The Last Priestess III: CHAPTER THREE
She knew him. And, she didn't just know him in passing as a simple acquaintance. The way she looked at him- it made him feel as though she knew his deepest secrets, but that was impossible. Those were the things that he could not say to anyone. Still, somehow she knew it all. Her eyes held whatever closeness they shared in them. But what reason would he have to tell anyone, her especially, those secrets that were meant to be guarded? Merlin couldn't help but recall the two days before when she had insisted on meeting him. He watched as she whispered into Leon's ear, and seeing the way that the Knight reacted to whatever she said. Their friendship was still a mystery to many, but Merlin most of all. She made him laugh whenever they were together, and he was a happier and more mellow a person with her. Whatever she'd said to him, he had agreed to. A short time after Merlin stopped watching them, Leon caught up to the quiet sorcerer.
"Merlin, I need a favor." Leon asked, coming to a halt.
"Sure. Anything." Merlin agreed, unwilling to deny anyone whatever they needed.
"The Princess would like to meet you." Both Leon and Merlin gave the same bemused look to one another, but Leon said it was important to her, so Merlin agreed.
She was never on her own these days, thanks to a crazed lunatic who had followed her through time. Merlin was still stuck on that part of the story. How the hell… Honestly, it didn't matter how it all worked. Arthur and the Knights protected her, and that was what mattered. He waited until Leon said it was alright to say hello to the Princess. She had been alone in Arthur's study. She turned around completely when he entered, the light of the sun shining through the stained-glass onto her face. She truly was striking in her beauty.
"Hello Emrys." She smiled.
Merlin closed the door immediately, ready to confront her if he needed to. She had called him Emrys. There were few people who knew his true name, and he did not tell just any one who asked. He moved as close as he could, as close as she would allow.
"How do you know my name?"
"You mean how do I know your true druid name?" She questioned in return. "You told me."
Again Merlin looked confounded. "Why? Why would I tell you my name?"
"Do you think it improbable that we should be friends?" Anabelle was enjoying their conversation.
He could tell she enjoyed talking to him. He had to admit, that he enjoyed questioning her back. He was the only one within the castle walls who did not know much about her still, and had to make more of an effort. This morning as he watched her, he found her as fascinating as the others did. She was a constant mystery. She was in Arthur's private study again. The King allowed her to enter whether he was present or not, so the only surprise as Merlin entered was the way the Princess stood, admiring the trident he, Gwaine, and Arthur had acquired years ago from the Fisher King. Her eyes were full of wonder as if she knew where it had come from. That was a distinct possibility. He didn't speak until she turned around.
"Emrys." She greeted him, seeing him recoil at her knowledge of his name.
He was desperate to know how she knew him. What relationship did they have?
"Would you like me to go?" She inquired, but Merlin shook his head.
He wanted her to stay, if just to talk to her for a short time. "I see you found Arthur's trident. It was his task, in order to prove his worth as a King."
Anabelle let her eyes widen. She knew what that meant. She'd received a quest of sorts to prove that she was worthy to become Queen as well. And if the trident had been Arthur's quest, it would mean it was really… She whipped her head around to look at it again.
"That means… Are you saying that this is the trident belonged to…" It was impossible to fathom that it was real.
"It belonged to the Fisher King." Merlin confirmed, seeing the Princess flinch.
"He's real?" She questioned. "He isn't myth?"
"He was real."
"So his lands…His waste land…"
"Also real." He spoke to her. "But I think they are called the Perilous lands."
"Do you think Arthur would be willing to go back there?" Anabelle asked hopefully.
Merlin shrugged. "Hard to say with the King. But he seems to give you what you want." He didn't mean to insult her. He thought it was good that Arthur had a woman to dote upon again. "I have to think that with a murderous fiancé after you, it is going to wait a bit."
"Perhaps you're right." She agreed.
The two continued to talk until Merlin finished straightening up the room. They walked together up a few staircases before Anabelle stopped. Her future friend had a good point earlier. Her homicidal fiancé was still on the loose, and he needed to be dealt with. She had a plan, but knew Arthur would not agree to it. However, she knew someone who might be more willing.
"Emrys, would you do me a favor?"
He agreed without hesitation.
"Would you see if the King and his Knights are still in council? If they are finished, would you inform Sir Gwaine that I'd like to speak with him as soon as he is ready. She went straight to her room as soon as Merlin agreed to her request, and left her side.
