The Golden Age

30. The Once and Future Queen (Part II)

EXT. TOURNAMENT GROUNDS – DAY

Merlin brought the horse to the water trough. Myror approached him and said, "He's a fine horse. I see your master has advanced to the final. He's extremely skilled with a lance."

"He's doing well," Merlin replied. "Just one more match to go."

"Tell me, what is he like to work for?"

"Between you and me? He can be a bit of a prat."

Myror laughed. "So you are no longer working for Prince Arthur?"

"No. Yes, yes. Not right now. Arthur's away. As is the Princess. I'm just... helping out."

"Well, I, erm, I wish your master luck in the final."

"Thanks."

INT. GWEN'S HOUSE – DAY

Colette swept the pantry where she and Gwen had been sleeping when Arthur entered through the front door.

"Colette?" Arthur called.

"Just a minute," Colette replied.

"Do you have a needle and threat? My shirt needs mending." He walked up and showed her the shirt.

"Erm..."

"Is this where you sleep? Where's your bed?"

"You're sleeping in the only one. The least you could do is let... Never mind."

"Why didn't you or Guinevere say something?"

"How could I? You're Prince Arthur. She's Princess Anne. Besides, you didn't give either of us the chance. You just assumed the bed was yours."

"Well, how am I supposed to know if you don't tell me?"

"You shouldn't need to be told to think of someone other than yourself, you're not a child." Her eyes widened as she realised she'd just snapped at the Prince.

"Is there anything else you'd like to say to me? Please, I'd like to hear it. If there's something you want to say to me, don't let me stop you."

Taking on the challenge of sorts, Colette continued. "You don't have any idea, do you?"

"About what?"

"About how rude and arrogant you can be! This is Gwen's home and you are her guest in it! I know you are used to more luxurious quarters, but that is not an excuse to be so rude! You claim titles don't matter to you, but you behave like a prince and expect me to wait on you like a servant! Saying it means nothing if your actions betray you! Would it kill you to say please and thank you once in a while?! My Lord."

Arthur had a lightly amused expression. "Is there anything else you'd like to add?"

"No, I think that's it."

"You're right. Gwen has invited me and Anne into her home and I have behaved appallingly."

"I didn't mean to make you feel bad."

"Oh, really?"

She shrugged lightly. "Well, perhaps a little."

"There's no excuse. I'll make it up to you. Tonight, I will make dinner for you."

"You're going to cook me dinner?"

"I most certainly am. Now go for a walk or do whatever it is that girls do at this time of the evening..."

"A walk would be nice."

"...and your dinner will be ready when you return."

EXT. LOWER TOWN – DAY