Chapter 48 [Royal Throne Chamber]

Hastily summoned nobles packed the chamber. Rumor and Whispers hissed between them about Rodor's intentions. Mixed Feelings sat in their hearts over the affair to be honest. Everyone understood Aethelwald, Bernard, Wulfstan, and Wyngate's conspiracy. Some may even have favored it. Protests spurted out from others. Still, Coup's attempt shook them all up. Magical Display outside stirred the pot still further. Eyes turned to Radigund, Morgana, Josiane and Accolon in the far corner.

Divides stewed….

Rodor rasped a terse breath. Disloyalty stewed at him. He surveyed the nobles. Experience knew them all well. He knew their minds. Motivations aligned to Agenda and Self Interest. He loathed the scaffold. Still, Example would serve to remind the others. Where is Mithian? Certainly, she should have been back from the guest quarters by now? "Is this everyone?"

Blumenwald looked around the chamber. "Except for Princess Mithian and Prince-Elect Merlin, I would say so. If I might say so, Prince-Elect Merlin might have gone to the Physician's Chambers, Sire. That might be where she and Malodius are?" He bowed to the throne.

"Aye. He would want to check in on Lady Elaine and speak to Master Gaius. Thank you." Rodor rubbed his chin. He noted Mithian and Merlin's entrance. "I believe that is them now."

Mithian led Merlin down the central aisle. She ignored the eyes turning toward them. She'd forced them both to walk right past the guarded accused men outside. Frankly, after her brother's death, she wanted to run crossbow bolts through all of them herself to be honest. Justice, however, would have to be served. This she knew. She guided Merlin toward Rodor's throne. Then, they nodded to it. "Sire, our apologies. We had to go further than I meant to. Merlin was in the Physician's Chambers."

"As you anticipated, Lord Chancellor." Rodor nodded. "How is our Lady Elaine?"

"She is much better, Sire. She seemed in good spirits and sat up in a chair away from bed. I believe she will mend. She and Sir Lancelot seem happy together. Prince-Elect Merlin spoke with Master Gaius about matters as well. He came right here with me when I told him," Mithian reported.

"Those are good things indeed, Daughter." Rodor allowed her a warm smile. "Thank you, Prince-Elect Merlin, for your consideration. I know I asked you to stay inside during Camelot's sudden departure. You made the best of the situation. Letting people know that we care is vital. You may take your place with Princess Josiane, Prince Accolon, Queen Radigund, and Lady Morgana. I wish to begin."

"Aye, Sire. Thank you." Merlin bowed. He turned and walked toward Accolon and the others. Onlookers' eyes burned into his skull. Questions batted about in the air around himself. He bowed to the visiting rulers. Then, he stood off to Morgana's left. "I did not realize…sorry."

Morgana leaned close. "King Rodor just accepted your reasons. We understand as well. Eyes forward." She motioned toward Rodor and Mithian.

Rodor rose bringing Mithian to her feet as well. His eyes met each of the onlookers' faces in turn. "WE HAVE MATTERS BEFORE US TODAY!" He cleared his throat. "TODAY SHOULD BE A DAY OF CELEBRATION! OUR ALLIED FORCES PUSHED BACK CAWDOR AND MERCIA! WE THANK OUR FRIENDS, TINTAGEL, AMAZONIA, AND CAMELOT, FOR THEIR ASSISTANCE! QUEEN RADIGUND AND PRINCE ACCOLON, THANK YOU! IN ADDITION, THE SON OF OUR LONG LOST FRIEND AND HERO, SIR BALINOR, APPEARED IN OUR TIME OF NEED! MERLIN OF EALDOR HAS FOUGHT WELL IN BRITANNIA'S SERVICE! BY BIRTH AND DEED, HE HAS PASSED THE CAPABILITY LAWS' STANDARDS! HE IS NOBLE! AS OF TODAY, HE IS TO BE OUR NEW CROWN PRINCE! PRINCE-ELECT MERLIN!"

Everyone turned toward Merlin. Hands clapped. Applause filled the air. Intent behind the clapping? Again, Unspoken Agenda dictated Support or Opposition…

…As Gaius might have said in different universe and scenario," Smile and clap, Merlin. Smile and clap…."

Merlin stepped out from his royal counterparts' company. He bowed to the throne. Then he stepped back in line with the others. Thank you, Princess.

You are more than welcome, Merlin! Happiness and Satisfaction beamed inside of Mithian. Her smile spread across her face. The lot of you thought I would never find anyone! Merlin and I have each other! She nodded to Rodor. "Thank you, Sire, for this opportunity."

"You are most welcome, Daughter." Rodor patted her hand. "You both will be married within the next few days. I know you have waited for this a long time. This will be an opportunity for peace within our realm. The promise of light after the trials in front of us. Now, you and he will serve together. We will see to your marriage day after tomorrow."

"I look forward to that." Mithian nodded again. Then, she turned to face the crowd.

Applause—again punctuated by mixed agendas—rose up from the audience. Relief and even Surprise, however, made its impression on them all as well. Many feared that Mithian would remain alone. Rumor about Kay's demise circulated amongst their numbers. Continuity seemed assured by this coming marriage. Merlin's status—despite Capability Laws' Upgrade and Bloodline—remained in doubt. Display with Kilgarrah outside attested to the latter. Memoria told of Merlin fighting beside the Amazons at Shalott. Stories surrounded Merlin's role around Arthur and Camelot's knights. Respect's nods popped up amongst their numbers.

Rodor allowed the moment. Sentiment hung in the air. Given the next announcement and following actions, he wanted said mood to linger.

And so, it did for a few heartbeats at least….