The King Has Returned . . . [Arwen]

[Guinevère]

Guinevère pushed the children gently toward the back, and paused at the curtains, looking back at Arthur. After a moment and a a soft nod she went with the children to the back. There she pulled a few backs from the bottom of a cupboard and handed one to each of her babies. "You need to get out of your night clothes, and into something clean." Amaren looked at the bag for a moment, 'Why do we have clothes here?' he asked and Guinevère knew he had a right to know. "I always wanted to make sure I was ready to get you out in a moment's notice. There is coin, clothes, and a map to a small town out side of Camelot. From there we could have disappeared until it was safe for you to return."

'I don't want to disappear Mama,' Anna told her, leaving her brother to speak up, "We don't have to Anna, Papa is the king now." Looking to his mother, "He found me when I was hiding, and no one can beat him. Papa will make sure we are safe."

Guinevère found herself smiling at the faith he already had in his father. "Yes, he will keep up safe." She whispered back, "Now dress, it's not safe to stay here."

In the other room, the young man looked up at the king, his breathing harsh and ragged. "My lord," He greeted his king, "I can't tell you much about what was happening, but I was told to tell you my story, and then give you a message."

"The council started meeting in secret, and no one was to know int he castle. Not even the queen. I tried----to warn her once, at what they were-----doing and for that they-----decided I could be trusted. That---I would be the one to deliver the message----if their plans to save the kingdom came though. Emrys said . . . . ."

He took a few moments to try to breath though some more fo the pain, "He said he could bring back someone to bring home.---That when----that after----after they left, the king would come-------the king would come----I was to go to him----"

He pulled something from his pocket and handed it tot he king, It was a round crest of dark iron and had a bird on it. He would not know it, but the king had given it to Merlin, once along time ago. "Emrys----he----the veil was at it's thinnest----he could bring----bring hope from the veil----told me---told me too tell you----"

"Tell you---to bring her back---Alboin----he said the all but one of the knight---could not come to aid you---they would spread out----find---find the trusted----for a new army---He said---told me----you were too---do what needed to be done to bring Camelot back strong."

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur moved closer to the man, listening attentively to each word he spoke. It started with secret meetings, which was something Arthur was not sure he was in favor of . . . for they had hid it from their queen. Something that the knights and . . . and Merlin should never do. Yet as he spoke on, there was more clarity added to the situation. He was starting to connect things the more he spoke. Save the kingdom. Bring back to heal it. Him. Bring back the king. The thought alone caused a strange sort of knot in Arthur's stomach, as if he did not know how to deal with this information. He had felt the weight and pressures of the kingdom before . . . but this was on a whole new level. He had been brought back to save Camelot. Did Emrys, Merlin have so much faith in him? So much certainty that he could do this? Were things that bad here? It was an oddly unsettling feeling . . . to know that he had come back under such an assumption.

However, he knew now that he had come back . . . to live. To restore the kingdom. To be here long term. Arthur watched him struggle to pull something from his pocket, holding his hand out to take it. He instantly recognized it. It was something he had gifted Merlin with when he thought himself to be dying. Something that bore his mother's sigil. Did this mean there was a price? Did this mean that . . . Merlin gave his life as the price? As angry at his lies that Arthur was, he would die for his brother in an instant. And he did not want Merlin dying for him. Last time the veil needed to be sealed it had demanded a life -- Lancelot's life. What was the price now? Arthur wasn't sure he could stand the thought of someone else giving their life for his return. Then again, it was too late for that. Because this man before him was dying. Arthur had so many questions. So many things he wanted to know. But . . . he asked none of them. When he was finished talking, Arthur gently put a hand on the young man's shoulder.

