Lady Scarlet of Camelot

Chapter 18

A large table is placed in front of us, and the feast begins. Large amounts of food and drink are passed around. Different nobles make toasts. I plead with Morgana to dance with me so that I can remove myself from my seat without everyone following me. As day turned to night, we saw our guests off or had the servants show them to their room. Before Uther takes me to his room for the night, "Sir Matthew," he looks at me, "I want you in my study in the morning."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

That night, I was nervous, but Uther was gentle and kind to me. I awake to Uther getting dressed as a servant had come to fetch him due to the council needing him, "Scarlet," he kisses my head, "After your meeting with Matthew and Morgana, rest okay. We have the tournament in a few, and Camelot's new Queen will be needed."

I nod my head, and he is off. Isabella enters after seeing him leave. She enters with two other maids. They all curtsy before getting me ready. My green and red dress with white fabric to cover my hair is settled on me by Isabella, as well as my new crown. She leads me to a small study that holds a desk and chair, along with a small eating table with four chairs, "Have Morgana meet me for lunch and see if Matthew is nearby."

"Yes, Your Majesty," Isabella smirks, leaving to do as I ask.

Breakfast is served in my study, and as I graze, Gwen stops by with Morgana's reply to joining lunch, and soon after, Arthur and Merlin arrive, "Keep up, Merlin," Arthur complains, "Good morning, Scarlet."

I can't help myself, "Don't you mean stepmother?"

Gwen has to keep herself from laughing at Arthur's face as it goes from confused, to shocked, to grossed out, "Only if we are in court."

"What do you think of Mother Scarlet, Gwen? It might make it easier for him to say," I tease.

"Oh yes, Your Majesty, it would make it easier for Prince Arthur."

"Okay, doesn't Morgana need you," he asks, looking at Gwen.

"Forgive him, Gwen, he has lost his sense of humor this morning. Tell Morgana I will see her at lunch," she curtsies before leaving, "Really, Arthur, I was just teasing you and had her join. Never mind. What can I help you with."

"Sir Matthew wanted us to join your meeting this morning. He should be here soon."

Almost as if they planned it, a knock comes to the door. Matthew enters with Percival, Leon, and Walsh. Along with two others, "Good morning."

"Your Majesty," Matthew greets with a bow, "You asked me to lead your Queen's Guard. I have picked a few men to start with that I trust with my life as well, ones your brother trusted. Leon and Percival agreed to help when needed. You know Walsh, of course, and these two are Paul and Charles. They fought with your brother."

I rise from my seat at the table, "Jackson was fond of all his brothers that he made as a knight," they each take my hand and leave a kiss on it as I walk by them, "Please, if you or your families ever need any help, came and ask me. If it is within my power to help, I will or plead for help from King Uther."

Matthew, dropping to one knee and digging his sword tip into the ground, "I promise on my honor and the honor of my family to serve and protect you till my last breath, from enemies outside and in. My first thought will be of your safety and your orders. If I am ever found lacking in my duty or betray you, may Your Majesty, Queen Scarlet, find it within you to grant me death." I watch as, one by one, the rest of the knights drop to their knees, pledging the same. Even Leon. If anyone ever saw the oath that these men were making, they could stand trial for breaking their oath to Camelot, "We are yours to command." 

"I accept your oath and pledge," I state, and they all rise from their knees, "I make this oath to you. I make an oath to be loyal to you, to trust your judgment, and to have your backs."

"Walsh and Charles, you will take the first watch," Matthew states, "I have a few more men that I am looking at to join our ranks part-time like Leon and Percival."

"Thank you, Matthew."

The rest of the week flew by as the castle switched everything over to get ready for the Tournament. Our own Camelot knights who were competing practiced every day for hours on end. Morgana helped me with getting the seating ready and making sure that we had enough supplies for every meal. We had bought the last of the apples for this season to serve on the opening night. The cook asked me to come down and show her one more time how to cook them.

Gwen, Isabella, and Morgana had a fun time picking out what I was going to wear each day and night. I made them keep the fancier items for the evening feast and the simpler pieces for the jousts. Besides having to keep it clean, walking from the palace to the field, it would be hot, and I wanted as little fabric as possible to stay cooler. As well, I was going to wear my family circlet or my simpler crown to the field. Morgana let me pick out a piece or two for her to wear.

The opening morning, I was dressed in a simple grey dress with my silver dragon knife at my waist and my family circlet. Isabella walked to my right, holding a cloak in case it was needed. Paul walked on my left since most of the knights were needed in other areas. Walking through the grounds that hold the tents for the knights to change in, Isabella stops me with a hand to my arm. Ahead of us, speaking with a knight in yellow, is Lord John Whittmore. Turning to tell Paul to take me back to the castle, "Your Majesty," Leon appears to our right, walking quickly. He guided us to a tent that held Camelot colors.

"Scarlet," Arthur questions our quick entrance.

"Lord Whittmore is competing in the Tournament," Leon states. He turns to Paul, "He is not to get near Queen Scarlet. I will inform the King and Matthew. May they stay here till another guard is present?"

"Of course."

Well, this event just got more interesting.