Goddess of Legend (Goddess Summoning #7)(96)

"Not more, but as much. It feels as if . . . I do not know . . . the truth will set you free?"

"Oh, boy, hate to say it, but I have a feeling that in the long run you aren't going to get the credit for that one. Damn shame."

"My pardon?"

"Never mind. At any rate, do you feel set free? Because personally I feel about a hundred sets of eyes staring daggers at me."

"Should any try to harm you, they must go through me first. I love you, Isabel. And, yes, I do feel set free. Hiding my feelings for you does not sit well. I would like to be able to let the world know my true feelings for my true love."

"Well, I'm pretty sure the Camelot world is now well aware."

He shrugged. "The ruse is over. We have no need to hide behind closed doors and in public live a lie. That does not sit well with you?"

"I could have lived with it for a while longer."

"Why?"

"Because I'm afraid for you, you big oaf. This undermines your status as king."

"I would be happy to turn the crown over to Mordred this moment if it means being free to live the rest of my days with you."

"Oh, Arthur, don't you see? That's exactly the type of thing I don't want to be responsible for. Camelot needs you. And you, whether you believe or realize it, need Camelot."

"Not as I need you, Isabel. Camelot is but land. You, you are my heart. You are . . . my everything."

She laughed, and the musical sound of it, the beauty of her, from the inside all the way to the outer beauty, had his heart pounding.

"You know, witty man," she said, "if this king thing doesn't pan out, you have a great future as a songwriter."

He grinned. "I have absolutely not one clue what that means, but I will just assume it is a good thing, and we can move on from there."

"Deal."

"Would you care to move upstairs?"

"While fifty gazillion people are watching every twitch we make? I think not."

"Later?"

"Oh, definitely. Without question." She moved closer and whispered in his ear, "In fact, your Highness, should you not appear, there will be dire consequences."

"Oh, I am frightened. I will - "

"Arthur! Arthur! Please . . . help."

He turned to see Gwen, distraught as he had ne'er seen her afore.

"What's wrong, Gwen?" Isabel asked.

"They . . . they have Lance. And they are threatening - "

"Where?"

"In the bailey."

Arthur ran. "James! Mordred!" he yelled. "I have need of you." He glanced back. "And, Isabel, you stay put," he demanded as he realized she was running right behind him and beside Gwen.

"Just try to stop me, big boy."

Good gods, he was in for the ride of a lifetime with that woman. He could not wait to enjoy the journey.

James and Mordred both caught up to him as they all left the castle and entered the bailey.

Two men were holding on to Lance as he struggled to break free.

"Leave off, Michael, David. Now! Release him."

"My lord, he has betrayed you!" Michael said. "He must be punished. It is king's law."

"Are you deaf?" Isabel yelled. "The king has told you to release him."

Arthur nearly groaned. "Isabel . . ."

"Well, you did! I heard it! Did you not hear it, Mordred?"

"I did, Countess."

"James?"

"I, too, heard it. Michael, David, should you defy your king's order, you are in much more trouble than you care to imagine."

"Betraying our king is treason," Michael shouted.

"As is defying his direct order," James said. "Do you not release this man, you are guilty of such."

That stopped them. They took their hands from Lance's arms.

"Thank you," Arthur said. "And listen to me. Listen well, my friends. I do truly appreciate your loyalty, but in this case it is misplaced. Sir Lancelot is a true and loyal soldier, committed to Camelot. Just yesterday he was willing to battle to save our land, and both of you, should you have needed his aid, he would have . . . would have . . ."

"He would have had your backs," Isabel said.

Arthur did groan this time. "Thank you, Countess. Allow me to take it from here?"

"All yours."

He heard Gwen's soft sobbing and Isabel saying, "It's okay now, Gwen. All is well. Arthur is on the case."

He nearly laughed, because he knew not what that meant, either, and by the puzzled looks both James and his son shot him, he was not alone in this. Thank goodness 'twas not just him.

"Lancelot has not betrayed me or Camelot. He merely followed his heart. With my complete acceptance. You will not, you will not attempt to punish him for something that I do not find a grievance against me or Camelot. Do you understand me?"

"Yes, m'lord," Michael mumbled.

"Yes, King Arthur," David said. "We but wanted to show our loyalty to our king."

"I very much appreciate that. But 'tis not necessary. Yet please understand that I care very much for the good health and well-being of Sir Lancelot, and will take very harsh measures to any who would harm him. Is that clear to one and all who are standing about listening?"