I know two updates in two days. You lucky people though actually making up for the long break. Think I may be getting my 'muse' back so to say.

Vex


"What would my lady like today?" The stall holder asked Camilla.

"Fresh air." Camilla gave him a smile as she carried on her walk through the lower town watching the city of Camelot carry on around her.

She liked to take these strolls just to enjoy the fresh air and forget about the responsibility of being the King's daughter. Though she was always reminded of the fact when she could make out in the corner of her eye the knight her father had assigned to accompany her on her walk.

Camilla was nudged to the side by a small boy who instantly looked up at her with fear in his eyes.

"Excuse him my lady." A man, who she believed to be the father as he took the boy's hand, said.

"No harm done." She gave a smile before looking back to the boy. The two were locked in a gaze for a few moments before a knight approached them.

"Your father wishes for you to return Princess." He said to Camilla.

"I hope you have a pleasant day." She said to the pair before nodding to them both and walking away with the knight.

"Why has my father requested my –" Camilla began to say a few moments later but was distracted by the guards shouting

"SEIZE THEM!"

She turned around to see the father and son she had been talking to moments ago, now running from the guards.

"What on earth?" Camilla asked but her knight simply pulled her by the arm and picked up the pace back to the castle.

She reached the steps of the entrance when she pulled away from the knight's grasp.

"I know you are doing your duty but I think I can handle myself from here." Camilla said in a warning tone. She did not like to be handled in that way, it made her feel useless and defenceless. The knight bowed his head and took a step back.

Camilla huffed straightening out her dress. She looked up to catch Merlin's eye who happened to be in the courtyard. His face looked confused as he scanned the courtyard. Camilla's eye brows came together in a silent question but the slam of the courtyard doors made her guard usher her inside.

"Father you wanted me back?" Camilla asked once in the hall. Her father was stood at the other end of the table looking through papers.

"Yes there were druids on the loose, it was not safe for you to be in the lower town." Her father explained not even looking up.

"The man and the boy?"

"Yes." Her father looked up now and saw Camilla looking at the ground. "Did they harm you Camilla?"

"No. They had chance to but they didn't."

"What do you mean they had chance to?" Her father's temper began to grow. "Who was the knight assigned to you? I'll have him punished."

"No father it was a mere casual encounter." Camilla explained. She stepped closer to her father leaning on the chair next to him. "The child bumped into me and the father apologised. I wished them a pleasant day then I came here to your summons."

"You can never trust these magic type Camilla, I thought you understood that?"

"I do." Camilla responded. "But they had chance to hurt me so why didn't they?"

"I don't know the inner workings of sorcerers. Let us just be grateful we caught them in time before they hurt someone else." Her father returned to the paperwork.

"Someone else?"

"A guard was flung by a spell. He stood no chance." Her father answered.

"Father." Arthur walked in at this point.

"Ah Arthur it's time for the execution them." Uther commanded. Arthur walked up to stand opposite Camilla and leaned on the table.

"The Druid was only in Camelot to collect supplies. He meant no harm. Is it necessary to execute him?" Arthur asked.

"Absolutely necessary. Those who use magic cannot be tolerated."

"The Druids are a peaceful people."

"Given the chance, they would return magic to the kingdom." Her father took a drink from his goblet before slamming his cup down and walking away. "They preach peace, but conspire against me. We cannot appear weak."

"Showing mercy can be a sign of strength." Arthur argued.

"Our enemies will not see it that way. We have a responsibility to protect this kingdom. Executing the Druid will send out a clear message. Find the boy. Search every inch of the city." With that the king left the room.

A silence fell between the two siblings.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" Camilla asked her brother.

"I know you dislike magic Camilla but he's just a boy. You must agree with me?"

Camilla was silent for a few moments avoiding Arthur's eyes that were rooted to her.

"Father will be expecting us." Camilla said avoiding his question. She left her brother in the room who simply watched her walk away with a look of disbelief. He shortly followed though not looking forward to the execution they had to witness.


"Keep searching until you find him." Her father said as Arthur walked out of the room. The siblings crossed paths and merely looked at each other.

The exchange was silent before they went their separate ways and Camilla walked into the hall to see her father and Morgana eating.

"Ah Camilla glad you could join us." She walked into the room so she stood behind Morgana's chair. The ward sent a small smile to the princess which Camilla reciprocated. "I hope you are hungry?"

"I am not father in fact I have come to merely wish a good sleep and I intend to retire myself." Camilla said.

"Is everything alright Camilla?" Her father asked with a concern look as he took another drink from his goblet. When she didn't answer his question he carried on talking. "You're still not thinking about that druid boy?" Camilla avoided his eye contact. "Camilla rest assured he will be found. Your brother is looking for him as we speak. He will not harm you."

