How History Had It Wrong

[Guinevère]

"In my father's kingdom, such a flirtation could get her banished." She told Arthur, bringing up the topic that would need to speak on. "She is the daughter of a baker and a chambermaid." A servant, "When another maid grew ill years ago she took her place scrubbing the floors in my chambers and as my nanny brushed my hair and it hurt, I looked into the mirror and saw her give me a look that was mean to comfort me. As if she would not trade places with me for anything, but she thought I was doing well under the hands of the woman."

"I ended up asking her to stay and sending everyone away and we spoke for hours." Rosa was not a servant to Guinevère. "She is my friend and I would not see her harmed. You friend is not of noble blood but he is a knight. I fear I must ask, what would be allowed to come of it, before I do any encouraging." And as for Lancelot, she would not bring him more into this conversation then was needed, for it was clear her husband was still seeing the man as something besides a friend. Until that day she would not tell him of her father's orders, in hoped they could still form a bond.

[Arthur Pendragon]

"In my father's kingdom, such a flirtation could get her banished." Arthur knew where this conversation was going . . . for it was not only in her father's kingdom that such behavior had serious repercussions. It was the way of many -- if not all -- kingdoms. Which was why Arthur's actions had deviated from tradition; his actions of knighting non noble men. It was similar to the issue presented now . . . one that touched on the subject of equality and ranks. She spoke of how she came to know Rosa, and how she was not just a maid to her . . . but a friend. Arthur could respect that, and knew that Guinevère's concerns came from a sincere and honest place, for she was just looking after her friend. "It seems you care for her a great deal," Arthur said, knowing that such a thing was no secret nor did Guinevère pretend otherwise. He actually thought it was admirable. For while Arthur had not grown up with such a strong emphasis in status, Guinevère had.

She was a born princess where as he was a born bastard of a king. Arthur paused for a few moments, collecting his thoughts. He did not often feel the need to justify his reasons for knight the men . . . but he wanted to explain himself to her. For she was his wife and if she was being honest with him, then he should be honest with her. "The men that I knighted of non noble upbringing, were men I grew up with. They worked the land at my mother's estate, and have always been the greatest support and strongest friends I have ever known. They are more my brother than anyone else, blood relation or not." They were more of brothers to him than Morgana was a sister. "They risked their lives to save Camelot from Morgana's wrath, without a selfish thought to themselves. They did so, because they are loyal and brave men." Arthur may tease them mercilessly, but never would he have a true negative word against them. For they had been, and still were his family.

"I do not believe that a person should be judged on what blood flows through their veins, but by their actions and strength of heart." Words he knew had sparked a great deal of controversy . . . but ones he would forever stand by. "These men are the most honorable ones I know. And if Rosa has developed an affection for one of them, then why deprive her and Galahad of what could make them happy?" Guinevère spoke highly of Rosa, and that made Arthur more comfortable in encouraging . . . whatever relationship was building between them. For like a brother, he too was protective over Galahad. "You speak highly of her, so why should she be judged on solely her rank rather than the goodness in her heart?" A question that he already knew the answer to: she should not be judged by her rank. "Rosa and Galahad would have my blessing." Would Guinevère be in favor of this? Or was it far too much of a deviation from what was considered traditional and proper.

[Guinevère]

"I do not believe that a person should be judged on what blood flows through their veins, but by their actions and strength of heart." He told her, and went on to explain how the men had begun as his friends and how they were as men. Risking their life and land for a chance at getting someone they believed to be better on the throne. They had not done it for glory and riches but because of their faith in Arthur.

He spoke like he meant it, and not only understood her friendship with Rosa which had been seen as something odd in her kingdom, but respected her choice of friends. "Rosa and Galahad would have my blessing." Guinevère found herself smiling as he said that, her chin raising up in pride at the man before her. "Then I shall as that he perhaps keeps her company while I spend a few hours with my husband in the carriage alone, so that I might get to know him better." And she wanted to get to know him so much better, because every time she learned something new about her husband she liked it even more.

That was when something occurred to her, and it was as bold and unheard of as allowing a servant and a knight to marry. "We would be staying a noble's homes?" She asked, building up to her point while trying to remain casual. "Some homes are deep into the country and lack the comforts of the city."

