A/N: I own nothing of Merlin. Give the credit to BBC. Aurora is my own made up character along with her extended family.
An Tales de Aurora Alden
It had been three weeks since I came to Ibelle; I was having a fabulous time with my siblings. Our grandmother had us sit down and have a family portrait done. My father had taken up challenge of training me in swordsmanship which I was now understanding everything Arthur had taught me. Today I was Cassie my sketch book when she found the many drawings of Arthur. Astra was still hesitating around me, but she wasn't being rude toward me which was better.
"Who is this guy and why do you have so many drawings of him?" she questioned.
"That's one of my friends in Camelot, Prince Arthur Pendragon of Camelot," I replied.
"He's very handsome," she said.
"I tend to agree, but he's too self-centered."
She flipped the page and found a picture of Merlin.
"Who is he?"
"That would be Merlin, my adoptive brother and Arthur's servant."
She continued through the sketch book until she reached the end.
"There are a lot of drawings of Arthur. You're really good like mama."
"Thank you Cassie."
She flipped back to a drawing of Arthur.
"That one is one of favorite of the Prince."
"Who?" asked father coming in from the meeting he and mother had with grandmother and grandfather.
"Prince Arthur Pendragon," I replied.
My father came over and took a look along with mother.
"He's handsome. He looks like more like his mother than Uther," commented Mother.
"He looks cocky like Uther," said father.
"Father's right. He's arrogant most of the time, but he's a good friend."
"Why do I have this feeling I should be worried," stated Father.
"I don't know. Why would you need to be? I mean I don't have any feelings besides friendship toward Arthur," I replied.
"Right…" He said going to sit down. "I'll be damned if I'll let that Boy anywhere near you. He's been raised by Uther and that's enough for me to be worried."
"He is just a friend and employer for my adoptive brother Merlin.
If it was possibly for my father to produce fire from his eye Arthur's pictures would be ashes.
"I don't like it. I don't like you being there in that kingdom anymore."
"No one likes Aurora being in Camelot, but she has family there and Ibelle needs her to get the deals down with Uther. I need to speak to our daughter about some matters of magic," said mama.
I let Cassie continue to look through my sketch book while I followed mama out of the apartment we walked to her personal garden before she spoke again.
"You shouldn't lie to your father. He's only trying to protect you from Uther," she stated.
"What?" I said shocked.
"Do not play dumb with me Aurora. You harbor feelings for Arthur," she said.
I sighed in defeat.
"I do harbor feelings for him, but he's arrogant and I have a hard time seeing past it. Then there are the things his father did. It's so complicated."
"Aurora love is one of the most complicated things in the world. I didn't understand it when I started falling for your father. Sometimes I still wonder how I love him. Have you tried telling Arthur about your feeling?"
"I tried too, but I found out that he only sees us as friends and I let it go. Then there is the whole destiny thing that the dragon told me about. I'm so confused."
"Dragon? Kilgharrah is still alive?" she questioned.
"Yes. He lives under Camelot chained there by Uther," I replied.
"What is your destiny?"
"I'm supposed to be Arthur's queen and help bring magic back to Camelot, but I can't see it happening."
"Kilgharrah doesn't lie about destinies. It will happen have faith."
"Surely Uther would never want me as a daughter in law because of my relationships. If he found out about my magic, he would never allow me to be queen. I came here to think."
I looked at my mother hoping that she would have an answer.
"There is only one thing you can do and that is talk to Arthur. Tell him how you're feeling. You will never know if you don't try."
"But…"
"You must speak with Arthur and go from there."
I knew she was right and I would have to push aside my fears and talk to Arthur.
XXX
I looked over to the tree where Aurora would normally be sitting under if she was here, but she wasn't. I found myself missing her company and seeing her drawing Camelot. When I slept she dominated my dreams and I couldn't understand why.
It had taken affected on my moods as much so that my father had noticed and commented on the fact that I cared for Aurora more than I let on. I even started watching for her return. Today, however, Morgana hit the nail of the head.
"You have feelings for Aurora, don't you?" she asked walking into my chambers.
"As a good friend, yes," I replied.
"That's not what I meant. You care about her even possible love her. I have seen you on the walls watching for her return. You just don't want to admit to it," she stated.
"I don't have those feelings for her. She just my friend, besides nothing can ever happen between us. She would never to be accepted by the court or my father."
