It had been two months since the dragon had single handily destroyed Camelot. Most of the castle had been repaired and the western wall had been completely rebuilt. I had pitched in any way I possibly could. Including scrubbing the blood marks off of the stone in the courtyard.

Of course Arthur and Merlin had been busy trying to help rebuild Camelot too. They had taken a few days off and gone on a hunting trip for some relaxation. So I was all on my own. I couldn't help but feel jealous as I saw two servants canoodling in the courtyard. Nobody judged them, nobody was scandalised by their blatant open affection towards each other. As long as it did not hinder their work nobody cared.

Of course, as a spur of the moment thing, when Arthur had returned from his battle from the Dragon I had given myself to him. And we had made love in his bed; holding nothing back. Being nobody but Arthur and Gwen. No Prince's or Servants, just a man and a woman in love. I sighed thinking about that wonderful night. The night we had both committed ourselves to one another.

AGAGAGAGAG

"Guinevere, I want you to have something," He was stroking my bare back. He had caught my attention and I turned to face him, using a sheet to shield myself. He smiled at me.

"What's wrong Arthur?" I asked, he pulled me closer towards him. It was dark outside still.

"I want you to have this." He pulled the ring off of his index finger, which I rarely saw leave his finger; putting it into my hand before I could refuse it, he wrapped my fingers around it. I sighed.

"It's too big for me," I groaned.

"I just want you to have it. Please, so that when this is all over, I can claim that back, and you too." He stroked a curl away from my face. His hands were so big, at least twice the size of my own.

"I'm not going anywhere. I promise," I put my hand to his face.

"I will hold you to that, I can't bear to think about what I would do if anything happened to you," he breathed.

"Nothing is going to happen to either of us, we should just enjoy these moments we have together. So let's just go to sleep and let's not think of this until the morning," I suggested.

"Who's giving the orders now then?" he smirked.

"Get used to it bob," I poked his belly playfully, as he pulled me into his chest, and fell asleep in each other's arms.

AGAGAGAGAG

I held my stomach as I got up, trying not to think of the pain that I felt as I saw Arthur around the castle. The only thing that I had of him was that ring, which I had tied to a string and set it as a necklace. I did not often wear it, for fear of somebody recognising it. Only when I felt lonely. We had hardly spoken since the incident, and I missed him terribly. I did not notice the person I bumped into.

"Ooh, I'm sorry, I did not see where I was going," I apologized to the pale skinned man.

"Are you Guinevere? Guinevere of Camelot?" he asked, if not a little rudely. I was a little taken aback.

"Yes, that is me," I answered. "Why?" He pulled out a roll of Parchment, and handed to me, the stiff roll did not want to open, and I had to pry it so I could read it.

"You have been summoned by your Uncle, King Michael. He wishes to see you within the week," He continued, even though I was able to read the letter for myself.

"This is a little unexpected. Why now?"

"Have you had your 22nd summer?" he asked.

"Yes, I am 22, what of it?"

"Then I must ask you to accompany me to Camelide tonight, by orders of the King." He barked. I frowned.

"How long will I be away for?"

"The king merely wants to see you again. It has been 4 years since he saw you last," he rose his head, and I saw his face. He was wearing a black eye on his face and I could tell I was leaving tonight whether I wanted too or not. I sighed.

"Fine, but-"

"You have 4 hours to get your affairs in order, and then we leave at sun down. You must wear this," he threw a bag at me, "And be prepared to leave; we have a long ride ahead of us. I will meet you at the stables," And then he disappeared into the crowd.

I looked around; nobody seemed to notice our confrontation. I walked over to my house, opening the door. It was cold, and I sat down by my table and inspected my Uncle's letter.

My Dearest Guinevere,

It has been too long since I saw you last. I fear that we have grown distant and I hope that you shall forgive my impoliteness.

I regret to hear of the death of your father, I was deeply saddened to hear of your situation and I hope you will accept my deepest condolences, and I pray to the Gods that you are well.

I wish to see you soon, so we can catch up, I hope to see you well and healthy and hopefully with my messenger Matthew.

Yours Sincerely

King Michael of Camelide

I could barely believe what I was reading. I had not heard from my Uncle in four years. But he had certainly heard of me. I could not believe he wanted to see me this badly. I opened the bag he had given me, a red gown with intricate purple beading around the waist. I closed the bag with distaste. And began writing my own letter:

Dear Merlin,

My Uncle has summoned me to visit him; I should not be gone for long. A week at the most. Tell Amelia that I said goodbye, and will be back. Look after my house and make sure that nobody breaks in etc.

