Dear readers, may I present….A REAL CHAPTER! LOL sorry about the drabble, couldn't help myself. But now we find out some shocking information that even I didn't see coming when I was writing this! But if you look closely the seeds were sown in 'The Moon & The Night…'
Well, enjoy!
Everything Changes
Uther Pendragon woke in a cold sweat, and he sat upright in his bed. His eyes were wide as he saw Gaius walk into his chambers with his daily tonic.
"Gaius," he said in a gasp, and his friend and Court Physician looked at him, raising an eyebrow at his expression.
"Sire," he greeted, setting the tonic on the stand next to the king's bed.
"I feel as if I've seen a ghost," Uther said breathlessly. "At the feast last night."
Gaius stood next to Uther and said nothing.
"She reminded me so much…of Lady Rebekah," Uther whispered. Again Gaius was silent, so he continued. "Surely you must have seen her! Same hair, same eyes, same smile…"
"Indeed, I noticed the girl," Gaius answered quietly. "But she is too young to be Lady Rebekah."
Uther thought for a moment, and another idea dawned upon him.
"If it isn't the Lady Rebekah, it must be her daughter Natalia," he concluded, getting out of bed. "I must see her in order to prove this momentous occasion. I need to dress—"
"I must warn you, sire," Gaius interrupted, following Uther's pacing, "we do not know where she has been or who she has been living with, I think it would be wise not to rush anything—"
"Nonsense!" Uther scoffed as he rummaged through his wardrobe. "If she is a Lady of nobility then she will respect her king. Now, do you know where she is?"
Gaius didn't say anything. Uther turned around and caught the guilty expression on his friend's face.
"Where is she, Gaius?" he asked, watching him closely. Gaius looked at him very seriously.
"With…Merlin, sire."
Uther looked at Gaius, who clearly looked like he had just spilled a huge secret. This could only mean one thing.
"Guards!" he shouted and the doors to his chambers opened again, revealing two men with spears.
"Find the boy Merlin and the girl calling herself Natalie. They are to report to me at once!"
The men bowed and exited, and once again Gaius said nothing.
A knock on the doorframe to hers and Keli's room woke Natalie with a start. She had been having a very good dream filled with Merlin and so when she first opened her eyes, she thought she was still dreaming.
He was beaming and looked very happy as he leaned against the doorframe and met her eyes.
"I thought I would stop by," he said, and she woke up for real. He was really here, and last night's kissing had really happened! She beamed back.
"I'm afraid I can't leave my bed," she said teasingly. Merlin frowned.
"Why not?" he asked, wandering over and sitting on the edge of the bed. She pulled the covers up to her neck.
"I'm in my nightgown," she said simply and instantly he blushed.
"Sorry," he said, starting to stand up again. She grabbed his hand and he stopped, slowly sitting back down. Natalie leaned forward and urgently pressed her lips against his. He responded instantly, seeming to take control of the moment. His arms wrapped around her and he pulled her closer, opening his mouth. His tongue pushed her lips apart and their tongues met in a heat of passion. Merlin moved so they were laying down and he was on top of her, every inch of him setting her on fire. Natalie unconsciously ran her hands through his raven-black hair, at the same time trying to be as close to him as possible. She felt something else against her and gasped as a wave of desire swept over her. Her hands found his belt and undid it; the belt clattered to the floor, forgotten. Next came his shirt, and when her hands found his bare skin she found his chest to be warm compared to the icy morning air. His mouth crashed back onto hers before he kissed her cheek, her neck, and lower. She was still wearing her nightgown, which was low-cut so he planted a kiss on the top of her breast. He moved to straddle her and lifted her so he could undo the buttons on her dress. This pushed them even closer and she moaned as his groin brushed against hers.
There was a loud knock on the door and they froze, staring at each other and glancing at the door. Merlin had gotten one button undone and he hastily turned back into the role of servant, redoing the button and searching for his shirt and belt. Natalie thought dryly to herself of her luck—who would be knocking on that door, anyway?
Merlin had just slipped on his shirt and was picking up his belt when the door burst open and in marched a couple of guards.
"Your presence is required in the name of the King," a guard said. Natalie pulled the sheets up to her chin again.
"I will need to dress first," she said softly, and they nodded, walking back outside.
