Page 36 of The White Knight

Later on, the three of us take Galahad for a walk along the beach. Guin urged us to be honest with Galahad, convincing us that keeping this secret from him would do us more harm than good. Since Galahad had taken the discovery of his true paternity well, I knew our new arrangement would not shock him.

“I dislike lying to our people, but I agree that this is the most acceptable arrangement for all of us. I get to spend time with both of my dads. My mom gets to be with her true love, happy endings all around.”

“You really are your mother’s son, Galahad,” Arthur says with a laugh, but I can see the pride in his heart.

The four of us burst into laughter. The tension I had felt all day dissolves into nothing. All I feel is joy. It radiates between us. The epicenter of it all is Galahad. I can see him glowing as Guin would when Excalibur lived inside her body.

“Okay, my guys, let’s sit and have a nice family picnic.” Guin grabs the basket from my hands, pulling out a blanket to lie on the sandy shore. As we sit down together for a seaside feast, I am immediately drunk with happiness. My family. Fucking weird family, as Guin called us. Yes. There is likely no other family like ours.

Perhaps I would have been happier had I not left to fight that dragon. Perhaps Guin and I would have a hoard of children running around, causing chaos, pushing each other into the waves of the sea as my lady and I picnic quietly together. Perhaps we could have visited Camelot, unafraid of being seen in each other’s embrace.

I will never know what my life could have been, but I know I am blessed. Even with this curse, this prophecy looming above our heads, we have conquered it. For now, at least. My mother believes we forge our own paths in life. I left Guin to fight that dragon. In doing so, my path has led me here, to this moment.

I have a devoted wife who loves me unconditionally. An intelligent son who will one day be king. And a… “Arthur? What should I call you now? Our relationship has shifted into something entirely different. You are more than my king and cousin.”

“I would be honored if you called me brother,” Arthur says with a smile. “But in public, your Highness will do.”

A brother. I have a brother. Smiling ear-to-ear, I look at Guin and Galahad. I ruffle my son’s golden hair and kiss my wife on the cheek, breathing in this perfect moment.

Chapter 23

Guinevere

So last night wascrazy. Today was crazy. I kind of sort of had a threesome with Sir Lancelot and King Arthur, and then we decided on a joint marriage. This is insanity. But I would do it again. No shame. Honestly, I would do anything to touch Lance again. To feel him inside me. As terrified as I am of the future, I feel like we have finally figured out a way to defeat our destiny.

I can breathe a genuine sigh of relief. Galahad is safe. We are safe. But the true test will be how the court at Camelot take the news, most of all, Mordred. He will not like this. Well, he won’t be happy until he gets Arthur’s throne. He most assuredly will try to destroy our family to get it. We are stronger together, though, the four of us. Nothing will get in our way.

After all, we have Excalibur on our side. That has to mean something. She brought me here, 1500 years in the past, for a reason. I know now that the reason is Galahad. Arthur might not be the chosen king to rule over a united Britain. Still, he has lain a path for the kingdoms to unite.

Perhaps it will take a few generations to create the England I know. I am now certain that Galahad was chosen to be partof this. If Excalibur hadn’t taken me away from my life in the twenty-first century, Galahad wouldn’t exist.

This thought has replayed in my mind since Elnaril transferred her essence into Galahad when he was born. I was meant for Lancelot. We were meant to create Galahad. Maybe we aren’t meant to have a happy ending, but I’m going to fight for one. My heart yearns for it.

“Galahad, give your mother a kiss. It is time for bed,” Lance says after noticing our son nodding off on the armchair in our sitting room, or the solar as Lance calls it. Galahad jumps down, planting a big kiss on my cheek.

“Goodnight, mama.”

“Goodnight, my love.” I ruffle his hair, admiring the rose gold strands shimmering in the firelight.

Arthur stands up from his spot by the fireplace, closing the book he had been reading. “I will see him to bed, Lance.” He places a hand on Lance’s shoulder and claims my hand for a kiss.

As the door closes behind Arthur and Galahad, I run to Lance’s bedroom and through the secret door to mine. When I re-enter, Lance is lounging on the bed. “I was worried you were leaving me too.”

His smile is contagious. I can’t help but kiss him. He pulls me in closer, but I step out of his embrace. “I want to show you something.”

“Can this something wait? I have been craving you for nearly a decade.”

“You had me to yourself all last night. We barely slept.”

“That was not enough. I can never have enough of you.” Lance attempts to snatch me back down to the bed, but I jump out of reach.

“I promise what I am about to show you will be satisfying.”

“Hmph.” Lance throws himself back down on the bed, his hands tucked underneath his head. “What is it you want to show me?”

I carefully sit down next to him. “Hands to yourself.”

“I will behave.” Lance sits himself up as I bring out my phone.

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