My thanks to Arya Tindomiel, Tuggy08 and Anonymous for reviewing and giving me feedback that was really great and useful. Chapter 2 guys. So read, review and enjoy.
"I think it's important that we really test just how effective this product will be before we put it out on the market. Sure, it'll cost a little more money for every day that we delay, but I'm positive that the consumers will buy them once they see that each and every one of their needs have been catered to perfection based on the design and the function of the new smart cooker. I've distributed the plans regarding the estimated time we need before we're ready, so if you'd please turn to page 5…"
Arthur flipped to said page with one lazy flick as Morgana started to answer the board's questions regarding the extended time period, blocking out the protests over the cost the company would have to bear. Bureaucratic bastards. He was glad it was Morgana who was given the task of fending off accusations of inadequate work from the R&D department; if it were him he'd call them all 'sorry asses who have nothing better to do other than yap their donkey ears' off'. And he didn't think that comment would go down well with the directors and governors, especially Uther.
Despite the bombardment of questions, Morgana kept her cool, talking in a calm voice as she assured everyone that the extension would be worth the wait, the perfect image of tranquility and professionalism. Inside however, Arthur knew she was seething inwardly, clamping down on the urge to just smack everyone into oblivion and be done with it. He admired that about her, the way she'd do what was right, and as she had said before to him, damn the consequences. God he loved her.
Arthur choked as he caught his thought, waving off a concerned Gwen who was dutifully taking notes down for him. He flicked his eyes to steal a glance at Morgana; still calming frazzled nerves. He stared at her smooth hands, and her long endless legs that were ensconced in the embrace of a pair of Jimmy Choo heels. He wondered absentmindedly what it would feel like to run his fingers over that soft expanse of skin, before mentally slapping and berating himself for his less than platonic thoughts about the woman he claimed was his sister.
Having said that, he still couldn't help himself from admiring the way her green eyes narrowed in frustration as a strand of ebony hair softly tickled a side of her cheek. He could see the passionate fire that was just so Morgana starting to build in the cool green of her eyes –she always insisted that it was called granite green- and couldn't help but love her even more for it.
He groaned, there he was again. What was it with him? She was his sister for goodness sake! Granted they weren't related by blood, but by God, he had known her since she was 3, when a scared little Morgana came to the sprawling mansion he and his father lived in. He still remembered her arrival, a tiny little person wrapped in warm woolen clothes to stand against the harsh winter of London in the December of 1990, standing unsurely at the majestic gates of the mansion, hiding behind the long black skirts of her guardian and aunt, who left her in the care of Uther, the closest friend Morgana's father, Gorlois had in life. He remembered the pitiful little sniffles she gave as his father, in a rare show of emotion and tenderness, gently explained that she was to live here now, and that her daddy wasn't coming back anymore.
A hurried tug on his sleeve by Gwen signaled that the meeting's focus had now shifted to him, and Arthur cleared his throat before striding confidently to the front of the meeting room where his hand brushed against Morgana who was collecting her loose sheaf of papers. A thrill of something passed through his entire body, and he saw her shiver slightly too, before turning and smiling tentatively at him, mouthing a 'good luck' and taking her seat once more next to Merlin, who by some sheer luck managed to nod off to sleep without attracting the attention of Uther's hawk-like eyes. He plugged in his pen drive, started his presentation and firmly began his speech.
"As Executive Director, I've reviewed all the notes Ms. Le Fay has presented me with, as well as various demonstrations from Mr. Emrys throughout the entire process. I agree that…" And so the board meeting went on, until Uther, who had been sitting pensively at the head of the oval table all the while without uttering a single word, finally dismissed the meeting.
Uther Pendragon cut an impressive figure in his solemn black suit and Morgana could clearly see where Arthur got his strong bone structure and high nose, though his blue eyes must've been from his mother. She had never met Igraine Pendragon before; the poor woman had died in childbirth, leaving a squalling baby in the care of her heartbroken husband who vowed to cherish his only child.
Uther stood and stared at everyone in the room in the eyes, sharp eyes narrowed before he spoke. "We will reconvene at a later date. I will review everything and a decision will be made by the end of this week." A small smile broke out, and everyone let out a sigh at the good sign. "Well done everyone, we just might be able to beat Cendred's company sales this time." With a curt nod he left the meeting room and a flurry of relieved chatter rose as people started to leave for their offices.
Morgana left the room after a brief conversation with Merlin regarding the new changes they had to test out, eager to get back to her research. But she was stopped by Uther who had been waiting at the door for her. Motioning for a young man with dark hair and eyes to step forward, Uther smiled fatherly at Morgana. "Lance, this is my surrogate daughter, Morgana Le Fay and head of the R&D Department, where you'll be placed. Morgana, Lance du Lac. He'll be under your supervision as a new engineer and he comes highly recommended. I'm sure you'll both get along well." Patting her on her shoulders, Uther left an amused Lance and a flustered Morgana to get acquainted.
