A woman and her servant entered the throne room, but Estrela knew that such a description was far from true.

"Lady Catrina, is it really you?" Uther asked, awe in his tone of voice.

Merlin, she said in his mind, what is a magical creature doing in Camelot posing as a lady of the court?

"I can hardly believe it myself," the supposed Lady Catrina replied.

Estrela, what do you mean a magical creature? That is a courtly lady and-

You are wrong, my Lord. I can sense that she is a magical creature.

"We had tidings from the North that the House of Tregor had fallen to invaders," Uther responded.

And how can you be sure she is not who she says she is?

Is my word not enough?

"All that you heard was true, my Lord, and worse," Catrina said.

"But your father, the King-"

"Gone, sire. The enemy attacked without warning. We were outnumbered five to one. He could not endure. I wouldn't have survived had it not been for my faithful servant, Jonas. But we did survive. And we have made it this far."

At that last word she looked at Estrela and stumbled as though she were about to faint.

"Forgive me, my Lord," she continued, "I fear my trials have taken their toll."

"Your sufferings are beyond imagining, my Lady. It would be an honor to help you in any way we can."

"A bed for the night would be most welcome."

"Then consider yourselves as our esteemed guests. It's the least we can do."

"Thank you," she whispered.

"Gaius!"

Estrela barged into the physician's chambers unannounced while she was supposed to be fetching a snack for the king.

"The Lady Catrina is a magical creature, I am sure of it. So is her servant."

Gaius raised his eyebrow. "Are you positive? These accusations cannot be made lightly."

"I would not jest over a matter such as this. You know that I am not wrong about this, and you know why this is so. It is not possible for me to be wrong, I can sense the familiarity between they and I."

He gave her a solemn look. "What creatures do you think they?"

She sighed. "That, I do not know. However, the Lady Catrina falsehood is shrouded by intricate enchantments. That is the only way she could be disguised so well."

"Then we must be on guard."

As she turned to leave, she remarked, "And Gaius... just as I sensed her, she sensed me. I fear what will become of that knowledge."

"You fearing something is no easy feat."

She chuckled. "We all have our own demons. For now, please, do be careful."

"And you as well."

Estrela was serving dinner that night, along with another serving girl.

"Well this is wonderful. Thank you," Catrina said.

"It is an honor. The Houses of Tregor and Pendragon have been allies for as long as anyone can remember," Uther replied.

"My father often spoke of you, my Lord."

"And I will remember him always."

"I'm sorry I never got to meet him," Arthur said.

"I'm sorry too, for the House of Tregor is no more."

"Well no, Catrina, it lives on in you."

"I only wish that were true."

"It is, my Lady. Your courage, your modesty, and you are as you always were. Ever since you were a child."

"I fear I am much changed since then, my Lord."

"Well, yes, it's true. You are far more beautiful now."

Arthur yawned quite awkwardly after his father's remark. "I'm sorry, hard day's training. If you'll excuse me."

"Of course," Catrina said.

"Arthur."

"I should retire myself." Morgana seemed desperate to leave as well.

"Morgana."

"Sire," Estrela spoke up, "Perhaps I could leave the dinner to Castrela? Surely there need not be two servants waiting on two people's meals."

Uther dismissed her and she gratefully made her swift exit.

Estrela went to speak with Gaius and accidentally interrupted Gaius.

"-she was always very gracious. Oh, Estrela! What can I do for you at this hour?"

"She is too much of a flatterer. She must want something. Riches, the throne, someone's life-"

"What on earth are you talking about?!" Merlin fiercely questioned. "She has been nothing but kind and you have claimed she is inhuman and now a murderer?! Perhaps you are the one with a spoiled heart. What, you worried she is prettier than you? As though that is an epic feat."

Estrela gasped. Her face contorted in rage. "I do not do this out of jealousy! I am concerned for the kingdom and the safety of the people in it. Why would I be jealous of her?"

Merlin raised his chin up high. "Because she is more of a woman than you will ever be."

Estrela bit her lip. "If that is how you feel, then... perhaps I am not as cherished a member of your group as I thought I was. G-goodnight."

She turned and walked quickly away, knowing that the sniffles and sobs would come soon enough.

