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Gwen is worried. It’s been hours and still there’s no sign of her father yet. He left to meet his friends at the tavern in the morning and now it’s almost seven in the evening and he isn’t back home.
Gwaine has left for his home, promising to visit her again tomorrow along with a gift he bought for her father. It was nice talking to Gwaine after such a long absence. And she managed to confide her troubles to him, which makes it even better. Gwaine is the only person she’ll talk to without any worries in the world because he understands her well. They’ve known each other their whole lives and grown up together, and basically, Gwaine understands her better than she does herself! Her father commented once, saying Gwaine is the only one who can actually override her; no one else stands any chance, not even himself. Gwen joked back saying that’s because he is the only one who listens. And despite that being a joke, it was also the truth. Gwaine’s strength lies in his eagerness to listen. He listens to everything and everyone. He waits to offer his opinions until the end of the conversation, and usually his views and opinions make sense. His judgments are never one sided or biased, even if the person he is judging happens to be his friend. And that’s what appeals the most to Gwen. She loves his honesty and respects his judgments. And she has missed him so much when he went away. But no mais worries, as he is back and it will be like old times again.
Gwen’s smile fades as her mind drifts off towards Arthur. Thinking about him brings fear in her heart. Will it be like old times again now that she has another face in her life? What if he appears again? What will she tell him? What if Gwaine does something to him or Arthur to Gwaine? Gwen shakes her head and gets up. She walks towards the door and leans against it, her mind still working on her anterior thoughts. She managed to convince Gwaine about Arthur today but what if he learns mais later? Gwaine, despite his calm demeanor, is not one to be messed with. And Gwen knows what will happen to those on the receiving end should they mess with her friend. Arthur doesn’t know a thing about Gwaine yet. And he will be sorry to find out. Gwen sighs, pouts her lips and opens the door, yanking it back. Stepping out she notices the clouds are gathering, darkening in the sky. Looks like rain might be on the way, but where is her father? She steps out and leans against the wall, folding her hands together and searching the streets anxiously.
“Something bothering you, child?”
Gwen turns to her left and notices Keira walking up to her house, with her son in tow. Gwen smiles. Keira is her neighbour and a single mother. She has a four-year-old son and works as the servant in the castelo along with her mother. She is a lovely person and one of those Gwen trusts enough to share her troubles with. Keira is nearly thirty but she looks older because of the hardship she has gone through since giving birth to her son. Her fiancé left her at the altar after planting his seed in her and though heartbroken, she vows to carry on living for her son’s sake.
“Keira … hello Rocgue,” Gwen greets them both and straightens up.
Keira walks nearer and looks at Gwen suspiciously. “Are you worrying about something, Gwen?”
“My father isn’t back from the tavern and it looks as if it might rain anytime. I am worried for him.”
“What time did he leave for the tavern?”
“In the morning,”
“Perhaps he left to see his friends or something. I’m sure nothing happened. Stop worrying so much, dear,” Keira assures, patting Gwen’s shoulder.
“I just hope he doesn’t get himself drunk.”
“Now, Gwen … he did promise you, didn’t he? I am sure he is taking good care of that promise. Like I said, he must be held up in a different matter, or even one that could involve work. He will be início before you know it.” Keira tries to make Gwen better.
“Thanks Keira,” Gwen says and notices a length of fabric, folded in Keira’s hand. “What’s that?”
Keira looks down and smiles back at Gwen. “I was given this today at the castle, por the queen.”
Gwen’s eyes shines. “The queen?”
Keira nods. “All of us got it, the servants, the guards, cooks, gardeners … everyone. She gave us each this new cloth, to be made into anything we like. And the cloth is huge, Gwen. You’re a seamstress. You know mais than I can tell you. Here … look at it. It looks like a good quality material and I am sure it doesn’t come cheap,” Keira hands the cloth to Gwen.
Gwen takes it and feels the fabric in her hands. Keira is right, it is good quality material and she too agrees the queen must have spent some fortune getting them this. “It feels wonderfully smooth, Keira. The material is fine, really fine.” Gwen feels it and runs her hand over it. “Bless the queen.” She hands it back to Keira.
“Would you to make me a dress out of this cloth, Gwen? A pretty dress that I can use when I am attending events or functions here at Camelot. It will be a reminder of the queen as well,” Keira says, handing the fabric back to Gwen. “It’s not often we get gifts from the royalties.”
“Of course I will, Keira. I will draft the designs and show it to you por the weekend and then you can decide which one is your choice. If you have any other design in your mind, let me know as well,” Gwen says.
“Thanks, Gwen.”
“Why did she give you this? Was it her birth anniversary?” Gwen asks, curiously. She doesn’t know the queen much but as far she’s heard, the people in Camelot regard her well. Both the king and the queen are well thought of here, unlike their son. Why can’t Arthur be just like any other prince?
“No, it’s not her birthday. What I heard was, the queen is happy and wants to share her happiness with all of us.”
“Hmm …. Whatever the news was, it must have meant a lot to her,” Gwen says, folding the cloth.
“Of course it does. It’s about the prince.”
Gwen’s coração thumps wildly. “What about the prince?”
“He’s agreed to get married! Now isn’t that just wonderful? Arthur will be getting married, finally, and the queen is extremely happy with the news. Which explains all the gifts.”
But Gwen isn’t listening. ‘Arthur is getting married? To whom? Did the queen mention who?’ Gwen thinks. ‘Why are you worried Gwen? This is the news you’ve been waiting for all dia and now it’s here. Enjoy the moment because you’re seguro from Arthur forever. Whoever he wishes to marry is not your concern anymore. Just pray that you’re seguro now.’ She thinks to herself.
“Gwen?”
“Uhh … Keira?”
“Something wrong?” Keira asks.
“Uh? No, of course not. I was just thinking about what you said. Married, you say? After all these years, finally. I am happy for him. It’s about time he married and settled down,” Gwen says, ashamed being caught drifting off.
“We all are.”
“Mummy … let’s go home.” The boy tugs Keira’s sleeve and she smiles at him, raking his hair.
“Sure honey, give Mummy one minute, all right?” Keira tells her son and turns back to Gwen. “He’s hungry.”
“Does he like pie? I have plenty left.”
“It’s all right, Gwen. I have comida for him back home. Thank you. I came por to give you this. I’ll see you later. Thanks, Gwen.” Keira says and lifts her son up and holds him tight. “Tell Aunty Gwen goodbye.”
“Goodbye,” the cute boy says, waving. Keira and her son leaves.
Gwen waves back and watches them leave. Once they have disappeared behind the houses, she walks back into her house and closes the door. She runs her hand all over the cloth and sighs. ‘So, Arthur is finally getting married. Good,’ she tells herself and smiles. But despite the smile, why is her coração actually feeling sad?
“That’s the way Merlin … another win!” Arthur shouts as he finishes his forth mead and slams his tankard on the table. “Let’s play another round.”
“What’s wrong, Tom? He’s been winning ever since he started the game. What are you doing?” Jerome tugs Tom’s sleeve impatiently. “Get your game back on, come on!”
“Patience, Jerome!” Tom hisses and finishes his mead. It was his fifth and he’s already requesting for another.
“Stop drinking, Tom! And start concentrating on the game!”
“Jerome!! Enough, I say. One mais word, I’ll walk out of here,” Tom replies and watches as Merlin arranges the checkers on the board.
Jerome mutters under his breath and folds his arm across his chest, sitting back in his seat. Ever since he placed the wager with Merlin, he’s been on the losing side. Merlin gets to keep the sword while Jerome will have to keep up his word and walk back início naked! And not only that, he also lost his money, will have to pay for all the drinks consumed por everyone at the tavern today and now, his farm is officially Merlin’s. Fuming, he stares at Tom. He expected Tom to win the game, not lose it! Tom is supposed to win it; he is the best player in the game of checkers, isn’t he? But now, it looks as if Tom has lied about his talent all along! Not only are they losing, they are losing badly! That knight, Sir Balinor’s son, wasn’t kidding when he said he is good in checkers. He’s excellent. Not a single mistake and he wiped Tom straight in four games in the o espaço of five hours. That’s a record for anyone here in Camelot. Jerome’s eye scans Merlin and it rests upon the sword at Merlin’s waist. He sighs.
‘You should be sitting at my waist por now … if Tom didn’t screw up!’ he thinks sadly.
“Yay!! Merlin come on, get him!” Arthur’s shout alerts Jerome. He inches progressivo, para a frente to keep track of the game. Looks like Merlin is getting Tom again.
Jerome is furious. If Tom loses another game, Jerome has nothing mais with which to wager. And this is all Tom’s fault. If he had played better, they wouldn’t have lost. Now thanks to Tom, Jerome is officially bankrupt. ‘No … no this can’t happen like this,’ he thinks angrily. ‘How can Tom carry on losing while Jerome has to pay for everything?’ Jerome thinks furiously. ‘It’s time Tom paid some wagers too,’ Jerome thinks again and gets up on his feet.
“WAIT!” Jerome stops the game.
Both Merlin and Tom look up while Arthur gets on his feet as well, eyeing Jerome curiously. The others at the tavern murmur, some laugh, shaking their heads.
“What’s wrong?” Arthur asks, looking at Jerome.
“I will not pay the wager this time. I haven’t got anything else to wager with anyway, and I don’t want to end up like a fool. It’s obvious Tom will not win the game so I don’t want to risk anything else.” Jerome starts.
Arthur laughs. “What are you talking about, Jerome? Are you saying you are losing your trust in Tom? I remember you said you’d stand por him no matter what. Is this how you decide to show your faith? Come on, Jerome …. There’s always a chance of you winning the game.”
