How History Had It Wrong

[Guinevère]

Guinevère thought it was kind of him to offer his own personal men to protect her. Yes she understood why he was doing it. He wanted no harm to come to her, and he was putting someone he trusted near her. It made her feel safe all over again. "Thank you for that, I will take your offer." For her trip to the market.

"My father's knight and your personal one. Would that be enough?" She did not wish to have too many men around her, but would allow what he thought was best. "For Rosa, my hand maid, and I?" So he would also know she did not go along with just men. Not that he would not trust him men, but Rosa was her dear friend and she would make sure the girl had things to send to her own father back home.

[Arthur Pendragon]

He gave a small nod when she thanked him, and thought over her other question, though knew the answer. "We have guards patrolling the market, and stationed at different areas. You will be safe. Do not fear." Had he any doubts, he would send all his men out with her to escort him. Though wondered if she wanted more guards for her own peace of mind. Pulling on his shirt, he then sat at the edge of the bed to put on his boots, though turned his head so that he could look at her while speaking to her. "Would you feel more at ease with more guards?" He asked curiously, knowing that she may have her doubts about him assuring she was protected.

As trust was something earned and they had only just recently met. He didn't want her to be worried during her entire market trip however. "If so, I can send more of my men with you and your handmaiden." Rosa, as Guinevère had said her name was. He would send the men he trusted the most, the ones he'd grown up with and were as brothers to him.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère watched him walk toward the bed and smiled softly, feeling that watching him dress was very domestic of them. She found she sort of like it. Likes watching him prepare for his day. "I rather not take too many men from protecting their king in order to look at fabrics." She teased, knowing that she would feel crowded. She wanted to explore and get to know the people in the towns and markets.

"I will take my father's man and one of your personal ones." Two men to keep her safe, "Surely this close to the castle and with so many guard around two will all that is needed?" Perhaps she would even see about learning more of her husband from one of his trusted men. Looking forward to it, she sat up slightly, and made sure that she stayed covered before leaning in to kiss his cheek. "I will be ready to visit the markets in two hours. Will that well?" She hoped.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur gave a bit of an amused smile when she joked about not wanting to take too many men to look at fabrics. Truth be told he'd rather have them looking after her than him, but if she did not want to take so many, then he was obviously not going to force them on her. He wanted her to be comfortable and feel safe. And if he could not go there with her, then he would make sure that those he trusted completely were. "Two will be more than enough," he assured her. In the six months that Arthur had been king, he'd been trying to purge the kingdom of threats . . . mostly the enemies that dwelled within, wishing to harm others. There was still a great of work that needed to be done, but the castle walls and city was well protected, extremely secure. Once his boots were on, he was pleasantly surprised when she kissed him on the cheek.

It was a sweet and perfect little embrace and he found himself enjoying the casualness and ease in which she had done it. He looked at her smiling, wishing they could just spend the morning in bed. He put his hand on her cheek once again, just resting it there. "Whenever you are ready to go, my knight will be ready," he confirmed. He leaned forward to kiss her lips, unable to grow tired of such an action. Slowly pulling away, he kept their faces close as he rested his forehead against hers. "Perhaps next time I can join you at the market place," he offered. For he knew that their marriage would not work if it was only based on the physical intimacy at night; he wanted to spend time with her. Get to know her. And with all that was going on, all those that were present, and all the feasts and celebrations . . . he felt that he hadn't gotten much time to do that. Apart from the late hours of course.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère enjoyed kissing her husband, and was surprised and pleased with his suggestion that they could go together sometime. Her face turned surprised and a small smile spread into a larger one. "Really?" She asked in a happy tone, thinking that is was different then that she was used to with noble men. Arthur wanted to spend time with her in the market?

"That would be wonderful," She said told him, thinking of that day with hope. "I hope that it will be a day that come sooner rather then later." Meaning she wished to spend time with him. "I shall see you later in the day then." She teased, "And tonight." So he would know he was welcome to come here, and spend the time with her if he so wished. That she was welcoming.

[Arthur Pendragon]

She seemed to be in favor of his suggestion, and he was relieved for that. As he was uncertain as to how she wished to build their relationship. So to know that they seemed to want the same thing -- to spend time together rather than just treat this as a solely political arrangement for the rest of his lives -- made him quite glad. "Once all the feasts are at an end, we will have more time to spend together," he promised her. Just until then, their attentions would be divided among the guests and apart from night, they would mostly only be able to spend time when they were attending a feast together. She spoke of saying that she would see him later in the day, and then added 'tonight'.

