Chapter Text
“My crime is love, and love is no crime,” Lancelot said in ringing tones, fire in his gaze, a challenge in the lift of his chin. “I love my lady Gwenhwyfar, and…”
The surety of his voice faltered as he met Merlin’s warning stare. The words turned to ash in his mouth. He closed his eyes, refusing yet to look at his king.
“Love is no crime,” Sir Lucan said, “yet to act on that love, to lie with your king’s wife… it is betrayal of your oath.”
“Tell us true, or break another oath,” said Galahad, voice firm, though his body shook with anger—or dread. “Did you lie with the queen?”
Lancelot steeled himself. He looked to Merlin, who made no sign to guide his words. He drew in a deep breath. “I did.”
A clamoring arose from the knights around the great table. Galahad was white with shock and rage.
“This is treason,” said Agravain.
“Oathbreaker,” spat Kay.
There was a strangled, choking sound from Arthur’s chair, and Lancelot could no longer refrain from looking his way. The king’s stare was wild, desperate; Arthur shifted in his seat as if about to speak. To protest.
The magician’s words echoed in Lancelot’s memory: “Your love will ruin the realm.”
“It was treason,” he said then, voice resounding across the hall before Arthur could reveal the destructive truth. “I broke oath for love and temptation. I was not strong enough in spirit to resist like our noble brother Trystan.”
He locked eyes with his king, who sank back into his seat with horrified comprehension.
“Were I stronger,” said Lancelot, “I’d never have lain in that bed.”
I would have spared you this, oh my king. More the fool, I.