A/N: I am so sorry it took so long, and I won't bore you with my excuses. One thing though; only four reviews? I know for a fact that over 571 people (and that's hits not visitors) read this fanfic, but only four of you reviewed. That's less that 0.7% ...
But fot those who did review; thanks! You made my day!
Enjoy the chapter!
9 Lancelot part 1
It had been three weeks since I had woken up from my comatose state induced by the poison in the chalice and I was feeling much better.
It was a bright and beautiful morning when Gaius sent me to pick mushrooms while that lazy dog of mine was sleeping in my room.
Arthur was training with his knights, so I had a few moments off, but my uncle figured I needed to have something to do with my time. So there I was bending down and putting the mushrooms I'd picked in a bag.
Luckily, it was a warm day, so I could enjoy the sunshine while doing this stupid chore.
A horrible screeching made me jump and I turned to see a beast running towards me. I could have sworn my heart skipped a beat. The beast screeched again and the sound made my skin crawl. As I scrambled to get away, a thought fluttered through my head. 'What if I die?'
I fell down and rolled on my back, looking up in horror as the beast got ready to strike. Closing my eyes, I honestly thought I would die lying there, like a scared animal.
Out of nowhere, a man appeared who drove the creature back, swinging his sword around. When the blade hit the beast it didn't draw blood as it would have with any normal creature, instead it broke. He turned and yelled: "Run! Run!" and helped me up, sprinting over to a fallen log, with me right behind him. We jumped behind it and the creature took flight, giving up the hunt.
"It's gone," I whispered and looked at the man. He was quite handsome and looked strong. I shook myself from my reverie; now was not the time to be listening to my hormones.
"You saved my life," I said, still breathing heavily.
Now he turned to me as well, but didn't reply. "I'm Merlynn," I said, holding out my hand for him to shake.
"Lancelot," he replied. But not a second later, his head rolled backwards and I could see blood on his tunic.
'Oh, crap.'
Somehow, I managed to get the unconscious Lancelot close enough to the city that a few citizens could hear me yell and helped me carry him to Gaius.
My uncle looked him over and treated the wound and Terri, who had woken due to the commotion, looked on quietly from a corner of the room.
"The wound itself is superficial, the fever will pass. He should be fine in the morning," Gaius told me.
I stared at the man's face. He was handsome, but looked as though he'd been working all his life, so he was probably a peasant from one of the outlining villages. I had no idea what he was doing here, or why he had bothered saving a serving girl's life, but I was grateful nonetheless.
Arthur was training with his younger knights again, and since I was a danger only to myself with a sword in my hands, I had time to take care of our guest.
"Ever since I was a child I dreamed of coming here. It's my life's ambition to join the knights of Camelot," Lancelot said when I asked him why he was here. I sat on a chair mending one of Arthur's tunics while Lancelot stared out of the window, overlooking the city.
I smiled at him when he turned to me. Absentmindedly, I petted Terri's head, which was resting on my knee.
"I know what you're thinking; I expect too much. After all, who am I? They have their pick of the best and bravest in the land," he said, turning back to the window.
"Lancelot," I interrupted him.
"Yes?"
"They are going to love you," I said, a smile still on my face.
"They are?" he asked uncertainly, stepping back from the window.
"I've seen you in action, you could shame the great Arthur himself." Terri lifted her head and let out a bark that sounded suspiciously like a laugh.
He smiled at my compliment, but that smile faded quickly. "I hardly think so."
"In fact… You know what I'm going to do? I'm going to talk to him right now," I said, got up and walked to the door. The Rottweiler hesitated before deciding to follow me.
"You know Arthur?" Lancelot asked incredulously.
"Oh yes," I said smiling and made my way over to the training field, leaving a dumbfounded Lancelot behind.
"Well, come on then!" I said over my shoulder and the man shook himself and followed .
Arthur was giving one of his trainees the final test: the man had to last one minute in free combat against Arthur himself. He didn't stand a chance.
