A/N: I own nothing of Merlin. Give the credit to BBC. Aurora is my own made up character along with her extended family.

An Tales de Aurora Alden

It had four days since I left Camelot. I was working on the garden. I heard a horse coming toward the front of the Estate and I went to look around the corner to see the one person I did not want to see. Arthur had found me. I dropped everything and ran into the house as he started to dismount.

I reached the front door bolted it shut as He started knocking; I went to the window and peeked out to see him standing there on my front porch with a bouquet of flowers. He turned to see me in the window. I backed away from window.

"Aurora! I want to talk to you!" he shouted at the window.

I picked up my skirts and bolted for the stairs. I stood at the top stairs and listened to him pound on the door.

"Aurora, please open the door. I just want to explain!" he shouted through the door.

I didn't dare say anything I didn't trust my voice. I wasn't ready to face Arthur again.

"Aurora, I know you're in there. I saw you in the window. For heaven sake, Let me explain."

I went back down and stood in front of the door.

"Please just leave me alone," I said letting the tears fall.

He stopped knocking.

"Let me fix this please. I know I did some terrible things that hurt you and I want to make it up to you. Please let me in and we can talk. That's all I want to do," He said.

"No, I'm not ready to talk. I came here to get away from you. Now please leave me alone please."

I started to walk away, but his next sentence stopped me dead in my tracks.

"What do I have to do to get you back?" he asked.

I whipped around and looked at the door that separated us. He wanted me back? He still loved? I was even more confused.

"If you want me back, then prove that you actually and truly love me. Prove to me that you mean what you say. Prove to me that I can trust you with my heart," I stated.

"And how do I do that when you won't let me see you?"

"You have a brain Arthur, use it. I'm sure you'll think of something."

With that said, I bolted up stairs and to my room. I stood at my window and watched him leave my property. He turned and looked up at me and we locked eyes for a minute before I turned away. It was killing me to watch him, but I couldn't let him off the hook, I had let people do that before and it always wound up hurting me again.

XXX

I knew Aurora wouldn't forgive me easily, but I wasn't expecting that. I had to prove to her that I meant everything I said. Unfortunately, she gave me nothing to go on. I looked at the box that sat on my table, it contained her birthday present. A beautiful diamond necklace and matching ear rings, I opened that bow and looked at the set when Merlin entered.

"How did your visit to my sister go?" He asked.

"It didn't go exactly as I thought it would. She refused to see me," I replied.

"Do you blame her? I mean you did break her heart in front of the entire court and I made her look like a fool. Did she tell you anything?"

"She wants me to prove that I actually love her. I guess she wants me to woo her. It seems ridiculous."

"Is those Arthur? My sister willing let you into her heart and you crushed it. You are the first love she's ever had."

"I know and I will prove myself to her."

"Good, maybe she'll return and we can all breath a bit easier."

I smiled at the last bit. Everyone was on edge since Aurora left. My father and Johnathan had warned me that her father, grandfather, and brothers might try to kill me for what I did.

"We'll have to wait and see."

"Arthur a word of advice. Save the diamond jewels for later. She likes simple, from the heart gifts."

XXX

I had returned to court for my birthday party and to greet my family. My mother had been allowed to come and I was grateful because I needed my mother at the moment. I stood in a front of a full length mirror as my grandmother, my mother, and morgana made sure everything was perfect.

I had a beautiful gown made, it was blue and green and flowed like water in steam. My hair was curled loosely and flowed down my back in wave. It was a revenge dress in a way. I was going make Arthur feel the pain he made me felt.

"Well, I think Arthur is going to realize just what he's missing," said grandmother.

"He deserves it," said Morgana.

"I just hope this will make him feel what I felt," I replied looking in the mirror.

I was wearing a set of sapphire jewelry that Morgana had gifted me. My makeup was light and made my eyes shine. I looked at my mother through the mirror.