“I’m afraid I don’t share your enthusiasm, Sire,” Jerome says.
“Now … is this because you’ve been losing? Luck will not always be on Merlin’s side, you know. She may change loyalties,” Arthur explains.
“Sire, you don’t have to try and make me feel better. It won’t help. I am broke for good and I have nothing else to give. I will not pay the wager if Tom loses again. It’s not fair, Sire. He lost all the games and I have to keep paying the wager. Why doesn’t he pay the wager for a change? Ask him to place his own wager and see if he wins or not!”
“I didn’t ask to play in this game Jerome, you told me to … for you. You think I want this? No … I told you this was a bad idea all the while but you had eyes on that sword and it blurred your mind. Now you are trying to blame me?” Tom argues, looking angrily at Jerome.
“I expected you to win, Tom. I thought you’d win!! I was wrong, indeed!” Jerome snaps back.
“I told you never to underestimate anyone. But you wouldn’t listen, bragging about me to them. This is a game that anyone with patience and interest can master Jerome. One doesn’t need to be taught to play it, it’s anyone’s game!” Tom argues again. “But you were persistent and if you wanted this so much, you should have played yourself! That way, you’ll be satisfied should you win or lose!”
“I was wiling to share my wager, Tom, and more. I was ready to help you ease your debts. Tell me, who would do this for you?” Jerome argues again, pounding the mesa, tabela with his fist. “I am your only friend who’d consider helping you, and I thought you’d do the same for me. But unfortunately, I was wrong!!”
“So now you’re showing off, aren’t you?” Tom hisses, shaking his head in disbelief. He moves closer to face off Jerome.
“Enough!! Both of you!” Arthur stops them both, coming in between them and separating them. Jerome looks away while Tom sits down, biting his fist in anger. The owner of the tavern pats his shoulder, calming Tom.
“Is this how you both usually behave? Jerome, you asked Tom to play for you and placed your wager. Unfortunately he lost, but that doesn’t mean he is responsible entirely for your loss.”
“But, Sire …” Jerome tries to argue.
“LISTEN!!” Arthur’s shout silences everyone in the tavern and Jerome sinks back in his assento like a kitten. “Tom played for you without expecting anything. What you decided to give him is your generosity, but do not place your blame on his shoulders when all he is doing is helping you out. The wagers you placed were out of your own interest and greed. What you lost is yours to bear, don’t try to shift it to someone else. Understand?”
Jerome nods. Arthur turns to Tom.
“Tom?”
Tom turns around to meet Arthur and gets up. He flashes a quick glance at Jerome.
“I know you’ve been helping Jerome, and despite his blame, I think you’re not responsible for his loss. But I have to be fair here. You played for him and lost and now he has nothing to wager upon. Since we are in the midst of the game and I hate to interrupt it, it’s only right and fair you place your own wager and try to turn the tables on us. And who knows, you might get lucky. Now this will be entirely your game and your win. You will owe no one should you win this game,” Arthur says, raking his already tousled hair.
“Me, sire?” Tom is afraid.
“Yes, Tom. I would have called it off if we were not in the midst of the game. It’s a shame to do so now because the chance of your victory is still there. But this will be the last game, I promise. But then, rules are rules, you have to wager something … and if you win it, it’s yours for good,” Arthur explains again.
Tom thinks quickly. What will he wager? Not his house, his workshop and not his money for sure because he hasn’t got any! But what does he has to wager? He’s full of debts and he hasn’t any savings. All that he has are his tools, his unfinished armour, the knight’s helmets, some swords and some chain mail. Surely the prince can afford all this. Maybe he can promise the prince a good sword? But doesn’t the prince have good collection of it already?
“Tom?” Arthur calls again.
“Si … Sire” Tom struggles. His mind is still working on his potential wager.
“Place your wager…”
“Urm … I …”
“Anything at all, Tom, there’s no pressure here. You can place whatever you wish and afford.” Merlin smiles, looking at Tom. “Who knows, you might even win. There’s always chance of doing so.”
“I haven’t got anything, Sire,” Tom says honestly. The crowd breaks into laughter. Some nod in agreement and the others echo Tom’s words.
“He’s right, Sire … that man is broke for good!” one says from the back of the tavern and laughs.
“Maybe you can ask him to suit you up with good armour, my lord. This man is equipped with God-given skill. That, I believe, is the only thing he can wager upon,” another chime is. The crowd continues to laugh.
“Or ask him to work for you for free, my lord.”
“Don’t waste your time wagering with him, my lord … he will not be able to dredge up anything, for sure. It’s proven time and time again,” another says from the crowd.
Tom hangs his head down in shame. He feels humiliated because he knows everything said por the crowd is true. He is broke and there is nothing he can wager or give the prince. His only skill is his gift as the blacksmith and the only property he has is his início and the little hut he calls his workshop. But he needs them both to provide shelter and comida for him and his daughter. Besides, would the prince ever be interested in them?
“Come on, Arthur; give him a chance, all right. Don’t be so hard on him,” Merlin asks, nodding at Arthur.
“All right … win the game first and I’ll think of the wager later,” Arthur says and winks at Tom.
“Thank you, Sire,” Tom says with a smile and nods. After that he and Merlin get back to the game while Jerome slits his eyes, watching Tom with interest and fury.
Arthur smiles, sits down and continues to watch the game unfold. Merlin moves his checkers with interest, taking in as many checkers from Tom. Sweat trickles down Tom’s neck. He knows he is under pressure to win the game but that is not his worry at the moment. He is thinking about the wager. What will Arthur ask should Tom lose? Will the prince ask for his house? What if he does? Where will he and Guinevere stay? Tom loses his focus and Merlin wins another checker. Tom has only five checkers left. He knows he is losing. He knows he will lose against Merlin no matter how many times he plays. The young knight is the best player in Camelot and he wasn’t joking when he made that statement. Another checker goes Merlin’s way. Tom wants to run away. He looks sideways to Jerome and notices his friend’s lip is curved into a smile. Jerome is enjoying this, Tom thinks. Two mais checkers left. Tom cannot defend his king anymore. His tactics gives him up. Merlin swipes the final checkers and raises his hand in jubilation.
“YES!!” he shouts and Arthur joins in the celebration. The others around them cadastrar-se the celebration as well.
Tom sits down with his hands on his head, buried in frustration. His nightmare starts now.
“So Tom, how does it feel to be on the losing side?” Jerome taunts him.
“Shut up, Jerome!”
“Pay up, man,” Jerome adds, slapping Tom’s shoulder. That angers Tom and the latter is up on his feet, grabbing Jerome’s collar, yanking him up.
“Tom, let him down,” Arthur instructs from behind Tom. When Tom didn’t look like he was listening, Arthur nears them and he removes his sword from his cinto, correia and aims it at Tom’s shoulder. “I said, put him down, Tom.”
Tom feels the edge of the sword against his skin, puts Jerome back down and turns around to face Arthur. His face is darkened with anger and pain.
Arthur pulls back his sword and sighs. “What was that all about, Tom?”
“He taunted me, Sire …”
“What were you doing, Jerome? I thought you had your say and now it’s Tom’s turn to pay up. This has nothing to do with you so I expect you to behave unless you like to visit my dungeons as part of your wager!”
“Sorry, Sire,” Jerome apologises and keeps quiet.
“Now, Tom … what do you plan to give up?” Arthur asks, sliding his sword back in between his belt.
Tom’s hand shivers. He starts to panic. “I … don’t have anything, Sire.”
“I don’t believe that,” Arthur says.
“I speak the truth, Sire. I haven’t got much money like Jerome, or a farm or anything like that. My old workshop will do you no good and I need my home, as it’s the only thing we have for ourselves. Please, Sire … I ask you to reconsider, please!”
Arthur thinks for sometime.
Merlin pities Tom. He understands how hard it must be for the man to pay up the wager when he is struggling to make ends meet. Merlin nears Arthur and watches him suspiciously. Arthur smiles at Merlin and turns back to Tom. “Fine, Tom … I am not going to ask something you have and probably will find it difficult to part with. I am going to ask you for one particular item, and it’s not one you can’t part with. I am sure you won’t mind too much, because sooner or later you will part with it anyway, so … I need assurance you will agree to give me what ever I ask.”
“I will Sire, I will. I promise …” Tom says quickly without giving it much thought.
“Sure? You won’t back away from your words?” Arthur needs to assure that Tom is one hundred percent committed.
“No, Sire I won’t. I promise you. I promise!”
Merlin feels something is wrong. His coração seems to be warning him and he doesn’t feel right about Arthur’s proposal.
“Good, knew you would,” Arthur says and pauses. After a while he purses his lips, and smiles at Tom. “I want your daughter,” Arthur puts in shortly.
Tom’s coração explodes listening to Arthur. The tavern becomes quiet. Merlin is stunned as well.
“Arthur! What on earth is this?” Merlin asks, leaning close to Arthur. “Are you out of your mind?”
Tom looks disappointedly at Arthur. He is angry, sad, broken and hurt all rolled in one. He should have known. This is a trap. A trap set for him and Guinevere. A nicely-played scheme to get him falling for it. He should have realized it from the beginning. He wants to protect his daughter from the prince and now he himself has placed her life into the lion’s mouth. What will he tell her? How will she accept it? And what will she think of her own father knowing he gambled his own daughter’s life and virtue for mere entertainment? The shame and the humiliation will haunt him forever and the guilt will follow him like the shadows, looming large over him, reminding him of his mistake. And what of Guinevere? What will happen to her once the prince has her? Who will marry her then? And how will the girl continue to carry on with her life when her name will be on everyone’s lips? Her life will be tainted forever, labeled and shamed. Guinevere will have to live bearing the scars her father thrust upon her, forever. Tom shakes his head and feels tears on his cheek. Guinevere will never forgive him. Never.
