Page 49 of The White Knight

“Hmmmm. Then why did Excalibur hide itself in you and not King Arthur? If his son was to be this…chosen one, why was Arthur not chosen? Why would it hide in a woman? You were obviously not strong enough to wield its power. For all we know, any man could have taken you and forged the chosen one inside your womb,” Maleagent so boldly states.

Mordred’s wicked smile tells me he has been sharing all his thoughts with his pal Maleagent. Arthur will not take a public action against anyone who questions the validity of his son’s status. Such an act will show weakness and guilt, hesays. Mordred has spoken in such a way countless times, and yet Arthur only banishes him to his room for a week or so. Maleagent is not Arthur’s nephew nor kin to him. The look on Arthur’s face makes it clear that he will not let such words be spoken about his son and wife.

Arthur grabs my hand and pulls me behind him, shielding me from any other vile words that might be sent my way. “King Bagdemagus, I think it best that you remove your son from my presence. If he has anything more to say regarding my wife and son, he can speak to me in private. I will not have my family dishonored.”

Bagdemagus stands up, placing a hand on Maleagent’s shoulder. “I apologize, King Arthur. My son does not know when to shut his big mouth. He thinks he is smarter than everyone, thinks he knows everything. Yet he is as intelligent as a turkey and as wise as a pile of shit.” His scowl matches the one on his son’s face. “Return to our tent and stay there until you have thought of a decent enough apology.”

“I will escort him.” Mordred is mid-way to standing when Arthur stops him.

“No. You will remain here with me and watch the games.” Arthur looks at Lance. He shakes his head at Arthur, silently telling him not to select him for the job. There is nothing I want more than for Lance to walk this shitbag back to his tent and beat the shit out of him. Something I am sure he would do. And that is why he cannot be the one to go. “Gawain, can you ensure Prince Maleagent safely returns to his tent?”

“Of course, your Highness.” Gawain stands from his seat beside Lance. He pats Lance on the shoulder before making his way over to Maleagent, whose scowl has turned even more—dare I say—malignant.

Elaine brings me back to my seat, offering me a cup of wine to cool my nerves. “Are you all right, Guinevere?”

I nod after taking a sip. Arthur is still standing at the banister, looking out into the arena where his knights are putting on a show of their strength. Lance joins him, chancing a glance at me before placing a hand on Arthur’s shoulder.

“What sort of plotting do you think Arthur and Lancelot are discussing over there?” Elaine whispers the question against my ear.

The thought sends a shiver down my spine at the thought of my husbands. “Could be any number of things,” I say aloud, letting my mind wander to the bed I share with them. The many nights we’ve explored each other. Testing our limits.

Elaine breaks my thoughts with another question. “Why did Arthur just let that man go? That is an action you take with a small child who does not know any better. But a grown man? He should be whipped for saying such a thing.”

I take Elaine’s hand in mine. “Punishing his guests would not look good for the whole unity idea of this tournament. Though I’d like to punch Maleagent in the fucking nose, it is better this way. We want peace, Elaine.”

“But he denounced Arthur as being chosen by Excalibur.”

I nod, looking back to my husbands who are now laughing heartily with each other. It warms my soul to see them so at peace. I feel safer knowing the three of us can live together peacefully and let our love be what it is.

I don’t quite understand it, but I’m cool with it. I love Arthur and Lance is my everything. My love for him is second-nature. Arthur knows this. He understands what Lance is to me and me to him. Yet Arthur loves me anyway. He loves Lance. I never thought I’d be in a reverse harem-type situation. Never ever would I have even imagined it. It’s fucking crazy. It’s my normal now.

Lance and Arthur turn back toward me, offering me two brilliant smiles. Their eyes sparkle with love, devotion, andpassion. I allow this moment to soak in for two seconds before turning away. We can’t let anyone know how we feel. We can’t let anyone know about us.

“Arthur is a kind and just king. He will see that the proper punishment is given. Something he will probably confer with King Bagdemagus.”

“I do not know how you do it,” Elaine sighs.

“Do what?” I ask, pressing my brows together.

“Sit here so elegantly, your emotions in check, your mind clear.” Elaine glances over at Lance and Arthur, then leans closer so only I can hear her whisper. “I know you still love him, and he you. You both hide it much better this time, but you cannot hide it from me.”

“I have no idea what you are talking about,” I smirk.

Elaine smiles back. “Are you hungry?”

I nod. Elaine gracefully scurries to the buffet table for some snacks. She returns with a plate full of cheese, bread, berries, and dried sausage. I cut a chunk of cheese, but as I bring it to my mouth, a wave of nausea makes me think better of it. I take some bread instead, washing it down with a handful of berries.

“No cheese?” Elaine asks with a mouthful of bread and cheese.

I shake my head.

“You never turn down cheese unless…” Elaine’s eyes bulge from their sockets. She grabs my hands in hers and pulls me close to whisper again. “Are you pregnant?”

“What? Nnnnn.” I was going to say “no,” but the truth is, I could be pregnant. Lance and I had been very careful, not wanting to risk having another child yet. With Arthur warming our bed so frequently now, we’ve not been as careful. Arthur and I have not been able to create a child together. He had said to me once before that he was sterile. So if I am pregnant, it is Lance’s.

“You are!” Elaine whispers loudly. “It is a miracle.”

All I can do is smile back. Elaine might know that I still love Sir Lancelot and that the White Knight’s love for me has not diminished. She cannot know that I am carrying Lance’s child. Not this time. I can trust Elaine now. She is an ally. Still, I will not burden her with this secret.

---