She turned to take a proper look at the new stranger in her department. Dark brown hair framed a chiseled face and smoldering chocolate eyes peeped out from under highly arched eyebrows. His muscular frame was hugged by a silk black shirt tucked messily into his trousers. All in all, Lance du Lac was a delicious manly man and Morgana was sure that many a girl working at Camelot would love to call him theirs. Extending a manicured hand to grip his in a firm grip, she smiled and welcomed him before catching hold of Merlin who had just exited the meeting room and introduced them as well. Too bad he wasn't her type.
Arthur and Gwen walked out hand in hand, chatting about going to the Sword in the Stone pub with Morgana, Merlin and Freya later when he stopped short at the sight of Morgana laughing flirtingly with a dark haired man with Merlin in tow. Gwen stared at him quizzically before following his line of sight. "Arthur? What's wrong?" She didn't see anything out of the ordinary, just some new guy talking and laughing with Morgana and Merlin. She took a closer look and blushed when the stranger looked up and smiled charmingly at her. A very good looking new guy. Horrified, she whipped around to avoid looking at the man, flushing at her betraying thoughts. God what am I thinking? I love Arthur! I don't even know that guy and here I am all flustered. Oh Lord, please don't let Arthur know what I'm thinking!
Arthur was, fortunately, oblivious to Gwen's strangely bright red cheeks, so preoccupied was he with fuming at how this stranger so casually took Morgana's delicate hand in his and dropped a gallant kiss onto it, resulting in mock swooning and a loud whoop of laughter from both Morgana and Merlin. Gwen forgotten, he stormed his way over and placed a possessive hand on Morgana's waist, before brusquely cutting into the conversation. Sticking his hand out, he glared at the man. "Arthur Pendragon, Executive Director of Camelot Ltd. And just who might you be?"
The fiery woman by his side narrowed her eyes in frustration before shrugging of his arm. Stepping in between the two –God, she was probably drowning in testosterone!- she placed a hand on Arthur's chest to placate him. "Arthur, this is Lance du Lac, the new engineer in our department. Lance, Arthur's my best friend and Uther's son." Tapping Arthur lightly, she motioned for Merlin to follow her, no doubt to the labs. "Play nice boys. Try not to kill each other. Stepping into the elevator with her amused friend, she blew a kiss towards them as the doors started to shut. "See you at the bar later Lance, Arthur."
Arthur was not amused. He crossed his arms, sizing up the man before him. Lance grinned in understanding and raised his hands in surrender, "Hey, listen, I didn't know she was taken. No hard feelings man." Offering his hand out, he smiled. "Let's start over. Hi, I'm Lance du Lac and I have absolutely no interest in getting with Morgana, wonderful goddess that she is." Arthur didn't believe him, but shook his hand anyway, making sure to squeeze a little harder. Was that bone he heard cracking? Certainly wasn't his. "I'm Arthur, and no," he glared, "Morgana and I are not together. She's my surrogate sister and best friend, that's all."
Lance smirked, "A little hard to believe, but I'll take it." He nodded at Gwen who had been standing behind Arthur throughout the exchange, "And I expect she's your other sister?"
Arthur started, he had honestly forgotten about Gwen. Taking her hand, he pulled her to stand by him. "Right, Gwen, this is Lance du Lac; he'll be working with Morgana and Merlin. Gwen is my personal assistant and my girlfriend." She blushed as Lance held her hand gently and smiled at her, God why was he making blush so?
He couldn't believe the blonde's luck, he had the most wonderful women in his life and Lance couldn't even get one. But Gwen was so different. Morgana was beautiful in a perfect, goddess-like way, but Gwen, she was just so simple and unassuming and yet he could see the passion behind the kind smile that must have attracted Arthur in the first place. Kissing her hand, he grinned at her fierce blush and Arthur's glare. "It certainly is my pleasure to meet such an angel, Ms. Gwen. Arthur sure is lucky to have you as his girlfriend."
Oh Arthur was mad. First Morgana, now Gwen? Pulling Gwen back, he interrupted the eye sex the two were apparently having right now. "And if you'll excuse us Lance, we're busy and frankly," he said pointedly, "so are you. I'm sure Merlin will need your help as a guinea pig or something." Dismissing him with a vague wave, he towed Gwen along with him to his office. "Go along now. Buh-bye."
Closing his office door behind him, Arthur turned to look at his usually devoted girlfriend, who was however, currently starry eyed and a little slacked jaw over her encounter with the dark Lance. Rolling his eyes, he retreated behind his desk, starting to go over his paperwork, letting Gwen stand there, still stunned and flustered. He shrugged, she'll come out of it soon. Someday. Maybe.
As Arthur immersed himself in the various documents that required his perusal and signature, Gwen just stood there and sighed dreamily, forgetting that Arthur who was right now sitting in front of her, busy with paperwork. She forgot she had a job to do, and she forgot she had a boyfriend, the imprint of Lance smirking deep in her mind and tingling all her senses. God he was delicious.
And honestly, had Gwen known what thoughts were running through Arthur's busy mind right now, well, she certainly would be chagrined. I wonder when Gwen will stop staring into space like a demented cow. I don't think she knows that she's actually drooling. Oh well.
And work at Camelot Ltd continued on as always.