Page 43 of The White Knight

I pull her tightly against my body, terrified of losing her, of her losing me. Then I reach out for Galahad, who happily joins in with Arthur on his other side. Our family reunited again. We are stronger together. I can feel the love we all have for each other. I can also feel the fear. The fear of losing each other.

Chapter 27

Lancelot

It seems like justyesterday that we began discussing the Tournament of Unity. Now we are back at Camelot to assist in the preparations for our tournament. Guests will arrive in June, half a year from now. But the castle is already alive with the excitement of the coming festivities. Chaos has replaced the tranquil life we have grown accustomed to at Joyous Gard and Avalon. The intimacy Guin and I have shared will need to be hidden.

I think back to the days when I first brought Guin to Camelot. Everyone suspected I had fallen for the White Enchantress while I thought I hid my feelings well. I must restrain myself from the need to touch her every minute of the day. To offer her a peck on the cheek when she passes me by. To keep my fingertips from brushing against hers as we dine together.

Arthur has given me a room in the royal apartments, making it easy for Guin and me to be together secretly without the fear of being caught. I know he also enjoyed our family evenings together while away, the four of us. Galahad, Arthur, Guin, and me. Arthur has spent most of his life alone. I remember hisfirst wife vaguely. She died quickly, within the first year of their marriage. For years, Arthur only had his knights. Family was never something he had, not even with his cousins or sister, Morgause.

Guin means everything to Arthur. I can see the love he feels for her. Sometimes I also see the hunger in his eyes. He misses his wife. But he will never take her from me, even though she is his to claim. He also knows that Guin is not a woman to claim. I want to tell both of them it is okay for them to love each other. To express their love. I cannot say it aloud though. I do not want to share her.

I know that makes me selfish. I do not care. Guin is mine. My soul, my heart. I was a hollow lump of flesh without her. Now that she is back in my life, I feel whole again. Still, I will play my part. The White Knight will have a new meaning at the court of Camelot. I will show my virtues to the crowd and nestle my vices deep inside, where only my Guin can see.

I chance a glance at my wife, sitting on the other side of our king at the head table in the great hall. Our eyes meet for a split second before our attention diverts to Galahad, telling a story about how Merlin had tripped over a log in the woods on our journey back from Avalon.

“I had joked, asking how he could claim to see everything when he can’t see a log that lies right in front of him. Merlin squinted his eyes at me, saying, ‘My prince, I had seen that coming, but since it was to be, I let it be. Let me tell you this. Beware your surroundings, for there are many…creatures that leave droppings where one might think a cozy spot for a nap.’ And sure enough, the next night, I fell asleep on a giant mound of shit!”

Those of the court who are close enough to hear the story release hearty laughter right on cue. Galahad is well-loved by the people here. He is so young, and yet, he has already capturedsuch loyalty and love from the kingdom. He will be a remarkable ruler one day.

Arthur pushes his seat back and stands up tall, ready to make his speech. The hall falls silent in an instant. Everyone keeps even their breaths still, awaiting what their king will say. “There have been rumors at court. Many rumors, new and old. I mean to snuff out those rumors with the truth tonight. In doing so, bring unity to our hearts and minds. A unity that we will extend to the far reaches of the realm with our tournament next year. Tonight, let me tell you of a decision I have made. A decision my queen and I have made together with the new chancellor, Lancelot of the Lake.”

The silence in the room is suffocating. Every eye in the hall is upon us. Every ear, fixed on what Arthur will say next. Arthur holds out his hands to Guin and me, pulling us up to stand by his side. “Lancelot and Guinevere were once married. A marriage I had blessed. They shared a strong bond, which is why I had allowed Lancelot to court Guinevere when others advised me to take her for my wife then. Yet, I could not take to wife a woman whose heart belonged to another. Now Guinevere is my wife. Your queen. Mother of your prince. To say that we have been in a complicated situation would be an immense understatement. We have spent the better part of two years trying to come up with a solution. For a woman cannot be married to two men. Still, the vows we have spoken to each other through the words of God are binding until death. Lancelot was dead and now returned to us. Though he still loves his wife, he has stepped aside as her husband.”

I drain all emotion from my face, hoping my expressionless face tells the same story.

“Lancelot of the Lake will take on the role of my chancellor. He has also made a vow of celibacy. One in which he will repeat two nights hence in our chapel once the archbishop has returnedto our castle. Queen Guinevere and I are overjoyed to welcome Lancelot back to our castle. Let us all give him the warm welcome he deserves.”

My heart swells at his words, and as the crowd before us bursts into applause, I cannot help but smile. As Arthur put it, our situation might be complicated. The truth of it all is known only by our little family. But I am happy. I get to have Guin. I have a son. I have a king who is like a brother to me. I have friends who will defend me and my family. In all its complications, this is happiness.

Chapter 28

Guinevere

“Elaine didn’t look pleasedwith your vow of celibacy,” I smirk at Lancelot as he changes for bed. By change, I mean gets naked. I can’t take my eyes off his chiseled and scarred chest. He is breathtaking. He is mine.

“Mordred looked amused. We still need to be wary of him. He will most likely try to make a scene at the tournament. Let us be extra cautious. I do not wish to give him motive.” Lance removes his pants, a serious look plastered on his face.

“Should we stop fucking then? Because I honestly will not be able to stop daydreaming of your cock ravishing my pussy no matter how serious you take this ‘vow of celibacy.’”

My eyes meet his, which have gone a wicked shade of green. Lance grabs me by the waist, his warm hands searing through the thin fabric of my nightgown, and throws me down on my bed.

His face comes within an inch of mine and his ale-scented breath tickles my jaw as he whispers, “Do you wish me to stop fucking you, Guin?”

I angle myself upward, pushing my groin into Lance’s leg. His muscular thighs pin me down, keeping me close to him without touching the one spot I need touched. It’s fucking torture. “I would like to see how you pleasure yourself. Will you show me?”

“What?” My face grows warm at the shock of what Lance just asked me to do. “No. I…well, I’ve never done that before.”

“But you told me once that you would pleasure yourself—”

“No. I mean, I’ve never pleasured myself in front of anyone before. I’m not sure I could do it.”

“Hmph.” Lance rolls to the side. “Do not get shy on me all of a sudden.”

I roll my eyes at him. He knows I cannot say no to a challenge. Especially when that challenge comes from him. So I roll my nightgown up and Lance helps me pull it over my head. Then I lie down beside him, spread my legs and touch myself. Lance sucks in a breath as he watches me massage my clit. Turning back to my face, he asks, “What are you thinking about, my beautiful wife?”

A smile cracks my face wide. “You.”

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