A/N Hi everyone just a quick note. You'll realise that I have not included "the lady of the lake" episode this is merely because as I watched the episode I saw only few chances for Kara to be in it and it would of been an extremely small chapter, so small honestly I couldn't see the point in writing it. Unfortunately this will happen from time to time as I can't always include Kara in episodes but I will tell you when I skip an episode. Sorry to everyone who's disappointed. It's a real shame as I loved the episode and Freya especially her relationship with Merlin (however short it was) and I'm disappointed as well but I hope this chapter makes up for it. Love you all, thanks for reading xx oh and remember reviews and favourites are always welcome ;)
Kara dodged an arrow that whizzed last her head as her horse counted to gallop across the forest ground. Glancing behind her sass the five bandits still chasing her, crossbow in hands. She grinned as she dodged another one, before her eyes flashed gold. A low hanging branch suddenly sprouted outwards knocking one of the riders of his horse.
She urged her horse on faster ducking underneath a branch herself. Kara had crossed Camelot borders from a visit to her mother in a neighbouring kingdom when she was ambushed, originally it was group of ten. She killed five of them before stealing a horse and raced away, the remaining five chasing after her.
She looked to her left at the sound of a laugh, seeing bandit there sword in hand. She merely grinned before grabbing a dagger from her belt, she swung her arm and the dagger into the bandits chest sending him reeling off the horse.
Two down, three to go she thought as she galloped towards a canyon. She urged her horse across the bridge. Her eyes shined gold at the rope at the end snapped. She urged her horse up as the bridge feel from underneath her.
Landing on solid ground she turned to the bandits on the other side, cursing to themselves. 'Maybe next time boys, she winked before her reared backwards before galloping towards the castle of Camelot.
Kara walked up the steps but was greeted immediately in a hug and a shout of her name 'kara!'.
Recognising the voice Kara hugged Morgana back.
'I trust your trip was pleasant. It has been most dreadful without you here to liven the place up, Morgana's said with a smile pulling away from her friend.
'It was eventful' Kara shrugged moving her arm only to have Morgana gasp in surprise.
'Your hurt' she cried grabbing kara's arm. The girl looked down to see a cut from one of the bandits swords.
'Tis merely a flesh wound, I'll fix it up later. Have the Kings from the five kingdoms arrived?' She asked and Morgana nodded.
'Just a while ago, speaking of which I hope you don't mind but I may of volunteered for you too after the lady Vivian for the duration of their stay, Morgana told her and Kara sighed.
'A maid work is never over, she said before laughing, lacing her arm with Morgana asking for the details of what had happened in Camelot while she was gone.
Later on Kara made her way into the guest chambers of lady Vivian. She smiled at Arthur as she entered coming to stand behind him.
'Well, er, may I present Kara. She'll be looking after you for the duration of your stay. You'll want for nothing. She is truly one of Camelot's finest.' Arthur spoke and Kara bowed hiding her smile at his compliment.
Vivian giggles however 'Then I fear for Camelot.' Both Kara and Arthur,s eyes widened shocked at the woman's rudeness and normally Kara would give the woman a piece of her mind but as she was a Kings daughter, she decided against it.
Exiting the chambers Kara stares at Arthur before they both laugh. 'Good luck with that one.' Arthur says and Kara nods.
'Thank you sire' she says glancing back at the door, not seeing Arthur stare at her. When Kara turns back to lock at Arthur he moves away from the wall
'I need to prepare for the feast.' He claims and Kara nods watching him go.
Later that night, Kara stood in the banquet hall besides Gwen and behind the lady Vivian as jester from a neighbouring kingdom performed tricks with fire breathing out his mouth. He moves towards the table with Kings lighting the candles with a breath of flame everyone in the court clappiu get heir approval.
'But it is not enough to please just the gentlemen of the court. Now I have a spectacle for the ladies.' He says and he produces butterflies out of nowhere. All the woman smile in delight watching the butterflies fly around them.