It was enough to make Arthur's smile grow a bit, for it meant a great deal. It meant that she wanted him to come, that last night had been better than the one before. "I look forward to it," he said in a low voice. Kissing her lips again, he let it linger before he regrettably and hesitantly pulled back. "I shall leave you to get ready then." Even though he really didn't want to. But they would have to get on with their day. With that, he forced himself to stand up and pulled on his jacket, before gathering his chain mail, sword, cape and crown.

[Guinevère]

She watched him gather his things and she called out a soft, "Until later," before he walked out. Her fingers touched her lips and she smiled at the taste of him there. Arthur. Her husband. Last night was so wonderful, and she moved back to rest on the pillows to enjoy it. When Rosa came in, Guinevère let her help her rise and dress. Rosa would send knowing looks at Guinevère, which only made Guinevère blush harder.

Then came the hour for the market, and Guinevère--arms linked with Rosa--walked down to meet her husband's knight and let him and Lancelot escort them through the markets. She only hoped that she could find the gifts she wanted as well as perhaps something to give to her husband tonight to thank him for last night. She wasn't even sure what she was looking for. Surely she would know the perfect gift when she saw it.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Once Arthur returned to his chambers, he quickly readied for the day, freshening up and changing into clean clothing. He sent for Galahad and explained the important task that he had. The knight just seemed happy to get out of training for the day. After proper instruction was given, Galahad went off to meet with the queen and the champion from her kingdom and Arthur went to start his training session for the day. Galahad dressed in his knightly attire and went to meet the queen who was already waiting with her handmaiden and Sir Lancelot, who looked as serious as ever.

"Greetings My Lady!" He stated as he lowered himself in a bow. "I am Sir Galahad, here to escort you to the marketplace.' Though he knew she probably already knew that, he only wished to be polite as she was going to be crowned queen today. "Shall we?" He asked, motioning to the entrance to the market, and awaiting her maid and the knight to start walking before he followed suit.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère smiled in greeting to Galahad, "Good morning, Sir, it is wonderful to meet you." She told him, honestly glad to meet someone close to her husband. Galahad would be leading them to the market today and Guinevère was looking forward too it. Lancelot moved forward to take her arm, and cutting off her sight of the knight for a few moments as she tried to speak again. "And this Sir Lancelot, and Rosa." So they all would have introductions.

Not many introduced their maids but Rosa wasn't that to Guinevère. She was a friend first and foremost, and Guinevère saw her more as an companion then servant. As they all were escorted toward the market, Guinevère would speak to either Galahad and Rosa or Lancelot and Rosa, for it seemed it was hard to draw both men into one conversation. Lancelot would move them along and even suggest to the next place to go, making their trip an efficient one rather then a casual walk.

She had trouble asking Galahad too much about her husband, for the conversation would be cut off or changed by another. She wondered if Lancelot found it hard to hear about her marriage so soon, so in the end she let the conversation of Arthur wait for another time.

[Arthur Pendragon]

The little outing was . . . interesting. Galahad was focusing on many different things. The first and most important being ensuring the queen's protection, so his guard was raised for every second they were out. The next was getting to know the queen a little, for she was not surrounded by hundreds of people demanding her attention. Her, and her maid Rosa. As he and the other non-noble knights were not quite used to nobility, they still tended to engage in conversations that other nobles may deem 'improper' with those of a lower class. So he enjoyed talking to Rosa, even trying to be charming with her and flatter her. He attempted to do the same with the queen -- in complete jest of course -- but it seemed that every time he tried, Lancelot's gaze fell heavily on him. And it didn't seem as if it were done in a protective way. The end result -- that resulted in a pattern before Galahad just stopped trying -- was that the champion would lead Guinevère a few steps ahead so that she could look at what she set out to.

It was a bit odd, but not enough to dampen the mood. Only enough to raise Galahad's curiosity. Perhaps the champion was just over protective of the queen, as they all were. But goodness! He could at least allow the knight to get to know Guinevère. Even though the knight hardly knew Lancelot himself, for he tended to keep to himself and focus on the task at hand, rather than try to have a little fun doing so. What was life without a little fun anyway?! The only good thing that came out of it, was that should any of them need to carry purchases that Guinevère made -- girly fabrics or anything -- then Galahad was fairly certain Lancelot would leap at the opportunity, as he seemed permanently attached to her side.

[Guinevère]

By the time the outing was over, Guinevère went to thank Galahad, for his time, but instead had to let Rosa do it for her, as Lancelot thought it best she not linger in the market. Sending Galahad an apologetic smile she promised at dinner she would seek him out and then was escorted inside. Rosa seemed charmed by the man, and Guinevère teased her about it on the way up their chambers. She hoped Rosa would find friends here, and thought it would be wonderful if she could even find love.