See you soon.

Gwen

X

When I had finished composing the letter, I moved onto pack some things. Morgana's old nightgown, Arthur's ring and some other bits and pieces. Before finally halting enough so that I had to get changed into my fancy Dress. It was strange how it felt, how it fit me so right. It was exactly my size and seemed to have been made especially for me. I suppose it was expected, the King's niece had to be well groomed. I moved to the mirror, and inspected the fine work of the seamstresses in Camelide. It made my breasts look good for sure.

I replaced Arthur's ring with my Lavender dress. Taking the makeshift necklace with Arthur's ring and tied it around my neck. It rested gently on my collarbone. I breathed a sigh of irritatation; this was what I could never be. What I could never wish to be either. It would be heart breaking for Arthur to see me look so royal, when that is what we wanted me to be. It had gotten darker outside, and was nearly sundown. I pulled on the shiny purple cloak that came with the dress and bought my bag and the letter with me as I walked towards Gaius' chambers.

There were titters in the courtyard, as the royal figure walked across the stones and into the castle. Wondering who the mysterious woman could be. The Wind was billowing my cloak backwards and the hood guarding my identity was putting up a fight with the elements. I hurried myself, knowing that this Matthew fellow was not keen on lateness. Knocking feverishly when I reached Gaius' chambers.

"Come in," a voice said. I took a deep breath and stepped inside.

"Gaius? I hope I am not disturbing you?" I asked poking my head round the door. He smiled.

"Of Course not Gwen, please come in." I stepped inside, feeling my dress trail behind me.

"I just came to let you know that, I have been summoned by my Uncle to visit him. I shouldn't be gone for too long, maybe a week. I have a letter for Merlin too." I handed him the parchment. He smiled at me.

"I see. Ok then Gwen, have a safe journey and I will see you soon." He kissed me on the cheek softly and I smiled at him.

"I shall see you soon," I curtseyed then departed. It was sun down; I knew I was in trouble. I approached the stables, and saw Matthew again.

"You're Late," he snarled, gesturing me to a Brown Stallion.

"I apologize. I had some loosed ends to tie up. Now how long will we be riding for?" He helped me up onto the horse as I swung my leg over onto the other side.

"If we ride for a couple of hours tonight, then begin riding tomorrow morning, then we could be there in two evening's time," he relayed. I nodded, as he swung onto a white horse of his own. I secured my bags onto the saddle and we set off down the path and away from Camelot.

2 days later Arthur POV

"Honestly, Merlin you would have thought that you could handle a rabbit," I snarled at him. He rolled his eyes.

"I could handle the Rabbit, just not its teeth. They are sharp things you know," He defended himself

"Well we both need to see Gaius, I think I caught something in my arm on the way back," I played up the scratch I had received. Merlin seemed to know this, seen as he didn't respond in a concerned manner.

"I'm sure you'll be fine," He yawned, we had been hunting for four days and we exhausted. I would have to be woken up tomorrow and continue my work on the castle. I just wanted to sleep. But this wound may get infected. The darkness was appealing to me, and I walked in a daze, following Merlin.

"Sire," I hadn't noticed we had Entered Gaius' Chambers, and he was looking at the scratch on my arm. I sighed.

"Yes,"

"It's just a scratch nothing to worry about. Take this and put it on the wound for a few days in the morning."

"Thank you Gaius," I Yawned

"Oh, and before I forget. Merlin, you have a letter from Gwen," I was instantly alert.

"She has gone away for a few days. And she asked me to give you this," Gaius handed Merlin a letter. I read it over his shoulder.

"Who's Amelia?" I asked, why would she want to say goodbye to her?

"You," Merlin Breathed. I laughed in surprise. She was thinking of me. Oh well, if she had been summoned by her Uncle then what more could she do. And anyway, she would be back in a few days, and then I could see my love once again.

**********

But the days turned into weeks, the weeks turned into Months, and eventually the Months turned into Years. Many had wondered where the lowly handmaiden had ridden off to. Arthur Privately viewed the courtyard each day, in some hope of seeing a lavender dress amongst the crowd, but he never did. If only Arthur Pendragon knew of what was going on with his beloved, would he have been so keen to see her again...