Blood and Steel

Part 62 "Art Gallery"

Gareth: "Well that was quite the spectacle..... " The Warden broke the silence as the two knights strolled through the palace halls.

Mordred: "I had to say it straight to his face. He forced me to and I regret nothing.... " Her voice dripped with spite as she replied.

"Commander! Did i miss the meeting? How did the meeting go?"

Edward, Mordred's captain and personal assistant, appeared rushed and out of breath. It was no surprise; Mordred often delegated paperwork and administrative affairs to him, leaving him buried in documents most days.

Mordred: "Edward...... I'd love to fill you in, but just recalling that insufferable bastard makes me feel like I'm dying from the inside out." She sighed.

Edward: "Not so good... I presume." he nodded in understanding.

Mordred: "Exactly. If you have any further information that you would like to share with me. Please tell me after break, i need to rest for a moment." She replied wearily.

"Very well, Commander." Edward nodded in acknowledgement.

Gareth: "Don't worry, Edward. I'll fill you in with the details." The warden assured Mordred's Captain, promising to inform him about the meeting.

Leaving them behind, Mordred retired to her room, setting her weapon and armor against the wall. She sat on the edge of her bed, still clad in her chainmail, gazing out the window. The creak of the bed alerted Matilda, the maid tidying her room.

Matilda: "Milady? My word... why are you still wearing your gear? Should i help you take it off?" The maid offered.

Mordred waved her off, gesturing for her not to bother.

Mordred: "No, It's okay. I'm just resting for a bit, i'll be heading out soon anyway."

Matilda: "You look tired. Are you sure about not taking a day off for today?" she expressed her concern.

Mordred: "No. I just talked to Gawain. You know how exhausting it was." The knight warden sighed, massaging her eyes with her gauntleted hand.

Mordred: "But enough about me? Are you alright? You fainted last time didn't you?" she asked Matilda about the incident that took place a month ago in the palace, Where a mysterious assailant trespassed into the royal grounds.

Matilda: "Oh don't get me started, milady. That man was terrifying! He was huge, dark, and menacing. I though i was about to be killed." she recalled, describing the mysterious assailant.

Mordred: "But did he Hurt anyone?" she inquired.

Matilda: "A Maid said she had an axe held towards her throat but she was fine.... So... excluding Your highness Gawain and....You know who.... no one got hurt" She hesitantly referred to William, Mordred's ex-fiancé, who had manure smeared on his face and was thrown out a window.

Mordred: "Then all is fine." She chuckled.

Matilda: "If you say so, milady...." she responded before continuing her cleaning duties.

Feeling that she had rested long enough, Mordred rose and walked over to her drawer. She opened it, revealing two identical pieces of jewelry. With a sigh, she picked them up and gently caressed them, her touch reverent and lingering.

Mordred: "Tsk....."

Closing her eyes and clicking her tongue, she shook her head before placing them back.

She had to return to her duties.

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