Forbidden Love (Rewritten) | Arthur Pendragon

27 • THE RETURN TO CAMELOT

Cenred's visit to Usad for the tournament had allowed Eowyn to have an idea of him, and her impression of him was not very positive. He was clearly not someone who could be trusted and it irritated he still made a valid point. However, his attempt to invade Camelot definitely convinced her to never trust him. The news had reached Usad when the siege was already over, but the Lady Morgana had been found. The Knights of Usad that had participated in the search had remained in Camelot to feast. However, soon after, the King suddenly began losing his mind. It had later been known that he had been enchanted but Cenred had taken the opportunity to try taking over the kingdom. Fortunately, he failed.

It had happened weeks after the tournament and Eowyn wondered if, perhaps, Cenred may have tried to turn her against Uther to increase the number of knights attacking Camelot, and thus, gain more success in conquering the land. But perhaps Eowyn was putting too much thought into it.

The investigation regarding the archer had revealed nothing. Ulric had found nothing regarding his identity, it appeared that the culprit was not from Usad. There was no way to find anything about him and the only information they had on him were his attire that implied he was from Camelot. However, the fact that Cenred's men had been those who had found the archer did not feel right. They could have disguised the man for all they knew. But still, the investigation was now closed.

Eowyn was in her atelier where she was finishing the tapestry. She had some time to relax before starting the day. She would train with Eldrid and then preside over a meeting with the council. After the tournament, they had agreed to the re-enactment of the Dokkalfar Home Act and it had been very well received by the people of Usad. After the Great Purge, the forest of Svart had been emptied of any dwelling and the Dokkalfar had dispatched around the kingdom or even left it. With this Act, the Forest of Svart would be given back to them. Osmond, as he was too a Knight of the Crown, was put in charge of supervising is as he knew them best. Messengers were sent to all villages of East Usad to inform the people. Now, the High Council had to determine a few details as well as commission the dwarves' craftsmanship.

Three knocks were suddenly hit on the door.

"Come in," Eowyn said just as loomed the last thread in her tapestry.

She began sealing the edges as, at the corner of her eyes, she saw Ulric entering. He rarely comes to the atelier. As it was a place of relaxation, it was fully dedicated to Eowyn. No one would disturb her and she would always come out of it when she desires or must.

Eowyn briefly glanced at Ulric when she noticed him standing by the door, hands on his back, and not walking in further.

"What is it, Ulric?" She asked as she started sealing the last edge of the tapestry. "Have you found something on the archer?"

Ulric remained silent for a moment, then said, "No. A messenger from Camelot has arrived."

Eowyn's hands stopped working. She stared at the finished job for a second as she felt her heart missing a beat and then sinking deep within her. She finally looked at Ulric. His brows were a little knitted. He, too, was a little stressed.

"Uther is summoning you," he said.

Eowyn said nothing. She inhaled deeply and stood up, dusting her gown off, and followed her cousin to the Throne Room. The High Council and the court were already gathering inside, standing in apprehension by the pillars. Before the empty throne and at the center of the room stood a man dressed in a red tunic adorned with the escutcheon of the Pendragon House, and with a rolled parchment in his hand.

The whispers that were filling the room rapidly ceased once all spotted the princess and her Royal Knight entering. The room was silent as Eowyn sat on the throne, watching the messenger. During her time in Camelot, she had never interacted with any messengers so she doubted he knew of her. He seemed solemn but also a little anxious. It must be the very first time he was setting foot in Usad, let alone, in Himmelsk Vind. Eowyn could see his eyes traveling on the courtier or on the arches in the ceiling. But his anxiety must also be due to the severed bonds between Camelot and Usad. If the message he brought was deemed unfavorable, he could be the one blamed and killed. But Eowyn would never do such a cruel thing.