Thanks to everyone for reading! I just want to apologise if there's any mistakes in the chapter, because I rushed it a lot to post it on time! I don't own Merlin, but I do own my OCs!

Chapter 28

Lilies and Peonies

I sat in front of the mirror in my chambers as Esme finished braiding my hair. She smiled at me and stepped back. "Thank you Esme." I said when there was a knock on the door. "Come in."

The door opened and Sir Lewis stepped in, surprising both Esme and myself. "Milady, sorry for the lack of notice."

"No, it's fine. What can I help you with, Sir Lewis?" I questioned and he gave me a small smile.

"I was wondering whether you would like to accompany me on a walk?" He asked.

I shared a look with Esme who seemed more cautious. I sighed and turned back to Sir Lewis, who was looking hopeful. "Yes, I'll join you."

"How about now?" Sir Lewis seemed to be elated at my response.

I chuckled, although asking myself why I agreed. "Sure." Sir Lewis then held his arm out and I came forward, linking our arms together, before looking over my shoulder at Esme. "Feel free to have the afternoon off."

She nodded, seeming concerning and Sir Lewis led us out of my chambers, down the hallways and out the front doors of the castle. "How about we go to the marketplace?"

"That is fine with me." I said, despite Sir Lewis had already made us started heading towards it, not noticing the look I gave him. Doesn't he know of the way you speak to a Queen? I'm meant to choose what to do, not be told what to do. Usually, I wouldn't make such a big fuss, but I don't really feel like going out with him right now.

"Might I just say, last night you looked beautiful, your highness. Very delectable in that gown you were wearing." Sir Lewis grinned as descended down the front steps.

"Thank you…Sir Lewis." I gave him a shocked look, but then smiled. Very delectable? I've never been told that before.

"So, how are you, milady?" he queried as we made our way to the marketplace.

"Fine. How are you?" Sir Lewis seemed to take this as an invitation to start prattling on about himself.

I made sure to nod politely and make noises as if I was actually listening to him while we made our way into the marketplace, people bowing to me as I passed. Sir Lewis had decided he wanted to start talking about his love for horse riding, and rarely let me say anything, so I just paid more attention to our surroundings.

"Sir Lewis!" One of the knights of Utus called and Sir Lewis looked at me.

"I'm sorry milady, but I need to go speak to Sir Edward." Sir Lewis pulled his arm away from mine and bowed before walking off as I sighed in relief.

"Amity!" I turned to see Morgana and Gwen coming towards us, Amy in Gwen's arms.

"Morgana! Gwen! I am so happy to see you two!" I rushed towards them, smiling at Amy.

"Did we just see Sir Lewis?" Gwen asked and I nodded.

"He asked me to join him for a walk, I didn't have the heart to say no." I groaned. "Nor did I know how much of a bore he is, or how self-centered he is either."

"You should've just said no." Morgana told me and I silently agreed with her. "Plus, you walking around the marketplace, arms linked with a knight, gives a wrong message. Especially to a certain manservant."

I rolled my eyes before hearing a loud and obnoxious laugh. "Merlin! You are way too funny!"

I looked over my shoulder to see a maid talking to Merlin, who was smiling with his hands in his pockets. The maid touched his arm and smiled up at him as Merlin said something to her which made her laugh even louder. "Who on Earth is Merlin speaking to?"

"Are you jealous, Amity?" Gwen grinned and I shook my head. "Are you sure about that?"

"Yes. I just think that Merlin could do better than some girl who'll run off to another man after she's broken his heart." I said and Morgana smirked.

"But how could Merlin really do better? He is a servant after all." She pointed out and I glowered at the girl.

"Who is that servant girl, anyway?" I retorted as the girl cackled.

"I'm not sure. Maybe you should ask her." Morgana joked and my eyes narrowed on the servant girl.

I turned back to Morgana and Gwen. "That girl is no competition with me."

Morgana raised an eyebrow pointedly and looked at the two a few metres away. "Are you positive about that?"

