This Is My Idea (Uther)

[Arthur]

At least this time they had some warning. That’s what he had to keep thinking about, that this time, there had been warning and he wasn’t lying on the couch eating lots of cake and watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer. That was definitely an upside. The warning. And the fact that no one else was currently living in the frat house, that too was definitely an upside, meaning he didn’t need to clean it up very much…or rather get Merlin to come and clean it up very much, these were all definitely good things, definitely. Yes. He just had to keep thinking about that.

Arthur was standing by the door just staring at it apparently deep in thought as Gwen wandered around the frat house giving orders to all the helpers she had hired for the evening. If they were going to do this, they may as well do it properly and so she had organised all the food since neither of them were any good at doing it themselves and it just seemed unfair to ask Merlin. Really, really unfair. Currently she was supervising all the cooking and was happy to note that they all looked nervous; good. They were the same caterers from the wedding so they knew just how important each ‘suggestion’ or ‘question’ from the princess was, and how seriously they needed to take it.

It would be fine, Gwen had everything in hand, all he had to do was apparently stand at the door and try not to get in the way too much. He could do that, he was doing it right now, just standing here by the door, waiting on his father. It wasn’t right that the man did this to him. Arthur was so used to being sure of himself, confident to the point of arrogance, but when his father turned up, that was a completely different story. As much as he could see the flaws in his father he still didn’t want to disappoint him, it still meant too much to him. He needed to get out, just for a second. Opening the door he walked out onto the porch of the frat house and sat down in the swing seat that was there.

Gwen who had been walking through for another check on him noticed him missing, the open door and immediately walked outside. She looked out at the garden before a movement to her left caught her eye and she turned round to see him sitting on the swing, his head in his hands. She smiled and slowly walked towards him and sat down on the swing, looking out at the garden.

“This is going to be a disaster,” said Arthur, his words muffled by his hands.

“No it’s not,” she said and patted his back, resting her hand there in a comforting way, “it’s going to be fine.”

He looked up at her and after a moments pause he smiled weakly and said, “you like very nice.”

“What this old rag?” she said smiling and looking down at her long pale blue dress, smoothing out the silk, “Oh I just threw this on last minute. Sit up. Let me fix your tie.”

Arthur did what he was told and she reached forwards and began to fix the black tie that had come loose. It was her idea to keep the modern formalwear instead of donning the medieval grab, mainly because it was easier to buy new modern clothes rather than more traditional, even in a place like Tintagel. That and she wanted to make a point to Uther, that change wasn’t always bad, and was easing him into the modern clothes by suggesting formalwear. She had sent the King his own modern formalwear not only suggesting that it would suit it most wonderfully but that it might be a little appropriate for the evening as well. Although she did insist that should he feel to uncomfortable then of course he was more than welcome to wear his handsome kingly attire. It was all part of her master plan to get Uther in to modern clothes, he was a handsome man and she could think of so many styles that would suit him…not that his normal clothes didn’t also make him look handsome, of course.

“This was a bad idea,” Arthur said looking at her worriedly.

“This was an excellent idea,” she said straightening the tie, “it gets it over and done with. The we don’t need to think about it for a while.”

“You shouldn’t have told me,” he said running a hand through his hair and Gwen tried not to glare as he messed up the perfectly good grooming she had done earlier.

“Probably, but I couldn’t keep something like that to myself and…I thought you ought to know,” she said shrugging and reaching up to bat his hand away and smooth out his hair.

“Maybe, didn’t mean I wanted too though,” he grumbled, but he was smiling as well, “I suppose there are worse people he could have chosen.”

“Oh thank you, your highness, I’m flattered,” she said dryly, and punched him on the arm, “you should be so lucky.”

“I know I am,” he said and took her hand, looking at her seriously before smiling again “I’m just worried my acting skills wont be up to scratch. I mean, I have to act all surprised when he tells me right.”

Gwen laughed and nodded, “And you have to act over the moon as well. You have to be happy about it ok? You‘ve not to go storming off all I cant handle this, brood, brood, brood.”

Arthur grinned and said, “Yes my lady.”

“Good,” she said and squeezed his hand before standing up, “now, I’m going to go back in there and make sure they’re not ruining this dinner.”

“On you go,” he said waving her off, she had only got a couple of steps when he added, “Gwen.”

She turned around, folding her arms and said, “Yes?”

He stood up and reached in to the inside pocket of his jacket, pulling out a small white rose he gently placed it into her hair, resting just above her ear. He smiled and kissing her on the cheek said, “thanks.”

