Chapter 10

Arthur and Gwen sat in tense silence during the ride to her apartment. Arthur was angry with his father for hurting Gwen's feelings and angering Vivian. He didn't know how he was going to confront him. Gwen peeked at Arthur noticing his frowning face.

"Arthur, it will be fine." Gwen said gently placing her hand on his thigh.

Arthur smiled at her, admiring her strength. He placed his hand on top of Gwen's feeling the heat from their joined connection. Gwen was far more valuable to him than all his money, she was indispensable. He wished his father saw her worth. He lifted Gwen's hand and kissed it softly. Her skin tingled from the caress of Arthur's lips. She looked at her left hand where her engagement ring sat calming her ever growing emotion and desire for Arthur. Arthur's smile disappeared as he watched Gwen stare at her ring. He respectfully released her hand. She felt suddenly alone and cold without his touch, their connection. Gwen looked at Arthur curiously wondering what was going through his mind.

"Guinevere, I think that you were right. I am selfish. I shouldn't have asked you tonight to go away with me for a weekend. You are practically married and Lance is my friend. Forgive me." Arthur said with sadness in his voice and heart.

Gwen was taken by surprise at Arthur's comments. How could everything go from being sweet to sour in a matter of minutes? She knew what he was saying was correct, but she wasn't ready to let him go or these newfound feelings. Gwen turned her head facing out the window trying to focus on anything but what she was feeling at that moment. Lance wasn't a bad person, but Arthur made her feel whole. What am I thinking? I need to get a grip. I told Lance yes and I have to keep my word. My father always told me that a person has nothing in this world except their life, knowledge, and word. But how can I deny my feelings for Arthur or our connection that feels as if it has spanned an eternity?

Arthur touched Gwen's cheek causing her to turn her face into his soft palm. His blue eyes met her chestnut eyes. He leaned over and kissed her passionately as if to say goodbye, as if to get her out of his system. The kiss ignited their passion more causing the windows to fog to the driver's dismay. The car stopped suddenly in front of Gwen's apartment. Arthur opened the door and got out of the car. He reached for Gwen's hand to assist her out. Gwen stepped out letting go of Arthur's warm hand. She touched Arthur's lips with her finger, his warm mouth made hotter from Gwen's scorching touch. She turned and walked away. Arthur ran to catch up with her on the steps.

"Guinevere. Please don't stop being my friend. If I cannot have you in any other way, then I want to remain your friend." Arthur pleaded.

Gwen nodded her head afraid if she opened her mouth then she would lose her composure and cry. She turned and walked into the entrance leaving Arthur watching her.

xXx

Lance walked in behind Vivian locking her front door. When he turned around, Vivian pushed him against the door hard kissing his lips and neck. Lance picked Vivian up and held her against the wall in the foyer opposite the mirror. He sucked on her neck causing the skin to turn red. She moaned with delight. He carried her further into the penthouse to her kitchen. He placed Vivian on the cold marble countertop. He reached under her short gown pulling her thongs down. She cried out as his fingers brushed her soft mound. He kissed her hard and pulled her hair.

"Lance!" She screamed out with ecstasy.

Lance smiled against her mouth. He took his hand from her hair and unzipped his pants. His pants fell in a pool around his legs. She opened her legs wider anticipating the feel of his length and girth. He thrusted his manhood inside of her fast and hard. She moaned and cried at the pain and pleasure all in one. She moved with him. He pulled her bottom closer to the edge of the counter wanting her to take all of him. She moaned against his ear making him yearn for release, but he held back making sure that she got her release before him. He slowed down his thrust, trying to savor her warmth and wetness around his penis. Vivian pulled him closer to her.

"Lance, I want it fast and hard!' she screamed into his ear.

Lance obliged her, taking her order. He quickened his pace again. He thrust deeper and quicker feeling her shake and quiver against him from her climax causing him to explode. Lance held onto Vivian moaning until he felt the confines of his pants around his ankles. He loosened his embrace from her and stepped out of his shoes and pants. He stared hungrily at Vivian lying against the counter with her dress hiked up around her waist. He picked her up from the countertop carrying her to the bedroom to continue their play.

xXx

Arthur walked into his office Monday morning wearing his Aviator shades. He walked past everyone without speaking which caused the office gossips to spread rumors of what may have transpired over the weekend. Arthur shut his door quickly. He walked behind his desk and sat in his leather chair taking off his shades and closing his eyes. He spent part of the weekend fussing with his father about his image, the company's image, marriage, Gwen and Vivian. After talking to his father, he drove to Gwaine's house to get drunk. No matter how much he drank or slept Guinevere was constantly on his mind.