Gaius turned to his ward. "That is no way to speak to her."

"You heard her! What she said was ridiculous!"

"I trust her judgement... And I thought you did too." Gaius sighed. "Now Merlin, I have a job for you."

"Does it ever end?"

"Give this to the Lady Catrina, with my compliments."

"What is it?"

"She'll know what it is."

"But what is it?"

Gaius raised his eyebrows.

"Okay, okay," Merlin relented.

Estrela knew that Gaius could not be bearing any good news to Uther because of the reluctant way in which he approached the king. What she did not expect, was for Gaius to outright tell Uther that Catrina was a troll. Estrela nearly laughed at the whole ordeal, were it not for the severity of what she was implied. And of course, Uther threatening his oldest living friend was indeed a cause to be frightened.

Gaius gave her a heavy look before leaving. Camelot was in trouble. Its wealth and power were coveted by many, but for a troll to actually have the gall to invade its heart and attack the king? Of course, Uther was in no condition to defend himself from a troll's greedy actions.

May the Triple Goddess save them all.

When Uther called for Gaius the next morning, Estrela could only fear the worst. When she realized a new magical pull was coming from a necklace she had never seen Uther wear before, she knew that things had taken a turn for the worst.

"You called for me, sire?" the physician said as he entered the throne room.

"Ah, Gaius." The king's voice sounded... strange. "You will be delighted to hear that none of the worries you brought to my attention have any truth to them whatsoever."

"Sire?"

"I hope, over time, you will come to see Lady Catrina as she really is."

The pendant on his necklace glowed. Not good.

"Over time?"

"I have asked Catrina to extend her stay indefinitely."

"But-"

"I consider the matter closed, and I hope you show me the courtesy of doing the same."

Gaius bowed and walked away, giving Estrela a look that meant defending Camelot just became much more difficult.

"Oh, Estrela?"

"Yes, sire?"

"You may have the rest of the day off. Catrina and I shall spend it enjoying the view of our kingdom."

Our kingdom. Warning bells were clanging in her head.

"Thank you, your highness."

She bowed and walked away, determined to do something about it. Before she could, a knight told her that the king requested all his staff to meet in the council chambers.

This bodes nothing but ill...

Everyone bowed as Uther entered with Catrina by his side. "Thank you all for coming," Uther announced. " You are n doubt wondering why I have gathered you here today. Though we live in dark times, today I bring you light and love. It gives me the greatest pleasure to inform you that the houses of Tregor and Pendragon are to be united in the closest bond of all. I am to marry Lady Catrina of Tregor."

Everyone applauded, but Estrela and many others shared looks of confusion as they did so. When she looked at Gaius, they shared a look of horror. Catrina whispered something in his ear, which made him announce that the wedding would take place the next day!

"This union heralds a new dawn for the kingdom, a new beginning, and a new queen for all here in Camelot. I could not hope to have made a better match."

Catrina's face began to shift and Estrela did not have to look to know it was Merlin's magic taking a toll on her. Estrela smirked until she saw Jonas watching Merlin chanting.

"I hope you will all share in our joy. Thank you."

Uther and Catrina left the room and as everyone else left, Estrela went to the physician's chambers to warn Merlin.

"Where are you going?" Gaius called from the chamber.

"To see Arthur!" Merlin replied.

My Lord, wait!

Merlin paused and looked at Estrela's form across the hallway.

Estrela, I-

We do not have time. Jonas, Catrina's servant, saw you performing magic. I must go inform Gaius of this as well. If she can resist your magic, she is a powerful foe indeed. Now go, do what you must. Gaius and I will think of our own plan.

Estrela walked past him and into the physician's chambers.

"Gaius, changing my form will do nothing, so what can we do?"

"I am afraid Merlin is our only hope."

When Jonas appealed to Merlin, acting as though he were a victim, Merlin did not trust him. However, Merlin did trust that what Jonas said was true, and went to her hovel anyway, desperate to try something. He was trapped and out of Estrela's telepathic reach.

Estrela felt her heart go cold when Uther and Arthur entered the throne room and faced two thrones.

Come on Merlin, if you're going to do something, do it now!

