Chapter eleven: Only you


Arthur rubbed his head as Morgana stared his father down. What potion had seeped into everybody's blood demanding that they all be in an argumentative mood? The look in her eyes warned everyone that Morgana was not about to surrender her mission. He wished he'd had Morgana on his side when he'd wanted to make Gwaine a knight months ago. He couldn't help but be curious as to what had passed between Morgana and Gwaine to make her fight for his case.

Morgana stuck her chin out defiantly. "I wish to know why after all I have said to you, that you still deny to lift his banishment!"

"Because, Morgana, he is a liar and he is not a nobleman." His father was growing weary of Morgana's arguing. Arthur could see it was just a matter of time before his father gave into Morgana's whim. For some reason, Morgana always had his father in the palm of her hand. "I fail to see why you insist that he be your tutor. Sir Leon, if you but asked him, would teach you."

Morgana held her head up straight. "Forgive me for saying this, but I honestly believe Gwaine to be the finer man in the arts of sword fighting." That caused the whole room to murmur and he was glad Sir Leon wasn't there. "Now, Sir Leon is a fine sword master, the greatest, next to Arthur of course. But Gwaine has new tactical moves, unlike anything I've ever seen before."

Arthur nodded. "She is right about that."

His father glared at him and he wisely turned to look at Morgana. Gwen, standing to the side, flashed him a smile and Arthur tried not to let that goofy grin form on his face. Why did he always seem to morph into this…duplicate of Merlin whenever Gwen was around?

"Very well Morgana," his father sighed. "I am weary of this petty argument, so, I shall grant your request."

Morgana dipped her head and smiled. "Thank you. Now, I shall prepare for the banquet." She turned to Arthur. "And don't forget to speak to father about King Griffith. You promised."

Arthur scowled at her. Merlin had told Gwen about the attack, who told Morgana, who decided that he should tell his father. Uther frowned. "What is this about King Griffith?"

Arthur shifted. "This is a delicate matter, which, I should like to speak to you about in private."

Uther nodded. "Council is dismissed." The people shuffled out of the room a lot faster than Arthur wanted. The moment the door shut, he turned to his father. "Well, what is this about King Griffith? If that girl sent you here to talk me out of his marriage offer, no, you won't."

Arthur's brow rose. "He's all ready offered himself as a suitor?"

"Yes, he's offered a foolish amount of 100 pounds of gold."

"That's...a very generous price, indeed. But, she can't stand him."

"That much is obvious. But I've granted his wish, he obvious cares for her a lot," Uther made a face. "inspite of her temper and magic."

"Father," he rubbed the bridge of his nose. "Morgana asked me to speak to because Merlin and I heard him threatening her."

Uther frowned. "You and the serving boy heard him?"

He nodded. "Yes father. And when I entered the library he was forcing his attentions on her."

His father shrugged. "She's a strong minded girl, she needs a strong hand."

"He's her brother-in-law." That caused his father to pause for a moment. "He was married to her sister. She feels disgust towards him because he's had adulterous feelings towards her when he was married to her sister. Surely, you'd want better for her."

"That girl," his father bit out. "has caused nothing but trouble. She refuses to give up her magic as well."

"Griffith has magic as well." Arthur pointed out.

"And he swore he'd not use it in Camelot." Uther said. "He's offered me a king's ransom in diamonds for her hand in marriage. I intend to announce their engagement tonight."

Arthur straightened. "Father, I ask that you-

"No." His father's tone broached no argument. "She has no other suitors around here. I will announce it tonight." He glowered. "And if one did surface, I'd reject it. That girl is trouble and Griffith is a firm man. He will put her back in her place."


Later that evening,


Morgana spun around. "This, is beautiful." The gown was white, with a golden emblem on the bodice. A creamy sash hung low on her waist and her shoulders were exposed. "I'm so glad you have skills to do this!"

Ariana nodded. "White looks simply beautiful on you." She leaned forward. "Is Gwaine going to be there?"

