Note: as GuardianIzz correctly pointed out, this is not an arwen fic and revolves around Gwen as the main character. It is also set in series one before there was any arwen-ness so love isn't really in the air in this story. Apologies to anyone who was hoping for fluffiness.
Having said that, never say never – I might be able to slip some kind of shippyness in there somehow
Gwen makes sure to stay out of the way as much as she can during the feast. She keeps a cautious eye out for her compatriots from Camelot but their attention is taken by Fraomar and other Sorestanian nobles who wish to know more of the visitors although every so often, Gwen can feel the questioning eyes of Merlin on her.
She has always found Merlin's gaze to be more unsettling than anybody else's. His eyes are so plaintive in their open honesty and compassion that she feels an emotion she long ago learnt to bury. She feels shame at what and who she is now. It did not matter when there was no-one around who knew her but here, under the eyes of the person who was once her best friend and the prince of the place she once called home, Gwen can barely face herself let alone them.
The clear grey eyes of Fraomar had seen the close attention that Arthur paid his courtesan when she was introduced them and he continues to see the way his eyes follow her throughout the feast. He is older than Camelot's prince and his handsome dark looks never leave him short of female company but he has never allowed them to interfere with his life. They are always for his convenience – never the other way round – and this holds true for his latest companion.
Nevertheless, there is something intense and somehow personal about the way the blond prince watches Lyneth that sends a flash of jealousy through him although a part of him also coldly recognises it as his competitive streak getting the better of him.
It would not be the first time if he were to offer a courtesan's professional services to his guests if they expressed an interest in her. He decides that this occasion will be no different and he swallows his irrational feelings. Besides, he is always careful to dispense with his mistresses as soon as any inconvenient emotions rear their heads. It seems that now is the time to think of replacing the one who attends him at present.
"Tell me, Arthur," Fraomar leans discreetly towards the prince. "I see that Lyneth has caught your eye. You find her agreeable?"
The unexpected question startles Arthur and his blue eyes widen and he is at a loss as to what to say. "Erm, I suppose so…" he is vague, not wishing to offend his host but neither does he want to give the wrong impression although he suspects he already has since Fraomar gives him a knowing look and the enigmatic smile of someone aware of another's secret. It has been frustrating for Arthur who has been wanting to speak to her but she has studiously avoided him and Merlin all night.
Arthur feels an odd sensation as if he is being scrutinised by the Sorestanian whose face reveals little expression before it relaxes and he surveys their surroundings with a more open smile. "Good, good." Fraomar gestures at the gathering at large. "Come, let me introduce you to some more of our guests."
"At last!" grimaces Arthur when finally, the feast is over. It is late and he is returning to his rooms. He notices that Merlin is tired as well and uncharacteristically takes sympathy on his friend. "Go to bed, Merlin. I'll be fine from here."
"Are you sure?" Merlin cannot hide his surprise.
"Of course I'm sure. I think I can manage to get to bed all by myself – I'm not completely helpless, y'know." Arthur rolls his eyes. Sometimes he suspects that Merlin treats him like a child.
"Alright then." Merlin doesn't need telling twice. "Good night, sire." Unable to believe his good fortune, the darker man trots briskly away to the bed that has been prepared for him in the servants quarters. Before he goes though, he turns round and regards Arthur a little sadly. "It's a pity we weren't able to speak to her tonight."
The prince purses his lips and involuntarily nods his head in agreement. "Goodnight, Merlin."
Arthur stifles a yawn as he continues on his way. Opening the door of his chambers, he walks in and carefully closes it behind him. Candles have been lit in readiness for him and the fire stoked up so the room is at a comfortable temperature. The bed looks inviting – it is a four poster and the drapes around the bed have already been drawn, presumably to keep any warmth in. He undresses as he makes his way over, placing his discarded clothing on a cushioned seat on which Merlin had earlier laid out the pair of light, loose trousers which he wears at night. Quickly pulling them on, Arthur pulls back one of the drapes and climbs tiredly into bed.
"Yaarghhh!" Arthur leaps back out when he realises he is not alone. He tugs back the rest of the drapes to reveal the form of Guinevere in his bed. She is posed seductively – the blankets arranged over her body to reveal smooth shoulders and arms as well as a tantalising hint of bosom.
She has been waiting here in Arthur's bed for what she estimates has been roughly an hour. She was startled when one of Fraomar's bodyguards had approached her earlier that evening and with a subtlety that belied his large, muscular frame, ushered her quickly from the main hall and told her what his master had commanded her to do.
Gwen has never been so scared and nervous in her life, not even when she was banished from Camelot nor when confronted by her first ever 'customer'. At those times, she always knew she would find a way to survive because she is nothing if not a survivor. This, though, is different. Her first instinct had been to run as fast and as far as her feet would carry her but she quickly realised that it was an unrealistic option – she would be caught before she even got past her quarters let alone past the main gates. Thus, she was duly escorted (more like coerced) to Prince Arthur's room and instructed to make herself appealing in anticipation of his return.
His reaction is not that which she is used to from the men who meet her. She immediately pulls the covers up to her chin as she feels embarrassment fire her cheeks.
"Sorry, my lord. I thought this was what you wanted." Gwen cannot meet the blue eyes which still occasionally haunt her dreams and she is now stuck as to how she can extricate herself from this situation without further shame. She starts to inch her way back from him whilst hanging on tightly to the uppermost cover.
Arthur recovers himself enough to reach out across the bed to stop her progress.
"Guinevere. Gwen." Arthur's voice sounds soft even to his own ears. He can hardly believe that she is here in front of him after so long. He sees him shake her head faintly as if denying the name that has come from his lips. Slowly and cautiously he steps round to stand next to where she is awkwardly perched at the edge of the mattress.
"My name is Lyneth, sire." Her voice is faint, almost a whisper. Her face is turned away from him.
Arthur shakes his head. He cannot let her go now, especially not when he has just found her and in these circumstances. He carefully places fingertips beneath her chin and tilts her head up so their eyes meet.
"No. You are Guinevere Leodegrance and I have wronged you." He takes a deep breath. "My father and Camelot have wronged you."
Sorry for the incredibly long delay in update, circumstances haven't really allowed for fic-ing so to anyone who is still interested in this story, thanks for following it!
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