Goddess of Legend (Goddess Summoning #7)(94)

AFTER the celebration for Ashton and Jenny settled, Arthur again stood up upon the table.

"We have more to be thankful for this evening. We have peace without any Camelot blood shed." A roar from the crowd almost had Arthur wanting to cover his ears. He attempted to settle down the shouts by moving his arms up and down.

"Please, I care for my hearing and yours," he said. "A very, very low roar would be welcome. May we practice that?"

He received just as he asked.

"Excellent. Now, we had Countess Isabel to thank for much of this. Her quick thinking helped us."

"And our friends in the kitchens," Isabel yelled. "And the queen and Jenny and Mary. And all of you, willing to fight for Camelot and all it means to you."

"I was getting to that Isabel," Arthur said. "For once, just once, allow me."

"Sorry."

He shook his head. "The success yesterday came about because all of you, all of you, took part to keep Camelot safe. I am so proud of everyone and feeling so blessed that I count each and every one of you my friends. I am proud of my son, Mordred, who stepped up to a daunting challenge and succeeded beyond my wildest dreams."

Isabel looked around, finally finding Mordred standing still as a statue, staring at his father. She smiled. Their relationship was so going to be okay. Better than okay.

"When that day comes that I choose to retire from service to Camelot, I truly believe that Mordred will wear that crown well and continue the legacy that is Camelot.

"To Mordred! And to the men who willingly followed with him to carry out something of a distasteful task!" Arthur said.

"To Mordred and his men!" the people answered.

"Many more of these toasts, and there will be a hall full of lying-down drunk people," Isabel whispered to Gwen.

Gwen giggled, although her eyes roamed the hall.

Isabel didn't have to guess who Gwen was seeking out.

"He's over there, Gwen, by the entrance to the formal dining room."

Gwen looked over then nodded. "I so wish I could join him, Isabel. As I am certain you wish you could be at Arthur's side."

"I know, Gwen. I know. What a sorry pair we are, aren't we?"

"Or, depending on your thoughts, how lucky we are. We both have men who love us. There are many who cannot claim as much."

Isabel was stopped cold. "Wow, Gwen. Those are the wisest words I have heard in a long time. It truly puts things in perspective."

Gwen looked at her. "I was not born with wisdom, Isabel. But I have watched yours over the days and have tried to learn."

"Damn, I don't know about my own wisdom, Your Highness, but I can state for a fact that you are a supremely good student."

"If nothing else, Countess, you are the best model of wisdom I have e'er met."

Isabel laughed, then hugged her. "We will work this out."

"And, may I make just one more comment?" Gwen asked.

"Of course."

"You talk funny."

Isabel nearly bent over with laughter. "I know. And I thank you for trying to understand what I am saying."

"What 'I'm' saying is how you would actually pronounce it. You cut down your words in such an intriguing manner."

"Oh, Gwen, you would be head of the class."

"I will take that as a compliment, although I know not what that even means."

"Trust me, it's a compliment."

"And it is my turn, Isabel, to return the goodness in your heart. It is, as I have heard you say, a 'pay it forward' moment." She thrust her goblet of wine into Isabel's hands. "Here. Drink this. You might have need."

And while Isabel stood there, astonished, she watched Queen Guinevere push off from the wall and run to Arthur. She whispered in his ear, and he shook his head adamantly. But apparently Gwen was on a mission, and she was not to be denied. She dragged Arthur to the great table and climbed up, with his help. Then she gestured for him to join her.

Arthur looked over at Isabel with a "what the hell" expression she had no answer for. She shrugged her own confusion, then did as Gwen suggested. She took a major sip of that wine.

"All?" Gwen called out, then waited while those in the hall stopped their merriment to listen.

"I have a confession," Gwen said, "that needs to be told. You deserve the truth."

"Do not do this, Gwen," Isabel yelled, dreading what she feared Gwen's confession might be.

"That would be 'don't do this, Gwen,' to you, Isabel."

Arthur broke out laughing. "So you noticed as well?"

"We have all noticed that the countess speaks differently," said someone in the crowd. "But she speaks wisely."

"Correct, Christopher," Gwen said. "Another pouring of mead for Christopher, please."

"Gwen, what in Hades are you doing?" Arthur asked.

"Correcting a wrong," Gwen said.

"This is neither the time nor the place."

"This is the perfect time and place. For all here deserve the truth."

"Gwen, do not do this. The repercussions."

"Are something I can live . . . or die with. The lies, no."

"Good gods," Arthur said.