King Arthur and Her Knights: Enthroned #1, Enchanted #2, Embittered #3 by K.M. Shea

Author:K.M. Shea [Shea, K.M.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Take out the Trash
Published: 2014-02-16T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 5

Defined Loyalties

“It is good to be home,” Britt said, stretching her hands above her head as Roen walked through the inner gates of Camelot, heading for the royal stable. Servants streamed out of the castle to take saddle packs, camping gear, and leftover provisions. Knights and courtiers weren’t far behind them.

“Welcome home, King Arthur.”

“I am glad to see you have safely returned, My Lord.”

“God bless King Arthur!”

Britt flashed a quick smile at her greeters before she slid off Roen. “Wow, my butt hurts.”

“I am glad to see your short holiday has not drastically changed your personality, My Lord,” Sir Kay said, appearing at Britt’s elbow.

“Sir Kay, it’s good to see you. How did Camelot manage in Merlin’s absence?” Britt asked.

“Are you not concerned with how it managed in your absence, My Lord?”

Britt chuckled. “We both know who the real leader is, Kay. Let’s not bother to pretend otherwise.”

“I wanted to warn you, My Lord. Queen Morgause means to make a request of you.”

“Oh?”

“Yes. She wants to go—,” Kay cut himself off when across the courtyard Morgause appeared.

“Arthur, you’ve finally returned home!” Morgause called, extending her arms as she walked towards Britt.

Britt hastily filled her arms with saddle packs to avoid the embrace and coughed when Morgause’s perfume hit her like a wall. “Morgause, you look lovely as usual.”

“My Lord, how you exaggerate,” Morgause said.

“Hah!” Merlin said as he passed behind Morgause with his horse.

Morgause shot him a glare before she smiled at Britt again. “I have been wasting away without you around to entertain me.”

Britt looked past Morgause at the crowd of knights who trailed her like bees. “Somehow I very much doubt that you were without company in my absence.”

Sir Bedivere, who stood a few paces from Morgause, stared at the Orkney queen with calf eyes. He didn’t appear to register that Britt stood in front of him, much less that she had returned.

All of the knights with Morgause were much the same. The commoners of Camelot had gathered in the streets and cheered for Britt, the servants had warmly welcomed her home. But her knights? They were too enamored with Morgause to notice Britt.

Morgause smiled playfully. “Jealous?”

Britt thoughtfully stared at Morgause until the queen’s smile fell from her face and the stately lady looked away.

Britt turned to face the knights of her procession, still holding saddlebags.

“My Lord, allow me to lighten your burden,” Griflet said, approaching Britt with the intent to take some of the packs.

Britt shook her head. “I appreciate the thought, Griflet, but you haven’t recovered from your injuries yet.”

“My Lord,” Griflet protested.

“Ah, see? It turned out fine anyway,” Britt said when a servant lunged to take the packs from her.

Griflet sighed and grumbled under his breath. Britt grinned and affectionately ruffled his hair. “I thank you all the same,” she seriously told him.

“Young Griflet, you were hurt?” Morgause said, placing a hand over her heart, her face filling with horror.

Griflet sketched a bow. “T’was nothing, My Lady,” Griflet said before swiveling back to Britt. “I am better now,” he insisted.

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