Gwaine arrived a few minutes later, knocking and entering Anabelle's room. She was in the middle of continuing to write a letter.
"My lady, I was told you have a need to see me." He said.
The Princess looked up from the desk she occupied, setting down her pen. "Yes." She said. She waited until he entered further before standing to approach him.
"I want to talk to you about Trystan." She told him, and he looked hesitant. "I cannot ask this of the King, and Leon is so concerned that I dare not bring this up with him yet either."
"What is it Princess?"
"We know that he is dangerous. You and Arthur know some of the things that he can do. He is deadly, and I am worried about what he might do or what he may attempt to do to me if he traps me in my nightmares again. He's already hurt me physically."
Gwaine stiffened. He hadn't been aware of the fact that Trystan had harmed her. She'd only told Leon.
"What would you ask of me? I will do anything to keep him from bringing more harm to you in any way."
After he said that, he saw the familiar 'I'm going to ask you to do something dangerous and stupid.' look, and shook his head slightly.
"I've run from Trystan too much. I won't do it again. I can't keep living with this feeling of weakness."
""What are you asking me to do?"
"I want you to teach me to fight. I may need to defend myself."
"No Anabelle." He had refused. "It is against the rules."
"Whose rules? Your rules?" She had smiled when he used her name instead of using her titles. It meant that they were becoming friends.
"Yes. My rules." He stated. "And Arthur's. You know how he would react to my agreement."
"Gwaine, please. " She asked, placing a hand over his. "I am tired of not being able to separate dream from reality."
She was touching him, and looking at him with those royal blue eyes of hers. He was going to agree, and it was amazing that she could bring him to succumb so easily. He wondered how Arthur and Leon put up with it.
"Okay Anabelle." He released her hand from his and stood. "You will meet me at the gates tomorrow morning, ready to train."
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The following morning the sun had not yet touched the horizon when Anabelle woke, dressed in her own clothes, and some what prepared for what might come when she saw Gwaine waiting on her. He looked her up and down, concentrating on her attire. He smiled, telling her that they were going on a short hike. They would be training away from the castle. If the King or other Knights saw that Gwaine agreed to put a weapon in her hand, they'd both be in trouble. They made their way to a small area between a circle of trees before Gwaine pulled out his own sword, and tossed another to Anabelle. She dropped it, unprepared for its weight or severity.
"Don't be afraid of your weapon Anabelle. It could end up being the only security that stands between you and danger. You cannot be afraid to use it. You must have the courage to defend your life or the lives of others. It is not something to take lightly Princess." He used her title with condescension, knowing it would cause her to react.
"Don't call me that Knight." She bent down to retrieve the sword, surprised that even before she was fully upright again, Gwaine came at her with his own sword.
Anabelle lifted the heavy weaponry, finding her balance with a step back as she moved against his unfair advance. Once she was used to the sword and the force of Gwaine's attack, she struck at him.
"I am not going to be a defenseless Princess."
"Prove it." He taunted her, taking a step back as she swung back at him.
Soon the two were really sparring, fighting as if this were a proper battle. A few times Gwaine had to duck in order to dodge the surprisingly brutal attacks Anabelle made. She was clearly on a mission to know how to keep Trystan from hurting her. She was a quick study, but he could make her better; he could make her untouchable. The Knight could sense when she was growing tired of their lesson an hour and a half later. She had unintentionally lost her focus and fallen to the ground more than a few times.
"We are done for the day." He said, finally relenting.
The two were talking and laughing together as they slowly walked back toward the gates. Gwaine was entertaining to Anabelle. All of the other Knights, including Mordred, were a bit more unyielding. He tucked both swords away.
"Next time, we will work on your hesitation. When you hesitate, you die, or you get injured." Gwaine continued his instruction as they reached the base of the stairs.
Anabelle gave a subtle smile. "You're saying that we can do this again?"
He nodded with less reluctance. The truth was that he didn't really have much choice in this matter. He wasn't going to watch her die at the hands of a madman because he had said no, and refused to strengthen her defenses.
"You are not to say a word about this to Leon or Arthur. It is our secret." He made her swear. "They would both have my head or worse if they found that I put a weapon in your hands."
"You have my word Gwaine." She lifted on to her toes and kissed his cheek, feeling his hand briefly at her back. "Thank you." She said. Before walking away, making her way up the stairs with him right behind her.