Tom isn’t the only one feeling guilty. Merlin does, too, and he looks at Arthur angrily. “Is this why you brought me here?” he asks, whispering towards Arthur. “You set this up from the beginning haven’t you, Arthur? You played it nicely so that all the chips will fall into their places nicely and you’ll get your way. This was a trap all along!”
“Come on, Merlin …”
“Look what you’ve done. You’ve broken him, Arthur!” Merlin argues again. Arthur rolls his eyes nonchalantly. “I thought you said you wanted to ask his daughter’s hand in marriage, but never thought you’d stoop so low to get your way. This is not the way of a prince!” Merlin adds with anger.
“Is this all you’ve known me Merlin? Of course I’m here to ask his daughter’s hand in marriage. Only I decided to do it slightly differently, just as precaution, should the blacksmith refuse,” Arthur says.
“But this is atrocious, Arthur … not at all how a prince should behave!”
Arthur ignores Merlin and turns back to face Tom. “Oh, Tom … don’t look so disappointed with my request. I am asking your daughter’s hand in marriage, I’m not asking to just use her and cast her aside. Yes, I intend to marry her and make her the queen of Camelot. And I am not requesting your permission, Tom; I am asking you to pledge your word and your promise. She will be the wager I ask for.”
Tom looks as if the clouds just fell on him, crushing him to death. ‘Marriage?’ he thinks loudly to himself. Around him, the quiet tavern sizzles with life again, murmuring and buzzing the news with excitement, envy and joy. But Tom can’t bring himself to share their enthusiasm yet. He is still clouded por the request and still gobsmacked por the thought of his daughter becoming the queen of Camelot. ‘Can it happen?’ he thinks again. ‘Guinevere, the queen of Camelot?’ Tom is spilt now. He doesn’t know what to say or think anymore. To be honest, he was cursing himself when the prince asked his daughter and knowing Arthur’s reputation, Tom feared the worst for Guinevere but now the prince is asking to marry Guinevere. Is this real or what? Will it happen for sure? Or is this another trap?
“Tom, I am waiting,” Arthur says patiently.
“You wish to marry …”
“Guinevere. Yes, I do, Tom. And that’s the wager you will pass it to me; nothing else will be required. I want to marry her, and do not trouble yourself about anything else because I have my mother’s blessing on this. Yes … the queen and eventually the king agreed to this proposal and I would like to have this wedding as soon as possible,” Arthur announces to everyone at the tavern.
Merlin watches sadly and wishes he can do something to change the destiny this marriage is headed to, but alas, he can only stand there and watch helplessly as Arthur continues to play his game in perfect coordination. Arthur had this in his mind all along, even before he met up with Merlin and asked him to cadastrar-se him for this trip. Arthur must have set this up sometime before they came here, getting things done his way and perhaps having accomplices in the tavern to play along with him. Merlin is beginning to suspect if Jerome is one of Arthur’s accomplices. If he is, Jerome did well to play along but if he is not, he did well anyway. But Merlin feels guilty about this as well. He promised Gwen that he will make sure Arthur doesn’t come into her life anymore and now he himself have allowed that to happen and worse, he played along with Arthur to see that happen! How can he look at Gwen’s face again and tell her that everything will be all right when he suspects otherwise, when he knows why Arthur is marrying her? How can he assure her that her life will be happy like in the stories when he knows it won’t be? Merlin sits down and buries his face in his hands, guilt enveloping his coração like an illness. It’s going to take mais than sorry to make it up to Gwen. He made this happen por winning; he has just played with the girl’s life, throwing her into the lion’s antro, den when he was supposed to be saving her. How can he make this up?
“So, Tom?” Arthur asks again.
“Hmm … I …”
“You don’t really have a choice, Tom, to be honest. But I’m still playing nice and would like to know what you think?”
“Come on, Tom, agree … it’s not always you get an opportunity like this!” a man shouts from the crowd.
“Gwen will never get another chance like this in her life, Tom. Say yes for her sake, please!” a woman adds.
“Gwen deserves happiness, Tom. Think about it. You can never give her one like this even if you wish, but now’s your chance … take it, Tom!”
“Listen to them, Tom,” Arthur smiles.
Merlin feels like leaving the tavern and heading back home. He feels disgusted and hurt por all this and wishes he wasn’t part of it, but unfortunately he is.
Tom looks at the crowd and notices they are all nodding their heads, asking him to agree to accept the proposal. Tom is confused. Are they all genuinely happy for Guinevere or are they just pushing her into the trap because someone in each household of theirs have been a victim of Arthur’s? How can they actually ask him to accept it when they know what a womanizer Arthur is? Do they actually think Guinevere will be happy with him? Or are they thinking Guinevere might be the person to change Arthur and his ways? Tom is really confused. But he hasn’t got all night to think over the proposal because the prince is waiting patiently for his answer.
“Tom?” Arthur calls out again. Tom looks at Arthur nervously.
“As you said, I don’t have a choice, Sire, I did give my word, didn’t I … so I … I accept,” Tom says finally, sadly. The crowd shouts jubilantly while Arthur smiles in triumph.
“Good, Tom … very good. Now, everyone,” Arthur turns towards the crowd and opens his arms wide, smiling at them. “For a week, from today onwards, drinks will be on me … this is my engagement treat to all of you, enjoy!” he says, arching his brow.
Again the crowd turns wild and celebrates the news. Tom slouches in hurt. Arthur nears him and pats his shoulder. “Don’t worry about your daughter, Tom. I will take good care of her. I promise you that.”
“She’s my angel, Sire. She’s the only reason I’m still breathing.”
“She’s no longer your worry ,Tom. And like I said, you will not find a single tear from her eyes. She will enjoy every happiness and joy that you were unable to provide her. She will be a Pendragon soon. You’ll see …” Arthur promises.
Tom wants to feel better hearing that but why is his coração thumping wildly? He feigns a smile and watches Arthur joins the celebration. Tom looks beyond Arthur and notices the sad Merlin, slumped on the chair with his face sunken with sadness and grief. It surprises Tom. ‘Why would Merlin feel sad for this news? Isn’t he Arthur’s friend and shouldn’t he be feeling happy?’ Tom thinks. ‘Is there something else at play here?’ Tom thinks. But whatever it is, it’s too late to change the course of this path. Now everything lies in Guinevere’s hand. Only she can do something about this should it go wrong.
Gwaine ignores his mother’s call and continues to look out the window, towards the full moon shining brightly up in the sky. It was the most beautiful sight he has seen today. No, wait … no it will the segundo most beautiful sight he’s seen today. Gwen will be the first. Thinking of Gwen brings smiles to his face. He looks away and shakes his head, biting his finger. Usually he’d blush when she looks him in the eye but today, he didn’t. Perhaps he owes it to his new found self-confidence but he likes being able to look into her eyes without being shy. And how beautiful she looks. Simple yet glowing with radiance and confidence, she looks every bit like the princess he imagined in his head while hearing his mother’s stories when he was a child. Princess Esmeralda was the only name he recognises from his mother’s stories and the name he gave to Gwen when they played together. He would pretend he is a prince and she a princess and he would save her from witches and wild things.
How wonderful those times were when they got lost in the woods in the morning, exploring and adventuring till the moon rises before heading back home. Neither family member would come looking for them knowing they would be together, looking out for each other. Gwaine remembers how Gwen taught him about herbs and flores while he educated her about cavalos and other animals. And they both knew a lot about amoury and swords because of their backgrounds. Gwaine hears his mother again and turns a deaf ear to her and continues to watch the moon, but his mind is thinking back of his meeting with Gwen. He sighs and rests his elbow on the window sill, looking out. Below him, Camelot looks busy as usual, full of life and plenty of action. Some things never change in Camelot no matter what progress it undergoes. Maybe, it opts not to.
Gwaine is glad to be back home. He missed Camelot, his family, friends and above all, Gwen. He is not sorry to have travelled far to educate himself but he did miss growing up in Camelot. But now that he is here, he wants to spend every bit of time he can get doing things he misses, being with those he loves and cares for. And Gwen tops that list. Gwaine turns around and steps back inside his room, walking towards his desk, pulling out the chair and sitting down. He leans back and immediately his eye darts upon the one thing he always looks upon when he is his chamber. A chain mail shirt, small in size, hanging on the mural alongside a piece of armour and a sword. It seems to belong to a child not mais than ten years old, but in truth it belongs to Gwaine.
The chain mail was Gwen’s present to him when he attended the royal quest tournament in Camelot when he was ten years old. It was hosted por the king in honour of Arthur’s birthday and anyone of the age of ten and eleven are allowed to enter the tournament. Arthur was in it as well. Gwaine didn’t want to enter the tournament but his father asked Gwen to persuade him and she did. She also made him the chainmail and presented to him. Gwaine used it, and despite losing to Arthur in the final, he received good recognition among the attendees, including the king himself. After the tournament, Gwaine hung the chain mail in his room, remembering the tournament and the person who gave it to him.