I whirled around again and gasped. Merlin shook his head about something and then reached over to the girl, handing her a flower. The girl took the flower, saying something to Merlin who was shrugging. She then smiled and Merlin laughed. I glowered at the servant girl as Merlin then took the flower from her and put it behind her ear. The situation was so much like the one Merlin and I shared last night when he gave me his flower. He probably makes many for different girls who start flirting with him. The girl seemed very taken by the action of him giving her the flower and was clearly swooning. "Who does that girl think she is?"

"A friend of Merlin's by the look of it." Gwen guessed and I stepped towards them. "Amity, you can't just go up to them!"

"And why not?" I snapped, before moaning. "I thought I finally had a chance. It seems I was wrong."

Gwen and Morgana shared a horrified look. "I'm sure you're just taking this the wrong way, Amity! Don't go making up false accusations!"

"He and the girl are clearly more than friends." I hissed while I crossed my arms over my chest. "I might as well accept that Merlin and I never had a chance."

"I think that you are just taking it the wrong way, Amity." I gave Morgana a look. "Oh no, not that look. Arthur has a similar look. That look always equals trouble."

"Maybe Merlin was right." I whispered. "Maybe I should just accept a knight. I mean, a knight is a better social status than a servant, especially when I'm Queen."

"No, no you shouldn't." Gwen insisted, borderline desperate. "Please, whatever you're planning, don't do it. You'll regret it. Merlin doesn't care for that girl-"

"Queen Amity!" We all turned to face Sir Lewis who made his way towards us. "Sorry for the interruption. Would you like to continue our walk?"

I inwardly smirked as my eyes went to Merlin and the girl again and bitterness filled me. If that girl can have Merlin, than I can have anybody…just not the man I actually want. "Of course, Sir Lewis." I quickly took his arm again and started walking through the marketplace, making sure to laugh loudly at some bad joke Sir Lewis made as we passed Merlin and the girl.

"You're so funny, Sir Lewis." I giggled, ignoring Merlin as we kept walking and I noted Merlin's eyes stayed on us as we passed.


"What were you thinking Amity?" Morgana shouted when I finally entered my chambers after the long walk with Sir Lewis. Morgana and Gwen had gone to my chambers, waiting for my return while Esme just cleaned. "Now you've gone and ruined everything."

"What are you going on about now, Morgana?" I asked.

"Merlin has started to like you! Wasn't his reaction to Sir Lewis at the feast last night obvious enough? Pouring wine on Arthur's lap only because he was too busy watching Sir Lewis try to flirt with you!" Morgana looked ready to breathe fire. "And then you have to go and ruin it by making him lose all hope!"

"What are you talking about?" I questioned, feeling a headache developing in my temples.

"Sit down Amity." Gwen nodded at the seat next to her and I groaned and marched over to the seat, flopping down and feeling like a little kid just told off and made to sit in the naughty corner.

"Merlin doesn't like me-"

"He thinks you're beautiful!" Morgana butted in. "He told me so."

I felt a small grin come onto my face. "He did?" I quickly cleared my throat and made myself sound less lovesick. "But that doesn't mean he wants to be with me."

"Yes, because he's confused! You were always out of bounds, Amity. Arthur's ward! Everybody knows not to touch Arthur's ward! But now you're not the King's ward, you're a grown up woman who is very mature and beautiful. You're not the little girl you were when you arrived here. This frightens Merlin. He doesn't realise that he likes you, he just knows that all of a sudden, you're back and better than ever." Morgana yelled, sounding very frustrated. "He doesn't know what he's feeling yet, he hasn't had years to understand his feelings like you have! And now, he thinks he has no chance because you went prancing around the marketplace on the arm of one of the most disgusting knights I have ever met! And that girl you judged too quickly was not romantically involved with Merlin."

"And how would you know that?" I asked, annoyed at Morgana.

