Lady Scarlet of Camelot

Chapter 12

Over the next two weeks, my whole life changed again. Now that the announcements for the wedding have gone out, Morgana and a few other court ladies have been helping with preparing the wedding. From planning the food to the décor. Yes, even during these times, the décor was important. Today begins the first day of the feast I decide to head to the market for some more fabric before tonight's dinner. I would need it to finish my dress for the tournament, and besides, it is always fun to slip out of the palace even if my guards follow me.

Since the day Lord Whittemore visited, I have had a set of guards around the clock. I am hoping to speak to Uther about making a Queen's Guard. I know it would relieve some stress off Arthur and Uther from having to find men every day. My guards today are Percival and Walsh; they wait outside my chambers as I change into my undercover clothes when a knock comes to the door, "Who is it?"

"Sir Leon, My Lady. King Uther needs to see you in the Throne Room," Leon calls from the other side of the door, "You are going to have to postpone your trip."

If Leon is saying this it must be serious, "Please send Morgana and Gwen to me help me please."

"Yes, My Lady."

Turning to my wardrobe, I start pulling out different dresses. I settle on a green dress that has the inner sleeves in red, along with the edging at the neck. The green is a medium shade of green. A knock followed by Walsh announcing my two friends lets me hide before the door is opened, "Scarlet," Morgana calls out the sound of the door closing and lets me step out from behind the changing screen.

"Help," I state, pointing to the dress I picked, "Uther needs me for something official, and I picked this out, but you know me."

"Let's go with a softer dress," Gwen takes right over as Morgana leads me to my vanity seat, "I say this soft blue one. Live in your free days till you take your role as queen."

The soft blue dress she pulls out is a favorite of mine. A modest neckline that is not to high, with full-length sleeves that start tight but hang loosely after hitting my elbows. With the silver edging at the neck, my silver dragon belt goes perfectly with it, "I agree," Morgana states as she brushes my hair, "Grab the blue fabric," she orders.

Quickly dressing me, they settled a darker blue sheer fabric over my hair, with it hung loosely. Using a simple silver circlet that only has a simple weaving design to hold it in place. I thank them, walking them to my door, "Maybe this afternoon I will be free, and we can go into town together?"

They agree, "My Lady, the King is waiting," Percival gently reminds me."

"Of course," I leave my friends with a smile; my guards and I make our way to the Throne Room. Walsh and Percival follow behind me even though it is only to be the advisors with the King at the moment, "My King," I curtsy.

"Lady Scarlet," Uther leaves his conversation and takes my hand, leading me over to the group, "My advisors and I have been speaking. Last night a man was found using magic. He will be executed this morning."

"I see," I swallow the lump forming in my throat. I knew this time would come where I would have to stand by his side at something like this.

"They believe that you should attend to show everyone that we are of one mind," he continues, "However, I do not want to stress you so soon after recovering from your..." he trails off, "I can say that you are ill if anyone inquires to your whereabouts."

"Could we speak alone," I whisper.

"Everyone, leave," the advisors give small bows before leaving us. Walsh and Percival move to the other side of the room, where Leon is watching and waiting, "What did you want to say or ask."

"Was he found in the act of using magic," I can see my question has caught him off guard, "Because if someone just says that he did, they could be lying or holding hatred towards him-"

"You don't believe that he should be punished," a look of concern grows in his eyes.

Thinking on my feet, I lower my gaze, bring my hand out of his, and wring them together, "I-I, I..."

Uther quickly takes my hands in both of his, "Your shaking," he states.

"I know what it is like fearing for one's life," I start, "Especially when you have done nothing wrong," I force myself to bring tears to my eyes. I look up, "I couldn't live with myself if he was innocent and I killed him."

Gathering me into his arms, "Hush," he whispers, thinking that he is calming me, "There are eyewitnesses that have seen this man using magic and even threatening to use it against a knight," he moves me back a step before motioning for my guards, "Maybe you should retire –"

"No," I whisper, drying my eyes, "Your advisors are right. We must present a united front."

"Very well."

Hand in hand, we travel along the halls with our guards behind us. We pass a side room where Morgana speaks with a few court ladies. I nod to the window before turning my head back to the front. We exit the castle onto a balcony that overlooks a town square. I stand to Uther's right. Percival and Walsh are three steps behind me. I zone out, watching as a man is brought to the excitation block lined off with basic soldiers. I only catch the end of his speech as I look out over the people. An older woman caught my eye, "... but for the crime of sorcery, there is but one sentence I can pass."

With a nod of Uther's head and a drop of his arm, the man of magic is dead. Uther says a few words about being a just and fair king. Trying to protect the people from magic and having done just that for the past twenty years. After announcing the feast, a loud cry comes up from the crowd. The woman that caught my eye, "There is only one evil in this land, and it is not magic! It is you," Walsh steps closer to me, "With your hatred and your ignorance. You took my son," she choked out, "I promise you, before these celebrations are over, you will share my tears," Walsh grabs my hand trying to draw attention to me, "An eye for an eye; a tooth for a tooth and a son for a son."

Three things happened atonce. Uther ordered her to be arrested. Walsh pull me back, but the woman'sgaze snapped to me before Walsh's body could cover me. She grabs a charm around her neck and whispers into it. A harsh wind swirls as the woman starts to disappear. Walsh and Percival cover me as they guide me inside as Uther stays and watches. We don't stop moving until we reach a room I have only ever been in twice. Uther's office. Walsh leads me to a chair by the fireplace. Percival sends a maid in before shutting the door closes. The maid quickly makes herself busy pouring some water for me. Walsh stands between me and the door.

Not long after we arrived, the door is opened as Uther, with a steady step and observing eye, made his way to me. The maid quietly leaves, and Walsh waits by the door, "Are you alright?"

"Yes," I answer, "I didn't like how she looked at me. Almost like she wanted me dead as well."

"She will not lay a hand on you.