This is a write done a couple of years ago for a contest. The challenge of the contest was to write a response in letter form ( in rhyme, prose or free verse) to a letter that King Arthur wrote for Guinevere. I chose to write prose in letter form. For those interested I've included a link http://allpoetry.com/contest/892313 to the contest so that you may read the poem in the contest. I've included my author's notes first as I feel it gives a better indication of what you are about to read. This was my first contest I entered and recieved an honorable mention. I do hope you all enjoy! ~~~~~~~~ I do believe that letter writing is a lost art. It is a chance to release our thoughts and emotions we may not otherwise do standing face to face to the one receiving it. I chose this particular period in Guinevere's life because it was very emotional and she had much to think about. I wanted to write this in Sir Thomas Malory's Le Morte DArthur's 13th century English but had to refrain because for those not familiar with it, it would be a difficult read at best. And given the length of the letter, I feared it would not hold the reader's attention, although I do find it visually appealing. I kept true the spelling of Guinevere and Merlins name. ~~~~~~ Arthur heart of my heart, Sir Bors has given to me your letter. I wept in torrents for the pain that I have caused ye. Yours is a gentle and childlike soul full of goodness and love that puts others above himself. This is the Arthur I fell in love with, this is the Arthur that holds captive my heart still, and my actions have jaded thy soul. I ask of thee no forgiveness, I deserve it not. I see thy bars about me, tall, dark and cold like the deepest forest. I cry for the pain that I have wrought onto thee. For Lancelot, in my petty and jealous rage I didst send him from our kingdom and our lives. And didst cause great despair onto his soul. For myself I cry not, but for the great sadness I have wrought upon our kingdom. Sir Bors spake to me if not for his love for you, he would not defend my honour to the courts. He is loyal and true. He spake of the discontent of the rounds and that I wilst be tried for treason. Arthur, I am not a traitor to thy kingdom, only to thine heart. I speak now to you not as your queen, I speak with the heart of a woman. I hath forsaken thy heart, my love, this sword of betrayal buried deep. Thou hath bade Lancelot to watch over me, protect me, and my company keep in your stead. This ye hath done in the good faith and trust of a friend and knight. That faith and trust betrayed. Alas, from friendship love didst blossom. I seekest not this love it seekest me. Torn between the love of thy husband and friend didst bring a bittersweet taste to thy tongue. And thou hast forsaken me. Thou hast given my heart to Lancelot and willingly. Thou didst not bid Lancelot take his leave of thy kingdom. Instead thou asked that we keep secret our affections. For the good of the knights of the round you bade him stay. In all thou dost is for thy common good of thy kingdom, for the whole of mankind, thou forgot the heart of the woman beside you. Upon return from battle, your wounds nursed and your body made whole by my love and care. You bade me farewell to fight yet another battle. The season