Anabelle still couldn't sleep through the night. She had closed her eyes for about an hour or so, but she wasn't sure that such a short time counted as sleeping. Mordred was at her bedside, keeping guard again when she woke. She flipped onto her side, seeing that he too was wide awake. He, Leon, and Percival had taken to trading off through the nights to watch the Princess. While one slept, the others stayed to stand guard.
"How long have you been here? Anabelle questioned the man she currently stood in crush with.
"I just traded off with Gwaine." He answered. "He is outside of your door, still refusing to sleep too."
She knew that Mordred couldn't understand what she and Gwaine, and even Arthur had experienced, so he couldn't comprehend their reasons for choosing to stay awake for as long as possible. Anabelle sat up, propping herself up on her pillows. By accident, she let the shirt she wore fall from her right shoulder, exposing the birthmark she had on her back. Although small, the pattern within the mark was elaborate. Morded saw it, leaning closer, giving an unexpected gasp. He stopped her as she made an attempt to cover the mark.
"That is interesting." Mordred surprised her by saying.
"It's a birthmark I was born with."
"It isn't a birthmark." He moved closer, sitting on her bed, shifting her over a foot or so in order to get a closer look at her shoulder blade. "It is a symbol. Do you know what it means?"
"I was not aware that it meant anything at all."
He trailed a single finger over the intricate lines, closely marveling at the patterns. "Would you like to know what it means?"
Anabelle turned her upper body around, her face close to his again.
"What I do know is that it is a druid symbol. If you were born with it, that would mean you are druid born. Mordred seemed fascinated that she might be druid.
"Yes." She answered plainly, unintentionally touching her hand to his. "I know that I am druid born. The only thing I don't know is what the mark means."
Mordred smiled at her. "I have to show you something." He lifted his hand away from hers, rolling up the sleeve of his tunic, showing the Princess the same pattern he bore on his forearm. He had been smiling, but when her eyes met his again, he was contemplative.
"If you are druid born," he started, "does that mean you also possess magic?" He guessed. "You have mentioned Trystan's magic. Is he druid born?"
Anabelle stopped his questioning. She could see that he had many, and she was willing to answer them all.
"Trystan is not a druid. His dark magic is a mystery, even to Emrys. My magic does not stand up to Trystan's. It is different."
Mordred looked happy and relieved. "You do have magic. In what way is it different?"
Anabelle fully turned around to him as his arm wrapped around her shoulders. She relaxed into him.
"I make it so that people cannot lie. I am basically a very effective human truth serum. It has its advantages and disadvantages." She was drawing her fingers over the mark on his forearm, the same way he had over hers. "Do you think I was meant to be found by you the first time we met?"
"I don't know." He ran the tip of his finger across her neck. "I wish I knew the answer to your question. It is one of my questions as well." Whatever sort of doubts harbored by the two of them were disappearing much faster the more they talked. Anabelle was willing to share more, and Mordred could see that she was more than Arthur's friend and more than a mere Princess.
His hand moved the palm of his hand to her shoulder, bringing her even closer now. He had regretted not kissing Anabelle until this point. He had wanted to many times, but hesitated because she was always surrounded by Knights, and because he knew little about her, aside from being a member of royalty. He also wanted the first time that he kissed her to mean more. Anabelle could see no indecision in him any longer. He leaned in towards her, finally touching his mouth to hers. He was gentle for a moment, only until she reciprocated. When she did, his kiss deepened, his free hand placed at her lower back. When Morded reluctantly broke their kiss, he kept his hands in place, holding her close, his forehead rested to hers.
"I hate to think that I will lose you again." He whispered. "I just found you again, and you will…"
"Let's not talk about that right now." Anabelle suggested. She really didn't want to think of leaving. She didn't want to face the idea of losing him either. "It's kind of a ridiculously romantic theory, but perhaps on some level my attraction to you and yours for me has been destined for much longer than we realize. I wonder how long Emrys knew my fate to be here in Camelot. He has kept secrets of the past and future before."
"I cannot say that I disagree. It is a romantic theory, but no less possible. Emrys has obviously become wiser and more powerful with time. I would not put it past him to know such things."
Anabelle nodded, curling herself up to her Knight. "Romance and hypotheses aside, I would like to find answers." She closed her eyes again.