Catrina entered and the amulet glowed as Uther looked at her. He was in a trance, staring at Catrina.

"My Lords, leaders and gentlemen of Camelot, we are gathered here today to celebrate, by the ancient rite of handfasting, the union of Uther Pendragon and Lady Catrina of Tregor. Is it your wish, Uther, to become one with this woman?"

"It is."

"Is it your wish, Catrina, to become one with this man?"

"It is."

"Do any say nay?" The priest paused. "With this garland, I do tie a knot and by doing so bind your hands and your hearts for all eternity."

"I, Uther Pendragon, King of Camelot, I shall not seek to change thee in any way. I shall respect thee as I respect myself."

"I now pronounce you to be husband and wife."

The chamber doors opened and Merlin entered, too late to change the fate of Camelot.

Estrela awoke to guards searching every corner and soon discovered that the king has ordered Merlin's arrest.

She walked into the throne room and saw Catrina and Uther sitting at their thrones. Arthur walked in to give a report.

"I fear he may have slipped through our net," Arthur said.

Estrela felt a knot in her chest unravel.

"You're very quick to give up the chase," Catrina accused.

"That is because I know my quarry is long gone."

"How can you be so certain?" the king questioned.

"Well, despite appearances, Merlin isn't stupid. He must have got wind that we were looking for him and left."

"Outwitting your army in the process?"

"It appears so."

"I thought your men aspired to the same high standards that my father instilled in you."

"When I led the army, they did."

"We don't even know if he's still in Camelot. Could be anywhere."

"And that's a good enough reason to give up?"

"No, I'm not. It's just that I believe our resources-"

"I've heard enough of your excuses!" Uther interrupted. "We both have. I want the boy found."

Arthur bowed. "Sire. My Lady."

Arthur, I hope you have protected the boy.

Arthur came to them to report once more, but Uther instead had a declaration to make.

"There is something important that I- we wish you to address. For too long, the people have had it easy. They've grown fat off our indulgence of them."

"How so?"

"We provide peace, protection, food. They give us very little in return."

"Most of the people are poor, they survive on the few crops they're able to grow."

"That is what they would have us believe."

"It's what I see every day."

"We are introducing a new tax."

"The people must pay for the sanctuary that Camelot provides."

"You can't! The majority are barely able to get by as it is."

"Those who refuse to pay it will be arrested and publicly flogged."

Arthur paused. "We've lived this way for years, you've never suggested anything like this before."

"Maybe not to you, but the king confided in me that he's been considering this for some time, haven't you."

The amulet glowed.

"Yes, I have," Uther dutifully responded. "You are to begin the collections at once."

Before Arthur could leave, the king continued, "Oh, and Arthur, find me a new servant. Catrina does not like the greedy look in this one's eyes." He gestured toward Estrela and she looked affronted.

Uther turned to her and said, "You are dismissed from your position in the royal household."

Tears filled her eyes. "But, sire, you have never-"

"Leave. Now."

Estrela bit her lip and walked away, giving a look at Arthur that made his heart ache for the poor girl.

"Dismissed? Surely Uther has gone wild," Morgana raved, pacing around her chambers in anger. "How could he-"

"Morgana, it is done. We cannot change Uther's mind, not while Catrina has her grip on them. Besides, some time off would be nice." Estrela sadly smiled. "I will be fine, my friend. Just, please, be careful around Catrina and Jonas."

She grabbed Gwen's hand. "Both of you."

With that, she left.

Merlin, I have faith you will succeed in revealing Catrina for what she truly is.

After they broke the enchantment on Uther, life in Camelot began to return to normal. The very next day, Estrela was summoned by the king.

"My liege, you sent for me?"

"I dismissed you while under a creature's enchantments. In good health and free thought, you must know that you are hereby reinstated to your position in the royal household."

Estrela smiled and bowed. "Thank you, sire."

As Estrela left the room, Merlin tried to catch her.

"Estrela, about what I said at first, about Catrina being better than you-"

She turned to him, her eyes still showing how his comments had stung. "I know you were just as caught up in the magic as the rest of the people were." She sighed. "Please, just listen to me in the future."

Biting her lip, she patted his cheek and walked off, leaving a still guilty warlock behind her.