“You have protected valiantly. Led with honor. You will henceforth be known as Champion of Camelot.”
A hush fell over the court. Gwen’s stomach churned in her stomach as she watched mischief flash across the knight’s eyes.
Lancelot lifted his gaze — not to Arthur, but to Guinevere. “With your permission, my king.” His eyes shifted to Arthur’s. “Might I offer one correction?”
A rumble of whispers erupted from the crowd.
The king nodded, brow knitted.
“I was knighted, not first by a king, but a queen.” A ripple of gasps from the court. “It is her honor I carry, your grace.” He grinned, a wide and almost malicious thing. “I am the Queen’s Champion.”
Her heart lodged in her throat as the entire world stilling around them. She rose, slowly, shakily. “He speaks truly.” She tried to keep her own words steady. “I did knight him, quietly, without fanfare.” She stepped closer to where the king stood, where her knight kneeled.
Her cheeks flushed as he watched her through hooded eyes, palms beginning to sweat. “I owe no explanations to Camelot.” Her words grew stronger. “But as I fled my home, I wanted to do so with one who had promised his life for her.” She swallowed hard. “I wanted a knight by my side as I hid from the threats on my life.”
She held his gaze. “Let us not forget, when a queen knights a man, it stands.”
Arthur’s jaw was clenched so tight it was a wonder he didn’t shatter. A roar of applause enveloped the court. The king turned his back on the crowd, and Lancelot stole a glance at her.
Stole a wink.
Her face flushed, she fought not to roll her eyes.
“Rise, Sir Lancelot of Camelot.” Arthur called from his throne. “Champion of the Queen.”
The knight rose to his feet with a flourish. “A knight… once born, twice sworn.” He sheathed his sword. “Once to a king, once to a queen.” He turned to leave. “Tell me, which vow do you think I will forsake first?”
Right before he exited, he turned on his heels, bowing deep. “Ever yours, my queen.”
“Ah!” Arthur spoke again, exclaiming loudly. “How could I be so daft, Sir Lancelot, I forgot. Come,” He waved him back to the dais. “Citizens of Camelot, we have been so blessed by Sir Lancelot and his duty to the queen. I have chosen him to lead the hunt for the Holy Grail.”
Another wave of shouts coasted through the room.
“He, along with several other knights, leave at first light. Join me in prayer that they might return with the treasure we have sought for so long.”
Gwen’s heart stopped beating in her chest.
She was still being punished.
20
She didn’t remember walking back to her room. Didn’t remember crumbing on the floor or wrapping herself up in his tunic. All she felt was the pain, the anger, and thehurt.
Whether or not Arthur knew about them, they had made a fool of him in front of his people, and she would be punished.
But this?
Her heart couldn’t carry the grief, she didn’t have the room.
Her door opened, but she didn’t stir from the ground, body still wracked with sobs.
“I’m sorry-” His voice came from the doorway, raw and broken.
Guinevere sat up, her eyes red and her cheeks splotched. “Lancelot,” she breathed, hiccuping. She reached for him, needing to touch his skin, to hold him.
He sat next to her, gathering her up in his arms. “I’m so sorry,” He repeated into her hair, fingers gripping her tightly.
“You did nothing, my dear.” She whispered, brushing the tears off of his cheeks. “This has always been my lot.” She curled her arms around his neck, clinging to him.
