Guinevere (Book 1)

Chapter 24

Today I am to marry King Arthur of Camelot. Today, I am to become a Queen. 

Staring at myself in the full-length mirror in front of me, I barely recognise myself. All around me are the blurred streaks of bustling servants, seamstresses, maids and my Enid. I cannot hear them nor see them in any detail as they appear to speed past. Time seems to have slowed down around only me; I am stood suspended while everything else has sped up two-fold. It's like I am submerged in water; my senses are dull and slow. The only clarity is the reflected image of myself in the mirror. She stares back at me with apprehension and confusion, not sure what to make of what she is looking at. Despite the uncertainty on her face, the woman in the mirror looks every part the Queen. She wears an elaborate embroidered white wedding gown, covered in lace and beads of both pearl and silver, with fluted sleeves and a fitted bodice. Her hair has been brushed until it shines, interspersed with fine braids and small white flowers, but is. for the most part, is loose and cascades down her shoulders and back. She is holding her self tall and with elegance and confidence, only betrayed by her current facial expression. All that is missing is a crown. That will come soon enough. I cannot believe the woman I am staring at is actually me.

The girl I had been was now completely transformed into a woman. That unruly, clumsy and innocent girl has gone. The time for the transformation into a woman has begun. Part of me wants to run home, don my rougher gowns and go galloping through the countryside on Ivor's back, to escape the future that is laid before me. But there is only one way forward and that is as the woman I am now seeing in the mirror's reflection. There is no more time for childish desires or ignorance of my title and responsibility. Although I am a little sad to see this chapter of my life come to an end, I feel a definite pull towards my future as wife to Arthur and as Queen of Camelot. Taking a deep breath and closing my eyes, I let this reality permeate my entire being. I must fully accept this future and I am determined to meet it with grace and gentility. 

One more deep breath and I open my eyes.

The world snaps back to normal and I see Enid standing before me with watery eyes; "I think you're all ready now, Guin. You look so beautiful...your mother would be so very proud of you."

My own eyes well up at her words; "I hope so...I only wish she were here with me. I hope that where ever she is, she can see this day. But don't make me cry; all your hard work will be for nought."

"You're right...sorry, my love."

"Don't be sorry, dearest Enid. But, are you alright?"

My dear friend giggles through her tears; "On a day such as this and you are the one asking me if I'm alright! I'm just being emotional; I've known you all your life and now you are to be Queen of Camelot and married to Arthur Pendragon, no less. I could never have hoped for so much for you! But, I will stop...or I shall start blubbing again. But how are you faring, Guin?"

"A little nervous, especially as I'm to meet my future with the whole of Camelot watching. I hope I don't make a fool of myself. Aside from that, actually I'm feeling okay," I answer, surprising myself with my own confidence.

"You won't make a fool of yourself, I'm certain of that, Guin. But I am glad you are not too anxious, all things considered. Now, are you ready?"

I nod; "I think so. How do I look?"

Enid beams; "Like a Queen."  

Taking one last look at myself in the mirror, I take my bouquet of wildflowers from one of the maids and head out of my chambers. Walking carefully through the labyrinth of corridors and reaching the stairwell, I gather up the hem of my dress and descend the spiral steps. One at a time, step by step. My silk shoes making barely a sound on the hard stones. At the bottom of the steps, I push open the heavy door and walk into the hallway that leads to the courtyard. I release the fist full of dress I had been clutching onto so that my gown kisses the floor. Another deep breath. I approach the door to the courtyard, my heart beating faster now. As I walk through the door, a draught of wind blows my hair back behind my shoulders and away from my face, giving me goosebumps. I pause in the doorway, my eye adjusting to the sunlight. Once they do, I see that Father is waiting on the edge of the top step. He hears me and turns, his anxious face immediately breaking into one of joy and pride. At the bottom of the steps are four monks and a priest holding a golden staff. There are also Sirs Gawaine, Percival, and Lancelot.