Chapter 14 [Throne Chamber—A Sixth of an Hourglass Turn Later]
Uther regarded his entire court. Outrage clenched his fingers around the throne's right arm rest. Meleagant's breach of the peace shattered Politics' negotiations and delicate balance. Ambitions remained at risk. Moreover, Challenge spat on Camelot's suzerainty in its own lands. Assaulting Nemeth's caravan nearly within sight of the walls? Kidnapping Kay? Pursuing and nearly taking Mithian as well? Pushing said pursuit further to the moat's edge itself?
Intolerable…
His blue eyes blazed at no one in particular. Royal Council and he would talk shortly. Priorities, however, remained with Rodor, Taene and Kay. Morgana supported Mithian. Merlin stood with Britomart and Gwen along the west wall. Arthur restrained himself to his right. Royal Order kept the younger Prince from riding off in reckless pursuit.
Mithian set her jaw. Short breaths maintained Composure's grace. Rodor and Taene had drilled Mask of State into her very psyche. Now, despite Youth's continued inexperience, Duty demanded Strength's resolve. Meleagant's threat remained real to Nemeth, parents and herself. Hunter pursued Prey through wood, water and cover. Usually, she pursued game. Now, she was the pursued. She would not be an easy mark however….
…Reynald's wounds proved that case by themselves as we know, Gentle Reader….
"Thank you, Sire." Mithian nodded to her host. "Britomart and I appreciate your walls." Gratitude and Diplomacy kept her tone even. History's accounts told of issues between their kingdoms. Purge's pain and horrors burned in her craw. Necessity, however, demanded this alliance. Preferences remained Luxuries in such situations. "My concerns are with Prince Kay in addition to King Rodor and Queen Taene. Your household's quality is notable as well."
Uther nodded. "Camelot will do everything it can to assure their safety, Princess Mithian. I can assure you of that. I will send Prince Arthur and a company of knights toward the Severn to escort King Rodor and Queen Taene here. Sir Leon will take another force to pursue Meleagant toward Cawdor. We will recover Prince Kay and the other knights. If I may, Princess, thank you for the compliment. I do not understand your meaning."
"Princess Mithian is referring to Merlin's rescuing her and her maid from the Cawdorians, Sire." Arthur cleared his throat. His eyebrow rose at his servant. His mind attempted to parse together how Merlin managed to outride an entire Cawdorian ambush and get Mithian back there. How does he rise to such moments but cannot watch his fat feet around my chambers?
Merlin felt the attention. He squirmed and bowed to Arthur. "I was out there picking herbs for Gaius, Sire. I just did the right thing." He looked toward Mithian. "Princess Mithian shot the only mounted knight on horseback. That's the horse Britomart rode in on. You can thank Lady Morgana. She allowed me to use that horse." He bowed to Morgana as well. "Thank you, Lady Morgana."
"Thank you, Merlin. I wished for you to be efficient in your duties. Now I am glad I insisted you take the horse." Morgana marveled at Merlin's modesty to be honest. Deflection simply chalked his feat up to Duty's 'all in a day' column. Others would seek reward. Merlin? Not really….
Mithian shook her head. "Aye. I shot that knight, Merlin. You reacted immediately. You followed orders. Moreover, you did not panic. That is worthwhile in itself."
"Thank you, Princess. Again, I just did my duty. I am glad you are safe." Merlin bowed to Mithian and then Uther again. "Sire. Apologies."
"Apologies?" Uther glanced toward Arthur and then back at Merlin again. "I do not understand. This is the second time in less than a month that you have risen to the occasion. I appreciate your humility and desire to serve. These qualities are to your credit. It is why we have requested aid to improve your skill as a servant."
"Second time?" Mithian raised an eyebrow. Uther's assessment drew her interest. "Sire?"
"If I may, Father?" Arthur met Mithian's eyes. "Merlin saved my life and stopped a threat to the court a fortnight ago. The King named him to his position because of that." He kept a straight face. Bumbling Inexperience infuriated him. Still, Courage and Bravery peeked out from underneath. Instinct recognized something under the surface. What is it about you, Merlin? He narrowed his eyes.
"I rewarded him with service in my household befitting Merlin's social status, Princess Mithian. Beyond that, the Knights' Code overrides the Capability Laws here in Camelot. Pity that he is not descended from nobility." Uther shook his head.
Mithian stifled Objections in that regard. Father would make Merlin a squire or allow him to train with the knights at the very least! No wonder Kay feels as he does about Britomart and the other servants. "I…see." She turned to Merlin. "Well. I wish to thank you, Merlin, in front of your fellow castellans for your bravery. King Rodor will wish to do so as well." I wonder if Father would request him for our household as part of the negotiations? I'd see if he and Britomart could work together.
"He may of course. Camelot is of course unified in our desire to see to your safety. King Meleagant's affront will not go unanswered. I can assure you." Uther rubbed his chin. "We should also reach out to King Cenred and Lord Bayard as well. We will do what we can to stabilize the situation. Meantime, Prince Arthur and Sir Leon, take the knights out. See to King Rodor's and Queen Taene's safe escort here. Prince Arthur, you will return with them. Sir Leon, you will go after Prince Kay and the Cawdorians. Am I clear?"
"Perfectly, Sire." Leon turned to Mithian. "We will not fail you, Princess." He bowed to her.
"I am sure you will not. Thank you, Sir Leon." Mithian nodded to him. "And I wish you success, Prince Arthur, as well."
"Thank you, Princess. We will see to the King and Queen. They will be safely back here. If I may, I require Merlin's services to prepare." Arthur nodded to her. "Come on, Merlin."
"Coming, Sire." Merlin bowed to Mithian once more. "Thank you for your kind words, Princess." His eyes met hers and lingered there for several heartbeats. He forced himself to turn and follow Arthur from the chamber.
Mithian exchanged looks with Britomart. Respect increased for Merlin's abilities in their mutual eyes. She noted Gwen's eyes stealing looks in Merlin's direction. Her praise elicited reactions from Gwen. Is there something going on between Merlin and her?
"Come, Milady. We should get you settled into a guest chamber." Britomart glanced at Gwen. "Perhaps Guinevere can reacquaint me with the kitchen? I can bring you some wine?"
Gwen smiled. Despite Jealousy's previous ill feelings, Memoria overrode them with previous collaborations with Britomart. "I can do that. If Milady Morgana will allow me?"
"Of course! Princess, I have a couple of gowns that I can lend you. I believe I know just the ones! Unless King Uther needs anything else?" Morgana turned to Uther. "Sire?"
"That will be all for now. If we hear anything else, you will be the first to know, Princess Mithian." Uther nodded. "Thank you, Morgana, for seeing to her needs. That is most appreciated. If you could show her to the chamber furthest on the left?"
"I am happy to do so. Follow me, Princess. Gwen, go ahead with Britomart. Let her pick out whatever wine the Princess would like." Morgana nodded toward Uther. Then she led Mithian toward the passage.
Gwen mulled over the events. Embarrassment reddened her face over previous feelings in that regard. "Let's see what we have for the Princess, Britomart." She curtseyed toward Uther and led her fellow servant toward the kitchen.
Adjustments and issues remained it seemed….