The Man in The Cave

Chapter 11.

Her dinner with Arthur was unusually quiet, the only sound in the dining room they regularly used, only decorated with a banner in the background behind the king's seat, a chimney on the side and a chandelier hanging above them, was the sound of the cutlery against their plates. With Guinevere sleeping after watching over a feverish five-year-old Aethelthryth, the entire night before and the day after. Normally, Emrys would be the one to heal anyone who was sick, but with him away for the time being, Morgana had to figure out a way to sneak past the queen to be able to heal the child.

"I have wonderful news for you Morgana" Arthur smiled, brightly, putting the fork over his plate for a second breaking the silence Morgana tried not to mock the small pieces of food in his beard.

"Arthur" She smiled touching her chin, tilting her head. Arthur tilted his head, Morgana pointed at him, his eyes opened wide before he cleaned the food off with his sleeve. Morgana couldn't help the laugh that escaped her lips.

"I hope you can tell me those wonderful news without food on your face" Morgana said, reaching for the wine before taking a sip of it.

"Very funny Morgana." Arthur said with mockery, while Morgana shrugged "I found someone for you to marry, isn't that great?" Morgana's eyes opened wide. She choked on her glass, taking a deep breath before leaving it on the table.

"Excuse me?" Morgana questioned, perplexed. She had never discussed marriage with Arthur, or anyone, not in a long time at the very least, even then, it hadn't been in her plans. Unless, of course, the right person commented on it"

"His name is Urien" Arthur began, misplacing her confusion "He is fairly young, not much older than you. I believe he is a couple years older than Emrys. I've heard he is a severe man with his subjects but not a ruthless king"

"Why him?" Morgana tried the only question her mind could properly conjure. Arthur lifted a finger and pointed at the table.

"His kingdom is in a strategic point. Securing an alliance with him would not only grant us a regular and easy safe pacing for other regions, they are also a very rich kingdom, it would further benefit Camelot" He was looking at her, and she was struggling to find any words to answer him, or find if there was anything apropiate she could say. The last thing she recalled in that kind of situations was her sister sent off to Lot's kingdom only to be told she was to marry him.

"I find it strange you made that decision on your own" She mumbled, eyebrows slightly furrowed, her eyes now in her plate.

"You don't think I can make my own choices?" He feigned offence. His tone was playful, and she knew, despite everything, he had meant no harm.

"Of course not." She lifted her eyes and smiled "I just mean, you always take other people's advice when making important decisions, I would think you asked someone before deciding to marry me off" She put her elbows over the table joining her hands.

"Oh, of course I did that. I wouldn't just offer your hand in marriage to anyone, you are my sister after all. I asked Emrys, of course, despite your constant bickering I know you value each other's opinion, and I trust him" Morgana froze at the mention of Emrys' name, doing her best to remain with a semi-neutral facial expression.

"And what did he say?" She questioned, her voice now tense, making the words almost difficult to come out.

"He thought it would be a very favorable union" Arthur smiled, and something broke inside of Morgana.

"Oh"

The smile fell on Arthur's face, and he leaned closer to Morgana.

"Of course, it's not final, you can still say no" He tried.