075. Rules

Arthur knew the second he saw Guinevere’s face he was in trouble.

He had no idea how it happened…of course he hadn’t meant to draw a sword on a dining companion.

Not that this was a particularly good dining companion, far from it. He had been flirting outrageous with the Queen. Arthur’s Queen, his Guinevere. He had done his best to be calm about the whole thing…he’d even started out jokingly telling this fellow that wars had been started over such things.

It hadn’t worked.

Finally, his dining companion had made such an overt remark about Guinevere’s physique that Arthur had been unable to take it.

And so his sword had been drawn and the tip placed directly under the unfortunate man’s neck.

Personally, Arthur felt that people in general were over-reacting, yes they were at a feast and yes this was the King of Wessex, but Arthur wouldn’t have actually used his sword on the other king. It was just…a warning that was all.

But the look on Guinevere’s face…

When the feast was over, Arthur hurried to check on little Prince Amhar, his son and heir. It was the best way to get on Guinevere’s good side, and beyond that he loved spending time with his son.

But when Guinevere arrived at the nursery door, hands on hips, he knew that he wasn’t going to be able to get out of this one so easily.

Arthur cleared his throat, slightly nervous. “I…uh…that was an interesting feast wasn’t it?”

Guinevere folded her arms and stared, simply stared.

“It wasn’t that bad, I mean I didn’t even draw blood!”

Guinevere didn’t say anything.

“And I don’t think the treaty is any danger, he was absolutely in the wrong. You should have heard the things he said about you.”

Guinevere isn’t talking.

“Say something, my Queen? Please?” Arthur goes for the puppy dog look…which works, it always works.

Finally Guinevere spoke, but her tone of voice doesn’t give Arthur much hope that he’s out of hot water. “We need some rules.”

“Rules?”

His wife nods. “For feasts, from now on.”

“What sort of rules?”

“For starters, no more swords.”

“No more swords?” Arthur doesn’t mean to sound stupid, but he really doesn’t quite get it….

“Yes, it’s not as if they’re necessary. You’re there to eat and discuss matters, not challenge each other to duels.”

“But Guinevere…it’s –“

“It’s what?” Guinevere raises an eyebrow.

“It’s traditional, it’s part of the ceremonial uniform.”

Guinevere shakes her head. “And you’ve cared for tradition since when?”

“For as long as I’ve respected rules,” Arthur says lightly.

Guinevere however was in no mood for any of that. “Arthur…”

She’s definitely not letting this one go, so Arthur goes for distraction. “Hey! I think Amhar’s smiling,” he holds up their son. “Look, see!”

“Arthur.”

He groans. “Guinevere there’s rules…”

“Yes and they can be changed.”

He groans again.

“Otherwise…” Guinevere begins. “I can change rules as well…”

Arthur looks at her in confusion. “What rules?”

“The rules that allow you into my bedchamber.”

Arthur gapes. “What?”

There’s the tiniest quirk of a smile on Guinevere’s face, but Arthur knows it’s not a sign of giving in.

“Oh fine! All right, no more swords, I’ll tell the Knights at practice today.” Finally a smile breaks across Guinevere’s face.

But there’s a pout on Arthur’s. “Amhar really was smiling.”