Chapter 20

Vervain

'Is there no way?' I asked calmly, holding on to my emotions tight even as they struggled to run wildly.

'Yours is a situation that has almost never happened before. There have been cases of two souls sharing the same body. But all of which end in one overpowering the other.' The old sage said, sympathetically.

'She is weaker than me but still I cannot defeat her.' I said, furrowing my brows, allowing for the moment to let some of my frustration show. I have moved far past Europe, through to Asia. But it was pointless, futile. It was for nothing.

'She takes energy from you even if she cannot use your gifts. You cannot rid yourself of the sidhe but it would be worth taking her back to where she came from. Perhaps you can trade something with the sidhe elders in exchange for removing her.' The sage thought out loud.

He looked at me then. There was a hard glint in his eyes even in his old age. 'Even here in Laos, we have heard of a powerful warlock. The most powerful to ever be born. He will be honored to have an alliance with nature's Queen.' He said bowing his head respectfully.

Even here, they had a title to bestow upon me. I nodded my head in assent and stood up. 'Thank you.' I said, grateful for his help and advice even if it would prove fruitless.

'I am truly sorry not to be of more help, my queen.' He said, taking my hand and touching his forehead to it.

'It matters not. This will not adhere me.' I said calmly, though I was sorry to see the man go.

I started my return to Europe and to Camelot. There were many here that were willing to help me get back home. Everyone in Asia believed whole-heartedly that I was nature's Queen, as they addressed me here. True enough, their crops grew better during my stay. I walked to the ship that was prepared to take me back to Europe.

A little girl slammed into my legs and hugged them, burying her face in my skirt. I knelt down and returned her hug with a smile. How strange. I rarely showed any emotion or even shows of affection. It opened the heart up to unnecessary pain. But children had always managed to thaw my coldness. Perhaps it was because they never have the intention to cause pain or perhaps they were too innocent.

She ran back to her mother as I boarded the ship. The people waved goodbye to me and I raised my hand in farewell. I was going home.

Aria

It has been two weeks since Arthur announced me as his ward. The first few days were unbearably boring. I have no idea how noble women just sit there and do nothing. Elsie insisted that I dress like a Lady. All I did was wander the castle and I do admit, I loved discovering new places. The castle was so large that there was always some place I had yet to discover. But really I could practically feel my uselessness.

After the third day, that was when I decided to do something about it. I was a Lady after all and I could do as I pleased. Elsie was shocked when I requested working clothes. Nevertheless, she brought them to me. Then I gave her the day off. Looking stunned, she left me. Ever since that day, I have been going around the city, helping where I can. And when there was nothing I could do, I played with the children. Which happened to be exactly what I was doing today.

'You know the only reason you won was because I'm wearing this terribly long dress.' I said, pushing back my messy spirals.

The children giggled around me, the most wonderful sound. Out of the blue, a little girl with lovely brown eyes came up to me and tugged at my dress. I looked down at her and smiled but it faded when I saw her frown.

'What's wrong, honey?' I asked, crouching down beside the girl.

'Those people over there are pointing at you. They don't look very nice.' She said, pouting her cherubic lips.

'That's because they don't think I'm very nice.' I said, sighing.

Children were so insightful. I wished she hadn't noticed that though. It wasn't a pleasant topic. Certain people did not approve of me as the prince's ward. And from that emerged gossip, whispering, glares and of course, insults. I've had it with them.

'I think you're nice.' The children offered, calling back my attention. My heart warmed and my expression softened. There was nothing like a child's praise.

'Thank you. That's all that matters. Now why don't you all go inside? I'm sure your parents will want to feed their hungry little children.' I teased as I heard little tummies rumble.

They hugged me hard and ran back to their homes. As I stood and brushed the dirt off my dress, I looked up and there they were, still giving me that look of superiority. Well, they weren't superior. Not to me. I marched over to them and suddenly they seemed unsure. Good.

'Excuse me, mightn't you tell me why you are sending me glares?' I asked, making my voice sickly sweet.

They remained quiet, expressions hard, until one disrespectful boy shoved his way forward and spoke up. 'I'll tell you why! It's because our prince could do for a better ward. Not some low class orphan girl freak!'

That last word did it for me. My patience snapped in half and if it weren't for Merlin's lessons on control, my magic would've killed him. Instead I opted for something a little less intimidating. I pushed my forearm against his chest and slammed him against the stone wall. He whimpered in pain but I refused to relent, pushing him even more.

'Say that again, bastard. You think I'm just going to take that from you? Play the innocent little ward?' I asked, slamming him with each sentence as the others looked on in shock.

'I will not tolerate being called a freak!' I hissed. Releasing him, I stepped back. He remained at the wall, frightened.

Suddenly, three large men surrounded me, holding daggers. Their hands shook, betraying their fear. I scoffed at them. Honestly, they weren't thinking things through but as long as they wanted to threaten me…

'Just try me.' I said, warning instead of daring. They looked angry but even they didn't have a chance to attack. Two knights came running around the corner. I recognized them both instantly.

'What the hell is this?' Gwaine asked, the look on his face furious.

'Are you harmed, Lady Aria?' Percival asked me, worried.

'I am fine.' I assured, anger diminishing.

'Her? She attacked one of us first! She should be put away.' One man called out indignantly. Just like that, my anger flared.

'I will not be called FREAK!' I screamed at him.

'I see. Perhaps this matter should go to our Regent. I'm sure he'd like to know that his ward has been threatened.' Gwaine said, looking dangerously from their daggers to their faces, which paled considerably.

Even I frowned. Arthur would not like this. And he might start ordering guards to follow me. I can't let that happen.

'It's alright, Gwaine. Let's not worry him.' I said informally.

'Are you sure?' Gwaine asked almost pleadingly. That made me laugh. I brushed past the men without looking back.