How History Had It Wrong

[Guinevère]

Many know the story of King Arthur, and his knights of the round table. In one story, he was the beloved prince whom married a servant, and knighted farmers. Merlin was his friend and adviser. In others he is a Roman who conquered Britain and ruled it for many years. In all of them, Morgana is his advisory, and Mordred is his killer.

In this untold version, we have the illegitimate son of Uther Pendragon, whom was sent to a far estate to be raised. There he befriended the local boys, and lived for many years. Uther ruled with hate and bitterness toward magic, and when his legal daughter could bare no more she killed him, and stole his crown. She ruled as her father did, but hated non-magical people.

Arthur Pendragon, and eight boys he befriend, stole into the castle and over took it. There in the courtyard, was sword embedded in stone. It had been there for more years then most could recall, yet remained bright, sharp and a beacon. During the fight, Arthur grasped the sword and withdrew it--causing the battle for the castle to end. No one could claim he was not the true king any longer. Many did not eve protest but welcomed a new rule. He brought peace for both sides and ended the years of bloodshed. His friends were knighted, and they formed a council of men upon a round table.

Six months after he forcefully overtook his new crown, an alliance was made with a respected king. By making this deal he would gain foreign aid against his sister whom was trying to build her own army. The king would give him this aid, and in return all Arthur had to do was wed the man's only daughter . . . .

And thus begins the myths of
King Arthur & His Guinevère

[Arthur Pendragon]

Just a few days ago, even a few hours ago, Arthur had been nervous. While he didn't show it -- seldom ever showing his emotions for they were weakness -- he had felt it. Why? Because he was getting married. It hadn't just been because of the commitment . . . for he was not concerned about that. The time had come for him marry and place a queen on the throne next to him. He needed children to carry on the Pendragon name so that if something happened to him, there would be no question of the line of succession. And of course, not to mention the fact that politically, it was extremely strategic. For King Leodegrance was a powerful ruler and one who's alliance with Camelot would help strengthen Arthur's own kingdom, as well as the other king's. So no. It was not so much the idea of marriage that made Arthur nervous . . . than it was the thought of who he was marrying. He'd never met her prior to their wedding day, but had heard rumors of her. Of her beauty.

But, beauty was in the eye of the beholder and some may just be flattering the young princess or not wishing to speak ill of her. Arthur didn't think it shallow to be worried over the appearance of his wife. He would be spending the rest of his life with her. It was natural to want a physical attractiveness there. Though when he had seen her, walk down the aisle linked arm in arm with her father . . . Arthur's fears had vanished. For her reputation did not do her justice. She was absolutely breathtaking, and just like that . . . he'd felt a weight lifted off his shoulders. Each step closer to him, she looked more and more beautiful . . . perhaps even the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen. And she would be his wife. That had been their first meeting, just a few hours ago. And now . . . they were married. Now, they sat at the head of the table during the feast, while the room was slowly winding down as a few guests had already retired to their chambers, though quite a few remained still.

He'd still not had a conversation with his wife as of yet . . . and probably wouldn't until later. They both had been distracted, and she seemed a bit shy. Which was not much of a surprise. Arthur figured that whomever he would marry, would be a somewhat idle queen who would agree with his every word. He wasn't sure if she was like that, but they had the rest of their lives to get to know each other. He could not break this alliance, for he could not afford to have another war on his hands. Morgana was more than enough to handle. Arthur turned to look at his beautiful bride, a slight smile on his lips. "How have you been enjoying the evening?" He asked. The wedding had been a grand event, as they invited many guests from all over the realm. He wondered if this was how she envisioned her wedding to be, in terms of the extravagance. While Arthur was not overly talkative, he knew how important it was to make her feel comfortable and welcome in her new role and new home. For should one word about his ill treatment of her return to her father . . . then the war that Arthur had been trying to avoid, would come almost immediately.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère was the beloved and only daughter of King Thomas Leodegrance. She had an elder brother, Elyan, whom was crown prince and her mother had passed away shortly after her birth. Her father and brother loved her very much, and for Guinevère there was nothing more important then her family. It had been suggested, a few years back that her father's champion would be her husband one day, as her father wished to keep her near and there would be no greater honor for the knight then giving his daughter to him.

