King Arthur (2017 Legend of the Sword OC Fanfic)

31. Permission

Lucy waited for almost an hour for Arthur to come back. She had laid in bed for as long as possible but her mind was already too awake and active to go back to sleep. She had so much to think about and no idea where to begin. There was the mages, her sister, and most of all her budding relationship with Arthur.  She busied herself around the room for as long as possible, mostly getting dressed for the day, before heading down to breakfast alone. She considered skipping altogether and just going into town instead, but her gut told her it was probably better that she stay close by for a while, especially after her last excursion into the market.

She entered the dining hall as usual where the table was already set and the staff were coming and going as they saw fit. It seemed like a normal morning in the castle, but Lucy felt distant. She watched everything around her carefully as her body instinctively acted and her mind was held captive as a spectator. It was almost as if time was slowing and she was just an observer.

Lucy took her seat next to Beatrice, who greeted her with a kind formality. As Lucy was about to respond the dining hall doors exploded open as Arthur and his knights entered and began taking their seats around the table. It was the first time in weeks any of the men had appeared at breakfast which was astounding in and of itself, but with Merlin and Mága in tow, it all came into perspective. Lucy and Arthur exchanged a few glances, which culminated in a silent conversation of worry and concern.  Arthur was a brave and stoic man, but Lucy was also a very intuitive woman, and no matter how confident Arthur appeared, Lucy could sense a great deal of concern coming from him. Normally it wouldn't worry her, but his sudden change in demeanor and appearances has her on edge.

Once everyone was seated at the table Arthur announced Merlin's return with a toast and blessing to eat this meal. Lucy followed along but inside she wanted to know what was going on and why Arthur wouldn't look at her anymore. He had very diligently been avoiding her eye contact after his toast and after several minutes of it, Lucy was growing rather annoyed. She quickly decided to finish her food then go horse riding, hoping the fresh air would do her nerves some good.

She quickly devoured her food and was cleaning up her dishes before Arthur could stop her from leaving the room. He had spent so much time ignoring her that he didn't even notice her until she gotten up from the table and was already leaving the room. He called after once but she paid no mind and continued walking. She dropped her dishes off in the kitchen then head for the horse stables.

She nearly ran there and eagerly greeted Rowan, excited to take her horse out. The stable boy was mucking stalls as usual and greeted Lucy with his ever-present pleasant smile. "Morning Ma'm, you seem to be in a hurry."

"I've just missed Blizzard, that's all." She replied with a smile of your own.

"Well, I think she has missed you too." Rowan smiled as he leaned his pitchfork up against the wall and started making his way to Blizzard's stall. Lucy followed behind the blue-eyed boy with curiosity to the horse's stall.  The soft coal and white speckled mare greeted them at the gate with a gentle snort and nudge of her nose towards Lucy. Lucy's face broke out into a smile, Blizzard seemed to remember her. Lucy patted the mare's soft face and smiled. She already felt a connection with the animal and wished she could communicate with animals the way Mága could. As she pet Blizzard, Rowan left to fetch the riding tackle and gear and returned a moment later with light steps. Lucy turned to help him and suddenly realize it was Arthur she had heard, not Rowan returning.

"Hey," he said with a quick smile as he looked around the barn distractedly.

"Hi," Lucy replied with a timid greeting. She could feel the tension coming from him but wasn't sure why. She almost didn't want to know because it always ended up being more bad news for her.

"Can we talk?" He asked, his gaze looking up at her from the floor.

"I suppose," she shrugged.

"I am sorry about this morning, I got held up." He said nervously, hoping she wasn't mad at him for not coming back like he said he would.

"It's okay," she shrugged again, "I understand." And she did understand that is. Who was she to be upset by him attending to his duties and responsibilities as a King? Besides, it's not like she hasn't been to breakfast by herself before.

"There is something else we must discuss also." He said hesitantly. Suddenly the back door opened and Rowan returned with his arms full, trying to carry it all in one go. Lucy quickly ran over to him to relieve the boy. He smiled a quick thanks to her.

"Oh, my lord, I didn't see you there," Rowan said to Arthur, suddenly surprised by his presence.

Arthur flashed him a generous smile then looked at me and asked, "May I accompany you on your ride?"

I was a little surprised by his question, mostly because I assumed he was probably going to join me whether I wanted him to or not. "Um, yeah, that would be nice." I nodded with a shy smile. I don't know why his behavior was so bewildering, but it really seemed to catch me off guard.

Arthur turned to Rowan and spoke with confidence, "You help the lady while I ready Abel."

"Are you sure sir? I can saddle him for you if you'd like?"

"No worries, I can handle myself." Arthur smiled confidently and Lucy's heart swooned. She really liked that Arthur never let his prestige and status sway him from doing what he wanted. He most definitely wasn't raised under the royalty that he had inherited.

After several minutes of silence while the horses were prepped Arthur and Lucy had mounted their trusty steeds and headed to the hills behind the castle. Lucy had come to love these hills dearly as at the top was the cliff side that looked out to the sea and down to the town. You could see everything from up there and it really made the world feel bigger than her own little reality. They rode quietly together at a steady speed until they had reached that spot where they came to a calm gait. Lucy took in a deep breath and let out a blissful sigh, the day had barely begun and she already felt the stress weighing on her shoulders. Looking out over the city Lucy couldn't help but feel how small and insignificant her problems seemed against the vastness of the city. She couldn't imagine what Arthur was thinking about right now.

She didn't have to wonder long as he began to speak. "I was visited by a friend today and he told me some startling news." His voice was deeper, quieter than usual, Lucy just listened intently.

"For the most part what he said was nothing new, just rogue Vikings who are upset that I revoked a previous trade agreement that Vortigern had made, but then he said something else, something about a mysterious mage." He revealed hesitantly, but his words had seriously peaked Lucy's curiosity.

"This mage, what did he have to say?" Lucy asked eagerly.

"He only spoke of rumors, but they call her The Black Witch," he answered, "and that she can do things with her mind, like make people see things that aren't really there or invade your dreams and turn them to nightmares."

Lucy instantly remembered the night she accidentally entered Arthur's dream and saw the things her sister was doing. Without a doubt in her mind, she knew this 'Black Witch' was indeed her sister, but what was she doing with a bunch of rogue Vikings?

"It's Mary," Lucy said confidently and with very little emotion. She knew her sister was up to something, she just never knew what.

"Indeed." Arthur agreed solemnly.

"What do you intend to with her?" Lucy asked after several moments of awkward silence.

He looked at her nervously, "You won't like it." He said with his lips coming to a grim line.

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Author's note:

So I procrastinated hardcore on this chapter and I almost didn't do it at all but I managed to pull through and I think it turned out pretty good. In other news, I have officially watched Stranger Things season 1 & 2, and it was awesome! The storytelling and world-building alone is phenomenal! I am truly excited to see where the series goes! Anywho, winter is starting to set in and I don't like it so things might get a little bumpy on my end as at work I am also hitting our busiest season of the year. Thanks so much for your continued support, I love you all very much! 😚😚

-Surviving (11/5)