Lancelot and I looked on from the side, wincing as the trainee went down. The surrounding knights applauded and more than a few serving girls who had stopped to watch giggled. Lancelot looked a bit paler then before, but I was sure that was just nerves. Terri licked his shaking hands lightly, trying to comfort him.
I left Lancelot to make his own way back to my chambers and went to help Arthur.
"Grimmond is the third to fail this month!" Arthur told me, annoyed. "How am I to defend Camelot with rubbish like that?" We were walking through the lower town, on our way to the armoury, while Terri was chasing a butterfly up ahead.
"I think I might be able to help," I told him.
"You, Merlynn? You haven't the faintest idea what it takes to be a knight. Courage, fortitude, discipline…" he listed, putting his sword on top of the armour I was already carrying.
"Not me, Arthur, obviously. But I do know someone who does."
"Yeah?"
"He saved my life."
Arthur stopped walking and frowned. "Why did your life need saving? Again?"
"That doesn't matter. What does is that he's really good."
He started walking again. "That's great, Merlynn, I'm sure he's terrific, but you forget the first code of Camelot."
"The what?" I asked, completely lost.
"The first code; only those of noble blood can serve as knights… So, unless your friend is a nobleman-"
"He is," I interrupted. Of course I was lying, but Arthur wasn't going to find out. There were so many noblemen Arthur hadn't met, there was no way he was going to find out.
"Is he?" Arthur asked, sounding slightly surprised.
"Absolutely," I said.
"Very well, bring him to the training ground tomorrow, and make sure he brings a seal of nobility." Arthur turned and walked away from me.
"Thanks, Arthur! You won't regret it!" I yelled after him.
Terri stopped playing around and turned to follow Arthur. "Terri, where are you going?" I asked.
The dog simply held her head to the side.
"Oh, fine, go play, but don't annoy him too much, I need him to be in a good mood!" Before I'd even finished speaking, she had ran forward to follow Arthur.
Some people in the street were looking at me weirdly. "What? Never seen a girl talk to her dog before?" I snapped and went on to the armoury to polish the prat's armour.
"Well, did you speak to him?" Lancelot asked once I got back. He was all nerves, so I put on a sad face to fool him.
"Euhm…" I said, shaking my head a little. Lancelot deflated immediately.
"He said he'd like to meet you," I said, smiling.
"Yes!" he exclaimed and put his hands on my shoulders. "Thank you!" And then he did something that surprised me; he kissed my cheek.
"Really, it's nothing," I said, blushing a little. "You're not a nobleman by any chance, are you?" I added quickly –terribly subtle.
"A nobleman? No. Good lord, no. Why do you ask?"
I looked at my shoes. He wasn't going to like this. "It's just that… there's this st-"
I jumped as Gaius interrupted me. I hadn't noticed him standing behind the door. "The first code of Camelot states that only those of noble blood can serve as a knight," he explained. "Uther created the knights to protect this kingdom from those who wish to destroy it. He knew he would have to trust each of his knights with his life, so he chose them from the families that had sworn allegiance to him."
"The nobility," I said bitterly.
"And that's how the first code of Camelot came to be and ever since that day only the sons of noble families have served as knights," He concluded. Lancelot sat down, watching his dream go up in smoke.
"It's not fair!" I complained.
"Fair or unfair, that's the way it is… I'm sorry, Lancelot, truly I am," Gaius said and walked back to the table he had been working on.
Lancelot dropped his head in his hands and I really felt sorry for him. I sat down next to him and put my hand on his back, consoling him as much as I could.
A little while later, I had to go bring up Arthur's dinner and collect Terri, so I left the young man.
When I got back, Terri was sleeping on my bed again while Lancelot petted her absentmindedly. I asked him why he wanted to be a knight so much, while I lighted a candle.
"When I was a boy… my village was attacked by raiders from the northern planes," Lancelot answered, "They were slaughtered where they stood. My father, my mother… everyone. I alone escaped."