"Thank you," he said in a strongly sincere voice. "For your sacrifice. For your courage. For your loyalty." His loyalty which had cost him his life. More blood on Arthur's hands. Because he could not protect him, nor the message he would die trying to protect. "You will be honored for your noble acts and what you sacrificed for your kingdom." An honorable death. One usually only given to knights, but this young man had died to protect a message . . . something that Arthur would never forget. He had a family, a mother who had been worried about him. "I am in your debt. And rest assured that your family will be well taken care of." It was all he could offer him as a king: his gratitude and a stable future for his family. He gave his shoulder a gently comforting squeeze, in the man's moments of dying. Another life lost, because of him. But his death would not be in vain. For Arthur was more determined than ever . . . to restore Camelot.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère moved toward the door, as the children finished changing. They took longer for they had to look though the bags and decide on what to wear. Amaren just put on trousers and a shirt. she didn't miss that he seemed to be trying to match his father. Anna on the other hand, had to pull out each dress and think about things. She ended up picking a soft pink gown, and a corset that went over it, though not one that held any firmness to harm a growing child's need. It was more for decoration.

She wasn't watching as they dressed, but was paying attention to them by the sounds they made to make sure they didn't run off again. Her heart was breaking for Arthur and the message. She'd over heard it. Arthur was here to stay! Forever! They'd planned this for weeks and had went out to bring him home. "There is one---one more---he said---to trust your heart----not the peop---" He voice faded and his eyes grew still. Agravaine had done this!

walking slowly up to her husband, she paused a few feet from. "We need to find Agravaine, before he get word to Morgana." She hoped it could be done swiftly. Yet there was one other thing she had to say first.

"Arthur," She whispered, waiting for him to look at her, "He said that Merlin brought you back to stay." Even while she wanted his uncle found, and even while her heart broken for the mother that would face the loss of a son, she found pure joy in that. "You can stay."

[Arthur Pendragon]

His unfinished words did indeed sound like something that Merlin would say. Guinevère and Merlin had always been the ones to tell him to follow his heart. To trust his instincts and judgment. But Arthur was distracted when the young man's breathing faded completely. Arthur just looked at him, a wave of sadness washing over him as he closed his eyes and softly exhaled. He wished no one had to die for him. But the man had willingly given his life to protect the message. Whether he did it for Arthur, or Emrys . . . he ultimately did it for Camelot. And Arthur would stay true to the words he said to him. His wife's voice broke the mourning silence, and he opened his eyes, looking at the lifeless body once more, before slowly turning to look at her. Her reminder caused a smile smile on his lips. Though it was small, it was truly sincere. He was here, to stay.

He did not have to think about how he had given false promise to his children. He could spend the next years of his life making up the last five years to them, and his wife. He could once again, hold Guinevère in his arms every night. Rule alongside her while raising their children. The concept gave him an overwhelming joy . . . but he knew that a great deal had to be done before he could allow himself such pleasures and enjoyment of time. He was brought back for a reason, and he had to honor that reason. He would never put his kingdom before his family, but in this case, they were intertwined. In order to protect his family, he had to restore the kingdom. He gently put a hand on Guinevère's cheek, just keeping it here while looking at her softly. Remaining in this position for a few moments, he eventually lowered his hand and tucked the emblem in his pocket. "Agravaine is in the dungeons," he told her.

Knowing that, at least for tonight, they did not have to worry about his threats, or about him going to tell everyone that the king lived. He knew he could not drag this truth from coming out, but in order to make his plan successful, he needed to at least withhold his return for a few weeks. He looked at the curtains for a brief moment, deciding to say this now before they all went home. "I don't think it is safe to tell anyone of my return. Not until we have no other choice." Meaning, not to make a formal announcement of it all. Some would know, others would see him and have a flurry of questions. But for now . . . the less they advertised his return, the more advantageous it would be for them. For what Arthur needed to do. "Come on. Lets go home," he told her. Their home; back to their bedroom where they could all just lie there and rest with what few hours of the night was left.

[Guinevère]

"Agravaine is in the dungeons," Really?! That surprised her and made her look up at him. Yet she didn't question how or why. It was Arthur. He always managed to do what others could not. "Good." She whispered, wishing she could visit the man. She wanted to tell him what she thought about him trying to kill her children. She wanted to make sure he uncomfortable.

