For The Love Of Camelot ~ Arthur Pendragon~ Editing

Chapter Two~Edited

Chapter Two

When Adelaide awoke the following morning the anger she felt towards her father was still forefront in her mind. She hadn't slept well and had spent most of the restless night questioning why her father would put the need for a peace treaty above her own happiness. She knew she was being selfish; she had known from birth that the role of a royal was to put the kingdom above all. Yes, she enjoyed being in Arthur's company last night, but she barely knew him. How could she marry him? How could her father be so reckless as to not consult her when making such a big decision. Adelaide knew that this treaty was best for both Camelot and Adreabeth, but it seemed the King did not care about the future of his own daughter.

Adelaide walked slowly towards the barn where Morningstar was waiting ready to take her mistress on her final journey home to Adreabeth. As she walked, she took in the beauty surrounding her at Camelot; the pale stone boundary surrounding this beautiful city that was filled with laughter, beauty and love. She knew that she could be happy here, she just wasn't so sure if the handsome and charming Arthur could be her lifelong partner. She hadn't been given a chance to get to know him, nor given the chance to fall in love. As she approached Morningstar she knew that her lifelong horse sensed her mistresses sadness; the chocolate brown mare stared at her intently with her deep dark eyes before muzzling her hand. Adelaide spoke softly to her horse as she led her out of the barn before effortlessly climbing into the saddle. Her loose blonde curls hung down over the horse's mane as she slowly entered the courtyard to begin her journey home.

Arthur watched Adelaide and Morningstar as they approached. He knew the two shared a special bond; Adelaide gently rubbing Morningstar's brown neck, as Morningstar wore a look of pride as she carried the beautiful Princess to the awaiting prince. Her look of sadness caused an overwhelming desire to protect, her beauty stirred much deeper within; a desire, a yearning for much more than Arthur could ever confess to. The awaiting knight stirred him from his thoughts; "Sire, are you ready?" Sir Leon called to him from his horse next to Sir Raymond. Arthur told Sir Leon that he was ready and to fetch Merlin.

Leon dismounted his horse and made his way across the courtyard. He walked with confidence as his long legs rapidly took him to the large door that led to Merlin's living quarters attached to the castle. Leon paused for a moment to push the golden brown curls off his face before continuing his way to Merlin's door. When the two men emerged from Merlin's chambers, they hurried to the waiting horses. Soon the riders left Camelot and began the long journey to Adreabeth.

It was about noon when the riders reached the small lake that was surrounded by a sparse clearing in the middle of a dense evergreen forest. The grass was high in the glade and it brushed higher than the rider's ankles when they dismounted their horses. Adelaide lightly tugged on Morningstar's reins and walked her slowly down to the watering hole. She let go of Morningstar's reins and let them drape lightly down the horse's neck as she looked across the lake. What happened next came without warning and left Adelaide unable to prevent the embarrassment that it caused. Suddenly, and without warning, the bank gave way under her; the once solid ground disappeared beneath her feet and she fell unceremoniously, face first, into the water in front of her. She disappeared into the water for a few seconds, and when she did emerge she closely resembled a drowned rat. There was a moments silence as Adelaide sat looking horrified at her onlookers. Arthur was the first to roar with laughter, she turned and glared at him, which just seemed to make him laugh even more. The rest of the crowd, who were unsure of the Princess's reaction to Arthur's obvious amusement, stood in silence until the King himself chuckled at his daughter's dishevelled appearance. As the crowd laughed Arthur walked slowly to the bank and offered his hand to assist Adelaide out of her predicament. Adelaide looked in horror at the handsome prince; how dare he laugh at her! After a brief silence, she stretched out her arm towards him and calmly asked that he help her out of the water. Arthur looked down at the Princess with obvious amusement in his eyes, stepped closer and clutched her waiting hand. As their fingers touched, Adelaide grabbed Arthur's hand and pulled him violently into the water beside her. Arthur sat beside Adelaide, looked deep into her beautiful brown eyes, and felt a stirring within. He shook the desire to pull her into his arms, and instead put his arms on his hips and glared at her. The crowd roared louder at the two sitting in the water. Adelaide gave Arthur a sassy look before smiling sweetly, pushing herself to her feet and leaving the water.

As they emerged from the water, Merlin and Amelia rushed forward with dry clothes. The two royals went their separate ways to find the privacy of nearby bushes to change. By the time they returned, everyone had remounted their horses and were ready to leave again. As Arthur returned to his horse, he heard Adelaide and Amelia giggling. "Ha ha very funny Addie and Amie, leave the poor boy alone" said Adelaide's brother, William as he walked by.