"Utopian Dream"
Category: (Canon)
Characters/Pairings: Mithian/Merlin/Freya
Rating/Warnings: T
Basic Summary-
Guinevere struggles with settling into her new life as queen and forms an unexpected friendship with Princess Mithian. When something stronger than friendship blossoms between Merlin and Mithian during her stay, he's torn between a new love and remaining true to an old one.
And in the breeze that kisses my tear streaked face
I find a glimmer of a smile the dawning of a new day
A day that dissolves anguish and brings an abundance of happiness
-Jay Bryant,Life's Flow
I don`t own Merlin.
Part One -
Queen Guinevere fled the stateroom, her purple, flowing skirt billowing behind her as she raced down an empty corridor and toward the nearest alcove. She leaned against the stone wall, resting her head on the cool, rough surface. She squeezed her eyes shut tightly and breathed in ragged gasps, letting the tears she held back previously flow freely now.
The visiting nobles` poisonous whispers still rung in her ears. Normally she would`ve been strong enough to withstand their cruelty, but such occurrences were becoming commonplace now that she was queen. Guinevere was at her breaking point; everything she did fell prey to scrutiny. This was her first council meeting with Camelot`s allies in Arthur`s absence, and it couldn't have turned out more horribly.
"The Pretender"or The Peasant Queen" were a few of the lesser names she was given. If this was the very worst then she would've been fine, but sadly it was not.
Her exile and near replacement, Princess Mithian, were among the favorite topics. But this was not what brought her to this point and reduced her to a sobbing mess. An elderly noble woman knocked over a water-filled goblet, and acting on a servant`s instincts, she rushed to wipe the table and floor dry. The nobles surrounding her burst into laughter, all but Princess Mithian.
It was beyond awkward and a bit hurtful as well to meet the woman who could`ve been Arthur`s wife. Unbidden memories returned when the beautiful princess, who skilfully masked her true feelings with a smile, entered the stateroom dressed in gold and ivory and was the very image of courtly grace. Not a single hair was out of place, and she undoubtedly would have been the perfect wife and queen.
She was the last person Guinevere wanted to see right now, but when she turned to leave the alcove, Mithian stood in front of her, offering a handkerchief.
"Thank you," she said hoarsely, tabbing her eyes and blowing her reddened nose. Her dark, curly hair was frizzled and her dress`s collar tear-stained.
"Unfortunately gossip is an ugly part of the court," Mithain explained with a sad smile. "Royals are no more above it than commoners even if we like to think differently."
"I could never be like that," Guinevere said, sniffling. "I couldn't wear a mask and pretend to be something I'm not."
"And you shouldn`t. You simply need to try diplomatic neutrality."
The queen rose a brow at this. "What?"
"Truthfully I have no more love for the Lady Anna of NorthUmbria than I have for prunes," the princess confessed with a straight face.
Guinevere lightly scoffed at the comment.
"But I don`t focus on her negative character traits. I think of Nemeth and how NorthUmbria can be a beneficial ally."
"The Lady Anna was a terror at dinner last night," Guinevere admitted. "She was terrible to Merlin. You should have heard the way she spoke to him. And she's a horrible dancer. I've seen ducklings with better rhythm."
The princess gave a very unladylike snort, and the queen laughed as well. Maybe everything would be alright after all.
King Arthur was worried-very worried in fact. He stood in front of a window, pensively gazing down at his wife and former fiancée in the castle gardens.
"What`s got you so jittery?" Merlin asked, grinning and peeking over his shoulder to see what had captured the king`s attention when he entered the hallway.
"I thought it would be obvious."
He moved to stand beside him, gazing out the window and turning back toward Arthur again.
"How is it obvious?"
Arthur sighed and turned away from the window to face him.
"Look at out there and tell me what you see."
"I see Gwen and Mithian standing by the rose bushes talking."
"Exactly."
"How is that a problem?"
The king`s eyes widened in disbelief, and his brows nearly rose to his hairline. "Do I need to spell it out for you?"
"Oh,"Merlin said at last as realization dawned. Waving a hand dismissively, he added, "I'm sure they're fine."
