Chapter 40
"Sire?" Mithian fought back self-consciousness. Her mind pondered the situation's deeper implications. "What question is that if I may ask?"
"It is a question of continuity." Rodor leaned back in his seat. "The past fortnight's events have gutted Nemeth's fortunes. We have had to bury a great many knights including a few of our very best. Your brother, Master Wyngate, and the rest of the Royal Council betrayed our trust. Uther Pendragon's and Ruthbert of Tintagel's plotting divides our people's thinking. The way to counter that is with our own strategy. I am filling the vacuums in our council and in continuity. Ladies Elaine and Blancheflor would inherit their elders' seats. Sir Merlin, you are Sir Balinor's son and a hero in your own right. The rest of us can help you all."
"With respect, Sire, I can do my best. I do not know what I would say in a council," Merlin hedged. Insecurity ate at him. Arthur's confidence and bellowing seemed to run hand in gauntlet with one another in that regard.
"I know you will. You certainly stood at the Prince's right hand, Sir Merlin. I think you have the skill." Rodor softened his expression and tone. "I realize how overwhelming this must be for you. Up until just a few turns of the hourglass ago, Gwen, Master Gaius, Lady Morgana, and yourself were all part of Camelot's court. Your magic and secrets were still intact. I had hoped matters here would not have turned out as they did. In normal times, you would still be serving and protecting Prince Arthur. Kilgarrah would still be imprisoned in Camelot. Master Gaius would return to be Camelot's Court Physician." He sucked in a deep breath. "These are not normal times. Sir Merlin, you are a special individual in so many ways. As Princess Mithian observed, your outlook toward Gwen stands out in that regard. Everyone here knows about your virtues. There will be a learning period for you as there is for any of us." His eyes met Mithian's. "Daughter?"
"Aye, Father?" Mithian managed to stand straight and tall. Nervous butterflies batted about in her stomach. Chills ran up and down her spine. She shared Merlin's insecurity. Another trial by fire loomed in front of herself. Questions bubbled up in her head over these challenges.
Rodor patted Mithian's arm. "You will learn about magic from Sir Merlin. In turn, you will reassure him about governance and your mutual conciliar duties. Your bond with him is unique. I saw that on the plaza earlier. You help each other."
"Father, of course Sir Merlin and I will work together." Mithian sucked in a deep breath. Tension melted away with those thoughts. A smile spread across her face. "Whatever you require. I am sure Sir Merlin will help me."
Merlin muddled through Rodor's and Mithian's respective words. He studied their faces. Mutual agendas lay in his mind. "I learned to serve Prince Arthur. I will do the same for you both."
"Aye. You will." Rodor stood up from his seat. He walked over toward Merlin. "Can I be frank with you?"
Merlin kept a straight face. Memoria recalled such moments at Camelot's court. Arthur would yank him aside to set him straight about some aspect or another. Uther, when he said such things to others, left nothing to the imagination. Rather, Point (and Threat) remained clear and on target. That tendency crackled in the air about the citadel at that juncture. He talks about continuity. He has a question but is building up like this? He nodded.
Really, Merlin? He is a King. You are a knight. He is speaking to Princess Mithian and you in such ways. I believe it is for one purpose. Surely, you both can figure out what that is? Kilgarrah snarked.
One purpose? King Rodor's speaking to us. Princess Mithian can hear us talking. Merlin cleared his throat. His eyes met Mithian's and then Rodor's. "Pardon me."
Mithian nodded to him. Thank you, Merlin, for that consideration. I wish I knew as well.
"That is quite all right." Rodor placed his hands behind his back. He paced back and forth. His eyes went to every part of the chamber but on Merlin and Mithian. "What do you think of Princess Mithian, Merlin?"
"Princess Mithian?" Merlin rubbed his chin. He mulled over his next words. Still, his heart skipped a beat in spite of Better Intentions. For some reason, Parch claimed his mouth. His throat tightened up. Words refused to come. Still, his eyes took every inch of her in.
"With respect to the King, aye, Sir Merlin, I do believe he asked that question?" Mithian jabbed. Anticipation (and perhaps a bit of Snark) spiced her words. Authority prompted an answer. Her smirk teased and cajoled. Still, Inner Girl trembled. Princess' Questions demanded answers….