The trickier gasps 'but what is this? Lady Vivian' he says reaching forward and putting a hand by her ear. He pulls it back to reveal a butterfly on his hand.
'It has mistaken you for a beautiful flower.' He exclaimed and she grins in delight, Kara rolling her eyes at Gwen who stifles her giggle.
The next day, Kara groans to herself as she walks Witt the whining and complaining lady Vivian. God was this woman a spoilt brat, Kara thought as she rattled on about how grand her home was. Kara didn't notice Arthur and Merlin standing near the end of the hallway as she sighed, calming herself before following after Vivian.
Kara sighed exhausted entering her chambers, she let out a frustrated squeal. She was so getting Morgana back for this, she claimed annoyed. She walked past her table going to collapse on her bed when something caught her eye.
She walked backwards seeing a bouquet of blue and white flowers on the table. They were beautiful. Kara noticed a card next to them with her name written. She opened the card and smiled as she read it.
"The barriers that keep us apart are nothing compared to true love. Arthur" she grinned happily, not even going to question the odd change in behaviour as she fetched a vase from a cupboard.
Kara was arranging the flowers when the door swung open. She saw Merlin standing there and she looked at him confused 'merkin what on earth are you doing?' She questioned.
'Rats.' Merlin spoke and she looked at him even more confused.
'What?'
'Big. Hairy. Sharp teeth. Er...yeah, definitely under here.' He says moving underneath the table.
Kara glanced down and looked at the boy 'are you feeling alright Merlin?, she questioned.
'Me? Never better. You?' He said standing up.
Well I'm having a very surprising day if you must know' she says giving a small smile as she glanced down at the piece of paper in her hands.
'Really?'
'It's one of those times were you give up only to have a pleasant surprise sent your way. Do you know what I mean?' she asked and Merlin shrugs.
'Sort of'
'We'll sort of, if you don't mind I'd like to get some rest before I'm called to wait hand and foot on the lady Vivian' she says rolling her eyes with a scowl. Merlin nods leaving her. He sighed exiting the room, could things get any worse?
Kara makes her towards lady vivian's room the next day, carrying her breakfast when she feels the rug slip underneath her. With a squeal Kara finds herself flying backwards crashing against the floor and everything goes dark as her head bangs against the concrete.
Kara wakes up in the physician chambers, gaius dabbing a wet flannel against her forehead.
'Wha-what happened?' She asked looking around confused.
'You hit your head dear, quite hard I'm afraid looking at the bump on your head' he said and Kara moved her hand through her hair, feeling the bump on her head.
'How long was I out? She questioned.
'Only a few hours' Gaius reassured her and she nodded, sitting up and moving off the bed.
'Thank you Gaius' she said with a nod of respect.
'I also properly treated that wound on your arm' he said and she glanced down seeing the bandage around her upper arm.
'Thank you gaius' she repeated again before disappearing out the door. She made her way through the courtyard only slowing when she saw Arthur patting the side of her horse absentmindedly.
'Arthur are you alright?' She asks, tapping his shoulder. Arthur turns and looks at her
'I've made a fool of myself, that's all. That's everything.' He says and Kara shakes her head disbelieving.
'You are many things Arthur pendragon but you are no fool' she stops mid-sentence before shrugging slightly 'except for the odd occasion' she adds with a chuckle yet no smile plays on Arthur's lips, Not even a witty or sarcastic comment. Strange, Kara thought.
'I'm afraid it's true Kara. I have made a gesture, but it was not well received.' Arthur stated and Kara smiled slightly to herself realising he must be talking about the flowers and notes, it was the only explanation.
'Are you sure?' She questioned.
'Pretty sure.' Arthur said.
'Then you are wrong.' She protested.
'You are very close to the lady in question.' Arthur states turning and looking at her and Kara huffs a laugh, not quite sure with what he was doing but she couldn't help but find it amusing.
