Guinevere: On the Eve of Legend

“My Father the King and apparently Merlyn have decided that I am to marry King Arthur in two years and become his Queen. I’ll have to leave the castle, my home, you, and everything I’ve grown up with,” she added, not realizing that Cedwyn was staring at her with his mouth wide open.

“He even promised Grandfather’s round table to King Arthur. All without asking!” She finished, sure that she had stated her point clearly. Her eyes strayed to the hand that Arthur had kissed. Quickly she averted them.

“Are you sure they said King Arthur?” Cedwyn asked, his amazement showing in his voice.

“Oh yes! I’m sure.”

“That’s fantastic! He’s gonna be a great king! He’s gonna bring all of England together. I heard some of the knights talking about him last night. They said that he is the bravest and best warrior they have ever seen. And the smartest!” He looked at Guinevere and shook his head. “And you are gonna be his Queen!” Disbelief washed over him. “I wish someone would make a decision like that for me!”

“Really? Then you can marry King Arthur!” she said, standing up and stamping her foot. Then she turned and stomped up the rise.

“Wait! Guin’ver!”

She ignored him as she crested the top of the rise and disappeared from view. Abruptly she stopped, Merlyn’s betrayal on her mind. That’s what it was, betrayal. Telling me that story about the unicorn just to get me to think that I should be like that. She kicked a rock across the path. I won’t marry someone I don’t know just to help out the country! Then she remembered Arthur’s smile as she had left the feast. She didn’t know what to think or do. Her simple life had become very confusing.