𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐬 𝐁𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐦 || Arthur Pendragon

iii

𝒢𝒾𝑔𝑔𝓁𝑒𝓈 like aural waves rolled through the lush Camelot countryside. Earthly nymphs laughed amongst themselves and feasted on finger foods on the wooly tapestry coating the earth in its softness. The sun was generous that day, embracing the earth in its warmth. The fruits were bright, the mulled wine was sweet, and the spirits were high. After the ordeal with Lady Helen's imposter (Aquila had reported the occurrence to Alma and Ingrid after he had uncovered the entire story), a lighthearted outing was deemed necessary. Alma, Gwen, Ingrid, and Morgana had happily mounted a carriage, armed with baskets of fruits, pastries and wine in hands that yearned like distanced lovers, and set forth on their merry voyage away from the castle.

The stony penitentiary, the palatial cage, had its fair share of phantoms in its entrails. Alma had felt unwelcomed within the castle walls, but never had she felt unsafe. Never before has an attempt on the sovereign's family been so brazen. King Uther had done wrong by many people, so there remains a plethora of people who would make her a target to hurt Uther. She hadn't realized that by marrying Prince Arthur, she would be assuming King Uther's enemies. Undeservedly so, it would seem, for she was certain that Uther would celebrate her demise, should it occur by a hand other than his.

Aquila had been good at quelling her fears. He assured her that there were many Lucien warriors who would obsequiously offer their lives in order to safeguard her's (himself included). While it was of little comfort, Alma took solace in her Lucien oasis within the castle, slouched towards her brethren. Morgana and Gwen also proved to be excellent company.

"Arthur's running poor Merlin to the ground," Alma chuckled out, feeling sympathy for her dear friend. "This morning he told me he had to water Arthur's sword and sharpen his horse." Morgana plucked a cherry from its stem with her pearl teeth, while Gwen savored a strawberry. Ingrid had taken to plucking the occasional stalk of grass from the ground. Alma had a needle and a handkerchief and had been embroidering her initials and her family's coat of arms onto the soft fabric with dark threads.

"Is that for the tournament, Alma," Gwen asked, pointing to the handkerchief in Alma's hands. It had taken a while for the young girl to grow comfortable enough to call Alma by her name and not by her title. Morgana's grace she was accustomed to, but Alma had been a stranger two years ago, one that hailed from lands and customs far different from her's. Plus, Gwen grew up hearing the stories of atrocities carried out in battle by her Alma's father. King Lunden was the boogeyman of Camelot; parents threatened their children with a visit from the foreign king should they misbehave. Gwen didn't mean to let her prejudice prevent her from initially growing close to Alma and Ingrid, but she had and she was initially fearful of Alma and Ingrid until she saw how close they had become to Morgana. Then, they grew a lovely friendship.

"The tournament?"

"The tournament that happens every year," Morgana clarified.

"You gave Prince Arthur your favor last year by giving him your handkerchief and he won. You're his good luck charm," Ingrid teased and nudged Alma's shoulder. The other two girls giggled in accompaniment while Alma simply rolled her eyes.

"I didn't realize my affection could be given that haphazardly," Alma quipped in a sarcastic tone. She took a fruit that Morgana had offered her and they shared a laugh.

"You could give him your handkerchief once again as a token of your affection," Morgana suggested. There was only so much Morgana understood about their relationship, or lack thereof. She understood that the arranged marriage and the circumstances surrounding it were highly unconventional and that the two were not given any time to get to know each other before their marriage. Having grown up with Arthur, she comprehended that he was a pompous, conceited egotist and that Alma was incredibly shy and reserved, so she found it difficult to approach those she was unfamiliar with. However, she couldn't comprehend the state of their marriage after two years.