Gwaine smiles again and pulls out the topo, início drawer. He picks out a trinket box and closes the drawer again. Setting it down on the desk, he lifts the lid and pulls out a gold bracelet. Beautifully crafted and exquisitely hand made, the bracelet bears tiny flores locked together in a loop with pearl fasteners at the end of it, allowing to wearer to fasten it using the pearls instead of normal fasteners. Gwaine runs his finger along the bracelet, feeling each flor with his fingers. He bought this for Gwen when he followed his mother to a goldsmith once and intended to give it to her on her birthday. But so many birthdays have passed and he still has it with him. Not that he didn’t want to part with the jewel, but apart from gifting it to her, he also wishes to let her know of his feelings. And that’s what putting him off from doing so. Gwaine leans back, rests his head against the chair and takes the bracelet in his hands, dangling it above his face. He loves Gwen. He’s loved her all his life and wants to marry her but is afraid to ask her. He is afraid she might laugh at his affections and call it nothing but childish. He is afraid she’ll accept him only as a friend and nothing more. Gwaine drops the bracelet on his face and lets it stay there. He had considered facing her on many occasions and let his feelings known but unfortunately, each time he tries his tongue will roll up in knots. And he’ll console himself saying he’ll do it another dia and the seguinte and the next.
Time passed until he went away but his amor for Gwen never wavered. He thought of her, and silently prayed that she hasn’t married anyone yet. It was her amor that motivated him to educate and build himself to be the man he is today. He didn’t want to face her like the person he had been before, skinny, shy and lacking confidence. He wants Gwen to see him as man brimming with confidence: handsome, educated, honest and loving. He wants Gwen to see him beyond their friendship. He wants her to accept him on amor rather than respect because he knows how loyal Gwen can be to someone she cares for; she wouldn’t bat an eyelid sacrificing anything for them. If she knows Gwaine is in amor with her and for the respect she has for him, she might accept him but she probably wouldn’t amor him. And that’s the last thing Gwaine wants. He’d rather spend his lifetime thinking of her than spend a minuto with her knowing she doesn’t amor him. Gwaine removes the bracelet and weighs it in his hands. He will tell her, probably tomorrow, and give her the bracelet. Regardless of whether she accepts him or not, the bracelet is hers. But whatever the results are, Gwaine will never stop loving Gwen. His mother’s voice is heard again downstairs. Gwaine puts the bracelet back into the trinket box, closes the drawer and gets up to his feet. He knows his mother hates to see him sleep on empty stomach but the truth is he is still not hungry, thanks to all the pies he ate at Gwen’s. But he can’t tell his mother that, so like it or not, he will have to eat something to please her. Closing the behind him, Gwaine walks down to meet his mother.
Arthur rides back início chatting excitedly with Merlin but the latter has hardly spoken. All throughout the ride, Merlin rides in silence.
“Merlin?”
“Hmm?” Merlin doesn’t even look at Arthur.
“What on earth is wrong with you? I’ve been talking to you for almost an hora and you’ve hardly responded. The horse seems better company than you are, Merlin! At least it nods.”
“Then talk to it,” Merlin isn’t even bothered.
“Now, come on, Merlin! What is wrong with you? Don’t tell me that you are still upset with the way I handled the proposal.”
“Yes, Arthur!” Merlin stops the horse and stares angrily at Arthur. “I am upset, no I think that word is too mild … I am angry, amargo, amarga and completely disgusted at you for the way you made your move! That was despicable, Arthur!! Not the ways of a prince and certainly not of a future king.”
“What was wrong with it?” Arthur shakes his head, completely baffled as why Merlin can be gutted with him and the way the marriage talk took place. As far as he is concerned, he handled it rather professionally. It could have gone a lot worse.
“What is wrong? Everything, Arthur! You played your wager well, knowing that poor man has no other options but to succumb to your plans. He was trapped, and boy, he was trapped on all corners! You purposely called for the game, provoked me and got me going against him and placed your wager when he or anyone least expected it. No one … trust me, Arthur, no one saw it coming. And now after seriously thinking about it all the way, I am beginning to think that that Jerome was your accomplice because he looked like puppet por someone, and I don’t have to guess at the puppeteer! Everything … everything seemed to fall naturally in their places, Arthur, and I must say … the real winner today is you, my friend!” Merlin shouts, his eyes fiery and red with anger.
And to make him even angrier, Arthur laughs. “Merlin … Merlin, Merlin, Merlin!” Arthur clutches his stomach and laughs loudly.
Merlin stares, clenching his cheek. His knuckles turn white in anger and he grips the reins tightly.
“I didn’t know you had such a soft spot for Tom!”
“It’s not Tom, but the girl.”
Arthur’s laugher fades and he straightens himself, eyeing Merlin suspiciously. “What do you mean, Merlin? Have you met Guinevere before?”
“No!” Merlin says, trying to act natural. He knows he screwed up por letting the cat out of the bag but he does not wish not to make a mountain out of the molehill. “But from what you told me, I pity her.”
“Pity her? Why? I am not going to eat her up, Merlin. I’m marrying her, for God’s sake … How can I pose such a terrifying image in everyone’s heart, I wonder? I am a person and don’t tell me I don’t deserve a life and a wife?”
“I wouldn’t mind if you are genuinely looking for a wife, Arthur! In fact, I would have stepped up and done the searching for you myself! But this … I can’t find any reason why you would go for the person who humiliated you when you could get basically anyone. And she’s a peasant, when you have princess queuing up for you!” Merlin argues.
And again Arthur laughs. “So that’s your issue, that she is a peasant and I am the prince?”
“That and more, Arthur … look, I am your friend and I will do anything for you, but I will not stand por and watch you destroy a girl’s life!”
“And why do you think that will happen?”
“Because you don’t amor her!”
“Oh come on, Merlin!! Not that again … we had enough discussion about it back início and I’ve told you why I am marrying her, all right. I need her and I’m being pretty courteous about it. I will own her only por marrying her. And I usually don’t apply this with anyone else. And she should be grateful I am actually showing her some respect.”
“Yes, and then destroy her life for good! That’s what her future with you spells, Arthur,” Merlin says and when Arthur tries to cut in, he stops him por raising his palm out to him, halting him. “She probably has dreams about how her future is lined up, and her father … that poor man maybe have someone in mind for his daughter but with you in the picture, I can see a tarnished image of her instead of a happy one with you!”
“Sometimes you simply get on my nerves, Merlin … I am sorry, yes, you are my good friend, almost like a brother, but you tend to have a skill for getting someone really angry!” Arthur snaps back angrily. “I don’t see why I can be wrong when all I am trying to do is get married! Isn’t that what father wants? Isn’t that what everyone wants? All this while, I was pressured to get myself tied down and I declined. But now that I’ve finally given thought to this matter, I’m being told not to! And you of all people, Merlin … you!!”
“I am sorry if you think I am simply rejecting your decision Arthur. No, get that straight. I am happy with your decision to get married, what I am objecting is the choice of bride, that’s all!”
“Because of your stupid melodramatic reason that I don’t amor her!” Arthur snaps again. “That’s stupid, Merlin, stupid!”
“Stupid or not, Arthur, that’s what marriage is based on. What it should be based on. It’s the foundation of happiness and everlasting bond between a husband and a wife. Without love, nothing is certain in this world!”
“That’s ridiculously stupid, Merlin. Only an idiot will believe in that … not me!”
“What is wrong with you, Arthur? Why is so hard for you to amor someone?”
“Because I can’t, that’s why?”
“WHY?”
“BECAUSE I DON’T BELIEVE IN LOVE, MERLIN, THAT”S WHY!!” Arthur shouts at Merlin so hard that the owl on the branch above them flies away in fright. The woods retain its quietness after Arthur’s voice drifts away into the night. Both men become silent. Merlin shakes his head while Arthur looks away, his cheek taut and his sight drifting the furthest his eyes can take him.
“Maybe you haven’t given yourself a chance, Arthur, that’s why.” Merlin says softly. Arthur remains silent. “I don’t consider myself an expert, but I do know a thing or two about love. The primary rule of amor is to give and then take. There has to be understanding, tolerance and of course honesty in love. You pressure yourself too much, Arthur. You should give yourself some credit and take time to heal old wounds, whatever they are. Give yourself some o espaço to procurar and find. Give it room to find love,” Merlin advises. Arthur still remains quiet. “I have a soft spot for that girl because I worry for you, too, Arthur.”
Arthur looks Merlin’s way. “What do you mean?”
“She probably hates you and will continue to do so after marriage, because of the manner in which she was married off to you. And then you, on the other hand, don’t amor her. With both of you destroying each other’s life, I fear what might become of you, Arthur.”
“You are afraid I will hurt her?”
“Arthur, you told me once how you find it hard to control your temper. How you tend to become a beast when your anger gets hold of your sanity. And I know what you are capable of if things didn’t go your way. And if she continues to anger you … I dread to think … I don’t know …”
Arthur smiles. “Then she better do as she is told.”
Merlin looks up. “What does that mean, Arthur? What if she continues to defy …”
“That’s where you’ll come in, Merlin. Once I am married, you will advise her to do as she is told and never test my patience. You know me, Merlin … share your knowledge with her and make her understand. She will succumb to me, Merlin … she will!”
“This is not fair, Arthur. She doesn’t deserve this treatment … what has she done wrong? How has she wronged you?” Merlin asks, simply frustrated. “And me!! Do you think this is fair to me? You used me to win your wager and now you are using me to get your wife to bed! This is sickening, Arthur!”
“You said you are worried for me, Merlin. If you value Guinevere’s life as well as mine, you’ll do as you’re told,” and Merlin opens his mouth Arthur cuts him short. “This is my final decision. I will not change this for anything or anyone! I will marry her por all means and anyone who comes in between me and Guinevere will be slain! That’s my final call.”
“Arthur … please …
“Let’s go home, Merlin. I have an announcement to make to my parents,” and with that Arthur slams the reins and rides off, with Merlin watching him sadly.
