Out of Time

Chapter 14

The next morning, Dani found herself back in the bailey, training at the bow. Determination narrowed her eyes as she aimed. The white, bright world hurt her eyes, also contributing to the narrowing, but it also meant most of the people of Camelot had chosen indoor activities for the time being. No doubt, while she'd managed to keep her hiking boots, which were waterproof, the other denizens were not so lucky and didn't wish to soak what might be their only shoes through.

Which left her the sole resident of the bailey.

"Care for a walk?" Arthur said behind her, waiting until she'd released her arrow to speak.

Never mind, not the sole resident. She nodded to him, and went about putting her supplies away before following him out to the woods.

After several minutes of silence, she spoke up. "I didn't think anyone would be out in this weather."

Arthur turned and smiled at her. "All the more reason to be out here, don't you think?"

She shrugged and smiled herself. "I guess so."

Another few moments of silence dragged on before Arthur broke the silence this time. "What did you think of Guinevere?"

"She is a child." She didn't elaborate, not wanting to say ill of the girl, and not knowing what Arthur wanted of her.

"And?"

"I'm not sure what you want of me, sire."

"Your honest opinion. That is all I ask of anyone. And loyalty, of course."

"Of course." She sighed. "She is... young. Innocent. Inexperienced. Good for little more than a broodmare, and even then, at such a young age, it would be risky."

"Go on."

She paused, feeling she'd already said too much, but Arthur had stopped, looking eager to hear what else she had to say. She shook her head. "I can't honestly understand why you would want someone so young and inexperienced as your queen? You should pick someone who can help your people, not be a burden."

"You should know that it is normal for a girl to marry at her age."

"That may be true, but you don't seem to me the type to cave to conventional wisdom. From all you've said and all I've heard about you, I thought you wanted something more for Camelot."

"I do."

Dani thought some more before speaking again. "She's young, young enough that childbirth would be an increased danger to her. If for no other reason, I would advise against marrying her any time soon." She tapped her lip, thinking about what might come next, and thought, What the hell, with a shrug. "But also, I don't think you spoke a word to her during her visit."

"So? What would there be to say?"

"Get to know her? See how you'll get along with her? See how she would handle her responsibilities? I've found that a poorly matched couple can do more harm than good. A poor choice for queen could terribly hinder your goals for Camelot."

"And you think Guinevere is a poor choice?"

"I think we have no way of knowing that. Other than when she asked me about the talks between you and her father, I never heard her speak a word. She was only here less than a day.

"I would say, invite her back. Get to know her some, maybe even woo her a little. Marriage is more than just begetting children, and while I understand your urgency on the matter, there are more things to consider."

Arthur sighed and turned away. "You've given me much to think about."

And hopefully, she hadn't done something inordinately stupid just then.

#

Arthur stepped into his office, wanting to think about the things Danny had said to him. Was he really just caving to convention wisdom, as the boy had said? He rounded his desk, falling into his chair as he chewed on his thumb.

"Merlin!" he said with a start as he looked up, seeing his friend sitting in one of the chairs opposite his.

Merlin raised an eyebrow in response. "Rather unobservant of you, Arthur. Might I ask what has you so pensive?"

Arthur leaned back in his chair, frowning as he stared down at his hands. "I'm thinking about delaying the proceedings with regard to Lady Guinevere." The silence dragged at Arthur as he played one thumb across the other in his lap. Merlin excelled at uncomfortable silences, and Arthur knew he'd soon be spilling all. "I'm not decided on whether I should marry her or not."

"What's brought about this change?" Because of course, Merlin would know that Arthur had been quite set on the match. It would solidify the alliance between him and Leodegrance, who was the first of, hopefully, many to accept him as his king.

Danny was, of course, behind the change, but Arthur didn't want to admit as much. Merlin seemed fascinated by the boy, but to admit some lost boy had managed to influence a king? Well, he didn't care to admit it. He wouldn't. He couldn't. "Something Danny said."

Damn Merlin anyway. Why did his silences work so well?

#

After his talk with Arthur, Merlin left the king to his own thoughts, slipping to the great hall for supper. Like had become his wont, he spent the time watching Danielle. The amazonian woman had started filling out over the weeks she'd been in Camelot. Where once she'd been skin and bones, he could now see where muscles strained against the fabric of her garments. Also, to his more observant eye, he could see where good food had her bosom straining the fabric as well, but no one else seemed to notice.

As he thought back on the short conversation he'd just had with Arthur, he shook his head, deriding himself for feeling that only someone with magic could change the future, because clearly Danielle had changed something.

What had she said to Arthur to make him change his mind? He'd been so set on the match, determined to grow Camelot, to nurture his dream, and safeguard his people. So what could she have said?

And what more did she have in store for them?    

Author's Note: I am so tired today.  I was so tired I was mean this morning.  I mean, ready to bite someone's head off.  I'm actually surprised I didn't mouth off to my department head today.  That's what I get for working on my days off, I guess...