Not Even Magic

One Brave Idiot

"It's time to wake up my lady." My maid Gwen announces as she opens the drapes and the windows revealing the golden sunlight and a cool summer breeze.

"But I just fell asleep. How is that, in any way, fair?" She giggles while walking over to my bed and sitting on the sheets.

"Try telling your father that! He wants to have breakfast with you this morning and I am under strict instructions to have you ready within the hour." We burst out laughing at Gwen's mocking tone, I rise out of my warm blankets to get changed out of my nightclothes and into the dress that Gwen has picked out.

Gwen isn't just my maid, she is one of the closest friends I have ever had. We share everything with each other, even private jokes and she is like the sister I never had. I am also very close with my brother, Arthur. You wouldn't guess it at first glance, but our friendship is built on mocking and pestering one another.

To breakfast with the King I am wearing a deep purple dress with lace detail on the bodice and the necklace my father bought me when I turned of eighteen.

Guinevere escorts me down the hall towards the throne room where a lovely breakfast will be laid out on the dark oak table. The guards open the doors for us and the King lifts his head then beams at me.

"You look absolutely stunning my child." He offers me his hand and I take it happily. I notice Gwen standing far behind me near the wall.

"How are you today father?" I ask as I take an apple from the wooden bowl in front of me.

"I am very well, have you seen your brother at all today?" I swallow the piece of apple in my mouth and check what else is on the table before answering.

"Not yet, but no doubt he is down at the training grounds giving a servant a harsh time." I take another bite and we soon conclude breakfast. 

Gwen and I then return to my chambers where we have a clear view of the Training grounds. We see Arthur throwing daggers at a poor servant holding up a target and running around manically. I get ready to shout down to Arthur at the top of my lungs but a tall, dark haired man has already stepped in to defend the helpless servant, now on the floor.

Oh God. There are only two people that can stand up to Arthur Pendragon and get away with it, and neither of them are down there prepared to save this brave man's skin. Gwen and I can only see what is happening and it looks as though Arthur is aggravating and provoking the young man. I wouldn't put it past him to be honest, he isn't the nicest sometimes. He can be a sweetheart when he wants to be though, which isn't often unfortunately.

The black haired man tries to hit Arthur but my brother simply grabs the fist and swings it round his back, I taught him that. Now I am sort of wishing I didn't. He probably deserves a bruised face, if he has been his usual self.

The new face is dragged away by the guards, most likely right to the cells. He doesn't deserve it, he was only trying to stand up to him.

"Gwen, why is my brother such an ass?" She turns to me and puts down the blanket she was shaking out. By the look on her face, she is just as frustrated as me.

"I have no idea my lady, I don't understand how he could grow up to be like that while you have grown up to be... well, you. It baffles me." She rants for a minute then looks startled, only just realising what she has said and who to.

"Sorry for speaking out of turn my lady." I smile softly at her terrified expression and turn back to my window.

"Gwen, you should know by now, it's perfectly alright. I wonder that exact thing myself sometimes too. But, instead of discussing his idiocy, let's go help that poor young man that Arthur has locked up in the cells shall we?" Her eyes soften to her usual look of beauty and grace.