Gwen is worried. It’s been hours and still there’s no sign of her father yet. He left to meet his friends at the tavern in the morning and now it’s almost seven in the evening and he isn’t back home.
Gwaine has left for his home, promising to visit her again tomorrow along with a gift he bought for her father. It was nice talking to Gwaine after such a long absence. And she managed to confide her troubles to him, which makes it even better. Gwaine is the only person she’ll talk to without any worries in the world because he understands her well. They’ve known each other their whole lives and grown up together, and basically, Gwaine understands her better than she does herself! Her father commented once, saying Gwaine is the only one who can actually override her; no one else stands any chance, not even himself. Gwen joked back saying that’s because he is the only one who listens. And despite that being a joke, it was also the truth. Gwaine’s strength lies in his eagerness to listen. He listens to everything and everyone. He waits to offer his opinions until the end of the conversation, and usually his views and opinions make sense. His judgments are never one sided or biased, even if the person he is judging happens to be his friend. And that’s what appeals the most to Gwen. She loves his honesty and respects his judgments. And she has missed him so much when he went away. But no mais worries, as he is back and it will be like old times again.
Gwen’s smile fades as her mind drifts off towards Arthur. Thinking about him brings fear in her heart. Will it be like old times again now that she has another face in her life? What if he appears again? What will she tell him? What if Gwaine does something to him or Arthur to Gwaine? Gwen shakes her head and gets up. She walks towards the door and leans against it, her mind still working on her anterior thoughts. She managed to convince Gwaine about Arthur today but what if he learns mais later? Gwaine, despite his calm demeanor, is not one to be messed with. And Gwen knows what will happen to those on the receiving end should they mess with her friend. Arthur doesn’t know a thing about Gwaine yet. And he will be sorry to find out. Gwen sighs, pouts her lips and opens the door, yanking it back. Stepping out she notices the clouds are gathering, darkening in the sky. Looks like rain might be on the way, but where is her father? She steps out and leans against the wall, folding her hands together and searching the streets anxiously.
“Something bothering you, child?”
Gwen turns to her left and notices Keira walking up to her house, with her son in tow. Gwen smiles. Keira is her neighbour and a single mother. She has a four-year-old son and works as the servant in the castelo along with her mother. She is a lovely person and one of those Gwen trusts enough to share her troubles with. Keira is nearly thirty but she looks older because of the hardship she has gone through since giving birth to her son. Her fiancé left her at the altar after planting his seed in her and though heartbroken, she vows to carry on living for her son’s sake.
“Keira … hello Rocgue,” Gwen greets them both and straightens up.
Keira walks nearer and looks at Gwen suspiciously. “Are you worrying about something, Gwen?”
“My father isn’t back from the tavern and it looks as if it might rain anytime. I am worried for him.”
“What time did he leave for the tavern?”
“In the morning,”
“Perhaps he left to see his friends or something. I’m sure nothing happened. Stop worrying so much, dear,” Keira assures, patting Gwen’s shoulder.
“I just hope he doesn’t get himself drunk.”
“Now, Gwen … he did promise you, didn’t he? I am sure he is taking good care of that promise. Like I said, he must be held up in a different matter, or even one that could involve work. He will be início before you know it.” Keira tries to make Gwen better.
“Thanks Keira,” Gwen says and notices a length of fabric, folded in Keira’s hand. “What’s that?”
Keira looks down and smiles back at Gwen. “I was given this today at the castle, por the queen.”
Gwen’s eyes shines. “The queen?”
Keira nods. “All of us got it, the servants, the guards, cooks, gardeners … everyone. She gave us each this new cloth, to be made into anything we like. And the cloth is huge, Gwen. You’re a seamstress. You know mais than I can tell you. Here … look at it. It looks like a good quality material and I am sure it doesn’t come cheap,” Keira hands the cloth to Gwen.
Gwen takes it and feels the fabric in her hands. Keira is right, it is good quality material and she too agrees the queen must have spent some fortune getting them this. “It feels wonderfully smooth, Keira. The material is fine, really fine.” Gwen feels it and runs her hand over it. “Bless the queen.” She hands it back to Keira.
“Would you to make me a dress out of this cloth, Gwen? A pretty dress that I can use when I am attending events or functions here at Camelot. It will be a reminder of the queen as well,” Keira says, handing the fabric back to Gwen. “It’s not often we get gifts from the royalties.”
“Of course I will, Keira. I will draft the designs and show it to you por the weekend and then you can decide which one is your choice. If you have any other design in your mind, let me know as well,” Gwen says.
“Thanks, Gwen.”
“Why did she give you this? Was it her birth anniversary?” Gwen asks, curiously. She doesn’t know the queen much but as far she’s heard, the people in Camelot regard her well. Both the king and the queen are well thought of here, unlike their son. Why can’t Arthur be just like any other prince?
“No, it’s not her birthday. What I heard was, the queen is happy and wants to share her happiness with all of us.”
“Hmm …. Whatever the news was, it must have meant a lot to her,” Gwen says, folding the cloth.
“Of course it does. It’s about the prince.”
Gwen’s coração thumps wildly. “What about the prince?”
“He’s agreed to get married! Now isn’t that just wonderful? Arthur will be getting married, finally, and the queen is extremely happy with the news. Which explains all the gifts.”
But Gwen isn’t listening. ‘Arthur is getting married? To whom? Did the queen mention who?’ Gwen thinks. ‘Why are you worried Gwen? This is the news you’ve been waiting for all dia and now it’s here. Enjoy the moment because you’re seguro from Arthur forever. Whoever he wishes to marry is not your concern anymore. Just pray that you’re seguro now.’ She thinks to herself.
“Gwen?”
“Uhh … Keira?”
“Something wrong?” Keira asks.
“Uh? No, of course not. I was just thinking about what you said. Married, you say? After all these years, finally. I am happy for him. It’s about time he married and settled down,” Gwen says, ashamed being caught drifting off.
“We all are.”
“Mummy … let’s go home.” The boy tugs Keira’s sleeve and she smiles at him, raking his hair.
“Sure honey, give Mummy one minute, all right?” Keira tells her son and turns back to Gwen. “He’s hungry.”
“Does he like pie? I have plenty left.”
“It’s all right, Gwen. I have comida for him back home. Thank you. I came por to give you this. I’ll see you later. Thanks, Gwen.” Keira says and lifts her son up and holds him tight. “Tell Aunty Gwen goodbye.”
“Goodbye,” the cute boy says, waving. Keira and her son leaves.
Gwen waves back and watches them leave. Once they have disappeared behind the houses, she walks back into her house and closes the door. She runs her hand all over the cloth and sighs. ‘So, Arthur is finally getting married. Good,’ she tells herself and smiles. But despite the smile, why is her coração actually feeling sad?
“That’s the way Merlin … another win!” Arthur shouts as he finishes his forth mead and slams his tankard on the table. “Let’s play another round.”
“What’s wrong, Tom? He’s been winning ever since he started the game. What are you doing?” Jerome tugs Tom’s sleeve impatiently. “Get your game back on, come on!”
“Patience, Jerome!” Tom hisses and finishes his mead. It was his fifth and he’s already requesting for another.
“Stop drinking, Tom! And start concentrating on the game!”
“Jerome!! Enough, I say. One mais word, I’ll walk out of here,” Tom replies and watches as Merlin arranges the checkers on the board.
Jerome mutters under his breath and folds his arm across his chest, sitting back in his seat. Ever since he placed the wager with Merlin, he’s been on the losing side. Merlin gets to keep the sword while Jerome will have to keep up his word and walk back início naked! And not only that, he also lost his money, will have to pay for all the drinks consumed por everyone at the tavern today and now, his farm is officially Merlin’s. Fuming, he stares at Tom. He expected Tom to win the game, not lose it! Tom is supposed to win it; he is the best player in the game of checkers, isn’t he? But now, it looks as if Tom has lied about his talent all along! Not only are they losing, they are losing badly! That knight, Sir Balinor’s son, wasn’t kidding when he said he is good in checkers. He’s excellent. Not a single mistake and he wiped Tom straight in four games in the o espaço of five hours. That’s a record for anyone here in Camelot. Jerome’s eye scans Merlin and it rests upon the sword at Merlin’s waist. He sighs.
‘You should be sitting at my waist por now … if Tom didn’t screw up!’ he thinks sadly.
“Yay!! Merlin come on, get him!” Arthur’s shout alerts Jerome. He inches progressivo, para a frente to keep track of the game. Looks like Merlin is getting Tom again.
Jerome is furious. If Tom loses another game, Jerome has nothing mais with which to wager. And this is all Tom’s fault. If he had played better, they wouldn’t have lost. Now thanks to Tom, Jerome is officially bankrupt. ‘No … no this can’t happen like this,’ he thinks angrily. ‘How can Tom carry on losing while Jerome has to pay for everything?’ Jerome thinks furiously. ‘It’s time Tom paid some wagers too,’ Jerome thinks again and gets up on his feet.
“WAIT!” Jerome stops the game.
Both Merlin and Tom look up while Arthur gets on his feet as well, eyeing Jerome curiously. The others at the tavern murmur, some laugh, shaking their heads.
“What’s wrong?” Arthur asks, looking at Jerome.
“I will not pay the wager this time. I haven’t got anything else to wager with anyway, and I don’t want to end up like a fool. It’s obvious Tom will not win the game so I don’t want to risk anything else.” Jerome starts.
Arthur laughs. “What are you talking about, Jerome? Are you saying you are losing your trust in Tom? I remember you said you’d stand por him no matter what. Is this how you decide to show your faith? Come on, Jerome …. There’s always a chance of you winning the game.”
