Camelot

Eight - Proof in the Trophy

Characters in this chapter have been adapted from the BBC series Merlin, alongside the Arthurian legend. I do not own all of the characters within this novel. This chapter has been edited in 2019. Please feel welcome to leave comments and suggestions below. Enjoy x 

Eight – Proof in the Trophy

True to his word, Arthur had two guards stationed at my door that evening and insisted on accompanying me back to my chambers himself. I was grateful that he was taking action on what had occurred after this evening, but I could not help but feel suffocated by the constant presence of guards around me.

After the attempt on my life, the night drew to a close fairly quickly and it was not long before many of the nobles were departing the council chambers to return to their own lodgings. Even the King was quick to retire. Morgana disappeared almost immediately after he'd retired, almost eager to get back to her own chambers.

The walk back to my own chambers was a long one, as Arthur seemed to be walking slowly as though to make the journey back take longer than necessary. He certainly succeeded in doing so and once we reached the doors to my chambers, he was tentative to leave, obviously lingering.

"I still do not like the fact that I am leaving you alone, Emalia," he said, opening my chamber doors and staring intently into the room. "Given the bounty, what if there is more than one assassin? If your handmaid was able to get into the castle so easily, what is stopping someone else?"

"I believe that matter of security within the castle falls into your hands," I reminded him, stepping into my chambers and immediately kicking off my shoes. "Besides, the girl in question is locked away in the dungeons. I am in no further danger."

"But -," he began, now making his way into my room continuing his search.

"No buts!" I smiled, grasping his arm and steering him back towards the door. "It is time that I turn in. If we are to be wed in a month then there is much to arrange. It would be best to retire now and start making arrangements early tomorrow."

He opened his mouth as though to argue but settled for pulling me into his arms. I buried my face in his chest, feeling calmed by the constant drumming of his heartbeat. It was faster than usual, showing just how distressed he was. Perhaps he had forgotten that I was more than capable of defending myself, even without using magic.

"I do not know what I would do if I lost you so soon, Emalia," he said, his chin resting on the top of my head. "We are only just beginning our lives together. Please, just be careful."

"I will, Arthur," I promised him.

He kissed me lightly on the top of the head and pulled away from our embrace, his eyes once again searching the room around me. Finally, he seemed satisfied to head back towards the door.

"Don't go wandering about on your own," he said, grasping the handle of the door. "And if you need me, I'm just next door."

"Of course," I smiled.

"Goodnight," he said, stepping out into the hallway.

"Arthur!" I called, suddenly struck with a question.

"Yes?" he asked, wheeling around in surprise.

"These aren't just any set of guest chambers, are they?" I asked, smirking at him.

"No," he admitted. "They were originally for the Princess of the castle. If I had a sister, the room would belong to her."

"And you decided this was a good place for me to stay, because?" I questioned, walking towards him and grasping his hands.