"Such as non-public hallways, and easily guarded rooms." Meaning he might need to not switch rooms in the middle of the night. "I would feel safer if someone was near." It was not fear that brought these words to her lips, but another emotion that made her seek to keep him close. Here they had their own chambers and he came only when it was time for walk her below or when they were meant to . . . . at night. "I am just trying to be logical." She added on, feeling a bit nervous for asking this of him.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur smiled when she seemed to be in approval of Galahad and Rosa's . . . relationship. If that what it would be called. He would speak to Galahad later about courting Rosa and making sure to speak to the queen before doing so, as Rosa was her friend. But now the conversation seemed to move along to . . . sleeping arrangements in the noble's homes. It was enough to cause a strong rush of anticipation and pleasure in Arthur . . . knowing that spending nights with him was something his wife wanted. It was something that she was already planning, and considering. "You're right," he said, as if the realization had just come to him. He had indeed planned to spend nights with her when they traveled, for he was already so used to going to her chambers every night, and most of the time falling asleep in it.

Besides, they were newly weds. Surely the nobles would understand. And it would be one less room for them to prepare. "It's good that you brought this to light Guinevère," Arthur said as if he was thinking over a few things . . . for he had decided to tease her. He knew what she was implying, what she was suggesting and indirectly asking . . . just as he knew his answer was instantaneous. But, where would the fun be if he didn't play with her a little? "I will be sure that there is an extra bed in your room so that Rosa can keep you company. And that your room is securely guarded." His answer would always be yes if she asked him to stay . . . but he wanted her to ask him. Just as she sometimes did at night. Managing to suppress a smirk, he moved his drink to his lips so that he would not chuckle in amusement at his own teasing.

[Guinevère]

"You're right," Arthur told her in agreement, and she felt her face light up with pleasure as she was pleased he agree with her. That had been rather easy! She had thought that surely--"I will be sure that there is an extra bed in your room so that Rosa--"Anything else he said faded a bit as she realized he had not understood her suggestion. Not at all. He was thinking of putting Rosa in her chambers. Had she not been clear?

Her smiled faded a little and seemed more forced as she took took a drink of her wine in order to give herself a moment to think of how to ask him, or suggest to him that he should--or could--retire with her at night. "You do not think that would be too much trouble?" She asked, looking up at him, "A guest room and a bed, and men on so many doors? Surely there might be a simpler way to keep safe and not trouble them so much?"

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur not not failed to notice how she had smiled so brightly . . . and how it had faded so quickly. It only added to his amusement with his little jest, and wondered how long he could keep it going for. She was getting closer and closer, and he would continue to try to have her ask him . . . and in the meantime, would remain completely oblivious to the subtly of what she was trying to suggest. "Is there?" He asked curiously as he paused in a 'pensive' silence. "Well I suppose we could ask for a two person chamber so that way the bed would not actually have to be moved in there, but would already be there. And we'll divide the guards between the main hall of your guest chamber to the smaller hallway so that all the parameters are covered."

In his mind, he was planning to have a room where there would not be guards stationed outside their doors . . . in case they . . . well, heard sounds that might cause them alarm. And thus, may interrupt them. "You're right Guinevère. That does make things a lot more simpler." Once again, he felt the need to take another small sip of his wine, not so much out of need to quench his thirst, but to conceal his humor at this entire 'misinterpretation' of her words.

[Guinevère]

Again, Arthur seemed to misunderstand what she was wanting from him. Watching she tried to figure out what she was saying wrong and how better to hint to him that she wanted her HUSBAND by her side not . . . .

She only just noticed his lips as he drank, with the smallest hint of enjoyment there. Did he know what she wanted? Was he playing with her? Wanting her to come out and say it? Ask him to join her in their chambers instead of Rosa and men guarding the door!

Guinevère looked down for a moment before nodding her head, "Your right, that sounds rather safe for me, I shall sleep quite well unbothered, Thank you." She told him, though unlike him she had trouble keeping the little pleased smirk from her lips.

[Arthur Pendragon]

When she seemed to 'agree' with him, Arthur found himself . . . disappointed. Was she actually serious? Had he caused her to forsake her initial suggestion? He looked at her, trying to figure out how to ask . . . when he noticed the smirk on her own face. Hmm . . . now wasn't this interesting. Arthur looked at her for several moments, hoping he wasn't just misinterpreting the look on her face. Stepping a bit closer to her, he made sure to keep his voice low, for he did not want prying ears to hear what he was about to say. "I seem to recall you however telling me that you will not be packing any night gowns," he said, recalling an earlier part of their conversation. Her first suggestive remark which his mind had still not let go of.

"So while Rosa will keep you company and the guards will keep you safe . . . what may I ask, will keep you warm at night?" His voice was a whisper, meant only for her ears and therefore audible to only her. "Shall I . . . make sure extra blankets are given to you?" He added as a further tease. For he planned to be all those things for her. He would be the one keeping her company, and he would keep her safe and . . . he would be what kept her warm in the late hours of the night.

