by Leilani Love
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Arthur woke up early, much to Lancelot’s annoyance. “What is with you? You meet one princess and suddenly you are up with the sun. Let’s go home already. You know Wulf is not happy he is being forced to sleep away from you.”
He chuckled. “I am going to visit him first, and then head into town and ask some questions. You coming?”
Lancelot grumbled, covered his head with the blanket, and turned away from him. He could smell the scotch on Lancelot’s skin, and knew he had snuck out of bed to spend some time downstairs. He almost laughed. Elizabeth had really gotten to him. His friend didn’t drink heavily often, and he was willing to bet that she was behind last night’s binge.
Arthur went downstairs and ate some cold meat and bread before heading outside. The boy he’d seen holding Guinevere’s horse was inside rubbing the animals down. He couldn’t be older than ten years and Arthur found himself curious.
“Lad, did you work last night?” he asked.
The boy looked at him and bobbed his head. His sandy blond hair fell over one eye and he reached up to fix it. “Is there something the matter sir?”
“No, it looks like you did a fine job rubbing my horse down and keeping the stalls clean. I just have a question for you.”
The boy’s chest puffed out a bit in what appeared to be pride. “Yes sir?”
He smiled. “There were two women that came in last night, one had blond hair, and the other one had dark hair. Do you remember them?”
Arthur watched him curiously. The second he mentioned the women, the boy looked away and fidgeted under his stare. “Yes, yes sir.”
Reaching into his pocket, he found a coin and held it to out the boy. The boy’s eyes widened and he looked around before snatching it from Arthur and holding it tight in his hand. “Do you know where in town I can find them? I forgot to tell the lady something important, and I thought maybe a smart lad like you might know where I can find them.”
The boy’s gaze darted around the yard, looking for an escape. Arthur bent down and smiled at him. “I am not trying to hurt them. I promise.”
The boy looked down at the ground biting his lip. When he finally did speak it was so soft Arthur had to lean in to hear him. “She visits the orphanage. Sometimes, she helps the older kids get jobs and brings the children gifts. She’s very nice sir, and pretty.”
There was a sort of reverence in the child’s voice. If he had to bet, the boy had a crush on Guinevere. He couldn’t blame him. He liked her himself. “She is very nice, and pretty. Thank you. I promise I won’t hurt her. I just wanted to thank her for having dinner with me.”
The boy nodded, and Arthur ruffled his hair before standing. He saddled Fury and rode the path out to the river. With a whistle, he waited for Wulf. When Wulf came out of the woods Arthur got off his horse and tossed the reins over a low branch. He scratched him under his chin. “I know you are probably just waiting to go home, my friend. We will, soon. I just need to make sure this woman is going to be okay.”
When Wulf licked his face, he chuckled. “She is amazing Wulf. I don’t think I’ve met anyone so fearless and selfless. She protects strangers and is willing to marry someone to keep her people safe. I need to make sure she is going to be okay before we leave, okay?”
Wulf nuzzled him and licked him again, his tail wagging. Arthur scratched under his chin again, before kissing the top of his head. When he stood up, he patted him on the back. “All right my friend, don’t have too much fun hunting the King’s rabbits.”
When he stood up Wulf looked at him for a moment before running off into the woods. Arthur knew he would stay near him, always out of sight. It was very rare that Arthur whistled for him and he didn’t come running.
He swung up onto his horse and with a clicking noise, pulled on the reins to turn Fury toward town. He was going to check out the orphanage. The roads were mostly empty during this time of day. There were only a few carriages of farmers bringing in their crops to be sold at market.
It didn’t take him long to get to the orphanage. Arthur stood across the street debating how to approach the people inside when a girl and boy came out. They walked to the corner and were greeted by the store owner. Handing them a bag, Arthur noted the look of affection he gave both the children. Before they walked away an older woman stepped out and handed them sweets. He couldn’t hear exactly what she was saying, but if she was anything like his mother, it was to eat your breakfast first.