Though not in the knight. She wasn't sure how things worked in this world, but in their own knights did NOT flirt nor marry servants. She didn't want Rosa hurt. When they reached Guinevère's chambers, Rosa spoke her alone about Lancelot, for he had never been this . . . like this. Guinevère told her that she was assuming it was the new place and all the adjustments. She told Rosa that she hoped with time he would make friends, and start trusting people rather then not trusting any of them.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Once the outing was over, Galahad waited until the king had a few moments to assure him that everything went well. He spoke of how she had seemed to enjoy herself in the city, and casually inquired as to whether the king knew if Guinevère's maid Rosa was married or betrothed. Arthur just gave him a look, which was return by a toothy grin from the young knight. The two engaged in casual conversation, and Galahad -- talking more than he thought -- brought up Lancelot's behavior. Said more in a way to suggest that he be given a night of so that we and the others could take him out for a few drinks and let him enjoy life. Though thrown in there, was the fact that he seemed very protective of the queen. An admirable trait, had Galahad not also mentioned that he seemed a bit disapproving whenever he tried to speak to her. Arthur did not dwell on it, for he did not know Lancelot well.

Though subconsciously, the words sunk into his mind. With all that was happening today, mostly Guinevère's coronation, he wasn't going to overly concern himself with it right now. Thanking Galahad for his duties, Arthur went to meet with council for a few hours, before finalizing preparations for the coronation before he had to get ready for it. Everything seemed to be set. The grand hall was elaborately decorated for the grand event and everyone seemed anxious to see Guinevère formally receive the title that she was given along with his marriage. He stood at the end of the hall, waiting for the doors to be opened so that he could formally name her Queen Guinevère Pendragon of Camelot.

[Guinevère]

Rosa had Guinevère's hair curled slightly, and resting around her perfectly. She wore once again her purple dress, with lace sleeves, and the necklace her husband had given her. Her shoes were shinning and perfect, everything was perfect. It had to be, for today she would be on display, and everyone would be watching.

Her father and his men escorted her down, before he kissed her forehead and walked in alone. Then she waited there with Rosa for a moment. After a kiss on her best friend's cheek Rosa stepped behind her and adjusted the slight train and then the men opened the doors.

Guinevère felt like running to the end of the hall, knowing everyone would be watching her walk down but somehow she managed to walk slowly down. Her eyes on her husband's face, a soft and nervous smile on her lips as she grew closer to him. Once she was at the end of the walk way, Guinevère knelled on the steps, knowing at the moment she was just his wife, but in just seconds she would be his wife.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur stood at the front of the hall as the doors opened and Guinevère stepped in. She looked as radiant as ever, clad in such regal attire that truly looked like a queen. His eyes locked on her as she took slow and graceful steps toward the stage he was on. Once she kneeling in front of him, he looked at her with a soft smile on his lips. After a few moments, the crown was presented on a bright red pillow and Arthur reached over to carefully take it in his hands. He looked forward, slightly raising the crown so that all would see. "By the sacred laws vested in me," he began as he slowly lowered the crown onto her head, the fit was excellent and it seemed to complete her already perfect. Had Arthur been any less composed, he would have fumbled over his words and actions having been distracted by how beautiful she looked -- mixed in with the memories of last night.

"I crown you, Guinevère; Queen of Camelot." And it was official. Camelot had a new queen, one that would not bring forth tyranny, nor be ruthless toward the people. They could have someone they were proud to call their queen. When the crown was in place, Arthur lowered his hands to help her up from her knelt position. When she out her hands in his, he raised her up and looked at her with a soft expression for a few moments, before releasing one hand and slightly holding up the other as they simultaneously turned to face the crowd. "Long Live the queen!" He announced strongly, his voice filling the otherwise silent hall. The words echoed through the crowd, as every chanted these words. Suddenly, Camelot had more hope than ever before.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère held his hand tightly as he helped her hand, not wishing to fall and make a fool of herself. She however, forgot about falling when she looked up into his eyes and found herself feeling his support so strongly that she knew she would not fall. Turning to face the crowd, she keep her head high and her smile in place for she was his wife in every single way now. In the eyes of the law, in his bed, and now his queen.

While she might have felt shocked, hopeless and betrayed when her father told her of his decision without asking her for her mind--in this moment she felt none of these things. Only hope. Only confidant that they might make this work. Arthur was a good man to her, and surely that was the best start she could have had.

They walked down the few steps together and the crowds fell into them, moving closer to be the first to offer their congratulations. She felt the next few hours smiling and laughing on Arthur's arm. They would speak with people, and talk and joke. It was odd to feel so relaxed with him, but it just felt . . . natural. As if this was how it was meant to be. Every now and then, she would squeeze his hand to remind herself he was near her, or to just say hello to him as speaking with him was hard even though he was beside her the whole night.