"Because her name is Joanna, she works in the kitchens. She also happens to just have a huge crush on Merlin, but it's not returned. She's tried everything on him for years, but it's never worked. Merlin doesn't like her like you are insinuating he does." Esme informed me from where she was standing by my wardrobe.

"And why does this all matter?" I asked, trying to get my head around everything.

"Why does it all matter? Because Amity," Morgana stepped forward, "Merlin was starting to like you, but now that you have gone and shown off what seems to be the start of a relationship with Sir Lewis, he believes he has no chance. He's prepared to just pretend that spark of attraction isn't real. He'll just move on and get to know some servant girl, most likely to be dear Johanna!"

I sighed and ran a hand over my braided hair. Great, so now I've ruined all chances with Merlin. Great work Amity, just great.


"Amity," Arthur said, smiling at me as I made my way into the hall, all the other Kings and Queen already there. "It is wonderful to see you."

"It's wonderful to see you too, Arthur." I nodded at everyone before standing in-between Arthur and King Roland.

"We were wondering whether you'd like to join us on a hunt? Since you have been known to ride with us in the past?" Arthur seemed professional in his comment, although the cheeky glint in his eyes makes me know that he remembers when we went on the hunt with Princess Mithian and I nearly shot him with an arrow.

"Oh, yes, I will join you." I said. Anything to distract me from the current situation.

"Great, we shall get the horses ready. Would you like to get changed into something more appropriate for the sport?" He suggested and I nodded.

"At once." I said, before leaving the hall.

I was soon changed into breeches, a shirt and my proper Lexador cape with the crest on it. Esme had decided not to join us since she was still recovering from the long ride from Lexador to Camelot. Esme walked with me to where the knights, horses and royals were standing, all ready for the hunt. Although I don't like hunting, I'm pretty sure it would be frowned upon if I didn't join them since I don't have a man to take my place. Queen Annis, Gwen and Morgana decided to stay at the castle, while King Caerleon, Arthur, King Roland and Prince Lucan were going.

"You're horse is ready, milady." A servant bowed to me and I smiled at him, but it faltered when Merlin came running down the stairs.

I averted my eyes just when there was a high-pitched squeal. Arthur looked confused while many of the knights cringed at the sound. "What was that?"

"The sound of a banshee, sire." Gwaine kidded.

"Merly!" The same girl from the marketplace ran down the stairs called after Merlin, who flushed bright red. "Wait up!"

"Oh wait, I was wrong. Merlin's girlfriend." Gwaine corrected. "Hey Merly." Gwaine laughed and directed his last comment to Merlin, who looked incredibly embarrassed as my eyes narrowed on the maid.

"Milady, do you want a hand getting onto your horse?" I jumped at Sir Lewis' unexpected question.

"Joanna!" Merlin seemed surprised but not saddened by the girl's appearance.

"Yes please, Sir Lewis." I said as he put his hands onto my waist and lifted me up.

"Might I just say, even dressed in breeches and a shirt, you still look very gorgeous, your majesty." I hoisted my leg over the saddle and sat down, picking up the reigns while flushing at his comment. "There you go, milady." Sir Lewis said once I was fully seated, leaning closer to me and grabbing my gloved hand and kissing it. "I hope you're comfortable."

"Trust me, she is." Soldier suddenly butted in, stepping forward and starting to neaten up my Lexador cloak. "Don't worry, Sir Lachlan, I've got it."

"It's Sir Lewis." Sir Lewis corrected, but Soldier just grinned smugly.

"Sorry, I must have misheard." Soldier then looked at me. "Comfortable, milady? Because if not, I know one of the knights mentioned you could share with Merlin."

I flushed and my eyes went to Merlin who had Joanna patting him on the arm…again. Joanna then leaned up and kissed his cheek, as I looked away. "Thank you for the offer, Soldier, however I am comfortable."

"Good, good." Soldier smirked at me, before looking innocently at Sir Lewis. "Now, Sir Lambert, would you like to go and get seated on your horse so the Queen has some space?"

