Mithian marched briskly down the granite hall. Her shoes’ hard soles echoed off of the stone underfoot. Unlike on the two previous days, her eyes did not wander toward the walls’ decorations. Her mind didn’t concern itself with being pretty and the attractive Princess from the kingdom next door for once on that visit. No, she had a purpose on this night. Concern and Annoyance both pushed her out the door. Her mind burned with a question. What had she done? Had she done something to offend Arthur on that day? Perhaps her calling him a poor sport did something? Arthur had cut her off for some reason. His eyes had remained averted from her. He’d barely said more than a dozen words to her since that point. At dinner, he’d contained his responses to a single word. He frowned and ate his soup mechanically. Merlin, ever the …show more content…
Then he cleared his throat and excused himself. Finally he left abruptly. At least Merlin was being nice about it. Why was Arthur being such a boorish prat? She turned the corner to make the final approach toward the King’s door. Perhaps my entreaty toward him this morning did make a difference? Coming the other way, Merlin proceeded listlessly. His head bowed. His eyes remained downcast toward the floor. He paid little or no attention to the knights stationed along the passage. His mind seemed deeply troubled by something. Now what? Don’t tell me Arthur upbraided him for dinner? Of all the….! She composed herself. “Good Evening, Merlin.” For his part, Merlin’s mind stewed on the current situation. Arthur should be with Gwen. He knows that. So do I. So does everyone. The ring this morning was a sign. But what about Princess Mithian? She didn’t ask to be in this mess! He didn’t even break stride. He numbly kept going. His ears didn’t acknowledge her presence. He just wanted to get back to Gaius’ chambers as quickly as possible. The scene at breakfast would be awkward to say the least on the following