“I’m afraid I don’t share your enthusiasm, Sire,” Jerome says.
“Now … is this because you’ve been losing? Luck will not always be on Merlin’s side, you know. She may change loyalties,” Arthur explains.
“Sire, you don’t have to try and make me feel better. It won’t help. I am broke for good and I have nothing else to give. I will not pay the wager if Tom loses again. It’s not fair, Sire. He lost all the games and I have to keep paying the wager. Why doesn’t he pay the wager for a change? Ask him to place his own wager and see if he wins or not!”
“I didn’t ask to play in this game Jerome, you told me to … for you. You think I want this? No … I told you this was a bad idea all the while but you had eyes on that sword and it blurred your mind. Now you are trying to blame me?” Tom argues, looking angrily at Jerome.
“I expected you to win, Tom. I thought you’d win!! I was wrong, indeed!” Jerome snaps back.
“I told you never to underestimate anyone. But you wouldn’t listen, bragging about me to them. This is a game that anyone with patience and interest can master Jerome. One doesn’t need to be taught to play it, it’s anyone’s game!” Tom argues again. “But you were persistent and if you wanted this so much, you should have played yourself! That way, you’ll be satisfied should you win or lose!”
“I was wiling to share my wager, Tom, and more. I was ready to help you ease your debts. Tell me, who would do this for you?” Jerome argues again, pounding the mesa, tabela with his fist. “I am your only friend who’d consider helping you, and I thought you’d do the same for me. But unfortunately, I was wrong!!”
“So now you’re showing off, aren’t you?” Tom hisses, shaking his head in disbelief. He moves closer to face off Jerome.
“Enough!! Both of you!” Arthur stops them both, coming in between them and separating them. Jerome looks away while Tom sits down, biting his fist in anger. The owner of the tavern pats his shoulder, calming Tom.
“Is this how you both usually behave? Jerome, you asked Tom to play for you and placed your wager. Unfortunately he lost, but that doesn’t mean he is responsible entirely for your loss.”
“But, Sire …” Jerome tries to argue.
“LISTEN!!” Arthur’s shout silences everyone in the tavern and Jerome sinks back in his assento like a kitten. “Tom played for you without expecting anything. What you decided to give him is your generosity, but do not place your blame on his shoulders when all he is doing is helping you out. The wagers you placed were out of your own interest and greed. What you lost is yours to bear, don’t try to shift it to someone else. Understand?”
Jerome nods. Arthur turns to Tom.
“Tom?”
Tom turns around to meet Arthur and gets up. He flashes a quick glance at Jerome.
“I know you’ve been helping Jerome, and despite his blame, I think you’re not responsible for his loss. But I have to be fair here. You played for him and lost and now he has nothing to wager upon. Since we are in the midst of the game and I hate to interrupt it, it’s only right and fair you place your own wager and try to turn the tables on us. And who knows, you might get lucky. Now this will be entirely your game and your win. You will owe no one should you win this game,” Arthur says, raking his already tousled hair.
“Me, sire?” Tom is afraid.
“Yes, Tom. I would have called it off if we were not in the midst of the game. It’s a shame to do so now because the chance of your victory is still there. But this will be the last game, I promise. But then, rules are rules, you have to wager something … and if you win it, it’s yours for good,” Arthur explains again.
Tom thinks quickly. What will he wager? Not his house, his workshop and not his money for sure because he hasn’t got any! But what does he has to wager? He’s full of debts and he hasn’t any savings. All that he has are his tools, his unfinished armour, the knight’s helmets, some swords and some chain mail. Surely the prince can afford all this. Maybe he can promise the prince a good sword? But doesn’t the prince have good collection of it already?
“Tom?” Arthur calls again.
“Si … Sire” Tom struggles. His mind is still working on his potential wager.
“Place your wager…”
“Urm … I …”
“Anything at all, Tom, there’s no pressure here. You can place whatever you wish and afford.” Merlin smiles, looking at Tom. “Who knows, you might even win. There’s always chance of doing so.”
“I haven’t got anything, Sire,” Tom says honestly. The crowd breaks into laughter. Some nod in agreement and the others echo Tom’s words.
“He’s right, Sire … that man is broke for good!” one says from the back of the tavern and laughs.
“Maybe you can ask him to suit you up with good armour, my lord. This man is equipped with God-given skill. That, I believe, is the only thing he can wager upon,” another chime is. The crowd continues to laugh.
“Or ask him to work for you for free, my lord.”
“Don’t waste your time wagering with him, my lord … he will not be able to dredge up anything, for sure. It’s proven time and time again,” another says from the crowd.
Tom hangs his head down in shame. He feels humiliated because he knows everything said por the crowd is true. He is broke and there is nothing he can wager or give the prince. His only skill is his gift as the blacksmith and the only property he has is his início and the little hut he calls his workshop. But he needs them both to provide shelter and comida for him and his daughter. Besides, would the prince ever be interested in them?
“Come on, Arthur; give him a chance, all right. Don’t be so hard on him,” Merlin asks, nodding at Arthur.
“All right … win the game first and I’ll think of the wager later,” Arthur says and winks at Tom.
“Thank you, Sire,” Tom says with a smile and nods. After that he and Merlin get back to the game while Jerome slits his eyes, watching Tom with interest and fury.
Arthur smiles, sits down and continues to watch the game unfold. Merlin moves his checkers with interest, taking in as many checkers from Tom. Sweat trickles down Tom’s neck. He knows he is under pressure to win the game but that is not his worry at the moment. He is thinking about the wager. What will Arthur ask should Tom lose? Will the prince ask for his house? What if he does? Where will he and Guinevere stay? Tom loses his focus and Merlin wins another checker. Tom has only five checkers left. He knows he is losing. He knows he will lose against Merlin no matter how many times he plays. The young knight is the best player in Camelot and he wasn’t joking when he made that statement. Another checker goes Merlin’s way. Tom wants to run away. He looks sideways to Jerome and notices his friend’s lip is curved into a smile. Jerome is enjoying this, Tom thinks. Two mais checkers left. Tom cannot defend his king anymore. His tactics gives him up. Merlin swipes the final checkers and raises his hand in jubilation.
“YES!!” he shouts and Arthur joins in the celebration. The others around them cadastrar-se the celebration as well.
Tom sits down with his hands on his head, buried in frustration. His nightmare starts now.
“So Tom, how does it feel to be on the losing side?” Jerome taunts him.
“Shut up, Jerome!”
“Pay up, man,” Jerome adds, slapping Tom’s shoulder. That angers Tom and the latter is up on his feet, grabbing Jerome’s collar, yanking him up.
“Tom, let him down,” Arthur instructs from behind Tom. When Tom didn’t look like he was listening, Arthur nears them and he removes his sword from his cinto, correia and aims it at Tom’s shoulder. “I said, put him down, Tom.”
Tom feels the edge of the sword against his skin, puts Jerome back down and turns around to face Arthur. His face is darkened with anger and pain.
Arthur pulls back his sword and sighs. “What was that all about, Tom?”
“He taunted me, Sire …”
“What were you doing, Jerome? I thought you had your say and now it’s Tom’s turn to pay up. This has nothing to do with you so I expect you to behave unless you like to visit my dungeons as part of your wager!”
“Sorry, Sire,” Jerome apologises and keeps quiet.
“Now, Tom … what do you plan to give up?” Arthur asks, sliding his sword back in between his belt.
Tom’s hand shivers. He starts to panic. “I … don’t have anything, Sire.”
“I don’t believe that,” Arthur says.
“I speak the truth, Sire. I haven’t got much money like Jerome, or a farm or anything like that. My old workshop will do you no good and I need my home, as it’s the only thing we have for ourselves. Please, Sire … I ask you to reconsider, please!”
Arthur thinks for sometime.
Merlin pities Tom. He understands how hard it must be for the man to pay up the wager when he is struggling to make ends meet. Merlin nears Arthur and watches him suspiciously. Arthur smiles at Merlin and turns back to Tom. “Fine, Tom … I am not going to ask something you have and probably will find it difficult to part with. I am going to ask you for one particular item, and it’s not one you can’t part with. I am sure you won’t mind too much, because sooner or later you will part with it anyway, so … I need assurance you will agree to give me what ever I ask.”
“I will Sire, I will. I promise …” Tom says quickly without giving it much thought.
“Sure? You won’t back away from your words?” Arthur needs to assure that Tom is one hundred percent committed.
“No, Sire I won’t. I promise you. I promise!”
Merlin feels something is wrong. His coração seems to be warning him and he doesn’t feel right about Arthur’s proposal.
“Good, knew you would,” Arthur says and pauses. After a while he purses his lips, and smiles at Tom. “I want your daughter,” Arthur puts in shortly.
Tom’s coração explodes listening to Arthur. The tavern becomes quiet. Merlin is stunned as well.
“Arthur! What on earth is this?” Merlin asks, leaning close to Arthur. “Are you out of your mind?”
Tom looks disappointedly at Arthur. He is angry, sad, broken and hurt all rolled in one. He should have known. This is a trap. A trap set for him and Guinevere. A nicely-played scheme to get him falling for it. He should have realized it from the beginning. He wants to protect his daughter from the prince and now he himself has placed her life into the lion’s mouth. What will he tell her? How will she accept it? And what will she think of her own father knowing he gambled his own daughter’s life and virtue for mere entertainment? The shame and the humiliation will haunt him forever and the guilt will follow him like the shadows, looming large over him, reminding him of his mistake. And what of Guinevere? What will happen to her once the prince has her? Who will marry her then? And how will the girl continue to carry on with her life when her name will be on everyone’s lips? Her life will be tainted forever, labeled and shamed. Guinevere will have to live bearing the scars her father thrust upon her, forever. Tom shakes his head and feels tears on his cheek. Guinevere will never forgive him. Never.