'Believe me your token was much appreciated. But you do understand the situation is delicate you've said it many a times yourself, and we both know it is not always easy to express what is really in one's heart.' Kara explains.
'You think there's hope?' Arthur says happily and Kara nods.
'There is always hope even when the situation seems to most dark' she states and Arthur nods.
'If only I had some way of knowing.' He ponders.
'Indeed, My Lord.' Kara says before disappearing leaving Arthur to his thoughts, pondering her own.
Kara felt sick to her stomach as later that day she stood outside Arthur's doors. She felt like she was going to make a complete fool, out of herself by doing this but before her nerves go the best of her she slipped the note under the door before hurrying away as fast as she could.
Later that night Kara sat at the dining table of her small house, staring at the vase of flowers and two candles slowly burning down from the heat of the flame. Her thoughts going back to her words on the note "A second chance. Sunset. I'll await your presence."
She had never felt so much like a fool. The midnight bells had rang out through Camelot only moments before. She was a complete and utter idiot she sighed thinking to herself. She looked at the vase and felt her eyes glow, the vase smashed into millions of pieces, the flowers falling to table and the ground.
She wiped at her eyes before any tears could fall remembering her mother's words to her when she first felt heartbreak caused by a boy in the village.
'No man is worth your tears' she muttered to herself blowing out the candles and walking to bed, curling up under the sheets, pushing every thought of prince Arthur out of her mind.
The next day Kara entered the lady Morgana's room with a basket to collect the laundry.
'Anything interesting?' Kara questions when she notices Morgana staring out of the window with keen interest.
'Haven't you heard? Arthur was discovered in Lady Vivian's chambers.' Kara almost drops the basket in shock at Morgana's words.
'What?'
'King Olaf has demanded recompense. They are to fight to the death. All for the love of a woman. And Lady Vivian at that.' She said and Kara could almost feel her heart tear in two making her hate herself mentally for appearing so weak.
'You look more shocked than I did.' Morgana states turning to look at her friend in concern.
'Ahem' Kara cleared her throat 'It is very surprising.' She speaks collecting the laundry.
'Well, I don't know why he couldn't control his feelings.'
"Indeed. I must go, chores to do and all' she said leaving the room before Morgana could ask if she was alright.
Kara walks past both Merlin and Arthur in the hall but she manages to avoid both men's eyes.
'Ah, Kara! You will wish me luck?' Arthur asks.
'Wish am arse like you luck, not a chance' she stated walking past.
'What's the matter with you?' Arthur asked and she stopped.
'What's the matter with me? What's the matter with you?!' She shouts 'I know you were many things Arthur pendragon but a liar and a coward was not one of them!' She finished before storming away.
Kara stands in small house, sweeping up the broken fragments of the vase, trying to keep her mind far away from the arena where the battle between Arthur and King Olaf was taking place. Merlin burst through her door and she glanced up in shock before sighing.
'Rats again?' She guessed but Merlin shook his head.
'What? No. No, erm...I, I need your help. Arthur needs your help.'
Kara medley scoffed 'I do not think that Arthur needs me. Besides you were able to save him just fine on your own before I came here'
'Kara, don't worry. I know. You don't need to hide it from me'
Kara looked at Merlin in confusion 'You know what?'
'Everything. Anyone who spends five minutes with you can see how you feel about each other. Look, I do not have a lot of time to explain, so you are gonna have to trust me. Arthur does love you.'
'No he doesn't.' Kara scoffs, rolling her eyes at merlin's attempts.
'If you don't trust me, trust your feelings.' Merlin argued and Kara scoffed again.
'Believe me Merlin I'm never trusting me feelings again for as long as I live. I was a fool to think a prince could fall for a mere serving girl like me' she sighs before continuing to sweep.
'He's enchanted!' Merlin protested.
Kara pauses in her movements 'What?' She asks in confusion
'It's trickler he cast and enchantment on both Arthur and Vivian. King Alined wants war but he doesn't want to do it himself. So if Arthur kills Olaf or if Olaf kills Arthur a war will break out and the peace treaty will be forgotten completely' Merlin explains.
