Chapter 55 [Four Days Later]
[A/N: Here I skip ahead a little]
Ritual and Pageantry ran their course. The rebels climbed the scaffold to their due end. Kay received a somber and more reserved internment in the royal crypt than normal due to his role. Coronation and Hand Fastings helped soothe Anger's bile and ease Healing's balm across Nemeth. Negotiations came to a rapid conclusion. Britannia, Gaul, Egypt, Ethiopia, the Eastern Roman Empire and Eire renewed their Sorcerers' Code. Treaties and Alliances were sealed. Handshakes were exchanged.
Merlin and Mithian sat alongside Rodor on matters of state….
Alas, Readers, we have the *other* business at hand….
[Camelot]
Arthur sat at his desk. A week had passed since the impromptu return from Whitgate. Searches for the sorcerer responsible for History's first "rapid transit" (at least that's what Camelot thought) proved fruitless. The massive state funeral for the fallen knights reinforced the need for training. He stretched his arms and legs. Documents stacked up beside him. He knew Uther expected updates on those reports. He shook his head.
Details…always details…
I will NEVER get through these! He raised the waiting goblet to his mouth. Alas! The overfilled goblet spilled all over his tunic and pants. He slammed it to the desk. "GEORGE!"
George scurried into the chamber. He remained busy…constantly busy. He swept all of the chambers. He cleaned the windows. He mucked out the stables. He made sure Arthur would never run out of wine. "Aye, Sire! I will have dinner ready in another turn…."
Arthur curled his lip. "George, who taught you how to fill a goblet?" He shook his soaked sleeve off. "Look at me!" He got up. "I spilled this all over myself!"
"Sire. I did not want you to be without! I…I am sorry." George bit his lip. "I've been trying to get everything clean for you. I know…."
"Have you dumped my chamber pot yet?" Arthur bowed his head. The reek in his chambers forced him to stay in a guest chamber on the previous night. "I believe that is more important than your STUPID POLISHING! CAN YOU BE ANY BIGGER OF AN IDIOT?" He slapped his hands on the desk. "Just…Just…go do that." He pointed toward the door. "I want the chamber pots dumped. I want fresh linens on the bed. Even Merlin could do that…." He sucked in a deep breath.
"Merlin." George frowned. He bowed his head. "I'm better than that peasant…."
"What…did you say?" Arthur glared at the insolent servant. "First of all, Merlin at least can fill a goblet! He knows how to dump a chamber pot and change sheets! He does not wet his pants at the sight of a battle!" He coughed. "And besides, he may have been raised like a peasant. He was supposed to be noble." His eyes rolled at that statement. His brain seized up at that point.
Merlin….
How much else did he deceive us on? Arthur ground his teeth. All of Gaius' medical books are gone. Everything of his was cleared out. More sorcery! More witches! Father is ready to tear his own hair out over that. We have to deal with Aredian AGAIN. He grimaced. "Besides, Merlin is now a Crown Prince. Say that again and I'll do more than just sack you! Are we clear?" He pointed toward the passage. "GO!"
George narrowed his eyes. How could Merlin be a Prince and yet work here? Was it to do with that creature in the cave below? He's a sorcerer! He skulked out of the chamber. He nearly bumped into Geoffrey of Monmouth. "Pardon me, Sir!" He bowed. Then, he slipped past and hustled down the passage.
"Is he the best servant left?" Arthur regarded himself. His face reddened. Embarrassment curled his mouth into an even tighter frown. "Lord Geoffrey, my apologies. You should not have had to hear that." He shook his head.
"Unfortunately, Prince Arthur. We are training others to take…umm…you know's…place." Geoffrey bowed. He recalled Uther's directions on how to approach Arthur in that way. He definitely wasn't about to mention Gwen or Morgana.
"You mean Merlin?" Arthur raised an eyebrow. "You can say his name. I cannot believe what he did or how he deceived us." He took another deep breath. "I may have to take my dinner up here tonight. I have so much to get caught up on. And since I do not have a reliable servant, it makes it harder."
"Prince Arthur, the King needs you downstairs. You should change into your best clothes. With respect, we have guests. King Uther said that everything else can wait. This was a matter of extreme urgency. I will wait for you." Geoffrey stepped back by the door.
"Thank you. It will not take me long." Arthur frowned. State dinner? Now? Father was not expecting anyone. He pulled out his best tunic and pants. "Whoever it is will have to forgive my boots." He huffed a breath. He went behind the changing screen.
Had to look good….
[A Third of an Hourglass Turn Later—Dining Chamber]
Uther took a draught from his goblet. Impatience pushed his eyes toward the door. "Forgive Prince Arthur. I am afraid you took us all by surprise." He considered the parchment scroll in front of himself. He glanced at Beatrice. Opportunity beckoned to him.
"Actually, you are being a very good host. You know I would not have come in such a fashion without reason. Prince Arthur is attentive to detail. Given everything that has happened over the past fortnight, I can afford to be patient, King Uther." Bors smiled. "I know how close Lady Beatrice and the Prince were several years ago. Prince Kay of Nemeth's death left her available again for a good marriage. I immediately thought of Prince Arthur."
