Arthur yawns, stirs and stretches out his arms. He feels tired and his limbs are aching all over. A good hot bath will do the trick for his aching body. He yawns again. Someone beside him shifts their position. Arthur yanks his eyes open and turns to his left, his mouth dropping wide open when he notices a female body, fully naked, lying asleep beside him. He immediately pushes himself up on his elbow, his eyes never leaving the woman beside him. He has no idea who the woman is অথবা how she ended up on his bed. Arthur starts to sweat. His own topless chest is heaving fast, frightened দ্বারা what he has just discovered.
‘Who in the name of Camelot is this?’ he thinks fast. His mind is still cloudy after spending almost the entire night out with his বন্ধু and now he can’t remember what happened afterwards অথবা whom did he bring back home. Did he bring her প্রথমপাতা অথবা did she follow him back here? Arthur isn’t even sure about that.
Raking his hair, biting his lips anxiously, he takes in a huge gulp of fresh air to steady himself. Calming his senses, he tries to dig deep into his mind again, searching for an answer but the আরো he tries, the harder it seems to find the answer. It’s as if his mind is divided into partitions and he has to খুঁজুন each partition before he can find the clue to this mysterious woman. Unfortunately he doesn’t have the time অথবা the strength to do that. The woman shifts again and Arthur’s হৃদয় thumps like a raging ষাঁড় against his chest. The woman turns around and rolls to her right, facing Arthur. Arthur’s eyes widen.
‘What the ….!’ He curses himself. ‘How did she … end up here?’ he thinks again and falls back on his bed, clutching his forehead in dismay.
The woman beside him stirs. Arthur turns back to face her. The woman lifts her lids open and meets Arthur, her lips twitching into a smile. Arthur smiles back, forcing the expression, like one caught stealing from a cookie jar.
“Arthur.”
“Meredith … what a surprise?” Arthur greets her, still smiling like an idiot. ‘Surprise, my foot! আপনি could have brought her here and now আপনি are surprised?’ he asks himself. “How did আপনি find me? Did আপনি follow me home?” he tries his luck. He has to know the truth and it doesn’t matter if it comes from her mouth.
To his surprise, Meredith laughs. “Good morning, sweetheart,” Meredith purrs and closes into Arthur, lifting her hand toward Arthur’s chest, gently flicking his nipples. “You are adorable, silly. Why would it be so hard to find আপনি when আপনি practically carried me here on your horse?”
“What?”
“You wanted me badly and there’s no way I was going to succumb to your appetite in that noisy tavern so I asked আপনি to get me elsewhere and আপনি brought me straight to the castle. But I have to say, আপনি really know how to sweep a woman off her feet.” Meredith explains. “And আপনি were all over me even before we reached the বিছানা … with which I have no problems at all.” she says and gently massages his chest.
But Arthur isn’t spurned দ্বারা her touch; in fact his mind is racing towards the circumstances of this act. ‘Great … I brought her here!’ he thinks and shakes his head. Does anyone know she is here? Did her husband realize that his wife is actually with the crown prince of Camelot? Are they looking for her? Does his father know what he has done? Why aren’t the alarm bells gone off yet? Does anyone actually realize there’s a stranger in the castle, in my bed? প্রশ্ন flooded Arthur’s mind until he feels it throbbing. Arthur clutches his head and sighs in frustration. What a mess he has just woven!
“What’s wrong, Arthur?” Meredith asks, her voice soft and concerned. She caresses his chest softly and trails it down.
“Meredith,” Arthur captures her hand before she can continue and holds it away from his face. The smile fades from Meredith’s face. Arthur understands why, but he isn’t in any mood to find out further. “You have to leave, now!” he adds hastily.
“But … but …”
“Look, I know … I brought আপনি here but আপনি can’t carry on staying … it’s, it’s … not good for my reputation. আপনি understand?”
“But, আপনি ব্যক্ত we will spend the entire weekend together … that you’ll take me riding and hunting,”
“I ব্যক্ত all that?” Arthur couldn’t believe he ব্যক্ত all that. He must’ve been very drunk to promise all this to a simple woman like Meredith. What was he even thinking? “Meredith …” he reaches out and clips her chin. “You’re a lovely woman, well …” he eyes her full naked body, licks his lips and smiles at her. “You exceeded my expectations, I have to say.” He tells her. “But I’m afraid that’s all I can offer আপনি … pleasure. Nothing else, dear … আপনি know who I am, don’t you? And where আপনি stand in terms of our hierarchy, so … I hope আপনি don’t take what I have promised আপনি last night at the tavern too seriously, all right. Because … it’ll never happen.” He tells her softly. Meredith’s eyes starts getting moist. “Now, Meredith … please, no tears. Please …” he tries to calm her but she buries herself against his chest, sobbing uncontrollably.
‘Great Arthur … just great! This is just getting better and better!’ he thinks and gently pushes her away from him and makes her look at him. “Meredith, I am sorry but আপনি have to leave, like now … it’s dangerous for আপনি to stay here and if my father learns of this …”
“But I like আপনি Arthur!”
“You cannot do that, Meredith! I am the future king of this land and আপনি are my subjects. আপনি must cast your feelings for me aside and go back to your husband.”
“But last night আপনি told me to leave my husband!”
“I ব্যক্ত that, too?” now Arthur’s mystified. Did he mention that to her? What an idiot he’d been! He has to seriously stop getting drunk! “Fine, but we both know that isn’t the right thing to do. We were drunk and I brought আপনি here. We had fun and now it’s time for আপনি to leave … আপনি have to go, Meredith.”
“I won’t … I want to stay here, with you.”
“Meredith!!” Arthur growls softly. She is getting on his nerves and he is losing his patience. Maybe he should just get the guards to get her from him. “Look …” he pushes her away gently and gets out from the bed. “You have to leave before I get an unexpected visit from my father. Please, Meredith … just go. I’ll প্রদর্শনী আপনি a secret exit from the দুর্গ that will lead আপনি away to your village without anyone realising you’ve been here at all.” Arthur pulls his pants up his feet, buckles it and walks towards his partition where his শার্ট is hanging, yanks it down and slid it on.
“No!!” Meredith shouts and steps down from the bed. The sheet she’d been sleeping on slides down but she doesn’t care to মোড়ানো herself with it. She stands there, looking at Arthur angrily, fully naked. “I’m going to meet the king and tell him what happened. Let him be the judge,” she starts to walks towards the door but Arthur reaches her first. He grabs her wrist, turns her around and plants a deep চুম্বন on her lips, cupping her cheeks with his hands.
Meredith is completely swooned দ্বারা Arthur’s চুম্বন and she forgets everything about her threat. Arthur releases her and nibbles her throat. She yanks her neck back and moans softly. Arthur looks at her and smiles. His plan is working just as he wants it to be.
“Meredith …” he tweaks her nipple playfully and Meredith bites her lips. “You didn’t mean that, do you?”
“Arthur … I …” her words stops in her throat when Arthur reaches down to capture her breast. She moans again and Arthur flicks her nipple with his tongue. “Please …”
“Tell me আপনি are enjoying this, Meredith,” Arthur asks as he plants his kisses all over her.
“I do …”
“Would আপনি like to have fun with me again … here, on my bed?”
“Yes … oh, I do!”
“Then আপনি must promise me that আপনি will speak to no one about this, no one!” he warns her.
“I won’t … I promise!”
“And আপনি will not tell my father about our affair … no matter under whatever circumstances.”
“I promise …”
“Good girl,” Arthur reaches up and captures her lips. Meredith almost collapses in Arthur’s arms. Arthur releases her and smiles warmly. “Now, love, be a good girl and leave the castle. I will come to আপনি whenever I find the time … I give আপনি my word.”
“Can I come here?”
“When I send for you, yes … now, leave sweetheart. I hate to see আপনি caught in an unfortunate situation. Leave, for my sake. ” he plants a চুম্বন on Meredith’s forehead and steps back. Meredith nods and walks back to the বিছানা and starts to pick her clothing.
Arthur smiles triumphantly, pleased with his persuasive solution, walks around the বিছানা and helps her with the clothing. He asks her to change while he strides to his টেবিল and pours himself a goblet filled with water. Draining it down quickly, he places the goblet back on the টেবিল and nears the window. Something outside catches his attention. He stops দ্বারা and looks out. The knights are training for the upcoming annual jousting competition and a smile touches his mouth. They will have to train harder than that to beat him as he is the current champion in that event. In fact no one has beaten him ever since he joined that event at the tender age of sixteen and no one will. He will beat them in a heartbeat and he doesn’t need to train to do that. He can even compete with them with his eyes blindfold.
