“No, I have been away from home far too long as it is,” Britt said, patting Llamrei when the mare tossed her head. Britt’s knights were in a formation behind her, standing just outside of Camelgrance.
“We thank you for hosting us, although next time perhaps you should be sharper with your enemies, hm?” Merlin said, as close to a chiding as he would ever give a dignitary. (Not including Britt, of course.)
“I’m growing old, Merlin. I would like to see my line secured through grandchildren,” King Leodegrance said, giving Guinevere a significant look. “Although heaven only knows there are but a few men who are worthy of her.”
Guinevere stood next to her mother, her arms tucked behind her back. She hadn’t so much as looked at Britt since Britt shooed her out of her room the previous night. “Oh,” Britt said.
“What?” Merlin asked through a clenched smile as King Leodegrance continued to moan over his daughter’s marriage prospects.
“I have to talk to you about something. There was an incident last night,” Britt said.
“An incident? You didn’t kill Lancelot so it can’t be that bad,” Merlin said.
“No, but it might be worse. I suspect you’re going to chain me to my throne when we return to Camelot.”
“You don’t enjoy peace, do you?”
“My Lord, if I may interrupt? We really ought to leave,” Sir Kay said.
“Right, thank you again, King Leodegrance, for your hospitality. Take care, my friend,” Britt said before wheeling Llamrei around. Merlin did the same with his horse, and the knights of Camelot set out, their mounts moving at a swift walk.
The residents of Camelgrance cheered at their departure. The farmers who had returned to their lands now that the siege was over raised their tools over their heads in bravos.
Britt smiled and waved, ignoring the clenching of her gut as they rode further and further away. They just reached the forest when Britt pulled Llamrei to a halt. “Dang it. Merlin I can’t do it.”
“Can’t do what?” Merlin asked as their companions also stopped.
“I can’t leave Guinevere at Camelgrance.”
“I thought you hated her?”
“I do. She’s a thoughtless, silly brat, but I can’t expect my knights to go about saving maidens when I refuse to do the same,” Britt sighed. “Plus I want my Round Table.”
“Still? As hideous as it is?”
“Yes.”
“Very well, let us go back and tell her father. Do not agree to marry her though,” Merlin warned before holding a hand out to King Pellinore.
“Hurrah for King Arthur,” Ywain cheered.
“My treatment of the lady is hardly something to be cheered,” Britt said.
“Quite contrary, it is remarkable. Most would be glad to see those they scorn in pain,” Gawain said.
“I’ve said it before, but I suspect I shall be saying this for the rest of my life: you think too highly of me. Merlin what are you doing?” Britt asked as King Pellinore placed a handful of coins on Merlin’s palm.
“Just settling a bit of a bet,” Merlin said, jingling the coins with satisfaction.
King Pellinore smiled widely at Britt. “No one could mistake your disdain for the lady. I thought for sure you would leave her behind. But Merlin knows you better it would seem. You’re a good man, Arthur. Lead on.”
“All of you stay here. I don’t want Leodegrance dragging us back in his castle in his joy. We won’t be but a few moments, come along, Arthur,” Merlin said, already riding back to Camelgrance.
Soldiers were still standing at attention, and the people were still cheering when Britt returned. “Are you staying longer after all?” King Leodegrance eagerly asked.
“No,” Britt said, dismounting her mare. “If you will excuse my bluntness, but I ask that you would—sometime soon—send Guinevere to live at Camelot.”
King Leodegrance’s face lit up and Britt quickly added, “I do not intend to marry her. Indeed I will not marry… until I see all of Britain united,” Britt said. She paused to smile at Merlin, proud of her quick thinking.
Merlin nodded in concession and motioned for her to continue.
“Yes, so I will not marry for many years, if at all. But I have several nephews, princes all of them, who will one day wish to marry. I desire to expose them to women of high birth and noble blood so they may choose carefully,” Britt said.
King Leodegrance was thoughtful. “Princes, you say?”
“Yes. Sir Ywain—the heir of King Urien—and Gawain and his brothers—the sons of King Lot,” Britt said.
“Lancelot du Lac and his cousins Lionel and Bors are also staying at Camelot, and they are the sons of King Ban and King Bors,” Merlin added, ignoring the glare Britt shot at him.
“Really?” King Leodegrance asked, rubbing his hands with greed. “And aren’t King Ban and King Bors rulers across the sea?”
“They are,” Britt reluctantly said.
King Leodegrance nodded several times before he smiled. “Guinevere would be delighted to join your courts, My Lord. I will send her with an escort of men as soon as she is prepared”
“And the Round Table?” Britt asked.