Morgana rolled her eyes. "I couldn't care less. He's so full of himself."

Gwen giggled lightly as she moved to do Morgana's hair. "He is indeed."

Morgana studied her reflection. "I know they say white is a color for brides, but this is such a lovely gown."

"You make it look lovely." Ariana was focusing on her drawing, preparing to make the final touches to her dress. "I think green in my best color."

Morgana nodded as she leaned over her sketch. "That looks perfect. I wouldn't change a thing."

"You think so? I'll try it. Besides, I can always alter it." Ariana began chanting and the sketch glowed as it grew off the paper and formed to her size. It changed from it's flat form to a solid and the paper changed to silk. Moments later, the dress was done. She stepped into the dress and shoved her arms into the sleeves.

Morgana shook her head as Gwen helped tie Ariana's bodice. "You look beautiful. You shall have to teach me that spell. I should love to have that one handy."

"As long as Uther doesn't know you're using it."

Morgana nodded. "Indeed."

Someone knocked on the door. "Morgana?" it was Arthur. "May I come in?"

"Yes, come in Arthur."

Arthur came in and by the sullen look on his face, she knew something wasn't right. His face seemed to grow more depressed when he realized that Ariana was in the room as well. "You all look…very lovely."

"What is it Arthur?" She asked. "I'm not reading your thoughts at the moment, but I can feel that something is very wrong."

He exhaled. "My father….he is announcing that you're betrothed to King Griffith tonight."

Ariana felt as if someone had slapped her face with a ten-inch thick icicle. "You don't mean that." Morgana said. "How could he? Griffith tried to rape her!"

"Griffith has offered a kings ransom for her hand." Arthur exhaled. "An assortment of gold, precious stones and various pieces of jewelry. Evidentially, the chest that he keeps the treasures in, once filled, weighs almost 100 pounds."

"Not all that is real." She said flatly. "He's a master at alchemy. He can turn lead into gold with a wave of his hand. He could turn this whole castle into solid gold if he wanted to."

Arthur frowned. "I doubt that would deter my father. Had you given your word to abandon magic, he would have been more lenient towards you. he doesn't care for you and he wants to get you out of the castle as soon as possible. I am sorry. I tried."

Ariana nodded. "I know. I see." A strange mixture of panic and fear welled up inside her and she moved towards the door. "Excuse me."

"Ariana." Morgana called. "Wait!" She slammed the door on Morgana's calls.

She grabbed her voluminous skirts and ran down the halls. Her hair flew madly about her face as she ran down the stairs to the courtyard. She rounded a corner and crashed hard into Merlin! She hit him full tilt, knocking Merlin down! Merlin's eyes glowed gold and he caught them both before they hit the ground.

She exhaled as he righted them. "I'm sorry."

"No problem." He glanced at her, his eyes roving over her for a moment. "You look nice."

"Thanks."

"Do you always go about jumping people or am I just special?"

"You're a special idiot," she snapped. "so, yes, you are special and that's the only reason I go about jumping you!"

Merlin frowned. "Are you ok?"

"No!" She leaned against the wall and exhaled. "I'm sorry. I was trying to sprout wings like a bird and fly out of Camelot."

"And I stopped you?" She nodded. "Good. Now," he leaned casually against the wall beside her. "why don't you tell me about what's got you attempting to sprout wings?" He frowned. "Is that even possible for you?"

"No. Can you do that?"

"I don't know yet." He said. "But this conversation's about you, not me. what's wrong?"

She exhaled and looked upwards. "Uther is announcing my engagement to Griffith tonight." Merlin stiffened beside her. "Griffith has bought me. He's a master alchemist and he has offered Uther 100 pounds of riches for my hand."

Merlin nodded. "Well…we'll just have to get you out of here."

"How?"

"It's possible."