"I see the way you two look around each other. You both like the other more than a friend. You get jealous when one of your knights looks at her or even one of the noble men of the court. Just admit that you love her."
I started to think about it. The way I got jealous when my men would stare at her, how much I missed now that she was gone, and how much I enjoyed her company while riding. Maybe Morgana was right and I did love her, but it would never work with what my father did to her family.
"Promise me Arthur that whatever happens between you and Aurora that you'll still be her friend. I've heard the rumors about her family and you me, Merlin, Gwen Gaius maybe her only friends in Camelot. I know her hurts, she may never let it show, but we know it does."
"I promise to always be her friend no matter what."
"Thank you. Please talk to her when she returns."
"I will, don't worry Morgana."
She nodded and left. I knew the rumors bugged Aurora and I knew most of the nobility didn't trust her. That's why she hadn't taking over Johnathan's job yet. She was scared that the council would laugh her out of Camelot. I knew I would have to talk to her when she returned from Ibelle, but no one knew exactly when that would be.
XXX
I had left a note for Arthur to meet in a nearby meadow that we both liked. I was going to tell him how I felt about him and I was terrified. He could feel the same way about me or it could make it an awkward situation between us.
I heard a horse approach and turned to see Arthur dismounting his horse.
"I can't believe you came out here alone. Anything could have happened," he said coming toward.
"I need to tell you something," I said.
"Go ahead."
"I love you."
He looked at me and started to chuckle.
"I'm sorry what did you say?"
"I love you."
He full out laughed this time. I felt like an idiot I let my tears fell and bolted from him…
I shot up from bed, panting. How was I supposed to do this when I having horrid dreams of him laughing at me? I lay back down and closed my eyes to sleep.
XXX
We had finally gotten a letter from Aurora saying that she would be back in a week from the time we received the letter. Unfortunately, I wouldn't be in Camelot because I would be on a four day patrol. So I would have to wait to talk her.
We could tell she was eager to come back and that she enjoyed Ibelle. She was bringing gifts and things back for everyone. She was glad to meet her birth mother and that she would also miss her family.
XXX
It was the day I had to leave and return to my duties in Camelot. I didn't want to leave my family; knowing that I wouldn't be back for some time. I stood in front of the carriage saying goodbyes to my family.
"Now remember to write often," said mother.
"I will. I wish you would come for a visit someday," I replied.
"Rora, you know I can't. Maybe if your destiny pans out I can, but Uther won't allow it," she said.
I saw the look on my father's face confused as to what she was talking about before turning his attention to me.
"Continue your sword lesson with the Prince. I don't want to hear that you have taken up with him," he said.
"James, stop it!" scolded mother.
"Fine," He said relenting for once.
He pressed a kiss to my forehead.
"We love you and we are only a letter away."
I turned to face my younger siblings. Robert had said goodbyes at the table seeing that he had to leave for a patrol of the new trade road between Camelot and Ibelle. We hugged having said our goodbyes on the way. I got into the carriage and waved until I couldn't see them anymore. I had sorted things or was going to. Three days until I was back in Camelot and faced Arthur.
XXX
I had returned to Camelot to find the Estate repairs finished and Arthur on patrol. I had a day to plan out what I was going say to Arthur when we talked. I got up the courage to speak to Morgana after I settled in about my crush on Arthur. At first it was a mistake.
"Why are you laughing? I need advice from someone?" I said staring at her.
"I already had my suspicions that you loved Arthur, but I never thought you would come out and admit them to anyone," she replied.
"I need to admit them Arthur and you're not helping?"
"Arthur is going to be back probably after breakfast and before Lunch and he'll want to talk to you anyways. Just get the cook to make picnic lunch and have him meet you out in a meadow. You have nothing to worry about."
"What if he laughs me out of Camelot?"
"He isn't going to laugh you out of Camelot. If it'll make you feel better, I think he returns those feeling, not that he would ever admit them to me."
"How do you know that?"
"I've seen how you two act around each other. When you first got here you two hated each other and now you tow argue like a married couple. The only reason you two buttheads is because you are just as stubborn as the other. Plus anyone can tell you two are made for each other."
"Great the whole kingdom knows I love their Prince."
"Not that many actually, you do only associate with a handful of people Aurora. Hardly anyone sees you from the lower town."
"I suppose so."
"We'll have to fix that last bit if you do become the prince of Camelot's sweetheart."
I sighed knowing that I would have to start meeting people and helping the community. If my destiny came true the people of Camelot would need to know me and know that I was no their side. More lesson's for me.