[Guinevère]

Arthur stepped closer and spoke of her nightgowns confirming that they were indeed on the same thoughts and both thinking about the same things for their nights. Still, as punishment for his teasing her she was inclined to play the game he started for a few moments and let him see how it felt to be on the other side.

"Yet that will be a whole trunk or two that we will need to add to our journey for blankets are thick and take up space. Perhaps I should re-think my no-night gowns. If there would be nothing else to warm me, then I stall need something." She was only rather hoping however that it was HIM keeping her warm at night. Nothing else would do.

[Arthur Pendragon]

She was playing with him . . . though even still, her revenge was felt by him. As he much rather enjoyed the thought of her not bringing any night gowns . . . and the mental images it placed in his mind. And . . . suddenly he wanted this feast to come to an end. So that he could retire to his wife's chambers with her. "I fear we do not have space for an extra trunk for your night gowns and blankets," he lied. They technically did have space, but Arthur wanted to discourage her from bringing such things along. And thus limiting her possibilities. "And now that I think about it, since the weather is warmer, the extra blankets will most likely be kept in storage and unattainable." Another mild lie.

"Shame. Seems we will have to think of another solution to ensure you remain warm at night." Though, it seemed they both knew the perfect solution. While it had all started with his own teasing . . . hers was truly having an impact on him. For he really didn't want her to rethink her suggestion, or plan to dress warmly for the night. He would be there, eagerly. And would be far more useful than any blanket. In the end . . . she may win this round, though he would have to see how much more he would be able to prolong his side of the tease for.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère smiled unable to even pretend she was not enjoying their game and playing it well--at least she hoped she played it well. "My father's kingdom is to the north, and my night gowns are very suitable for that weather." She began, "Rosa can do some rather wondrous things when packing a truck for travel. I would not worry for space." Yet, now that she had her fun, she also knew that it was time to admit defeat.

"Unless you have alternative?" Another manner of keeping her warm and not packing night gowns nor blankets. With guards and Rosa not in the room. A room where they could be alone and together and the doors could be locked so no one could enter. "I am open to suggestions." Among other things.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Suitable for colder weather? That meant thick and . . . possibly more difficult to remove. Arthur didn't like the sound of that. He didn't like it one bit. He even liked it less when she spoke of how Rosa would be able to make everything fit. He would need to make sure she didn't pack any of it . . . for he grew rather impatient when having to remove layer upon layer. While he sometimes enjoyed the build up . . . he never really lasted that long. In fact, it was lucky that his impatience had not caused any of her garments to rip thus far. "I happen to have a very effective method of keeping warm in the absence of clothing." He was unable to keep pretending like he enjoyed the thought of her packing so much clothing for the night.

So when she asked her question, he was ready with an answer. One more . . . understanding of what she had initially been asking. "I will show you tonight," he further explained, clear suggestiveness in his voice. For he was not longer joking or teasing. Merely stating that he would prove to her tonight that he could keep her warm, and that she would not need to bring additional clothing with her. And that Rosa's skill in packing a trunk would be unneeded.

[Guinevère]

Arthur promised to show her tonight and Guinevère felt her face heat with a blush. Her eyes stayed on his for a moment before they fell down over his jawline and neck, following down over his shoulder and chest before dropping to the little space between them. Her eyes then flew back up to his face with a bit of a deeper blush and wide eyed surprise.

She rarely looked at him and she was finding the need to see him growing rather deeply. "Then I shall count the moments until tonight and hope that you plan to retire quickly." For she longed for their time together. Newly married they might be, she was learning what things were like for a wife and she wanted to know more. Oddly, only the thought of him was able to bring out this side of her. "I should make my rounds until then. Find me for the last dance, save it for me. Then afterward we should pretend to go to the balcony." Instead retire to their chambers.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur noticed the way her eyes moved over him . . . especially when she looked up at him with a strong blush on her cheeks. He had a feeling he knew why. She spoke of how she would count the moments, and hoped that he would retire early. It was so strange. Arthur loved the glory of being victorious in any competition -- something he had craved every time he won as 'Sir William. But now, all he could think about was how he wanted to leave to spend the rest of the night with his wife. It was such a strange change . . . and yet not strange at all. For he was learning how much power a single woman could have over him. Whether she realized it or not. He watched her as she spoke of saving the last dance, and then continued to stare as she slowly walked away. He hadn't expected his marriage to be like this . . . and the fact that it was, was certainly not a bad thing.

