Knight of Atonement

“You seem to be ejoying yourself, my Treasure?” Father asks warmly.

“Of course, Father,” Marian bends down to peck his cheek. “I’m having a wonderful time.”

“That so?” His eyes twinkle. “I’m glad,”

She smiles again, leaning on the throne.

“Treasure,”

She hums, watching the dancers clap and step in time with the music.

“Are you particularly fond … of any of the gentlemen in attendance?”

“Fond?” She asks, looking down at him.

“Well,” Father adjusts in his seat. “I’m not getting any younger, and neither are you. I blinked and now you’re a beautiful young maiden!”

Marian sighs. “Oh Father, such dour discussion isn’t fit for a feast!”

“I know, I know, you just want to sing and dance with the wind in your hair,” He raises his hands in mock surrender. “I just want to see that you’re taken care of.“

“There’s no need to worry,” She says, giving him a soft pat on the shoulder. “It will be alright.”

Her Father beckons her with a finger and she leans down.

“If it makes you feel any better,” He whispers conspiratorially, eyes glinting. “I don’t like any of them the either.”

Marian’s laugh rings like curch bells. “Of course your wouldn’t, Father.”

“Correct!” He nods, grin threatening to break though his serious act.

She covers her mouth with her hand, still giggling. “You could always send me to the nunnery,”

“Nonsense,” He laughs. “Camelot needs you.”

“Of course,”

Her Father looks back over the crowd. “It has been long enough, Marian.”

Marian’s face fell. “Father.”

Authur sighs heavily. “Even now,”

“I will fulfill my responsibilities, Father.”

“There is no question about that,” He waves his hand. “I just wish you happiness as well,”

Marian follows his eyes to the dancers, turning with bright grins. “Perhaps,”

“Your majesty,” The man wore dark leather, his strong voice slicing though the air. “Your highness. Princess.”

Marian gathered the fabric of her dress and curtsied.

“Sir Gisborne,” They acknowledged.

“How fared your travels,” Father leans on his fist, grinning.

They are good friends, Marian told the sudden twisting in her stomach. It makes sense to be exited when your favorite hunting companion returns. She looked between the two.

Sir Gisborne stands rod straight. “Smootly, your majesty,”

Father laughs at his stiffness. “You can tell me all about it over drink,”

“Of course,” He bows. “Princess Marian,”

The newaby people turn their heads at his sharp voice, hushing each other.

The music stop.

“Dance with me,”

She looks to her Father, who nods. Marian drifts down the marble steps, extending her hand.

He grasps it a little to tightly.

The crowd parts and they step into the middle of the dance floor, facing each other. The music starts, far slower this time. Their steps were practiced.

”You are quite the dancer,” Sir Gisborn says, lip curling.

Marian shrinks. “You as well, Sir Gisborn.”

He spins her.

“For a women engaged to get wed, you do not look very happy,”

Marian pulled away, gawking. “Engaged?”

“Surprise!” Capped her Father. “I gave him my word that if you showed no interest in the gentlemen at the party, he has my blessing to ask for your hand!”

Sir Gisborn kneeled before her, taking her hand. “Princess Marian Pendragon -”

Marian could barely hear him over the blood pounding in her ears.

She took a deep breath, clothing her eyes. She knows what she must do -

Familiar laughter, distant yet unmistable came to her. Out of the corner of her eye she caught a glimpe of fiery read hair, and when she turned her head there was nothing. She knew there would be nothing, but she couldn’t help but look.

And as always, it dissolved - only a dream.

She looked down at Sir Gisborn sadly. “I - I accep-“

The castle doors flew open, flailing and knocking against the walls. The howling wind was pungent with the scent of sea salt. Water poured in and guest exclaimed lowly, trying to excape it. The candles blow out, plunging the hall into darkness. Blue flames flicker to life in ther place.

The water has climbed to their ankles.

The form of a woman twisted from the waves of water, a crown of pointed shells and coral adorning her head. The wild waves become her hair, and her eyes where twisting whirlpools that held the darkness of the deep.

A woman’s slihoette carved like a statue from the water.

“Arthur,” The Sea Queen hisses, voice like the ocean rushing over the craggy cliffs. “King of Camelot! I curse thee!”

Arthur’s face is steadfast, wall - like.

“The screams! I can still hear them!” More water swipes in. “Do you know why the sea is salty? The childless weep at my banks because of you!”

Her Father does not flinch at the finger she points at him. “What’s done is done.”

Marian whirls around to look at him. She’s never heard her Father sound so cold.

“Penance!” She screeches, a new wave raises her higher. “I call for penance! Give me your life, your prized possession, or your blood!”

Authur is enraged. He stands, shadow stretching. “I am the King of Knights! You will demand nothing form me!”

“Penance!” The Sea Queen screams with the voice of a thousand seagulls. “Repent of your sins or I will bring doom upon you and this city!”

Marian yanks her hand from Sir Gisborne, kneeling before the Sea Queen. “Honroable Sea Queen!”

The water turns it’s swirling eyes to her. “Blood of Pendragon,”

“Yes, your highness,” She bows her head. “I am his daughter.”

“You will do, then,”

“I will not allow it!” Father snapped.

“Ruler of the Oceans, Queen of Storm,” Marian begins, shifting her posture. “I know you are tortured, but if your fault is with the royal family - please spare these people!”

Nobels are caught in the sway of the forceful waves.

“Are you as haughty as your Father, girl? To order me?”

“No, your majesty,” Marian shakes her head. It is only a request. I only wish to minimize the lives lost. Please,”

The Sea Queen twists her lips, silent for a moment. With large gulps, the water begins to flow from the hall enough for them to stand.

“Thank you,” Marian picks up her drenched dress, bowing once more.

The Sea Queen turns back to Arthur. “This girl has saved your life. For her kindness, I give you one year. I will have my penance. If not, I plunge this entire kingdom into the ocean! A head for every child!”

Marian choked, turning back to her Father. “Every - “

The twisted form of the Sea queen collapsed.