I couldn't help but feel my throat thicken as I sat down. Poor Lancelot.
"I vowed that day that never again would I'd be helpless in the face of tyranny," Lancelot continued, "I made sword craft my life. Every waking hour since that day I devoted to the art of combat. When I was ready, I set forth for Camelot… Now it seems my journey ends… Everything I fought for, wasted."
"I give you my word, whatever it takes, I will make this right," I told him. We had a silent dinner together and then went to bed.
The next morning, after I'd delivered Arthur's breakfast and left Terri with him again, I went down to the library. On the way there I thought about how Arthur didn't seem to mind having Terri around anymore. In fact, I strongly suspected he liked it. Though it did mean that I had to miss her more often.
Once upon reaching my destination, I searched for the giant tome which held all the noble families of the land. Careful not to draw the attention of the librarian, Geoffrey of Monmouth, I searched until I found an old family with four sons. Then I quietly whispered a spell to copy the seal and changed the name to Lancelot.
When I returned, Lancelot was peeling potatoes. He looked up as I held up the piece of parchment.
"What's that?" he asked, pausing his actions.
"This is your seal of nobility," I replied and walked over to him.
"I don't understand."
"Ladies and gentlemen! I give you Lancelot, fifth son of Lord Eldred of Northumbria," I said jokingly, rolling out the paper.
"No, Merlynn, no," Lancelot said, shaking his head and going back to his potato peeling.
I decided to yank his chain a little and said: "So you don't want to be a knight then." I rolled up the seal and turned around.
"Of course I do!" Lancelot yelled, dropping what he was holding onto the table in frustration. I turned back around and gave him a sympathetic smile.
"But what? The rules don't allow it? Damn the rules! They're wrong!" I protested.
"But it's a lie." I couldn't deny that, but I didn't mind. Lancelot was obviously one of the lucky few who wasn't used to keeping secrets. "It's against everything the knights stand for," the young man continued.
"You have as much right to be a knight as any man, I know it!" 'And it's not like Arthur never lies, he's lied to at least three people today!'
"But the rules, Merlynn."
"We're not breaking the rules," I tried to convince him, "we're bending them, that's all, to get your foot in the door. But after that you'll be judged on your merits alone." I grinned at him, when I saw the hope in his eyes. "And if you succeed," I continued, "if they make you a knight, it'll be because you have earned it, noble or not."
Lancelot kept looking at me, but leaned against the table. A small smile played around his lips.
"I can't change the way things are done around here… But you can, if you let me help you."
Lancelot paused and I knew I'd won the argument.
Watching Gwen take Lancelot's measurements was amusing to say the least. Terri had rejoined us on our way there. How she knew where we were headed was a mystery to me, but it wasn't like she could explain.
"This is very kind of you, euhm…" Lancelot started.
"Gwen," she supplied as she sat on her knees to measure his upper thigh. Lancelot looked uncomfortable, and I had to stifle my laughter, though neither of the two heard. The strangest thing happened then, it was like I could almost feel Terri's amusement, like our spirits were linked in some way… But I didn't dwell on it too long; the scene in front of me was much too funny.
"Gwen," Lancelot repeated.
"Short for Guinevere," she explained and stood up to measure his arm.
"Ah, and thank you, Guinevere."
"Don't thank me, thank Merlynn. She would do anything for anyone, wouldn't you, Merlynn?" she asked, but I waved the compliment off. Still watching them intently, I noticed a slight blush on Gwen's cheeks.
"Sorry, can you raise your arms?" She measured his chest and now both of them were blushing. "I think it's great Merlynn got you this chance. We need men like you," the maid said with a smile when she had stepped back.
"Do you?" he asked.
Gwen had one of her moments in which she tried to explain too much because she let her tongue slip. "Well not me personally, but you know… Camelot." I didn't bother trying to hide my grin and Gwen glared at me behind Lancelot's back.
