Chapter 7
A/N: Thanks to all who have reviewed so far, but I really need some more! Please please please R and R!!
A/N: This is just a short chapter so that the story can move on. Hopefully the next one will be longer.
Gwen hummed to herself as she put away Morgana's dresses. Perhaps someday she would get to wear a gown as elegant as this, with intricate beading and beautiful fabrics.
Now that she thought of it, Morgana hadn't been around much today. Or Arthur and Merlin, for that matter. Were they up to something? She folded the last dress and made her way to Merlin's room.
"Merlin? Merlin..."
Gwen thought she could hear voices coming from inside his dingy room. Voices that sounded surprisingly familiar, and were suddenly halted as she drew nearer.
Merlin suddenly appeared in the doorway, blocking Gwen's view. His expression was too happy and relaxed, though his eyes were narrowed cautiously.
"Hi Gwen," he smiled. "Can I help you?"
"Actually, I was looking for Morgana," replied Gwen, craning her neck to see around Merlin. "You wouldn't know where she is, would you?"
"Nope, not at all," said Merlin, pretending to look for her over his shoulder. Gwen ducked under his arm just as he turned back, her face frozen in a mask of fear as she saw what was going on.
The girl in Merlin's bed was impossibly beautiful, her skin a soft ivory and rosy pink at her cheeks. Her eyes were like little emeralds in her perfect face, which was framed by thick, brown ringlets. Her little mouth opened slightly to reveal sharp, snow-white fangs. Arthur, Morgana and Gaius sat around her bed, their faces filled with anxiety.
"Well, there's not much point trying to keep it a secret anymore, is there?" groaned Merlin. Rowan giggled slightly; her voice was stronger now. She smiled at Gwen like they were old friends.
"You must swear not to tell Uther," pleaded Merlin. "Rowan is unique, and Uther would have her executed if he knew. Please."
"I won't," promised Gwen, taking a seat beside Rowan. Merlin grinned as the two of them began to talk – it never ceased to amaze him how Rowan could charm anyone.
