Hadley's eyes opened realizing she was in the room she used the last time she stayed in the castle. She still hurt, but it was minimal compared to what it was. She stared up at the ceiling as she remembered the short time she spent with her mother. Tears leaked out of the corner of her eyes.

"Don't cry." Hadley turned to Arthur's whisper, seeing him lying next to her, his head on the same pillow as hers. Arthur raised up, resting his head on his hand as he looked down at her. "One of us is really going to have to try to stay out of bed with injuries."

Hadley smiled at him, her eyes closing on a sigh. "You're okay?"

"I am." Arthur frowned down at her. "So is Emma and Merlin. Because of you."

Hadley's eyes opened again, hearing the tone of his voice. "I had to."

"You died." Arthur's eyes clouded with emotion as hers swung to his. "We watched you die."

"I know." Hadley took a deep breath, wincing at the pull of her burns. "I…saw my mother."

"Who was the woman?" Arthur asked, his heart starting to race in his chest.

"My aunt." Hadley closed her eyes to shut out his face. She knew what he was going to ask.

"She brought you back. With magic. Hadley. Open your eyes and look at me." Arthur ordered softly. She did so, if not hesitantly. He could see the fear in her eyes and closed his own. "You have it too. Don't you?"

"I'm sorry." She whispered as he looked at her.

"Tell me. Everything." Arthur ordered on a sigh.

So Hadley started at the beginning. She was never aware of her magic and it wasn't till she came to Camelot that she discovered it. She told him about her grandparents, her mother, Blythe and what really happened with Lady Elizabeth. She finished with Jonas and why he wanted her. Hadley told him everything. He hadn't said a word as she talked. She was filled with dread as she glanced over at him. "I'm sorry, Arthur. I didn't mean to lie or keep it from you. I was just…scared."

Arthur swung from the bed, getting to his feet. He ran a hand over his face, through his hair and rubbed his neck. "He thinks you're dead. This Jonas."

"He'll quickly learn I'm not." Hadley tried to sit up, a moan escaping her lips without her meaning for it.

"Lay down." Arthur ordered softly.

"I…need to move." Hadley huffed and puffed as Arthur helped her to lay against the pillows behind her.

"He killed you once." Arthur pointed out as he sat on the bed next to her.

"I just have to get stronger. I wasn't prepared for him." Hadley was no where prepared to deal with the power Jonas had. She shouldn't have even tried, but she had to get them away from him.

"I watched you die once. Don't ask me to do it again." Arthur pleaded, softly. He was looking down at the floor when she took his hand.

"I can do it. I just have to prepare more. Learn more." Hadley tugged on his hand, making him look at her. "Blythe can help. My aunt. That's…what I've been doing while I was away. What would you do if you had an opponent you couldn't beat?"

"That's never happened." Arthur smoothly replied with a smirk. She chuckled, but rolled her eyes. "But…I would keep training. You can't do it here. It's not safe."

"I won't. I am truly sorry, Arthur."

"I've always knew there was something about you." Arthur turned his head to her. "I'm not really surprised. I wish…you could have told me. But I understand why you didn't." No, he wasn't surprised. He was surprised at his reaction. He figured he would be mad, angry at her for keeping it from him. But to see her laying there still hurt and pleading with him to understand with her blue eyes, he couldn't get mad. She had that much control over him and he didn't know if he liked that or not. The power she had to crush him was unreal, she had crushed him before. But now she was looking at him with a sweet smile on her face, holding tight to him and he knew he couldn't deny her anything.

Hadley moved against the pillows again, wincing. "When I'm stronger I can help myself."

"You can heal yourself?" Arthur asked, amazed. "Like you healed me."

"I think so. My mother was a healer."

Arthur watched her go away from him a moment so he leaned into her, taking her hand. "You said you saw your mother."

"Yes. Before she sent me back." Hadley gave him a little smile. "She told me…not to be scared…of you."

"I'm not scary." Arthur muttered, leaning in inches from her.