Unannounced Morgana quietly strode into Arthur's office taking a seat in front of her brother who had his eyes closed. She sat there quietly watching and thinking. She still couldn't get any information regarding Arthur's mood the night she arrived at his place. Sooner or later I will find out what secret you are keeping from me little brother. Maybe I need to ask Merlin when I see him later. She knew that Arthur had a rough weekend from her previous talk with Merlin. Merlin explained to her what happened at the Pendragon Ball. She was furious with Uther for saying unkind words about Gwen and pleased to know that Vivian slapped him. She would have paid to see that. She never had a great relationship with Uther.

Morgana relaxed in the chair in deep thought reminiscing about how she got to the peaceful place in her life without Uther. When her mother died, Uther remarried quickly to Ygraine leaving Morgana to mourn alone. Although Ygraine was a loving stepmother, she still felt somewhat alone. After Ygraine died, her relationship with Uther grew very strained and she rebelled. Arthur tried to stay neutral, but was often dragged into the middle of their arguments making him choose sides. When she turned eighteen she felt liberated. Her trust fund was opened to her and she knew it was time to leave. Leaving Arthur was the hardest part because he was four years younger and had to stay with Uther. She secretly communicated with Arthur in order to keep their bond intact without Uther's interference.

Morgana decided a year after leaving her father's residence to attend culinary school with her best friend, Morgause, who encouraged her to do what she loved. Morgana knew that she loved to cook. Making new concoctions with Ygraine as a child after a rough day always made her smile. After culinary school, she returned to Albion, to be closer to her little brother and to start her own restaurant, Le Fays. She smiled slightly thinking about the past.

Arthur opened his eyes. "Morgana! How are you?" He smiled as he stared into his sister's jade eyes.

"I'm well, but I see that you aren't. Why don't you skip work today and hang out with me?"

"I can't. I have a huge business contract to negotiate. Next time." Arthur said looking at the papers on his desk.

"Fine. However, I do expect to see you one day this week Arthur Pendragon at my home for dinner at seven." Morgana commanded rising from her chair and leaving as quickly as she came.

Arthur moved his papers and laid his head on his desk. He sat up and reached for his phone and dialed a number.

"Hello," called out a sweet melodic voice on the line.

Arthur smiled listening to Gwen. He hung up the phone quickly.

Gwen looked at the phone as she heard the dial tone. She knew it was Arthur. He forgot she had caller identification. She smiled knowing that he was thinking of her like she was of him. She shook the thought away gazing at her ring scolding herself for wanting Arthur.

xXx

Morgana walked into the Kings Hotel lobby looking for Merlin. He said that he would meet her there for lunch. Morgana loved to go to different places to check out the competitor's food and Merlin loved tagging along to eat for free. Morgana sat down in one of the striped armchairs watching the various people going and coming into the hotel. She yawned looking at her watch while waiting for the consistently late Merlin. As Morgana shifted in her chair, she saw a familiar blonde woman holding hands with a familiar brunette man. It can't be! It's Vivian and Lance! What are they doing here? I shouldn't overreact, but how can I not? They are holding hands!

Morgana's mouth dropped and her jade eyes bulged at the revelation. She stared at the couple longer as they went to the desk and received a keycard.

No!

Vivian and Lance continued to hold hands as they strolled over to the elevator. Lance glanced around and grabbed Vivian's bottom when he thought no one was looking.

No!

The elevator appeared. They stepped in sharing a mischievous smile, leaving a devastated Morgana Pendragon to wrench, and fume, and fester over how they could do this to her baby brother.

Hell No!

Merlin walked up to a freaking out Morgana wondering whether he should call for an ambulance by the look on Morgana's pale face.

"Morgana, what's wrong?" Merlin asked concerned pulling Morgana to her feet.