“Arthur?”
Arthur turns around and Meredith now fully dressed, stands looking at him sadly. “Now, why the sad face, প্রণয় … we will meet again, I promise.”
“Really? আপনি won’t forget me?”
“How can I, Meredith … আপনি have the best body I have seen in ages. I will never get আপনি off my mind.” Arthur smiles. “Now, leave swiftly, sweetheart. Do আপনি want me to প্রদর্শনী আপনি the secret passage?”
Meredith smiles. “That won’t be necessary sire … I’ll leave carefully,” she replies, bows and leaves the room.
“Hmm … what a body … and what a night it was!” Arthur tells himself. “You’re good Arthur, just good!” he says again proudly, patting his chest. His stomach rumbles and he knows he needs sustenance to keep his energy flowing. But first, a good hot bath and then breakfast. Stripping off his shirt, he tosses it on the floor and heads to his cupboard. “Bath, breakfast, hunting and then some meeting with the royal prince from Nemeth and later another trip to the tavern … yeah. That’s what I’ll do today.” He tells himself proudly and heads off to take his bath.
Uther watches sadly as Meredith crosses the yard in a hurry, looking around to ensure no one spots her escape. Too bad for her, the King of Camelot is silently watching from the window up above from his room. When the guards aren’t looking her way, Meredith quickly crosses the gate and disappears into the forest, taking a detour back to her village. Uther sighs and shakes his head sadly. He might not know her, but he knows why she is here. And who could have brought her in.
Uther turns around and staggers back to his bed, using the cane as his walking aid rather than his feet. His knees are still hurting, result of the fall he endured when he visited his friend King Godwyn in his kingdom. He thought the saddle was tightly strapped around his horse but as he climbed up, the strap gave way and he fell off, hurting both his back and his knees. His friend was extremely terrified but thank god, he had an excellent court physician who gave him সত্বর treatment which not only cured his wound but lessened the pain as well. Now Uther is just counting his days for the pain to disappear permanently so that he can gallop on ঘোড়া বিষয়ক again. He misses hunting and the occasional forest trips he used to take whenever his হৃদয় is saddened দ্বারা the troubles in the castle. Uther sits down and lays the cane beside him. He thinks about Arthur and once again, his face droops sadly.
Arthur is his only heir, the future of Camelot and yet Uther feels as if Camelot is orphaned of a future king. Arthur isn’t worried অথবা even concerned of his duties as the crowned prince. He doesn’t involve himself in the matters involving politics, kingdom অথবা even war. The only thing he’s interested in is enjoying himself with drinks and women. And occasionally when his mood insists, sports; taking part in his favourite events like jousting and maze. But Arthur has a reason for that too. When he wins the events, he boasts his win around and wins himself the attention of beautiful damsels whom later will depart from his বিছানা in the wee hours of morning. This has been going on for several years and Uther has হারিয়ে গেছে track how many times he had caught Arthur sneaking the women away after spending the night with them. Reprimanding, punishment and even হৃদয় to হৃদয় talk doesn’t work for his son any more. Arthur is adamant with his ways and tells his father that he has no interest in running the kingdom at all. The king is heartbroken দ্বারা his son’s recklessness yet he is clueless about a solution. There’s no way Arthur will change his ways unless he is forced to change. But who will do that? Arthur listens to no one but himself and his arrogance has caused Uther a couple of kingdoms. He does not wish to repeat any of those incidents. As the king, Uther must put the kingdom first above all else so Arthur will have to wait. But Uther’s health will not. He is aging and with the constant problems arising as the result of his son’s behaviour, Uther feels as if his aging process has doubled. He fears for the kingdom and the people. He worries for Arthur. He worries about how the council will manage the kingdom without a king. অথবা how the kingdom will survive under a king who is আরো interested in womanizing than ruling. What will he do if Camelot is seized? Uther doesn’t even want to think of that. His father and grandfather before him worked hard to restore the peace and happiness in the kingdom, but if Uther hands Camelot to Arthur, Uther fears only the ashes will remain of the once glorious land. His ancestors will turn in their tombs, his father will rue the দিন Arthur was born and Uther himself would be the subject of curses from everyone.
And it is because of that the council is still begging Uther to continue in his reign. But Arthur shouldn’t remain like this forever. He has to change, turn over a new leaf. But when? And how? Will Uther still be around to witness that? Uther sighs and looks around his chamber. He misses his wife Igraine. She had been his soul, his friend, everything. How he wishes she were still around. Perhaps Arthur wouldn’t have ended up like this if she were. She would have brought up her son in the ways of a Pendragon, grooming him to become a king and an excellent leader. Alas, that wasn’t to be, as both father and son were deprived of her loving soul on the দিন Arthur was born. That’s why Arthur’s birth anniversary marks a solemn celebration for Uther because he has no হৃদয় to celebrate the দিন he হারিয়ে গেছে the only প্রণয় of his life. But his son is also part of his life and his wife’s gift to him, so therefore Uther does try to put a smile for his son though his হৃদয় would weep like a child.
Someone knocks the door, distracting Uther from his memories. He looks up. “Come in.”
The door opens and a woman in her early forties walks in. She is beautiful, with a prefect face and body, donning the attire of a কুইন complete with the tiara on her head. She glides gracefully towards the king. “Uther, আপনি are not dressed?”
“Katrina.”
“You are not ready, my lord. Are আপনি ill?” Katrina asks, sitting down beside Uther. She reaches up and feels Uther’s forehead. Uther smiles and removes her hand gently and places a soft চুম্বন on her palm.
“I am all right, Katrina. I just tired, that’s all,” he says with a smile. And then he looks at her curiously from head to toe. “Are we going somewhere?”
“Uther Pendragon … what an absent minded king আপনি are. It’s the knighting ceremony today. Have আপনি forgotten?”
“That’s today?”
“Oh dear … what happened to you, Uther? Have আপনি been thinking something else? And don’t আপনি dare lie to me,” Katrina says quickly before Uther can answer. “You will forget everything else when your mind is dwelling on one particular subject: Arthur.”
“Another girl left the দুর্গ today,”
“Again? Uther, this is getting out of control. আপনি have to put a stop to this. We’ve had enough problems with the villagers whose wives were all Arthur’s playmates and now another one? আপনি have to put your foot down, Uther.”
“He will not listen to me.”
“Then I will talk to him. He listens to me,” Katrina offers and Uther has to agree it is the truth. Arthur is fond of Katrina and listens to her আরো than he does anyone else in the castle. “You don’t like me talking to him about this?” Katrina asks when Uther remains silent.
“No … not at all, Katrina. I appreciate what আপনি do and I am most grateful for your offer. I just wish he would change his ways … can’t আপনি talk to him about resuming his role as the crowned prince, Katrina? He has a responsibility and he keeps ignoring that.”
“Uther,” Katrina reaches and clasps Uther’s hand, bringing it closer to her chest. “I can talk to him about anything, except that. I am not his mother, just his stepmother and I have to have certain limits when I discuss matters that are quite privy … আপনি do understand that, don’t you? Arthur is a man, not a child, and he has his own matters to deal with. I will talk to him about his women and his behaviors outside the দুর্গ but nothing on the kingdom অথবা his responsibility as the prince. That will be your duty to speak to him. Leave me out of it. I am sure আপনি remember how many times we have discussed this.”
“Fair enough … I thought I might ask.”
“That boy is fond of me and I don’t want to lose that প্রণয় if I upset him with matter he hates to discuss. I have no child, Uther and Arthur is all I have. I don’t want to lose my baby.”
“All right … just talk to him about his actions today. Make him understand how it upsets me,” Uther informs.
Katrina squeezes Uther’s hand. “I will my lord. Now …” she gets up and looks at her husband lovingly. “Get dressed quickly. The ceremony starts in another hour. I will ask Geoffrey to meet আপনি in a while,” Katrina informs and heads to the door. “And please stop worrying about Arthur. I will talk to him,” she promises and leaves the chamber.
