Wow. Seriously wow.

In two days this story has got nineteen alerts, six reviews and two favourites. I'm blown away by your support :) I've replied to all the signed reviews!

To the Anonymous reviewers:

Anonymous: Thank you! Extra 'yay' for being my first reviewer xD

The dishy fishy: Thank you so much! Freya is so hard to write because we only saw one episode of her and most of that was just how she was around Merlin, so I wanted to expand her character a bit. Your comments are so lovely :)

Daine: Thank you! Hopefully it won't be too complicated... we'll see!

Also guys, before I start the story, please tell me whether you want Morgana to be evil or not; there are two separate ways this story could go depending on whether she is nice and supportive or bad and manipulative... so please tell me! Thank you!

Disclaimer: Me no own Merlin.

"Merlin, stop staring!" Arthur hissed through his smile, taking a step down so he was at Lara, Gwen and Morgana's level. Smiling charmingly (Gwen blushed slightly and Morgana smirked teasingly), he bowed to Lara. As he rose he noticed her eyes were fixed above his head, looking at something with a pained expression of longing.

Arthur bit his lip; Lara hadn't noticed him at all. Morgana saw his confused expression and lifted her hand slightly, trying to help him out. Arthur shot her a greatful glance and grasped Lara's hand from where it was hanging limply at her side, going to kiss it. Before he had even ducked his head, Lara yelped in surprise, pulling her hand away and jumping back. She stared at Arthur, eyes wide in what could only be described as fear. Her chest heaved with scared breaths, her arm flying across her stomach protectively as her other hand stretched out in front of her, as though she was trying to keep Arthur away. As she took another step back, she stumbled, falling onto her back despite Gwen and Morgana's arms trying to catch her.

Lord Markus saw this; he immediately rushed past Uther to his daughter's side but was beaten there by Merlin. Markus watched as Merlin gently helped Lara sit up, pushing some of her hair out of her face with an odd expression on his face; confusion was definitely present, but there was something else. A fondness, perhaps, but stronger than that...

"My Lady, are you alright?" Arthur asked worriedly. Uther sent him a look that plainly and angrily asked what he had done, to which Arthur replied with a confused shrug.

Lara, who had been watching Merlin's every move around her with soft, curious eyes looked up at him. Her face flinched with fear for another moment, before forcefully relaxing. Merlin carefully wrapped an arm around her waist to help her up, and her gaze was once again drawn to his. Their faces inches apart, he helped her to stand, her hand pushing herself up from his chest and steadying her when she was upright. Arthur, Gwen and Morgana watched bewildered as Lara and Merlin both seemed to realise the position they were in and quickly unwrapped themselves, taking a step apart for good measure. Both blushed as they looked at the floor, Markus stepping towards his daughter with open arms.

"I'm sorry, my lady," Arthur stammered, with prompting glares from his father, utterly confused at what he'd just witnessed. "I did not mean to... startle you."

Lara finally met his gaze solidly. "It is fine, your highness," she replied, but her voice was shaky. "I am... I am just very clumsy. It was my mistake entirely." She curtsied to him, but it wasn't a Lady's curtsy, like Morgana did. It was a deep maid's curtsy, with a clear show of undervalue.

Arthur bowed hurriedly in return, but didn't dare touch her again. Morgana stepped forward, putting a hand on Lara's arm comfortingly.

"Perhaps you would like it if Gwen and I showed you to your chambers?" She offered.

Lara looked to her father who nodded his agreement then smiled cautiously at Morgana. "I would like that very much."

Morgana grinned beautifully. "Splendid! We shall help you get ready for tonight's meal!" She wrapped her arm fully around Lara, leading her up the stairs. "Come on Gwen!"

As Gwen picked up her skirts and hurried after the two Ladies, Lara turned her head so she was looking over Morgana's shoulder. Her gaze was directed straight at Merlin.

"Do you know Lady Lara?" Arthur asked as Merlin tied his deep red cloak across the prince's shoulders.

"Hmm?" Merlin looked completely absorbed in fastening Arthur's cloak. If Merlin was taking an interest in work, then he was most likely bored or ignoring the question. Arthur took it to be the second one.

"Lady Lara?" He repeated impatiently. "Do you know her?"

Merlin finally fastened the cloak, stepping back to admire his handiwork. "Lady Lara?" He turned away, going to make Arthur's bed fussily.

"Yes, Merlin, Lady Lara," he hissed.

Merlin picked up a pillow. "What about her?"

Arthur snapped. He pulled the pillow from Merlin forcefully. "Why are you avoiding the question Merlin? Do you, or do you not, know Lady Lara?"

Merlin looked down, almost guiltily. "I don't know Lady Lara." He mumbled.

Arthur raised his eyebrows. "You seemed to know her earlier,"

Merlin cheekily stared at Arthur. "Anything to help a Lady," he chirped. "Do you want to take your sword to dinner?" he asked and Arthur knew it was a hopeless case.

"Did you see the way they looked at each other?" Morgana asked Gwen, grinning devilishly at their gossiping.

