“I don’t understand. I ordered construction before you knew I was a girl, why didn’t you think it was a fantastic idea then?” Britt suspiciously asked.
“I did think it was. But I was never going to say so because I thought it was Merlin’s idea,” Morgause said. “Merlin was always such a chauvinistic pig. I thought he would be worse as the King’s counselor, but you’ve changed him.”
Britt laughed. “I highly doubt that. He’s just happy that his vision for Britain is finally coming true. But, Morgause, there is no way I can trust you. For all I know you’re saying this to get on my good side since I have reclaimed my knight’s loyalties and can freely kick you out of Camelot.”
Morgause thought for a moment. “Fine, then I have news for you. In the hunting party four days hence there will be men who will attempt to kill you.”
“What?”
“It was my husband’s plan. I have a letter if you wish to see it. He sent it to me through a courier while you were gone.”
Britt clamped a hand over her eyes. “I’m getting a headache.”
“Stay home from the hunting party and you will be safe. I suggest you find yourself ill the morning it is due to set out,” Morgause said.
Britt peeked at the queen from under her hand. “I still don’t understand. Why are you telling me this? Why are you helping me?”
“It is true that there is something glorious about a rightful male sovereign. He makes orders and is instantly obeyed, he is the best and brightest of all his peers and he rules with that distinction. But a female ruler… she inspires. She makes her men feel like they can be better men, she makes them feel trusted and warm. Although you wear the disguise of a man, Arthur, you rule like a woman. I think that is something Britain needs right now, and it is a goal I have long worked towards. I do not care who achieves it as long as it is achieved. And if I can help you reach that goal it will be my greatest pleasure,” Morgause said.
The sharp angles and slick, oily quality to Morgause was gone. Instead she looked at Britt with tired eyes and a tattered smile, more motherly and womanly than Britt had ever seen her.
“Thank you,” Britt said.
Morgause’s smile widened briefly. “Sadly, as much as I long to stay and watch and advise you, I feel it would be best for you if I left. If I leave before the hunting party I can tell my husband I thought my actions would make me avoid suspicion over your death. However, I will leave my sons with you.”
“Pardon?”
“Gawain would never leave you, and I think Agravain is only slightly less devoted. Gaheris and Gareth do not love you as the older boys do, they adore instead. I suspect they will not be much saddened to stay at Camelot.”
Britt balked. “I-I know what I said before was inexcusably rude, but—,”
“You spoke the truth,” Morgause plainly said. “Lot and I were never the type to shower affection on our sons, and I have spent much of their lives trying to teach them the things I would like to see changed. I must admit I find their great love of you painful but… perhaps it is for the best. As long as they remain here in Camelot you can use them as hostages.”
“I could never kill a man, much less your sons,” Britt said objected.
“Who said you would actually have to kill them? Just threaten to as you did with Ywain and King Urien. Lot may not appear to love his sons like Urien dotes on Ywain, but he does have some feelings for them and he is not a stupid man.”
“You saw Ywain?”
“So he is here then? No. I only heard of it from my sister, and when Griflet was enamored with me he mentioned he and Ywain were great favorites of yours.”
“Oh.”
“My nephew aside, with my sons in your grasp I doubt my husband will move against you again. Or at least for some time.”
Britt stared at Morgause. “You are sacrificing much to see me stay on my throne.”
“If I am right about you it will be well worth it. And my trust is not completely unfounded. I witnessed firsthand how you rule and treat your enemies,” Morgause’s mouth trembled for a moment. “But I am giving you my greatest treasures, Arthur. I know you have a kingdom to rule but please, be kind to them.”
“Britt. My real name is Britt,” Britt said before smiling at Morgause.
Morgause pulled Britt into another embrace. “Be kind but clever. You are meant for great things, Britt,” she said before stepping back. “If you’ll excuse me, I must start packing.”
Britt nodded and watched the noblewoman hurry out of the herb garden. She waited a minute before following, ambling back to the castle keep.
As she rounded a corner she spied Merlin—coming from inside the keep—and Sir Ulfius— coming from the opposite direction and wiping stable dust from his tunic.
“My Lord,” Sir Ulfius said.
“YOU,” Merlin said, thrusting a finger at Britt.
“Call a meeting in one of your studies immediately, Merlin,” Britt said.