Uther follows until Katrina disappears behind the door and looks away, his mind still thinking about Arthur. But he is less troubled now than he was before, thanks to Katrina’s offer to talk to Arthur. He is grateful to her for all she has done for himself and Arthur. Uther remembers when he first married Katrina and brought her home. She was smitten দ্বারা Arthur at first sight and took him as if he was her own and up until now she still regards the boy as her son. And she didn’t want to have another baby fearing her প্রণয় for Arthur would be split. And has remained such until now. Uther owes a great deal to Katrina and he doesn’t know how he will ever repay her gratitude. Maybe one day, he will ask what she wants. And he also knows her answer. She will want nothing in return for she has mentioned the same উত্তর over the years but maybe this time, Uther will surprise her instead. Perhaps he will get something and present it to her. He smiles and breathes in calmly. Slowly, he goes for his cane and picks himself out from the bed.
Arthur looks himself on the mirror and smiles. ‘You’re looking very handsome Arthur,’ he thinks and dusts his sleeve when he hears knocks on the door. He looks at the door, “Come in” and gets back to the mirror.
Katrina pokes her head in. “Can I come in, Arthur?”
“Mother!!” Arthur turns around, his face beaming with joy at the sight of his step mother. “What sort of প্রশ্ন is that … of course আপনি can,” he answers, excited.
Katrina pushes the door open wide and walks in. Arthur goes to meet her and takes her hand, স্নেহ চুম্বন her cheek with affection. “How are আপনি today Arthur?”
“I am very fine, Mother. You?”
“Good … but not your father,”
“Is he ill?”
“Not exactly, but he will be if he has to worry about আপনি each day.”
“I don’t understand, Mother.”
“Arthur … I know this is a private matter and one I don’t have the right to প্রশ্ন আপনি about, but I have to because I hate to see your father worried sick. This morning ….”
“Ahhh … so now I know what troubles him. He met Meredith?”
“I am not sure about that, Arthur, but he seems worried about your constant ways with women and so do I.”
“Mother …”
“I know, Arthur. This is your life and that আপনি don’t want me to poke my nose in but আপনি must understand that your behaviour reflects upon your father. He is the king and he has his responsibility over his subjects, be it the people of Camelot অথবা his own family. He has to answer all প্রশ্ন and it would trouble him greatly if those প্রশ্ন are about you.”
“Mother … আপনি know me, don’t you?”
“I do, Arthur, and I am not saying I agree with your ways but I am not stopping আপনি from having fun either, just … be in control of yourself a little bit. If not for your father, then do it for me,” Katrina asks, looking warmly at him.
Arthur sighs, releases his mother’s hand and walks back to his screen, picking the বেল্ট and looping it around his waist. Katrina walks towards him and touches his shoulder. “Arthur … I am sorry if I have offended you.”
“No, it’s not that …”
“Then, what is it?”
“I tried, Mother … I tried to control myself, but I just could not. I don’t understand why I couldn’t do it … each time I try; I end up doing the same things again and again,” Arthur tells her.
“Arthur…”
“I don’t wish to upset Father with my behaviour অথবা bring him shame. I never wished for any of that, but …” Arthur shakes his head and turns around to meet his mother. “I just can’t control myself when it comes to women. I just can’t …”
“I know Arthur, I know,” Katrina reaches up and caresses Arthur’s cheek. “But I don’t think your father does and I don’t blame him. অথবা আপনি either. Sometimes, it’s easier ব্যক্ত then done, so … despite my উপদেশ I know how hard it must be for আপনি to go through this. But there’s always a solution for every troubles that haunts us. There must be some for আপনি too, dear. Perhaps আপনি ought to think about it? Just give yourself some room অথবা মহাকাশ in between the fun আপনি have outside and your responsibility as a son? I am sure your father will be very pleased with that.”
“What do আপনি want me to do, Mother?”
“I am not asking much, just make sure আপনি know your limits and your responsibility as the crowned prince. Your father bears the name of Pendragon proudly and আপনি must do all আপনি can in your power not to tarnish it. Be smart, Arthur,” Katrina smiles. “You know what I mean, don’t you?”
“Mother, not another talk about assuming the throne, please!”
“This is your father’s request, Arthur. Besides, who else would the king turn to if not the only heir of the Pendagons? He depends on আপনি and আপনি must honour him in that. Release him from the burden that’s been plaguing him, release him from the duties so that he can rest and enjoy the remaining days of his life happily.”
“But … I don’t want to become the king!” Arthur snaps and moves away from his step mother. “The duties … the burden … the crown … they are too heavy for me, mother. They will plunge me into a hole where there’s no passage me to crawl back out. I can never be at peace অথবা enjoy the life I do now. I will be in misery!!”
“Arthur Pendragon!” Katrina walks towards Arthur, grabs his shoulder and spins him around. “That is the most selfish statement I’ve heard from আপনি so far. I understand you’ll be deprived of your fun when আপনি are the king but to go so far as to say you’ll be plunged into a hole is … very selfish indeed. What would your father say if he heard this? অথবা your mother, Igraine? They’d be ashamed of আপনি and to be honest, I am right now.”
“Mother, don’t say that, please …”
“But that’s who আপনি are Arthur. আপনি are selfish. Don’t আপনি have any pity for your father? And what’s makes আপনি think you’ll be losing all the fun when আপনি are the king?”
“I won’t?”
“No, of course not! আপনি get in trouble with your father every দিন because আপনি are still in his care and the prince of Camelot. But when আপনি are the king, আপনি can pick any woman in Camelot without having to worry to answer anyone because every living being here will be your subjects and your own. আপনি can do as আপনি like with anyone without the need of worry,” Katrina explains and realizes Arthur is now smiling. “But for this to happen, আপনি must first be the king your father wishes. Without it, none of your wishes will be possible … understand, Arthur?”
“Now I do, Mother … I do, thank আপনি so much,” Arthur hugs his mother happily. “I didn’t know this before, thanks for refreshing me.”
“It is my pleasure, Arthur … now, be a good boy and think on all I have said.”
“I will …” Arthur winks at his mother.
Katrina smiles at him. “Fine, I will leave আপনি to your business; just remember to come প্রথমপাতা early tonight.”
“What’s the occasion?”
“It’s the knighting ceremony in a while and there’ll be a feast tonight to celebrate the knights. Your presence will be required দ্বারা your father’s side and he will appreciate it very much.”
“Sure mother, for আপনি … I will,” Arthur promises.
“You shouldn’t be encouraging him, Sister.” Agravaine says as Katrina leaves Arthur’s chamber and walks towards her own.
Katrina stops in her stride and looks left to where her brother Agravaine is leaning against the pillar, arms folded across the chest. She smiles at him, extends her hand and he accepts it, planting a warm চুম্বন on her cheek and walks beside her.
“I didn’t realize আপনি were here, Brother. When did আপনি return home? Is Father well?”
“He is fine and sends আপনি his warmest regards. I came back a while পূর্বে and searched for আপনি immediately to convey Father’s messages but the maids informed আপনি were with Arthur, so I thought I might wait for আপনি outside. But with the door open wide, I just couldn’t help eavesdropping.”
“So আপনি know everything?”
“Almost,” he smiles as they head to the garden. Katrina pauses a while to smell the fresh ফুলেরডালি bloomed beautifully all around the garden.
“I প্রণয় the smell of fresh ফুলেরডালি in the morning. Makes me happy,” Katrina tells him as she plucks a ফুল and sniffs it. Beside her Agravaine smiles and grips his sword. “So, what did আপনি hear actually and what do আপনি mean দ্বারা that?” she asks him.
“I think আপনি are pampering Arthur too much, Katrina. That boy dotes on আপনি and আপনি shouldn’t be using that to আপনি advantage.”
“Why not? It’ll be good for us,” she tells him. “In fact, all this was your idea, wasn’t it?”
“Asking him to be the king, is that good for us? I thought আপনি had other plans when আপনি married Uther?”
“I did and I still hold on to them, except I’ve made slight changes, for our own good.”
“And Arthur’s part of our advantage?”
“Yes …”
“How?”
“Patience, Brother, patience. For a skilled swordsman, আপনি have very little patience,” Katrina laughs, throws the ফুল away and loops her hand around Agravaine’s own and walks on. “When I married Uther, my plan was to take over the reign as the কুইন but I forgot all about the council and little Arthur. The council wasn’t in favour of me and I believe some even tried to poison Uther into thinking that he made a terrible decision marrying me. If I am to be in power, I need the council’s help. But I also needed to charm the council. And that’s where little Arthur came into picture. He was thirsty for a mother’s love, and I gave him that. Soon he grew fond me, listening to my words আরো than his father’s and believing every word that leaves my tongue. I had the boy under my spell and the council began to sway in my direction. Soon, when Arthur is king, I will have the council in my grasp and the kingdom beneath my feet.”
