Chapter 12 – The Hunt / A Knight with the Queen
Gawain remained in his seat, stunned into silence. Had his king really just ask Gawain to lie with Queen Guinevere? It seemed impossible.
Gawain and Guinevere’s friendship went back several years. They met four years ago right after Gawain received his knighthood, right before Guinevere married Arthur. Back in those days, Gwen – she was always referred to as Gwen – wanted to visit her mother’s gravesite.
Gawain, all of eighteen years of age at that time, was chosen to escort her. It was an honor, being the one selected to accompany and protect the king’s beloved fiancée for the brief trip, but he was nervous about the responsibility and worried about behaving appropriately around a future royal …show more content…
Without thinking, he beat on the door and then cursed himself. Perceval was a married man and he might be sleeping or otherwise occupied with his wife. However, in moments, Perceval appeared at the door, dressed and wide awake.
“You look troubled,” said Perceval, eyeing Gawain up and down.
“Sorry, but it’s important. Is Joan here? I don’t want to disturb.”
Perceval opened the door wide and motioned for Gawain to enter. “No, she has healer training with Pawl tonight. They’re lancing boils or pulling teeth or something equally as disgusting.”
Gawain stepped into the chamber. “I’d rather battle.”
“That makes two of us. Now why are you here?”
Too full of nervous energy, Gawain paced the chamber, fingering vases and throws, picking up mugs and putting them down.
“You are my reasonable, rational friend, and I have a serious, serious problem,” said Gawain.
“Sounds serious.”
“Don’t joke!” Gawain groaned. “Sorry, I’m overwhelmed.”
“That’s all right.”
Gawain leaned up against the mantle and drummed his fingers. “Do you find the queen beautiful?”
“Yes,” said Perceval slowly, narrowing his eyes.
“Do you find her