Morgana's surprise transformed to rage. She thought about her brother and Gwen being loyal to Vivian and Lance. She was about to march over to the front desk and ask which room they were in so she could deal with them. Merlin saw Morgana's jade eyes burn with anger. He didn't know what was going on, but he knew the Pendragon rage was a hard thing to control. He quickly grabbed Morgana's elbow and escorted her out to the street. He walked her down to the park he frequented. He knew that around this time of day he could get a hot dog, gyro, or sandwich from the vendor that sold at the park.

Morgana sat on the wooden bench looking at Merlin walking towards her with two bottled waters and gyros. Merlin handed a calm Morgana her gyro and bottled water as he sat beside her.

Merlin unwrapped his gyro. He took a healthy bite of it as Morgana started to talk. "Merlin…"

"What is it Morgana?" Merlin said with his mouth full and Morgana glaring at him.

"Merlin, where are your manners? Don't speak while you are eating!"

Merlin rolled his eyes and swallowed. He unscrewed his water taking sips as Morgana continued.

"I saw Lance and Vivian at the hotel getting a room!" The words flooded out of her mouth.

Merlin spit the water he was drinking out nearly drenching an old man walking past. The old man waved his fist and cursed at Merlin before stomping off.

"Say that again Morgs!" Merlin said looking Morgana directly in the eyes trying to forget the old man's nasty words.

"I saw Lance and Vivian. They were holding hands. He even touched her bottom. Can you believe them? Gwen is preparing a wedding and Arthur is stressed with work and Uther!" Morgana exclaimed while standing.

Merlin rewrapped his gyro. His appetite lost. He should have realized that something was going on with those two. Lance was distant and Vivian was hanging around Arthur less. Morgana stared at Merlin.

"You know something." Morgana pointed her finger at Merlin.

Merlin looked away from Morgana avoiding her eyes. "What makes you jump to that conclusion?"

"I know you. You will not look me directly in the eyes. Spill!" Morgana commanded sitting down beside Merlin crossing her arms.

Merlin sighed. If I tell her I would be breaking my friends' confidence. If I don't tell her, then she would be breaking something on me. Which will it be? "Morgana, promise me that you won't get angry."

"Why would I be angry?" Morgana said raising her eyebrows.

"Promise!" Merlin exclaimed tired and hungry.

"I promise." Morgana relented seeing that Merlin was very serious.

Merlin explained to Morgana about the swap in hushed tones. Morgana looked at Merlin like he was lying. She couldn't believe that they would actually do something that stupid.

"Didn't they see that it was doomed?!" Morgana yelled making the squirrels run away from them.

"Exactly how I saw it! Doomed!" Merlin said taking a bite of his now cold gyro.

Morgana looked at Merlin with her mouth open contemplating a new revelation.

"Morgana, where are your manners? Close your mouth or something may fly in it." Merlin mocked grinning.

Morgana slapped Merlin's arm playfully. "What is going on between Arthur and Gwen then?"

"What do you mean?" Merlin asked before stuffing his mouth with the last bite of his gyro.

"If Lance and Vivian's swap went so great that they are seeing each other, then what happened between Gwen and my brother?"

Merlin turned his head. He thought about Arthur's drunken confession on Gwaine's bathroom floor.

Arthur flushed the toilet after he vomited up the last contents of his stomach. He washed his hands and sat back in front of the toilet. Merlin sat on the side of the bathtub staring at Arthur's solemn gaze.

"How's Gwen?" Arthur asked.

"She's been sad and distracted since the Pendragon Ball. Why do you ask," Merlin pushed.

"I was worried about her."

Merlin stared at Arthur with disbelief. Merlin noticed the look Arthur gave him when he described Gwen's disposition. "Arthur, is it really that hard to admit that you care for her?"

"I can't. How can I admit that I think about her all the time? Or that I care about her more than anyone. How can I admit that knowing that she will be marrying another man?"

"Why can't you?"

"Because Lance is my friend! And my father hates her. I have to shield her."

"Arthur, grow up! Who cares what your father thinks or what Lance feels? You need to talk to Gwen. This is your life! Are you going to let everyone control you forever? Morgana doesn't and she is happy." Merlin stood and walked out of the bathroom leaving Arthur staring at the wall.

xXx

"Merlin! Answer me!" Morgana snapped her fingers in front of Merlin trying to get his attention.

Merlin swiveled his head to stare at Morgana. "They have developed feelings for each other."