"Camelot needs knights. Not just men like Arthur and his kind, but ordinary people like you and me," she finished.
"Well, I'm not a knight yet, my lady."
"And I'm not a lady," Gwen said, but smiled at him. I could see something forming here, and I saw an opportunity. Playing matchmaker had always been one of my favourite pastimes…
"Sorry, I…" Lancelot started, but didn't seem to know what to say. He looked into Gwen's eyes and she stared right back. I could practically see the sparks fly between the two.
"Okay, we're done," Gwen said to relieve the tension, "I should have these ready in no time. It was nice to meet you, Lancelot." Gwen extended her hand to the man and he kissed it. This took her a bit by surprise and forced me to hide my grin behind my hand again. The look on Gwen's face was hilarious.
I decided to save her then and composed myself. I walked over to Lancelot and patted him on the back.
"She seems lovely… Guinevere I mean," Lancelot commented once we were walking inside the castle again. My oh-so-obedient dog was playing with some children in the courtyard, but I didn't mind. This conversation with Lancelot was going to be… interesting, to say the least.
"Oh, absolutely," I agreed. "She is. And the best seamstress in Camelot, I promise." I liked where this conversation was heading.
"Is she… you know… with someone?" he asked. I detected a hint of hope.
"No, she's not seeing anyone," I clarified, "she's all yours."
Lancelot stopped in his tracks. "What, no, I… I didn't…"
"Calm down, Lance, I'm not suggesting anything," I called over my shoulder and kept walking. A smirk played around my lips.
He caught up to me. "Except that I think that you and Gwen would make a great couple," I finished.
Again, Lancelot stopped, but this time I halted as well. He gave me shocked look, as if I'd just discovered his darkest secret. Which, knowing Lancelot, it probably was.
"Oh, I saw the way you two looked at each other, and nearly forgot I was there… Lancelot, I've never seen Gwen look at anyone like that, and I want her to be happy. You're a decent man, and I believe you can do that for her," I said.
"… She does seem very nice…"
I couldn't help but grin.
Not that much later, Gwen, Lance, Terri and myself were on the training grounds, waiting for Arthur's session to end.
"Well, you certainly look the part," I commented, fasting one more string.
"Doesn't he just?" Gwen agreed, smiling widely. Terri barked in affirmation.
"I don't feel it," the soon-to-be knight muttered. Gwen and I smiled at each other.
I heard Arthur announce the end of the training session and told Lancelot to go get his chance.
They talked for a second before Arthur suddenly slapped Lancelot. I had to stop myself from marching over there and telling Arthur off. Instead, I ground my teeth. When the prince glanced over I glared.
Arthur just turned around and said: "Come back when you're ready."
Lance picked himself off the grass and told Arthur he was ready now.
The prince turned around again and said Lancelot could start by cleaning out the stables. I gave the man a last sympathetic smile, before leaving him to make my way back home with Terri.
"I'm sorry about Lancelot, I can see you're upset," Gaius said as I helped him with one of his remedies. Terri was once again nowhere to be seen, probably either with Gwen or Arthur.
"Oh… you know… that's life, I suppose… You win some, you lose some," I said, keeping my eyes fixed on my hands while I ground herbs. For someone who had such a big secret I was a horrible liar.
"You're taking it very well…" he commented. "I have to say, very mature."
I smiled at him. "Thank you, Gaius."
At that moment, Lancelot walked in, covered in mud and probably other things originating from the stables. "How'd it go?" I asked with an arched eyebrow.
Lance made an unintelligible sound and walked on into my room, where a bucket of water was already waiting for him. I couldn't help but smile and gloat.
Gaius merely frowned and looked at me in that Gaius-sort-of-way that said 'I know you're hiding something from me and you had better tell me what it is, or there'll be consequences.'
I suppressed a shudder.
"He found work in the stables," I lied.