Gwen smiled politely. "I don't know what you're talking about, my lady." She laughed.

"Of course you do!" Morgana giggled. "Lady Lara and Merlin. The way they stared at each other; the way he rushed to help her; how could you not notice any of that Gwen?"

Gwen paused in unhooking one of Morgana's shimmering dresses from the wardrobe. She turned her head coyly to glance at the King's ward over her shoulder. "They did seem rather close."

Morgana smiled at Gwen's admittance.

"But it doesn't seem right to talk about it, my lady," Gwen resumed her work, pulling out the dress and holding it up for Morgana to decide on.

"How so?" Morgana took the dress from her maid and went behind the screen.

"Well, the way they looked at each other," Gwen recalled. "It was... There was something more to it."

Morgana peered over the screen as Gwen moved to make her bed.

"It was almost as if..." Gwen hesitated. "Well, it was almost as if they were in love."

Stepping out from behind the screen, dressed beautifully in an emerald green dress, Morgana smiled. "You don't really think-"

A knock on the door cut her off. Both girls froze guiltily at being caught talking.

"Come in!" Morgana called, lifting her dress so she could move to sit at her dresser.

The door opened softly and Lara stepped around it. She was still wearing the magnificent purple dress from earlier, but her hair was neater.

"Hello," she said, seemingly still slightly nervous.

"Lady Lara!" Gwen smiled warmly.

"How can we help?" Morgana asked with a smile.

Lara blushed. "I, er, I don't know my way to dinner," she admitted.

"Lady Lara," Arthur greeted as Lara hesitantly sat across from him at the table. "I trust you are feeling better?"

Lara opened her mouth to respond when Merlin entered behind Arthur, followed by Gwen, carrying a metal tray with a silver lid precariously in his hands. He placed it carefully on the table, glancing up without realising who he was looking at. When he found it was Lara he turned slightly pink and gave a little smile. Lara looked down graciously, blushing too. Merlin bit his lip to keep from grinning and quickly went to help Gwen serve drinks to the rest of the dinner party. The silent exchange was noticed and carefully watched by Morgana from her place beside Lara,

Lara's eyes followed Merlin discreetly. "I am feeling much better, Your Highness." She replied.

Morgana smirked.

Uther slid into his seat at the head of the table, while Lord Markus took his place beside Arthur. Gwen and Merlin took their stand behind their respective masters; although Merlin's eyes remained on Lara the entire time. She looked up at him shyly through her lashes, a small smile playing on her lips.

After Uther had welcomed them all, Gwen and Merlin set about serving dinner. As Merlin sliced the pork for Arthur's plate, Uther turned to Markus.

"My friend," he addressed him. "I shall not lie to you; I have invited you here because I think we may have an agreeable match."

Arthur's head shot up. Morgana noticed the conversation as well and quickly asked Gwen to get her something from her room. Confused but obliging, Gwen left the room and Morgana hastily pulled Lara into a conversation.

"A match?" Markus repeated.

"Indeed." Uther confirmed.

"Er... Lara, where did you get that dress from? It is simply divine!" Morgana gushed loudly. "I am certain I had one just like it, a long time ago!"

Lara looked up from her meal confused. "Erm... Someone got it for me."

"Really?" Morgana glanced at Uther and Markus from the corner of her eye. "Who? You must simply help me find a dress like it!"

"I do not know the person who got it for me anymore," Lara told her sadly. Merlin was at that moment refilling her glass with wine. "But, they were very special to me..." Her eyes met Merlin's and he swallowed hard.

Meanwhile, Uther explained further to Markus.

"My son is eligible for the throne; he needs a wife," he hinted, spearing his pork.

Markus frowned. "Are you implying what I assume you are?"

Uther smiled. "Yes... a marriage. A marriage between Arthur and-"

"Merlin!" Arthur yelled.

Merlin had been so busy staring into Lara's eyes he had forgotten to stop filling her cup when it reached the top. The result was wine splashed across the table; namely Arthur's food.

"Ah, eh, I'm sorry sire!" Merlin picked up the plate before Arthur could throw it at him. "I'll get you a new plate!"

"Yes." Arthur told him. "You will."

Merlin glanced at Lara then hurried out. Gwen passed him on the way in; she raised an eyebrow but didn't bothering asking after he smiled sheepishly at her.

Gwen handed Morgana the scarf she had sent for, then offered her come more wine. Before she could reply, Markus picked up the bottle and placed it further along the table.

"I think we have all had enough wine," he said firmly, but cheerfully, raising his glass and winking at Gwen. She laughed and nodded.

"So Lara," Morgana intervened before Uther could begin his talk of marriage again. "You said earlier you used to serve? How, may I ask, did this come to be?"

"Well," Lara looked to her father for guidance. "When Father adopted me I was more of a slave than a servant."

"A slave?" Morgana frowned sympathetically. "A slave to whom?"

Lara looked at her. "A slave to magic."

Dun dun dun!

Thanks again!

-Esme :)