Would it be best to say that Arthur had imagined the personality of his wife before actually meeting her? Perhaps he assumed Guenevere would be his version of the “perfect” wife? For example:
(1.) Arthur gives me a hopeful-looking smile, which falters for a moment as his eyes flicker down to see that I’m not wearing the necklace. He seems to shake off the momentary disappointment and smiles at me again, as if to say that it’s all right.
*Based on this he probably thought that Guenevere would be that type of girl (the type that likes jewelry), and maybe he’s a little disappointed or confused that she’s not. Also he’s probably curious as to why she didn’t wear the necklace.
(2.) Arthur looks concerned. “I know it’s unsettling,” he says. “And believe me, I wish we didn’t have to do any of this. But it’s vitally important for the people to see that you’re all right in every way. Otherwise, there could be a panic. Going on with the day’s plans is the best way to make it known that the assassin was completely ineffective.”
*He probably thought that his future wife would be the brave and fearless type (at least in the public eye), and he’s a little concerned that she’s not.
(3.) Nobody protests my act of violence, but Arthur and Lancelot look at each other with what seems to be a mixture of surprise and alarm.
- He probably wasn’t expecting his beloved to have or show a certain level of violence (once again at least not in the public eye).
(4.) “I, ah… People will talk if I don’t stay in here tonight, but Lance said, after everything that’s happened, that you might not… I mean, it’s all right if you don’t want…”
- Ohhh I think everyone knows what he was hoping for in the situation.
“All right,” says Arthur, though he does sound disappointed. “Maybe we can talk tomorrow.”
- He obviously wasn’t expecting that.
(4.2) Arthur rolls onto his side and looks at me. “I wish you’d been there,” he says. “They were so beautiful. You would have fit right in.” He strokes my cheek gently.
- But, if you do become intimate with him, then he’s gonna think that you might want to do it all the times available.
“I’m glad you two had fun,” I say. I close my eyes and snuggle into my pillow so he gets the point. I hear a bit of a sigh and the sound of his head hitting his own pillow."
- Once again unexpected.
(5.) Arthur turns toward me with his eyes alight and says, “Are you up for a small adventure?”
- He was obviously hoping for a wife that enjoys at least some of the things he does.
"For the second time that night, Arthur looks terribly disappointed, but he just says, “All right. Sleep well.”
- Exactly.
(6.) The knights look at me in surprise, but several of the older ones nod approvingly. Arthur, too, looks surprised, but not displeased. Nonetheless he says, “You’re absolutely right, of course, but I do everything I can to prevent people from losing their lives or their homes. Still, we should consider an attempt to cut off supply lines once we know what direction they’re coming from.”
*For some weird reason it probably never occurred to him that his wife might have an interest in leadership/politics, and the fact that she does is once again unexpected.
(7.) Arthur stays in the council chamber. When he sees that I’m not leaving either, he smiles broadly and takes my hand. “This is what I hoped it would be like,” he says. “My beautiful queen right by my side.”
- I think his words speak clearly enough.
(8.) Lancelot’s eyes spark with happiness and he calls out to Arthur, "Did you hear that, your majesty? Your lovely wife is going to come kill Saxons with us!
“Oh!” exclaims Arthur, turning away from Kay and looking at me as if he hadn’t quite realized this was an option. “Of course! We could really use your sword. I’m glad you want to come.”
- I’m assuming he thought she was gonna stay behind.
(9.)“I need someone I can trust to read the battle. If the darkness starts too soon, they’ll think my attack is just a bluff and they won’t cluster on the short ends of the hill, but if the darkness starts too late, the infantry will have heavy losses because the Saxons are so well positioned.”
“All right,” I say, although I’m pretty sure he’s asking me because he thinks I’ll be safer this way.
*Despite having the skills that could’ve helped people and saved time and energy (mostly Morgana’s).
(10.) “Guen,” says Arthur hesitantly, "I was just wondering if you’ve thought about how long it might be before you’re ready for… I mean, I don’t want to rush you, and I completely understand your wanting to wait a while, but, ah, the thing is…
- I think we all know what Arthur’s main plan for his wife is.
(11.) The important thing is, Cornelia’s plan failed, and you’re still alive, and maybe… with time, you’ll… think more highly of me. I hope you will, anyway."
- He is clearly stating how he wants Guenevere to feel about him.
So, that brings me to some more questions. In the future when Arthur becomes “hardened” (and Guenevere has been rude to him the entire time) will he possibly tell Guen how he hoped their marriage could’ve been? Also, will he tell her what kind of wife he thought she was gonna be to him, and what kind of queen to the kingdom (if she’s not an active one)?