XXX
On the first Saturday since my return, I was awoken by horses riding and looked out my window to see Arthur had finally returned from the patrol. Today I would tell him my feeling and pray to god that he wouldn't make me look like a fool. I quickly got dressed, did my hair, and ate breakfast before going down to the kitchen and having the picnic basket made, put the note in his chambers, and meet Arthur in the stables.
I stopped by the throne room and made sure Arthur was still talking with the court. Morgana and Johnathan, and Gaius were going to extend the meeting as long as they could without Uther noticing so I could get things in order.
I made my way to Arthur's chambers where Merlin was doing chores. I had out of sheer boredom, had kept Arthur's chambers dust free and opened the windows. Gwen and Morgana found endearing that I had done it as well as the fresh flowers I had sat on the dining table yesterday.
"If you're looking for Arthur he's in a meeting," said Merlin.
"I know brother, I need him to find this when he comes back from said meeting," I told him handing him the note.
"What is it?"
"You'll found out at a later date. I need to go."
I left the note in Merlin's hands and headed back down to the throne room where I heard Johnathan grilling Arthur about the patrol. I peeked in and have Johnathan the sign that everything was set.
"Aurora would like to see the report," said Johnathan.
"Of course I'll be sure to let her see it," replied Arthur.
I quickly left and headed back to the kitchen to see if the picnic basket was ready.
"Lady Aurora, I was just wondering if you would like muffins?" asked the cook.
"I love muffins actually," I replied.
"Good I'll just wrap these up and then your basket is ready."
"Thank you."
I waited patiently for the cook to get done with the basket.
"You are welcomed," said the cook handing me the basket.
I head out toward the stable passing by the throne room one more to find Arthur still chatting with Uther. I headed out to the stables and got my horse saddle and begun the wait.
XXX
I walked into my room after I gave my report to my father. Merlin was finishing filling my bath which I needed. I glanced over my paperwork when I found the note and read it.
Arthur-
Meet me down at the stables. I have a picnic lunch ready and I would like or you to join me. We need to talk as well.
Aurora.
I quickly took my bath and get dress. I headed down to meet up with Aurora. Since she left to visit her family I figured she needed to think and talk to someone other than Merlin, Gwen, Morgana, and me. I knew she was telling me something since that day at the lake.
I arrived at the stable and found her standing next to her horse Star. Her hair was pulled back in her normal braid and she wore a simple dress. Those she didn't have her back pack which normally held her stretch book.
"I see you decided to come," she said with a smile.
"I did. How was your visit?" I replied waiting for the stable boy saddle my horse.
"It was nice change of pace from Camelot. My mother helped me sort something's out. There isn't much else that wasn't in the letter."
"I see."
I help Aurora mount her horse before mounting mine. We rode out to the lake that we went to the day she decided to leave to visit her family. As I tied up the horse I watched her as she laid out the blanket, she seemed much more relaxed than she did before she left, but nervous. She sat down on the blanket and started pulling out food; I joined her as she started eating.
"In your note you said we needed to talk," I stated.
"I did," she replied. "I went to Ibelle to think about my position and I'm feelings toward someone."
I stared at her after she said that. Did she have feeling for someone?
"Who is this person?"
"Are you jealous?"
"No, why would I be jealous? I want to know who this person is to see if I know him."
"You should be jealous of yourself."
"What?"
I was shocked, relieved and happy.
"I think I love you Arthur. Don't ask me why I love you because I don't know exactly yet. I thought you should know," she explained.
"I think I love you too," I replied.
I watched her smile bigger, which made me happy to see. Aurora's smiles had been few and far between and to know that I made smile, made me happy.
"I don't want anything official yet. I still trying to sort the feelings you bring about. This is all new to me."
Her smile went away and uncertainty came in its place.
"Of course. I want you comfortable before anything is officially told to the people of our kingdoms. You're still adjusting too many things."
I lightly kissed her cheek, trying to comfort her as much as possible.
"I still have to get the people of Ibelle to like me and add Camelot on to that. It would look wrong if we suddenly started courting."
"You're right Aurora."
We finished our picnic and just spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing and chatting. She talked about her siblings, how her sister Astra didn't trust her, as well as her parents. I noticed she was leaving a far bit out about her mother. We eventually rode back to Camelot.
XXX
It's good to be back to writing this story. It's a nice distraction from all the family drama. I hope you enjoy.