Tom isn’t the only one feeling guilty. Merlin does, too, and he looks at Arthur angrily. “Is this why you brought me here?” he asks, whispering towards Arthur. “You set this up from the beginning haven’t you, Arthur? You played it nicely so that all the chips will fall into their places nicely and you’ll get your way. This was a trap all along!”
“Come on, Merlin …”
“Look what you’ve done. You’ve broken him, Arthur!” Merlin argues again. Arthur rolls his eyes nonchalantly. “I thought you said you wanted to ask his daughter’s hand in marriage, but never thought you’d stoop so low to get your way. This is not the way of a prince!” Merlin adds with anger.
“Is this all you’ve known me Merlin? Of course I’m here to ask his daughter’s hand in marriage. Only I decided to do it slightly differently, just as precaution, should the blacksmith refuse,” Arthur says.
“But this is atrocious, Arthur … not at all how a prince should behave!”
Arthur ignores Merlin and turns back to face Tom. “Oh, Tom … don’t look so disappointed with my request. I am asking your daughter’s hand in marriage, I’m not asking to just use her and cast her aside. Yes, I intend to marry her and make her the queen of Camelot. And I am not requesting your permission, Tom; I am asking you to pledge your word and your promise. She will be the wager I ask for.”
Tom looks as if the clouds just fell on him, crushing him to death. ‘Marriage?’ he thinks loudly to himself. Around him, the quiet tavern sizzles with life again, murmuring and buzzing the news with excitement, envy and joy. But Tom can’t bring himself to share their enthusiasm yet. He is still clouded por the request and still gobsmacked por the thought of his daughter becoming the queen of Camelot. ‘Can it happen?’ he thinks again. ‘Guinevere, the queen of Camelot?’ Tom is spilt now. He doesn’t know what to say or think anymore. To be honest, he was cursing himself when the prince asked his daughter and knowing Arthur’s reputation, Tom feared the worst for Guinevere but now the prince is asking to marry Guinevere. Is this real or what? Will it happen for sure? Or is this another trap?
“Tom, I am waiting,” Arthur says patiently.
“You wish to marry …”
“Guinevere. Yes, I do, Tom. And that’s the wager you will pass it to me; nothing else will be required. I want to marry her, and do not trouble yourself about anything else because I have my mother’s blessing on this. Yes … the queen and eventually the king agreed to this proposal and I would like to have this wedding as soon as possible,” Arthur announces to everyone at the tavern.
Merlin watches sadly and wishes he can do something to change the destiny this marriage is headed to, but alas, he can only stand there and watch helplessly as Arthur continues to play his game in perfect coordination. Arthur had this in his mind all along, even before he met up with Merlin and asked him to cadastrar-se him for this trip. Arthur must have set this up sometime before they came here, getting things done his way and perhaps having accomplices in the tavern to play along with him. Merlin is beginning to suspect if Jerome is one of Arthur’s accomplices. If he is, Jerome did well to play along but if he is not, he did well anyway. But Merlin feels guilty about this as well. He promised Gwen that he will make sure Arthur doesn’t come into her life anymore and now he himself have allowed that to happen and worse, he played along with Arthur to see that happen! How can he look at Gwen’s face again and tell her that everything will be all right when he suspects otherwise, when he knows why Arthur is marrying her? How can he assure her that her life will be happy like in the stories when he knows it won’t be? Merlin sits down and buries his face in his hands, guilt enveloping his coração like an illness. It’s going to take mais than sorry to make it up to Gwen. He made this happen por winning; he has just played with the girl’s life, throwing her into the lion’s antro, den when he was supposed to be saving her. How can he make this up?
“So, Tom?” Arthur asks again.
“Hmm … I …”
“You don’t really have a choice, Tom, to be honest. But I’m still playing nice and would like to know what you think?”
“Come on, Tom, agree … it’s not always you get an opportunity like this!” a man shouts from the crowd.
“Gwen will never get another chance like this in her life, Tom. Say yes for her sake, please!” a woman adds.
“Gwen deserves happiness, Tom. Think about it. You can never give her one like this even if you wish, but now’s your chance … take it, Tom!”
“Listen to them, Tom,” Arthur smiles.
Merlin feels like leaving the tavern and heading back home. He feels disgusted and hurt por all this and wishes he wasn’t part of it, but unfortunately he is.
Tom looks at the crowd and notices they are all nodding their heads, asking him to agree to accept the proposal. Tom is confused. Are they all genuinely happy for Guinevere or are they just pushing her into the trap because someone in each household of theirs have been a victim of Arthur’s? How can they actually ask him to accept it when they know what a womanizer Arthur is? Do they actually think Guinevere will be happy with him? Or are they thinking Guinevere might be the person to change Arthur and his ways? Tom is really confused. But he hasn’t got all night to think over the proposal because the prince is waiting patiently for his answer.
“Tom?” Arthur calls out again. Tom looks at Arthur nervously.
“As you said, I don’t have a choice, Sire, I did give my word, didn’t I … so I … I accept,” Tom says finally, sadly. The crowd shouts jubilantly while Arthur smiles in triumph.
“Good, Tom … very good. Now, everyone,” Arthur turns towards the crowd and opens his arms wide, smiling at them. “For a week, from today onwards, drinks will be on me … this is my engagement treat to all of you, enjoy!” he says, arching his brow.
Again the crowd turns wild and celebrates the news. Tom slouches in hurt. Arthur nears him and pats his shoulder. “Don’t worry about your daughter, Tom. I will take good care of her. I promise you that.”
“She’s my angel, Sire. She’s the only reason I’m still breathing.”
“She’s no longer your worry ,Tom. And like I said, you will not find a single tear from her eyes. She will enjoy every happiness and joy that you were unable to provide her. She will be a Pendragon soon. You’ll see …” Arthur promises.
Tom wants to feel better hearing that but why is his coração thumping wildly? He feigns a smile and watches Arthur joins the celebration. Tom looks beyond Arthur and notices the sad Merlin, slumped on the chair with his face sunken with sadness and grief. It surprises Tom. ‘Why would Merlin feel sad for this news? Isn’t he Arthur’s friend and shouldn’t he be feeling happy?’ Tom thinks. ‘Is there something else at play here?’ Tom thinks. But whatever it is, it’s too late to change the course of this path. Now everything lies in Guinevere’s hand. Only she can do something about this should it go wrong.
Gwaine ignores his mother’s call and continues to look out the window, towards the full moon shining brightly up in the sky. It was the most beautiful sight he has seen today. No, wait … no it will the segundo most beautiful sight he’s seen today. Gwen will be the first. Thinking of Gwen brings smiles to his face. He looks away and shakes his head, biting his finger. Usually he’d blush when she looks him in the eye but today, he didn’t. Perhaps he owes it to his new found self-confidence but he likes being able to look into her eyes without being shy. And how beautiful she looks. Simple yet glowing with radiance and confidence, she looks every bit like the princess he imagined in his head while hearing his mother’s stories when he was a child. Princess Esmeralda was the only name he recognises from his mother’s stories and the name he gave to Gwen when they played together. He would pretend he is a prince and she a princess and he would save her from witches and wild things.
How wonderful those times were when they got lost in the woods in the morning, exploring and adventuring till the moon rises before heading back home. Neither family member would come looking for them knowing they would be together, looking out for each other. Gwaine remembers how Gwen taught him about herbs and flores while he educated her about cavalos and other animals. And they both knew a lot about amoury and swords because of their backgrounds. Gwaine hears his mother again and turns a deaf ear to her and continues to watch the moon, but his mind is thinking back of his meeting with Gwen. He sighs and rests his elbow on the window sill, looking out. Below him, Camelot looks busy as usual, full of life and plenty of action. Some things never change in Camelot no matter what progress it undergoes. Maybe, it opts not to.
Gwaine is glad to be back home. He missed Camelot, his family, friends and above all, Gwen. He is not sorry to have travelled far to educate himself but he did miss growing up in Camelot. But now that he is here, he wants to spend every bit of time he can get doing things he misses, being with those he loves and cares for. And Gwen tops that list. Gwaine turns around and steps back inside his room, walking towards his desk, pulling out the chair and sitting down. He leans back and immediately his eye darts upon the one thing he always looks upon when he is his chamber. A chain mail shirt, small in size, hanging on the mural alongside a piece of armour and a sword. It seems to belong to a child not mais than ten years old, but in truth it belongs to Gwaine.
The chain mail was Gwen’s present to him when he attended the royal quest tournament in Camelot when he was ten years old. It was hosted por the king in honour of Arthur’s birthday and anyone of the age of ten and eleven are allowed to enter the tournament. Arthur was in it as well. Gwaine didn’t want to enter the tournament but his father asked Gwen to persuade him and she did. She also made him the chainmail and presented to him. Gwaine used it, and despite losing to Arthur in the final, he received good recognition among the attendees, including the king himself. After the tournament, Gwaine hung the chain mail in his room, remembering the tournament and the person who gave it to him.