"It is Sir Lewis." Sir Lewis repeated and I saw Morgana hide her smirk by pretending to gasp and cover her mouth at something Gwen said.

"Sorry again, I have a very bad memory." Soldier apologized, although I could hear the lack of sincerity in it.

"That's fine, good man." Sir Lewis chuckled. "Perhaps you could take some extra herbs to help with your memory?"

Soldier gave Sir Lewis a flat look. "Yes, perhaps."

"Alright men! On your horses." Arthur called as he mounted his while the knights got onto theirs.

"Goodbye Merlin! Stay safe." Joanna shouted and I rolled my eyes, who does she think she is? His mother.

"Gosh, she's sickening." Soldier whispered to me as we headed out of the courtyard on our horses. "You'd look much better with Merlin than that whiny twig."

"Soldier." I warned in a hiss and he rolled his eyes.

"You see, you would be protective of him and the two of you would look together with your contrasting good looks. I mean, just imagine your children!" Soldier kept going on about how I'm so much better than Joanna.

"Soldier, there is nothing between me and Merlin. He is fine to be with whoever he wants to be with!" I snapped quietly and Soldier smirked.

"You know, I think Merlin would be a good King. Sir Lewis on the other hand, not so much. I'd much rather have a King who loves his Queen then a King who lusts for his Queen." With that, Soldier kicked his horse to go faster so he was riding up beside Sir Anthony, who cheered at the sight of his partner in crime, making all the other men laugh.

I stayed riding in silence, considering what Soldier said with my eyes lowered, before I slowly brought them up to see Merlin watching me from where he was with Arthur at the front. He blushed slightly and looked away, as I stared longingly at his back. My eyes then went to Sir Lewis, who was talking loudly about how he once caught a deer which was enough to fill all six of his siblings when he was ten. If I was to choose between the two of them, which would be the wiser decision to go for? The man who is merely a servant to a King or a man who is a knight? The man who is kind to all those around him or the man who can only seem to talk about himself? A man who is self-sacrificing or an arrogant man who only cares for himself? A man from a poor background or the man with more wealth than he would ever need in life? An older man or a younger man? A sweet man or a socially acceptable man? A lover or a player?

"Queen Amity?" I gasped and turned to see Prince Lucan looking at me. "Are you alright, milady?"

"Prince Lucan…I…sorry, I was just thinking about…issues." I said, trying to gather my thoughts, blushing when Merlin peeked at me over his shoulder, before Arthur said something to him which made him turn his direction back to the King.

"I do hope they are not disconcerting matters, your highness." Prince Lucan said, his emerald eyes looking deeply into mine.

"No, they're just little factors I need to remember." I muttered, before smiling at the Prince, albeit awkwardly. "How have you been?"

"Fine, just dealing with every day as it comes." He peered out over the distance ahead of us. "And yourself?"

"Much the same as you." I commented and he nodded.

"That seems to be the general consensus." Prince Lucan said and I silently agreed with him, just as King Roland raised his hand and everyone stopped moving.

King Roland then raised the crossbow he was carrying and fired off into the distance, all those actually interested in hunting stayed silent and tense, before they sighed. "Just missed, King Roland!" Arthur said and King Roland shrugged.

"It must be the crossbow." He said.

"More like your old age." Prince Lucan joked, causing everyone to laugh.

King Roland turned around to look at his son with a humourous glint in his eyes. "Oh you cheeky little bugger!"

"Let's see if we can track that deer down." Arthur then looked at Merlin. "Merlin, go find the arrow."

"Why? It was fired off and flew far away." Merlin said and Arthur glared at him.

"Merlin, just do as I say for once. Do I have to remind you who is King here?" Arthur had the warning tone in his voice which told Merlin to obey.

Merlin sighed and hopped off his horse, admitting defeat. In a split second decision, I jumped off my horse. "I'll go with Merlin to look for the arrow, too."