"Camelot appreciates it." Gratitude gleamed in Uther's eyes. "I remember you, Lady Beatrice, as a child visiting here with your parents. I remember you could sing and play the harp as I recall?"
"Aye, Sire. I am a little out of practice. Perhaps, in between my other duties to the court and service to you, I might practice?" She bowed her head slightly.
"I believe that can be arranged." Uther sized her up. He knew well of her family's Gallo-Roman heritage. He welcomed Bors' support and offer to renew their alliance. "Culture, Lady Beatrice, is always welcome here in Camelot." He grinned. Beatrice's dowry brought land and opportunities in Gaul as well. "We do express our condolences about Prince Kay. It was a tragic turn of events leading to his death. I am glad that you could recall the good feelings that Prince Arthur and you shared. I am sure he will recall that." He saw Geoffrey and Arthur walk in the door. "Ah! There he is now!"
"My apologies, Sire." Arthur nodded to him. "King Bors? It is a pleasure! I'm sure Father has welcomed you to Camelot. I would like to say it is good to see you! And, Lady Beatrice? It has been far too long! It is good to see you again." He bowed to Bors. Then he lifted and kissed Beatrice's hand.
"Thank you, Prince Arthur. I am glad to see you as well." Pink streaked Beatrice's cheeks. Affection gleamed in her eyes. She stood. "Excuse me. I am glad to see you are still well. I look forward to getting to know you again."
"I look forward to your visit of course. Will it be an extended one?" Arthur relaxed. Memoria recalled Beatrice's previous visits to Camelot as well. He recalled their horseback rides and such. "Do you still ride?"
"I do indeed, Sire! I remember there are some views on the cliffs a pleasant ride from here?" She glanced at him and then back toward Uther.
"There are indeed. Prince Arthur, your reports can wait a few days. I can allow that much. You have more important matters of state to attend to." Uther motioned to Beatrice. "Lady Beatrice is going to be here at court with us. In fact, Prince Kay's unfortunate passing opened an opportunity for you."
"Father?" Arthur glanced at Uther, Beatrice and then Bors. "I do not understand."
"Prince Arthur, as I recall, Lady Beatrice and you have been friends for many years. I recall you telling Prince Bors once that you wished to marry someone that you care for. Well, as I am a friend of Camelot, I am offering that to you. I believe that she and you can strengthen the alliance between our kingdoms. Besides, you two care for each other. Prince Bors and Princess Griswalda will join us tomorrow. Perhaps you four might have a picnic together at that cliff?"
"I think it sounds like a splendid idea, King Bors. Prince Arthur has always said that he wishes to marry a woman of Lady Beatrice's quality. He wishes that he and that woman…Princess and Queen…could care and be an example for our people. I will say that for his other faults, Rodor's love for his deceased Queen is an example in that regard. As long as it is a good marriage for Camelot and our subjects, why should we not have love as well? Uther supposed.
And that is the string. Is it not, Father? Arthur mused over such matters in his mind. Gwen remained at Tintagel. Questions ate at him over Morgana's and Accolon's attitudes toward his seeing her. Still, his heart skipped a beat for the woman to his left as well. Rift had grown between Arthur and Uther on this matter. Frankly, Fear ate at Arthur that Uther would force some hag on him for his own ambition.
Bors had rendered him a great favor. Beatrice's warmth strummed Memoria and his heart akin to her fingers across Harp's strings. He and she cared for each other. Compassion guided her in a great many things…that he did know.
And best of all, Uther approved. Uther was all but shoving her at him.
This is the best opportunity Father is going to present to me. Arthur looked over at Beatrice. "I know this is not Gaul or your father's lands, Lady Beatrice. You know that I respect you and those you care for. Granted, my first priority is Camelot. With permission, King Bors, we could work toward helping those people as well?"
"That is up to King Bors and King Uther, Prince Arthur. I would like that very much." Beatrice's eyes turned to Uther and then to Bors. "Sire? Your Highness?"
Bors glanced to Uther. "I know we would prefer to avoid entanglements with subinfeudation. However, aye, an alliance would allow for such matters. One should care for their subjects."
"Well put. Prince Arthur, you also stated your point very well. Indeed so. As long as we remember where all things are." Uther raised his goblet to Arthur. Then, he drank a mouthful. "Speaking of such, we should be making preparations and holding ourselves in readiness. Should we not?"
"Aye, Father. King Bors, thank you. Lady Beatrice, may we have many good years together." Arthur's lips signed and sealed Pledge's mark across her knuckles. His eyes met hers.
"Thank you, Prince Arthur. If I may say, this is the hope of my childhood dreams. I wished to serve beside someone as noble as yourself. Forgive me, King Uther. I go on." Beatrice bowed to Uther.
"Forgive you? Why would there be any such need? I appreciate your words and outlook. I believe you will have a very good effect on Camelot and our court." Uther stood and walked over to her. "As Prince Arthur said, welcome. I look forward to seeing what you make of yourself here."
"Aye." Beatrice nodded. Her smile spread across her face. May we see the best for all…magical or mundane, King Uther. That is what we should hope for.
Interesting times indeed….