“For what?” she said, but she was smiling happily.

“For…agreeing to put up with me for the rest of our lives?” he said still smiling.

“Well I can think of worse fates,” she said looking up at him just a little cheekily.

“Oh thank you your highness, I’m flattered,” he echoed her previous words, “but honestly…thanks. For all of this.”

“Well…you’re welcome,” she said and headed back into the house.

Arthur smiled and turned round to look at the front gate, just in time to see his father.

[Deleted]

Uther was not pleased to be back here for many reasons, the obvious being that he was back, yet again, in this land of magic, and any time spent in the presence of the thing he loathed most in the world was not enjoyable time. If not for the promise he had made his son he would never set foot here again, and neither would any of those he was in charge of.

Speaking of Arthur, the boy was, of course, the reason why he was here. So many of the king’s actions and choices were made with only his son in mind. Uther was hard on his son, he was often cruel and came across as not caring but that could not be further from the truth. Arthur was the single most important thing in his life, not only because he was the king’s only child, but he was all that remained of his beloved Queen, the beautiful Ingraine.

So that was why he was here, once again: for Arthur. Now why he was here in this ridiculous suit was another story entirely. He felt somehow stripped of his power without his usual kingly attire. Small, powerless, uncomfortable... old. He hated these feelings, and yet he had succumbed to the ‘suggestion’ of modern formalwear. When he had reached the house he rented on his visits here there had been a package waiting with a note from the Princess Guinevere herself. At first Uther had balked at the idea; he was not here to embrace any of the modern customs let alone the clothing. The note had been quite insistent, though, considering the point of this dinner he had felt it best, in the end, to agree to Guinevere’s wishes. Besides, it was not proper to disappoint such a lady.

So it was begrudgingly that he had donned the suit and called for his carriage, and something else all together when he had stepped from it at the gate. Upon the porch he saw his son and Guinevere standing close together in the soft light. He was just in time for the offering of the rose, and for the chaste but meaningful kiss. It should have made him happy to view this scene: confirmation that his plan had come to fruition and that the two may soon be wed. Camelot would have a larger, united kingdom with both a kind and queen to oversee it’s future, and his son would have a beautiful, intelligent and strong wife to take care of him. When Uther was gone he could go in peace knowing the two most important things in his life would be in good hands. He should be happy... but the pang he felt upon witnessing the tender moment was not happiness.

“Arthur,” the king greeted as he entered the gate, still managing to exude his usual kingly airs despite the change in wardrobe.

[Arthur]

Arthur walked down the steps and path towards his father, smile in place and with a walk that was just as confident as the King. On the inside he might be panicking but on the outside he was the epitome of calm, he’d had years of practice. Although it didn’t prepare him for the shock of seeing his father dressed in a modern formalwear suit. So this was why Gwen told him not to be worried about their current attire, just how much time had the two of them been spending with each other? Nodding his head in a bow to his father he then stood up straight to face him, still smiling.
 
“Father,” he said now holding out his hand, “it is good to see you again.”
 
He decided not to draw attention to the kings new clothes, not sure if he was supposed to comment or not, he would take his lead from Gwen on this one. However motioning with his other hand towards the house he continued, “come inside, we can have a drink before we sit down for our meal.”
 
Hearing the voices outside, Gwen had doubled back on her intention on heading to the kitchen to ‘suggest’ some more things. Not before glancing at herself in the mirror first though, and rearranging her hair so that it fell in a more agreeable manner. Smiling at her reflection she turned to face the door and took a deep breathe. Opening the door she stepped out on the porch, a chaste smile gracing her face and looked at the two men in the garden in front of her. The chaste smile rapidly changed to an absolutely delighted one when she saw that Uther had taken her suggestion and worn the formalwear. It lit up her face and whilst she intended to stay up on the porch nothing could hold her back from lifting her skirts up so she didn’t trip over them and head out towards them.
 
“Your majesty,” she said happily, curtsying as she reached him, she looked him up and down with a slight glint in her eye and a little more cheek in her smile she added, “You look very handsome. Arthur was worried you would not approve and I must admit I had my own reservations, but now I’m glad I suggested it. It suits you, very much so.”
 
“Yes!” said Arthur just a little too quickly, as Gwen’s foot retreated back under her skirts from kicking his ankles, “It’s…very kingly.”
 
