Chapter 9

Lance's face turned red with anger. "Vivian! Don't you dare say anything to Gwen!"

"Lance, I'm shocked you would think that I would do that to Gwen. She is my friend. Anyway, I called you strictly for business."

Lance sat in his chair waiting for Vivian to laugh, but no laughter came. "Alright Vivian. What kind of business do we need to talk about?"

"I have this great opportunity for you to get more donations for the hospital."

"What is the opportunity?" Lance asked skeptically.

"The annual Pendragon Ball is coming up and I can introduce you to some wealthy investors."

"Why now Vivian are you inviting me? We have known each other for years and you have never brought this idea up." Lance asked suspiciously.

"I felt that I owed you for making you my prey." Vivian said laughing.

Lance sat on the other end of the phone silently.

"Come on Lance. This isn't about us. It's about helping the kids." Vivian said sounding genuine.

Lance lay back in his chair smiling at the opportunity that had just landed in his lap. "That is a great idea! Thanks Vivian!" Lance excitedly stated before sinking into his chair. No excitement in his voice as he said, "I just have to get Gwen to agree to go with me."

"Leave that to me Lance. Bye." Vivian said merrily.

"Bye." Lance said with a lazy smile. Perhaps there's more to Vivian than meets the eye…

xXx

Gwen, Vivian, and Elena sat around the bar at Sushi Japan Bistro watching the Itamae slice their tuna and vegetables. Elena watched amazed at the sushi chef's culinary skills. Vivian watched Elena and rolled her eyes. Elena had always been a little too pure as the driven snow for Vivian's liking.

I'll have to dirty this one up. Corrupt her but in a good way. A devilish grin came to Vivian's face at that thought.

Gwen shot Vivian a glare that said don't you dare think of sinking your claws into this innocent young girl.

"Gwen, I'm glad that you decided to come out with us," Vivian said smiling, ignoring Gwen's warning look. "I know that I haven't been a great friend lately. I miss you and I want you to accept my apology. Also, I want to congratulate you on your upcoming nuptials."

Gwen looked shock at Vivian's apology. She was still getting over the surprise of Vivian showing up at her shop pleading with her to go out with her since she hadn't spoken to her since the swap. "Thank you Viv for the apology and for asking me to lunch."

"No problem." Vivian said nonchalantly.

Vivian stared over at Elena staring at the chef. She couldn't take it anymore. "Elena, stop gawking at the chef! It's embarrassing!"

Elena straightened her back and gazed at Vivian with a scowl. She really hated going out with her, but her mother insisted. What she wouldn't give to be out on this beautiful summer day horseback riding! She sighed.

"What is wrong with you Elena?" Gwen asked with concern, turning to Elena.

"Well, I would love to be out horseback riding on this beautiful day, but my mother insisted I go out with Vivian to become refined." Elena said with an attitude looking directly at Vivian.

"Refined? In what way?" Gwen asked curiously.

The Itamae laid the platter of sashimi and vegetables in front of the women.

Elena reached over with her fork spearing a slice of tuna. Vivian quickly picked her chopsticks up and slapped Elena's fork hard knocking it out of her hand. Elena looked angrily at Vivian. Gwen, always the peacekeeper, quickly intervened. Gwen turned to face Vivian with a disapproving glare at her treatment of Elena. Vivian hunched her shoulders and quickly turned her attention to rummaging in her white leather Hermes bag.

Gwen turned back to look at a sad Elena. "Elena, forgive Vivian and her atrocious manners. She doesn't like to come here and see people using forks instead of chopsticks. It's a pet peeve of hers. I've seen her even walk over to an elderly couple using forks and snatch the fork from their hands and hand them chopsticks. She was then escorted out by the manager for upsetting the couple on their anniversary."

Elena laughed. "Are you making this up Gwen?"

"No, this is a true story." Gwen said smiling and giggling along with Elena. Vivian didn't find the story amusing. She got up from the table and walked to the bathroom considering ways to get Gwen to go to the Pendragon Ball.

Elena smiled wider when she saw Vivian walking away. "Gwen, will you please do me a huge favor?" Elena asked with her hands in a prayer position in front of her.

"What is this favor?" Gwen asked skeptically.

"Please, Gwen, come with me on this excursion Vivian and my mother have premeditated for me." Elena said with sad eyes and a pout.

Gwen stared at Elena. She turned to see Vivian returning. "Alright. I'll go on one condition."

"Anything!" Elena said exclaimed.

"You will have to teach me how to ride a horse."