Lancelot was not apart of the bargain with Camelot too. Guinevère had not loved Lancelot but had formed a sort of friendship with the man she assumed to one day be her husband. Then everything changed.

Arthur Pendragon won the crown of his father from his half sister, and in order to keep him there, her father wished to form an blood strong alliance. With Camelot bordering them, they wanted a peaceful king, but a strong king on the throne. Apparently Arthur had greatly impressed her father in such a short time.

So she was to marry the king, and solidify that alliance. As well as gaining a wife, the king would get Lancelot, her father's champion whom was to be part of her personal guard. The head of her personal guard for her father trusted no other man--not even Arthur--to keep her safe.

To say that she had been nervous had been an understatement. Hearing stories of an illigitiment boy and his friends who stole a kingdom and made themselves a king and knights . . . .

She had expected someone older, more brutish looking. With scars and bad manners. She had been so nervous, that she not slept easy for the weeks of travel. Upon her arrival she felt aged and tired and did not wish this to be how she saw her husband. It was not until the doors opened and she looked down the room at the tall dashingly handsome young man that she even knew what he looked like. Yet she was afraid of the reputation he had built, for how else could a man be whom had taken a kingdom with under ten men by the tip of his sword.

"How have you been enjoying the evening?" She turned her head quickly, as if his words to her surprised her, and looked up at him with what she hoped was an unaffected glance, when she really felt nervous and on edge. "Camelot has been a wonderful host." She she told him formally, and then looked back out over the crowd for a moment, then again at her husband. Husband, how odd was that to use to a man she just met. "Your kingdom is very beautiful." Well, their kingdom now, but what man would share power? Would he allow her to do as her father did, and hand a strong hand in charities, and helping the people she was able to reach.

[Arthur Pendragon]

A small smile played on Arthur's lips when she said that the kingdom was beautiful. While he had never thought he would actually rule the kingdom, he held a great deal of pride in it. Or well, what it could be. His father had a tyrannical reign and instilled so much fear in the people . . . which had only intensified when Morgana took over. Arthur knew what he wanted for the kingdom, something it had never had before: peace, tranquility, and an era of prosperity. He knew that the means he had taken over were not exactly through peaceful terms . . . but he would shape the kingdom to be the vision and hope he saw for it. Of course he was not going to explain all this to his now wife. She would have no interest in such things.

"I'm glad you think so," he answered. "For as it is now your home, I would hope you find everything that you require here." Whether it be from his, or more likely the servants and other noblewomen. "And hopefully develop an affection for it as well," he added, trying to keep things friendly between them, though there was still that inevitable formality. Who knows. Perhaps after tonight it would disappear . . . or things would just be more awkward. There was no way to change it now however, not that Arthur had any desire to break his marriage so soon after solidifying it.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère smiled softly when he did. It changed his face around even when it was not a real smile. Made him look more approachable. "I think it will take some time to adjust to everything. It is warmer here, and that is agreeable." She told him, knowing that it wasn't her home and therefore it will take some time to get used to everything--him. Being married now. Guinevère almost wished she was bold enough to ask something of him.

It would be a rather bold of her to ask this of him, and it would be a lot to ask of her new husband. If he had smiled more and been a more open and easier to read man she might have asked him: If she could hold off their first time until the got to know each other better. Though the closer the moment to leave grew the more she felt like asking it of him.

But did she dare?

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur was glad that was trying to find the positive in all of this. That she was making an effort for he knew this could not be easy for her. And at the same time . . . it was the inevitable fate of royals, to be wed for political purpose. The only difference was that it was her who was leaving her home, family and friends, and joining his life as oppose to him leaving his home to join her. As was traditional. "That is understandable. As I am sure much is different for you." A whole other kingdom, a whole other lifestyle. That, and she would be queen. So different responsibilities and laws to uphold. "Several servants have been assigned to you for your convenience and comfort. Should you require any more, you need only inform one of them. And more will come to your aid."

He imagined she was used to having a lot of maids and servants surrounding her -- especially being the only daughter of the king -- so he did not want her to feel inconvenienced or strained without help over here. He had made sure her chambers were prepared to perfection and that everything was at her disposal. As he already acknowledged, a great deal was relying on the success of this marriage, and he knew that some of that pressure would be alleviated once she brought a child into this world. But that was all in due time. Today was just the first day of their marriage, and they had the rest of their lives in front of them.

