“My deepest apologies, Your Royal Highness,” the wizard simpered.

Somehow, that made everything worse.

“I think we’re done here,” Arthur said coolly, jerking his chin at Lance, who followed after him. “Good day, apprentice.”

CHAPTER 26

Arthur didn’t mean to keep his father waiting. But with Guinevere and Lance’s unexpected visit to the wizard’s workshop, he’d completely lost track of time.

Even his father’s guards shot him a knowing look as they opened the doors.

Late, their expressions accused.

As if he didn’t know it.

The king’s rooms were dark, the windows tightly guarded against the bright morning sunshine. Arthur sighed, knowing his father would be in a foul mood.

And sure enough, King Uther slouched sourly in his private dining chamber, looking ill and ignoring the army of dishes Chef had prepared for his breakfast. Instead, he nursed a sludgy green drink vaguely reminiscent of pond scum, still wearing his dressing gown.

Lord Agravaine’s and Lord Howell’s heads snapped up as Arthur entered, and he felt his cheeks burn with shame at his tardiness.

“So,” the king said crossly, “you finally decided to grace us with your presence.”

Arthur sunk into a bow. “My apologies, Father. I was with Princess Guinevere and lost track of time.” He hoped that news would soften his father’s anger.

“And how is she?” the king inquired.

Awful, thought Arthur. “In good spirits,” he replied instead.

King Uther grunted in response, tipping back more of the green drink.

“What’s in that?” Arthur asked curiously.

“Eel, cabbage, and sugar,” said Lord Agravaine crisply. “The royal physician’s own concoction.”

No wonder his father looked so ill.

“I personally swear by the mixture,” said Lord Howell, with a smile that was just a little too wide. Arthur didn’t blame him for being on edge. The king’s mood often dictated his temper. And it was apparent King Uther was in wretched spirits.

Lord Agravaine motioned toward an empty chair with an even emptier smile. “Sit. We were just discussing the king’s birthday celebration.”

“Right,” Arthur said, relieved. “That.”

This year, his father was turning fifty, and the plans were lavish. There was to be a full weekend of performances and feasts, culminating in a grand ball. All of Camelot’s noble families were to be invited, and so were royal guests from afar.

“You’re still planning to invite King Yurien?” Arthur asked.

“Every king and queen of England will be invited,” said Lord Agravaine. “Though I assume most will send their regrets.”

“But you believe Yurien will accept the invitation,” Arthur guessed.

Lord Agravaine didn’t deny it.

“It seems wise to get a measure of him in peace,” added King Uther.

“And let him get a measure of us as well,” Arthur finished, with a sidelong glance at his father’s shrewd advisor.