"I see," he answered, but he didn't sound convinced at all. Right when I thought he wasn't going to say anything anymore, he did. "Now the truth before I loose my temper." And he meant it.
I looked at my hands while I said: "He's… trying out for the knights?" It was more of a question than a statement. I looked at my uncle with a sheepish smile, before it melted off my face at his look.
"The First Code of Camelot has never been broken for any man! What have you done, Merlynn?" 'And there's the lecture.'
"Okay, I bent the rules a little," I admitted, "but the rules are wrong, they're not fair!"
"You bent the rules? Using magic?" Though his tone was calm, I could almost feel the worry and anger behind the words.
"It was nothing, honestly! It was more of a… trick than actual magic." I knew I was downplaying my actions, but I really didn't want Gaius to be disappointed in me again.
"Your magic is not a toy, Merlynn, it's not for you to use or abuse as you see fit," he chided.
I turned away, aggravated and angry that Gaius was judging me, knowing only some of the facts. True, he probably guessed the others, but that was beside the point! How could he not see I was right this time? Nobody would ever find out, I'd made a man's dreams come true, and Arthur would have one more protector! And a friend within the knights might be useful in the future!
"I know!" I said, instead of voicing my arguments.
"Then why did you do it?"
"I owe Lancelot my life," I said clearly. "I am paying for that dept the only way I can; by giving him the opportunity he deserves. If you want to punish me for it, go ahead." It was one of those rare moments I acted mature, because I knew I was doing the right thing.
Gaius and I looked into each other's eyes for a second before I walked away to my room.
The next day, I was in Arthur's room with Terri, trying to mend his tunic and repeatedly sticking the needle in my finger when the alarm bells rang. I dropped everything and raced towards the commotion, all the while hoping Arthur or Lancelot wasn't the reason for the alarm. As usual, Terri followed me closely.
It turned out that one of the outlying villages had been attacked, so I helped the old and the wounded into the citadel with Gaius. Terri guided the children.
Not too much later, Lancelot appeared by my side. "What happened to these people?" he asked, concern obvious in his voice.
"Their village was attacked by a winged monster," Gaius answered. Lancelot and I shared a look before going our separate way again to help the people.
The day after that I spent most of my time caring for the sick and the wounded, though my experience was limited. Sometime before noon, Lancelot came to me and told me that Arthur had decided to move his test forward to the next morning. I conveyed my good luck wishes and said I was sorry I couldn't help him with it.
"He also asked me where I slept…" Lancelot said with a hint of confusion.
"What did you say?"
"The truth, that I sleep in front of the fire…" he replied.
I was just as confused, but was distracted as a small child with deep cut in her arm asked for my attention. Lancelot left to train with Terri following, since she couldn't help me here, while I healed and disinfected the wound –Non-magically of course.
Gwen came to help me not much later, and together, we managed to treat nearly everyone. Luckily, or maybe unluckily, there weren't that many left.
"I don't know what to do, Gwen, I feel so helpless… As long as I don't know what the creature is, I can't defeat it, and if the knights try to fight it… Arthur might die… And Lancelot could get hurt as well," I whispered desperately. We were sitting in a quiet corner of the temporary infirmary.
"I'm sure they'll be alright. Gaius is researching the beast, right?" she replied kindly, though also making sure no one heard her.
"Yes, but I still don't understand why he doesn't let me do that! He should be here! I know how to treat cuts and bruises, but there are still a few people who will need his attention. I'm no physician, but I think that boy needs an amputation, his arm looks pretty bad," I whispered and pointed to a small boy of maybe eight or nine years old.
Gwen frowned worriedly, but didn't say anything, so I got up and started to distribute water among the people.
Lancelot's test went great. He fought like a lion and he lasted quite a bit longer than the last contestant, though he was punched to the ground before the time was up.