Trying not to roll her eyes at Arthur’s feeble attempts at a compliment Gwen continued, “Can I offer you a drink?”

[Deleted]

Shaking Arthur’s hand, Uther clasped his shoulder with the other for a moment.

“You are looking well, son,” he said, dropping his arms back to his sides and feeling as close to awkward as he had possibly ever felt.

The boy certainly did look well, much better than the last time he had stepped foot in this house, and if the king were to be completely honest he would have to admit that he had missed his son. Through the years Arthur had always been there by his side, and while they had had their arguments and their differences, and though he had been very hard on the boy, there was nothing Uther treasured more in the world. These past few years without him at the table, or training outside or merely just knowing that he was within the same walls had been difficult. He was feeling his age much more in his solitude than he had been in the presence of such youth.

As if to directly contradict this thought, it was at that moment that Guinevere appeared. She was stunning, breathtaking, and standing beside Arthur even the most practiced liar could not deny their youth and beauty. Uther had never felt so old.

“Princess Guinevere,” he said with an incline of his head. For not the first time that night he wished he had ignored her request and dressed in his own attire. It was obvious his choice pleased her, but the more attention they gave, the more praise, the more uncomfortable he felt. He did not belong in this clothes nor in this world, and every time he gave a little into them, into it, he lost a bit of himself. His hatred of magic had driven him for the past two decades, had controlled his every action, yet if not for magic he would not be here now. It was what made all things possible in this world and he despised it, yet for Arthur...

His eyes met Guinevere’s.

For Arthur he would give up anything.

“I must admit that I did not approve,” he said, straightforward. “I almost ignored the request, but it is hard to deny such a beautiful and gracious woman.”

Uther cast his eyes to his son, a bit puzzled by the somewhat strange action, but said nothing of it. It was obvious even his son did not know what to make of the look any more than he did. “Thank you,” he accepted the offer of the drink, more than ready to get this evening underway.

[Arthur]

Who was this man and where was his father? What on earth had Guinevere done to him in the time he had saw him last? Not only was he wearing the suit, but the way he was speaking to them both it was almost…nice. Not that his father wasn’t nice, he had his moments it was just he had gotten so used to disappointing him of late, or always arguing with him that it just seemed…strange. It had to be Gwen, Arthur certainly hadn’t changed…well he was dressed a little smarter than last time but still not in the proper Camelot attire his father would have expected and yet…he didn’t seem to mind…not with Gwen here…what had she done?

Holding her hand out for Uther to take Gwen decided it was time they headed in to the house and she wanted desperately to check that everything was running smoothly was so was also thinking of excusing herself and the first opportune moment. Smiling at Uther…gosh he was handsome in that suit…she said, “I am afraid the meal may not be completely up the standards of either Camelot’s or the Summer Country’s standards. I had to make do with the services provided by Trenale which in my opinion could be so much better. Luckily though, Arthur here was able to go out and catch something good, didn’t you?”

Arthur who had indeed done a little hunting earlier in the day just for the hell of it and with no real intention of it being dinner, smiled just a little smugly and said, “I did. There is some good Game in the forests around here, good large Game I should say, you really do get all sorts in there. Deer, Pheasant, Boar…a couple of unicorns as well, but I wont be making that mistake again. I make sure to stay well away from them.”

“Perhaps we should make a day of it, whilst you’re here your majesty,” said Gwen still smiling at Uther, interjecting before Arthur could go digging any holes for himself, “We could take a party into the woods and go hunting. What do you say your majesty?”

[Deleted]

The king was impressed at first to learn that his son was taking more of an initiative here than he had been aware of. Arthur had always been an excellent hunter, and it was a sport the boy had always seemed to enjoy, so that was a small point in the favour of this land that it had good grounds for hunting, and large game to hunt.

Smiling a bit at his son, Uther was about to offer a small bit of praise, which was a lot coming from him, when Arthur had to mention the unicorns. The smile instantly fell and the king’s expression grew dark. He remembered all too well what had happened when Arthur had ‘made that mistake’ before: it had almost spelled ruin to Camelot and death to many. Of course the boy had made it all right in the end, but it was just further proof of the evils of magic, and further justification that all magic should be destroyed.

“Perhaps we should make it through dinner first,” Uther replied cooly. Although a hunting excursion with his son and Guinevere might have been an appealing prospect, he did not wish to see any more of this place than absolutely necessary. If he didn’t think this union so important, he wouldn’t even be here at all. More than anything he wished to gather all his children and return to Camelot, never to set foot in this abomination of a land again, but it was for the future of Camelot that he was here. If all went well tonight then it would all soon be over.

