Jewel of Camelot

Chapter Seven: The poisoned Chalice

After the creature was slain and the water drinkable again, life had gone back to relative normalcy for the people of Camelot... for a moment at least. After all there was always something going on in the kingdom.

Juliana was granted a few days off to recuperate from the 'trauma' of staying in the dungeons, and though she was adamant that it was entirely unnecessary Arthur would hear none of it and demanded that she rest.

It was a week later that the chaos began once more. There was to be a grand banquet to celebrate the peace treaty signing between the kingdoms of Camelot and Mercia.

The morning of the dinner Juliana woke up and dressed before heading over to the castle. She stood off to the side behind Arthur in the throne room, as King Bayard and his men entered in a sea of blue and gold.

Uther addressed the king cordially, "Camelot welcomes you, Lord Bayard of Mercia. The treaty we sign today marks an end to war and a beginning to a new friendship between our people."

Bayard nodded, "That is my hope as well, King Uther of Camelot." He responded respectfully.

"Allow me to introduce you to my son, Prince Arthur, and my ward, Lady Morgana."

Bayard addressed both formally before requesting some time to rest and get settled into their chambers.

The company flowed out and everyone dispersed to head to their respective destinations. Merlin had left to go help bring luggage in for their visitors, usually Juliana would offer to help, but instead, Juliana decided to keep close to Arthur, something about this situation didn't sit right with her and she was fearful to leave her prince's side.

Merlin joined them in Arthur's chambers not long after and began collecting his clothing for the banquet, "When's the last time these were cleaned?"

Arthur thought for a moment before shrugging, "Last year sometime, before the feast of Beltane."

"Did it end in a food fight?" Merlin asked rhetorically recoiling from the foul smell coming off the clothing.

"Don't all feasts?" Juliana giggled as she sat watching the two bicker.

"I wouldn't know. The airs and graces of court and a mystery to me." Now Merlin was just being snarky.

Arthur shook his head with a smirk, "Not tonight they won't be."

Merlin looked up happily, "I'm gonna be at the banquet?"

"Not quite. You'll be there to make sure my cup doesn't run dry." The prince told him, "If I have to sit through Bayard's boring speeches, I don't see why you should get out if it. Don't worry; Juliana shall be there as well, though father has decided she will be sitting as a guest of the royal family."

Juliana looked up in shock, "I will?" This was news to her. Typically she would either be standing next to Merlin or she wouldn't be there at all.

Arthur nodded absentmindedly though secretly he was pleased to have her seated next to him all evening, "Be sure to polish the buttons. Do you want to see what you'll be wearing tonight?" he asked Merlin before turning the boy's sister, "Morgana has a dress already selected for you."

Merlin looked down at his clothes, confused, "Won't this do?"

Arthur chuckled, "No, tonight you'll be wearing the official ceremonial robes of the servants of Camelot."

When Arthur showed him the outfit though, Merlin got the saddest look in his face. Juliana couldn't control her laughter at the way her brother looked so defeated and collapsed into giggles, causing Arthur to look over at her happily. She had the most beautiful laugh. He could listen to it for the rest of his days