Merlin finished putting his belt on and he grinned at her.
"Can't imagine why the king would want to see you," he said, smiling and leaning towards her. He planted a kiss on her lips and leaned back. She could tell her lips were as swollen as his looked, and she smiled at him.
"Turn your back," she ordered teasingly, getting out of bed and reaching for one of her gowns. Merlin complied and turned his back. When she was finished he offered his arm and she took it, beginning to think that her guardian had been right to send her to Camelot; there was no place right now that she'd rather be.
They followed the guards to the throne room of the citadel, and another pair of guards opened the doors for them. Natalie and Merlin entered, and he dropped her hand so they didn't draw too much attention to them together. They walked towards the king and when they reached the throne both inclined their heads respectfully.
"Look at me," the King commanded, and Natalie raised her head. Their eyes met and in Uther's she saw a flash of recognition. He stood up straight and eyed them both. Then he pointed at Merlin.
"Seize him," he commanded. All at once there was a commotion as Merlin was grabbed from behind by the two guards. Natalie reached for his hand but missed and the guards held his hands behind his back.
"What's my charge?" he asked wildly, and Uther glared at him.
"Your charge is inappropriate contact with nobility," he declared. Merlin's eyes grew wide with comprehension and horror as he turned his eyes to Natalie.
"I…I am not of nobility, sire," she said, her voice quivering. "I am nothing but a peasant!"
"You are not a peasant, child," Uther said, his voice turning gentle as he stepped towards her. "You are the daughter of Sir Jared and Lady Rebekah Tirst. You look exactly like your mother," he said, as if amazed by the connection. "You are Lady Natalia, only remaining heir to the Tirst family."
Natalie almost broke down and screamed right there. She was a sorceress, a girl who had wandered to Camelot on her guardian's words, not an innocent noble!
"That…cannot be, my lord," she insisted.
"Nonsense," Uther said boldly. "Lady Rebekah and her infant daughter Natalia went missing eighteen years ago, and you are the right age." He stopped and caught her gaze. "You are Lady Natalia."
Tears welled up in her eyes.
"Don't hurt Merlin," she begged the King, "He didn't know of his wrongdoing!"
Uther eyed Merlin with distaste.
"Nevertheless, you are nobility, Natalia, and he needs to be taught a lesson. Boy! Come here!" he ordered, and the guards pushed Merlin forward. His eyes were fixed at Natalie and his expression was one of worry. He stopped a few feet short of the King and Natalie, waiting for his orders like a good servant. A tear spilled over her eye and rolled silently down her cheek.
"Kneel," Uther ordered. Merlin got on his knees. He still looked at Natalie, but at the King's order his expression turned to one of defeat. He had given up.
"Bow and beg for her forgiveness."
The tears were pouring down Natalie's cheeks now. Merlin broke their gaze and tilted his head respectfully downwards. When he spoke his words carried an eerie calm that slightly frightened her.
"I offer my most sincere apologies, my Lady," he said quietly. "My actions were unforgivable. I will pray for your mercy."
Natalie closed her eyes, pained almost to the point of nausea.
"Take him away," Uther said, satisfied, and Natalie's eyes flew open. Uther stepped in front of her and peered at Merlin.
"Two weeks in prison without food should remind you of your place in my kingdom, boy," he said, blocking Merlin's face from Natalie's sight. She put a hand to her face and quietly sobbed. Uther had the guards grab Merlin again and they took him away. Then the King, seemingly oblivious to her tears, clapped his hands and smiled.
"You will learn the responsibilities of being a noble in Camelot very fast," he said to her, walking back to his throne. "I will hold a feast in your honor tomorrow evening."
At this he dismissed her and Natalie had no choice but to follow a maid to her new room, which would end the life of Natalie forever and birth the missing Lady Natalia Tirst.
Well that kinda came on suddenly! To defend Uther's personality in this chapter (he's a little bipolar), he remembers Lady Rebekah Tirst with the highest regards, and probably looks at Natalie/Natalia as the prodigal daughter. He has lived in safety with a woman in his courts for the longest time, and his mind concludes that this is necessary, which is why he doesn't even question whether or not Natalie might NOT be who he thinks she is.
Now that I've thoroughly confused you, how about a Robin's Egg whopper for Easter? Whoops, just ate the last one… ;)