"I don't think it is safe to tell anyone of my return. Not until we have no other choice." He wanted to stay hidden? "I don't understand, You don't want everyone to know your home? That your alive?!" But she had asked that right as he said he wanted to go home. "Come on. Lets go home," Smiling softly she knew he could answer everything there. "Yes. lets go home." Home! Together! "I love you, Arthur." Guinevère reminded him before turning to look toward the children. "Amaren, Anna." She called, "Your Papa wants us to go back now."

'Is it safe?' Amaren asked, but Anna busted out behind him in her new dress and ran toward her father. 'Carry me, Papa! I want to hold you!' Guinevère moved so she was between Anna and the sight of the man on the table. "Look toward the wall, Anna."

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur wanted to explain what he meant, but knew that now was not the time nor place. They would have a great deal to discuss, but starting such a conversation in this place, with their children near by was not ideal. He wanted to get them all back in the safety of the castle. Or well, 'safety' as it was clear that even the palace was not secure. He had come back to fix that though. And would not rest until Camelot was restored to all it once was. A place where his family could be safe and not have to constantly look over their shoulder for danger that so rampantly dwelt about. He was about to respond to Amaren's question when Anna came running out and just when she came in front of him, he bent down to pick her up in his arms once more. He smiled at her, and her new dress that only added to how precious she looked.

Being reminded from Guinevère's words that the body was still there, Arthur needed to find a distraction for her. "Close your eyes and count to five. I will have a surprise for you when you open them," he told her, not sure how highs he could count. It was only a way to draw it out so that he wouldn't have to worry about her gazing at the body. "Amaren," he called, putting his hand on his son's back to guide him out of the house, opening the door so they could exit. "We'll send guards here to clear everything," he told Guinevère, so that she would not have to deal with the mess. Once he was outside with the children, he waited for his wife to join them so that they could all walk home together.

[Guinevère]

Anna's eyes widened and then shut tight. 'I don't know how to count to five!' She told him, sounding very distressed. Not the mortal danger sort, but the Oh Noes! Sort! yet she still kept them closed. Guinevère waited until her son was out the door, and the paused to turn and look back at the man who had died for a message. How had Agravaine known about him before they did?

Had he known of what they planned? Pulling the door shut behind them, she looked up at Arthur and knew what she had to do. "Once we get to the castle, I am going to find sort the guards out, get some of the trusted few up in the halls, as well as have the kitchens informed to bring breakfast up a little early. I will meet you in our chamber." She told, him in an almost asking tone but not quite. As she spoke she pulled off the ring she wore, the one with the Pendragon crest on it, before holding it out.

"If you don't want anyone to know you are back yet, then we will have to see about getting you to blend in until then. I will ask Rosa to get some different clothing, maybe a guard's uniform for you as well?"

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur gave a slight smile when Anna said she didn't know how to count to five. "Three then," he suggested, just to further distract her as listened to Guinevère speak, suggesting that she seek out the guards allowing with carrying out a few other things. "You should take the children inside. They will need to see the queen, prince and princess to make sure everyone is safe." So that no one would panic as to where they went. "Go to our chambers, and I will meet you there." He would have to take a more indirect route, but he had evaded the guard's thus far. He could easily use the servant's halls before they would have to lock them for safety purposes. "Then consort with the guards and whomever else." Because he needed to protect the news of his return from getting out to the wrong people. He watched as she held out the ring to him, looking between it and her for a moment.

"Keep it for now. I will take it a later time." Tomorrow night. Should he need to do what he was already planning to. Of course, he would first need to hear about the political status of the kingdom, but so far from what small details he had heard, it sounded like it would indeed be necessary. He looked at Anna, not even having heard if she counted to three or not. He reached into his pocket and pulled out the emblem that Merlin had given to the messenger. "Open your eyes now," he told her as he held up the item. "I need you to guard this for me. Can you do that?" He asked as he passed it to her. The size of it would require her to grip both her hands with it. But it was the only 'surprise' he could think to give her in this moment. He turned back to Guinevère. "Tell only those whom you completely trust about my return." Because they would need a bit of help if he was to remain inconspicuous and hidden in the castle . . . just for another day.