“And where do I stand in your plans, my lady?”
“You will be Arthur’s father in law, my brother. Elena will be the কুইন and together we shall rule Camelot in happiness, আপনি and I,” Katrina laughs joined দ্বারা her brother. “Arthur needs persuasion, and that’s where his weakness plays into the plot charmingly.”
“I really wouldn’t call that his weakness, sister. I clearly remember আপনি grooming him into the man he is right now,” Agravaine explains.
“I had to start somewhere. If left with Uther, Arthur would have turned out to be a fair and just king, just as his ancestors were. But that will spoil the fun for us so I had him groomed differently. It took some time but he’s addicted and that’s good news for us. There’s no way that boy will recover from his addiction.”
“But Elena loves him very much sister. Make sure he does recover when he is married to her,” Agravaine warns Katrina.
“Of course. I know someone who can help us with that, but until then … let him have some fun. Besides it’s good for the old man, too. He is dying each দিন thinking of Arthur so the sooner he passes over to the পরবর্তি life, the better. We can hurry with the coronation and the marriage.”
“Katrina … আপনি are an angel!” Agravaine says and squeezes Katrina’s hand, clearly delighted with the idea. “I couldn’t think of a better idea myself,”
“That’s why I am the কুইন and আপনি are just a knight, Brother …” Katrina smiles back.
“Fair enough …” Agravaine laughs. “Elena will be delighted with this idea,”
“Tell her that Arthur belongs to her and her only. No one shall claim Arthur … no one.” Katrina informs determinedly as she continues to walk with her brother back to her chamber.
Guinevere lifts the lid of the wooden container and sighs. There’s not a single trace of flour left in the container. She closes the lid and opens the smaller container beside it and that too is empty. She sighs, closes the lids and walks back to the wooden bench and sits down. Wiping her hand on her apron, she thinks quickly. There’s no flour অথবা ধান at home. That means there will be no রুটি অথবা খাবার for today. She looks around. There are only a handful of herbs which she grows herself, some old cheese, tomatoes and a couple of carrots. That’s all. And she has to cook lunch for herself and her father. What will she cook? There’s no ধান অথবা রুটি to go along with whatever she might come up with! And her father is due প্রথমপাতা anytime now. Gwen tries to think of an alternative. She gets up and strides towards the cupboard. Yanking the door open, she shifts the bottles aside and pulls out a black jar. She lifts the lid and peeks inside. Her face sighs sadly when that too is empty. The final shilling she had was used to buy meat last week and she hasn’t had any clothing to sew all week which explains why she didn’t have any money to save. She pushes the jar back inside and closes the door. She walks back to the bench and sits down, her হৃদয় heavy with grief.
‘What to do? Where am I going to get food?’ she thinks sadly. Her stomach grumbles and she shakes her head in frustration. She hasn’t eaten since last night because the খাবার was just enough for a person and she gave it to her father, lying saying she had eaten. Her father was suspicious of his daughter, but Gwen is an excellent convincer and her father bought her lies. She was happy that her father ate heartily but now, what will she offer her father?
Thinking of her father brings tears to her eyes. At such an old age he is still working hard to make ends meet for both of them. And as a blacksmith how much could he make? That’s why Gwen works as seamstress to help her father. Apart from that she also grows her own plants, herbs and vegetables, which she sometimes sells to her neighbours at reasonable prices. And Gwen is also a great cook. She makes the best breads and pies Camelot has seen. She can make pies practically out of anything; fruits, vegetables, meat and even dried prunes and dates. And she sells them as well. With all the income she makes, she helps her father run the family. But lately, things haven’t really been good for her and her father. The draught destroyed her vegetables, hikes in flour meant people stopped eating রুটি and starts to rely on other alternatives like soups and rice. She even stopped getting orders for clothing because of the introduction of the readily made garments brought in দ্বারা the outside traders. With new designs and attractive colours, those garments are a hit with the villagers. And it was bad news for Gwen. This is just her; she wonders how her father fares with his luck?
The door creaks open and Gwen looks up from her thoughts. Her father walks in, wearing a smile on his face. Gwen is surprised. Something must have happened. Usually the only time her father’s face beams with happiness is when he wins his bet. Gwen’s face darkens with concern. Has her father been gambling again? He did promise her he will not get back to his gambling ways. Did he break that promise today?
“Guinevere, আপনি will not believe what happened today,” Tom says as he drags a small bundle with him.
Gwen gets up and waits for him to explain. Her father heaves the bundle up on the টেবিল and sets it down. He wipes his sweat and sits down.
“What is that father?”
“This, my dear is our supplies for a month.” Her father tells her.
Gwen is clueless but realizing her father is tired and thirsty, she walks over to the counter, fills a cup with water and walks back to him, handing it to him. Tom drains the water quickly and sets the cup down. He stands up and unties the rope that kept the bundle strapped and rolls the শীর্ষ part of the sack down. Gwen nears the sack as her father thrusts his hand inside and pulls out a large cheese. Gwen eyes widens at the sight of the cheese. Her father sets the cheese down, and pulls out smoked meat, potatoes, carrots, tomatoes, beans and some dried prunes. Gwen looks at the sack and then at her father.
“Where did আপনি get all these, Father?”
“I bought them.”
“And how did আপনি exactly do that?”
“Gwen, I know what are আপনি thinking, but no, I didn’t buy this with gambling winnings … I didn’t gamble and will not do so. A kind knight from neighboring kingdom passed দ্বারা my ভান্দার and wanted to make a good sword. He saw the ones I had and was interested in one of them so I sold it to him. He paid me handsomely and I bought all this খাবার with the money he gave me. I still have some left and we can but flour with it, and I also got আপনি this …” he fishes out a parcel from inside of his vest and hands it to Gwen.
Gwen is relieved her father didn’t gamble and right now her mind is excited with the parcel she holds in her hand. She removes the string and opens the paper to find a beautiful শাল looking back at her. Gwen is happy, and with her eyes moist, she rushes to her father and hugs him.
“Thank you, Father … thank আপনি so much.”
“You deserve the best I can get you, love.”
“I was so sad a while ago, Father. There isn’t anything left in the house and I was worried about feeding you. Thank goodness আপনি came প্রথমপাতা with this. God bless that knight,” Gwen says happily as she folds the শাল back with care. Setting the শাল aside, she moves to the sack and starts to load the things back inside. “Why don’t আপনি sit and rest, Father, I will get lunch prepared quickly.”
“Take all the time আপনি need child, I’m not heading back to the ভান্দার anytime soon,”
“Why?”
“I want to enjoy all afternoon with my daughter. It’s been long since we had lunch together and I think today will be that special day.”
“It’s wonderful, Father … and after that, if আপনি are not busy, can we walk to Mother’s grave and pay her a visit? I have been thinking of her all দিন … please?”
“Of course, child,” her father laughs and nods.
Gwen smiles and gets back to her cooking. Gwen’s mother died when Gwen was still an infant. There are two versions of her mother’s death; one that her mother died of a mystery illness and the other during childbirth, without meeting Gwen at all. But the one her father told her, the truth, is that her mother did die of an illness but not mysteriously. In fact she was in fever for weeks and unable to hold herself together any longer, her mother gave up the fight. Gwen was a বছর old then and hardly remembered anything. But she knows her mother loves her and still does, looking out for her and her father. Gwen wishes she has memories of her mother, but alas, she had been too young to remember anything. All she has is her mother’s treasures. Gwen smiles to herself sadly and washes the carrots. Her father is her world right now and she will take care of him with everything she has in her strength. She will make sure no harm comes to him just as he does her. Gwen wipes her temple and glances quickly at her father. He looks happy and she wants to see that smile on his face forever. And will do anything for that. Anything. They may be poor but they are happy everyday, living life to the fullest. And Gwen knows they won’t remain like this forever. Everyone will have a change in their fate and so will theirs. Their time will come and until it does, Gwen and her father will appreciate what’s been given. Reminding herself of their good fortune, Gwen gets back to her cooking.
link
‘Who in the name of Camelot is this?’ he thinks fast. His mind is still cloudy after spending almost the entire night out with his বন্ধু and now he can’t remember what happened afterwards অথবা whom did he bring back home. Did he bring her প্রথমপাতা অথবা did she follow him back here? Arthur isn’t even sure about that.
