Guinevere (Book 1)

Chapter 19

When my eyes open again, I find myself back in my tent and its morning. I stretch out my limbs and rub the sleep from my eyes, trying to get my bearings. I remember being by the fire last night, listening to the flames crackling, safe in Arthur's arms...I must have fallen asleep! I cringe with embarrassment. I still have my gown on from last night and blankets have been draped over me. As I try and fill in the blanks, Enid's head suddenly pokes through the canvas doorway of my rent, making me jump.  

Smiling at me seeing that I'm awake, she bustles in wielding a large basin of water; "Good morning, Guin. You sleep well?"

Stifling a yawn I say; "Yes thank you, and yourself?"

"No - I'm not meant for sleeping on the ground with nought but canvas over my head. It's most disconcerting and you can hear every little thing."

Typical Enid, I think to myself before replying; "I'm sorry to hear that. Maybe tonight will be easier, now that you know what to expect."

"Maybe, but I'm not holding my breath," she says matter-of-factly, dunking a cloth into the basin and wringing it out; "So how was the evening?"

Taking the cloth, I wash myself down and give her a rundown of the events of the evening; "Yes it was nice actually. I think I've made peace with Merlin, he's quite civil really. Then after dinner, I sat and spoke with Arthur for a long while."

I finish washing and Enid takes back the cloth and proceeds to brush my tangled mane; "Aw, sounds like you two are getting closer by the day, sweet. Are you feeling more positive about the marriage?"

I smile; "We are... I'm starting to like him a lot. The idea of marrying him makes me quite excited, which is surprising."

It's one thing to say it, but now to feel the truth of those words makes me happier than I thought possible. Especially given that I was full of fear at the prospect not so long ago.

Enid sighs; "Ah young love! 'Tis a beautiful thing. I am glad you are warming to him, though; he seems like a nice lad, all things considered."

I raise an eyebrow; "What do you mean, 'all things considered'?"

"I mean for a King, he seems nice. You never know what you're going to get with royalty... But he seems genuine enough."

I nod; "Yes, he is, and for that I am grateful."

"Well, I am happy for you, my child. Marrying the perfect man is quite an achievement," she winks.

I grin; "No one is perfect, Enid. He may be a King, but he's still just a human being."

"Well, if you find any juicy faults, do whisper them to me. I like to get all the inside information."

"You're such a gossip, Enid!"

She looks shocked; "Me? I never tell anyone anything... Maybe just as few family members, a couple of friends..."

I give her a playful shove; "Yeah, right... Would you pass me my riding clothes please?"

Laughing she does as I ask and helps me change.  

Once in my riding clothes we both exit my tent and go our separate ways. Arthur is already sitting by the embers of last night's fire, I fetch a bowl of porridge and go sit beside him.

Swallowing his mouthful, he greets me warmly; "Good Morning, my love. Did you sleep well last night?"

"I did, yes," I reply; "Although, the last thing I remember was sitting beside you after dinner. The next thing I know, it's morning and I'm in my tent!"