Lady Scarlet of Camelot

Chapter 14

When I woke up the next morning, I decided to go visit Gaius to see if he could fix a sleeping tonic for me. My nerves are on edge I might need to take a nap later today before the diner. Wearing a simpler dress and my hair down I head down to Gaius' room. I pass servants as they rush here and there, getting ready for tonight. It seems that some of the knights sleep in this part of the castle. Most likely, the lower knights and higher guards because I know that Leon and the others sleep in a different part of the castle. Enjoying the silence of being alone, I take a moment to think about my family from my time. Did my mother know that this was going to happen? All the lessons she made me take, all the stories, or was it father that told her to.

I mean, he was the one that made both me and my brother take fencing and made my brother also take sword fighting classes. Not looking where I was going, I end up running into a wall. A flesh wall, that is. Taking a step back, I look to see who I ran into. It was Merlin, "I am so sorry," he says, luckily still clenching the bottles in his hands.

"It is my fault, I was not looking where I was walking," since I can't know who he is yet I play dumb, "You working with Gaius, correct?"

"Yes, for now. My name is Merlin."

"Well, don't let me keep you, Merlin."

"Miss," he then quickly runs off to do whatever task he was sent on.

Quickly arriving at Gaius', I knock on the door. He answers it with a surprised look on his face, "My Lady," he gives a small bow, "please come in. How can I be of service?"

I enter and quickly sit at his table, "I was hoping you would have a sleeping tonic on hand. I have not been resting well and I was hoping to get some sleep this afternoon before the feast. I missed dinner with the king and this entertainer last night, and I can't miss tonight."

"I see," Gaius turns to his shelf as he starts to make it, "You know you could have sent your servant down to get this."
"I know, but she already has so much to do, and I enjoyed the silence that comes with a walk by one's self."

He chuckles as he mixes everything in a bowl. I ask him about his work as continues and watches with interest. Once the last drop is bottled, he hands it to me, "Take a spoon full to start with. We don't want you sleeping through the feast now."

"Thank you, I need to get back before my guards notice that I am awake already."

He laughs, walking me to his door. My luck holds as I stick to the servant stairs making my way back to my room. I pass Gwen, but a quick finger to my lips tells her not to say anything. However, my luck does not hold as a stern-looking Matthew and Leon are waiting at my door with a confused Isabella looking at them, "What do you mean you don't know where she is," Leon asks.

"You're her maid," Matthew almost has smoke coming out of his ears. He walks, more like stalks, towards Isabella till she backs into the wall, "You should know where she is at the least, and that most you should be glued to her hip."

"Isabella had not entered my room when I went to see Gaius," I state coldly. Making my presence known. All three of their heads turn to me. Leon greets me with a head bow and Isabella with a small curtsy, "I understand your job, Sir Matthew, but scaring my maid when I left before she had a chance to see me this morning does not help."

"My Lady," He greets me, stepping away from Isabella, "Forgive me; however, your safety is my top concern. His Majesty waits to see you in his office as soon as you are dressed."

"Thank you for delivering the message. I will be out shortly."

I guide Isabella into my room. She takes a second to shake it off before heading over to my wardrobe. She pulls out a silverly grey dress. Quickly dressed, I decided to leave my hair down and take my veil and wear it like a shawl. With my group in tow, I head to Uther's office. The knights outside the door don't stop me. Instead, they open the doors before I even ask and stand up straight. Uther is alone with Morgana looking over some papers.

"Your Majesty," I curtsy.

"Scarlet," Uther stands, rounding his desk to meet me, "Are you feeling better this morning?"

"Better than last night; however, I am still tired. I had Gaius fix me a sleeping draft and he told me to take a spoonful before I rested this afternoon."

"King Uther and I were going over some finishing touches for your wedding," Morgana states, "I need to finish a few things before tonight. By your leave," she curtsies as she leaves.

"What was left to go over," I question Uther as he leads me to a seat, "I thought everything had been settled."

"Just a change to the seating arrangements. Let Morgana take care of it; the kingdom will need a well-rested bride," he states, taking a seat next to mine, "I have a gift for you. One that I would like for you to wear tonight along with a red dress," he motions to a servant that I had not noticed before. She brings over a wooden box that is beautiful in and of itself.

I take it from her and watch as she lifts the lid, which is the top and the sides. Inside, resting on red velvet, is a silver crown with oak leaves in gold. As well as what looks like to be vines in golden connecting to each oak leaf. In the center of each leaf is a black gem, "King Uther-"

"Just Uther," he corrects me.

"Uther, this is stunning. Thank you," I take his right hand in my left, tight squeezing it. He lifts our hands places a soft kiss on mine.

"I will let you rest. This evening you will enter with me for dinner."

"As you wish," I answer. I close the lid before standing. The same servant opens the door for me. My group is waiting outside. Isabella quickly takes the box from my hand, and Leon and Matthew fall into step. Matthew in front of me and Leon behind.