Both kids beamed at her and nodded before clutching their loot to their chests, running back to the orphanage as fast as their little legs would take them. Deciding the shop was as good a place as any to start his questioning, he pushed off the wall he was leaning against, and strolled over.
“Morning,” he said, giving them both a big smile.
The older woman nodded at him before going back inside. The shopkeeper frowned, scanning him up and down. “Can I help you with something?” His voice was gruff, and his eyes were narrowed in possible distaste. Arthur found himself wishing he could speak with the woman instead. It was possible he could at least use his charm on her.
“That’s a really nice thing you did for those children. I was wondering if you could tell me about that orphanage down the street.”
The older man stiffened, and his lips thinned. “It’s an orphanage. Children live there. What else do you want to know?”
Arthur shrugged. “I just wanted to find a way to help out.”
The shop owner crossed his arms over his chest and snorted. He didn’t believe him, which was fine. Arthur knew he was hiding something too. He kept himself calm, waiting for the shopkeeper to finally speak. “If you want to help, maybe you should walk down there and ask if they need something instead of bothering me. I have work to do.”
With that, the shopkeeper turned and walked away. The door closed behind him with a bang. More curious now than ever, Arthur headed toward the orphanage. It was a big home, with a large wooden fence around it. He walked around the property peering between the holes. In the well-kept front the yard there were several benches surrounded by flowers.
As he got closer to the back he could hear the buzz of women talking. A peek over the fence showed several women hanging up the clothes they had just washed. The squeal of children’s laughter from inside carried out the open window. When he’d walked past it the first time it looked like a typical orphanage but as Arthur looked closer it was obvious this place was well cared for.
Arthur was debating about what to do next, when the children inside gave an excited cheer. He couldn’t see much. No matter how he tried to see between the post in the fence he couldn’t make out much more than a blur of colors. Because they were all talking at the same time, he couldn’t make out what they were saying. Their energy was contagious, and he found himself laughing with them.
He walked back around front to get a better view. The first thing he noticed was a familiar black carriage parked near the shop he’d just been at.
The soft neigh of a horse drew his attention to two King’s guards riding down the street. Ducking behind a tree he kept an eye on them. Lancelot would never let him hear the end of it if he got captured within hours of his warning. As they passed him Arthur stayed hidden just to be on the safe side.
A large man stepped out of the shop, accompanied by the shop owner he had tried to question earlier. Arthur narrowed his eyes. It was the giant he had seen in the forest the other day with Guinevere. He was smiling and waving his arms in an animated fashion, when he came to a stop, taking notice of the guards near the black carriage. The smile vanished from his face. He and the shopkeeper exchanged looks, before the shop owner turned on his heels and walked back into the store.
The guards smirked at the big guy. “Thought a man guarding the princess would actually be with her. What’s the prince going to say when he finds out you were out getting yourself food while the poor princess is left unguarded?”
The sneer he gave the guards was les
s than friendly. “The princess is just fine. She wanted to bring some gifts to the children. How do you think the prince will respond when he finds out that two of his guards had nothing better to do than drink in the morning?”
Both men chuckled, and the older of the two leaned forward. “You’re babysitting a spoiled brat. Not even the prince likes the Ice Princess. Do you really think he would care what you say?”
The door to the orphanage opened. From his hiding spot, he spotted Guinevere, her face covered with the hood of her cloak. At a brisk pace she exited the gate with Elizabeth at her heels.
Guinevere and Elizabeth approached from behind the guards. Neither of the guards were paying attention to their surroundings and were not aware of their approach as they kept on talking. The younger of the two must have found his courage as he joined his friend in making fun of Guinevere. “The prince cares so little that he has his mistress living under the same roof, parading her right under her stuck-up little nose. He claims she’s to be one of the lady’s companions.”
Guinevere paused, and he wished he could comfort her. In that short pause she threw back her shoulders and picked up her head. When she was next to the guards who were still chuckling to themselves she tilted her head, and her hood fell away from her face. Both guards choked on their laughter as Bors bowed his head to her. “Your Highness, have you finished your visit with the children?”
