The Future King: Logres by Mackworth-Praed M. L

Author:Mackworth-Praed, M. L. [Mackworth-Praed, M. L.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: M. L. Mackworth-Praed
Published: 2015-12-27T18:30:00+00:00

* * *

Gwenhwyfar hurried to Mr Caledonensis’ classroom, expecting Arthur to be waiting outside. When she arrived, however, he was nowhere to be seen, and it wasn’t until she heard voices that she thought to check the room itself. Feeling as if she were intruding, she knocked softly, pushing on the door the moment she was beckoned in.

‘Ah, Gwenhwyfar!’ Marvin beamed. ‘Arthur told me we were expecting you. Going on a lunch date, are we? Sounds very nice, though I can’t say the weather’s good for it.’

It was as if she’d just interrupted an important conversation. There was an atmosphere lingering, a sense that she’d come too early, and that they both still had things they were burning to say.

‘It is a bit miserable out,’ she agreed, venturing a little further into the room. ‘Am I interrupting? I can come back later if you like.’

‘No, no, not at all! Arthur was just returning a book I lent him,’ Marvin explained, still holding The Human Condition in his hand. Gwenhwyfar spotted it before he could hide it, the grey and black cover glaring at her with its large, human eye.

‘Is that it? What is it?’

‘Oh, it’s just something for Politics. It’s not very interesting, is it, Arthur?’ He stowed it away. ‘I already have another student lined up to read it.’

‘Is it good?’

‘Good? I’m not sure about good.’ Marvin busied himself at his desk. ‘Useful, if you’re interested in that sort of thing. You’re welcome to borrow it, of course, but it’s quite dull. Very stuffy prose, if you know what I mean.’

‘Boring,’ Arthur corrected, offering a smile.

‘I think I’ll pass,’ Gwenhwyfar said, sensing the hollow gesture in Marvin’s words. He clapped his hands together.

‘So! Are you two off?’

‘I think so.’ She turned to Arthur. ‘Shall we go?’

‘Of course.’ He followed her to the door, and soon they were out in the empty corridor.

‘So… what’s The Human Condition really about?’ Gwenhwyfar asked, once Marvin’s room was some way behind them.

‘You saw the cover?’

‘It was hard not to, with him waving it around,’ she teased. Arthur remained silent. ‘Was I not supposed to?’

‘Not really, no,’ he murmured, ‘and I wouldn’t go telling anyone you did. He could get into a lot of trouble, Gwen, and so could I. He shouldn’t be lending me stuff like that, and I shouldn’t be reading it.’

‘Stuff like what?’

‘You know, banned books.’

‘Marvin gives you banned books? Isn’t that a bit dangerous?’

‘Yes. That’s why I’d appreciate it if you didn’t tell anyone. And I mean anyone. Not even Viola, because she’ll tell Tom, and Tom can’t keep anything to himself.’

‘She won’t tell Tom if I ask her not to,’ she started.

‘Yes she will. They’re going out. They’ll tell each other everything,’ he remarked matter-of-factly. ‘Marvin’s the best teacher in this school, and I don’t want him getting into trouble because of me.’

Gwenhwyfar felt like he was scolding her for something she hadn’t done. ‘Right, I get it. I won’t tell anyone.’

Her words seemed to appease him. ‘Thank you.’

They

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