In a woman that he thought he would only have a formal relationship with, he was finding a friend . . . a confidant . . . a companion. All the things that his heart had longed for -- whether he knew it or not. Only now to be realized when he had such a woman in his life. His attention was diverted when a few nobles came to him, congratulating him on his victory. Arthur politely smiled and had to force his eyes to remain focused on them. Yet knowing she was in the room, made it so very difficult to not stare at her. He was a born noble, not raised in this world. But she was a princess, and she possessed the grace and elegance of one. The poise and beauty. And so many other things that were under the already perfect exterior. Somehow, Arthur managed to engage himself in a conversation with these men, though his thoughts would always be of his wife.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère smiled at the ladies she spoke too, held conversation with the knights, and enjoyed her evening--though the whole night she was turning so her eyes could easily watch her husband. Seeing him speaking to others and charming the room the way he did with only his smile. He seemed to be the perfect host from where she was, and speaking with people about him she learned many though him a wonderful king. He was their champion and their king--and every soul in the room lifted toasts up in his name.

Pride was a wonderful things in small amounts, and her whole heart was filled with it. Earlier she had realized she loved him. Now, standing on the edge of the dancing area, purposefully not looking his way, she waited for him to come and claim her for their dance. Butterflies danced in her belly as she tried to think of how he would dance. Would be be graceful from years of practice? Or powerful and controlling from years of leading? Would he step smoothly from years of being light on his feet fighting, or come down hard and stomp as he attacking dancing like a battle?

[Arthur Pendragon]

He wasn't sure how much time had passed engaging in casual conversation with so many others . . . but soon enough, he noticed that couples starting heading to the designated area of the hall for dancing. That, was when he knew it was time to ask his queen for a dance, as she had instructed him to do so. But that wasn't the only reason. He wanted to dance with her, with his wife. His eyes went to her and noticed that they were not looking at him. A smile formed on his lips, and as he took a step toward her, someone stopped him. A noble, who said that they wished to offer their congratulations. Arthur remained polite and thanked them, though was hardly paying attention to what the man was saying for his gaze went between the noble and the queen. Finally, he seemed finished talking and Arthur bid him farewell. At last! He could hurry to his wife . . . yet with another step, someone else stopped him. An elder noblewoman, who had the same words of congratulations. Yes Arthur liked the praise and glory, but not right now! He was getting impatient to see his wife though managed to keep his impatience to himself and politely nodded, smiled and returned her words with a few of his own.

It seemed every time he took a step closer to Guinevère, someone would stop him. And it was getting frustrating. Another noblewoman and nobleman now joined the conversation, and they were all talking. Arthur was trying to remain respectful but he feared that it would get to a point where he would just excuse himself. Noticing out of the corner of his eye, another man approach Guinevère was when Arthur knew he couldn't wait any longer. He politely excused himself, thanking them once again for their words. As Arthur weaved through the crowd to get to Guinevère before Lancelot . . . he slowed down. Realizing that she had asked him to give Lancelot a chance. Arthur wasn't entirely sure he trusted her father's champion, but he trusted Guinevère. And that was enough. So rather than butt in their conversation, Arthur stood to the side, realizing that neither Lancelot nor Guinevère had noticed his presence though he was not far. He would just wait to see if Lancelot asked her to dance . . . and would force himself not to interfere.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère was waiting for Arthur to come find her, and she smiled when he heard heavy foots steps come and slow. Turning her head toward them, her smile slipped. "Sir Lancelot." She greeted softly, feeling the need to look toward her hand that were folded before her, out of the slight embarrassment of their last meeting where he saw her in a bit less then full dressed.

'My lady,' He greeted, before watching her for a moment. 'You looked as if you wished to dance. I thought to offer myself.' He kindly offered and she hoped that she could explain things without embarrassing them both further. "I fear I cannot dance with you, for I am waiting for my husband to join me." Forcing her eyes up to his she smiled applogticly before looking over to the people dancing still unable to hold his gaze.

'You cannot even look at me, Gwen? It was not always so.' This was the moment she had been putting off, but she wished that it had not happened now. Trying to appear as if this was just a friendly conversation she forced her eyes to him. "My father was unfair to you, and my heart hurts for the way you were treated in this deal. If there is anything that can be done to help you in any way, please just let me or Rosa know and we will try to help you." There was a strong 'however' in her tone, and she hoped her face looked apologetic.

"I cannot be Gwen to you any longer . . . . It would be unfair to us both and to my husband . . . . My life is with him now, and I am embraced it . . . more then embarrassed it, for I . . . " I love him. "My loyalty is with him, and I find my heart growing in my life here."