Raking his hair, biting his lips anxiously, he takes in a huge gulp of fresh air to steady himself. Calming his senses, he tries to dig deep into his mind again, searching for an answer but the আরো he tries, the harder it seems to find the answer. It’s as if his mind is divided into partitions and he has to খুঁজুন each partition before he can find the clue to this mysterious woman. Unfortunately he doesn’t have the time অথবা the strength to do that. The woman shifts again and Arthur’s হৃদয় thumps like a raging ষাঁড় against his chest. The woman turns around and rolls to her right, facing Arthur. Arthur’s eyes widen.
‘What the ….!’ He curses himself. ‘How did she … end up here?’ he thinks again and falls back on his bed, clutching his forehead in dismay.
The woman beside him stirs. Arthur turns back to face her. The woman lifts her lids open and meets Arthur, her lips twitching into a smile. Arthur smiles back, forcing the expression, like one caught stealing from a cookie jar.
“Arthur.”
“Meredith … what a surprise?” Arthur greets her, still smiling like an idiot. ‘Surprise, my foot! আপনি could have brought her here and now আপনি are surprised?’ he asks himself. “How did আপনি find me? Did আপনি follow me home?” he tries his luck. He has to know the truth and it doesn’t matter if it comes from her mouth.
To his surprise, Meredith laughs. “Good morning, sweetheart,” Meredith purrs and closes into Arthur, lifting her hand toward Arthur’s chest, gently flicking his nipples. “You are adorable, silly. Why would it be so hard to find আপনি when আপনি practically carried me here on your horse?”
“What?”
“You wanted me badly and there’s no way I was going to succumb to your appetite in that noisy tavern so I asked আপনি to get me elsewhere and আপনি brought me straight to the castle. But I have to say, আপনি really know how to sweep a woman off her feet.” Meredith explains. “And আপনি were all over me even before we reached the বিছানা … with which I have no problems at all.” she says and gently massages his chest.
But Arthur isn’t spurned দ্বারা her touch; in fact his mind is racing towards the circumstances of this act. ‘Great … I brought her here!’ he thinks and shakes his head. Does anyone know she is here? Did her husband realize that his wife is actually with the crown prince of Camelot? Are they looking for her? Does his father know what he has done? Why aren’t the alarm bells gone off yet? Does anyone actually realize there’s a stranger in the castle, in my bed? প্রশ্ন flooded Arthur’s mind until he feels it throbbing. Arthur clutches his head and sighs in frustration. What a mess he has just woven!
“What’s wrong, Arthur?” Meredith asks, her voice soft and concerned. She caresses his chest softly and trails it down.
“Meredith,” Arthur captures her hand before she can continue and holds it away from his face. The smile fades from Meredith’s face. Arthur understands why, but he isn’t in any mood to find out further. “You have to leave, now!” he adds hastily.
“But … but …”
“Look, I know … I brought আপনি here but আপনি can’t carry on staying … it’s, it’s … not good for my reputation. আপনি understand?”
“But, আপনি ব্যক্ত we will spend the entire weekend together … that you’ll take me riding and hunting,”
“I ব্যক্ত all that?” Arthur couldn’t believe he ব্যক্ত all that. He must’ve been very drunk to promise all this to a simple woman like Meredith. What was he even thinking? “Meredith …” he reaches out and clips her chin. “You’re a lovely woman, well …” he eyes her full naked body, licks his lips and smiles at her. “You exceeded my expectations, I have to say.” He tells her. “But I’m afraid that’s all I can offer আপনি … pleasure. Nothing else, dear … আপনি know who I am, don’t you? And where আপনি stand in terms of our hierarchy, so … I hope আপনি don’t take what I have promised আপনি last night at the tavern too seriously, all right. Because … it’ll never happen.” He tells her softly. Meredith’s eyes starts getting moist. “Now, Meredith … please, no tears. Please …” he tries to calm her but she buries herself against his chest, sobbing uncontrollably.
‘Great Arthur … just great! This is just getting better and better!’ he thinks and gently pushes her away from him and makes her look at him. “Meredith, I am sorry but আপনি have to leave, like now … it’s dangerous for আপনি to stay here and if my father learns of this …”
“But I like আপনি Arthur!”
“You cannot do that, Meredith! I am the future king of this land and আপনি are my subjects. আপনি must cast your feelings for me aside and go back to your husband.”
“But last night আপনি told me to leave my husband!”
“I ব্যক্ত that, too?” now Arthur’s mystified. Did he mention that to her? What an idiot he’d been! He has to seriously stop getting drunk! “Fine, but we both know that isn’t the right thing to do. We were drunk and I brought আপনি here. We had fun and now it’s time for আপনি to leave … আপনি have to go, Meredith.”
“I won’t … I want to stay here, with you.”
“Meredith!!” Arthur growls softly. She is getting on his nerves and he is losing his patience. Maybe he should just get the guards to get her from him. “Look …” he pushes her away gently and gets out from the bed. “You have to leave before I get an unexpected visit from my father. Please, Meredith … just go. I’ll প্রদর্শনী আপনি a secret exit from the দুর্গ that will lead আপনি away to your village without anyone realising you’ve been here at all.” Arthur pulls his pants up his feet, buckles it and walks towards his partition where his শার্ট is hanging, yanks it down and slid it on.
“No!!” Meredith shouts and steps down from the bed. The sheet she’d been sleeping on slides down but she doesn’t care to মোড়ানো herself with it. She stands there, looking at Arthur angrily, fully naked. “I’m going to meet the king and tell him what happened. Let him be the judge,” she starts to walks towards the door but Arthur reaches her first. He grabs her wrist, turns her around and plants a deep চুম্বন on her lips, cupping her cheeks with his hands.
Meredith is completely swooned দ্বারা Arthur’s চুম্বন and she forgets everything about her threat. Arthur releases her and nibbles her throat. She yanks her neck back and moans softly. Arthur looks at her and smiles. His plan is working just as he wants it to be.
“Meredith …” he tweaks her nipple playfully and Meredith bites her lips. “You didn’t mean that, do you?”
“Arthur … I …” her words stops in her throat when Arthur reaches down to capture her breast. She moans again and Arthur flicks her nipple with his tongue. “Please …”
“Tell me আপনি are enjoying this, Meredith,” Arthur asks as he plants his kisses all over her.
“I do …”
“Would আপনি like to have fun with me again … here, on my bed?”
“Yes … oh, I do!”
“Then আপনি must promise me that আপনি will speak to no one about this, no one!” he warns her.
“I won’t … I promise!”
“And আপনি will not tell my father about our affair … no matter under whatever circumstances.”
“I promise …”
“Good girl,” Arthur reaches up and captures her lips. Meredith almost collapses in Arthur’s arms. Arthur releases her and smiles warmly. “Now, love, be a good girl and leave the castle. I will come to আপনি whenever I find the time … I give আপনি my word.”
“Can I come here?”
“When I send for you, yes … now, leave sweetheart. I hate to see আপনি caught in an unfortunate situation. Leave, for my sake. ” he plants a চুম্বন on Meredith’s forehead and steps back. Meredith nods and walks back to the বিছানা and starts to pick her clothing.
Arthur smiles triumphantly, pleased with his persuasive solution, walks around the বিছানা and helps her with the clothing. He asks her to change while he strides to his টেবিল and pours himself a goblet filled with water. Draining it down quickly, he places the goblet back on the টেবিল and nears the window. Something outside catches his attention. He stops দ্বারা and looks out. The knights are training for the upcoming annual jousting competition and a smile touches his mouth. They will have to train harder than that to beat him as he is the current champion in that event. In fact no one has beaten him ever since he joined that event at the tender age of sixteen and no one will. He will beat them in a heartbeat and he doesn’t need to train to do that. He can even compete with them with his eyes blindfold.
“Arthur?”
Arthur turns around and Meredith now fully dressed, stands looking at him sadly. “Now, why the sad face, প্রণয় … we will meet again, I promise.”
“Really? আপনি won’t forget me?”
“How can I, Meredith … আপনি have the best body I have seen in ages. I will never get আপনি off my mind.” Arthur smiles. “Now, leave swiftly, sweetheart. Do আপনি want me to প্রদর্শনী আপনি the secret passage?”
Meredith smiles. “That won’t be necessary sire … I’ll leave carefully,” she replies, bows and leaves the room.
“Hmm … what a body … and what a night it was!” Arthur tells himself. “You’re good Arthur, just good!” he says again proudly, patting his chest. His stomach rumbles and he knows he needs sustenance to keep his energy flowing. But first, a good hot bath and then breakfast. Stripping off his shirt, he tosses it on the floor and heads to his cupboard. “Bath, breakfast, hunting and then some meeting with the royal prince from Nemeth and later another trip to the tavern … yeah. That’s what I’ll do today.” He tells himself proudly and heads off to take his bath.