[Guinevère]

"That was kind of you to have thought of it, thank you." She said, feeling more nervous. The time was growing nearer and she could see some of the men whom was on her father's council speaking with the elder man she had been introduced to as Lord Godfrey. He was in charge of making sure the seals where in order and that court's genealogist. He would have to be 'there' along with her father's men to make sure the 'deal was sealed'. Another reason that she could not ask him to wait.

As a king and queen they would need to be sure she was pure. They would watch and see to make sure. looking down at her lap she tried to block it out, but felt the panic slightly arising. "Not that you wouldn't see to every detail." She clarified. "I was just being grateful for it." And now she was talking more then thinking. It was a bad habit that she had even she felt panicked or nervous. She tented to talk herself into trouble and try to talk herself out of trouble but only ended up talking herself into more.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur wasn't sure what it was, but she seemed to be growing . . . uneasy. Was it the events of today? Or, perhaps other things that women probably thought about on a day -- or night -- such as this. Maybe it was the whole idea of living away from her home and family. Whatever the cause, she seemed to be talking a bit more and Arthur looked at her, trying to determine what the cause was. Should he ask? He was of course concerned, but also knew that there was not much he could do to make her feel better if it was indeed the thought of missing her home and family that caused her to be so uneasy. Perhaps it would help if he just carried on the conversation? "I only wish to make sure you are well looked after. And able to easily adapt to a life here in the castle." Her knew home. Or home away from home. For Arthur knew that home was where your heart was and right now . . . it was too soon for her heart to be in Camelot.

"The arrangements for your coronation have been made and will take place the day after tomorrow," he continued. Maybe that would cheer her up a bit? Or make things worse. He had made sure there was a day in between so that it was not one thing immediately after another. But he could not prolong the event for King Leodergance would want to be here for his daughter's coronation, and he had to eventually return to his own kingdom to govern it. So the day after tomorrow seemed like the best option. "Does the day suit you?" He asked, wanting to make sure. Even if it was a little too late to change everything and alter all the arrangements. He was really asking just to be polite.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère wasn't a fool. For a event as big as that would need to be it would have to be already planned, and even more so if everyone was to attend. She knew he was asking more of a way of telling her that she would need to be ready on that this day. "That sounds acceptable." She told him, watching the old men for a moment and then looking away.

"Is there any other events planned that I should be aware of?" She asked, then bit her tongue to not ask anymore. She would need to know now what to be ready for. After these events, any he held after this would be her role to plan and host. She didn't mind doing it, but she liked helping and making a difference more. She hoped he allowed her to do such things!

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur thought for a moment, organizing his thoughts before answering. "A few more feasts, a grand farewell supper, and a jousting tournament to honor our marriage." It wasn't really a tradition, but something that he thought would help uplift the people's spirits and keep them positive. Arthur was not exactly doing doing things in a strictly traditional fashion anyway. He had already broken many -- knighting non noble men for instance -- and this was just something else that would be added to the list of events that deviated from his father's tradition. He was not his father, nor did he desire to be . . . for that would mean that he would have condemned Camelot to another tyrannical reign; on tyrant replacing another, which was what had happened when Morgana claimed the throne.

But he did not wish to let his mind fill with such dark thoughts on an occasion that was meant to be a happy one. "Your coronation will be the grandest event apart from today." A glorious one, for he wanted people to love their queen. To know that she was not another Morgana . . . or at least he hoped not. Though she did not give that impression, and he trusted his gut, her reputation, what he could deduce from her already and of course, his trusted her father and their alliance. The people needed a queen that they did not have to fear and Guinevère would be just that.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère was surprised that there was so much, but she also knew that if one took over a kingdom then it was for the enjoyments of being the rich king. She had not thought that was why, but he was spending quite a bit to be impressive. Surely he knew that his attentions could be more impressive with how he ran the kingdom rather then hosted events?

