Chapter Text
Chapter 23
[Morgana’s Chambers]
Gwen hustled about the area. Her practiced eye inspected every detail. Morgana’s gown for the next morning hung behind the changing screen already. Cider steamed in a cup beside the bed. Dust and Dirt held nary a grain in that room. The chamber pot sat empty. She rubbed her hands together. Dining Chamber’s ruckus downstairs earlier still rang in her ears….
…ruckus…Prince Kay….
Why is he so angry with Merlin? Merlin got him away from those other knights! Talk about ungrateful! And he thinks Merlin is working with a sorcerer? Indignity ground at her. Britomart was so patient with him. How does she do it? She is just so polished and keeps her composure. Too bad that Prince is not more like Princess Mithian. How can a brother and sister be so different? Poor George…I cannot believe I actually feel sorry for him. Still, for once, he did not deserve to be yelled at like that. I am glad that Milady put that Prince in his place. She sucked in several composing breaths. Merlin literally saved the day both times! At least the Princess is grateful. Milady handled everything. Still, Merlin is confined to Gaius’ chamber? Why? He could’ve been there with us tonight. She shook her head.
Morgana slipped into the chamber. She shut the door firmly behind herself. Kaye’s behavior grated on her as well. How does he survive in other courts? Merlin has potential. Too bad the King and Arthur cannot see him as a knight or even a full-time healer. And to think he has magic? Really? Her hand stifled a cough. No sorcerer would be stupid enough to risk his or her neck being here. Her eyes rolled. “Gwen? I am sorry about tonight. Are you all right?”
Gwen curtseyed. “I am fine, Milady.” She straightened herself. “I was seeing to things here. I brought you some hot mulled cider. That helps you to relax. Is there something else? I can see if Merlin has any lavender or something else for you?”
Morgana shook her head. “Nay, Gwen. I need to know how you are. Prince Kay mistreated you tonight. You did not deserve that.” She rubbed her temples. “He makes my head hurt. And I thought Prince Arthur could be brash at times.” Exasperation pushed a sigh from her mouth. “And to think he believes Merlin has magic?”
Gwen bit her lip. “Do you think he does, Lady? I cannot see that! Merlin is a hard working and earnest person! He cares so much! He certainly would not be using magic. I mean if he did have it, why does he not use it to get everything done? It would be easier for him. Gaius is one of the King’s closest advisors. He is opposed to magic.”
Morgana nodded. “Aye. Those are good points. I would not let Prince Kay’s words get to you, Gwen. He is angry that King Meleagant humiliated him today.” Irritation raised an eyebrow. “You did notice that he did not say a word about Nemeth’s servants. He mentioned the knights in passing and that is all. Princess Mithian, on the other hand, was saddened by this ordeal. She thinks of King Rodor and Queen Taene. She was concerned for Britomart and you. She wonders about Merlin as well. I told her that he will be with us tomorrow. There is something waiting for him in the kitchen. Perhaps you might bring it to him? Princess Mithian and I requested it.”
Gwen narrowed her eyes. Defensiveness, Territorialism and Jealousy all played their symphony on her emotions. Why would she be curious? She is very nice to us. Still, why would she want to know more about Merlin? Would she want to ask her King about taking Merlin to Nemeth? What about Gaius? What about us?
Morgana noted Gwen’s reaction. Her eyebrow arched. What did I say? Princess Mithian is interested in Merlin as the man who saved Prince Kay and her. It is not like Uther would let anything more come of it. “Gwen, are you all right? I did not say anything. Did I?”
“Nay, Milady. What about the King’s orders for Merlin?” Gwen bit her lip. She imagined scenarios where she’d sneak food to him. All of them involved ending up in the dungeon. I do not want to be trouble for you.”
“Trouble? Gwen, Merlin certainly deserves a meal at least for interceding on Princess Mithian’s and Prince Kay’s behalf. If anything happens, you are following my instructions. Let us leave it at that.” Morgana frowned. “With what happened today, Merlin should be made a knight tomorrow morning rather than being stuck in Gaius’ chambers.”
“Aye, Milady.” Pride eased Gwen’s heart. She looked about the chamber. “Thank you, Milady. I appreciate that. I know Merlin will too. Have a good night.” She curtseyed once more. Then she hustled out into the passage.
Morgana watched Gwen disappear into the stairwell. Warmth spread a smile across her face and a twinkle in her eyes. It is all right, Gwen. Merlin deserves better. I am sure Britomart and Princess Mithian will work with me on that. Meantime, you and he need some time together, I think.
Some mistresses did care about their servants after all….
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[Kitchen—A Sixth of an Hourglass Turn Later]
Area’s activity had wound down following the evening meal. Staff washed platters, pans and utensils. A few others studied their stores. Their minds pondered Next Day’s meals.
Gwen walked into the area. She regarded everyone around herself. Respect bolstered her perceptions for them all. She pressed on toward a certain table. Expectation assumed that Merlin’s covered platter would be waiting.
Alas, Good Reader! The table was empty.
Gwen raised an eyebrow. “It should be here.” She spied a stout taciturn woman brooding over the pantry. “Excuse me?”
Taciturn wheeled about. Her coal dark eyes narrowed at Gwen. Her lip curled. “Yeah? You are Lady Morgana’s chambermaid, right? What do you want?”
Gwen stiffened. Somehow, Composure maintained a straight face for her benefit. “Aye. I am sorry to disturb you. My Lady said there was a dish waiting here. She had requested it.”
“It was there all right. That visiting Princess took it upstairs instead.” Rude Snort escaped Taciturn’s lips. She motioned toward the table. “Real weird. That new servant deserts his post and gets rewarded for it. Anyhow, that is what happened to it.”
“Thank you.” Gwen turned and hustled out of the kitchen area. Granted, Indignation burned at her over Taciturn’s attitude. What did I do to her? That shook her head. Mithian’s actions, however, spun her head. Princess Mithian wants to talk with Merlin? Is she trying to recruit him? She headed for the stairs.
Perhaps she would see for herself….