"You're doing the right thing. Men are sometimes too blind to see what's right in front of them. It's our job as women to make them see and if that means by dancing and flirting with other men for a night then we shall do it," she replied. "I best check on your sisters."

I watched her go before grandmother sat a simple silver Tiara with a single Sapphire in the middle on my head.

"I and your grandfather discussed it with your parents and we all agree that tonight we debut you with your rightful title, Princess of Ibelle," she said.

I looked to see a simple yet beautiful tiara.

"But…I can't wear this…" I stated shocked. "I'm not a princess by any means."

"Nonsense, you were born and christen Princess Aurora Igraine Alden. You are the second in line to the Ibelle throne and of house Algar. This tiara is one your mother wore when she was your age," said Grandmother. "Tonight is your night to shine."

"Thank you grandmother."

We hugged and she left to help mother with my sisters. Morgana made sure the tiara was secure to my head.

"I think we're done here. I'll see you down in the great hall," said Morgana.

"Alright and thank you Morgana," I replied watching her leave.

"You're welcome. I can't to see Arthur's face when you walk in."

She was gone after that and I took one last look in the mirror, before going to meet up with my father who was going to escort me in. He smiled and gave me light hug.

"You look beautiful, sweet pea," He said.

"Thank you father," I replied.

We could hear Uther making his speech, which seemed to go on forever.

"I'm pleases to give You, Princess Aurora Alden," said Uther.

The door swung open and I gracefully walk into the center on my father's arm. Everyone was clapping as we walked up to Uther.

"You look beautiful Aurora," whispered Uther.

"Thank you Sire," I replied.

"Before we begin the celebrations, your father would like to give you something special. James the floor is yours," said Uther.

"Thank you Uther. My family, as everyone knows, has defended Camelot for centuries and I followed that path up until the great purge. I had a sword that was passed down from father to son for centuries. The sword of Camelot it was called over the years. Unfortunately, I can't give this sword to your brother because he fights for Ibelle and Cole is far too young for such a sword. Aurora, one of my beloved daughters, the second oldest of my children, I pass on to you the sword of Camelot," said my father.

I watched my mother walk up with a sword in her hands, holding it out it for my father take.

"This sword can only be wielded by an Alden and it must fight for Camelot. I knew that you are no knight, but I'll sleep a bit better knowing you have a weapon to protect yourself with besides a bow," stated father.

Father took the sword and held it out for me to take. I hesitated to take at first but then I grasped it and held it up. It glimmered in the light as everyone clapped once more. Uther nodded for to open the celebrations.

"Let the celebrations begin!" I shouted over the applauds.

I put the sword down let father take it back. I walked over to where my family was standing when I was tapped on my shoulder. I turned and saw Arthur standing behind me.

"May I have this dance?" he asked holding his hand out for me to take.

"You may," I answered taking his hand.

We walked out onto the dance floor and started dancing to the music.

"You look absolutely marvelous tonight," he whispered into my ear.

"Thank you," I whispered back.

"So you'll talk to me now."

"I'm trying to be gracious Prince Arthur."

"I just want to say that I'm sorry that I broke your heart and made you feel foolish. I'll do whatever it takes to prove to you that my feelings are true," he said.

"I don't believe in 'sorry' it always seems hollow to me."

"Why?"

"People that say sorry don't always mean it. I've learned from experience. I've been hurt a lot Prince Arthur."

"I don't say a lot of thing a lot."

"I've noticed. You don't say thank you often let alone that you are wrong. According to my mother that Pendragon pride."

"But when I do, I almost always mean it Princess Aurora."

"Do you Arthur? From where I'm standing I can't tell. You haven't even begun to prove that you love me. So do you honestly think I believe you?"

"Why do you have to be so stubborn?"

I'm stubborn because I don't let people walk all over me. I'm stubborn because of people lying to my face repeatedly. I do not wish to argue with you here Pendragon, so let's just enjoy the evening."