Uther watches sadly as Meredith crosses the yard in a hurry, looking around to ensure no one spots her escape. Too bad for her, the King of Camelot is silently watching from the window up above from his room. When the guards aren’t looking her way, Meredith quickly crosses the gate and disappears into the forest, taking a detour back to her village. Uther sighs and shakes his head sadly. He might not know her, but he knows why she is here. And who could have brought her in.
Uther turns around and staggers back to his bed, using the cane as his walking aid rather than his feet. His knees are still hurting, result of the fall he endured when he visited his friend King Godwyn in his kingdom. He thought the saddle was tightly strapped around his horse but as he climbed up, the strap gave way and he fell off, hurting both his back and his knees. His friend was extremely terrified but thank god, he had an excellent court physician who gave him সত্বর treatment which not only cured his wound but lessened the pain as well. Now Uther is just counting his days for the pain to disappear permanently so that he can gallop on ঘোড়া বিষয়ক again. He misses hunting and the occasional forest trips he used to take whenever his হৃদয় is saddened দ্বারা the troubles in the castle. Uther sits down and lays the cane beside him. He thinks about Arthur and once again, his face droops sadly.
Arthur is his only heir, the future of Camelot and yet Uther feels as if Camelot is orphaned of a future king. Arthur isn’t worried অথবা even concerned of his duties as the crowned prince. He doesn’t involve himself in the matters involving politics, kingdom অথবা even war. The only thing he’s interested in is enjoying himself with drinks and women. And occasionally when his mood insists, sports; taking part in his favourite events like jousting and maze. But Arthur has a reason for that too. When he wins the events, he boasts his win around and wins himself the attention of beautiful damsels whom later will depart from his বিছানা in the wee hours of morning. This has been going on for several years and Uther has হারিয়ে গেছে track how many times he had caught Arthur sneaking the women away after spending the night with them. Reprimanding, punishment and even হৃদয় to হৃদয় talk doesn’t work for his son any more. Arthur is adamant with his ways and tells his father that he has no interest in running the kingdom at all. The king is heartbroken দ্বারা his son’s recklessness yet he is clueless about a solution. There’s no way Arthur will change his ways unless he is forced to change. But who will do that? Arthur listens to no one but himself and his arrogance has caused Uther a couple of kingdoms. He does not wish to repeat any of those incidents. As the king, Uther must put the kingdom first above all else so Arthur will have to wait. But Uther’s health will not. He is aging and with the constant problems arising as the result of his son’s behaviour, Uther feels as if his aging process has doubled. He fears for the kingdom and the people. He worries for Arthur. He worries about how the council will manage the kingdom without a king. অথবা how the kingdom will survive under a king who is আরো interested in womanizing than ruling. What will he do if Camelot is seized? Uther doesn’t even want to think of that. His father and grandfather before him worked hard to restore the peace and happiness in the kingdom, but if Uther hands Camelot to Arthur, Uther fears only the ashes will remain of the once glorious land. His ancestors will turn in their tombs, his father will rue the দিন Arthur was born and Uther himself would be the subject of curses from everyone.
And it is because of that the council is still begging Uther to continue in his reign. But Arthur shouldn’t remain like this forever. He has to change, turn over a new leaf. But when? And how? Will Uther still be around to witness that? Uther sighs and looks around his chamber. He misses his wife Igraine. She had been his soul, his friend, everything. How he wishes she were still around. Perhaps Arthur wouldn’t have ended up like this if she were. She would have brought up her son in the ways of a Pendragon, grooming him to become a king and an excellent leader. Alas, that wasn’t to be, as both father and son were deprived of her loving soul on the দিন Arthur was born. That’s why Arthur’s birth anniversary marks a solemn celebration for Uther because he has no হৃদয় to celebrate the দিন he হারিয়ে গেছে the only প্রণয় of his life. But his son is also part of his life and his wife’s gift to him, so therefore Uther does try to put a smile for his son though his হৃদয় would weep like a child.
Someone knocks the door, distracting Uther from his memories. He looks up. “Come in.”
The door opens and a woman in her early forties walks in. She is beautiful, with a prefect face and body, donning the attire of a কুইন complete with the tiara on her head. She glides gracefully towards the king. “Uther, আপনি are not dressed?”
“Katrina.”
“You are not ready, my lord. Are আপনি ill?” Katrina asks, sitting down beside Uther. She reaches up and feels Uther’s forehead. Uther smiles and removes her hand gently and places a soft চুম্বন on her palm.
“I am all right, Katrina. I just tired, that’s all,” he says with a smile. And then he looks at her curiously from head to toe. “Are we going somewhere?”
“Uther Pendragon … what an absent minded king আপনি are. It’s the knighting ceremony today. Have আপনি forgotten?”
“That’s today?”
“Oh dear … what happened to you, Uther? Have আপনি been thinking something else? And don’t আপনি dare lie to me,” Katrina says quickly before Uther can answer. “You will forget everything else when your mind is dwelling on one particular subject: Arthur.”
“Another girl left the দুর্গ today,”
“Again? Uther, this is getting out of control. আপনি have to put a stop to this. We’ve had enough problems with the villagers whose wives were all Arthur’s playmates and now another one? আপনি have to put your foot down, Uther.”
“He will not listen to me.”
“Then I will talk to him. He listens to me,” Katrina offers and Uther has to agree it is the truth. Arthur is fond of Katrina and listens to her আরো than he does anyone else in the castle. “You don’t like me talking to him about this?” Katrina asks when Uther remains silent.
“No … not at all, Katrina. I appreciate what আপনি do and I am most grateful for your offer. I just wish he would change his ways … can’t আপনি talk to him about resuming his role as the crowned prince, Katrina? He has a responsibility and he keeps ignoring that.”
“Uther,” Katrina reaches and clasps Uther’s hand, bringing it closer to her chest. “I can talk to him about anything, except that. I am not his mother, just his stepmother and I have to have certain limits when I discuss matters that are quite privy … আপনি do understand that, don’t you? Arthur is a man, not a child, and he has his own matters to deal with. I will talk to him about his women and his behaviors outside the দুর্গ but nothing on the kingdom অথবা his responsibility as the prince. That will be your duty to speak to him. Leave me out of it. I am sure আপনি remember how many times we have discussed this.”
“Fair enough … I thought I might ask.”
“That boy is fond of me and I don’t want to lose that প্রণয় if I upset him with matter he hates to discuss. I have no child, Uther and Arthur is all I have. I don’t want to lose my baby.”
“All right … just talk to him about his actions today. Make him understand how it upsets me,” Uther informs.
Katrina squeezes Uther’s hand. “I will my lord. Now …” she gets up and looks at her husband lovingly. “Get dressed quickly. The ceremony starts in another hour. I will ask Geoffrey to meet আপনি in a while,” Katrina informs and heads to the door. “And please stop worrying about Arthur. I will talk to him,” she promises and leaves the chamber.
Uther follows until Katrina disappears behind the door and looks away, his mind still thinking about Arthur. But he is less troubled now than he was before, thanks to Katrina’s offer to talk to Arthur. He is grateful to her for all she has done for himself and Arthur. Uther remembers when he first married Katrina and brought her home. She was smitten দ্বারা Arthur at first sight and took him as if he was her own and up until now she still regards the boy as her son. And she didn’t want to have another baby fearing her প্রণয় for Arthur would be split. And has remained such until now. Uther owes a great deal to Katrina and he doesn’t know how he will ever repay her gratitude. Maybe one day, he will ask what she wants. And he also knows her answer. She will want nothing in return for she has mentioned the same উত্তর over the years but maybe this time, Uther will surprise her instead. Perhaps he will get something and present it to her. He smiles and breathes in calmly. Slowly, he goes for his cane and picks himself out from the bed.
Arthur looks himself on the mirror and smiles. ‘You’re looking very handsome Arthur,’ he thinks and dusts his sleeve when he hears knocks on the door. He looks at the door, “Come in” and gets back to the mirror.
Katrina pokes her head in. “Can I come in, Arthur?”
“Mother!!” Arthur turns around, his face beaming with joy at the sight of his step mother. “What sort of প্রশ্ন is that … of course আপনি can,” he answers, excited.
