Guinevere (Book 1)

Chapter 13

There's nothing for it; I need to find Arthur. I need to tell him that I have an answer for him while I was determined that it was the right choice to make. In fact it's no choice at all; my path is clear and I am finally starting to accept my fate without resistance. I need to find Arthur now before I try to talk myself out of it. The closer to the Hall I get, the more nervous I feel. Every inch forward irrational thoughts and petty excuses keep popping into my mind. I bat them away. This is the right decision, I know it is.

Entering the Hall, everyone stands and bows low in the usual way, but I am too agitated to look at any of them. My focus is getting to my seat at the far end of the room. Even before I get there, I can see that neither my father nor Arthur is in attendance. Taking my place, all I can do is sit and wait. One of the servants brings water and a plate of bread and cheese for lunch, which I pick at a little bit at a time. I have not the appetite. My stomach is in knots playing this waiting game Every time the door cracks open, my head shoots up in the hope it will be Arthur, but it's never him. I hope I had not missed him already.

An eternity seems to pass, although I'm sure I've been here for no more than half an hour. The doors open once more and butterflies erupt in my stomach when I see it is finally Arthur, along with a few of his knights. His gaze falls upon me and a smile breaks across his handsome face. I smile back nervously, stand and curtsy as he approaches our table. As he reaches me, he takes my hand and kisses it then sits beside me.

"Good morning, Guinevere. I hope that you are well today?"

"Very well, thank you, Arthur. I'm actually very glad that you are here..." I wanted to get straight to the point but am interrupted by the approach of Merlin.

"Your Grace, Princess," he bows low, extending a hand containing a letter; "Sire, I have a letter from the Lady Morgan."

Arthur takes and opens the roll of parchment, reading its contents. I sit impatiently, tapping my foot that is hidden beneath the table, wishing that Arthur would read faster and that his adviser would go away.

Merlin instead turns his attention to me; "Good afternoon, I hope I find you well, my Lady."

"I am well, Sir, thank you. Are you well?"

Stiffly, but not unkindly, Merlin says; "I am no knight or noble; just Merlin, if it please you. I am well enough, though, thank you."

I force a small smile, remembering his intrusion into my mind.

Fortunately, at that moment Arthur finishes reading; "All is well at home, Merlin. Mordred is keen for us all to return so he may begin his training. Other than that, nothing of consequence; I shall pen a reply later. Thank you, Merlin."

Merlin then bows and takes his leave of us.

Arthur turns in his chair to face me better; "Sorry for the interruption, my Lady; Morgan likes to write frequently. I think she wonders if we will ever return!"

"I am glad to hear all is well in Camelot. I'm sure your sister misses you and is greatly looking forward to your return."

"Ha! I think she secretly enjoys her duties as Regent," Arthur laughs; "And I hope that wasn't too awkward; I imagine you are uncomfortable around Merlin since the incident. I have spoken with him in that regard and he has promised me he will treat you with every respect. He doesn't do well with making apologies, though, I'm afraid."

I smile at his embarrassment for Merlin's faults; "He was perfectly polite just now, I'm sure we will become friends in time."

Arthur looks visibly relieved; "That is my hope also, Guinevere. Now, were you trying to say something before he interrupted us?"