…Inner Girl sought Truth. His vibes strummed Link's strings akin to Master Harper….
"I do not want to offend, Princess. I…" Insecurity now resumed its assault on Merlin. He squirmed ever so slightly. Chamber seemed to warm significantly around himself. "Is it warm in here?" His eyes darted about the area.
"I am fine, Merlin." Josiane motioned back toward Rodor and Mithian. "I believe they asked you a question." Her eyes twinkled at him as well. "Perhaps there is a magic greater than yours?" Her fist stifled a cough.
"Honesty, Merlin, is always best, I believe?" Mithian raised an eyebrow.
Merlin nodded. Consideration assessed Mithian yet again. Warmth increased. Spot Fires brightened. His heart beat faster still. A deep breath composed him. "I just do not get it. You are…beautiful. You actually can hold a conversation unlike many other women at court. You are kind. You care. You do not look down on anyone. You are strong. Who would not admire how you take a problem on and deal with it? How has some Prince not committed to you?" He bowed his head. "Too blunt."
Mithian stared. Despite knowing his emotions, Description blew her away. Rejection's countless stabs stung her heart. Other suitors' "Prince in Petticoats" and "Tom Boy Princess" remarks left her cold and wounded. Prospects dried up following Accolon's engagement. Merlin, however, recognized her talents as strengths. Joy's tears welled up in her eyes. Friendship and more warmed her. Thank you, Merlin.
"Why, Sir Merlin? I believe you answered my question." Rodor glanced toward Blumenwald. They exchanged nods. "Actually, many have said nay to her. They cannot take her strength and forthright manner. They want someone who will sit quietly, weave tapestries, and bear children. Queen Taene and I never wanted that for her. I fear now that her sorcery has manifested, nobody will come forward." He regarded her. "It breaks my heart as a King and father, Sir Merlin, to see such value disregarded."
Merlin shook his head. "I just do not see that, Sire. I…." His heart wrenched against itself. "She would be the Crown Princess now?"
"Aye she is that. She is not a prize, Sir Merlin." Irritation crept into Rodor's tone. Hint dropped in his words and tensed posture.
"Nay! I…" Merlin ground his teeth. Can I bollocks that up any worse? Bloody Hell! "Now I insulted her. I raised my voice to you. I…" He cleared his throat. "I did not mean to cause offense. I was… remembering …where the Princess is here at court. I know where I am." He squirmed yet again. "I do not understand how they cannot see her." He bowed his head. A sharp breath rasped from his mouth.
Blumenwald nodded. His quill scratched a few notations on the parchment.
"I know that. Thank you, Sir Merlin, for your explanation." Rodor turned to Mithian. "Well, Daughter?"
Mithian stood transfixed. Merlin's words and emotions held her fast. Her hands clapped over her mouth. Disbelief numbed her. Someone valued her. A man valued her… "I wish…." She bit her lip. "Father, I know what a privilege you have given me. Other than Prince Accolon, some of the suitors were….so terrible. Prince Arthur's situation has made that painfully obvious that others do not have such choices. So, thank you." She squeezed Rodor's hands in her own. Gratitude impressed her lips across his knuckles.
She can say that again. Merlin's mind wandered toward his former Prince. Ever since they'd accompanied Hunith back to Ealdor, Interest seemed to spark between Arthur and Gwen. I wish she had more tasks. Maybe then, Prince Accolon and Morgana would let her go. Yeah, he's a cabbage head. He deserves better.
A noble thought. Pay attention, Merlin. Malodius rubbed up against Merlin's leg.
Cabbage Head? Playful snort jabbed over their Link.
She had to hear that. Of course, she heard that! Merlin's teeth ground against each other. His eyes met Mithian's. He noted her raised eyebrow. Mirth's twinkle eased Anxiety's jabs in that regard. I care in spite of his hating me for my magic. All right?
I know. I have never heard a valet who thinks of his master as a Cabbage Head or what was the term I heard earlier? Clot Pole? Mithian jabbed at him. Perhaps one day, Prince Arthur will understand. Today, however, is for us. I am about to say this to Father. Then, she turned back to Rodor. "Thank you."