She fell asleep against Mordred's chest, feeling a sense of safety and comfort again, but her sleep was not uninterrupted. Morgana visited again, and she was not alone. The Queen stood at her side, not looking happy to be standing with Anabelle.
"I thought you two should meet." Morgana said, stepping to the side. "Anabelle, this is Guinevere."
Anabelle smiled, regardless of Guinevere's demeanor. "I was hoping to meet you this time." She greeted.
Morgana excused herself temporarily, disappearing back into a smoky void.
"I'm not sure how much Morgana has told you about me, but where I come from, your name is as synonymous as Arthur's and Camelot."
Guinevere finally met Anabelle's gaze at the sound of the King's name. "Just what is your relationship to him?"
"Arthur?" The Princess asked. "Our friendship goes back years. When my father would visit, he would always bring me. Our fathers forced us to spend time together. I found the Prince to be spoiled, arrogant, and far too indulged by those around him. He thought the same of me. We eventually found a strong friendship, and now he protects me while I keep him grounded."
"But you have been gone for so long."
Anabelle nodded. "Yes. I have had to tend to personal and political turmoil in my own time. Unfortunately, wars do not disappear or become less violent with time."
"So, your friendship holds no attraction?"
Anabelle smirked. "There is someone else that I have feelings for. A Knight." She confessed. "The King is good looking. There is no denying that." She saw the Queen give an agreeable shrug. "Arthur and I have been friends far too long. I could not consider being attracted to him."
"That is good to know."
Anabelle crossed her arms. "I know how you feel about me." She made a point to mention.
Guinevere's demeanor became more indistinct. "You think so? Do you really think that you are so clever that you can know so much in such a short time?"
"One does not always need words to understand animosity, jealousy, and suspicion."
Gwen sat down, the smugness of her own title still on her face. "Morgana was right." She said. "You are intuitive and smart. Tell me what else you think you know."
Anabelle ignored the blatant condescension from the Queen's words and tone. "I have known the King since we were children. I love him, and I wonder how much you could've loved him if you were willing to leave. I didn't leave willingly, but you did."
"You're questioning my love for him?" Gwen asked. "Because of the Pendragon men, I lost my father, my brother, and a true love that was strong."
"I assume that true strong love was Lancelot." Anabelle guessed. "Did you ever love Arthur that much?"
"We started out with love." The Queen admitted, unable to be less than honest. "But after some time, and getting to see him less and less, I felt that a marriage with so much distance was not worth much. The life of a Queen is not all it is made out to be."
"Tell me about it." Anabelle understood that all too well.
"Morgana says that you are in line for your own throne." Gwen commented. "I would not be so quick to learn how to rule by watching the Pendragon men. I thank goodness for Morgana. She helped me to see the truth through magic because I did not trust her any other way. Once the magic was taken, I realized that I felt the same. You have Morgana's trust, and she has yours. Can you not see how Arthur twists her with his games? He would see her killed or driven mad for his own selfishness. Do you not love Morgana as you once did?"
"Of course I love Morgana." Anabelle said, listening to what Guinevere had to say. This was the beauty of her gift. "But I love Arthur as well. While my love for Morgana stands, my loyalties are to Camelot and the men who protect it."
Guinevere nodded. "So be it."
"You are playing a dangerous game."
The Queen stood. Anabelle could not say anything more. Morgana had arrived to separate the two. "Morning is near. We must be going."
Guinevere turned to Anabelle once more. "I was reluctant to see this side of things, as I can see you are now. I was once loyal to Camelot. You should begin to see things in the right light soon enough."
Anabelle felt the woman eluding to a plan. She only smiled, making a mental note to figure out what the hell the comment meant and how to avoid what might come from any plan Guinevere and Morgana concocted.
"It was a pleasure meeting you Guinevere. I do hope to speak again." Anabelle offered, watching the other two women disappear before she woke to the sunlight streaming into her room.
Anabelle felt sick when she woke the following morning. She knew that the Queen did not like the young Princess invading her territory and positively influencing the people as the King also tended to do. Anabelle also know that the Queen and Morgana were up to something more. There were reasons behind everything that was said, and Anabelle was smart enough to see through the facade. She met Gwaine earlier because neither had been interested in more sleep than was necessary, training for only a short time before Anabelle had to meet Arthur.
