The Blood of Emrys

In Sickness and In Health

"Rise, Lady Emerelia, Royal Household Protectorate, Head of House Ambrosius."

Emerelia stood from her spot knelt at Uther's feet as he drew back the royal scepter where it had been placed on her shoulder.

"Do you swear loyalty to House Pendragon for as long as it holds royal position in Camelot?" Geoffry of Monmouth called from where he was holding the book of oaths only a little ways behind Uther.

Emerelia bowed her head. "I do."

"And will you seek to protect those of the royal household to the best of your ability?" he continued.

"I will."

"And shall you, in all endeavored possibilities, seek to uphold the laws of Camelot in effort and deed?"

Emerelia smiled. "I shall."

"Then, by the power vested in me by the kingdom of Camelot, I hereby declare you Emerelia, First Lady of House Ambrosius, Royal House Protectorate," Uther boomed, laying a hand on Emerelia's shoulder.

She rose her head to meet his gaze as the applause started from the audience, and he offered her a nod of approval, prompting her to turn so the crowd could see her completely.

Before long, the ceremony was over, and everyone was gathered in the dining hall for a celebration, and Emerelia found herself in conversation first with the king himself, standing in the front as they surveyed the crowd mingling with each other.

"You really didn't have to do all this, you know," Emerelia murmured.

Uther chuckled. "Nonsense. You have more than earned it, my dear. There comes a point where servitude becomes more than just such, and at the point you have taken it to, I feel it only right that you gain recognition for it."

"I would have done it without that, though," Emerelia pointed out.

Uther nodded. "I know. And that is exactly what makes you worthy of it."

Emerelia sighed. "Morgana told me about your princess."

"Greer. Yes. I figured she would," Uther replied.

"I can't imagine that would have been an easy loss for you," Emerelia whispered.

Uther shook his head. "No. It wasn't. To lose my wife and her first gift to this world so close together...if I had not been kept strong by my original knights and closest friends during that time, I fear this kingdom would be nothing even close to what it has become now."

"They must have been very sure in supporting you, my lord," Emerelia added.

"Indeed they were. I don't make people nobility too often, but every single one of them was dedicated and loyal to me. They laid down their lives time and time again to protect me and to protect the values of this kingdom. And so, like you, I held them in high regard to the kingdom, a privilege few have gained since then. Until you."

Emerelia smiled. "And I am indeed most grateful for it, Your Grace."

"It is I who should be grateful, Emerelia. Not many would willingly jump onto the back of a sorcerer who wielded a magic shield and was handy with a sword, even to save the prince," Uther pointed out. "It takes a truly brave soul to do so. And, forgive me for saying so, but to be a woman and to do so...I have to say that is the most impressive part to many people."

Emerelia laughed a little at that. "Yes, that does seem to be what turns the most heads. You barely encounter women who can properly hold a sword, much less take down a well-trained knight on a whim."