Without glancing in their direction, she said, “Yes, Bors. Thank you.”
The man she called Bors nodded and opened the carriage door, offering his hand to help her in. Guinevere was poised and graceful. There was no way she hadn’t heard the guards talking about her.
The same, however, could not be said of Elizabeth. She turned and sneered at the guards. “Father isn’t it your job to kill those who disrespect the Princess?”
“It is,” Bors replied, reaching behind him to pull the sword from his back.
Both guards pulled their horses back a few steps. “We didn’t mean any disrespect. We will be on our way.”
Bors stared after them, as if trying to decide whether to let them leave in one piece. “You both need to watch your mouths. Speak one more word about the princess, and I will make sure you get hanged in the streets.”
As Bors took a step forward, the two eagerly agreed, and then guided their horses around the carriage. Bors put his sword away and smiled at Elizabeth. “One day your tongue is going to get you in trouble, daughter.”
She grinned and kissed him on the cheek. “Good thing you taught me how to protect myself, father.”
With a look Arthur guessed was a mix of pride and exasperation, he helped her into the carriage. The carriage drove down the road and he wondered where they were going. Deciding he could come back later, he grabbed his horse, quickly mounted, and followed.
Chapter 10
Guinevere watched out the carriage window as they rode to MaryAnn’s cottage. She wanted to check on Marcus and his sister to make sure they were fine and give MaryAnn something for her trouble. Bors had pouted but he didn’t fight her on it, which meant he secretly wanted to go.
Elizabeth took Guinevere’s hand. “You shouldn’t let what those men say offend you. Everyone who truly knows you, milady, loves you, and we all know the sacrifices you make for us.”
She turned from the window and tried to give them a reassuring smile. “I know. With the wedding approaching, I find myself getting more and more anxious. I miss our home and my people but with the king announcing our wedding and making it so soon, I won’t be able to go home. I don’t even know if my father will be here for the wedding.”
Bors shuffled in front of her, drawing Guinevere’s attention. She waited in silence for him to say what was on his mind. “Before we left, your father told me you two were going to be married after the celebration of the new year. You were only supposed to be here for a month, and then return home. I haven’t heard anything from your father to say anything has changed.”
Guinevere sighed and closed her eyes. She wanted nothing more than to tell the king that she was going to go home, but she knew if she went against him, he would have his army at her father’s door before she could get home to warn him.
“I wonder what changed?” Elizabeth asked, mirroring her own thoughts.
“Bors, does one of the cook’s still have a crush on you?” she asked. When Bors cheeks flushed and he gave her a short nod she bit her lip to keep from smiling. “Maybe you can ask and see if she knows something?”
He nodded, and the carriage came to a stop, letting her know they’d arrived. Bors got out first, looking around to make sure it was safe before turning and helping her and Elizabeth out. Guinevere smiled as Marcus ran around the yard with the two older boys, his little sister squealing in delight as she came running around the back of the cabin.
The boys didn’t see them right away, too busy chasing each other to notice much else. The little girl saw Bors and made a beeline right for him. She was young enough that she wasn’t very coordinated, and before she reached him, she started to trip, most likely the result of running head first, with her gaze down. Luckily, Bors scooped her into his arms before she could hit the ground.
The little girl squealed and gushed at Bors. Children had an amazing gift of seeing what was beneath the surface. From the outside, Bors was a giant of man. Men and women were generally intimidated by him, but not the little girl. She touched his cheek, gave him a bright smile, and then kissed his cheek, making him blush. Both she and Elizabeth giggled at the sight.
“You made a friend,” Guinevere said, smiling as Marcus and the boys headed toward them.
MaryAnn came out of the cabin, wiping her hands on her apron. She smiled at Bors, before turning, and bowing to her.
Guinevere waved her off, took a few steps away, and then shook her hand. “Please MaryAnn, there is no need for that. I just came to check on you and the children.”
