Arthur strode from the Great Hall with a scowl marring his face. He was irritated—more than irritate he was absolutely fuming. His father had informed that the Lady Vivien and her father were coming to stay in Camelot. He knew his father and her father had planned a marriage between them but that was something Arthur was determined to avoid. He knew as the heir of Camelot he was expected to marry a suitable woman but he wanted to marry for love not duty.

He had to find a way to convince his father and Lady Vivien that he was already in a serious relationship and could not marry another woman. He knew he was going to extremes but he could not bear to have the loathsome and vain Vivien as his wife.

Guinevere—the name just popped into his head he still hadn't found a way to punish her for her deception and this would prove a perfect opportunity for her to do something for him. He'd blackmail her into pretending to be his partner he could just use her for this task and have complete control over her which would give him satisfaction. Then he could just let her go with nothing more between them. He smiled—time to visit Guinevere.

Gwen was glad to be home after her ordeal. She'd bathed, eaten and put on her peach dress which she liked and tucked her hair behind her ears. There was a sudden knock on her door. She opened her door and was stunned to find Arthur standing there.

'Sire,' she asked in a questioning tone. Arthur didn't say anything he just stood there his sapphire eyes assessing her from her short hair and down to her feet but lingering on her breasts. His eyes were impossible to read but she could sense he was angry. Gwen tried to clamp down on the feeling of butterflies in her stomach. She'd thought foolishly, she realized now, that because he hadn't said anything when they'd reached Camelot that he'd forgiven her actions.

'Sire?' she questioned once more, 'would you like to come in?' she moved back to let him in. His eyes quickly flicked around her small house.

'Guinevere, you do know that I'm going to let your deception go. You, Elyan and Merlin are in a hell of a lot of trouble.' His words confirmed what she already knew that Arthur was going to punish them all.

'You can't blame Elyan, I made it secret. I just wanted to prove to you that I could fight as well as anybody else and poor Merlin didn't know anything about my disguise until we were camping,' she said with a blush.

'I can blame both of them,' he told her without mercy, 'and all three of you are going to end up in the cells.'

Gwen couldn't believe he'd be so brutal but of course he could be he had no-one to answer to. They were all at his mercy and she had to find a way to appease his pratness. 'It wasn't their fault. It was yours!'

'How in the hell is it my fault?' he shouted causing her to back up.

'For not giving me the chance to prove myself just because I'm a woman,' she told him without remorse.

Arthur had never met a woman who frustrated him so much. She should be treating him with respect, not challenging him and yet here she was stood proudly with defiance shining from her eyes. As he was looking at Gwen he decided that his plan was perfect. She was a beautiful girl, if you liked the short hair and aggressive personality which he did not. Dressed nicely she could pass for a lady of court.

'It was their fault and I most certainly will strip Elyan of his knighthood and remove Merlin from my service.'

Gwen rushed forward and grabbed hold of his arm, 'I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done it. Please don't do anything to them.'

'I'll think about it.'

'Please I'll do anything, anything you want me to do. Whatever it is, I'll do it.' The moment her words were out her eyes widened and she clapped her hands over her mouth. Her face burned as she realized how he might've interpreted her words.

However Arthur responded, 'I won't punish them provided you do something for me. I want you to pretend you're in a relationship with me.'

'Why can't you get a woman of your own?' As soon as she'd spoken the words she immediately regretted them. She could see the colour along his cheekbones which meant his temper was rising.

'While I've no problem getting women of mine own you can't afford to refuse me.'

'Why would you want me? I'm not one of your simpering blonde admirers begging for your attention,' she said referring to the women who usually followed him.

'The reason I've picked you isn't for your looks or lack thereof,' he said cruelly.

Gwen promised herself she wouldn't react to his harsh words, 'but yet you need to blackmail a woman to appease your father and people of court that you're taken?'

'This way, I shall have my father stop pushing women at me and I won't have women demanding my attention.'

'Why don't you just tell your father your wishes?' Gwen asked confused at why he couldn't just speak to his father.

'I can't and even if I could he wouldn't listen he expects me to get married to someone he chooses.'

'Which is why you need me?'

'Yes, all I want from you is you by my side as my partner, your understanding that in the future they'll be nothing between us and your complete silence on the matter.'

'So not much then? But what about the knights and Merlin? They'll know the truth.'

'I'll explain that we've decided to be together and they'll understand why I've fallen for your charms.'

Gwen looked at him in disbelief, 'so one moment you think I'm ugly and rude and now you're saying that the knights will understand my charm!'

'You're not ugly but you're certainly rude, but I must have your answer now, do this or see your brother and Merlin in the cells,' he said demandingly.

'I don't have a choice do I?' Gwen questioned aloud.

'Not really, you must come with me to the castle.'

'Now?' Gwen replied in disbelief not understanding his rush.

'Yes, now,' he said impatiently waiting for her to follow him. As she tramped behind him she realized with her heart sinking that she was now going to have to pretend to adore and love Arthur. But the question she asked herself was how hard was it going to be?