Memory 96: Inside

In Arthur’s opinion having Lady Morgana in the castle was a horrible idea. She certainly didn’t want to be here, and Arthur didn’t want her here either!

Father however, did, and what Father said happened. It was the benefit of being King.

In the three days since Morgana had arrived, she and Arthur had all ready had two fights, one that had left a bite mark on Morgana’s ankle and the other a bruise on Arthur’s temple.

For some reason Father hadn’t mentioned either of these wounds, it made sense in Morgana’s case, hers was hidden, but Arthur’s was right there in plain sight! It figured, Father barely noticed him at all and it would only get worse with Morgana there.

Arthur glared across the table at her, and she glared right back, not the least bit intimidated. Finally Arthur poked his tongue out at her.

“Arthur!” Father’s voice was sharp and Arthur gave a jump in his seat and winced a little. “Is there a problem?”

Arthur opened his eyes as wide as he could to look as innocent as possible. “No, Father, not at all.”

Father had all ready returned to his food, Arthur turned back to his and picked at it. A quick peek showed that Morgana was doing the same.

Arthur supposed he should be nice to her…she had just lost her father and he felt for her, for about five seconds, then she said something that annoyed and infuriated him and it all went to hell.

At that moment the doors to the dining room opened and Arthur only just managed to suppress a groan. It was Geoffrey of Monmouth, the librarian, archivist, tutor and the most boring man in five kingdoms.

“Ah, Monmouth, have you got those records I asked you for?” Father though was very pleased to see Geoffrey and what’s more wanted him to talk.

So Arthur was trapped.

And Morgana as well, incidentally.

Geoffrey launched into whatever it was Father had asked him to research and Arthur struggled not fall asleep in his pork stew.

He couldn’t help noticing Morgana stifling a yawn.

It was the first time that Arthur had seen Morgana look like she might agree with anything he thought. It was almost enough to make him catch her eye and make some sort of gesture to indicate the pain that was Geoffrey of Monmouth.

Arthur reminded himself that Morgana hated him, she had, after all, whacked him in the face with a stick! It had really hurt!

Instead he went back to his stew.

But Geoffrey’s monologue was enough to put anyone off their food, and Arthur couldn’t help remembering two years or so ago. Morgana and her father had come for a visit and for one reason or another they’d actually got on for once!

They had commandeered Father’s horse (it was the best horse in the stables after all!) and taken it into the woods, to the river.

And Arthur had found the most fabulous thing in the world – a big green frog! He’d caught it, held it in the direction of Morgana and Father’s horse…

And Father’s horse had bolted! Just bolted!

Morgana had laughed and laughed, she’d found it hilarious!

Arthur had found it pretty funny too…especially when they came up with a story to explain the missing horse, or rather Morgana had come up with it.

Father’s horse had eventually been apprehended and returned and the giant frog had been sneaked into the castle. Arthur had christened it – and Morgana had approved! – Geoffrey.

Geoffrey had been the best frog (fit for a Prince!), but sadly he had come to an inglorious end, crushed by his namesake! But Arthur still remembered Geoffrey fondly… very fondly.

Much more fondly than the actual Geoffrey who was still blabbing on.

Arthur finally caught Morgana’s eye…more by accident than anything else.

She rolled her eyes.

The corner of Arthur’s mouth quirked in a smile and the word was out of his mouth before he could stop it and with a swift look at Geoffrey.

“Ribbit.”

Morgana’s face, which as far as Arthur had seen since her arrival was in a permanent frown, suddenly changed. It changed completely, her eyes lighting up and a tiny giggle escaping her lips.

A giggle escaped Arthur as well…and soon the both of them were tittering, holding their hands over their mouths in an attempt to make themselves less conspicuous.

It was a bit late for that though…Father and Geoffrey had heard them, of course they had and were staring in complete bewilderment.

And Arthur’s only response was…

“Ribbit.”