"Deal." Elena said with the biggest grin not caring anymore about Vivian's presence.

xXx

Vivian, Elena, and Gwen went to a boutique after lunch. Vivian knew this was her last opportunity to get Gwen to agree to go to the Ball. Gwen walked down the aisles with Elena searching for the perfect black dress. Vivian walked up behind the two with a dress in her hand for Elena. She felt it would be easier if she could persuade Gwen without boring Elena. Elena snatched the dress and walked into the dressing room.

"Vivian, be nice. She is a sweet girl." Gwen chided Vivian as they sat on chairs waiting for Elena to come out and show herself in front of the three mirrors.

"I will, if..." Vivian said stopping and smiling at Gwen.

"If what?" Gwen said looking at the devious gleam in Vivian's eyes.

"If you would try on a dress too, and go with me to the Pendragon Ball."

"No! I will not go back to that Ball. Do you remember when Arthur invited Merlin and me to that Ball a few years ago? It was terrible! Uther stared at us like we had three heads. I hated every moment. I have not been back since."

Vivian sighed wondering how she could approach this in another way. Elena walked out wearing a strapless black gown that stopped at her knees and with pockets. Elena beamed at her images in the mirrors. "What do you think Gwen?"

"I think that you look beautiful!" Gwen gushed. "Where are you going to wear this gown?" Gwen asked staring at Elena as she twirled.

"To the Pendragon Ball."

Vivian's head turned to look from Elena to Gwen. She had found Gwen's Achilles. "Yes, Gwen to the Pendragon Ball which I just asked you to go, but you declined."

Elena stopped looking at her reflection and glanced at Gwen. "Gwen, why don't you want to go?"

"I just have my reasons." Gwen said glaring at Vivian. Vivian smirked.

"No, you have to come! I want you to meet my mother and a few friends of mine! Please Gwen for me!" Elena pleaded over and over.

Gwen looked at Elena pouting again, and exhaled. "I'll go."

Vivian smiled triumphantly.

xXx

Lance dressed in a black tux and red bow tie looked at Gwen dressed exquisitely. She was wearing a red, one shoulder, chiffon, ankle length, body hugging gown with crystal embellishments along the waist. Gwen sighed as she exited the limousine Vivian insisted on renting for Lance and her saying that it would look better. Gwen rolled her eyes thinking about that conversation. She smiled at Lance's sweaty palms as they joined hands. They entered the Lion's Den. As they walked further into the room, filled to capacity, a waitress floated by with full champagne flutes. Gwen eyed the waitress wondering if she should run after her to get a drink or wait until another tray was passing by to grab one. Where is Gwaine when I need his assistance? As she thought over this, Vivian sauntered over.

"Gwen you look beautiful. Where did you buy that gown? I don't recall you buying any at the boutique."

Gwen blushed. "Thank you. I made it."

Vivian was stunned. She knew Gwen made beautiful clothes, but this gown was unlike all the other gowns Gwen had made. She truly outdid herself. Vivian turned her attention on Lance. She could feel her body heat elevating but she composed herself.

"You look beautiful yourself Vivian." Lance said before Vivian could make any innuendoes. He slowly scanned Vivian's body knowing he was wrong, but the way she looked in the black sheer dress that had lace covering strategic spots caused him to grow overheated. He knew Gwen looked very attractive in her gown, but Vivian made him think naughty thoughts.

Vivian smiled at Lance's compliment. "Gwen, will it be okay if I took Lance around to meet some men that would open their checkbooks for the children's hospital."

Gwen nodded her head and grabbed a champagne flute from a passing waiter. Perfect timing! She decided that it might be best for her to find a hiding spot until Lance and Vivian were through schmoozing. She looked around at the other high society guests as she strolled around the ballroom running into Elena with her mother.

"Gwen, I'm glad to see you! I have been looking for you!"

"Elena, calm yourself!" Elena's mother whispered. "Hello. My name is Annis Carleon." Annis extended her hand which Gwen shook politely. "I want to thank you for assisting my daughter with Vivian. Elena told me how much she enjoyed your company through the shopping, styling, and all."

"It was my pleasure. She is such a sweet and clever girl." Gwen said to the smiling Elena.

"She is," Annis said proudly. Annis looked Gwen over and smiled. "That is a remarkable gown. Where did you buy it?"

"I made it." Gwen said sheepishly.

"I can tell by looking at it that it's well made. I would love for you to make me a gown. I'll give you my card and we'll make arrangements." Annis said with finality.

Gwen's face beamed at the fancy business card as Annis strolled away with Elena.

"I see you made new friends." Arthur said walking up to her.

"Yes." Gwen said curtly.

"How come you haven't returned my calls? I wanted to apologize." Arthur said causing Gwen to look away.

"I've been busy."

"Not too busy to get officially engaged." Arthur said looking at the diamond on Gwen's finger.

