Goddess of Legend (Goddess Summoning #7)(52)

"Of course."

"Then back off! I should have seen the signs. Her delusions, her mood swings. For chrissake, I thought it was PMS."

"I need to help."

"Then bring me some water."

As he poured, he watched in horror. But in that moment Gwen coughed and shook her head.

Isabel sat back on her heels and wiped her brow. Then she lifted Gwen into a sitting position and accepted the chalice of fresh water from Arthur. "Welcome back, Gwen. That was a tad worrisome. Please sip."

Gwen grabbed the base of the goblet and attempted to drain it down, but Isabel disallowed it. "No, a sip or two at a time. We will rehydrate you, but not all at once."

Arthur had never felt so helpless afore. He knew naught what had happened to his wife, he knew naught what Isabel had just done, he only knew he had been unable to do anything worth use, save pour a glass of water. He fell heavily into a chair.

If he puzzled this out, he had to conclude that his wife had a medical episode, and that the woman he ached for had just saved Gwen's life right afore his eyes. And he had stood helpless.

"Arthur."

He heard, but the beating in his ears prevented him from hearing.

"Arthur!"

He opened his eyes.

Isabel sat looking up at him. "Arthur, I know this is getting old, but would you please carry your wife to your chambers? She is good for now, but she needs Tom to check her over."

"Tom is but a tooth healer."

"To be any kind of healer in my land, you must understand all types of medicine. He is best equipped to diagnose what this is."

"Dia - "

"Figure it out. But we need to help her back to her bed. Man up, big boy. Carry your wife to your chambers."

By then there were many in the room. Isabel took control of them all. "Mary, please bring as much fresh water as you can gather to the king and queen's quarters."

"Yes, mum."

"Jenny, please bring to Tom every type of flower and or herb that the queen used in her tea or any other food today."

The girl named Jenny curtsied and disappeared.

"Mordred! Oh, good to see you up and about." She glanced down at his leg. "Appears, however, that Dick trussed your leg like a goose's, or something."

"I wish to be of service in any way I may, Countess."

She nodded. "Then how about you lead the way so that no one else impedes Gwen's transport back to her own bed?"

"My pleasure, Countess," Mordred said.

Arthur almost grinned as he saw his son appear to beam with pride at having a mission to accomplish. Arthur should have kicked his son in the ass a long time ago. With one swift and most amazing kick, Isabel had done all he had failed to do.

"Arthur!"

He shook his head, trying to rid it of all regrets. "Yes, tell me what I should do."

Isabel stared up at him, and there he felt a bond. But he had not time to reason it out now. "Is she able to travel?" he asked.

"Yes, and Mordred will forge the way."

Arthur bent to Gwen, who still appeared sickly. "Are you able to wrap your arms around my neck, Gwen?"

"Lance?" she asked in a very small voice.

Arthur almost dumped her on the spot.

But Isabel took hold of his arm. "No one but you and I heard that, Arthur. Just pick her up and carry her to your bed."

"Her bed. It is no longer mine." But he picked her up regardless. "Mordred, my son, I believe you are our escort."

"Yes, sir, although possibly a slower one than you prefer."

Arthur turned back before leaving the chamber. "I thank you for saving the queen."

Isabel smiled at him. "Never a dull moment at Camelot."

He winced as Gwen clawed at his neck. "You realize that had the positions been reversed, she might well have not worked so hard to save your life as you did hers." "I like to think that she would."

Arthur shook his head but smiled. "When we get over this crisis, I must needs speak to you of a place I like to call la-la land."

As he carried Gwen from the room, he heard Isabel's musical laughter fill his ears.

"MUM, had it been you!" Mary said, bursting into her room. She threw herself at Isabel, nearly dropping her.

"It wasn't me, Mary. What I'd like to know is who and what it was."

Mary straightened up, scrubbing her eyes against her apron. "I do not know. But it shall not happen to you."

Mary sailed straight for the tub and began scooping up all of the herbs and flowers.

"Mary."

"I will not allow anyone to poison you, Isabel. I will not."

Isabel grinned. She'd bet good money that Mary forgot she forbade herself to call Isabel anything but countess or madam or whatever the hell.

"Mary."

"What if it were meant for you? What if I had served you something that made you ill? How would I possibly be able to do what you did to save the queen?"

She turned back to Isabel, who was still getting over the shock of whatever had happened to Gwen. Mary's apron was filled with all the herbs and flowers that she'd sprinkled just a while ago to make Isabel's bath heavenly.

"Dump them back in the tub, Mary."