Thread: In the Shadow of Camelot: A Femdom Arthurian Tale (Closed)

The grand hall of Tintagel certainly was that. It was a broad and high chamber, the pillars that held up the roof masterfully carved and a triumph or architecture in graceful curves. From the rafters hung proud banners and tapestries, the walls to the east and west festooned with them as well. Chairs were set along those walls, and off to the sides, within the shadows of the pillars, the court dwelled. At the north wall of the room, the twin banners of his golden serpent-like dragon and the red cross behind it, was the throne of Pendragon. Arthur found it both ostentatious and uncomfortable the throne was designed to remind all who looked on it that the man who sat there was above them, and they subservient. As with other things, the more Arthur learned of his father, the more he saw a deeply flawed man, best not taken wholly as an exemplar as a king. Or anything, really, other than perhaps as a war leader. That Uther Pendragon had been truly spectacular at. Arthur sat on the massive chair now dressed in the same garb as he'd put on that morning, save for a black band on his right arm. Sir Ector and Sir Kay had encouraged as hard as they could that he wear something more dramatic. However, he was a king whose crown had yet to be acccepted by all his vassals, a king at war. Putting on fancy clothes sent the wrong message. His clothes were well made and rich, of course, but also simple and easy to move in. His dagger was still there, but his sword was now belted about his waist as well. A cape of rich red cloth hung over his shoulders, and a golden coronet was upon his head. He didn't really care for either, but Merlin said men needed him to look like a king, and the young man was aware that Merlin was always right. Well, almost always. Usually. The blond king looked over to his right, Merlin seated on a plain stool to the side of the throne. The herald entered, the nobles of the court buzzing to excitement and then hushing just as quickly. The noblewoman coming before them now was a mystery to many, as was her presence here, despite being renowned for her great beauty, devotion to her people, and her regal bearing. There were other things said too whispers of magic and pagan ties. Some said the sudden death of her husband was not as natural as it seemed. But to Arthur her power, position, and all the rest were only a small sliver of her anxiety to meet this woman. The largest part came from the fact that she was his sister though he had no memory of her. Half-sister, to be specific, but closer than any kin he had. She was family. Something he had never had before. The Lady Morgana, Queen of Rheged. Then Morgana, Queen of Rheged, accompanied by her hand maidens and a few retainers entered the great hall. Arthur drew in a sharp breath as he saw her, and he was far from the only one in the room to do so, God in Heaven. His shining blue eyes widened, softening a bit, as he drank in the sight of her. Morgana was beautiful, quite clearly the most beautiful woman he had ever seen before. Her porcelain skin seemed almost to glow, her dark hair drinking in the light, the contrast of them stunning. Her face was fair and gorgeous, her cheeks high, features soft, yet there was a hint of steel in them, and an unspoken challenge. Her eyes were a green unlike any he'd seen before, and there were depths to them that could take a lifetime to plumb. Her dress was one of mourning, but it still showcased her form magnificently displaying well that she was a woman, fully grown and lush beyond what many others could hope to attain. Her bodice plunged, exposing without doing so blatantly, just how fine a womanly form she possessed. She carried herself with great dignity and poise, one would have known without ever knowing that she was a queen from that alone. Arthur felt a pang of regret that she was his sister. This was a woman the like of which would not be found in an age. She spoke, even her voice was glorious rich and expressive, warm and pitched just perfectly to deliver many messages at once. Beside the throne, Merlin leaned over to Arthur, A worthy ally. But take care, she is both strong willed and cunning. Neither of which are undesirable, Arthur replied. As she finished speaking, he rose from the throne, Queen Morgana, your fealty is accepted, witnessed here by God and men, offered in good faith, and taken with gratitude by your king. He smiled. Thank God. It was something he'd been hoping for, that seemed probable. Why else would she come here, if not to swear allegiance? Well, he could think of other reasons, but that was the most logical one. With her, with Rheged, standing with him, the rebels lost one of their largest contingents. I swear to honor you and yours, that you shall prosper as I do, profit as I do, and you shall ever be under my protection. The words rang with sincerity and promise, rolling out over the crowd of nobles. He then surprised everyone by coming down the steps of the dais the throne was upon to stand in front of Morgana. Your wish is mine, Your Highness, even as you say. He looked around at the men and women of the loyal nobility here, of the men at arms and guards, of the servants in the shadows. I do not wish for war. It is said that war is where men are made and honor won, but honor is best found in a happy people, well tilled earth, and all other things that are best found in peace. This would make some of the old men livid, but it was good for them. Arthur looked at his sister with a smile, one that was apologetic while being truly meant. I will not say that what comes to pass from this will be good from your lord's unfortunate passing, for the pain of grief does no good, nor death make us any stronger. It is from your wisdom and your choice that great good will come. He knew this was her idea, not some bedside recantation of Urien. She should get the credit for it. There was stirring in the assembled folk and a buzz of conversation. Arthur spoke again, the men and women of the court falling into silence. I can only hope and pray that as King, I will be able to repay you for the many gifts you have brought this day. Not only your fealty and allegiance, but your grace and beauty as well. His eyes flickered down to the floor a moment, then rose to look directly into her green orbs. Great as those are, the greatest gift is Your Highness herself. For one who long thought himself an orphan, without blood or kin, your presence here...is a grander event and a more singular joy than my poor words can express. He reached out to take one of her hands in his own. God, her skin was just as soft and smooth as it looked. Welcome, sister. Now and always. He gave her hand a gentle squeeze before releasing it. Arthur moved back, a few steps up towards the dais. Queen Morgana's favor has changed the course of our struggle, and we must act fast, friends. There was a fresh buzz. This was not the way to end a formal court. Sir Kay! Arthur's foster brother stepped forward. Prepare the council chamber for a meeting at once. The loutish knight saluted, turning and starting to issue orders to the staff. Sir Ector, gather the lords not in attendance here and bring them to the council chamber with all due haste. Arthur's foster father bowed and strode away. Have faith and courage, all gathered here, for the moment is upon us. We will ride to battle, for the one purpose of war that is truly righteous, to prevent a greater war and win peace. He raised a hand in a broad gesture, Go now to your duties, hard work will befall us, every one, to avoid staining our land with the blood of our countrymen. The crowd bowed and curtsied as a whole, beginning to break up. Behind him, Arthur could hear Merlin approaching. The young king let out a large breath. Then he stepped down again to face Morgana, Queen Morgana, Your Highness. It would do me honor if you would join us in the council chamber, as you are as true and worthy a voice as the lords who will assemble there, and far more fair, he added with a wry tone. I know it is not customary, but if you will indulge me, I feel you have more than earned your place there. He paused, Perhaps if we have the luxury of time later...and it meets with your approval, your brother would very much like to talk more privately, and start to make up for lost time.