Page 35 of The White Enchantress

“What are my options?”

“Pledge allegiance to Arthur. Affirm that his claim to reign all of Britain is legitimate. Show the people that you will rally with Arthur against all his enemies. If you cannot convince the men, convince their women. Though our voices may be docile and soft, our words are powerful and fierce. Men only pretend not to listen to us.”

I cannot help but smile at my mother’s comment. Growing up on an island of women, I have greater respect for the gentler sex than my fellow men. The women of Avalon are beautiful of face, mind, and spirit. And though I have met women of similar stock here in Camelot and across the kingdom, never have I met a match to my mother, the Lady of the Lake. Until Guinevere.

Guinevere, she is a different breed of woman as well. Beautiful. The most beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes upon. Talented. Her voice and musical skill could bring the most brutish man to his knees, tears cascading down his face in agonizing torment. Witty. She may say the strangest things, but how she can light up a room with her laughter. Caring. Her unconditional affection for the world around her is awe-inspiring.

Guinevere did not have to come to Camelot to meet Arthur. She could have easily run away back to the north, taking Excalibur with her. I know she did not come here seeking to become queen. She does not want the power, only the chance to change the world and make it a better place. We have that in common.

It is the one thing that keeps me grounded and keeps me fighting by Arthur’s side until the need for fighting is gone. Guinevere is the key to a peaceful land. If we can unify the kingdom, we can fight as one against the Saxons, the Vikings, and anyone who seeks to claim what is ours.

Elaine comes rushing in as the three of us sit silently, contemplating what will happen next. “Water, my lady.”

“Thank you, Elaine.”

After drinking an entire cup of water, Guinevere stands up. “I would like to see Arthur now.”

My heart breaks into a million shards at these words. She has decided. She will choose Arthur, no doubt.Is this what I wanted? Yes, it is. But I also want her to be mine, not his. Still, I take her arm through mine and escort her back to the throne room. We walk in silence as we get closer to the sound of a thousand people yelling and cursing in a thousand directions.

When we enter the throne room, I feel as if I am drowning. The stillness is abrupt, deafening. After the initial shock of our appearance, the masses part. I hold onto Guinevere’s arm until we reach the platform where Arthur, Merlin, and the knights all stand. After helping Guinevere up to meet Arthur, I stand back, staringup at the woman I undoubtedly love. Waiting in anticipation for her to pledge herself to Arthur and become his queen.

“May I say a few words to the people, my king?” The way she can transform into the perfect, gentle lady I know her not to be is always a shock. Arthur silently nods, stepping back to let her take his place.

“What happened earlier must have been terrifying to witness. I assure you I was just as terrified. I knew the sword I carried had incredible power. I could also feel a soul within the blade. This soul, we have bonded over the last two months. I cannot explain how or why, but Excalibur has chosen me to be its source of life. I can feel her, this being inside me, telling me that I am where I’m meant to be. That coming here was not a mistake. For some of you, this is a huge disappointment. You have traveled all this way just to see the sword of power disappear into a stranger, a woman. You expected Arthur to receive the sword, confirming his authority over the realm. Let me assure you that Arthur is who he says he is, who Merlin has prophesied him to be. Arthur is a great leader. He will be an even greater monarch if you give him the chance he is asking for. Unite as one. Band together to fight off those who would take everything from you. The Romans might be gone, but they had conquered this land once. Britain must remain in the hands of Britons.”

As the people around me grunt and agree in whispers, Guinevere turns toward Arthur. Kneeling before him, she reaches out herhand for his. I cannot look. I do not wish to see Guinevere give herself away.

“Arthur, you may not be holding the metal of a sword in your hands, but what you have is more powerful than that. Excalibur has entrusted me to speak on her behalf. I pledge my allegiance to you, King Arthur. In doing so, Excalibur is yours. I stand with you, King Arthur, for peace, for unity, for Britain. I will remain in Camelot, your loyal servant.”

I look up at Guinevere kneeling before Arthur. She has not offered herself as his wife and queen. Her words are powerful. They leave me with hope. Not just for the kingdom but for my own lonely heart.

Chapter 18

Lancelot

The day after Guineverepledged her loyalty to Arthur, the king summons me to his chambers. “Answer me plainly, Lancelot. Are you in love with Lady Guinevere?” I have been waiting for this question to be asked ever since the events of the previous evening. Try as I might, I cannot hide my feelings for Guinevere.

“What does it matter? I will not act upon it.”

“Yes, then.”

“I will never lie to you, Arthur. Yes. I do believe I love Guinevere. I have never felt such stirrings within me. Regardless, you must believe me when I tell you that I have not touched her nor made my feelings known to her. She does not care for me in that way.”

“What makes you say this?”

“Her heart belongs to another. Even though he is gone from this earth, it is clear that she still thinks of him often. He still holds her heart.”

“That might be true, but I believe she has more of her heart to give. Lancelot, I am considering making a proposal of marriage toGuinevere. I will not do this if it is your heart she seeks. Nor can I, in good faith, take her from a man I consider a friend.”

“She is not mine. You would not be taking her from me,” I say out loud. But inside, I want to tear Arthur’s throat out for even thinking of proposing to the woman I love.

“Hmm. Still, I will not ask for Guinevere’s hand. Though that might not be the case for the majority of the unmarried men lodging here as my guests. If you care for Guinevere, if you think what you feel is love, you should be honest with her. I give you my blessing to court her if you wish.”

“I…thank you, my king. But what would the people think of me courting the lady? They all assume she will become your queen. Her allegiance to you would be permanent. And I do not need a wife.”

“Everyone needs someone to love, Lancelot.”

I leave Arthur’s chamber feeling elated yet terrified. What am I to say to Guinevere? I cannot tell her that Arthur has given his permission for me to wed her, bed her, and call her mine. She is not like other women, like the women at court whose only objective in life is to find a husband.

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