Melissa entered the fortress on King Arthur's arm. She felt like a Queen! And why shouldn't she? She was making a triumphant appearance.
The knights and other male residents of the fortress stood around, waiting their chance to bid her welcome. Most were men of breeding, and all went on their knee to her; she was quite dazzled by them, especially the VIM knights and Shakespearean SIMs and VIMs! Of course, she would not say anything to Arthur about this sudden infatuation with another man - or men. She was sure it was just the heat of the moment, overwhelming her, and nothing else. She was not normally a fickle girl.
At least not too fickle.
And it *was* quite overwhelming.
She was given a corner "apartment" with a wonderful view, but she was a bit concerned over the lack of handmaidens. "That is just our dilemma, Fair Maiden," said Sir Patrise, one of the *other* Arthur's knights. "The women here are quite head strong and modern, and do for themselves very well. But, alas, none seem interested in our kind."
"But your own Arthur, and Gawain - they have ladies, do they not?"
"Alas, they are the fortunate ones. The rest have either loved and lost, or have never been fortunate at all. Sir deBracy had two ladies - he has lost them both. And so did Lord Boteral. Both were expecting his child when they just . . . left. We felt quite badly for him, and the memory of them was stricken from his mind. To save him pain."
"It is a mercy."
"Aye."
"And you?"
"Me?" Patrise hoped she could not hear his heart running rampant through his chest. She was so beautiful!
"Do you have a lady fair, my sweet Sir Patrise?"
He flushed. "No. Nor have I for some time."
"That is a pity," she smiled, reaching out to stroke his beard. Then she pulled her hand away quickly. "I am sorry, Sir Knight. I forget myself."
Patrise's eyes were on fire. "It is quite all right, Milady. I am none but your humble servant."
Melissa smiled. "That is good to know, Sir Knight. Very good to know."