[Arthur]

He saw his father’s expression change and knew he had definitely slipped up on the ‘unicorn’ front however clearly it hadn’t hurt his chances of staying in Tintagel too much as all he said was about getting through dinner. He fought the urge to sigh with relief and instead just smiled, nodded and said, “Father.”
 
It was an old default trick of his when talking about anything with his father because it wasn’t an agreement or a disagreement and it covered a whole manner of replies that his father could interpret in whatever way he wanted. Really, he wanted to discuss with his father this hatred of magic but knew he would have more luck talking to a brick wall. So it was always better to give this kind of response and stay out of trouble. Besides, Gwen was clearly doing everything she could to make up for his mistake by leading them into the house and to the dinning room.
 
“Have you heard any news from the Summer Country your majesty? My father’s letters have grown so few this past year one could say that he never writes to me at all and I am desperate for news.” she asked smiling pleasantly, hoping the King would understand her meaning.
 
My father is up to something, be wary, and please find out what it is. What is he doing to my country?
 
She motioned to the seat, the grandest at the top of the table, for Uther as Arthur took the one to his right. Gwen, however walked over towards the bar to prepare the drinks as she awaited Uther’s reply.

[Deleted]

Following the pair into the house, Uther remained silent until he and Arthur were seated at the table. Despite Guinevere’s pleasant smile and courteous words, he did understand her meaning. She had confessed to him in the past her mistrust in her father, how she suspected he was planning to use her time away to usurp her and take the thrown for himself.

While back in his rightful place in Camelot, the king had tried to learn of any rumblings from the Summer Country, but to little avail, at least when it came to anything rock solid.

“I sent him an invitation to supper a fortnight ago, but received word from his messenger that he had taken ill. I am certain it is nothing serious, my dear, so you need not worry. He was on the mend by the time I left, and regretted that we would have to postpone until I return again,” Uther replied, holding Guinevere’s gaze a moment before she turned to fix the drinks.

He did not believe it for a moment, and was certain she would not either. The messenger had appeared nervous, as one did when caught in a lie. It was only once word was sent that Uther would be returning to Tintagel again that another message was received saying that her father was feeling better. Well only now that the invitation could not be accepted. It all seemed to hint at something wicked in the works in the Summer Country.

[Arthur]

Gwen was sure her father was no more ill than her cousin Malgaunt only had her best interests at heart. So they were keeping secrets from the King, which only meant that they were planning something, and not anything good. Perhaps this alliance she was making with Camelot couldn’t have come at a better time, if they were plotting then that didn’t bode well for her. Perhaps they thought they had found her some puppet prince they could marry her off too, that they could control, as if she couldn’t see through what they were doing.

She smiled at Uther as she prepared the drinks, “Oh I’m not worried my lord. My father has a knack of recovering quickly when it suits his purposes.”

Arthur could tell that there was some sort of political chess going on, as what the two were talking about clearly had some underlying sub-text. It was the way they said things, so polite and yet tinged with something very serious. He had no idea what either was implying but it was bound to be something important. Wanting to join in the discussions he added, “Should we have asked his Majesty to join us this evening?”

Gwen laughed as she brought the drinks over, glasses of wine, and said, looking at Uther “No I think not. I think it probably best if he currently remain…unaware of our little meeting, do you agree your majesty?”

No point alerting him that whatever he’s cooking up might be ruined by the alliance she was making.

[Deleted]

It became quite obvious that Guinevere had reached the same conclusion that he had: her father’s illness had been manufactured solely for his own purpose, which in part seemed to be avoiding Uther Pendragon. It was possible he had an inkling of the union that Camelot’s king was trying to secure, and though that if they never spoke then the marriage would not take place. Or he was simply biding time to put his own plan into action.

“He is a very resilient man,” Uther agreed. He wondered how much Arthur knew about the troubles in her country. By her guarded words, he had to assume next to nothing, which was very interesting, considering. This assumption was quickly confirmed by his son’s innocent question.

“Of course,” the king agreed with Guinevere. Taking the glass of wine she offered, he brushed her fingers lightly with his own in the process, hoping to offer comfort and support in the gesture. “We have something we need to discuss, and I believe it is best that we work out all the details before approaching Leodegrance with it.” He turned his attention to Arthur. “It is something that would be beneficial to both our kingdoms, and if presented to him properly he would be a fool to refuse.”

