Page 272 of Kingdoms of Night

It was Loren, whose theft of the Hammer of God aided by her use of the Ring of Gyges and her bestie Nia, who aided the Goddess in righting the tide and saving the world. Meaning Loren had lied and stolen and had not only came out on top, but she was being praised for it. No, not only praised for breaking the rules; she was being rewarded. Lauded, even.

“Loren is with Nia for a little R&R,” Arthur was saying while Geraint fumed in silence. “I figure she deserved it after saving the world. Plus, there will be peace and quiet for a time.”

There was assent around the room full of men. Since the witch had arrived at their doorstep a year ago, there had been nothing but chaos in Camelot. Be it her battle with Merlin over the Spear of Destiny, which had nearly cost them Lady Morgan. Or her girl fight with the Banduri, the druid priestess who had infiltrated the grounds and nearly took over the castle.

It was true that peace didn’t usually follow in Dame Galahad’s wake. But Geraint couldn’t hold his tongue any longer. He needed to say his piece.

“She broke the rules,” he said.

That quieted the masculine chuckles in the room. His brothers all looked up at him. An echo of his shout reached Geraint’s ears. He hadn’t meant to growl the words out, but he was done.

These were the most chivalrous, law-abiding, honorable men on the planet. And yet they were praising her deceit?

“She gets off with a pat on the head, meanwhile we get dressed down?” Geraint jerked his thumb between himself and Wain.

“It’s fine,” said Gawain.

“It is not.” Geraint let out a huff of air.

Arthur stood, his massive bulk appearing to spread outward as he made his way to Geraint. Geraint was never one for insubordination. But just the thought that he would be reproached for pointing out disregard was just too much.

Except the closer Arthur got to him, the harsh angles on the leader’s face softened. Arthur’s frown wobbled, turning upside down as he came to stand before Geraint. Then, wonder of wonders, the fierce warrior… smiled at him.

“No one’s dressing you down, G.” Arthur put a hand on Geraint’s shoulder and gave a reassuring squeeze.

Geraint looked over at the hand on his shoulder, then down to Excalibur hanging off Arthur’s hip. Arthur’s free hand was nowhere near the sword, as though preparing for an attack. What was going on?

The looks on the other knights’ faces asked the same question. Arthur was a consummate leader, a fair judge, and a good friend. Touchy-feely he was not.

“No one here has ever had cause to criticize anything you’ve ever done,” Arthur continued. “You are the best amongst us. I only wish the squires were half as noble as you.”

“Way to lay it on thick, Arthur,” said Lance.

“What are we, chopped liver?” asked Percy. “Actually, I quite like chopped liver. Is it dinnertime yet?”

Arthur glanced at his hand on Geraint’s shoulder. He blinked a few times and then jerked his hand away. He gave Geraint a puzzled glare, then shook his head and returned to his seat. He scratched at his heart as he sank back into the chair. The puzzled expression remained.

“So, G…” Percy’s grin was mischievous as he broke the silence. “How’s married life?”

“Were you forced into this marriage?” asked Arthur, his stern façade in place once more.

“No,” said Geraint. “There was no force. Not on my part.”

“Are you saying she was forced?” asked Arthur, his brows drawing together as he glared at Geraint. “Did you take liberties with this woman?”

“Of course not.”

How could the man even think it of him, knowing his character? Not even a minute ago, Arthur had named Geraint the best of them. What had changed?

Geraint let out a long breath. It did not stop his racing heart. In fact, his heart beats kicked so powerfully against his chest that he felt a bump beneath his tunic.

Bringing his hand to his chest, Geraint remembered what precious items he had in there. Enid’s flower and the Takrut amulet, the charm that made others let their guard down and tell their true feelings.

It was a façade Arthur wore now as he interrogated Geraint. Deep down, his friend knew him and his true character. Arthur didn’t doubt for a second that Geraint would always do the right thing.

What his friend didn’t know was that he hadn’t done the honorable thing with Enid. He had had a hand in forcing this marriage. The pulsing seedling bundled next to his heart proved that fact.

Geraint had done the selfish thing with Enid. He’d taken possession of her flower without her express permission. Even now, he hesitated at the thought of giving it back to her.

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