Or did he plan something else? Guinevère didn't think on it for she was too worried about the men watching Arthur . . . . be her husband tonight. She was a bride today. Tonight she's be a wife. And in a few days a queen. So much was changing. "I will make sure to be ready." She said absent minded as if she didn't really hear him. The old men were watching them now, and she knew they were waiting on them to retire.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur was distracted from the conversation when he felt eyes on him. Geoffrey and the other councilmen were watching him, and he returned the gaze with a knowing look. It was also at that moment that he realized most of the guests had left . . . and that it was coming time for them to retire as well. Arthur motioned for his servant and Guinevère's handmaiden also seemed to take notice of this as she too approached Guinevère. Arthur then turned to his wife, slowly rising to his feet and hoping she would do so simultaneously so that it did not appear rude for him to rise first. He wasn't sure how she felt about tonight and supposed he would soon find out, judging from her reaction to him coming to her chambers. He didn't want to make this awkward . . . or any more awkward than it inevitably was.

They hardly knew each other, yet tonight they would consummate their marriage. "My Lady," he said, taking her hand in his and kissing the top of it. "I will see you shortly," he added in a low voice so that it would not be overheard . . . but it wasn't as if those still present wouldn't know what was going on. Perhaps that was what contributed to the awkwardness; the fact that everyone seemed to know the business of the king and the soon to be formally recognized queen. That there would be witnesses, watching the intimacy of tonight unfold. With those words, he waited for her maids to escort her out of the hall, before he did the same, going to his own chambers to ready for the night.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère didn't notice anything until Arthur stood. Because he was king, she rose as well and did so quickly knowing it would see impolite for her to remain sitting unless she was staying behind. And she wasn't. Not tonight. Not this time. No. Her mind was starting into panic and she could thinking of the older men seeing Arthur . . . and her . . . and watching . . .

Guinevère had never had a man in her life. She had fancied a few, whom were kind to her or handsome--but her father had begun thinking about marrying her to one of his knights early on. Then Lancelot came and she never had a reason to think of men as more then charming. She didn't find Lancelot overly funny or an ease for her to be around, but she had known he was going to be her husband.

No longer.

Now everything was Arthur. It was with this thought she realized she was in her bed chambers, and a nightgown was being held up before her. It was mostly lace, and very thin. Did men like this. Another maid came in though the doors on the other side and drew the curtains before walking back and . . . .

Oh . . .

The council men were on the other side waiting. Her heart beat faster, and she thought she might faint. Instead she stood there and felt her maids begin to dress her for her husband, and lead her toward the bed . . . .

[Arthur Pendragon]

Once Arthur arrived in his room, a servant helped him remove his chain mail and fancier attire so that he could dress in more comfortable clothing. Clothing that was easier to remove. He had wanted to speak to the councilmen before leaving, but supposed he would see them soon enough. It took a little while, but soon enough he was dressed in a white shirt and causal pants for when he slept at night. He put his sword belt around him, with his sword tucked inside, for he was seldom able to spend the night anywhere without a weapon nearby. Especially with all the threats that surrounded them . . . or him specifically. And he was not going to think that just because it was his wedding day -- or now night -- that no one would dare try to harm him. Slipping on his boots, he made sure everything was in check before making his way to her chambers.

He felt a bit . . . strange. The unfamiliarity of all of this starting to hit him hard. At the feast with so many others to distract him, it was different. But now, going to her chambers, knowing he would be intimate with her . . . it felt odd. Strange. And . . . so many other things he could not describe. Things that he dare not show. He had to exude confidence and sureness, and that was exactly what he would do. Arriving, he opened the door to see Guinevère on the bed and the councilmen around. Well, this certainly would not do at all. "You need not be here gentleman," he informed them. "You may leave." It was not a request open for debate; it was an order. It was difficult enough for them both to be in this position. Arthur was already private about his emotions and intimacies . . . he would not have men watching him make love to his wife.

It was yet another tradition that he was willing to break. Geoffrey looked at him confused, as all the men paused for a few moments. But when they seemed to take notice that the king would not change his mind -- nor would he discuss the matter -- each man began to leave, one by one, confusion still thick in the air. Until they were gone. Arthur looked at Gwen's ladies, and they also seemed to take the hint. As they each curtsied and exited the room, finally closing the door behind them. Now . . . they were alone. Arthur waited a few moments, making sure that no one returned for the night and when it seemed they would not, he turned all his attentions to his wife. And how beautiful she looked, just sitting there, dressed in a thin garment that seemed to accent her figure more than before. What man would not desire to be with such a ravishing woman as the one before him?

