Goddess of Legend (Goddess Summoning #7)(33)

Mary giggled. "When you see him shorn and well dressed, you will understand."

Not in a million years. Well, maybe, under all of that fur he was something of a handsome giant. And he had a gentle touch for someone who had been trained to fight and kill. "How soon do you turn fourteen, Mary?" Isabel asked.

"In two sennights, m'lady. We plan to marry days following."

"Don't you have to post banns, or some such thing?"

"Banns?"

Probably a little before the banns time. History was getting muddled in Isabel's mind.

The thought of a girl of just barely fourteen entering into marriage really gave Isabel the willies. But she understood. Sort of. She glanced at Gwen. "This is cause for celebration, right? I mean, James is Arthur's most trusted man."

Gwen hesitated, but then looked cheerful. "Yes, it indeed should be a day of celebration! What shall we do?"

"How about we put the other servants to good use? Part of their playtime can be helping create decorations. It will be fun."

"No, I cannot even ask for this," Mary said.

"Who asked you to ask, Mary?" Isabel said. "It is what people do for their friends."

Mary, who had been fussing with Isabel's gown and hair, stood up straight, bringing her to about five feet tall. Which made her about a foot and a half shorter than her future husband. Her blue eyes welled up with tears. "Friends?" she asked in a shaky voice.

"Yes, friends," Isabel said, then raised her brows at Gwen for confirmation.

"Yes, Mary. Friends," Gwen agreed.

ISABEL and Gwen headed down the steps together, but Isabel stopped her halfway down. "We need to have a bridal shower for Mary."

"A bridal shower? What would this be?"

"You know, where you celebrate the upcoming marriage of the bride."

"I have ne'er heard of such."

"Trust me, it will be fun. Kind of like a slumber party for the girls to share in the joy of Mary's upcoming wedding."

"Slumber party?"

This language barrier was getting on Isabel's nerves. "Trust me, it will be fun."

Gwen squeezed Isabel's arm. "Then we shall have it. Is there planning involved?"

"Of course. But it must be kept secret from all the men, and from Mary. It will be a surprise. But we will have to engage the help of some of the servants."

"I know just the ones to ask to help in this adventure. I so look forward to it."

Isabel swallowed, then said, "Do you mind if I create the menu, Gwen? I mean, I am not dissing your cooks, but truly, if I see one more pickled eel placed before me, I most definitely will lose my cookies."

"Lose your - "

"Have need to run so that I might empty the contents of my stomach."

Gwen laughed. "Oh, I see. Eel does not appeal to you."

"I honestly cannot believe that eel appeals to anyone."

"Truth to tell, I am not fond of it myself, but 'tis a favorite of many of the men. Arthur is not one. He prefers greens and the cheeses made from goat milk."

Of course he does. One more reason to fall for him. If Isabel was ever going to find a reason to reject him, she had to find something that disgusted her.

And if she were ever to find a reason to be disgusted by Gwen, she needed to find a flaw. Other than the fact that she thought Gwen was an idiot to desire Lancelot over Arthur, she couldn't think of a thing. Although that was a biggee.

Yet she found herself really enjoying Gwen. The woman was open to new ideas, was even excited about them. Gwen was way ahead of her time. She would be thrilled living in Isabel's lifetime.

The fact that she was an adulteress was kind of a minus, though. Then again, the fact that King Arthur had somewhat accepted it was a bit of a plus.

Not the Lady of the Lake's plan, however.

Plans do change, Isabel. Go with yours, I trust you well.

Isabel couldn't even begin to express the joy she felt at Viviane's leap of faith, no matter how misplaced it might be. She had trouble believing in herself. But with Viv's confidence -

Viviane, you twerp.

- Viviane's help, she just might pull it off.

"May we discuss a few matters?" she asked Gwen.

"We may discuss anything."

"First, what do you think of Mordred?"

"He is a young beast. He has caused nothing but heartache for Arthur. I try not to hate, but my feelings for him come very close."

"Oh, we so agree on that one. How is it possible that a man as kind as Arthur had a child such as he?"

"Arthur knew not of him until it was too late to change the boy's hatred."

"Why doesn't Arthur just ban him, then?"

Gwen stopped her and looked into her eyes. "The young man is his son. You have not known Arthur long, but you should already know the answer."

"Right, I get it. But the boy needs to be . . . I don't know . . . have his ass kicked."

Gwen laughed. "Indeed. I have heard you did a good job last eve."

"News travels fast," Isabel said.

"I do have my sources, Isabel. May I have my turn at this question and answer?"

"Of course."

"Do you realize that my husband is enamored with you?"