"You're terrifying." Hadley chuckled, putting a hand on his cheek. "But there is something about you too." Her eyes closed as he dipped his head and their lips brushed.

"Oh!"

Arthur leaned back, shaking his head. "Sometimes….I could choke her."

"You love me!" Emma skipped over to the bed, smiling at her sister. "I am beyond glad to see you awake." She bent down to hug Hadley, but Arthur grabbed her arm. "What?"

"Don't touch her." Arthur snapped, in annoyance. "You'll hurt her."

"I'm fine. I can hug her." Hadley told him, amused as she watched the two.

"I can't hug her, but you can practically be on top of her?!" Emma exclaimed in mock outrage.

Hadley smothered a laugh with her hand as Arthur hung his head. "I'm happy to see you, Emma."

"Me too. We'll just forgot how you just up and left me for weeks since you died and stuff." Emma sent her a look before smiling and bending over her to kiss her head. 'I love you, sister."

"I love you." Hadley sighed, reaching out to grab her sister's arm. She pulled Emma to her and hugged her. It did hurt in spots, but it was worth it. "We'll talk later."

Emma pulled back, nodding as she wiped her eyes. "Gaius is on his way to check you over and put more medicine on you. You need to eat too."

Xxxxxx

Hadley was alone with her thoughts after Gaius left. He reapplied medicine to her blisters, telling her to rest for another day at least. Then hopefully she would be strong enough to heal herself the rest of the way. Laying there, she replayed what had happened with Jonas. She had nowhere been near ready to take him on. But at the time all she was concerned about was saving those she loved. Hopefully, she could train with Blythe more before Jonas realized she was still alive. Her eyes went to the door as it opened and Arthur poked his head in.

"Hi." He softly said, giving her a little smile.

"Hi." Hadley replied, watching him come into the room.

"Gaius said you need a couple more days in bed." Arthur sat down beside her on the bed.

"He said at least one more day." She pointed out with a look.

"You don't want to rush it."

"Says you?" Hadley arched a brow, teasing him.

"Well…I'm used to injuries." Arthur tossed back with a smirk. They smiled at each other, then Arthur cleared his throat, his smile gone. "Don't rush it. You…hell Hadley, you died. I don't think a few extra days in bed will hurt."

"We'll just see how I do. How about that?" Hadley bargained, poking his side and making his smile return.

"Deal." Arthur took her hand, playing with her fingers. He opened his mouth only to shut it as Merlin came in. "Don't you knock?"

"Sorry, but the king wants to see you." Merlin gave him a cheeky grin. "I'll keep Hadley company."

Arthur frowned, getting to his feet. He bent down on the bed, putting a kiss on Hadley's cheek. "I'll be back later."

Hadley gave him a smile and nod, then watched him leave the room. Merlin sat at the end of her bed. "Where's Emma?"

"Helping Gaius. She's…really taken to medicine." Merlin explained, grinning.

"Good for her." Hadley closed her eyes on a tired sigh. "I hate this, Merlin."

"I know. But you get better, heal yourself and start to work." Merlin simply told her. "I'll help if I can. When Arthur doesn't need me."

"I can't do it anywhere near here and my aunt's place…is too far." Hadley frowned as she wondered how she could practice her magic away from Camelot.

"I'll see if I can find somewhere. Your aunt said she would be seeing you soon. She's going to help you."

"She's going to have to. He was so strong." Hadley's eyes met his. "I don't know how I can beat him."

"You can or he wouldn't be so scared of you. You can do this Hadley." Merlin replied.

Xxxxxxx

Arthur found his father on his throne, going through some papers in his hands. "Father."

"Arthur. Good. You haven't told me what happened with the girl." King Uther put his full attention on his son.

"Umm. We…were attacked by a sorcerer. Hadley was able to distract him for us to get away, but she was burnt because of it." Arthur held his breath, hoping that would satisfy his father. "His name is Jonas. Apparently a very strong sorcerer." Hopefully Uther would be distracted by the thought of magic in his kingdom.

"What's he want with Camelot?"