Gwen gasped and grabbed my arm. Though I too was worried about Lancelot I couldn't help but smirk at her reaction. 'She fancies him,' I thought smugly, before redirecting my attention to the fight. On the other side of me, Terri was tense, her eyes focussed on the scene in front of her.
I could see Arthur sigh in disappointment before reaching for the ribbon in Lancelot's belt. Just then, Lance suddenly pushed Arthur's legs out from under him with his feet. Before I could say 'Camelot', Arthur was on the ground and Lance's sword was at his throat.
"Do you submit, sire?" he asked. I grinned as I noticed that Arthur's ego was a little bruised.
Three knights came and forced Lancelot back. The prince got up and ordered the other man on his knees. He sounded angry and grabbed his sword. I was about to interfere when Arthur laid the tip of his sword on Lancelot's shoulder and announced that he had passed the test. He was going to be knighted that very morning.
Gwen, and I cheered. Together with Terri, we ran over to congratulate him. In passing I offered Arthur a huge smile and I touched his arm for a second. "Your ego will be fine in no time," I whispered with a smile and preceded toward Lancelot.
"Great fight, Lance! I told you you could shame the great Arthur," I said quietly.
He smiled hugely and accepted many more congratulations from fellow knights and Gwen. I slipped to the background to stand next to Arthur.
Silently, I took the prince's helmet and smiled at the sight in front of me. "He'll be a great knight," I commented.
"I know," Arthur replied.
"Rise, Sir Lancelot, knight of Camelot," Uther announced. I swear, I couldn't have been prouder, and I applauded right along with everybody else. Unfortunately, Terri wasn't allowed in the throne room, especially not during a ceremony.
I talked to Morgana and Gwen for a little while after the ceremony, before taking my leave and finishing some chores. After that I prepared both Arthur and myself for the celebration that night.
At the party itself, Arthur and Lancelot were chatting animatedly and everybody was enjoying the feast.
"Look at them, Gaius. Does Lancelot not deserve this moment?" I asked, gesturing in the general direction of the men.
"I never said he didn't," my uncle replied, "but destiny and deserves are not the same thing. You played God, Merlynn. You set him on the path of your choosing. Tonight, you've brought him triumph, but who knows what the future may hold?"
"Yeah… I don't know what it said on your invitation, but on mine, it said 'celebration'?" I quipped.
Gaius couldn't help but laugh and say: "Point taken. Don't come back too late." He turned and left.
Not knowing what else to do, I went over to Gwen and Morgana –who was wearing another fabulous dress by the way –and chatted a little, before Gwen left to tend to her duties and I accompanied her.
I glanced over at Lance and Arthur and saw them looking at us while discussing something. Sharing a look with Gwen, we stifled a giggle.
"Want to hear what they're saying?" I asked deviously.
"I don't know, in full hall like this?" she whispered, obviously concerned.
"Don't worry half the people is too preoccupied by their company and the other by their drinks. Trust me."
I whispered a spell and instantly heard what they were saying inside my head.
"Do you think her… beautiful?" Arthur asked. I didn't know why, but I had the impression Arthur was looking in our direction.
"Arthur's asking Lance if he thinks she is beautiful, whoever she is…" I told Gwen.
"Yes, Sire, I do," Lancelot answered. I recited his answer to Gwen again.
"Yeah, I suppose she is…" Arthur said and with that ended the conversation.
"Arthur just agreed with Lance… But I don't think they're talking about the same person… What do you think?" I asked, cancelling the spell.
"I don't know, I couldn't see their faces…" she replied. 'But I could… Well, I saw Lancelot's,' I thought with a grin.
"You know what? I think our Sir Lancelot might have eyes for you, Gwen," I teased. Of course, I knew it was true, but still…
"Don't be silly," Gwen said and tried to hide her blush by looking the other way.
"So what if he did? Would that really be so bad?" I asked kindly.
The older girl sighed. "He's not really my type," she evaded.
"Oh, well there's a surprise. Sometimes, Guinevere, I wonder if you'd know what your type was if he was standing right next to you," I said, and directed my attention back to the boys.