"What! We have to do something to stop this wedding and get them together. It's time for my brother to be happy!" Morgana stood and walked the concrete path out of the park. Merlin sat there shaking his head.

"Come on Merlin!" Morgana yelled scaring the frolicking chipmunks.

Merlin stood and ran after her grumbling, "Well there went not interfering…"

xXx

Morgana and Merlin sat in her huge gourmet kitchen plotting and planning how they should get Arthur and Gwen together without Lance or Vivian realizing what was going on. Merlin laid his head on the table exhausted with planning.

"Morgs, I'm hungry and Arthur will not be happy that I didn't return back to work from lunch."

"Don't worry. I texted Arthur and told him that I needed his Legal Advisor for my restaurant."

Merlin looked up at Morgana and smiled. "Thanks."

"Anytime. Do you have any new ideas?"

Merlin's stomach growled loudly and he blushed in response.

"That settles it. Let's go out to my restaurant and eat." Morgana stood up reaching over grabbing Merlin's hand. Merlin smiled delighted at the prospect of great food, and even greater company.

xXx

Merlin twirled the spaghetti around his fork enthusiastically while Morgana laughed at Merlin's facial expression. She loved hanging out with Merlin more than any of Arthur's other friends. It may have had something to do with the fact that Arthur's friends weren't her type. Gwaine stared at himself in the mirror more than her, Leon was too rigid and proper, Elyan was cool, but stayed too busy to have fun, but Merlin was the exception. He was the only one that she could connect with easily. She sipped her red wine and stared at Merlin stuffing his mouth with a large meatball. Morgana laughed again.

She scanned her packed restaurant and an idea came to her. "I got it!"

"What!" Merlin asked still chewing on the meatball.

"Merlin! I told you about eating with your mouth full!"

"Sorry!" Merlin exclaimed holding his napkin in front of his mouth.

"I know how to get Gwen and Arthur together." Morgana smirked.

"Oh No! Morgana I don't like that smirk of yours." Merlin said raising his glass of red wine up to drink. Morgana winked and clinked glasses with Merlin.

xXx

Morgana laid in her bed thinking over the events of the day. She smiled thinking of Merlin and his antics. She hadn't had that much fun with any man in a long time, since she broke up with Alvarr, the cheat. I will have to spend more time with Merlin. Morgana turned her lamp off and went to sleep happy.

xXx

Merlin sat on Gwen's beige couch watching a romantic comedy with Gwen and Elyan. They usually had movie night on Thursdays when everyone was free. It was a tradition that started when they were younger. Tom would always laugh at the three when they watched a horror movie that left each other too scared to sleep alone. So they would all gather into the living room. Elyan stretched out on the floor in a sleeping bag with Merlin, and Gwen on the couch with a flashlight taking first watch.

Merlin looked at Gwen's curly hair bouncing into the kitchen to get more popcorn during the intermission. Merlin hopped off the couch following her.

"Gwen, I want to do something special for your engagement." Merlin said leaning against Gwen's counter.

"Merlin you don't have to do anything." Gwen said placing the extra butter popcorn bag into the microwave.

"Gwen, please. I want to do something special for you. Let me do something special for my best friend. I NEED to do this." Merlin said pleading to a laughing Gwen.

"Okay, if you insist. What do you want to do?"

"I want you and me to go out of town for a weekend of fun, relaxation, and rest." Merlin said proudly remembering the words Morgana made him rehearse.

"That sounds like fun! Where are we going? Gwen asked merrily.

"I'm going to surprise you." Gwen walked over to Merlin embracing him. "And remember Gwen, I love you."

Gwen hugged Merlin back harder trying not to cry. Merlin was more than a best friend, he was her brother.

Elyan walked into the kitchen with his arms crossed in front of him. "This is the reason why I hate watching rom-coms with you two. It brings out your sensitive sides. When you two are finished, can we resume watching the movie WITH popcorn?"

Merlin and Gwen laughed together. Gwen reached into the microwave pulling out the steaming hot bag of popcorn and poured it into a bowl. Merlin grabbed the bowl from Gwen and started munching. Gwen laughed and walked out of the kitchen with Merlin chomping.

xXx

Arthur sat over Morgana's house pouting on her deck staring into the starlit sky.