"I don't know. But I'll find out. He's…still out there." Arthur had already starting thinking of a way he could fight Jonas without Hadley having to do it. He didn't have magic, but he could find a way.

"The girl? She's recovering?" Uther asked.

"She is. Should be fine in a couple more days." Arthur crossed his arms across his chest as he stared at his father.

"I take it you will want her to stay here?" Uther raised a brow.

"She's welcomed as long as she wishes. Her sister as well." Arthur told him. In the back of his mind he had wondered what Hadley would do once she was better.

"If I say otherwise?" Uther challenged with a smirk.

"I don't want to fight you on this. But I will if I have too." Arthur held his father's hard stare.

Uther held his sons gaze for just a moment. "Found out what you can about this sorcerer. I want him dead on the spot."

"So do I." Arthur quietly agreed, but for different reasons. He left his father, going to his room to get ready for training.

Xxxxxx

Hadley sighed as the sun hit her as she stepped outside. The day was beautiful, more so when she had been cooped up for the last two days. She had many visitors, her sister, Merlin. Gaius checked on her several times a day. Edith would bring her food and talk with her for a while. Arthur, however, had been notably scarce. He checked on her, several times actually, but only for a few minutes at a time. She knew he had his training with the knights, but she felt like he was hiding something from her. So today, with the clear from Gaius and after a few moments of healing her arms, she wanted fresh air.

"Let's go watch the boys." Emma flashed a sly smile. "They always train harder if they have an audience."

Hadley smiled, walking with her sister to where the knights trained daily. She spotted Merlin sitting near the weapons and she spotted Arthur standing back critically watching two of his knights spare with swords. Merlin noticed them, giving them a big smile. Emma went to join him, but Hadley stayed back observing.

Emma caught Arthur's eyes and he soon spotted Hadley. Frowning, he moved around his men and walked towards her. "Why are you out here?"

Hadley raised a brow at him. "Am I not allowed?"

"Should you be up?" Arthur's eyes moved over her. She looked good. The color in her face had returned and now her eyes were twinkling with amusement. Truthfully, he was happy to see her up and obviously feeling better.

"I'm fine. Plus, look." Hadley pulled up part of her sleeve, revealing smooth skin.

Arthur took her arm, his fingers gently moving over her perfect skin. "Wow….." His eyes met hers, a little uncertain at the fact she used magic. He was still coming to terms that she had it. "Be careful." He warned quietly.

"I was and I will." Hadley assured him just as quietly. Hadley looked over him to see his knights watching them with big, goofy smiles on their face. Her cheeks redden. "Your men…."

Arthur looked over his shoulder, giving his men a hard look that did little to faze their laughter. "We're done for the day." Still holding Hadley's arm, he trailed his fingers to her hand until he twined their fingers together. He had missed her. He knew he had been avoiding her, but he was actively trying to find and learn as much as he could about Jonas. So far, he hadn't learned much, other than most people refused to talk about him because of fear. Most hadn't met him, but his reputation was large. "Want to go riding?"

"Yes." Hadley quickly said. To be out of the castle was wonderful, but to be riding on such a pretty day and with Arthur…it sounded perfect.

"Merlin, get my horse and one for Hadley ready." Arthur threw over his shoulder as he and Hadley started walking to the castle. Once he inside, he left Hadley at her room to get ready to the ride and went to change himself. As he was leaving, he ran into his father.

"Arthur. Any news on the sorcerer?" Uther asked.

"None worth mentioning. The villagers fear him." Arthur shared with his father. "I'm still looking."

"Good." Uther noted Arthur's impatience. "Where are you going?"

"Out for a ride." Arthur stepped around the king, hoping to make a quick getaway.

"By yourself?" Uther questioned, his brows raised.

"Um. No."

"The girl?"

"Her name is Hadley." Arthur snapped, turning to look at his father. "And, yes. With her."

"Tonight I want you both to dine with me."

His father's words stopped him in his tracks, quickly turning around he shook his head. "Do what?"

"I wish for you and the girl- Hadley to dine with me. I would like….to get to know this girl who has you so fascinated." Uther replied, turning and leaving Arthur gapping behind him.

