A Legendary Love

Chapter Four

"Lady Guinevere, of Wessex," the herald announced as Jen entered the room. She nervously began to march into the Great Hall, hoping to get this ordeal over as soon as possible. She began to storm past the royal court that had gathered for the grand arrival. All eyes were on her and, as she strode towards the throne at the other end of the room, she noticed murmurings between the ladies and gentlemen of the court, watching her with wide eyes as she made quick progress across the room. A particularly old man clutched at his heart as he stared at Jen's ankles that had exposed themselves as her dress billowed around her due to the speed in which she was walking. As Jen looked up, she saw Lady Helen staring at her, wide eyed, as she tried to slyly, yet frantically, signal for her to slow down.

As inconspicuously as she could, Jen slowed down her pace to a slow walk. She felt ridiculous that she was having to walk at a snail's pace simply to satisfy the society that she was stuck in. Yet, at the same time, she was happy to note that the angry and shocked murmurs had ceased. There was still a buzz around the room, but rather than sounding like an angry hive of wasps, it seemed happier; the women were muttering to each other about how beautiful the Lady Guinevere looked, albeit the headscarf that she was wearing looked like it had been put on at the last minute (which it had – Lady Helen had accosted her just prior to entering the grand castle). The men were not talking to each other, but instead shuffling around and quickly looking away as to not make eye contact with Jen whenever she looked in their direction. Perhaps they were still embarrassed at the thought of seeing her ankles.

At the end of the hall there was a large stone throne that looked incredibly uncomfortable, but at the same time exuded an air of authority and power. Standing before it was perhaps the most handsome man Jen had ever set eyes upon.

He stood strong and proud, eyes set on Jen with wonder, but also hesitation in his gaze. His brown hair lightly dusted his shoulders, with a regal crown sitting on top of his head. He was dressed in full armour, with a cape draped around his shoulders and a sword at his hip. He was clearly a well-built man, with broad shoulders and thick arms. Even from the other side of the hall, Jen could tell he was at least 6ft tall.

As Jen drew closer to the top end of the Great Hall, the man made his descent down a few steps until he and Jen stood five feet away from each other. They stared at each other in silence, neither of them blinking or breaking eye contact.

"Arthur, King of Camelot," the herald called to the room.

Blinking, Jen remembered what she had been told was medieval etiquette. She curtsied low, dropping her eyes to the floor, and didn't begin to rise until she heard Lady Helen's quiet cough. Rising slowly, she kept her gaze low, not wanting to make eye contact with the formidable looking man in front of her. However, even though she didn't want to look at Arthur, her eyes instinctively flickered back to his.

Stretching out his hand to her, she took it, and he stepped forward beside her, turning her to face the crowd. As their bare skin touched for the very first time, Jen had to convince herself she hadn't felt a small burst of electricity run through her whole body, and she involuntarily shivered.

"Thank you everyone for taking the time to be with us on this momentous day, I'm positive that I speak for the both of us when I say we are muchly appreciative, and I look forward to celebrating the arrival of Lady Guinevere this evening with a magnificent feast. For now, however, I will bid you all adieu, as Lady Guinevere and I have much to discuss," Arthur announced, and without further ado, he escorted Jen through a door to the left of the Hall, leaving the politely applauding court behind them.

They were alone.

Arthur let out a deep sigh and released Jen's hand. He rubbed his face in worry as he shook his head. It seemed like he had forgotten that Jen was there. She sensed that Arthur was going to say something he might regret in front of a total stranger, so she coughed lightly to remind him of her presence.