'How can you be sure? When I saw him, his feelings seemed real enough.' Kara said remembering the dazed look in Arthur's eyes.
'Kara, none of his feelings for Vivian are real. But if you do not break the spell, his death will be. Search your heart. You know who he loves.'
Kara stared at Merlin, contemplating everything he just said in her head.
'What do I have to do?' She asks and Merlin sighs in relief before telling her everything that the dragon told him.
Kara moves towards Arthur's tent after just seeing the gong being the only thing that kept Arthur from death by mace.
'Ah! Have you finally come to wish me good luck? 'Cause I really don't think I need it anymore.' Arthur states and Kara rolls her eyes.
'No I have not come to wish you like Arthur.'
'Well that rather rude even for you' he says and Kara sighs before moving forward.
'I love you' she whispers and before he can say anything she crashes her lips against his. She could almost feel the radiation pouring off him before she felt his lips move against hers, kissing her back.
She smiled, wrapping an arm around his neck feeling him dip her. The kiss was very different compared to the first one they shared many weeks ago. It was more passionate then the last one which was nervous and slightly awkward as their feelings for each other were small almost insignificant while now they loved one another, despite their social standings.
At that moment though, Kara forget about it all. She forget that Arthur was a prince and that she was a serving girl, it become just Arthur and Kara two people in love.
Kara pulled away for breath first, standing herself up. She watched as Arthur all of sudden cringed, feeling the pain of his injuries as the enchantment broke.
'What am I doing?' He asked confused on why he was wearing his armour and his rib killed
'You're in a fight. To the death and You're losing.' She whispers and Arthur's eyes widen in alarm.
'But...' Kara interrupts his protest 'There's no time to explain. Just...don't die Arthur, for me." She says and Arthur nods.
Kara leaves the tent shortly after sitting in a spare seat in the stands. She looks forward and sends Arthur a smile.
'Merlin' Arthur says turning to his manservant who looks up 'if anything should happen to me, look after Kara. The world may think she is just a servant, dispensable, but...she's not dispensable to me.' He speaks truthfully and Merlin smiles, handing him his helmet.
Kara watches as Arthur and Olaf face each other withdrawing their swords. The sound of metal against metal soon fills the arena. She could see Arthur struggling from the pain in his side and tried sending him reassuring smiles every time she could see his head turning in her direction.
Olaf manages to knock Arthur to the ground, but Arthur flips Olaf, disarming him. Arthur stands above him, poised to strike, and everyone waits nervously. Arthur states down at the King before lowering his sword, shouting 'This is no way to achieve peace!'
The crowd all cheered at the rounded actions watching as Arthur offers Olaf a hand to help him up. Arthur nods to Kara who smiles proudly.
Later the same day Kara entered her chambers, not bothering to return to her small house. Yet she's surprised again when she notices a single red rose and a note on the table.
'I thought I'd better deliver it myself this time.' Arthur says and she turns to look at him leaning against a wall 'I'm sorry...for...what I put you through.' He apologises but Kara shakes her head.
'There's is no need to apologise, you are not to blame' Kara speaks.
'You must believe that my feelings for...Vivian...were not real.' He says and Kara watches as he come closer 'I have never loved another.'
Even though her heart sped up at his words, reality sunk in and she sighed 'One day you will. One day you will find your real princess. One day you will be King of Camelot. And I cannot be your queen.'
'You don't know that.' Arthur protests but Kara shakes her head.
'I am as sure of that as you are.'
'Things may change.' Arthur argues.
'Maybe' she shrugs before dropping her shoulders 'maybe not'. Arthur stares at her before leaving the roo. And Kara sunk down into one of her chairs, curling her knees to her chest and she buried her face, feeling the hot tears slowly slide down her face. Her mother was wrong because one day very girl will meet one man that will always be worth your tears.