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I stood very still, suddenly remembering a day long before when Arthur had meted out his version of justice upon a young fae boy with brightly colored hair.
At any moment, I might meet a similar fate. My life hung in my brother’s hands.
“Nobles of the Rose Court, courtiers of Camelot, loyal subjects of the Pendragon throne and of Pendrath,” Arthur began. “For many months, my dear sister, Morgan, has been absent from our court, her absence a bleakness that has been felt by all.”
He paused. This didn't seem like a terrible start. Though I doubted many present there today had actually missed me.
“Her return today is a cause for rejoicing, for it signals a reunion of the Pendragon bloodline, a reunion we have much longed for. With the expansion of our kingdom into new lands and horizons, the Pendragon throne must remain strong.”
He looked down at Orcades, her hands still resting protectively on her belly.
“This line must endure for the good of our people, and I will see to it that it does. In these times of turmoil and uncertainty—”
Oh, was that what we were calling our brutal attacks on our neighbors? How fascinating.
“–unity within our family and within this court is paramount.”
Another pause. Arthur's face turned flinty.
“I must acknowledge the ordeal that Morgan endured while she was lost to us these long months. An ordeal that was orchestrated by those who would seek to undermine our great kingdom and this throne. The former High Priestess Merlin, once a trusted guardian of our sacred temple, proved herself a traitor to Camelot. I thank Perun that I removed her from her position of power before her corruption could run its full course. Nevertheless, even I could not foresee every aspect of the insidiousness of this woman's treachery until it was too late. Merlin kept my sister unjustly imprisoned with her dark arts, and only through Morgan's resilience and the valiant efforts of our glorious Lord General does she stand here before you today.”
Valiant efforts.I swallowed the bitter taste in my throat as Arthur lifted one of his arms and gestured to the front of the crowd where I caught sight of Fenyx.
The golden-haired man was a blatant showman. He grinned and raised both his arms over his head, eliciting a cheer from the normally subdued crowd of nobles.
Arthur smiled thinly down at the general.
It seemed Fenyx had his uses. Keeping the nobles happy must have been one of them. Arthur had never quite managed to play the hero. But together with Fenyx, he seemed to have stumbled upon a powerful partnership.
My brother raised his hands for silence, and immediately, the court fell quiet again. “Now, let us not dwell on the shadows of the past, for we are a court that looks towards the future.”
He paused significantly, and I shifted awkwardly on my feet, feeling all eyes return once more to look at me. “With that in mind, I encourage each and every one of you to extend a hand of welcome to Morgan, to offer her your support and friendship. Loyalty and trust are the pillars upon which our realm is built, and we must ensure that they are unwavering.”
I tried very hard to keep my face absolutely impassive.
Arthur's eyes met mine. “In unity, Camelot, we shall prevail against any threat that dares to darken our kingdom's doorstep.”
Arthur turned to look at his queen. “Let this day mark not only Morgan Pendragon's return, but a renewed commitment to our shared destiny. As the sun rises on this new chapter, we stand together as guardians of Pendrath's legacy.”
He held out a hand, and Orcades rose gracefully to her feet and took it.
Standing beside each other, I had to admit, they made a truly impressive-looking couple.
Orcades had obviously used some sort of glamor to hide her true fae features, but even so, she was resplendently beautiful. More so than any mortal ever had the right to be.
Beside her, Arthur made a picture-perfect king. One might easily imagine him to be a happy husband and a just ruler.
But the truth of his corruption burned within my breast.
“Now, come, Morgan,” my brother commanded. “Step forward, Sister, and meet your new queen.”
I moved towards the dais, praying I remembered how to curtsy properly.
When I reached the edge of the platform, I sank to my knees, my skirts swirling around me.
A small, white hand appeared before my face, reaching out for me.
I took it and let Orcades lead me up onto the dais.