Marcus ran up and wrapped his arms around Guinevere’s skirt, before smiling up at her. Something warm tugged at her heart. The boy was clean and appeared to be happy. “Have you and your sister been having a good time with MaryAnn?” she asked.
His head bobbed up and down quickly before looking past her and asking, “Who’s that?”
They turned, and Guinevere swore under her breath while Bors put the little girl down. “Take the children inside,” he said, reaching for his sword.
MaryAnn quickly ushered all the children inside and Guinevere glared at Arthur. “Have you been following me?”
He stayed on his horse, giving her a smile that made her traitorous heart skip a beat. “I saw you at the orphanage and wanted to make sure that those two stupid guards didn’t bother you again.”
Guinevere looked at Bors. “It’s okay, you can put your sword away.”
Bors narrowed his eyes, lowering his sword but not re-sheathing it.
Arthur slowly got off his horse. “I was wondering what happened to those two little ones the other day.”
She clenched her jaw. “Were you now? I suppose you heard the rumors. How I drink their blood to stay young and force them to sew my dresses. After all, only their tiny fingers could possibly sew those tiny stiches.”
He grinned. “Well, I did hear you bathed in their blood. The dress thing, I didn’t understand until you explained it.”
Elizabeth snorted. “Stupid people. Spreading ignorance around.”
When he took another step toward her, Bors put his sword between them. “Take one more step and I will run you through. By the prince’s orders, men are not allowed near the princess.”
Arthur smiled. “I would imagine you and the princess do a lot that the prince would not agree to. It’s a good thing you don’t ride around protecting her with that ax of yours. The guards would have surely figured out who you are if you did.”
Bors raised his sword, bearing his teeth as he growled, and took a step toward him.
In a moment of panic Guinevere yelled, “Stop!”
<
br /> Bors held still, his sword still aimed at Arthur. She placed her hand on his arm, forcing him to lower the weapon. “Please, Bors. Don’t hurt him.”
“He could get you killed,” Bors replied through gritted teeth.
She shook her head. “Exposing us would get him killed as well. Please, why don’t you and Elizabeth go check on the children while I talk to Arthur.” Bors gave her a fatherly look of disapproval and she nodded toward the woods. “The two of us can walk on the trail over there. No one will see us and we will be close enough you’ll hear me if I yell.”
Bors looked like he wanted to argue but nodded instead. Raising his sword to Arthur’s throat, he said, “If anything happens to her, I will hunt you down and kill you.”
Arthur nodded and pressed his own throat against the blade. “I would take my own life before I hurt her.”
Elizabeth snorted, looking him over before turning away. “Come father, let’s go check on the children. The sooner she talks to him, the sooner he can leave.”
Bors slowly put his sword back in its sheath. “I expect you to stay close to the house, milady. And don’t be gone too long.”
She nodded and waited for the two of them to go into the cabin. When they were alone, she turned away and started down a path that led into the woods, knowing he would follow. One of the times she had visited MaryAnn, the boys had taken her to find fairies, as they were convinced they lived in the forest.
“Why are you following me, Arthur? I told you and your cousin it wasn’t safe for either of you. The longer you stay, the more chances one of the guards will see and recognize you.” She frowned, wondering what it would take to get through to him.
Arthur didn’t respond, so she glanced over her shoulder at him. Reaching for her hand, he spun her around and inched closer. “For some reason the idea of leaving you here, leaving this place, is harder than it should be.”
There was something about the way that he looked at her that made her want to lean in closer. Men didn’t look at her the way he did. They always looked her up and down, making her feel like she was something to be owned and used. The Prince and the King looked at her and saw the land and money she would provide. Camelot had the armies, but the land no longer produced like it used to. Guinevere’s land had farms that produced more than enough crops, and sheep herds that produced most of the cloth this side of the ocean. If they weren’t looking at her like she was cattle to be bought and sold, they were looking at her at with a mixture of pity or disrespect.