"I wish Kay had learned such humility and gratitude. You have earned such regard, Mithian." Pride shone in Rodor's eyes. "Look at yourself. Even today…even on the worst day in Nemeth's recent history…you stand strong. Since the Queen's death, I have had to thrust so much onto your shoulders. You take on far more than anyone of your age should have to deal with. You learn every day. You value everyone and want to know more about them. I appreciate you. As you gain experience, remember these things." He sucked in a deep breath. "I see you have made your choice."
Mithian summoned up Courage's support. She sucked up a deep breath. "I have, Father." A smile spread across her face. Hope pushed her onward. "Sir Merlin." Another deep breath punctuated her revelation. She turned to Merlin.
"Me? You would pick me? I…" Merlin stared at her. Words failed him yet again. Disbelief refused to let that notion register in his mind. "I am not worthy. I…."
"You are too humble for your own good, Merlin." Mithian shook her head. "The hero of Nemeth. The last Dragon Lord. Perhaps the Greatest Sorcerer of our Generation? You could be arrogant. You could be a bullheaded Prat. Well, you are not. You sacrifice. You think of others before yourself. You suppress your own gifts to serve your former Prince. Even now, I guess you think about your mother back in your home village? You defy orders to protect Britannia itself. You have all of the qualities. Rough edges…but qualities…Nemeth needs a Prince with said qualities. I need a partner with said qualities." As she had with Rodor, she took Merlin's hands in hers. She kneeled before him. "I. Want. You!" Her eyes dove into his pools. Her exclamation pierced his brain, heart, and soul.
Merlin cleared his throat. He struggled with the fact that Mithian, a Crown Princess…someone with everything to offer…wanted him. His magical peer... The woman who'd healed him. The woman who valued him. She insisted on him. He trembled in spite of himself. "I need you to stand, Princess." He tugged her to her feet. "We would be equals. Other than King Rodor, you never kneel before anyone else."
Tears streaked Mithian's cheeks. Her heart flip flopped. "You are making my point, Merlin. Aye. Thank you. And your mother will be part of our court as well. Father?"
"Indeed." Rodor nodded. "I insist that she live here with us. My father made that grant to your father. I am more than happy to extend it to her as well. Now, I believe there is the question?"
"Yeah…that." Merlin's throat cleared (yet again). He raised her hands to his own face. "Aye, Princess. I will be that partner for you. I will serve Nemeth." Acceptance and Amor prompted his lips' seal of Vow and Troth across her knuckles. He touched foreheads with hers. Always and forever, Princess.
Always and forever, my Prince. You will never need to hide again. You are never alone again. Mithian squeezed his hands more firmly. Her vow resonated in their minds.
Mist clouded eyes around the chamber (and, in Kilgarrah's case, beyond—just don't try to get him to admit it, Good Reader). Blumenwald's quill scratched details for Nemeth's Annales. Josiane remained stolid. Her thoughts and heart flew back toward Hampton and Boeve. Malodius rubbed up against the couple's legs. Rodor savored and treasured the scene.
"Sire, thank you." Merlin bowed to Rodor. "I appreciate this. I promise to do my best and take care of Nemeth and the Princess."
"I am sure you will, Sir Merlin. Thank you for your promise. I hold it now. Lord Blumenwald, please note that he is now Crown Prince-Elect Merlin." Rodor clapped Merlin's shoulder. "This is what I meant by continuity. We should see to Lord Merlin's coronation and the wedding as soon as possible. We will bury Prince Kay in a discreet fashion. At least, we will not have to put him on trial with the others. I will deal with them after Camelot's departure. For now, we should request that Prince Accolon and Queen Radigund remain. We will need their testimony and the others who saw the traitors." He looked to Josiane and Malodius. "I will speak to Sirs Galahad and Ywain. We should be vigilant for any sympathizers."
"I have all of that, Sire." Blumenwald wrote down the last of Rodor's instructions.
"Now we should see to Lady Elaine, Master Gaius, and the Amazons' healer, Elena." Rodor motioned toward the door. "We should all go together. I have one more thing to do up there." He opened the door and headed into the passage.
"Shall we see to them, Merlin?" Mithian led Merlin out into the passage. "Princess Josiane? Malodius?" She motioned for them to follow.
Continuity had started its healing. Now to see it through….