Never in my life have I spent an entire week doing nothing in front of so many people except Arthur. It stung a bit that he stayed away from me, but I know of real pain now. His words haunted my soul leaving me drowning in a flowing river of sorrow. He believed I was a whore, and he could never take back those hateful words. Edward was, my guard, assigned to track my movements because I was not only a whore, a faithless, lying, cunning whore. At least, he didn't think of me as a fool. Perhaps it gave him time to rethink our uncomfortable marriage.

Mary ushered maids in and out of my chamber, and they cast side curious glances in my direction; it seems like a lifetime ago when they were my friends. Every few hours, Merlin would arrive to discuss matters of Council Meetings and other idle subjects in an attempt to lift my spirits. We never touched upon one subject, Arthur. Some days, it appeared Merlin wanted to plead Arthur's case for him until he gazed into my wounded eyes, and changed into a lighter subject.

Something hollow arose in my chest when my mind wandered to dream of Arthur. After those precious days in my house so long ago, I realized Arthur was complicated, impulsive, and courageous; yet he was wise, strong, and intelligent man with a good heart. Something inside of me changed; my presence drove Arthur to become a mad man. I love him too much to allow this behavior to continue, or it could lead to the destruction of Arthur and Camelot. I want to hold my love for him in my heart until I die; even though, my feelings drifted in the direction of hate after his words in my house. It hurts my heart to view him so negatively, especially when I betrayed him. I'm turning him into Uther, and I can't allow my failings as a wife to harm him any longer. He does try to make our marriage happy; however, it doesn't work like a marriage. He doesn't trust me, and his temper is so dark and foul. I need to leave Camelot; so he marry another queen, live a life full of happiness and love.

Over the last week, I heard his deep voice rumbling in his chamber. So many times, I ignored a desire to leap from my bed, fling open the door, and jump into his arms. The comfort of his arms would soothe my doubts while I listened to his heartbeat. This week was essential to our survival as husband and wife; it did nothing except convince me to flee from my life with Arthur. We can live without each other; I'm not dead without Arthur, and he was fine without me. He deserves a better wife and queen someone like Elena. Tiny bits of information from Merlin support my thoughts that Arthur doesn't need me as his queen and wife. I'm going to leave Camelot when the time is right.

8*8

I waited until a group of maids departed my chamber. Racing to an imposing wardrobe, I removed a dark purple satin gown, pulling my dress from a hook. Looking over my shoulder, I withdrew a small needle and thread; my fingers were nimble as I stitched a small pocket into my underskirt, and dropped a few small coins into a secret compartment.

"I can't do this anymore. One day he might understand, and he might forgive me. I can't destroy him any longer."

8*8

I poked my head into Arthur's chamber," Arthur? Merlin, are you in here? " I waited for a response before I snuck into Arthur's chamber like a thief in the night. Arthur kept gold coins in one of his dresser drawers, and yes, my father would be aghast about my stealing. What else can I do? Raising my gown, I tiptoed across Arthur's floor. My hands searched his dresser drawers for gold coins, and I was so lost in my task that I didn't hear the door open.

"Guinevere, what are you doing?"

A/N: This story is expanded drabbles from Hunted (drabbles). A very brief house scence was included in you haven't read Hunted, please don't because it will ruin Hunted the missing parts for you. Hunted the missing parts sections are more detailed ( don't laugh)!