Gwen turned to walk away trying not to get into it with Arthur in public. Arthur reached out and grabbed Gwen's hand causing her to turn back to him. She could feel the electricity shoot through her body. He smiled at her causing her to feel that familiar heat rising up within her.

"Arthur!" Uther bellowed walking up to them. "What are you doing? Why aren't you with Vivian?"

"I'm speaking to a friend Father. Vivian knows where I am and insisted that I keep Guinevere company. She is the one who invited Guinevere." Arthur said with a look of defiance. He gripped Gwen's hand tighter.

Gwen was angry, but she knew that Lance was out with Vivian and she couldn't cause a scene making the hospital lose out on funds that it desperately needed.

"Hello Mr. Pendragon." Gwen said, feeling Arthur grip her hand even firmer, but not harshly.

Uther looked at Gwen with disgust. He had met her many times before and always turned his nose up at her because she wasn't born with money.

"Father where are your manners." Arthur said gritting his teeth. Gwen's thumb slowly rubbed circles on Arthur's hand calming him.

But Uther was undaunted as he stared Gwen down like she was a dangerous insect that needed to be squashed beneath the heel of his expensive shoe…

xXx

Lance and Vivian sat at a table with Senator Rodor and his daughter, Mithian, discussing technological advances in medicine. Mithian scanned the room during the discussion and noticed Arthur holding the hand of a curly haired woman while talking to Uther. She nudged Vivian and pointed in the direction of Arthur. Vivian stared at the scene with curiosity. She wondered what was going on, but once Uther turned around she could tell that whatever the discussion was about it wasn't pretty. He scanned the crowd with a scowl and locked eyes with Vivian. He slowly walked in her direction.

xXx

Gwen released Arthur's hand and ran out of the ballroom through the nearest set of doors when Uther walked away. The doors led to the Club's gardens. Gwen walked aimlessly through the flowers trying to find refuge, peace, herself. She found a spot amongst the flowers that was far from the Ball. She started to cry tears of anger and sadness.

Arthur stood in front of Gwen handing her a handkerchief. She took it dabbing her eyes and wiping her cheeks. Arthur stood behind Gwen rubbing circles on her back causing her breathing to regulate.

"Thank you." Gwen stared down sadly at the white paving stones.

"Guinevere. I apologize for my father's rudeness." Arthur said tipping Gwen's chin up to face him.

Gwen backed her face out of Arthur's grip and he sighed until she leaned over and laid her body against him. He enclosed his arms around her. Arthur heard the music from the Ball carried by the winds to the garden. He could smell the wonderful scent of gardenias. He began to sway back and forth with Gwen in his arms moving to the soft music. As they danced, the heat between them became unbearable causing Arthur to kiss Gwen slowly on the lips. She moved her hand from his shoulder to the nape of his neck causing his manhood to stir. He closed his eyes trying his best not to throw her over his shoulder and run away with her from the festivities. No, I can't! The music ended but the dancing didn't. Arthur continued to sway with Gwen amongst their floral audience, kissing sweetly, the two of them praying not to get caught. Everyone was on speaking terms again. The last thing they needed was more drama, so why were they risking everything to let their emotions and desires run away with them. Gwen swooned in Arthur's arms as they let their passion reign.

She was nearly senseless when they ceased. "Arthur, the music has stopped."

"I know."

"Then, why are we still dancing."

"I'm not ready to let you go."

"Arthur, we must, for Lance and Vivian." Gwen said removing her hand from his hair and backing away from his embrace.

Arthur wasn't having any of it though. He held Gwen by the waist tighter."Lets spend another weekend together since our weekend was interrupted."

Gwen shook her head. "I can't. We should just go back to the way things were before the swap."

Arthur loosened his hold on Gwen's waist to allow her to walk away if that's what she chose to do.

"Guinevere!" Arthur called out.

Gwen turned to face Arthur. "Yes."

"You owe me a favor." Arthur smiled devilishly.

"Yes, I do." Gwen said strolling back to Arthur happily, not wanting to leave him. "What is the favor?"

"I want you to go away with me for the weekend."

"What!" Gwen exclaimed. "Arthur you know that I am engaged. Why would you want that?"

"Guinevere, calm down. Nothing will happen on our trip. I promise. You made me feel bad the other night saying that our connection is just physical. It's not. I want to show you that."

Gwen exhaled.

Arthur spoke holding out his elbow to Gwen, "Please, I'll even have Merlin come along if you don't trust yourself."

Gwen laughed, staring at Arthur. She interlocked her arm with his as they walked back to the Ball. "Pendragon, you have a deal. Where are we going?"

