Reclaiming England. (Nano Novel 2016)

Chapter Eleven: Reconsiliation

       

Guinevere stood across from Arthur, her body language limp. She looked almost fearful towards her husband, and he sighed.

 
"Guinevere –" he began, but seemed at a loss for what to say. She sighed, looking at her hands folded together in front of her.

"I know I should have controlled myself, sire," she said quietly. "But Lancelot –" She trailed off, not knowing what to say.

Arthur sighed, not completely sure how to respond. He had already sentenced her to the stake, but Lancelot had rescued her from that death, kill Gwaine's two brothers in the process; something the knight would not let rest.

"I want to trust you Guinevere," he said at last, and she nodded miserably.

"I know, sire," she said again, lifting her head slightly. "With Lancelot gone, I shall be only yours."

"I wish you could only have controlled yourself!" Arthur shouted, and his queen winched.

"I know sire. I do as well. There is no excuse for my behaviour. Oh Arthur. I am so sorry." Tears welled in her eyes, and Arthur turned away, not wanting to see his queen in distress.

"But you would continue with your affair if Sir Lancelot were here," he said emotionlessly, speaking as if Lancelot was not one of his best friends.

"I cannot deny it," Guinevere whispered. "But I shall try to be yours only. He is not here anymore."

Arthur let out a noise of frustration, turning to face her again.

"Why? Why Guinevere? Why is he so much better than I am? Are you not content with me?"

"I do not know, lord," she whispered, looking down again. "I do not know why I love him. Oh Arthur, believe me when I say I wish to love you again."

Arthur was quiet a long time, staring at his queen as she stared at the ground.

"We shall begin again then," he said. "No more Lancelot, I have banished a close friend because of your betrayal. But maybe with him gone, you can love me again."

Guinevere looked up, hope in her eyes.

"Thank you, sire," she said quietly. Arthur could no longer help himself. He strode towards her, pulling her into a hug and kissing her on the lips.

"Do not betray me again. I do not wish to lose you – I have almost lost you too many times already," he whispered. He could feel her sobs from where she stood in his embrace.

Danielle looked nervous as Callum approached her and she looked down at the plate of food in front of her.

"Hey," he said, leaning on the table across from her. Those around the table quieted their conversations and turned their attention to Callum and Danielle. Maria exchanged glances with Katrina, who shrugged slightly.

"Hello," Danielle said carefully, looking up. She sighed. "We can't talk here okay, let's find somewhere no one will listen."

Katrina laid a hand on Callum's arm protectively, and he laid a hand over it, shooting a glance back at her.

"I agree," he said after a moment. He faced Katrina, and smiled. "I won't be long, okay? Don't worry. We're just gonna talk." He winked at her and she smiled slightly.

"You'd better just talk," she said, but Maria could see most of her worry was gone.

"Actually," Danielle said. "Maybe it's best if they come along."