We finished the dance and went our separate ways. I sat with my family eating the food and enjoying just talking with my friends and family. We eventually went on to gifts, which I had asked for only presents from my friends and family. I wasn't the type of person who needed things.

My sister's got me a proper riding outfit.

"Thank you so much. This just perfect," I said.

Robert got me gloves.

"Gloves?" I questioned.

"You can use them for riding and when you're using your sword," he replied.

"I love them. Thank you Robert," replied.

Cole got me a leather bound journal.

"I thought that you use it to write about stuff," he explained.

"Thank you Cole. I'll be sure to fill this up."

Morgana got me some scarfs and Uther got me a drawing journal. I looked for my grandparent's presents and couldn't find it.

"You're wearing it my dear," said Grandfather.

"The tiara?" I questioned.

"Yes."

I smiled and gave him a hug.

"I'll treasure it," I whispered.

The only present left was Arthur's and it was there on table either.

"I wanted to give to you myself," he stated holding a bow wrapped box.

I took the box from him. I undid the bow and found the most beautiful necklace I had never seen. It was a simple necklace; it was a heart shape pendant on a silver chain.

"You shouldn't have," I said.

"You deserve it. After everything I put last week and then some," he replied.

"Thank you Arthur. I'll treasure it."

He bowed his head and stepped away. Everyone went to back to celebrating, I was asked to dance by a good number of knights. I glanced at Arthur to see him glaring at my dance partners. I could tell he didn't like it one bit, so I accepted every dance from all his men. I even took a break out on the balcony with Leon. Maybe Arthur would realize how I felt watching him with someone else.

XXX

I stood off to one side, watching Aurora dance with nearly every man that asked her. I knew by the look on her face that she doing it on purpose. Her grandfather came over to stand next to me.

"If you thought you would get off easy with my granddaughter then you were mistaken," he said. "No woman in this family lets us men off easy."

"I know, but I didn't think she would purposely flirt with other men," I replied.

"Arthur, from what Morgana and Merlin have told us. She's isn't exactly yours anymore. You have lost that place with her. The moment you asked permission to marry someone else, you broke Aurora's trust. Yes is she purposely flirting with other in front of you, but you did it first. If she's anything like my wife, she wants you to see what she saw. She wants to feel what she felt.

"If that is what she wants then she won."

"In that area of the problem, she watched you woo another woman; she watched you drop important duties to spend time with another woman. If you want to win her back, make her feel special. Show her that you'll take out her riding, that'll you take the time to woo her."

"How am I supposed to do that when she's avoiding me?"

"Well, I suggest you figure that out before you lose her forever."

I watched him walk away to his wife.

XXX

The next day, I heard that my older brother had beat up Arthur at the training session and when I saw Arthur at dinner that night he was sporting a black eye. Then this morning, after finding myself in chainmail and my sword in hand watched as my father lay in on Arthur during the training session. All the while trying to remember when said yes a training session. I stood next to Merlin watching purpose filled beat down in front of me.

"I didn't agree to this," I said.

"Yes you did. Right after the puppy reveal and before breakfast being served," replied Merlin.

"Okay then why don't I remember saying 'sure I can go with some training with Arthur'?"

"You were half sleep and had a puppy in your arms."

"That clears a lot up."

I looked to see Arthur coming towards while my father went to check over Astra and Cole.

"Do you think I can still run?" I whispered to Merlin.

"You don't want to beat Arthur?"

"That sounds fun now that you mention it."

"What sounds fun?" asked Arthur.

"Beating you," I replied.

"We'll see about that," stated Arthur taking up his sword.

I followed Arthur back out on to the field and waited until he instructed his men. As much as I liked the sound of beating Arthur, I didn't like practicing around the knights.

"Alright, are you ready Aurora?" questioned Arthur.

"As ready as I'll ever be," I replied taking make my stance.

We started off slow, but at some point I let my anger at what happen between us take over and I bested Arthur multiple times.