[Guinevère]

'I will! i will! It's a bird! Like me!' Guinevère waited until Arthur had given Anna the seal, before reaching over to take her from Arthur. "In case something happen and he had to escape, I hid four bags of clothing and shoes here. One for me, two for the children and then one for whatever escort we could find. You can find a cloak, in the back of the house. It's black, and will help you stay out of sight easier." She offered, so it would help him.

using her free hand, she took Amaren's hand and then walked with them toward the castle, knowing the moment a guard saw them that they would be escorted to her chambers or throne room. Moving forward, she slowed as she neared the guards. Knowing that from here until her chambers that Arthur would not be with them.

Guinevère slowly lead her family away and to the castle. From there everything went as expected. Shocked to see her out side of it's walls, hurried inside, questions asked, and seen enough they were on the royal floors and walking toward her chambers. 'Wait, Mama! My room!' "We are going to my chambers, dear heart." She told her daughter who leaned toward the room she wanted. 'No Mama! I need it!'

deciding to let Anna get what she needed, Guinevère walked toward the room. Ten minutes later, her, Amaren and a very dressed up Anna were in her chambers. Amaren sitting at the desk playing with the little pretend knights over a map of Camelot, Anna sitting on the table, with her dolls around her. She now had on one of her crowns, and her dolls formed a circle, as she told them to drink their tea.

Guinevère on the other hand, stood near the servant's door waiting to make sure Arthur was safe. That he was coming back. Any time away from him gave her nervous feelings now. As if she still was afraid that every moment was their last together.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur reluctantly let Anna go and watched his family as they went back toward the castle. He felt paranoid every time they were out of his sight, aware of what had happened twice tonight. He was afraid for them, and knew he would continue to be so until he saw them again. Deciding to take advantage of her 'emergency pack', Arthur went back into the house, going to the back of it to see the bag that she was talking about. He opened each one until he found one meant for their escort. Finding the cloak she'd been talking about he pulled it out and pulled it over him, putting on the hood to further conceal himself. He was about to walk back outside, when he paused, looking at the body. He still carried the guilt of his man giving his life for him . . . and Arthur planned to make good on his word. He looked around, finding a large sheet and proceeded to cover the body with it, so that no one had to see such a gory scene. With that, he went back outside to meet his family in their chambers. He managed to get in undetected. His black cloak camouflaging him as he hid in the shadows of the night.

The chaos seemed to somewhat die down, knowing that that must mean the guards saw the queen and the children. He took the servant's halls for the most past, and managed to do so without being scene. Hiding in the corners of the halls when he heard others passing, quickly moving down them with light footsteps. He carried no torch so relied on the light emanating from the torches hung on the wall. Finally, he walked up the stairs and only had to get through one more hallway before he arrived at their chambers. He opened the door, peeking out behind him to make sure no one followed before stepping inside the room and closing the door behind him. The first person he saw was Guinevère, as she was standing near the doors. He gave a reassuring smile as he pulled down the hood from his cloak, his eyes then searching the room. Seeing his daughter playing with her dolls and Amaren at the table. "Is all well?" He asked, referring to their entrance in the castle, wondering if the guards had anything further to report.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère's heart skipped a beat until she noticed that it was in fact Arthur coming though the door. He asked her a question but her first reply was to move forward and put her hands on his cheeks while kissing him soundly. It was what she had wanted to do at her former home, but had not been able to do so with the horrid events swilling about them. Anna's amused laughter was what caused her to pull back and even manage to blush slightly.