"And then what?" She asked. "With his magic, he could track me everywhere I go. What kind of a life is that to be running like a mad animal? As much as I wish to rule the kingdom on my own, I cannot do so without breaking my father wishes. At times, I wish that I could kill myself."

"You wouldn't."

"You're right, I can't stand pain." She pounded her fist against the wall. "So, what do I do? I can't marry him."

"You won't."

"Darn right I won't!" She exhaled and rubbed her exposed shoulders. Merlin stepped beside her and she jumped as he placed his coat over her shoulders. "I'm fine, honest."

"It's cold out here." He said. "I know my coat isn't the nicest-"

"It's fine, Merlin." She placed her hands over his, which were resting on her shoulders. "I'm just not cold."

Merlin's fingers twitched under hers and she didn't remove her hands from his. Ariana turned towards him and found her face was a good few inches away his. Ariana felt a strange tightening in her throat and chest as Merlin's eyes traced the lines of her face. she held her breath as Merlin gently placed his hand on her face. "It'll be alright, Ariana. I promise."

Ariana brought her right hand up gently ran her hand down his cheek. "I hope so, Merlin." Merlin hesitated for a moment, then he ran his long fingers down her arm, over her shoulder to cup her neck in his hand. Ariana felt his other hand on her waist as she pressed her other hand against his chest. Was it the full moon, that was reflecting in Merlin's beautiful blue eyes, causing her to react so? She inhaled and looked deeply into his eyes. The look in his eyes was enough to make her tremble. "Merlin." She croaked out as he leaned forward slowly, their noses brushed and she felt her lips brush against his upper cheek. "Please." She could feel his quick intakes of air on her face. She could feel that part of him didn't want to kiss her. She didn't want to know how his lips would taste against hers. But they both didn't want to let this opportunity pass them by.

Then, their lips met and their lips burned at the light contact. Ariana whimpered quietly, wanting Merlin to deepen the kiss; to allow themselves to get lost further in the forbidden kiss. Reading her thoughts, his hand coaxed her chin to lean into the kiss. His other hand still rested on her waist, gently pressing her closer to him. She moaned as she lost herself in him as time stood still. She brought her hand up around to his shoulders, her other hand clinging desperately to him.

It could never be, the two of them, even if she wanted to explore these feelings so badly with Merlin. She was a princess and he was a servant. Yet, no one, had ever been able to make her feel this way. Only he had the power to provoke such strong feelings of passion and desire within her. Was this how Arthur and Gwen felt about each other? A strange mixture of loneliness, longing, despair and hope? But the hardest emotion for her to digest was the overwhelming sense of recognition that they were both in the arms of their true love.

"Merlin?" At the sound of Gwen's voice they jerked apart to see her standing there.

Ariana felt the blood drain out of her face and she felt Merlin stiffen as he broke the kiss. "Oh God." The broken kiss had left her aching for more. She could feel his heart pounding through his material. "Gwen." Merlin began. "It's not-

"Don't." Gwen held up her hand. "Uther has the guards out looking for Ariana. I won't say anything, I swear, but you need to get her back."

Merlin nodded. "Right." He turned to her. "You go with Gwen, we can't be seen together."

She nodded as Gwen spoke. "Come on you two."

She hesitated going, looking towards him as she communicated desperately with him. I'll talk to you later.

He nodded. All right.

I'll come down when Gaius is asleep.

Don't. we'll talk tomorrow.

I can't risk us being seen in daylight.

Then, have me tote your bath water or something.

After I toted my own bath water yesterday?

We'll tote it again tomorrow then. I'll see you. now go.

I won't marry him Merlin. I couldn't. right now, she was glad that she was able to think the words across for they flowed easier to her head than finding them on her tongue. I don't think I could marry anyone what we just shared.

A look of sadness filled his eyes. Go Ariana.

At that moment, a voice cut through her thoughts. Ariana? It was Griffith. Where are you? She hurriedly blocked her thoughts off as panic filled her. Had Griffith heard everything they'd said?