"That's not what I'm concerned about." Camilla muttered under her breath. Her father didn't hear it but Morgana did. She looked up though and addressed her father. "You are right. Forgive my lack of good company but I am tired so I think it best I retire anyway."

"Very well we will see you in the morning." Uther said.

Camilla looked at Morgana and the two seemed to share a silent conversation before Camilla walked out of the room to her chambers.


Camilla was pulled from her thoughts by a knock at the door. She looked towards it but let Edith answer it.

"My lord." She curtsied when she opened the door and Camilla knew it was her brother.

"Edith is my sister there?"

"She is." Edith stepped to the side to allow Arthur access. She then left the room with the laundry.

"Camilla you did not join us for dinner yesterday or breakfast this morning."

"Ate by myself." Camilla shrugged as she left her seat by the window and made her way to Arthur. "I'm guessing this isn't a social call by the fact you have guards with you."

"Afraid not. I have to search the entire castle for the druid boy. I did not find him yesterday so am now searching the royal chambers in the very unlikely case."

"You think I may be hiding him in here?" Camilla asked. Her brother gave a sheepish look. "If you must." Camilla granted the guards access while she returned to her seat at the window.

Arthur left the guards to their work while he went to go talk to his sister.

"What's troubling you Camilla?" He asked. He leaned on to the wall, his arms crossed over his chest while is body faced Camilla.

"The boy had a chance to hurt me but he didn't." Camilla told him. "Why?"

"Because they only came to Camelot to collect supplies. They never meant any harm." Arthur explained.

Camilla nodded her head but took comfort in the gentle hand Arthur placed on her shoulder.

"There is nothing here sire." A guard reported.

"As I expected." Arthur said before ordering the guards on to the next room. "You know you're a lot more co operative than Morgana."

"What do you mean?" Camilla asked curious.

"She made a joke about how he's behind her curtain and wouldn't let me search the room yesterday." Arthur answered as he walked out the door.


"Where is he?" Camilla asked as soon as Morgana opened the door.

"Where is who?" Morgana asked.

"The druid boy." Camilla explained as she walked into Morgana's chambers.

Morgana shut the door behind her but refused to back down. Camilla looked at Gwen who stood awkwardly in the corner.

"Camilla why on earth do you think I have the druid boy with me? I am the King's ward." Morgana laughed at the accusation.

"And the only person who didn't let Arthur search their room. In fact you joked about it." Camilla said her eye being drawn to the red curtain at the back. Morgana saw this too.

"I'm sure your father would love to hear this."

"Won't work on me Morgana and you know it." Camilla said before she walked all the way over and threw the curtain back. She wasn't surprised to find the little boy lying there. She was surprised though to find Merlin. "Merlin?"

"Morning princess." He gave her a smile before standing up. He looked at Morgana. "I'll go get Gaius. Hopefully he won't kill me."

"No need I can mend his cut." Camilla eye's had been drawn to the injury the boy had. She had assumed that was why Gaius was needed and Merlin's comment meant that the older man didn't know about the boy.

"Camilla?" Morgana asked.

"Merlin I'll give you a list of supplies that I need. Gwen go fetch me some water would you. We need to keep his fever down." Camilla said as she knelt by the boy's side and touched his forehead.

She gave her list to Merlin and he left with Gwen. The only sound in the room was the boy's heavy breathing.

"What are you helping him?" Morgana asked. "You hate magic as much as Uther."

"Is that why you didn't tell me in the first place?" Camilla asked slightly hurt at the ward's lack of faith in her. She looked over her shoulder to see Morgana had understood her hurt. "He is a child in need of medical attention. I will give him that but afterwards I will have no part in his fate."

"I can ask nothing more." Morgana nodded though inside there was a part of her, not even consciously, that was a little disgusted by Camilla's decision.

"Get some rest Morgana. It looks like you need it." Morgana took her advice knowing the boy was in safe hands now with Camilla looking after him.

Gwen shortly returned with her water but she had errands to run. Camilla didn't get in her way.

Merlin returned a short time after that. He knelt by Camilla's side and aided her while she worked.

"I'm sure Morgana's already asked this-" Merlin began to ask but Camilla cut him off.

"But why am I helping him?" Camilla finished. Merlin nodded. "I met him with his father on the day they were found. They had a chance to hurt me but they didn't. I feel this is a way to repay them"

"You have a chance to turn him in but instead decide to help." Merlin summarised.

"Exactly." Camilla said. The two worked in silence once more before Camilla broke it. "There's a secret door in the armoury. It leads to the lower town."

"What?"