Not caring if the children saw her kiss their father,for it was a fact they would soon grow used too, Guinevère could only look up at him. "Yes, everything seems to be under control even. With Agravaine int he cells, most the men have fled. Though it seems we have caught most of them." Though there would be a few who got free of the castle, none would known that Arthur was alive. Only that the plan had failed. "I can give you a better report once I meet with Alex and Kobly."

"You said tell no one I don't trust. Alex is the only one, other then the council. Sir Kolby saw you, but that was when you were an impostor. Do you trust him? Are their others you trust?"

[Arthur Pendragon]

When he felt Guinevère's hands on his cheeks, followed by her lips on his, he put his hands on either side of her waist, closing his eyes and returning the kiss. It was not long, as he would always wish for longer, but he also knew that their children were here and there was still a great deal that needed to be done. So when she withdrew, he opened his eyes, looking at her with a small smile as he gently put his hand on her cheek for a moment, just for that added comfort to both her, and himself. He lowered it when she began to answer. Good. Agravaine's men left . . . or were caught. The main thing was that Agravaine was caught. He didn't know what he was going to do with him, but didn't want to think on it right now. So long as he was caught and his men were gone. He nodded in response, as she added that she would give a better report when she spoke with the others.

"I trust Sir Kolby," he told her, knowing that he was someone he could trust completely with this. The man had a mouth on him, one that seldom stopped talking, but he was also incredibly loyal and one of Arthur's close friends. He would protect this secret. "There is no one else I need to tell. So if there are others whom you trust, such as Alexander, then inform him." Arthur didn't need anyone else on his side to know. But he trusted whoever Guinevère wished to tell. "I am going to also need any documents of relevance from these past years," he told her. He needed to see the paperwork, reports, treaties, letters . . . any sort of documentation to help get a better understanding of the state of Camelot. And these, only she would have access to, assuming she would be able to get them for him when she went to speak with the guards and such.

[Guinevère]

She loved it when his hand lingered on her cheek, for it always made her feel as if he was about to kiss her but . . . in a different way. It was just a gesture that gave her joy. "Then I will ask that Sir Kobly make his rounds on the royal floor. Let him be the one that is in charge of keeping everything here protected.' Their children, and him hidden. Her face changed for a moment, "He might even be able to tell you more about the battle." The one that took his life.

"As for paper work, it would be in a room that I had turned into a work space for me. It's actually not far if you use the servant's steps. It used to be lady in waiting chamber, but it better suited to a locked formal room for everything that needed my attention. If you wish to visit there before I leave you could bring some of it here to look over." Because one of them needed to be with the children. She didn't trust strangers with them right now.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur felt instantly comforted knowing that Kolby would be the one in charge. He also wished he could see the look on his face when he was told that Arthur lived. But, that was just a small fleeting thought of amusement. The most important thing was that he believed it, and kept this a secret as well as protected his children. "He might even be able to tell you more about the battle." Arthur paused when she suggested this. He did want to hear more about it, but he also knew that right now . . . that was not the most important thing. He would have plenty of time to catch up with him, finding out details of the battle and such. For now, he would focus on the more pressing matters. "I will get the paper work when you return," he told her. The children were up right now and occupying themselves with their toys.

Either before she came or when she did, they would have to sleep for the night. Not wanting to miss time with them, he would wait for them to sleep before he read over the documents.He leaned forward to kiss her forehead, slowly drawing his lips back so that he could whisper. "Hurry back," he urged. He wanted her to be here with him. Not only because he was worried for her safety out there . . . but because he wanted to spend time with her. Wanted his whole family to be together, in one room. There was just something so comforting about that; a peace that Arthur could not explain in words. And it would not feel complete without her here with them.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère moved her lips up to cover his after he told her to hurry back, knowing that she would miss him. Miss him greatly. Arthur had been missing a day in his mind, but five whole years in her life. The kiss deepen slightly before she pulled back. 'Papa is kissing Mama!' She heard Anna say over some laughter. She didn't hear her son laughing, but stealing a glance over that way he was smiling.

