That is the part of being king. Of being queen. Making choices that will hurt some but save others. And often not knowing until it is too late who will be hurt and who will be saved. I am sorry you have to share it, but I am glad to have the company.

She wanted to give him her name. She wanted to give him everything.

Arthur nodded, slipping his arm around her and stroking her hair with a movement so soft she wondered if he realized he was doing it.

She did not want to be an invisible queen in the castle. Arthur did not rule that way. And she wanted to be his match. His equal.His partner. She could no longer deny it. She wanted to be more than a protector to him.

What about the queen?" Sir Tristan asked, challenge in his voice as he used her as a reason not to follow Arthur's plan."The queen," Guinevere said, pulling up her hood, "is ready to ride at the king's side, wherever that takes her.

I have to keep you safe," he whispered, Arthur once again.

A man dove in front of her, tackling the wolf and rolling with it. Sir Tristan. The wolf clamped down on his forearm, breaking through the leather. Sir Tristan shouted with as much fury as the wolf's growls. He threw it free. Then he ran to Guinevere, picked her up, and tossed her into Arthur's waiting arms.

Ready to burst, she spoke first. "You cannot be angry with me for saving him."Arthur sighed. "I can, and I am. And I am not. I am glad Sir Tristan is alive. He is very precious to me. But I cannot risk you.

Every day is filled with lying about my very self. When I am with you, I do not have to."Arthur's motions paused, then became softer as he massaged down each of her dedicate fingers. "Keeping secrets is like a thorn beneath the skin. You can get used to it, but it is always there, festering.