Disclaimer: I don't own anything except the plot, all characters belong to BBC Merlin.
Summary: Arthur, Camelot's newly crowned King definitely needs a Queen, but what is he to do with so many women throwing themselves at him? ArthurxGwen :3 (Here, Arthur is a lousy King..well for now :D)
CAN'T WAIT FOR SEASON 3!!!! Kyah~
Pairing: Arwen (I'm loving it)
PAPERBACK MODEL
Chapter 1 = Destined to be A Royal Prat
Guinevere's POV
I am ever so grateful to my dear auntie Claire, she took me in after my father's execution. She comforted me during those depressing days that made my eyes shrivel from tears. After seeing my father's head cut off, I felt as if my wings were too. She mended them back and soon I was able to truly smile and freely laugh. I promised myself I would never cry again. I had to be strong, not only for my aunt and father, but also for myself.
My aunt owns a small flower shop; I simply love helping her out. The smell of flowers mixed with morning dew is simply refreshing! I hummed a delightful tune while arranging the freshly cut flowers into an attractive display that seemed to attract many customers during spring.
Night soon approached, I began watering the slightly wilted flowers that were neglected today. I felt sad because I tend to see myself in them, I sighed as I quickly vanquished the thought. I need to hurry, soon it would be closing time.
I dusted a few shelves until a hooded stranger entered. I heard armor bustling outside the store. A cold sweat trickled down my neck as I held my breathe. Who was this stranger? An assassin? I shuddered as I watched him approach. I managed to mutter a "May I help you?" between my quivering and chapped lips.
"Guinevere." The hooded man said bluntly. My eyes shot up I unconsciously asked "Who are you!? Why do you know my name?" as I backed away slowly ready to run. "I am Arthur Pendragon, I'm sure you are quite aware of my status here in Camelot." He said as he unveiled his face under the crackling candles that illuminated the whole room.
My eyes widened in shock, the King here? I automatically bowed and said "Good evening sire. May I ask what you came here for?". "Ah yes about that." Arthur said as he presented a letter, "You are to come to the banquet tomorrow night at sunset, I will personally get you so be ready." He added as he finally gave me the invitation.
I was dumbfounded for a few seconds, why in the world would the King personally deliver a letter to me? I pondered for a bit then mentally slapped myself. I replied "My Lord, are you lacking servant girls?" with false concern in my voice.
Arthur froze for a moment, and laughed out loud, "Heavens no, your coming as my partner for the banquet!" He said with fervor still amused at my previous statement which made my eyebrow twitch in irritation, but after processing his words fully I almost choked, was what he said true or was the King secretly a jester?
I was about to giggle nervously until I saw the look on his face was dead serious. "Sire, I humbly apologize, I cannot go my aunt is feeble and old, she needs me to tend to her needs, I cannot leave her side. Please choose another." I pleaded while bowing for the second time.
"That simply cannot do dear Guinevere, it must be you." Arthur said while holding my hand, I looked at him and for the first time I thought he was charming, well that was until he opened his royal arrogant mouth. "If you do not comply I will have this flower shop demolished and build a stable on its remains, would you like that?" he grinned triumphantly and after seeing my "still" hesitant expression he added, "..or maybe I could just throw you and your aunt to the dungeons and…"
"That's enough!" I yelled sick of being threatened, he looked at me surprised at my sudden outburst, "My Lord" I added to show, no… emphasize our difference. "So does that mean you'll come and do exactly as I say?" Arthur smiled smugly while preparing to leave. "Yes sire." I answered roughly. "Good, see you tomorrow my lady." He almost exited, but then turned around and came back.
"My Lord?" I asked, now what does he want!? "Ah before I leave I would like to buy your biggest bouquet." He said while slapping on the table a pouch full of gold coins. I curtsied, but after turning around I rolled my eyes to the side while softly sighing and muttered "Well at least he bought something".
I slowly made my way out of the shop's stockroom while cradling one of the most expensive flower arrangements available between my arms. I extended my hands as a gesture for him to take it, but then he roughly pushed it back against my chest that made me huff in surprise. "It's yours." He said cheekily with a smile and quickly popped his hood back on and strode outside.
Good thing he was gone in a flash or he would've seen my jaw drop. I nestled the flowers comfortably in a wooden vase filled with cool water from the well. My head fumed with anger, how dare he barge into my home and threaten me, oh wait he was the King after all, but if it was normal villagers I would've scowled at him or her for their rudeness, but seeing the flowers he bought me made me unknowingly smile for some reason.
Next day:
It was about noon and still I paced around in my bedroom, I can't believe I agreed to this! I have nothing to wear, not only that, my escort is the bloody King himself! I may as well offer myself to be in the stocks right now; after all I'll be humiliating myself in the banquet tonight! I was about to rummage my wardrobe when someone loudly knocked on my door.
"Who is it?" I asked while putting away the clothes I littered on the floor earlier. "Hmm… no answer." I mentally said while opening the door to see for myself. I gaped at how two of the King's royal guards were standing in front of me.
"Lady Gwen, please come with us." One of the royal guards said while holding on to my door. "I-I thought the banquet starts at sunset its only noon." I said embarrassed at the sudden visit. "I'm sorry but this was the King's direct orders." The two guards slightly bowed apologizing at how they might've disturbed her. "I guess I have no choice do I?" I said while getting ready to go. "Please use this hood." The taller guard handed me a scarlet cloak. I merely nodded and obliged, I tried to cover my face as much as I could.
We arrived at the palace and I was escorted to a room, I was surprised to find two handmaids who both bowed gracefully. "Lady Gwen please come with us you need to get ready." One hand maid said as she pushed me deeper in the room. I felt a bit uncomfortable, I'm not used to someone else dressing me, but sighed in relief at least my wardrobe problem was solved, I guess he wasn't as stupid as he seems.
The two handmaids finally finished and gestured I turn around and see myself in a fully body mirror. I did and my eyes bulged, That's me? It can't be! The girl in front of me looked exquisite. The lavender gown flowed gracefully in all directions while hugging my curves perfectly. My hair was left to drape on my exposed shoulders, but lovely gold and ruby jewelry made my mud colored hair shine like the brightest star. I tilted my head slightly trying to get used to the heavy necklace which hung lazily around my neck. I looked out the window, noticing the clouds turning a shade of deep orange it was sunset, I sucked a lot of air in, "This is it." I thought.
I was about to take a seat, trying to feel my legs again, until Arthur busted through the doors already wearing his beloved crown. He beamed arrogantly as if he was prince charming to the rescue and said "Told you at sunset I'll pick you up myself." I merely smiled at his statement. He offered me his arm and I entwined mine gracefully, trying to get in to the act, but I couldn't help but feel the urge to roughly push him down the stairs.
We were standing in front of the main entrance to the banquet hall, eyes visibly scanned me up and down. I tried not to glare at anyone especially since they were all nobles. My head snapped and my eyes widen in shock as I heard what the Royal Court announcer shouted. "Our beloved King and his fiancé has arrived!"
To be continued~~~~
R&R
I wuv BBC Merlin xD