"I'll call you with the details later. Please, pick up the phone this time." Arthur said with a broad smile and a twinkle in his blue eyes.

xXx

Vivian silently watched Uther step closer to her table. She inhaled deeply knowing whatever was on his mind she was about to hear. He was just like her father.

"Vivian, why did you invite that girl here? She isn't one of us," Uther angrily spat at Vivian. "I always told Arthur that he should pick a better pedigree of friends. I thought since he was with you that you would have stopped his inappropriate friendships, but I see that I was wrong."

Vivian stood up enraged at Uther. Senator Rodor saw this as an opportunity to exit the heated conversation. He turned to Lance and handed him a business card before walking away with his daughter. "Uther you have no right to talk to me like that in front of other people. I am not one of those people that get intimidated by you! Have you forgotten who my father is?"

"No, have you forgotten?! Your father, if he was here, would be infuriated that you invited her and that she is spending time with your future husband!" Uther yelled.

"Uther, it is none of your business who I invite! As for my relationship with your son, it would be better if you would stay out of it!" Vivian screamed. "And further more! I am Arthur's girlfriend! Not his master! He can make any friends he chooses!"

"No wonder your father doesn't talk about you. He has to be disappointed in you… like I am."

Vivian slapped Uther hard and ran off. Lance was stunned and happy that Vivian slapped Uther. He deserved that and more for talking about Gwen and Vivian. He darted off in the direction Vivian ran, searching for her.

"Vivian! Vivian!" Lance called out looking around the Albion Country Club. He stopped suddenly walking past the ladies bathroom on the second floor. Not again! He inhaled a huge breath before venturing into the ladies bathroom.

Lance looked around at the huge bathroom with gold fixtures. He walked slowly to the stalls where he heard whimpers. He knocked on the stall.

"Vivian." Lance called out to her softly.

"Go away!"

"No. I won't leave you."

"Lance…. just… go….away…..please!" Vivian cried out between choked sobs.

Lance walked outside the bathroom door waiting for Vivian to emerge. Twenty minutes later, Vivian walked out of the bathroom looking like she had not shed a tear. She possessed a rare gift for wearing an ever present mask in public. This was a blessing because no one ever knew when she hurt inside, but it was a curse for the same reason.

"Lance!" Vivian said shocked.

"Vivian. I couldn't leave you." Lance walked over to Vivian and hugged her tightly. He felt her loosen up and hug him back.

"Thank you," Vivian muffled into his shoulder. She let her usually guarded self down and began to silently cry again. Lance tightened his arms around her shaking body.

Lance backed away from Vivian when the shaking subsided. He wiped her tears with his handkerchief, streaking the cloth with mascara.

"I'm taking you home. Let's find Gwen and go." Lance's voice was authoritative but kind.

Vivian looked up at Lance with a smile. Arthur was sweet, but he was never this protective of her. They headed off in search of Gwen until Vivian saw Uther again in the ballroom. She was about to walk over and slap him again until Lance saw where she was headed and ran interference.

"Vivian. Calm down. I'll call Arthur and have him escort Gwen home." Lance said soothingly into Vivian's ear while holding her back. He turned them around and walked out of the ballroom.

xXx

Arthur and Gwen walked into the ballroom feeling like a load had been lifted from them. They walked over to get a drink from the bar when Mithian walked over looking worried.

"Arthur, I've been searching for you." She whispered frantically. Gwen looked over at Mithian whispering to Arthur.

"Why?" Arthur asked worried.

"Vivian and Uther had an argument and she slapped him. Lance ran out to find her. I haven't seen them since." Mithian said concerned.

"What!" Arthur yelled causing people to turn and stare.

Gwen walked over.

"What's going on?" Gwen asked alarmed.

Arthur was about to explain to Gwen what happened when his cell phone rang. Arthur reached into his inner tuxedo pocket and pulled out his phone. It was Lance calling him.

"Lance, is Vivian with you?" Arthur said quickly.

"Yes, Arthur. I'm taking her home. Can you take Gwen home for me? Tell her I'm sorry for leaving without her. I just had to get Vivian away from your father before she decided to do more bodily harm to him." Lance laughed.

Arthur wasn't amused, but he held his comment. "Thanks Lance. I'll make sure she gets home safely."

Arthur looked at Gwen as he ended the call. "Guinevere, I'm going to take you home. I'll deal with my father later."

Gwen nodded her head and walked with Arthur out of the ballroom towards the entrance, coaching herself to graciously accept the ride, but not to invite him upstairs…


A/N: I apologize for not posting this chapter earlier. What did you think about the interaction between Uther/Vivian, Vivian/Lance, and Arthur/Gwen? Let me know. Thank you for following, reviewing, and favoriting! Thanks to my incredible beta, Embrasia!