"I used it as a child when my father wouldn't let me go out and play. Arthur has the key." Camilla explained. "If you're going to get this boy out of Camelot you need to do so in a way that's not guarded."

"Thank you." Merlin smiled at her.

"Don't thank me yet. Let's get this boy healthy first so you can at least attempt to get him out. Be careful when you do it though. If found my father will have your head."

"I'll try."

"Well we know one thing Merlin." Camilla said as she finished her work.

"What?"

"You're no physician." Camilla said causing the two to share a laugh. Camilla stood up and Merlin copied her. "Keep his fever down and if he gets worse come and get me straight away."

"Yes Camilla." Merlin gave her a nod before Camilla left the room. The boy not even aware of the help he had just received. The help that had just saved his life.


Camilla kept her head down like Arthur as Morgana was shouted out by Uther. The pair had been caught and now the boy faced execution.

"What have these people done to you? Why are you so full of hate?" Morgana asked as she went for Uther's arm. Her father quickly spun round and pined her by the throat to the back of his chair. Camilla felt her breath hitch in her throat.

"Enough! I will not hear another word! Do not speak to me until you are ready to apologise for what you've done." Uther roared before leaving the room. Arthur quickly followed him but Camilla rushed to Morgana's side.

"Are you hurt?" She asked first.

"Only in pride." Morgana said shaking her off.

"That was uncalled for by him-"

"Save me the sympathy Camilla." Morgana snapped. "Where were you when I was defending the boy? You could have helped him out of the city but because your father's brainwashing of you, you have condemned a boy to his death."

Morgana sent a look of disgust at Camilla before exiting the room.

Camilla stood in shock for a few moments before leaving the room herself.


"Why am I not surprised you took this tunnel?"

"Camilla what are you doing?" Arthur asked shocked that she had just appeared. He sheathed his sword again.

"I knew you would come here with the boy." Camilla said as she nodded towards the child. The bars to the world of freedom were there but Merlin was not insight. "Arthur go take care of the guards. Say you've already searched down here. I'll stay with the boy and make sure he is safe."

"Camilla?"

"The guards will listen to you now go!" Camilla physically pushed Arthur in the direction of the guards hoping he could spare them some time. She looked down at the young boy and took his hand. "Don't worry. Merlin will be here."

The two waited.

And waited.

And waited.

"Come on Merlin." Camilla whispered to herself.

She could hear the guards approaching and Camilla pulled the sword she had strapped to her side, from its holder.

"Arth—Camilla?" Merlin's voice behind caused the pair to spin.

"Where the hell have you been?" Camilla asked.

"Trouble getting out the castle. Where's Arthur?"

"Getting us more time. Now get this grate off." Merlin nodded his head and soon Camilla and the boy were seated on Arthur's horse. She would have preferred her own but she would have to make due. "Tell my father I've gone on a pilgrimage to my mother's grave. He knows I've been acting old lately so it will make sense. Now go otherwise they'll execute you in his place."

"Princess?"

"Yes Merlin?"

"Be safe."

Camilla gave him a smile before kicking her horse.

The two rode in silence, the boy still yet to say a word to her.

Time passed and soon the sun could be seen in rising in the east. They came to the meeting place and Camilla leapt off the horse grateful she had worn her riding gear.

She helped the boy off the saddle, their hands remained entwined as they walked to meet the trio waiting for them. Once they reached them the boy let go of Camilla's hand and walked over to them

"We are forever indebted to you, Camilla Pendragon, for returning the boy to us." The middle one said.

"I was not the only to help and am by far the least worthy of your thanks." Camilla said. "You must not let it be known that it was I who brought him to you though."

"We will tell no one. You have my word."

"Thank you." The group turned to leave but Camilla was curious. "Wait, I don't even know your name! At least tell me your name."

"It's all right." The elder said to the boy.

"My name is Mordred." He finally revealed.

"I wish you well Mordred." Camilla said. The boy gave her a small smile before the group left.


"Come in." Camilla said as she stood up from her place at the window. She had returned this morning after actually going to her mother's grave once Mordred was with his people. Her father was not happy but he didn't suspect anything of her. Arthur was not happy that she had left without guards, a fact Uther did not know, but said nothing more on the matter.

"I've come to apologise." Morgana said as she entered the room.

"What for?"

"I was rude to you and I know how your views are different than mine."

"Still doesn't mean I should have let a young boy get killed for something he's never done." Camilla shrugged.

"Has this changed your mind about magic then?"

"No." Camilla admitted and she could physical see Morgana's disappointment. "But I am re-evaluating it."

At this Morgana did look up and hope could be seen in her eyes.

"I was about to have lunch, would you care to join me?" Camilla asked.

"I would love to." Morgana answered with a genuine smile.