"Arthur?"

Arthur spun around as Hadley reached him. "Ready?" She smiled when he held out his hand and he decided to wait to tell her about the dinner invitation. Merlin has their horses ready and with a wave, he sent them off. Arthur stayed beside her even though he could feel his horse wanting to ride faster. Hadley wasn't used to her horse, so he didn't want to rush her. They rode for a while on the clear lands surrounding the castle before Arthur circled them back to the large lake. Jumping down, he moved to help Hadley off her horse. He saw her wince. "What's wrong?"

"My legs still have some burns. I…haven't had the chance to heal them." Hadley told him, but with a smile on her face. "It's not too bad. Just stings."

Arthur looked around, spotting a tree several yards away. "Come on." Holding tight to her hand, they walked towards the tree, Arthur put them on the other side and motioned for her to sit. They were far enough from the castle to not be seen. "Do it now."

Hadley's eyes widen as he joined her on the ground. "Here?"

"No one is near. It's safe. I'll…keep an eye out." Arthur promised. "I want you all the way better. "

Hadley bit her bottom lip, unsure. But it would feel nice to be completely healed. So with a deep breath, she moved to sit cross legged. Closing her eyes, she focused only on healing.

Arthur knew he stopped breathing as he watched the pale light start to surround her. She was glowing. All his life he had been raised to fear magic, to hate it. But sitting there watching her, seeing the beauty in her features he was memorized. When her eyes opened, he gasped to see them golden until she blinked returning them to blue. She gave him an embarrassed smile, looking away from him. Without thinking, he moved to her, taking her face in his hands and putting his mouth on hers. Her felt her surprise, but quickly kissed him back. Her arms circled his neck her fingers tangling in his hair. Wrapping one arm around her, he pulled her against him, kissing her deeper. One of them whimpered, he wasn't sure who all he knew was he never wanted this to end. The feel of her, the taste of her…it was all he wanted.

But soon, they pulled apart, their breathing raspy as the stayed so close. Hadley's eyes opened as Arthur rested his forehead against hers and she saw his were opened looking back at her. His fingers went to her face, caressing her jaw, her chin.

"That was…beautiful. You are beautiful." Arthur whispered, his lips brushing over hers.

Hadley moved, resting her head in his shoulder. The feelings rushing through her were so overwhelming. She sighed when he put his arms around her, holding her against him. She blocked out all the reasons she should still fight this and just enjoyed being there with him. She put a kiss in his neck and felt his arms pull her even closer. She was practically in his lap and didn't mind.

"Not to ruin this moment…"

"But?" Hadley laughed against his neck.

"My…um…father wants us to dine with him tonight."

It was a good thing he was holding her or she would have fallen when she jerked up so quick. "What?"

Arthur saw the panic and fear fill her eyes and sighed. Running a hand over her head in comfort he told her. "My father said he wants to get to know you better."

"Why?!" Hadley exclaimed in horror. "Arthur. Please no."

"It will be okay. I promise." Arthur quickly assured her, giving her a light kiss. "I'll be there. I won't let him say or do anything to frighten you."

"I'm already frighten." No. She was terrified. She only had a few run ins with the king and they had been too intense for her. Now, that she had magic and Uther…killed anyone with it just made her that more nervous. "Why does he want to get to know me?"

"He said…he…wanted to know the girl…who had his son tied in knots." Arthur admitted quietly as his cheeks turned pink and his eyes bounced everyone but her.

Hadley felt warm from the inside out as she looked at him. He was blushing and it was just plain adorable. Putting a hand on his cheek to make him look at her, she gave him a soft smile. "Do I?"

"You have from the moment I laid eyes on you." Arthur was serious as he met her eyes, admitting how he felt.

Hadley let her forehead rest on his, keeping his gaze. "It's…the same for me." His sweet smile melted her heart. She leaned back and sighed so dramatically Emma would be proud. "So…dinner huh?"

Arthur laughed, hugging her. "It will be okay. I promise."

"I hope so." Hadley prayed so.