Everyone seemed surprised as I walked to Merlin's side. "Amity, are you sure-"

"Yes Arthur." I interrupted him. "Plus, the walk will do me well." I looked at Merlin and started to walk off. "Come along, Merlin."

We trekked through the trees and searched for the arrow. "The arrow sure went far." I said eventually.

"You don't have to do this, Amity. You should be back there, on your horse, with all the other royals." Merlin responded, his eyes on the forest floor.

"Truth be told, Merlin, I don't want to be here." I said, turning around as I looked for the arrow. "I don't approve of hunting."

"Nor do I." Merlin said and I stopped turning to look at him as we stared at each other. "It's a completely unfair sport."

"And very bloody, with one side all prepared with weapons-"

"And the other is defenseless." Merlin and I smiled at each other when we realized that we agreed on something. "You are one of the first nobles I know not to approve of the sport."

"Sport?" I snorted in a very unladylike manner. "More like slaughter."

Merlin stayed quiet before starting to look for the arrow again. "You sure are one of a kind."

"A good kind, I hope." I said and he smiled at me.

"Yes, a very good kind." He confirmed. I went back to looking for the arrow, hiding my smile from his comment. My eyes landed on some flowers growing in the soil and I laughed. "What is it?""

"They're my favourite flowers!" I pointed to the bunch of pink flowers. "They're peonies!"

"They're very pretty." Merlin said, and I giggled.

"I've always loved peonies." I informed Merlin.

"They're not exactly a lavish flower though. I would expected something fancier for a royal, such as roses or lilies." Merlin mumbled and I bit my lip.

"Believe it or not, I don't actually like more expensive things. Even the inferior of things can still hold some beauty." I told him and he chuckled.

"Aren't you just a bundle of wise quotes." He teased and I laughed.

"Of course, that's what I get for being a Queen. A whole load of wise quotes." I joked, causing Merlin to grin and I felt my stomach churn with butterflies at the sight. "Maybe you could pick them for your friend."

"My friend?" Merlin looked confused and I felt my smile start to fall off as I remember the girl who kissed his cheek.

"Joanna." I murmured and Merlin had a look of understanding.

"I would, except that would give her the wrong idea." Merlin explained and I gave him a bemused look. "I really don't like Joanna romantically."

"She seems to like you romantically." I replied.

Merlin grimaced. "Just because she might be pining for me doesn't mean I have to return her feelings."

"Unrequited love." A part of me felt relief that Merlin didn't like Joanna, while another part of me felt sorry for the girl. I understand what it is like to love someone who doesn't love you back.

"Yeah, although I have to give it Joanna, she is a very stubborn person who tries hard." He cringed. "But she doesn't seem to understand 'no'." Merlin said and I gave him a small smile.

"At least you're nice about it and you don't mock her for her feelings." I spoke gently and Merlin suddenly cheered.

"Found the arrow." He told me, picking it up and showing me. "Now, let's just back to Arthur-" Merlin suddenly cut off, his eyes widening and he dropped the arrow, leaping forward. "Amity!"

I cried out when his body slammed into me and we fell to the ground just as an arrow flew over our heads and landed on the ground a few metres away. My eyes stayed wide and we panted, are faces very close to each other's.

"You just saved my life." I whispered and Merlin's breath brushed across my face.

"You just were nearly shot." He uttered before sitting up and we blushed when we saw just how close we were to each other. Merlin stood up, holding his hand out to me. I grabbed it and he pulled me to my feet. "Let's get Arthur, he needs to know-"

With that, there were suddenly many men running out from between the trees, directly towards us. My hand went to where my sword usually sat on my belt, before I realized I hadn't bothered bringing my sword.

"Arthur!" Merlin shouted and we heard Arthur's calls and the sounds of horses' hooves. "Get behind me."

Merlin pushed me behind him and raised his hands as men were thrown back into the air. Some landed on the ground and stayed there, while other's paused before getting back to their feet. Merlin started blasting more men back, but we were soon becoming surrounded.

"We're out numbered!" I screamed when a man grabbed me from behind. "Merlin!"

