LADIES AT TEA by Marista
Summary: The road from serving girl to Queen is not as simple as getting a crown.
A/N: This was the 2nd Merlin story I started writing. Every time I had a new idea I bumped it, until it was forgotten. Roughly 6 stories later I discovered it in my drive and decided to finish and publish it. It takes place after my story "The day after". I suggest you read that one first if you want more background about where Arthur and Gwen's relationship stands at the start of this story. Don't worry, "The day after" is a quick one shot story.
Now that season IV has aired this story has now become alternate universe so please don't flame me. I hope you enjoy it.
Chapter 1 – The Eavesdropper
Arthur just walked out of yet another council meeting. It had only been three days since they returned to Camelot and it felt like a years. Although he had sat in most of the meetings with his father, he could only now appreciate just how hard the job was. Instead of being the observer with suggestions, now everything rested on his shoulders. He also noticed that his perspective and judgments were receiving more challenges from the council members than his father's ever did.
Gaius had proved to be a powerful ally, and trusted advisor. He was able to show Arthur what was really going on - many of the council members were testing him. How easy or how shrewd he would be as a leader and how much could they get away with. He took comfort that this time of proving himself would be over eventually. Either when the council members finally realized they could not manipulate him, or hopefully when his father completely recovered.
He needed to read the documents in his hand in peace. If he went back to his chambers, or the throne room, more than likely he would be interrupted. Morgana's brief reign did so much damage that it would be months before things returned to something like normal.
There was a column ahead with an oddly placed window so he would have enough light to read. He could duck behind it and sit and read through everything without anyone noticing. Then he would be well prepared when he met with Lord William later today about his counter proposal.
He sat on the floor and settled into the document. For the most part the sounds of footfalls and light chatter in the hallway were easy to ignore. But something cut through his concentration like a knife 'Gwen!'– 'was that Guinevere's name?' he thought to himself. His document forgotten, he cocked his head and gave the conversation in the hallway his full attention.
He could tell there were three women, definitely nobles. He could not distinguish their voices, and it was probably for the best. It was just a jumble of muted voices.
"Have you seen her? I'm still not sure which one she is. Every time a serving girl walks by I'm trying to figure out if it's her."
"She worked as Morgana's personal maid."
"Yes, that was as helpful as telling me her name. As if I ever noticed anyone's scruffy maid. I barely remember what my own maid looks like."
The women stopped for a moment as a girl walked by carrying a bundle of sheets.
"Howabout that one?"
"No, that wouldn't be her. She's not doing servants work anymore."
"Personally I think it's a good idea."
"Really?" "You can't be serious?" her friends responded with horrified voices.
"Sure. She can wash the prince's clothes and things herself. You know, save the royal court the funds of hiring a servant." Her friends just giggled in response.
"No, I think it will still cost money. They will need to remodel Arthur's chambers to include a washing room."
"Yes, but she can make that money back by taking in washing from other kingdoms."
"And they can put a mini forge in his chambers well."
"A forge?" asked one of the women.
"Yes. She was daughter to the blacksmith that was killed a few years ago. She can start making horseshoes for all the horses in the kingdom."
"Well, her brother is the new blacksmith. But he was knighted, so I'm not sure if he's still the blacksmith too."
"Noble blood just doesn't stand for anything anymore."
"Well, I'm more concerned about our kingdom. Arthur and his common-blood 'servant-wife' will make Camelot the laughing stock of all the kingdoms."
"No. I think Arthur will be fine in all of this. He has so many heroic deeds under his belt; it will just look like he's attracted to low class women."
"Well, I heard that this Gwen… she was on trial for witchcraft just a few months ago."
"Yes, I remember that. Some old sorcerer confessed, took her place and almost lit the entire courtyard on fire."
"Yes, but did you know they charged her with bewitching the prince to fall in love with her?"
"Do you really think that's what happened?"
"Who knows? All I know is that Lady Drew knows who she is. Says she's just a little slip of a girl. Very short, very small and of average looks. She could see no reason he would chose her over a princess of another land or over any of our noble daughters."
"Really, I heard she was beautiful."
"Either way, I guess if you dress her up properly…"
"Listen, you can put a pig in a fine dress, but it's still just a pig. Just you wait until the first banquet or event. Put that servant in a nice dress, but she's still going to look and act like a servant."
"Well, they'll have to have a talk with her seamstress. Have a maid's apron sewn onto all the royal dresses." Arthur heard more little giggles.
"Didn't you know? She is a seamstress!"
"Then she can do it herself. Wait, it's just another way to save our tax money – the royalty can now sew their own clothes too." They all chuckled again, Arthur rolled his eyes.
"He's going to get tired of her, you'll see. Especially once Arthur sees that the people will not support her. The people need a future Queen they can look up to and admire. And that role cannot be filled by some common servant."
"Yes, you're right."
"She'd better hope that Arthur lives a long life. Because the second he dies, she's going right back to her hovel in the lower town."
"Oh please, they'll run her out of Camelot first, I'm sure."
"Yes" the others agreed.
Arthur could hear the footfalls as someone walked up to the group "My lady, the afternoon tea you requested is now ready."
"It's about time. We have become parched waiting."
"Yes, my Lady."
"Come on ladies, let's continue this conversation over tea." They were still laughing and chuckling as they continued down the hall.
Arthur was furious. It was for the best that he didn't know who they were; otherwise he might have had them strung up on the gallows in the morning. But at least he knew what some of the nobles were really saying. To his face, they all had only kind words.
Guinevere was so much more than a servant, and he knew she would make a fine princess and eventually become the greatest Queen ever. He could not be around her all the time to protect her. He had barely seen her in the past few days because of all the work he had. He knew she was strong and brave and could hold her own, but why not give her every advantage?
He didn't think the common man would be an issue, but the nobles… they had to respect her! Not because he said so, but because they could see her value for themselves. He grimaced as he pondered their cruel words. He would rise from the grave before Guinevere was ever cast out of Camelot.
Arthur already had so many issues he was worrying about, but this situation jumped to the top of his list. He quickly finished reading the document and set out to find Merlin. There was much to do. The main question was, who could he trust?
A/N: You're comments and constructive criticism are always welcome. I'd love to hear from you. The next chapter will be posted in a few days when I'm done editing. Thanks.
