Lady Scarlet of Camelot

Chapter 16

As the wedding date drew closer, Uther kept to himself more. Merlin was working on learning Arthur and learning how to work with him. So I was left with Isabella, Gwen, and Morgana to finish a few pieces for the wedding. Of course, I had the guards that followed me, but most of them didn't talk with me. After three days so Uther not meeting with me, not even for dinners, I decided to take him his lunch. Leon is with me today, as well as Percival. Isabella huffs, walking a step behind me because I want to carry the tray to Uther. Nearing his study, a servant quickly rushes from the room, leaving a crack open.

Inside, Uther is staring at a crown that is sitting on a velvet pillow. I pause, looking at the scene in front of me. He is leaning back in his chair and starring straight ahead at this crown. Footsteps coming from behind me cause me to turn and see Arthur. He sighs and motions for me to join him. Handing over the king's lunch to Isabella, I join Arthur, my guards in tow. Once outside, "How long has he been like that?"

"Since the attack at the feast," Arthur offers me his hand as we walk up the stairs that lead to the top of the wall, "He was, is angry with himself for allowing you to be hurt."

"The whole court was the same. You almost died."

"Yes, but I am a man, and he is going to marry you," Arthur switches to my hand resting on the inside of his elbow, "He offered this marriage to keep you safe, not to put you into harm's way."

We travel silently, "Was that your mother's crown? The one he was staring at."

"Yes, it was the one she was crowned with and her favorite," he chuckles, "Father said that she would only wear it though if other kings were coming or for festivals. He said that my mother liked to wear simple clothes and jewelry. But she loved that crown. She would clean it herself and take it to and from the vault if she needed to hide it."

"I see," stopping for a moment, I look at him, "Would you be upset if your father crowned me with it? Please be honest with me."

"I honestly don't even know. I never knew my mother; it is part of the crown jewels."

"If I was to marry you, would you be upset having to one day crown me with it?"

"No, you would be my wife and the queen of Camelot."

"I have an idea that might help your father," I motion for him to come closer. I then whisper my plan into his ear.

"I am sure that he would grate that request."

"Good, then when it is time for diner you and Morgana take your meals at royal dining table tonight. I will tell the cook and have diner ready at your father's study."

The rest of the afternoon I handle everything for tonight. That is after finishing the last touches on my wedding dress. The wedding itself would take place in the chapel that is attached to the castle. The guest would then move to the Great Hall for the feast and my coronation. Arthur and Leon got Uther away from his office so that I could set up the diner. Isabella waiting silently by the fire and Percival guarding the door.

"You should have diner with us tonight," I can hear Arthur ask Uther, "This will be our last supper together before Lady Scarlet is crowned queen. You know that you can't see her tomorrow and before the wedding the day."

"I will see her before bed tonight. I have many things to attend to."

The door to Uther's study opens and a look of surprise graces his face, "Isabella," I call out, "Serve the food and then leave us please."

Arthur nudges his father in and closes the door, "What is this?"

I motion for him to take his seat. It is right next to mine. He does but I wait to answer till after Isabella leaves, "I have not seen you since the feast and I was worried. I know something has been bothering you."

"I have just been busy with things for the wedding and the tournament."

I put down the piece of bread that I had been picking at, "Uther, I came by to deliver your lunch today. The servant left the door open some and I saw you staring at a crown."

He looks at me with almost bored look, but his eyes looed sad, "I was making sure it was ready for your coronation."

Placing my hand on top of his, "I know that the crown was a favorite of Arthur's mother. I can understand why you would be sad or upset at someone else using it."

"There is no time to have one made for you on such short notice," Uther sadly states, "I already thought of it."

"I'm sure that there is one in the Royal vault that I could use," I suggest, "We can go and look to see."

We both stand, looping my arm through his right, he leads me down to the vault. Leon and Isabella follow. The guards at the vault unlock the door letting us in. I wonder the vault in awe of all the things I see. This time the whole thing is being lite to help us see, "What of this one," I hold up a simple gold crown that has different lines and swirls cast in it. A swan graces the front part.

"That is to simple for your official crown," Uther argues. He opens a chest and calls me over, "What of this one?"

It was gold and looked like a crown form Roman times with pearls attached at the top of pillars, "Lets looks some more."

I find a chest that is one the floor in a back corner. I knee down opening the lid. Inside are two crowns. One is just a gold band with black and red jewels. The other is like the first with the same jewels and band but this one has what look like club shape in a deck of cards. However, the middle club is pointed instead of round like the two outside ones. A pearl sits at the base of each unit and a red jewel in the point part of the club, "Uther."

Our whole group joins us. Leon picks up the chest and places it on a table for me. Uther looks over the second one and nods his head, "This one will do if you wish it."

"I really like it and I like the simpler one as well."

"Leon carry the chest to Lady Scarlet's roo- no the Queen's room." Uther orders. "I will have Morgana get your things moved tomorrow. Have your maid ready the main crown for your coronation."

Isabella curtsy before leaving with Leon. Alone in the vault, I take Uther's hands in mine, "I hope in the future you will let me know if something is bothering you. I want to share your worries and comfort you as a wife should."

He lets out a breath pulling me closer, "I will try," he states locking eyes with me. We stand there for a moment just looking at each other. Then slowly as if I was a scarred deer. Uther tilts his head and kisses me. It is gentle and slow. Then he presses harder against my lips. His hand reaches up, cupping my face in his. Almost like something has slapped him, Uther quickly moves back, "Forgive me Scarlet. I should not have done that."

"I enjoyed it," I blush.

A small smirk greets me, "We must wait for anything else till after the wedding."

With a nod of my head we make our way back to our rooms. The next time we would see each other would be on our wedding day.