"No." Merlin turned and reached out, grasping my hand and tugging me to him. "Oferswinge!"

The man was thrown back and the force of Merlin's tug scent me flying forward and into his arms. We fell onto the floor again, although I was on top this time. We clutched each other for comfort as another man came closer and his friends began to circle around us. We were completely outnumbered.

"There's too many." I muttered and Merlin swallowed thickly.

"Arthur!" I tried screaming again.

"Find them!" I heard Arthur command, although he seemed to be close, but not close enough.

"They're just a servant and some girl. I see no use in them." The man closest to us said, so he shrugged and turned back to his men. "Kill them."

My eyes widened and I looked down at Merlin as the people came closer. I'm about to die. I have no weapon to protect myself and Merlin looks exhausted. There are just too many people for him to take on. I bit my lip, I suppose it's now or never to admit to Merlin my feelings. "Merlin, there's something I want you to know."

"What?" Merlin asked and he blasted more people away, but they seemed to be just coming to close.

"I had never planned on saying this in such a situation." I started and he sent more people flying away. "However, I have something to tell you. Something very important."

Merlin paused in what he was doing to look at me. "What is it?"

"I…I lov-" I was interrupted when there were shouts and the knights of Camelot, Utus, Caerleon and Lexador came riding towards the men and began to fight them.

I got off Merlin and we stood up and Merlin started to battle more people with his magic. I looked around for a weapon, but I could see none for me to take. Merlin noticed my unprotected state as well. "Stick with me." He said and more people rushed at us, who Merlin easily sent them flying back.

Soon, the men were all on the ground, unconscious or dead. Arthur turned to Merlin and myself, before running towards us after he had leapt off his horse during the fray. "Amity! Are you alright?"

Arthur pulled me into his arms and I hugged him tightly. "Yes, I'm fine."

"That's so good to hear." Arthur kissed my forehead and I continued.

"Thanks to Merlin." I stepped back and looked up at Arthur. "Merlin pushed me out of the way of an arrow directly aimed at me. He also fought the men until we were overpowered. If it weren't for Merlin, I would definitely be dead by now."

Arthur's eyes went to Merlin, who seemed embarrassed. "Once again, you manage to amaze me Merlin."

"Thank you, sire." Merlin responded quickly.

"It's wasn't a compliment." Arthur replied, before pausing and sighing. "I'm shocked to be saying this, but thank you."

"It's fine." Merlin said and Arthur nodded at him before turning to me.

"Let's get you safe."


I stayed in my chambers once we returned. A meeting between the neighboring kingdoms, which had been arranged for after the hunt, had been put off until further notice, giving a chance for everyone to recover from the fight. I had slept during the afternoon, before waking up just as the Sun was beginning to dim when there was a knock on my door, which had surprised me. Esme had gone off to get some dresses I had ordered from the seamstress in the marketplace. I got off my bed, neatening my hair and smoothing out my dress before walking to the door and opening it, surprised to see Sir Lewis standing there, holding a very large and fancy bunch of lilies in his hands.

"Sir Lewis, I wasn't expecting you." I said and he smiled.

"I hope I am not interrupting anything?" I stepped out into the corridor and shut my chambers door, not feeling like having him seeing a second glance of my bedroom, one was enough.

"No, I was just resting. Is there anything you need?" I questioned and Sir Lewis held out the lilies.

"These are for you, milady. I had them sent here from Nemeth myself. The finest lilies they have there. Lilies are very rare over there, but very beautiful. Almost as beautiful as your stunning self." I took the large bunch of lilies from him, smiling although I just really want to give them back. Maybe I could give them to Esme to hand out among the maids. I'm sure they'd love some lilies.

"Thank you, Sir Lewis, you're very kind." I gave him the response I had been taught to say since I was a child when faced with a situation I didn't like, but had to stay respectable and proper in.

"It's nothing, just a penny out of my family's great fortune." He then reached forward, grabbing my free hand and kissing the back of it.