Perhaps knowing she was so open with Arthur would help Amaren become open himself. 'Papa! kiss her again!' Anna encouraged, clearly enjoying the idea of having two parents like everyone else. She knew that she had to go, so she found a comprise. "Walk me to the door, and kiss me for luck." So she could have another one, and the children would see and learn what a real marriage was.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur once again closed his eyes and returned the kiss between them. He let his hand cover her cheek once more, tilting her head up a bit, deepening the kiss. Until he heard Anna's voice announcing what they were doing. She seemed pleased, rather than mortified or uncomfortable with the notion. Even Amaren remained silent and did not seem against the idea of a man he hardly knew, kissing his mother. It was reassuring to Arthur, aware that they had a lot to get used to with him entering their lives now. But so far . . . the adjustment was looking promising. He opened his eyes to look at his daughter, just in time to hear her encourage him to kiss Guinevère again. Wonderful encouragement indeed. As 'requested' he put an arm around Guinevère and walked to the main door.

The walk feeling all to short. He knew she had to leave, and though he knew she would not be long . . . a simple minute without her felt like an eternity. "Be safe," he told her, praying that none of Agravaine's men were left lurking. With that, he leaned down to kiss her again. First starting off lightly, before deepening a bit. Nothing overly passionate of course. Kissing in front of their children was one thing, but letting his passion become too clear was another. He slowly ended the kiss, keeping his lips near hers, and for a single moment, forgetting everything else. "I love you," he whispered as a soft smile formed on his lips.

[Guinevère]

"I love you too!" She told him, looking into his eyes, while she knew she was supposed to be leaving. 'I love you too, Mama!' Anna called, 'I will make sure Papa drinks he tea!' with that Guinevère smiled and bit her lip to keep from laughing, knowing well what was in store for Arthur for the first time. "Yes, Make sure he drinks all his tea!" She encouraged as a way to both get Arthur deeper into Anna's plans and to enjoy the mental image of what Anna would make him do.

Guinevère tilted her head to look at her son, sharing a knowing smile before she slipped out the door. 'Papa . . . ' Anna called, dragging out the name. 'Come drink your tea before it gets cold!' Her little hands were on her waist as if she was the mother and waiting for him to do something that she'd asked him to do a million times. Amaren spoke up then, "Run Papa, or she will make you play her game!" Though he didn't seem too worried, in fact he seemed eager to watch his father get neck deep into Anna's games.

[Arthur Pendragon]

This whole talk of tea was leaving Arthur slightly afraid, but of course in a playful way. Quite frankly, regardless of what she made him do . . . he knew that he would love it. Because he was spending time with his daughter, and perhaps causing a few chuckles of amusement from his son. This was something he had never done before, and in that way . . . he was looking forward to it. Playing with dolls and having tea time, not so much. He gave Guinevère a bit of a teasing smile for her encouragement, before she left the room and he closed the door behind her. "Papa . . . Come drink your tea before it gets cold!" "Run Papa, or she will make you play her game!" Arthur smiled, taking off his cloak and draping it on a chair as he walked by. He put his hands together, rubbing them as if to prepare for what he was about to do.

At least his son was trying to warn him, though he seem a bit amused by what was about to unfold. "Come Amaren. Why don't you join us. The more at this tea party, the better." He was just teasing his son, not about to push him into these . . . girl games. He looked at the small circle of dolls she had, gently putting one on the side so that he could sit down and join her. He sat with his legs crossed, a position he seldom every sat in for it was far too informal. But he was with his children. He would not bother himself with formality. "Now, which cup is mine?" He asked Anna, clearly engaging in her game. Hoping that he would not quite regret being so 'enthusiastic' about it.

