Ruins of Camelot by G. Norman Lippert Read Free Book Online Page A

pushing Rhyss backwards on the bed.  Both girls scrambled up.  Laughing and shushing each other, they bolted out the door and down the hall.
     

     
    "It's bad luck for you to see me before the wedding," Gabriella scolded Darrick when she met him in the King's reception room four hours later.
    "I was summoned, same as you," he smiled, reaching for her as she joined him near the room's only window.  The window was tall stained glass, decorated with the stern visage of King Arthur in his armour, his sword gleaming steely blue and his beard streaming regally down his chest.  Gathered behind the glassy King was a line of handsome knights resplendent in their own armours, shields bearing the red dragon and holy cross of their order.
    Gabriella laced her fingers through Darrick's and stood in front of him.  They kissed briefly, and she said, "Father did not tell me you would be here.  I hope all is well."
    "All is well," Darrick nodded, touching his forehead to hers.  "I have spoken to the King already this morning."
    Gabriella frowned quizzically up at him.  "You have?"
    He nodded again.  "We're not even married yet, and already I am going over the Princess's head for councils with the King," he smiled, teasing her.  "Truth be told, he sought me out.  His messenger arrived just after breakfast, bearing the details of my summons."
    "Then tell me," Gabriella said with a sigh, plopping onto the bench that ran beneath the window.  "I don't like surprises.  Especially on a day like today."
    "It is your father's news to tell," Darrick replied.  "I won't steal his thunder except to say that it seems to involve a story and a mysterious box."
    Gabriella glanced up at him from beneath her eyebrows.  "It means a bit more than that by the look on your face.  What did you discuss?"
    Darrick laughed and lowered himself to the bench next to her.  He put an arm around her shoulders and squeezed her.  "If you must know, we discussed my position in the Kingdom."
    This made Gabriella sit up ramrod straight.  She looked aside at him seriously.  "Your position?  But we've already arranged that.  When you asked for my hand…"
    Darrick nodded.  "Of course, and nothing is changed.  I no more wish to be King than you wish to be a herring.  When you become Queen, I will be the royal consort, Viceroy of Camelot.  I will assist you and represent you on those few occasions when a beard may carry more weight than a bustle, but you will be Queen Sovereign, ruler of the Kingdom."
    Gabriella studied his face for a moment and then shook her head and slouched.  "I'd rather be a herring than Queen.  I wish you could become ruler someday rather than just Viceroy.  But i f that arrangement still stands , then what did you discuss?"
    Darrick was silent for a long moment.  Gabriella glanced aside at him again.  He met her eyes, pressed his lips together, and then looked away, out over the dimness of the room.
    Gabriella narrowed her eyes.  "You're going to be knighted," she said.
    "More than that," he answered, returning his gaze to her.  "I have been promoted to commissioned officer in the Imperial Army."
    "Commissioned officer!" Gabriella gasped, jumping to her feet and rounding on him.  "You've barely graduated the academy!"
    "I received best marks in our class for Strategy and Battle Skills if you recall," Darrick reminded her.  "Besides, it isn't as if I will be High Constable or any such thing.  That post is still occupied by Sir Ulric.  I shall be his field marshal.  The post will provide invaluable experience for when you are Queen and I am your viceroy."
    "Those are my father's words, not yours," Gabriella interjected derisively.  "Why should you require such experience?  As Viceroy, you will have your own men to advise you on military issues."
    "The Kingdom does not need another administrator right now, Bree," Darrick said in a low voice.  "Your father fills that role quite nicely.  People are fearful.  News from the