She was getting better. She was getting stronger. Gwaine was far more impressed with her level of proficiency with a sword than any of the new Knights that trained. She was light on her feet and could swiftly move. He hated to admit it, but the Princess was in better shape than most of the Knights together.
"Where did you learn to move and shield yourself like this?" He asked as they'd tirelessly worked together.
"Fencing." Anabelle surprised the man with her response. "It was a required activity when I was in school. I guess it's sort of the same concept."
The pair talked on and on as they exercised. They still talked when Gwaine ended their early morning session.
"We're finished." He said, taking her sword. "You're training and skill is improved."
"Improved?" Anabelle put her hands to her hips, trying to sound insulted She knew that she had impressed her friend.
Gwaine gave a smile as he faced her. "I won't say it Anabelle." He refused her. "You'll only get a bigger ego."
She gave a loud laugh. "You want to talk egos? Wow."
He put his hands up in surrender. "Alright. You are a reasonably quick study, and your expertise is higher than most Knights within the castle. Happy?"
Anabelle smiled smugly. "Thank you." She did her best to sound appreciative, but Gwaine knew her better. He gave a look of mock annoyance, taking her arm to escort her back.
"Do me a favor when you get a chance." He said. "Try attacking one of the other Knights. I want you to practice even when we are away from here."
"I thought you said that they aren't to find out."
"Not Leon. Don't go after him." Gwaine pondered the idea for a moment. "Go for Percival or Mordred. I will sort of warn them to be on guard."
"Won't that defeat the purpose if they know I'm coming?"
"They won't know you are the threat. I said I would sort of warn them."
The two had matching grins as they returned to the castle gates again.
Annabelle was changed and prepared to meet Arthur for breakfast fifteen minutes later. She was supposed to wait in her room for Mordred to escort her down to her friend, and she had given serious consideration to staying put. She considered the options of waiting for her Knight, or not. If she could make it down to the hidden alcove a few yards down the corridor, she could take Gwaine's advice and practice her attack. The latter sounded more fun. Quickly and quietly, she grabbed the dagger Gwaine had instructed her to keep on her at all times, and moved out of her room and further down the hall. She knew he would come through this way. It was his pattern to take this route each day after he finished training. She had seen over time that his route did not often change. She had him. He wouldn't expect her attack. She hid in the shadows of the walls and a deep niche in the castle wall, hearing his steps coming down the way. She held close to the dagger in her hand. While she would never actually hurt Mordred, Gwaine wanted her to practice an unprepared attack. He was so close now. His footsteps were getting louder. As soon as he was in position, passing by, she leapt out at him. To her surprise, she hadn't surprised him as much as she had anticipated. Out of nowhere, as soon as her hand came close to grabbing his shoulder, fingers wrapped her wrist, with another hand on her waist. She went flying over him, landing on the ground underneath him. Her back was to the floor, and he had her pinned. Looking down at her, there was something strangely different in his eyes.
"Good try." Mordred said, laughing. He wasn't laughing at her or her attempt, but at the look of defeat and astonishment on her face. "Are you alright? Are you hurt?"
His laugh was nice. It was sort of musical in a singing way. Anabelle didn't hear trumpets or angels, but she liked his laugh.
"Are you going to tell me what I did wrong? I did everything Gwaine told me to." She said.
"Your first mistake was listening to Gwaine." He nearly laughed again.
"He is under the impression that I am a quick study." She said, helped to stand by her druid Knight. "What do you think?"
The pair started walking down to Arthur's chambers as they spoke. "I think Gwaine has a good point, but I also think that you should inform the King of your intentions to keep letting Gwaine train you."
"I intend on telling the King when he is no longer losing sleep and when he is not so worried that I might die at any second."
"We are all worried about that Anabelle." Mordred voiced with a low whisper.
"All of you?" She questioned, curious to know how much he would reveal.
Mordred stopped walking, grasping her waist once again. "All of us." He whispered still.
He kissed her again, pulling her closer as he did, and it made them both happy. There was something strange in the way he looked back at her this time. She could see it in his eyes. He was questioning her without saying a word. Unfortunately, Anabelle never had a talent for mind-reading, so she had to ask.
"What question are you considering asking me?"
Mordred blinked a few times, startled by the way she could see right through any façade. He took a step back. "I wasn't going to ask anything yet."
Anabelle gave an unrelenting stare, pushing him into revealing more to her. He wasn't lying to her, but the truth was he wasn't being as straight-forward as he could be.