XXX

I looked out over the training field, watching my grandchildren practice. Astra and Cole where off away from the knights, but I was watching more of Aurora and Arthur. When Aurora agreed to go out and practice her sword skills this morning, I was surprised that she even did.

She seemed to be holding her own against Arthur. I knew that she needed to brush up on her skills anyway. Sure she had her magic, but she needed to know how to defend herself without it as well. If Arthur and Aurora could work things out, they would make a good king and queen.

XXX

I was tired from the day's actives and I trudged back to the castle for a nice warm bath and then relaxation. I felt a hand on my shoulder and looked to see Arthur walking next to me.

"I know that you're probably tired, but would you like to go out riding if me?" he asked.

"Sure, but if I fall asleep on you it's not all my fault," I replied.

"Alright, I'll meet you in an hour at the stables."

"Sounds good."

I walked quickly up to my chambers to find Morgana and my sisters waiting for me.

"What's going on?" I asked somewhat scared.

"We saw you take down Arthur and you two walking back to the castle. Tell us that you got back together?" asked Morgana.

"No we didn't get back together. I think Arthur's come to terms with what I said. He's stopped saying sorry," I stated.

Christina tugged on my hand.

"I like Arthur. He's nice and kind. He's not like any other prince I've meet before," she said.

"Yeah, even Cole likes him and Cole didn't like him before we came," said Astra.

"Well, I'll keep that in mind. I need to get ready to go riding with Arthur. So can I have a bit of privacy to do so?"

"Can we help you get ready?" shouted Chrissie.

"Yeah, can we?" seconded Astra.

"Girls, inside voice please. You'll make me and your sister deaf," scolded mother as she walked by.

"Of course you can help," I replied.

They both ran to my wardrobe and got out a dress that was a beautiful forest green. I quickly got out of the chainmail with a little help from Morgana. Before I knew it, I was finishing my hair.

"You look beautiful. Arthur's waiting for you," said Morgana.

I nodded and headed out the door with a wave goodbye. I gathered my skirts and jogged down to the square. I found Arthur waiting for me with our horses; I walked down the stairs as Arthur watched me.

"You look beautiful," he said.

"Thank you Arthur," I replied.

I let him help me mount my horse and we headed out of Camelot. We rode to one of the meadows that we often went to; once there we let the horses rest.

"It wasn't totally my fault. Sophia was partly to blame," he said.

"It wasn't her that said that he loved me and the very next day went and spent the day with someone else, or said that he wanted to marry that someone else right to the entire court. That was all you Arthur," I replied.

"I am truly sorry. I really do love you and I regret everything I did."

"Do you know it felt to stand there and listen to you argue with your father? It was like someone stabbed and knife and then twisted it. I made myself a promise after I left Camelot, which I would never let anyone ever do that to me again and I mean it. I can't trust you or anyone like that again."

I felt the tears roll down my cheeks. I looked up at the trees away from Arthur. I felt his hand on my shoulder he turned me around and made me look at him.

"I'm so, so sorry Rochelle. I meant it Rochelle. I love you and you mean more to me than anything else."

"Sorry is just a word people say and most times don't mean."

"Why is that?"

"When I was living in my village, a friend of Merlin's would say it all the time after he get caught by my mom and then a few days later he would do the exact same thing again. So I stopped believing that people actually meant what they said. That's why I'm not accepting your apology."

"That's why you want me to prove that I mean what I say?"

"Yes Arthur."

"Well I do mean it."

The next thing I knew Arthur was kissing me and I pulled away.

"Does that make you forgive me?"

"No, that's stealing a kiss Arthur Pendragon."

"Then give me a hint?"

"Woo me like you did her."

I went over and mounted my horse. We rode back Camelot in Silence, neither of us felt like talking and I was glad. I had a feeling that it would be awhile before Arthur tried to beg for forgiveness again.

XXX