She rose, feet carrying her to the door. She slid the latch from its place, cracking the door slightly.
Arthur’s hands were on her before she had processed his presence. Cupping her face, running through her hair, crushing her against him. “I was so worried. Lancelot says there’s been an attempt on your life?” And in his eyes, perhaps she saw genuine concern.
She didn’t react to his touch, her frame still trembling. Her eyes, however, did flick to Lancelot, standing quietly in the background, hand on his sword. “Brother, give her some space.” He finally said, voice cutting through the tension in the air.
Arthur cut his eyes to the knight. “She is mywife.She is the Queen of Camelot. I am allowed to touch her.”
“Yes, of course. But she has just had an attempt on her life, Arthur.” Lance stepped forward, putting his hand on the king’s shoulder. “She is shaken, give her space to breathe.”
The physician cleared his throat. “Ma’am, did you consume any of the food delivered?”
Guinevere shook her head, unable to find her voice.
“Drink any of the wine?”
Another shake.
“I am not needed, your grace.” He bowed towards where the royal couple stood. “She will need rest to recover from this fright, but she will not fall ill.”
On his way out, the older man clapped Lancelot on the shoulder. “Good job, boy. No one remembers to call the physician when poison is in play.”
A smile played on the edge of Gwen’s lips, breath shaky, but coming stronger now.
“You must leave.” Arthur said suddenly, pacing the room.
“What?” She finally spoke, brows furrowed as she found her footing. “I don’t want to leave.”
“Someone has their sights set on you, Guinevere.” His words hung heavy in the air, thick with the unspoken threat. “You’ll leave tonight.”
“Arthur please-”
“This is not up for debate. This is not punishment, not an exile. This is protection.” He turned to Lancelot, who was waiting for his turn to speak. “You’ll go with her.”
The knight nodded. “And if they follow?”
“Then you kill them.”
“Don’t I get a say in the matter?” Gwen tried her best not to shout, but anger was rising in her chest.
“No.” Both men answered in unison.
“This is not for discussion. You tell no one you are leaving. You take one horse, and you ride south.” Arthur slipped so easily into diplomacy. “Du Lac, you are not to let her out of your sight,no matter what.”
“Arthur!”
He had her in his arms in a matter of steps, kissing her gently. “I do not wish to send you away, wife. But as of this moment, theonlyperson I trust to be around you is your knight.” He took a step back, and she tried to soothe the angry glare she knew she was wearing.
And with that - he left the room, clapping his oldest friend on the shoulder and with a nod, he disappeared.
“Pack a bag,” Lancelot said softly, keeping his distance.
She felt like collapsing onto her bed. “I don’t want to leave.” She whispered through her tears once more.
“It’s safest, Gwen.”
“This is my home.”
“It won’t be permanent.”