Katrina pushes the door open wide and walks in. Arthur goes to meet her and takes her hand, স্নেহ চুম্বন her cheek with affection. “How are আপনি today Arthur?”
“I am very fine, Mother. You?”
“Good … but not your father,”
“Is he ill?”
“Not exactly, but he will be if he has to worry about আপনি each day.”
“I don’t understand, Mother.”
“Arthur … I know this is a private matter and one I don’t have the right to প্রশ্ন আপনি about, but I have to because I hate to see your father worried sick. This morning ….”
“Ahhh … so now I know what troubles him. He met Meredith?”
“I am not sure about that, Arthur, but he seems worried about your constant ways with women and so do I.”
“Mother …”
“I know, Arthur. This is your life and that আপনি don’t want me to poke my nose in but আপনি must understand that your behaviour reflects upon your father. He is the king and he has his responsibility over his subjects, be it the people of Camelot অথবা his own family. He has to answer all প্রশ্ন and it would trouble him greatly if those প্রশ্ন are about you.”
“Mother … আপনি know me, don’t you?”
“I do, Arthur, and I am not saying I agree with your ways but I am not stopping আপনি from having fun either, just … be in control of yourself a little bit. If not for your father, then do it for me,” Katrina asks, looking warmly at him.
Arthur sighs, releases his mother’s hand and walks back to his screen, picking the বেল্ট and looping it around his waist. Katrina walks towards him and touches his shoulder. “Arthur … I am sorry if I have offended you.”
“No, it’s not that …”
“Then, what is it?”
“I tried, Mother … I tried to control myself, but I just could not. I don’t understand why I couldn’t do it … each time I try; I end up doing the same things again and again,” Arthur tells her.
“Arthur…”
“I don’t wish to upset Father with my behaviour অথবা bring him shame. I never wished for any of that, but …” Arthur shakes his head and turns around to meet his mother. “I just can’t control myself when it comes to women. I just can’t …”
“I know Arthur, I know,” Katrina reaches up and caresses Arthur’s cheek. “But I don’t think your father does and I don’t blame him. অথবা আপনি either. Sometimes, it’s easier ব্যক্ত then done, so … despite my উপদেশ I know how hard it must be for আপনি to go through this. But there’s always a solution for every troubles that haunts us. There must be some for আপনি too, dear. Perhaps আপনি ought to think about it? Just give yourself some room অথবা মহাকাশ in between the fun আপনি have outside and your responsibility as a son? I am sure your father will be very pleased with that.”
“What do আপনি want me to do, Mother?”
“I am not asking much, just make sure আপনি know your limits and your responsibility as the crowned prince. Your father bears the name of Pendragon proudly and আপনি must do all আপনি can in your power not to tarnish it. Be smart, Arthur,” Katrina smiles. “You know what I mean, don’t you?”
“Mother, not another talk about assuming the throne, please!”
“This is your father’s request, Arthur. Besides, who else would the king turn to if not the only heir of the Pendagons? He depends on আপনি and আপনি must honour him in that. Release him from the burden that’s been plaguing him, release him from the duties so that he can rest and enjoy the remaining days of his life happily.”
“But … I don’t want to become the king!” Arthur snaps and moves away from his step mother. “The duties … the burden … the crown … they are too heavy for me, mother. They will plunge me into a hole where there’s no passage me to crawl back out. I can never be at peace অথবা enjoy the life I do now. I will be in misery!!”
“Arthur Pendragon!” Katrina walks towards Arthur, grabs his shoulder and spins him around. “That is the most selfish statement I’ve heard from আপনি so far. I understand you’ll be deprived of your fun when আপনি are the king but to go so far as to say you’ll be plunged into a hole is … very selfish indeed. What would your father say if he heard this? অথবা your mother, Igraine? They’d be ashamed of আপনি and to be honest, I am right now.”
“Mother, don’t say that, please …”
“But that’s who আপনি are Arthur. আপনি are selfish. Don’t আপনি have any pity for your father? And what’s makes আপনি think you’ll be losing all the fun when আপনি are the king?”
“I won’t?”
“No, of course not! আপনি get in trouble with your father every দিন because আপনি are still in his care and the prince of Camelot. But when আপনি are the king, আপনি can pick any woman in Camelot without having to worry to answer anyone because every living being here will be your subjects and your own. আপনি can do as আপনি like with anyone without the need of worry,” Katrina explains and realizes Arthur is now smiling. “But for this to happen, আপনি must first be the king your father wishes. Without it, none of your wishes will be possible … understand, Arthur?”
“Now I do, Mother … I do, thank আপনি so much,” Arthur hugs his mother happily. “I didn’t know this before, thanks for refreshing me.”
“It is my pleasure, Arthur … now, be a good boy and think on all I have said.”
“I will …” Arthur winks at his mother.
Katrina smiles at him. “Fine, I will leave আপনি to your business; just remember to come প্রথমপাতা early tonight.”
“What’s the occasion?”
“It’s the knighting ceremony in a while and there’ll be a feast tonight to celebrate the knights. Your presence will be required দ্বারা your father’s side and he will appreciate it very much.”
“Sure mother, for আপনি … I will,” Arthur promises.
“You shouldn’t be encouraging him, Sister.” Agravaine says as Katrina leaves Arthur’s chamber and walks towards her own.
Katrina stops in her stride and looks left to where her brother Agravaine is leaning against the pillar, arms folded across the chest. She smiles at him, extends her hand and he accepts it, planting a warm চুম্বন on her cheek and walks beside her.
“I didn’t realize আপনি were here, Brother. When did আপনি return home? Is Father well?”
“He is fine and sends আপনি his warmest regards. I came back a while পূর্বে and searched for আপনি immediately to convey Father’s messages but the maids informed আপনি were with Arthur, so I thought I might wait for আপনি outside. But with the door open wide, I just couldn’t help eavesdropping.”
“So আপনি know everything?”
“Almost,” he smiles as they head to the garden. Katrina pauses a while to smell the fresh ফুলেরডালি bloomed beautifully all around the garden.
“I প্রণয় the smell of fresh ফুলেরডালি in the morning. Makes me happy,” Katrina tells him as she plucks a ফুল and sniffs it. Beside her Agravaine smiles and grips his sword. “So, what did আপনি hear actually and what do আপনি mean দ্বারা that?” she asks him.
“I think আপনি are pampering Arthur too much, Katrina. That boy dotes on আপনি and আপনি shouldn’t be using that to আপনি advantage.”
“Why not? It’ll be good for us,” she tells him. “In fact, all this was your idea, wasn’t it?”
“Asking him to be the king, is that good for us? I thought আপনি had other plans when আপনি married Uther?”
“I did and I still hold on to them, except I’ve made slight changes, for our own good.”
“And Arthur’s part of our advantage?”
“Yes …”
“How?”
“Patience, Brother, patience. For a skilled swordsman, আপনি have very little patience,” Katrina laughs, throws the ফুল away and loops her hand around Agravaine’s own and walks on. “When I married Uther, my plan was to take over the reign as the কুইন but I forgot all about the council and little Arthur. The council wasn’t in favour of me and I believe some even tried to poison Uther into thinking that he made a terrible decision marrying me. If I am to be in power, I need the council’s help. But I also needed to charm the council. And that’s where little Arthur came into picture. He was thirsty for a mother’s love, and I gave him that. Soon he grew fond me, listening to my words আরো than his father’s and believing every word that leaves my tongue. I had the boy under my spell and the council began to sway in my direction. Soon, when Arthur is king, I will have the council in my grasp and the kingdom beneath my feet.”
“And where do I stand in your plans, my lady?”
“You will be Arthur’s father in law, my brother. Elena will be the কুইন and together we shall rule Camelot in happiness, আপনি and I,” Katrina laughs joined দ্বারা her brother. “Arthur needs persuasion, and that’s where his weakness plays into the plot charmingly.”
“I really wouldn’t call that his weakness, sister. I clearly remember আপনি grooming him into the man he is right now,” Agravaine explains.
“I had to start somewhere. If left with Uther, Arthur would have turned out to be a fair and just king, just as his ancestors were. But that will spoil the fun for us so I had him groomed differently. It took some time but he’s addicted and that’s good news for us. There’s no way that boy will recover from his addiction.”
“But Elena loves him very much sister. Make sure he does recover when he is married to her,” Agravaine warns Katrina.
“Of course. I know someone who can help us with that, but until then … let him have some fun. Besides it’s good for the old man, too. He is dying each দিন thinking of Arthur so the sooner he passes over to the পরবর্তি life, the better. We can hurry with the coronation and the marriage.”