"I was only considering the idea of telling the King my feelings for his friend. Then I was contemplating what your opinion might be.
Anabelle didn't say anything in response, but took his hand with hers, continuing to make her way to Arthur's chambers.
"He must be stopped. He must be caught soon." Arthur insisted. He held no hesitation or amount of surrender in his statement. He, Gwaine, Leon, and the other Knights had been in private conversation for the last hour.
Arthur and Anabelle had not been given too many opportunities to spend long amounts of time together, but Leon had taken each chance he had been offered, to speak to the young Princess. Like Anabelle, he had a special talent for digging out information from others without prying so much that it made them uncomfortable. Anabelle had given him pages of information on Trystan, but not enough yet to find the murderous man
"He has been doing this to her for the past year, possibly longer." Leon growled. He actually growled as the words escaped him. He is slowly dismantling her and everything she has become. It isn't just her Kingdom at risk Arthur."
Arthur nodded in agreement. He kept his body facing a nearby window so that others could not gauge or diminish his growing rage. "Why would she allow him to do that to her for so long? Why didn't she run from him sooner?"
"Because he was watching." The men all spun around to the doorway to see Anabelle standing quietly beside Mordred.
"I know that you are all in private conversation," she started to apologize, but none of the three would allow it.
Gwaine stood, and Anabelle smiled over to him. She moved towards Leon as he beckoned her closer to him. He wanted so badly to protect her from everything still.
"He was always watching." Anabelle continued. "If I had run in my time, it would've been easy for him to find me. Literally the whole world knows who I am. I was sent here to you because those around me assumed he could not, or would not be able to follow."
"We cannot fight against his magic with our weapons." Mordred claimed. "He will take this fight to his end. If we sleep, he can attack us, but without rest, we are unfocused and at a disadvantage."
"I've been at the mercy of his magic." Gwaine commented, looking back to Anabelle. "I understand the deep-rooted fear that sets inside of every part of you." He then turned to Arthur and his brothers. "This man gets into your head. His magic climbs into your thoughts, and dreams. I don't know that he cannot get to us even while we are awake. He manipulates and uses everything in your mind until you can't tell one truth from a lie. Once he has turned you inside out, he uses it to terrorize you."
Anabelle could see the man ready to start shaking. She knew that same feeling of being brought to your knees with fear at its most unrestrained points. She let go of Leon, and walked to where Gwaine stood, taking his hands with hers. Her eyes were kind. They brought the strong Knight back to her reality.
Arthur nodded in complete agreement, watching Anabelle work her charm on his friend, feeling a chill shake down his spine as he recalled the visions and nightmares he had seen. He'd experienced the same warped and twisted visions that Trystan caused.
"There must be a way around his magic." The King spoke, putting a hand to Anabelle's shoulder while she leaned against Gwaine. "How do I fight him Anabelle?" Arthur asked, hoping she had some simple hidden secrets or answers that had not been revealed. "How do we defeat him?"
Anabelle shifted away from Gwaine, keeping his hand with hers. "Mordred is right. He will take this fight to the end. He wants me, and is unwilling to stop until he has me at his mercy. He is capable of darkness at its worst." She felt Leon put a hand to her other shoulder, but she turned back to Gwaine. She knew that he too knew the fear she knew. "I don't believe he can attack while we are awake. He has never had a talent for that, but I will not say that for certain. His magic is stronger here, and the best advice I have is let him come to us. Make it impossible for him to stay away, and catch him off guard.
"Make him come here?" Percival questioned her logic. "If he steps foot here, he will capture you. We are trying to avoid losing you Princess."
Anabelle gave a look of mock skepticism. "Use me." She said. "He wants me, and I am the sole reason he is here. He will come for me."
She knew her plan would cause trouble and more arguments, especially with Arthur. She half-regretted her idea as she watched the King excuse his council for the time being. He insisted Anabelle stay, so that they could speak about this in private. Anabelle knew that meant he was going to argue and reprimand her for such a reckless and irresponsible consideration. She would hear the same lecture from Leon later.
She watched as Mordred gave her a supportive glance before closing the door behind him.
"I know what you're going to say Arthur." Anabelle stayed a good foot and a half out of reach. "I'm not saying that the idea isn't a tad dangerous and irresponsible, but can you truly deny the logic in it?" She asked. "The truth of the matter is, Trystan came here for one thing."