He slowly walked toward her, sitting on the edge of the bed close to her. A few more moments of silence passed, finding himself just gazing at her, feeling desire slowly -- or maybe not so slowly -- building up inside of him, but kept his persona completely calm and inexpressive of what lust was courisng through him. "I did not feel we needed company tonight," he said, wondering if she disapproved with his decision as it strayed far from the norm for a royal newlywed couple . . . and he didn't know if she would be comfortable with that deviation. Plus. he was trying to get a feel of how she felt . . . because she seemed to be more nervous and uneasy than she was before when they had been at the feast. It was understandable, for he had heard what it felt like for brides on their wedding night . . . especially the shy and modest ones.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère sat there in bed, the coverings up to her lap and her hair draped around her. The ladies had put her on display, and Arthur was the one whom for. He entered and she closed her eyes, trying to keep her pride in tack and not cry for this. "You need not be here gentleman," Her eyes flew open and to his. "You may leave." Even Guinevère could hear the order, as the men left the room one by one.

Her maids as well, left as well after a look from him. This surprised her, for she had assumed he would want everyone to know the agreement was sealed. Now he was sending away the witness. Did he not think her pure? She had never even kissed a man before. When Arthur had kissed her hand, she had been in too much of a state of panic to fully feel his lips on her skin. "I did not feel we needed company tonight," He was not raised a noble, and she wondered if that was why he was different.

In this she cared not, she was only grateful. If he though her unpure, then he would learn quickly that no man had touched her before him. "Thank you." She whispered out, still sounded nervous. And she felt something should be clear; "If you felt you had to do this because you think I am soiled, then I swear on my mother I am not! Not that you would think that--but if you did then know there is no fear! Not that your afraid. Just that there is no reason to be such."

[Arthur Pendragon]

Her gratitude slightly surprised . . . though he was quick to realize that it wasn't exactly the most comfortable of situations for a woman to be regarded by a man. And it was at that moment that Arthur realized another subconscious reason that he had sent the men away: because he did not want any of them to see his wife in such a state of undress. To see her like this, was for his eyes only and he would not share such a sight. She then went on to speak about her purity, swearing that she still had her virtue. Something else Arthur had thought of but the convincing tone in her voice made it easier to believe. Besides, what was the point in lying? He would see for himself tonight for if her words were true, then there would be evidence of it. That was not the only thing he noticed however; she was doing that talking thing again. Talking with unease and slight nervousness. Did she do this often? Was she always so chatty when she was nervous? He didn't exactly want to spend the entirety of the night talking. He gave a small smile, unsure what to say in regards to her being pure.

He imagined many women lied about this, but again, he would know the truth tonight. And was not holding a great deal of doubt in her words. For to swear on ones mother . . . was not something that could be so falsely sworn upon. "Do not worry Guinevère," he assured her. "For I am not." The question of her purity was not enough to cease his actions, even if she had not made such a promise. He wasn't sure what he would do should she not be pure . . . but he did know that he was more than willing to find out. So with that thought strong in mind, he shifted a bit closer to her and raised a hand to her cheek, tucking back a strand of loose hair before letting his hand gently caress her cheek, feeling the softness of her skin, and that desire for her continuing to build at a rapid pace. "I don't think I've told you how beautiful you are," he said as he slowly leaned closer to her. Though he knew women liked to hear such praise, he wasn't just saying it for the sake of it. His words were sincere and genuine . . . for he found her to be far more attractive and exquisite than his mind could have ever imagined.

[Guinevère]

"I don't think I've told you how beautiful you are," Arthur told her and Guinevère could feel his words. Odd, for most complements she felt people said because she was a princess, daugher of a powerful king. Yet when he looked at her like that, and said the words in that tone--she felt beautiful. Even with everything going through her she felt pleased he thought her so.

Arthur moved closer, but his words made her blush a soft, yet bright pink and look down. It caused his forehead to touch her hair instead. Or perhaps his face. She wasn't sure and it took her a moment before she was able to look back up at him. She wanted to say something but now she was feeling so much in this moment she had trouble even forming words. She wanted to reach up and move his hair back, to see his face.

His eyes however, stopped her from doing anything else. They were so bright and so very blue that she could not look away. She felt as if he really saw her, not the girl before him but into her. As if these eyes showed her everything.

[Arthur Pendragon]

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[Guinevère]

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[Arthur Pendragon]

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