"I am sorry, but I will wait for my husband to claim this dance, as it belongs to him." He looked at her for a long moment, as she looked at him in return, before he bowed his head without removing his gaze from her, and then walking away.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur was conveniently close enough to hear majority of Lancelot and Guinevère's conversation. Not that he had planned to eavesdrop . . . alright well perhaps a little . . . subconsciously . . . maybe . . . yes. He knew he should respect the privacy of their conversation and walk away . . . then again it was a hall full of people so not the most private location. Arthur could have been anyone, close enough to hear what they were talking about. While he knew it was terrible justification, he grew distracted from his guilt -- but not regret -- when they started talking. Lancelot -- of course -- offered to himself for her to dance with. That was not something Arthur hadn't expected . . . and he declining of his offer made a small victorious smile form on the king's lips. It was Lancelot's next words that made it fade. Gwen? He called her . . . Gwen?! That was far too casual for Arthur's liking, especially considering she was queen now.

Arthur made a face that held a bit of disgust in the casual nature he spoke to her . . . and it made him wonder if Lancelot had, expected things to be differently with her married to another. But whatever disapproval Arthur had, it was solely for one of them . . . because Guinevère's words made Arthur's own heart swell with pride. It wasn't that he distrusted her . . . but they were still getting to know each other. So to know that she was loyal to him, that she would not even dance with another man -- or mainly Lancelot -- filled him with unimaginable relief. He knew he could not always interrogate her about her father's champion, and he only prayed that Lancelot took the hint and did not keep pestering her. In fact, Arthur did feel some sympathy for him. It was clear that he loved her . . . and it could not be easy to watch her live her life with another man. While it still did not give him the right to try and interfere with her and Arthur's relationship . . . Arthur could find enough sympathy to remind himself why there was a strong need to be kind to the champion. Or well, champion in her father's kingdom.

Arthur waited a few moments after Lancelot left, not wanting to make it obvious that he was nearby listening to all she had said to him. But the former impatience he had experienced overtook his actions and after a few minutes, he walked up to her from behind. Clearing his throat, he waited for her to turn around before he gave a bit of a bow and held out his hand for her to take. "My Lady," he said, a soft smile on his lips. "I believe I owe you a dance." She had waited for him . . . not wanting to be in the arms of another man -- one that she had previously been told she would one day wed. It meant a great deal to him, knowing that he'd come first to her . . . and from this moment on, knew that she would always come first to him. Always be his priority. While it was not easy for him to trust others . . . he also knew that from this moment onwards, he trusted her completely. For she had more than earned it, and never again would he question the nature of her and Lancelot's relationship . . . not on her part.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère watched Lancelot walk away and then closed her eyes to gain her composure. While she did not love Lancelot, he was a good man and a brave knight who selflessly fought for king and kingdom. She hated hurting him, but knew sometimes you had to be curl to be kind. He would never be able to move on, unless she made him let go.

Hearing Arthur's voice made her open her eyes and a bright but sad smile greeted him. "You do owe me this dance, I was waiting for you." She reminded him playfully, trying to bring up her own mood. She needed his arms around her, and his smiling giving her that hope. If she could find this so very expectantly, then surely anyone could and there was hope for Lancelot yet. Feeling that hope she dipped her head and stepped into Arthur's arms. "Dance with me, then take me to bed." For she wanted to be held.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur had not failed to notice that her smile was not as bright as it could be, and he would do all that he could to remedy it. He didn't want her to feel sad or upset or anything less than happy. Even with unchangeable circumstances. Arthur's arms were ready for her and when she stepped closer, putting his hands in position as if it dance . . . but knew that he was more holding her than anything else. It had been mere hours since he'd last held her . . . yet felt like an eternity. There was something so comforting about having her near; something that warmed his entire body, soul and heart. It was indescribable . . . and made it feel like he needed her more than he'd ever needed anyone before. Her words made him smile, wanting nothing more than to be alone with her again. He leaned forward his lips right near her ear.

"I would like nothing more than that," he whispered, his lips caressing her cheek for a moment as he just remained close to her, his cheek resting against the side of her head as he slowly swayed to the music that he hardly heard. He was not very public about his emotions, even less open about such public displays of affection. But right now, he didn't care. Everyone could be staring at them and he still wouldn't care. It felt as all else ceased to exist in this world of formality and the court life. Right now, it was only about her; about making her smile and putting her mind to ease. Finally, he slowly drew his head back so that he could look at her, a smile still on his lips. "Have you been enjoying the evening thus far?" He asked, wondering how she had been liking her first victory feast in Camelot.