“Katrina … আপনি are an angel!” Agravaine says and squeezes Katrina’s hand, clearly delighted with the idea. “I couldn’t think of a better idea myself,”
“That’s why I am the কুইন and আপনি are just a knight, Brother …” Katrina smiles back.
“Fair enough …” Agravaine laughs. “Elena will be delighted with this idea,”
“Tell her that Arthur belongs to her and her only. No one shall claim Arthur … no one.” Katrina informs determinedly as she continues to walk with her brother back to her chamber.
Guinevere lifts the lid of the wooden container and sighs. There’s not a single trace of flour left in the container. She closes the lid and opens the smaller container beside it and that too is empty. She sighs, closes the lids and walks back to the wooden bench and sits down. Wiping her hand on her apron, she thinks quickly. There’s no flour অথবা ধান at home. That means there will be no রুটি অথবা খাবার for today. She looks around. There are only a handful of herbs which she grows herself, some old cheese, tomatoes and a couple of carrots. That’s all. And she has to cook lunch for herself and her father. What will she cook? There’s no ধান অথবা রুটি to go along with whatever she might come up with! And her father is due প্রথমপাতা anytime now. Gwen tries to think of an alternative. She gets up and strides towards the cupboard. Yanking the door open, she shifts the bottles aside and pulls out a black jar. She lifts the lid and peeks inside. Her face sighs sadly when that too is empty. The final shilling she had was used to buy meat last week and she hasn’t had any clothing to sew all week which explains why she didn’t have any money to save. She pushes the jar back inside and closes the door. She walks back to the bench and sits down, her হৃদয় heavy with grief.
‘What to do? Where am I going to get food?’ she thinks sadly. Her stomach grumbles and she shakes her head in frustration. She hasn’t eaten since last night because the খাবার was just enough for a person and she gave it to her father, lying saying she had eaten. Her father was suspicious of his daughter, but Gwen is an excellent convincer and her father bought her lies. She was happy that her father ate heartily but now, what will she offer her father?
Thinking of her father brings tears to her eyes. At such an old age he is still working hard to make ends meet for both of them. And as a blacksmith how much could he make? That’s why Gwen works as seamstress to help her father. Apart from that she also grows her own plants, herbs and vegetables, which she sometimes sells to her neighbours at reasonable prices. And Gwen is also a great cook. She makes the best breads and pies Camelot has seen. She can make pies practically out of anything; fruits, vegetables, meat and even dried prunes and dates. And she sells them as well. With all the income she makes, she helps her father run the family. But lately, things haven’t really been good for her and her father. The draught destroyed her vegetables, hikes in flour meant people stopped eating রুটি and starts to rely on other alternatives like soups and rice. She even stopped getting orders for clothing because of the introduction of the readily made garments brought in দ্বারা the outside traders. With new designs and attractive colours, those garments are a hit with the villagers. And it was bad news for Gwen. This is just her; she wonders how her father fares with his luck?
The door creaks open and Gwen looks up from her thoughts. Her father walks in, wearing a smile on his face. Gwen is surprised. Something must have happened. Usually the only time her father’s face beams with happiness is when he wins his bet. Gwen’s face darkens with concern. Has her father been gambling again? He did promise her he will not get back to his gambling ways. Did he break that promise today?
“Guinevere, আপনি will not believe what happened today,” Tom says as he drags a small bundle with him.
Gwen gets up and waits for him to explain. Her father heaves the bundle up on the টেবিল and sets it down. He wipes his sweat and sits down.
“What is that father?”
“This, my dear is our supplies for a month.” Her father tells her.
Gwen is clueless but realizing her father is tired and thirsty, she walks over to the counter, fills a cup with water and walks back to him, handing it to him. Tom drains the water quickly and sets the cup down. He stands up and unties the rope that kept the bundle strapped and rolls the শীর্ষ part of the sack down. Gwen nears the sack as her father thrusts his hand inside and pulls out a large cheese. Gwen eyes widens at the sight of the cheese. Her father sets the cheese down, and pulls out smoked meat, potatoes, carrots, tomatoes, beans and some dried prunes. Gwen looks at the sack and then at her father.
“Where did আপনি get all these, Father?”
“I bought them.”
“And how did আপনি exactly do that?”
“Gwen, I know what are আপনি thinking, but no, I didn’t buy this with gambling winnings … I didn’t gamble and will not do so. A kind knight from neighboring kingdom passed দ্বারা my ভান্দার and wanted to make a good sword. He saw the ones I had and was interested in one of them so I sold it to him. He paid me handsomely and I bought all this খাবার with the money he gave me. I still have some left and we can but flour with it, and I also got আপনি this …” he fishes out a parcel from inside of his vest and hands it to Gwen.
Gwen is relieved her father didn’t gamble and right now her mind is excited with the parcel she holds in her hand. She removes the string and opens the paper to find a beautiful শাল looking back at her. Gwen is happy, and with her eyes moist, she rushes to her father and hugs him.
“Thank you, Father … thank আপনি so much.”
“You deserve the best I can get you, love.”
“I was so sad a while ago, Father. There isn’t anything left in the house and I was worried about feeding you. Thank goodness আপনি came প্রথমপাতা with this. God bless that knight,” Gwen says happily as she folds the শাল back with care. Setting the শাল aside, she moves to the sack and starts to load the things back inside. “Why don’t আপনি sit and rest, Father, I will get lunch prepared quickly.”
“Take all the time আপনি need child, I’m not heading back to the ভান্দার anytime soon,”
“Why?”
“I want to enjoy all afternoon with my daughter. It’s been long since we had lunch together and I think today will be that special day.”
“It’s wonderful, Father … and after that, if আপনি are not busy, can we walk to Mother’s grave and pay her a visit? I have been thinking of her all দিন … please?”
“Of course, child,” her father laughs and nods.
Gwen smiles and gets back to her cooking. Gwen’s mother died when Gwen was still an infant. There are two versions of her mother’s death; one that her mother died of a mystery illness and the other during childbirth, without meeting Gwen at all. But the one her father told her, the truth, is that her mother did die of an illness but not mysteriously. In fact she was in fever for weeks and unable to hold herself together any longer, her mother gave up the fight. Gwen was a বছর old then and hardly remembered anything. But she knows her mother loves her and still does, looking out for her and her father. Gwen wishes she has memories of her mother, but alas, she had been too young to remember anything. All she has is her mother’s treasures. Gwen smiles to herself sadly and washes the carrots. Her father is her world right now and she will take care of him with everything she has in her strength. She will make sure no harm comes to him just as he does her. Gwen wipes her temple and glances quickly at her father. He looks happy and she wants to see that smile on his face forever. And will do anything for that. Anything. They may be poor but they are happy everyday, living life to the fullest. And Gwen knows they won’t remain like this forever. Everyone will have a change in their fate and so will theirs. Their time will come and until it does, Gwen and her father will appreciate what’s been given. Reminding herself of their good fortune, Gwen gets back to her cooking.
link
“I would not test me if I were you. আপনি would not like the consequences” Morgana to ?
“One small slip and Camelot could find itself without a King” Gwen to ?
“The tomb of a King. A fitting end to Arthur’s journey, don’t আপনি think” Odin to ?
“If আপনি were me, if আপনি were in my shoes, would আপনি do anything different?” Arthur to ?
“Hilda, if আপনি are unwell, আপনি must let Gaius help you” ? to Hilda
MorgANA ? to Merlin
“Please Merlin, that’s all I have. Let it be enough” ? to Merlin
“Camelot is nothing without its King” ? to Arthur
“Don’t look so surprised, I commanded an army in my time” Rodor to ?
“Merlin should take some of the credit, he’s not entirely stupid” Arthur to ?
link
“One small slip and Camelot could find itself without a King” Gwen to ?
“The tomb of a King. A fitting end to Arthur’s journey, don’t আপনি think” Odin to ?
“If আপনি were me, if আপনি were in my shoes, would আপনি do anything different?” Arthur to ?
“Hilda, if আপনি are unwell, আপনি must let Gaius help you” ? to Hilda
MorgANA ? to Merlin
“Please Merlin, that’s all I have. Let it be enough” ? to Merlin
“Camelot is nothing without its King” ? to Arthur
“Don’t look so surprised, I commanded an army in my time” Rodor to ?
“Merlin should take some of the credit, he’s not entirely stupid” Arthur to ?
link