The whole perfect night.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Everything at the ceremony went wonderfully. The people offered their congratulations and praise to the now official queen of Camelot. And even Guinevère seemed to be enjoying herself, as was he. They were able to share laughs, joke with others, and had their arms linked nearly the entire time. Amidst all this, Galahad's earlier words rung in Arthur's ears about Lancelot. It was because of that that Arthur's eyes would sometime go to him and he would notice that the champion's gaze was a little too intently focused on Guinevère. Protective was one thing . . . but Arthur wasn't sure what to make of this. Though it wasn't enough to distract him for the entire evening; he enjoyed the celebrations and the feast. For this was all for his new wife and she truly did deserve this evening to be focused solely on her.

The feast followed and it was splendid; all the food was of the highest standard, and they sat near Guinevère's father so that they could spend some time with him, as he would be leaving after tonight. Arthur had never quite had a difficult time getting along to the king, which was why he was so willing to wed his daughter. And Arthur was not the slightest bit disappointed thus far. In fact, she had exceeded all expectations he could have ever had for a wife, both in terms of her beauty as well as her personality which he was learning more and more about every moment he spend with her.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère had such a wonderful time, that when it was time for bed she almost wasn't ready for bed. Yet one whisper from her husband and she knew that while she wasn't tired even a little bit--she was very ready for bed. Arthur escorted her to her father for a hug and goodbye, before Arthur too her to her chambers.

There she had a surprise for him. As she had though this morning of finding a give for him, she had. She has not wanted his knight to know, so she had asked Rosa to take care of while everyone else celebrated. Upon reaching her chambers, Guinevère turned and put her back to the door. "I have a surprise for you." She told him with a smile, "Close your eyes and let me take you in." Reaching for his hands she waited for is eyes to close.

[Arthur Pendragon]

The celebrations began to draw to a close, and once they said their farewells to the guests, Arthur escorted Guinevère back to her chambers. The walk back to her chambers this night didn't feel remotely as awkward as it had the previous night. Although once they arrived at the door, she paused to face him and told him to close his eyes. Arthur looked at her, with a curious smile and an intrigued expression behind his eyes. What surprise did she have for him? Of course, considering that it was night and they were going into her chambers -- and after last night . . . -- well, he had a guess or two as to what this could lead to. Which only made him eager to comply.

So tempted by all the endless possibilities of what she had planned in her chambers for the night, Arthur closed his eyes and felt take his hand, leading her into the room. Perhaps he should have planned a surprise for her, since it was her day after all . . . but he was not going to object to what she had in store for him. He was finding more and more, than she always managed to surprise him, and he loved that. For it kept things interesting and exciting. And was making his marriage to her far from dull.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère lead him into the room with a smile, and shut the door behind them. She lead him toward the rug before the fire, so they all would be warmer. "Wait here, you can sit on the rug." Did king's sit on the floor? She hoped he would not mind, but from what she was learning about her husband was that he was nothing like her father.

Once he was sitting, Guinevère hurried to the servant's door and opened it to take the gift from Rosa. Whispering a hushed thank you and goodnight, Guinevère took the two wiggling and bouncing gifts over to her husband. "Ever king needs this, and when I learned you did not have one I wanted to correct that." She teased just as she reached him and one of the two hunting puppies gave an excited yip! Exposing her gift as she dropped them into his lap.

[Arthur Pendragon]

The rug? Were they going . . . to do something on the rug? Well that certainly sounded interesting; new and exciting. Unconventional, not that that was a bad thing. In fact, he was quite looking forward to seeing what she had in mind. So with that thought in mind, he sat on the rug eagerly awaiting to see what her next instruction for him would be. He sat there and heard her shuffle about, while speaking about how every king needed this. Needed what?! She was going to kill him with his anticipation. She went on to explain how she wanted to get him this and . . . then he felt something fall into his lap and something wet and . . . he finally opened his eyes to be greeted by something furry leaping at his face. It took him a few moments to realize what it was and when he did, his surprise was replaced with a bright smile. Perhaps the most he'd ever smiled since becoming king and feeling the weight of the kingdom. A puppy. No, not just one, but two!

Arthur looked at them as they sat on his lap, hyper and wagging their tails excitedly. He scratched behind the ear of the one just sitting there and staring up at him, while he scooped up the other closer to his face into his arms and held him close to his chest. Two kind of companions that Arthur had never had before. When the shock of the gift finally started to wear off enough to think and speak, Arthur -- keeping each hand on one of the pups -- turned to look at Guinevère. He didn't know what expression was there. He could not remember the last time he'd smiled so brightly, or looked at someone with so much gratitude and with such softness in his expression. This would be the first time Arthur had ever lowered his emotional guard around someone. And he was rather glad that the first person he had done this in front of, was his wife. "Thank you," he finally said, his voice with strongly sincere gratitude for he had never received a gift like this from anyone before.