Merthur - Love in the Time of War

Chapter 2 - The Meeting

Arthur's POV

"Good morning, sire," my manservant, George, calls into the room.

He rips open the curtains, practically blinding me in the process. I groan and am about to roll away from the light when I realize there's a tray on my lap. I sit up against the headboard and look down. Food is piled high on the tray. Fruits, bread, ham, berries, honestly where does he get all this food? I doubt the palace kitchens gives him all this every single day!

"Your breakfast, sire." George bows respectfully while he takes out a small cloth to drape around my neck.

I sit up and begin to eat my meal slowly. At least it's delicious.

George walks to my wardrobe and begins to prepare my clothes for the day. He's efficient at his job. No, efficient is an understatement. He's perfect for the job. He's able to do every task handed to him without so much as a complaint and the chore is always handled with expertise. The only problem. He's the dullest man alive. He makes jokes... about brass.

"Sire, you best hurry. You have a council meeting in a few moments." I hear George say.

"Alright, do the laundry when I'm out," I command.

"Yes, sire."

I finish my meal and get out of bed. George helps me into my clothes for the day before I walk out of my chamber. I let out a sigh of relief when I'm in the hall. George has always been difficult to talk to. The only reason he gets to keep the job is because of how good he is at it.

I arrive outside the council chamber doors. I take a deep breath, fix my posture, and push open the doors. The council members all bow respectfully when I enter. My father sits near the back of the room on his throne, looking over a number of maps. He glances up at me when I enter.

"Ah, Arthur. Good of you to finally join us," my father says, somewhat angrily.

"I'm sorry I'm late," I bow my head.

My father looks away from me and turns back to the maps on the table. He points to one with a gloved finger.

"Place some more patrols here. I don't want those 'Resistance' scum to come any closer to Camelot then they already are. Next order of business is where to attack next. Balinor has his men all along the river, from the looks of it he wishes to take this village next." My father points to a village marked on the map. "We will send an army there. They will hide themselves amongst the village people and hopefully land a surprise blow on Balinor's men."

"What about the villagers? We need to evacuate them before the battle," I ask.

"We cannot risk evacuating them. If Balinor sees us evacuating the people they will suspect what we are planning."

"What?!" I shout, slamming my hands on the table. How could my father say such a thing! The people should be the highest priority. "We cannot risk the lives the people for a 'surprise attack'."

My father glares at me. Anger evident in his eyes. "Are you defying me, Arthur? Losing a couple villagers to take down a greater evil is worth the sacrifice. They should be proud to die for the good of the kingdom."

Rage burns in my eyes. I lose my temper and lash out at the king. "This war has gotten to your head! What happened to 'the people always come first'? What happened to the king that was just and protected his subjects!" I yell loudly, pointing an accusing finger at him.

"You will shut your mouth," My father growls, hands at his hips.

"No, I will not father! I understand that sorcerers are evil. I understand that they must be stopped but defeating The Resistance does not take priority over the people's safety!"