Arthur spun around to her, both anger and reason swimming in his expressive eyes.
"He wants you. But I do not see how offering you up as bait is going to achieve the goal of capture."
Anabelle sat down, leaning back into the chair she occupied. "I am never without at least two on guard Knights. If and when Trystan does enter the city, he will try to take me, but we will be ready."
"I don't like this plan Anabelle." Arthur disagreed still, but the Princess was not ready to relent.
"Have you got any other ideas? I'm open to suggestions as much as you are my King."
Arthur gave a long and loud exhale. "Come here." He stretched out his arms to her, pulling her close as soon as she stood close. He held her tight, embracing her as he had done long ago. "I will not allow him to hurt you again. You are not his to play with. He is willing to go to his death to have you, but so am I Anabelle."
Anabelle hugged her friend tighter. She hated to think of Arthur losing his life in the coming battle that history spoke of, but to change history, and lose Arthur to the madness and desperation within Trystan was not an option.
Arthur and Anabelle enjoyed the rest of the morning together. This time together was not something the pair could experience every day, so when they did have the opportunity to talk, they did so about any and everything. This morning they spoke about Anabelle and her family. She told Arthur first about her father's illness, and the little time he had left. She could not hold back her tears, thinking about the possibility of not seeing her family again, or that her father might not live long enough to see her return.
Arthur had once known Anabelle better than anyone else in her life. One thing that had not changed was her ability to change subjects every few minutes. It was a clear indication that her attention was on something that she either wanted to keep hidden, or wanted to bring up subtly.
"Is everything alright Anabelle?" He questioned her from where he sat. "You look as though you have something specific on your mind."
Anabelle was always happy and willing to go on talking about any subject Arthur chose, her attention remained on Mordred's idea to speak with Arthur. Her feelings for the young Knight had neither lessened nor disappeared in the time they had been apart. She started by thinking about the way he held her, and the way his fingertips touched to her skin. And then like always, she couldn't ignore the actuality of him killing her best-friend. That part would never sit well with the Princess. Mordred would kill the King, and the King would kill Mordred. There was nothing she could do to change that. She would lose them both soon, but until that point came, she did not want to continue hiding her feelings.
"Arthur, there is something I should come clean about." Anabelle said, holding the King's full attention. "Before I arrived here to Camelot this time, I was here another time shortly before. It was partly a dream, which makes me think that Trystan had something to do with it." She waited, watching for any reaction from her friend. "I was hurt when I woke under the sun, and I was bound to a tree somewhere in the forest area." Anabelle lowered her head, thinking back. "I was found by a man who for all intents and purposes saved my life. He untied me, got me to safety, and made sure I was not further harmed."
Arthur put a hand to his chin, allowing everything Anabelle told him, sink in, but the Princess had to go on.
"The thing is Arthur, when I arrived here this time, I came face to face with the same man who saved me. He is one of your Knights."
Arthur looked up now, expecting a name from her.
"Mordred." She confirmed. "It was Mordred.
The pair were surprised when the once closed door was thrown open, Percival rushing to Arthur's side, whispering something to him. There was no warning or acknowledgment to Arthur's abrupt exit. He was out the door, rushing to whatever emergency had occurred. Anabelle looked expectantly over to Percival before they both followed behind the King.
"Morderd." The Knight spoke, gaining Anabelle's full attention. "He has fallen unexpectedly and irretrievably ill."
The young Princess was then moving much quicker with her friend, demanding more answers-answers that no one had to give.
"There is little I can say Princess. I'm going on as much information as you and the King."
"What happened?" Anabelle insisted on knowing.
"He passed out in the armory with two other Knights. He has a fever, and …"
"It could be Trystan." She worried. "Gwaine was contemplating whether or not Trystan can pull us into sleeping visions during the day."
"That was my first thought, but Leon and I can't determine any way that Trystan would be behind this." Percival tried to calm the fearful Princess.
"But you cannot be sure." Anabelle was still panicking.
Percival pulled her to a stop. His hand rested on her shoulder, quieting the disruption and emotional upheaval ready to burst. He saw every part of what Anabelle felt for Mordred in her eyes. After watching the Princess interact with the Knights, and the King, it was clear that one Knight in particular held Anabelle's heart completely. It was difficult to say if she had fallen in love with Mordred yet, but Percival thought it nice that the two had found each other.