"Arthur what is bothering you?" Morgana said walking onto her deck watching her little brother. Her heart broke at the sight of him. She couldn't wait to find out from Merlin what transpired from movie night at Gwen's during their late night phone call ritual.

Morgana stood behind Arthur sitting on the Adirondack chair. She touched his shoulder before she moved to sit down in the seat next to him.

"Morgs, do you think that I should propose to Viv like father wants?"

"No!" Morgana screamed startling Arthur. "I mean no. I think that no one should choose who you should marry." Morgana said staring at her brother.

Arthur smiled sadly. "Thanks sis. I have truly missed you."

"Why don't we do something together next weekend?"

"That might be fun. What do you have in mind?"

"I'll think of something." Morgana smirked.

xXx

Vivian huffed and puffed trying to catch her breath from another round of amazing sex with Lance. She glanced over at his sweat glistening chest rising and falling. She smiled thinking about how he said her name when she was riding him. She started to move to get up, but Lance pulled her down against his chest. She listened to his heart beat steady and strong. It seemed as if his heart was beating in synch with hers.

"Where are you going?" Lance asked huskily.

"To take a shower."

"Why?" Lance asked flirting with Vivian.

"Why not?" Vivian replied seductively.

"Because we have two more hours together and I thought that we might have another round of fun." Lance grinned rubbing Vivian's back.

Vivian laughed at Lance thinking about all the time they had spent together enjoying each other's company talking as well as being intimate. She had never had a man take an interest in her that had nothing to do with her body or money. Lance asked her questions no one bothered to ask and took a genuine interest in her.

"So Viv, what do you want to do? Have fun or take a shower together and eat? I'm partial to having fun." Lance chuckled running his strong fingers through her hair.

Vivian sighed. She could go for fun, but she knew that she needed to replenish her strength before she had to meet with Arthur. "Lets eat."

"Okay, I'll race you to the shower." Lance moved Vivian's head off his chest and jumped off the bed racing to the bathroom.

"Cheater!" screamed Vivian as she hopped off the bed running behind him.

xXx

Lance and Vivian sat comfortably in silence eating a very late lunch. Vivian looked up from her salad to watch Lance cutting his steak wrong. She was about to reach over and take the knife out of his hand, but her phone chirped notifying her that she had a text. Vivian walked to the bedroom to retrieve her phone. She didn't recognize the number, but she opened the text anyway. She screamed as soon as she read the message. Lance ran into the bedroom quickly.

"What is wrong? Did you see a spider again?" Lance asked looking around the room.

Vivian shook her head and gave Lance her cell phone. Lance read the text and all the blood drained from his handsome face. "Who sent this text?"

"I don't know." Vivian said softly sitting down on the side of the bed.

"This is terrible! What are we going to do?! Do you think that we can trace the number?!"

"Stop yelling Lance! Lets stay calm and think." Vivian said watching Lance pace.

"How can you stay so calm?! Someone knows about us!"

Vivian stood up and walked toward Lance. Her hardened blue eyes gazed into Lance's worried brown eyes. "We are going to pretend that nothing happened."

"What?"

"We are going to deny it all if it ever comes to it. Whoever it is has no proof. The hotel suite is always registered under an alias, we pay for the suite with cash, the staff has signed confidentiality agreements, and if it comes down to it I know the owner. Lance, I know that you are worried, but you have to trust me."

Lance nodded his head. He grabbed Vivian's hand and kissed it. "Thank you."

"For what?"

"For keeping a level head. I cannot have Gwen finding out about our 'relationship' or Arthur. It would devastate them. I think it's best if I leave now. We should leave separately so it wouldn't arouse more suspicion." Lance kissed Vivian's cheek and left.

"I'll call you later." Lance said loudly walking out the door.

Yes Vivian had remained level headed until her phone chimed again with a photo of Lance's right hand on a room key and his left hand on her ass.

Vivian could barely move. She couldn't think, or even breathe as she settled her petrified body to the floor, tears pricking at her crystal blue eyes.

Her trembling hand turned over a vibrating phone. Her heart pounded against her breastbone as her screen lit up with another threatening text...

A/N: I know it has been awhile since I last updated. I hope that this chapter will make up for it. Let me know what you think.

I have to thank everyone who favorited, followed, and reviewed. I like to say thank you especially to my incredible beta, Embrasia!