A/N: Here is 25th chapter! I never expected to be still going! Anyway, I kind of realised that Percival hasn't really featured so I thought that perhaps he could help Gwen. I hope you enjoy this! I DON'T own Merlin….Please review.

It was a week after I had, unfortunately, found out about Merlin and I felt even more hurt than I had when I first found out.

A couple of days ago, I had decided that perhaps it would be wise for me to avoid seeing both Leon and Merlin and now I was paying the price…the desire to see Leon was at time so strong that it often nearly made me want to cry out for him. Yet, I couldn't. I still wasn't resigned to being in love with him and seeing him, although, made me feel slightly happier I would always feel guilty, too.

Being so isolated made me want Arthur more than ever! If he was still with me, I wouldn't have to deal with Merlin's magic on my own, and I definitely wouldn't be in love with Leon!

It had been just dawn when giving up trying to sleep, I had ventured out for a walk. It was now I had realised where I had ventured to. I was opposite the knights who were training.

I let out a sigh! It seemed that I couldn't get away from Leon, as I soon spotted him showing out a technique to a younger knight.

I couldn't help but stare at the sight, as the younger knight seemed to gaze at Leon in admiration and devotion, and it made me realise something.

The Knights had all unconsciously accepted Leon as their unofficial leader. Although, I knew it should have pleased me as some of the younger knights definitely needed some guidance, it also pained me. It made me realise that Arthur, however much he was missed, could be replaced.

Why couldn't I accept it? Why couldn't I accept HIM? I loved him, it should be natural!

I was so trapped in my musing when I suddenly saw Percival walking towards me. He must have noticed me before. I couldn't help but blush wondering whether he had seen me staring.

"My Lady…" Sir Percival acknowledged me, bowing.

"Sir Percival." I nodded at him, smiling slightly.

I had always enjoyed talking to Percy as he seemed to always have something to say, even if he didn't come across as particularly loquacious.

"How are you, Gwen?" He soon asked me, looking anxious.

I couldn't help but frown at his question. It wasn't what he said but the expression he had on his face…it was so serious.

"I'm fine, Percy." I told him. Although, this wasn't the exact truth, if I admitted how I really felt, it would cause more problems.

I knew that I didn't sound it, especially, as I had involuntarily glanced at Leon at the same time.

Percival wanted to tell me something. That was immensely obvious, and it was about Leon, as he too glanced at him before continuing.

"He misses you. You do know that, don't you?" He told him, watching Leon again.

Of course, I knew that Leon missed me and it made me feel awful but the more I avoided him, the guiltier I felt!

"Yes, I do but it's complicated." I told him, trying to defend my actions.

It was his turn to nod, but it was a thoughtful one!

Percival had a reflective look on his face, and after a moment or two, told me: "Nothing's as complicated as it seems, even if it seems hopeless…!"

For such a big man, I couldn't help but smile at his words, especially, as he didn't seem like the philosophical type. It was one of the things I had come to like about him.

His words gave me hope. Perhaps it wasn't as bad as it seems…

"Even the situation with Merlin…" Percival then added.

At Merlin's name, instead of feeling hurt and betrayed, I felt more hurt than anything.

"Thank you, Percy. Always a help." I told him, smiling. He had been. I had felt hopeful about Leon and me, and it amazed me.

As he nodded, and said his goodbyes, I noticed that Leon had noticed our conversation and was openly staring.

When Percival approached Leon, Leon didn't greet him with a smile or anything cordial but rather looked at him coldly and gave him a pert nod.

Leon's behaviour, I knew, was aimed at me. He was talking his frustrations out on the people around me, rather than on me.

If only he knew, that by his behaviour I was being punished….I felt even guiltier.

A/N: Here you go! I am thinking of writing a sequel to this, and so those of you who review can you say whether you would like to me to write one! In it, I would explore King Ayden (He's still not done, I'm afraid) more and maybe Gwen and Merlin!

Please review!