I heard the sound of footsteps but paid no attention to it when my eyes caught a small card attached to the flowers. "There's a card too."

"Yes, just for you. Another small token of my affections." I scanned the card quickly. To Queen Amity, I hope you accept these flowers from my gracious self. They are not half as beautiful as you, despite their cost. With kind regards, Sir Lewis of Utus.

"That's very sweet, Sir Lewis." I said, and my hands began to itch just to throw the flowers to the floor.

"You're very welcome, milady. I hope today wasn't too hard on you." He then stepped back after kissing my hand again.

"I'm fine." I responded lightly and he smiled.

"I best be going, your highness. I hope to see you at dinner tonight." He bowed to me.

"Yes, tonight." I said and he quickly walked down the corridor.

I waited for him to leave before I went to go back in, however, I stopped when my eyes landed on the other figure walking down the opposite end of the corridor. Merlin had his back to me and in his right hand was a bouquet of flowers. His shoulders were hunched slightly and I could see that he was very tense as he ran a hand through is hair. Slowly, the flowers slipped out of his hand and landed on the floor, having a dramatic affect as a few petals fell off and some of the flowers fell out of the bouquet. I began to call out to Merlin, but his name died in my throat as I watched him leave the corridor, leaving the flowers behind. I slowly made my way down the corridor, kneeling onto the floor and dropping the lilies to pick up Merlin's flowers. I gasped as I recognized the flowers as peonies, the same pink ones from the forest. I sniffed them and shut my eyes at the comforting scent, before opening my eyes again and frowning. The petals were already somewhat bruised and the stems were shoddily cut, unlike the lilies Sir Lewis gave me, which were supposedly perfect in every way. The bunch of lilies were at least four times the size of the bunch of flowers Merlin had, and instead of a piece of string tying them together, the lilies had cream ribbon. However, I still preferred the flowers from Merlin. I stayed kneeling on the ground for a few moments, clutching the flowers Merlin dropped, as night came closer and I had to admit to myself that I had gotten myself into a very difficult situation.


(3rd Person P.O.V)

"Sir Lewis, your money." Sir Lewis smirked and he took the pouch from the man, opening it and checking the coins inside. "You'll find the whole lot in there. Every last coin you asked for."

"Good. Is there also enough to pay for the flowers?" Sir Lewis questioned and the man nodded.

"There will be more, only if you promise to complete you part of the agreement."

Sir Lewis raised an eyebrow. "I always succeed."

"Unfortunately, my men were unable to kill the Queen today. That stupid manservant got in the way." The man leaned further back in his chair, lifting his feet to rest them on the table.

"He seems to get in the way all the time. I'm sure you've heard of the rumours, sire?" Sir Lewis sat down on a chair in front of the desk, facing the man in front of him.

"Of course I have, and the knights and those ladies close to Amity have the most obvious reactions. Clearly, they believe in the love between Queen Amity and the servant-"

"Merlin. Arthur's manservant is named Merlin." Sir Lewis supplied. "And he seems to be very taken by the Queen. He also seems to be very insecure as well."

"Well, perhaps you could use that to your advantage." The man responded, before leaning forward. "I just want Queen Amity dead as soon as possible. Moraunt and Amfortas believe that we are working together to take her down, however, once Amity is dead, they will be easy targets too."

Sir Lewis smirked. "I completely agree Sire, and I will make sure to deliver to final blow as soon as possible."

"Good. Now leave and get to the feast, sweep the Queen off her feet. Show her the romance she has longed for years. Then show her what happens to little girls who try to play dress ups." Sir Lewis stood at the command and bowed to the man in front of him. "I do not want peace. I do not want to sign this treaty. And I most certainly do not want a man from servant heritage to rule Lexador as the prophecies suggest will happen."

"Yes, sire, I understand." Sir Lewis left the room and King Caerleon stayed where he was seated, smirking as he reached forward and took a sip from his goblet.