"How do you know? You just have one those funny feelings again?"
Merlin shrugged, smiling. "What do you want me to do, Arthur? Spy on them."
The king`s blue eyes brightened at the idea, and his lips formed a knowing smile. His manservant gaped at him when he realized the trap he was ensnared in.
"No."
"You can't refuse, Merlin. I'm the king. You have to do what I say."
"That`s never stopped me before," he replied turning to leave.
"Well, I'm sure George would enjoy teaching you how to polish armour properly. Third time's the charm," he said as he leaned his arm against the wall, the afternoon sunlight filtering through the window shone against his golden hair and made his chainmail glisten.
"You wouldn`t?" he groaned, rubbing his temples and trying to block out the memories of George`s brass jokes.
He stepped toward his friend, ruffling his raven hair. "Immediately and without hesitation."
Merlin squinted in the bright sunlight as he entered the elaborate gardens, spotting Guinevere and Mithian sitting by the peacock water fountain near the garden maze`s entrance. He pretended not to see them, gazing down at the roses and nightshade with false interest.
"Hello, Merlin," Guinevere called out, and Mithian nodded, smiling in greeting.
"I'm surprised to find you here. I never knew you had an interest in flowers."
He walked toward them, stopping beside the fountain. "Yes, I'm full of surprises, and I certainly haven't been sent to spy on anyone."
The two women exchanged glances, and then Guinevere said with mild exasperation, "I can't believe Arthur sent you to spy on us. What was it this time? Washing extra socks or polishing armour with George?"
"It`s usually the last bit."
The queen shook her head, curls swaying with the motion, stood up and turned toward Mithian. "We'll continue our chat later. I think I need to teach my husband a lesson. Merlin can keep you company." She looked toward him with a smile. "Won't you?"
"Of course, Gwen," he answered, not letting his smile slip, and silently, he began preparing for the awkwardness he expected the moment she left.
He and the princess of Nemeth hadn't met on the best of terms. She had come into their lives during one of the kingdom`s darkest times. Matters of the heart were as damaging as warfare, and each left their mark even if it was in a different way. Still, he hadn't meant to hurt her, and he intended to let her know. His single-minded protectiveness toward Gwen`s wellbeing blinded him from seeing what a wonderful person she was.
"You can sit, Merlin," she teased with one of the sweetest smiles he`d ever seen. "I promise I won't bite."
"Sorry," he said with an awkward laugh before sitting across from her.
"There`s no need to apologize."
He stared down at his folded hands then cocked his head to the side, looking up at her.
"No, princess. There is every need. I've wronged you, and I`m sorry. Many things happened back then that you weren't aware of. I was worried for Gwen, and I thought..."
"Say no more,"she interrupted but with kindness in her voice. "I understand. You were only thinking of your friends, but I hope that you will consider me one as well."
He beamed at her and nearly outshone the sun`s radiance. The warmth of his smile reached his eyes, making the mesmerizing blue twice as captivating.
"Of course."
"Good," she smiled in return and then gazed at the fanned water formation rising from the peacock`s back as the shimmering droplets flowed into the glistening pool below, lost in thought. The princess was pleased but also surprised at how everything turned out. Apparently destiny had a sense of humor. Mithian was a perceptive woman, and she soon realized that King Arthur had done more then give sacred lands. He unknowingly granted her the freedom to pursue the whims of her heart.
A comfortable silence settled between them before she spoke again.
"I didn't love Arthur, but I was fond of him. I suppose more injury was done to my pride than my heart. I never imagined I'd become friends with Gwen. She is lovely, and it would take much effort for me to dislike her. It`s strange how fate works."
He nodded in agreement, silently pondering her words.
"You're a kind person, and you have a good heart. I'm sure you'll find the love you deserve."
"Thank you, Merlin."
Just then a familiar, kingly voiced bellowed from afar. When he moved to stand up, his fingers gently brushed against hers.
"Sorry, I have to go. Duty calls."
"It was nice speaking with you. Good bye, Merlin."
"Likewise. Goodbye, princess."
As she watched him leave the gardens, she wondered at the lingering warmth of her hand and why it made her heart flutter a little.