35. Birth



The King of Camelot arrives too late to see his heir come into the world, the Court Sorcerer had been the one to stay with the Queen, but now Arthur was back.

The Royal Couple had just decided on the new prince’s name and were happily gazing at the new arrival. At least Arthur was, Guinevere having just delivered the prince in question was rather tired and fighting back yawns.

“I take it that it was difficult as they say?” Arthur finally ventures.

Guinevere gives him a look.

“All right then.” He reaches out to stroke her arm, patting Amhar gently on the head.

“You should hold him,” Guinevere suddenly says, followed by another yawn.

“Me?”

“There’s no-one else here, besides,” she smiles her most cajoling smile, “I think you’ll be a natural.”

Arthur however is shaking his head, and despite the fact he had just returned from a skirmish on the northern borders, despite the fact that he’s been terrified that history may repeat itself (however different the circumstances) this may be the most fearful he’s been all day.

“You won’t drop him,” Guinevere continues, her eyes dancing with laughter. “I’ve never seen you drop anything before and Amhar’s quite precious.”

“Uh…”

Before he has a chance to see more, Guinevere has leaned over and deposited the tiny buddle that is Amhar, Prince of Camelot into Arthur’s arms.

“I –“ He squeaks.

Guinevere shakes her head. “You’re doing fine, just make sure you support his head.”

“What, how?”

Guinevere shows him how to position his hand then leans back against the pillows with a sleepy sigh.

Arthur meanwhile is left holding Amhar, not daring to move an inch, terrified he’ll do the wrong thing and drop the second most important citizen in Camelot.

“Guinevere?” He finally hazards to ask.

There’s no reply. “Guinevere?”

She’s definitely out for the count.

Still sitting ramrod straight in his chair, Arthur looks down at Amhar, surprised to see his son looking right back at him.

“So…um…this is fun?”

The new prince waves his arms and legs slightly.

“You’re not going to fall are you?”

Amhar simply yawns and closes his eyes again.

Arthur waits for a moment….as if expecting Amhar to make a sudden move. “Well, good.”

All the same, Arthur doesn’t dare to move a muscle until Guinevere awakens and laughs at the sight of him.

It takes a long time though, before Arthur learns not to hold his son like he’s a piece of delicate glass.