"And nor do I want the son of Sir Rayner alive. Your days are also numbered, young Lewis. Such an impressionable man." King Caerleon said and someone cleared their throat.

"Are you ready for the feast, Caerleon?" He turned to see Queen Annis, who then held her hand out to him. "I have something extra for the Queen if Sir Lewis is not successful."

"Good, my Queen." King Caerleon stood up and made his way to his Queen. "Very good, and very soon, Lexador will be ours."

Destiny Xavier16 – I will try to continue writing more! I'm glad you love it! Thanks for reviewing!

bilboswaggins2 – Haha, I'm glad you find Amity and Merlin so adorable together and that the scenes make you happy! Yes, the Arwen and Merthur shipping issue can make life hard at times, but oh well :P I'll have to see about the more fanfics bit, although I can say that there's not going to be more until this one is over :P Thanks for reviewing again! :D

Amy – Aww, I'm glad you like the baby and when Arthur complains (haha, I've watched a lot of those videos on youtube of funny Merlin moments, so I've seen many scenes when he's complained!). Yes, he is attracted to her, but they will be getting closer! After all, he felt worried enough after the attack on them that he brought her flowers…well, kind of brought her flowers :P Yep, I'm from Australia, where are you from? (out of curiousity!) Haha, and you do have a good imagination! Hunith and the Dragon are going to appear soon! I promise! I took up your suggestion of Amity and Merlin being jealous, so I brought in Joanna! However, Merlin knows she's flirting, but I just made her flirting really over the top and obvious. Although, in the future, there will be someone flirting with Merlin and he won't realise (not to reveal too much! :P) I also brought in Gwen and Morgana, like you wanted! Did you actually like that scene? I did want to make Amity's jealousy obvious and also her inability to realise that Merlin is starting to like her. Nonetheless, there will be more jealous moments in the future and maybe even after they are together ;) And in relation to the daisy thing, because they were not properly 'in love' I didn't decide on roses because they mean 'I love you', and it would've been too much like the scene between Freya/Merlin in their episode. The daisy was significant because it said 'love that conquers all' and I guess you can tell whose love it is who is going to conquer ;) I would tell you why Merlin ran off so suddenly, but I think the scene where Morgana was saying how he was frightened because he was finding her attractive explains that question! I'm glad you liked Amy's name and the reason she was called Amy!

Lbunny – Haha, thanks for loving Merity! I hope there will be many more awesome Merity chapters to come! Aww, you are so sweet! Thanks for reviewing!

Guest (1) – I will go with the heart to heart between them, I have a few ideas on how that is going to play out! Haha, jealous Merlin is pretty good, but when they're both jealous, that makes it a little bit different! :P I'm glad the chapter made your day Thank you for reviewing!

LadyMorganaPendragon – I'm glad you liked the chapter and the name Merity! Well, considering that Annis and Caerleon want to kill her and that you know that Moraunt and Amfortas are after her as well, is that enough drama? :P Haha, I have an idea when Merlin realizes, and there will be a bit where he completely understands his feelings, but doesn't act on them (just to prewarn in case you don't like the suspense those scenes give :P). I do like your suggestion! I love it when people make suggestions and yours was a good one :D Thanks for reviewing again!

xlydiax – I'm glad you liked Merlin's jealousy and you will see more of it! And also, I don't like it when stuff happens when they're travelling to Camelot, I often just want them to get straight to the place, which is why I didn't describe their riding in as much detail as some others would! I hope you liked this chapter and thanks for reviewing!

Guest (2) – I can certainly make it so that Merlin is caught playing with baby Amelia! Thanks for the suggestion because I really like it! Amity would certainly swoon at the sight! Thanks for reviewing

Guest (3) – I'm bringing Merity on! Thanks for thinking it's brilliant and reviewing! Xxx

Thanks to everyone who reviewed! It means a lot to me :') Please remember to review/favourite/follow and LOVE! I love it when you guys love it, so I suppose love is the best one out of the three I'll try and update soon!