Spring Maiden (New Book)

Persuasion

A thick blanket of light woke Guinevere, and she opened her eyes before drawing her sheets over her eyes. Oh, it was bright! Why didn't her ladies draw her curtains last night?

Then it all came flooding back; the fire, the banquet hall, the mad race to the rivers and back... Lancelot. She opened her eyes again, and sat up on her elbows, as the unbearable discovery of Arthur's war too came flooding back. "Damn you, Arthur" she spat, lying down again and growling at the ceiling.

Why does this have to happen now? Just as I have made the decision to fly, fly away?

She had promised Lancelot she would talk to Arthur, but could she really sway him? He had succumbed to her demands before, it was true, but unlike then it would be not her pledge to the cross driving her, but the unholy desires she had finally succumbed to.

The only place she may end up was surely hell.

She exhaled shakily, coming up onto her knees and bowing her head, falling into prayer.

This is good for all, t'is the only way the High King can be given an heir. T'is surely the way for our faith to be passed onto the next generation, to ensure stability across our realms. T'is destiny.

Guinevere opened her eyes, feeling relief, somewhat. It was God, not guilt that spoke to her just then. She knew it. She looked down at her hands, and her heart took flight. Were they soiled black from sin?

The fire, it's the fire, you ninny! She exhaled again, her heart rate slowing again.

Well, she must call for her maidens. They were no doubt exhausted but she really couldn't lie about looking like an urchin. She would need to get up and assist with the efforts below, they all would.

She rang her bell, and lay back in her bed, her thoughts returning to her predicament with Arthur and Lancelot. Now, on second thoughts, I may actually be in a very good position to influence Arthur at this present moment.

Last night he had been adoring, to say the least. After the fire, he had summoned all his men to his very chambers, for lack of a larger space, and had thanked them all one by one for efforts, reserving his last thank you for her. Such a gesture of appreciation was usually reserved for the likes of Lancelot, but the night past, she, Guinevere had coveted that spot.

"My valiant Queen," Arthur had proclaimed, holding her hand in his and presenting her to his guests. "We were all riding so ferociously that I will forgive those who failed to notice Guin and her efforts. She took to horse, alongside her courageous maidens, and they rode to the vale, back and forth, a fine force in defeating those treacherous flames."

The men broke into applause, and Guinevere felt the sides of her mouth turn upwards, as she glanced at their faces. She bowed her head humbly, noting a flicker of respect in their glances, a first for the high queen, usually regarded with contempt, some kind of curse and certainly never a blessing.

It had been a pleasant feeling; she wouldn't pretend otherwise, and she wished Lancelot could have been there to witness the moment of her glory. She suddenly remembered he had gone to find the girl... Heavens, what had that all been about?

There was a loud rap on the door, and Guinevere sat up expectantly. "Yes, come in," she said throwing back the covers and swinging her legs to the side to the bed, "I'm sorry but I cannot bear to lounge about in this filth a moment longer," she exhaled closing her eyes and shuddering.

"Your ladies have been dismissed for the day, Guinevere," came a man's voice.

Guinevere's eyes flew open. "Arthur!" she squeaked, as her husband walked into the room, dressed in loose linen garments.