My eyes connected with Arthur's and a shock went through me, causing me to avert my gaze. 'A side effect of the bond maybe? Other side of the coin and that stuff…?' I thought and went back to my conversation with Gwen.
"So, come on… Just for the sake of argument… If you had to: Arthur or Lancelot?" I asked.
"But I don't have to, and I never will," she sang.
"Oh, you are no fun, Gwen."
"So how about you?" she asked after a brief silence.
"What about me?" I enquired.
"Who would you choose?"
I considered for a while. "I don't know, there are advantages to both of the guys…"
"Oh? Like what?"
"Well, for one, Arthur's rich and very handsome, but on the other hand he's a spoiled prat who will never take me seriously… Though sometimes… I do see a bit of the king he will one day become…"
"And what about Lancelot?" she asked after a pause.
"Well, Lance is handsome as well, of course, but not in the same way… And he's very kind and gentle, but there's no passion, no energy… He's all calm and collected, and I need someone to bicker with me every once in a while. So basically he'd be a great friend but he's not my type," I told her.
Gwen smirked and said: "Like you argue with Arthur?"
"Gwen! And I already have a boyfriend, thank you."
Before Gwen could respond, Arthur climbed onto the table and called for everyone's attention.
"Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in a toast… to our new recruit," the prince said, pulling Lance up, "our new knight of Camelot: Sir Lancelot!"
The people cheered loudly and enthusiastically. And with that the party resumed.
For once, I allowed myself to be a little less uptight and danced with a few of the servants, but eventually, I ended up dancing with the new knight.
"So, Lance, what's it like to fulfil your dreams?" I asked, twirling.
"It's the best feeling you could ever imagine!" He replied with a grin. I smiled back and saw Gwen watching not too far away.
"Why don't you go and dance with her, I need a break anyway."
Lancelot smiled at me gratefully and made his way over to the maid to ask her to dance. I smiled affectionately and was just about to turn when I bumped into someone.
"I'm so sorry," I said to the man.
"It's okay… Merlynn?" Arthur said.
"Arthur, I thought you were talking to some of the knights, waaaaaaaaaaay over there, away from the dance floor?"
"And I thought that with your two left feet you'd stay away from the dance floor as well. I guess we're both wrong," he said with a grin. Obviously, he'd already drunk quite a few glasses.
"Lancelot asked me to dance, so I had no choice but leave my nice, quiet, dark corner. What's your reason?" I asked, smiling as well.
"I was looking for… someone…"
We were standing on the dance floor rather awkwardly, so I took his hand led him away from there. "There, much better," I said once we had come to stand in a quieter place. I arched an eyebrow. "Now, how much have you had to drink?"
"Not that much! Only…" Arthur counted on his fingers. "Okay, maybe I did drink that much, but I can handle it!" His words were slurred, and I could see he wasn't that steady on his feet. But after the amount he'd drank, it was a wonder he was still lucid.
I sighed. "Okay, I believe you, but what if Camelot was attacked tonight or tomorrow morning? You're the crown prince, people are going to be counting on you every hour of the day."
"What are you saying, that I can't have fun?" He sounded like a spoiled teenager at the moment.
"No, I'm saying that when Camelot is threatened by a dangerous creature you should be constantly vigilant," I explained. "Like it or not, Arthur, you're always going to be Camelot's main defence."
He didn't answer and looked at the floor. I figured he wasn't entirely sure what he should do now. "Why don't you go to sleep so you can be fresh in the morning?" I suggested.
"Fine… you coming?"
"I'll be there every step of the way, sire," I said. I was thankful Arthur had drunk so much, otherwise he might've realized the double meaning behind my words. As it was, he just turned and made his way to his room.
'Prat,' I thought with a smile and followed him to make sure he got there all right. After all, he was Arthur…
A/N: So what did you think? Gimme feedback, people!
So review! =)