[Guinevère]

"Come Amaren. Why don't you join us. The more at this tea party, the better." Amaren laughed, "Knights do not attend tea parties with dolls!" He told his father as if his father didn't know the little boy rules. "Now, which cup is mine?" Anna handed him a cup, 'This one! It's hot! Blow!' She was telling him to blue on the cup of hot tea, but in truth there was nothing in the cup. 'Papa, you are the king!' Picking up another one of her crows, this one a golden little one that was more meant to be braided into her hair then worn along, she handed it to him. Clearly expecting him to wear it, while Amaren only laughed a little harder.



Leaving the children and the husband that keep her softer, the change her was almost instantaneous when she turned down the hall. Silently a guard was on her steps as she hurried down the twisting steps, lower and lower. Her first and foremost goal was to see the blood trader. Arriving at the cell doors, she looked at the guards. "Open the door." She ordered, waiting for them to do so. Agravaine was sitting there, one hand on his head as if he was just waking up--or had not too long ago.

He looked up at her, still having that lord of the manner look when he gazed at her, as if she was nothing but a servant again. "For Amaren's birthday last year, you gave him a wooden weapon collection." She reminded him, "For Anna's last birthday, piles of pink fabric for her to have matches dresses made for her and her dolls."

"At point did you plan to kill them?" Her voice was calm but he only watched her. 'Should I be checking their former gifts for something that could harm them? You were the closest blood relative to their father and they loved you!" Not close love, but they liked to see him at official suppers and feasts. Knowing that he was like Elyan and part of their family.

"At what point did you look into little Anna's eyes and decide that a woman who'd cared less for you meant more then a little girl who actually loved you for some reason! That she meant more then your sister's son?!" Agravaine looked at her and started to speak but go no further then 'Little Ann--' before Guinevère's hand hit his cheek so hard that her hand hurt. "DON'T SPEAK HER NAME!!"

"You have no rights to her name! No rights to your own name!" Backing out and waving her hand to have the door shut she watched him holding his cheek. "When the council returns you shall be forced to fight for the honor you have chosen to give up in a duel." 'Clearly you plan to make a spectacle. We both know I would not stand a chance.' "More of a chance then then little children did against your men." He watched her for a moment, 'Not my men.' Guinevère knew that everyone had just assumed he was working with or they were working for him. Even now she didn't more then half believe him. Stepping closer to the door, she lifted her hands to hold to cars while she spoke softly, "You should spent your time praying that you get one of the knights and not your own blood kin." Leaving him with that threat she walked on. Leaving out of the cells, knowing that she would not hold up her own words. Arthur do decide what to do with his uncle, she only wanted him afraid for his life like she had been for her children,

Ordering a meal (though neither a supper or a breakfast) to be taken to her chambers, she sent word for Sir Kolby to join them when he was returned from the outer wall. Also asking Rosa to collect the chainmail and guard's uniform for her, so she could leave it for Arthur. Then she took the steps that would take her back to her husband.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur had a feeling he would not let his children ever forget this. Nor anyone else who just happened to walk in. But for now, he would enjoy it. Because regardless of what he was drinking -- or pretending to drink -- and regardless of what he would soon be wearing on his head . . . he was happy. He was so very happy to be surrounded by his son and daughter. "But knights do comply with a lady's request do they not?" He said, just further teasing his son, not actually forcing him to join in. Judging from his laughter he was have plenty of fun just serving as a witness to this. Arthur took the cup. "Thank you Princess," he said as he . . . lightly blew into the empty cup. Such an action felt so odd, as he had never engaged in such games before.

Blowing in it a couple of times, he pretended to take a very small sip, feeding into the game she had set up. "I think that this may be the best tea I have ever drank," he said with exaggerated enthusiasm. The kind of tone that played well into such a child's game. But then came the crown. Arthur inspected it for a moment, knowing it was rather small . . . though that obviously was not the problem with it. He decided to humor them both, and put the crown on the top of his head, knowing he would have to keep his head very still to ensure that it didn't fall off. "How do I look?" He asked, knowing he looked like a fool, but . . . he was doing this for Anna's enjoyment and Amaren's entertainment.