[Arthur]

She found it hard to ignore the slight tingle she felt when their fingers brushed together. Guinevere really needed that to stop, she couldn’t think about that, especially not right now, not with everything a stake here, she had a future to consider, her country, her crown. Her only hope for all of that was Arthur. As much as she might think, dream and fantasise about something else…it would never happen, it was…even ridiculous to consider. She was just a silly little girl and he was…turning to face Arthur now. As she took her own seat she secretly prayed that all those television series he was obsessed with may have taught him something about acting.

Arthur looked at Gwen and then back at his father. Oh no. This was it, this was the part where he was supposed to pretend he didn’t know anything, which considering everything, should have been really easy but was probably not because oh by the gods he couldn’t lie to his father. He had never been able too so what made him think he could do it now. He looked at his father.

“And what would that be?” asked Arthur taking a sip of his wine at the same time, “and surely his Majesty King Leodegrance would not be adverse to doing trade with Albion, it has never been an issue before.”

Guinevere winked at Arthur raising her glass to him in a gesture that said, ‘good move.’

[Deleted]

Uther had been unsure whether Guinevere would take it upon herself to speak with Arthur about the arrangement they had made, and while he had gotten the impression that she hadn’t, Arthur’s reaction now only proved it. Then it was down to him.

“Quite right, but the reaction differs depending on what is being traded,” the King replied. Glancing at Guinevere a moment, he paused before continuing. “When the object I desire is his only daughter and sole heir to the thrown then I feel he would indeed be quite adverse.”

That had not come out exactly how he had intended. Although it got the point across, the words could easily be misconstrued to another meaning. The truth.

“Of course I would not be the only one with something to gain in this holy union between our families. He would not lose a daughter any more than I would lose a son, though a son he would gain.”

[Arthur]

Arthur looked from his father to Gwen desperately trying to figure out where he was supposed to go next with this. Luckily Gwen gave him some time to think about it as she turned to Uther and said, “Although not the son he wants. My father would rather I marry someone whom he could control, a man that would bend to his will and not to mine. He would see our way of life changed and all through the man I am to marry. Arthur however, is not such a man.”

“Marriage,” said Arthur eventually, looking round at his father, “Guinevere and I we are…to be married?”

He looked round at Gwen who smiled encouragingly, nodding her head. Arthur turned back to his father, confused, but a smile beginning to take form, “This is your idea?”

[Deleted]

Uther was the king, and whatever he said was final. If he wished to arrange a marriage for his son then Arthur would have no say in the matter, it would be done. It could be seen as only a courtesy he appeared to be consulting the prince on the matter, but in fact he did wish for Arthur to be agreeable to the idea. The boy was stubborn, headstrong, and would certainly argue if this was not something he wanted, and in that case the king would have to assert his authority to quash Arthur’s defiance. So it was a relief when the boy did not seem opposed to the idea.

“Yes, it is,” Uther replied, sitting back a bit in his chair now that the hardest part was over. “As you can see, Guinevere and her father are at odds, so a union with someone of considerable power, but one who would not bend to his will, is what she needs to protect her thrown.”

He was hesitant to say much about her family following the cautious exchange earlier, but if she was opening up now then he would follow suit.

“As for you, my son, Camelot has been long without a queen,” Uther continued, a light of sadness reaching his eyes. “She, and you, need someone strong, intelligent, beautiful, and able to make the tough decisions when required. The princess Guinevere is all of these things, and so much more.” His gaze moved to her. “It is a union few could match.”

[Arthur]

How long had they been discussing this? How much time had Gwen been spending with his father for him to draw this opinion of her? He wasn’t contesting what his father was saying, there was no doubt that Gwen had the potential to be all these things. Mostly just that he was the one that was saying it. He had never really spoken about many other people that way especially not another woman. Whilst he had spoken respectfully about the previous Queen of the Summer country not at all to the same extent.

“I will not deny that it is a most advantageous union, for both of us,” said Arthur looking back at Gwen and smiling, finding new respect for the woman who had made such an impression on his father, “I would be honoured to have such a woman as my wife. To have a Queen in Camelot one day.”

Gwen reached across and took Arthur’s hand, and said, “I imagine we could balance each other out quite well, whilst you and your father may offer me support for my throne, I can offer you many things from my own. Not to mention an heir.”

Arthur had been taken a sip of his wine with his other hand and had spluttered most of it back into the wine glass.