgana cast wary looks around the passage. "Gwen, it will be all right. Come along. We should prepare for our new Prince and King. I am sorry. This life is over. After we meet with them, I will let you pack."

"Thank you, Milady." Gwen followed Morgana down the passage. Understanding deduced that Morgana's deal remained the best at that point. Societal limitations and barriers burdened her at that point. One day, Arthur, it will different! We will be together!

Another step in the process….