Gwaine smiles again and pulls out the topo, início drawer. He picks out a trinket box and closes the drawer again. Setting it down on the desk, he lifts the lid and pulls out a gold bracelet. Beautifully crafted and exquisitely hand made, the bracelet bears tiny flores locked together in a loop with pearl fasteners at the end of it, allowing to wearer to fasten it using the pearls instead of normal fasteners. Gwaine runs his finger along the bracelet, feeling each flor with his fingers. He bought this for Gwen when he followed his mother to a goldsmith once and intended to give it to her on her birthday. But so many birthdays have passed and he still has it with him. Not that he didn’t want to part with the jewel, but apart from gifting it to her, he also wishes to let her know of his feelings. And that’s what putting him off from doing so. Gwaine leans back, rests his head against the chair and takes the bracelet in his hands, dangling it above his face. He loves Gwen. He’s loved her all his life and wants to marry her but is afraid to ask her. He is afraid she might laugh at his affections and call it nothing but childish. He is afraid she’ll accept him only as a friend and nothing more. Gwaine drops the bracelet on his face and lets it stay there. He had considered facing her on many occasions and let his feelings known but unfortunately, each time he tries his tongue will roll up in knots. And he’ll console himself saying he’ll do it another dia and the seguinte and the next.
Time passed until he went away but his amor for Gwen never wavered. He thought of her, and silently prayed that she hasn’t married anyone yet. It was her amor that motivated him to educate and build himself to be the man he is today. He didn’t want to face her like the person he had been before, skinny, shy and lacking confidence. He wants Gwen to see him as man brimming with confidence: handsome, educated, honest and loving. He wants Gwen to see him beyond their friendship. He wants her to accept him on amor rather than respect because he knows how loyal Gwen can be to someone she cares for; she wouldn’t bat an eyelid sacrificing anything for them. If she knows Gwaine is in amor with her and for the respect she has for him, she might accept him but she probably wouldn’t amor him. And that’s the last thing Gwaine wants. He’d rather spend his lifetime thinking of her than spend a minuto with her knowing she doesn’t amor him. Gwaine removes the bracelet and weighs it in his hands. He will tell her, probably tomorrow, and give her the bracelet. Regardless of whether she accepts him or not, the bracelet is hers. But whatever the results are, Gwaine will never stop loving Gwen. His mother’s voice is heard again downstairs. Gwaine puts the bracelet back into the trinket box, closes the drawer and gets up to his feet. He knows his mother hates to see him sleep on empty stomach but the truth is he is still not hungry, thanks to all the pies he ate at Gwen’s. But he can’t tell his mother that, so like it or not, he will have to eat something to please her. Closing the behind him, Gwaine walks down to meet his mother.
Arthur rides back início chatting excitedly with Merlin but the latter has hardly spoken. All throughout the ride, Merlin rides in silence.
“Merlin?”
“Hmm?” Merlin doesn’t even look at Arthur.
“What on earth is wrong with you? I’ve been talking to you for almost an hora and you’ve hardly responded. The horse seems better company than you are, Merlin! At least it nods.”
“Then talk to it,” Merlin isn’t even bothered.
“Now, come on, Merlin! What is wrong with you? Don’t tell me that you are still upset with the way I handled the proposal.”
“Yes, Arthur!” Merlin stops the horse and stares angrily at Arthur. “I am upset, no I think that word is too mild … I am angry, amargo, amarga and completely disgusted at you for the way you made your move! That was despicable, Arthur!! Not the ways of a prince and certainly not of a future king.”
“What was wrong with it?” Arthur shakes his head, completely baffled as why Merlin can be gutted with him and the way the marriage talk took place. As far as he is concerned, he handled it rather professionally. It could have gone a lot worse.
“What is wrong? Everything, Arthur! You played your wager well, knowing that poor man has no other options but to succumb to your plans. He was trapped, and boy, he was trapped on all corners! You purposely called for the game, provoked me and got me going against him and placed your wager when he or anyone least expected it. No one … trust me, Arthur, no one saw it coming. And now after seriously thinking about it all the way, I am beginning to think that that Jerome was your accomplice because he looked like puppet por someone, and I don’t have to guess at the puppeteer! Everything … everything seemed to fall naturally in their places, Arthur, and I must say … the real winner today is you, my friend!” Merlin shouts, his eyes fiery and red with anger.
And to make him even angrier, Arthur laughs. “Merlin … Merlin, Merlin, Merlin!” Arthur clutches his stomach and laughs loudly.
Merlin stares, clenching his cheek. His knuckles turn white in anger and he grips the reins tightly.
“I didn’t know you had such a soft spot for Tom!”
“It’s not Tom, but the girl.”
Arthur’s laugher fades and he straightens himself, eyeing Merlin suspiciously. “What do you mean, Merlin? Have you met Guinevere before?”
“No!” Merlin says, trying to act natural. He knows he screwed up por letting the cat out of the bag but he does not wish not to make a mountain out of the molehill. “But from what you told me, I pity her.”
“Pity her? Why? I am not going to eat her up, Merlin. I’m marrying her, for God’s sake … How can I pose such a terrifying image in everyone’s heart, I wonder? I am a person and don’t tell me I don’t deserve a life and a wife?”
“I wouldn’t mind if you are genuinely looking for a wife, Arthur! In fact, I would have stepped up and done the searching for you myself! But this … I can’t find any reason why you would go for the person who humiliated you when you could get basically anyone. And she’s a peasant, when you have princess queuing up for you!” Merlin argues.
And again Arthur laughs. “So that’s your issue, that she is a peasant and I am the prince?”
“That and more, Arthur … look, I am your friend and I will do anything for you, but I will not stand por and watch you destroy a girl’s life!”
“And why do you think that will happen?”
“Because you don’t amor her!”
“Oh come on, Merlin!! Not that again … we had enough discussion about it back início and I’ve told you why I am marrying her, all right. I need her and I’m being pretty courteous about it. I will own her only por marrying her. And I usually don’t apply this with anyone else. And she should be grateful I am actually showing her some respect.”
“Yes, and then destroy her life for good! That’s what her future with you spells, Arthur,” Merlin says and when Arthur tries to cut in, he stops him por raising his palm out to him, halting him. “She probably has dreams about how her future is lined up, and her father … that poor man maybe have someone in mind for his daughter but with you in the picture, I can see a tarnished image of her instead of a happy one with you!”
“Sometimes you simply get on my nerves, Merlin … I am sorry, yes, you are my good friend, almost like a brother, but you tend to have a skill for getting someone really angry!” Arthur snaps back angrily. “I don’t see why I can be wrong when all I am trying to do is get married! Isn’t that what father wants? Isn’t that what everyone wants? All this while, I was pressured to get myself tied down and I declined. But now that I’ve finally given thought to this matter, I’m being told not to! And you of all people, Merlin … you!!”
“I am sorry if you think I am simply rejecting your decision Arthur. No, get that straight. I am happy with your decision to get married, what I am objecting is the choice of bride, that’s all!”
“Because of your stupid melodramatic reason that I don’t amor her!” Arthur snaps again. “That’s stupid, Merlin, stupid!”
“Stupid or not, Arthur, that’s what marriage is based on. What it should be based on. It’s the foundation of happiness and everlasting bond between a husband and a wife. Without love, nothing is certain in this world!”
“That’s ridiculously stupid, Merlin. Only an idiot will believe in that … not me!”
“What is wrong with you, Arthur? Why is so hard for you to amor someone?”
“Because I can’t, that’s why?”
“WHY?”
“BECAUSE I DON’T BELIEVE IN LOVE, MERLIN, THAT”S WHY!!” Arthur shouts at Merlin so hard that the owl on the branch above them flies away in fright. The woods retain its quietness after Arthur’s voice drifts away into the night. Both men become silent. Merlin shakes his head while Arthur looks away, his cheek taut and his sight drifting the furthest his eyes can take him.
“Maybe you haven’t given yourself a chance, Arthur, that’s why.” Merlin says softly. Arthur remains silent. “I don’t consider myself an expert, but I do know a thing or two about love. The primary rule of amor is to give and then take. There has to be understanding, tolerance and of course honesty in love. You pressure yourself too much, Arthur. You should give yourself some credit and take time to heal old wounds, whatever they are. Give yourself some o espaço to procurar and find. Give it room to find love,” Merlin advises. Arthur still remains quiet. “I have a soft spot for that girl because I worry for you, too, Arthur.”
Arthur looks Merlin’s way. “What do you mean?”
“She probably hates you and will continue to do so after marriage, because of the manner in which she was married off to you. And then you, on the other hand, don’t amor her. With both of you destroying each other’s life, I fear what might become of you, Arthur.”
“You are afraid I will hurt her?”
“Arthur, you told me once how you find it hard to control your temper. How you tend to become a beast when your anger gets hold of your sanity. And I know what you are capable of if things didn’t go your way. And if she continues to anger you … I dread to think … I don’t know …”
Arthur smiles. “Then she better do as she is told.”
Merlin looks up. “What does that mean, Arthur? What if she continues to defy …”
“That’s where you’ll come in, Merlin. Once I am married, you will advise her to do as she is told and never test my patience. You know me, Merlin … share your knowledge with her and make her understand. She will succumb to me, Merlin … she will!”
“This is not fair, Arthur. She doesn’t deserve this treatment … what has she done wrong? How has she wronged you?” Merlin asks, simply frustrated. “And me!! Do you think this is fair to me? You used me to win your wager and now you are using me to get your wife to bed! This is sickening, Arthur!”
“You said you are worried for me, Merlin. If you value Guinevere’s life as well as mine, you’ll do as you’re told,” and Merlin opens his mouth Arthur cuts him short. “This is my final decision. I will not change this for anything or anyone! I will marry her por all means and anyone who comes in between me and Guinevere will be slain! That’s my final call.”
“Arthur … please …
“Let’s go home, Merlin. I have an announcement to make to my parents,” and with that Arthur slams the reins and rides off, with Merlin watching him sadly.