Disclaimer: I do not own Merlin or any of its characters. I only own the ones that I've made up myself.
A/N- I'm really sorry! I'm not abandoning this story, I just didn't have the time to update before now. Hope you can forgive me!
- x Milou Lilly
Chapter 52: The Hunter's heart
The sound of a raven squawking on the desk where Lyanna was sitting at, caused her to look up from scrabbling on a piece of parchment. The raven hopped relentlessly around and Lyanna sighed at its impatience while she finished writing. She had used her own gift to summon the bird so that she could send a letter.
As soon as Merlin had left her that morning to tend Arthur she had decided to sent a letter to Gwen. Even though she was unsure as to where her dearest friend currently was staying she knew that by using her magic and her other ability she was able to track her down and sent this raven to her.
Lyanna folded the parchment. Since it wasn't an official letter she didn't use her own seal in case the letter would fall into the wrong hands. This was the best way if she wanted to contact Gwen. Lyanna attached the letter to the raven's let as it let out another squawk.
"You've got to bring this letter to Guinevere," Lyanna instructed calmly. "You'll know where to find her."
She watched how the raven flapped with his wings before it flew through the open window. For minutes Lyanna simply gazed ahead of her until she realized that her attention was required elsewhere. She got out of her chair and walked over to her vanity. Without the help of a maidservant she quickly changed her nightgown for a flowing red dress with long sleeves and thick fabric. After she had brushed her hair she let her hair hang loose like a river of golden hair which framed her face.
Once she was completely dressed Lyanna left her bedchamber behind her and walked down the corridor. She was quickly joined by the other knights and they chatted for a bit while they made their way into the council chamber. As Lyanna stood at the front of the room Arthur entered, followed by Merlin who took his place next to Gaius.
Arthur stood still and faced the court who were all curious about what their King wanted to say to them. "My lords, fellow knights, gentleman...as you are all aware, Camelot's claim to the lands of Gedref has long been in dispute. Today I can announce that, after many months of confidential negotiations, the kingdoms of Nemeth and Camelot have reached an agreement," Arthur announced.
There was some murmuring among the court.
"There is nothing to fear," Arthur continued. "It is a fair and honourable agreement that benefits two great kingdoms. Furthermore, our friendship will be cemented by a union that cannot be broken. My hand in marriage to Her Royal Highness, Princess Mithian."
Lyanna's eyes widened in pure astonishment as she took that information in. She had never heard a word about this arrangement before and it was shattering her heart to hear it. This couldn't be happening.
The court began to applaud. Lyanna's gaze lingered to Merlin who was looking just as bewildered as she was by this news while he had put on a fake smile and clapped along with the other people in the room. Lyanna simply couldn't bring herself to join them. She wanted answers and she was going to get them.
As soon as the council was dismissed Lyanna and Merlin followed Arthur down the corridor. "Arthur, a few months ago you made me a promise that you wouldn't keep a secret from me and you broke that promise already," Lyanna began to rant. "How come you didn't tell us anything?"
"I knew that you would disagree with me. Besides this is what 'confidential means, Merlin. Keeping it from blabbermouths like you," Arthur responded, pointing at his manservant. If only he knew how well Merlin was able to keep a secret.
"You can't do this," Merlin disagreed.
"No, you're right. I can't," Arthur said until he smiled faintly. "Oh, wait a second... I'm the King, so I can."
Merlin sighed as he and Lyanna stood still. "Surely it's a little bit..." he said cautiously, not wanting to anger the King.
Arthur turned around to face them. "A bit what?" he asked sharply.
"Soon," Lyanna quickly replied, crossing her arms.
"What do you two mean?" Arthur wanted to know.
"Erm, well -" Merlin began.
"You mean Guinevere," Arthur interrupted him. "I told you not to mention her name again."
Lyanna bit her lip. "Technically we didn't."
Arthur paused for a moment. "How many times do I have to tell you? Guinevere made her choice. She betrayed me. Now she must take the consequences."
"But," Merlin said.
"But what?" Arthur immediately asked, not letting his manservant finish. He was clearly agitated and didn't like to talk about this object and chose to avoid it.
"Nothing," Merlin firmly responded, exchanging a brief look with Lyanna.
"That's right. Nothing," Arthur said as he turned to leave.
"Except that you still love her," Lyanna and Merlin said in union, daring to tell the truth.
Arthur stopped in the doorway while Lyanna and Merlin glared at his back. Arthur paused for a few seconds before he turned around and marched angrily towards the people he called his family. "If you two ever say anything like that again and I swear you'll join her in exile forever." Lyanna sighed, not being intimidated by Arthur's reaction. She knew that he didn't mean it, and that he was still hurting by what was happening. Only that didn't justify what he was doing.
The three of them glared at each other before Arthur had enough and angrily stormed off. "Then you don't mind me taking your servant from you for the rest of the day?" Lyanna called after him.
"Please, take him. I would be gladly be rid of him," Arthur shouted back.
Lyanna growled softly when he was out of sight. "Why did you do that?" Merlin asked her curiously, frowning slightly.
"Merlin, trust me when I tell you that you don't want to be anywhere near Arthur when he's in such a foul mood. It's for the best to be away from him until he's brightened up a bit," Lyanna explained. "I just can't believe what that idiot is doing. Do you think that he has arranged this entire arrangement with Gedref in the hope to get over Gwen?"
The two of them began to walk in the opposite direction. "I do think that's the whole reason why he arranged that. He doesn't want to take Gwen back because he's afraid he can't trust her and what the people of Camelot will say. He knows that he has to marry eventually because he is the King and he's using this union with Gedref as a good excuse to find a wife. Do you know Princess Mithian?" Merlin asked her.
"I think the same thing," Lyanna agreed. "I've only met Princess Mithian once but that was when she and her father came to Camelot when we were all around eight years old. She was nice back then but I haven't seen her since, so I don't know what she's like these days. I just can't stand the thought of Arthur marrying another woman instead of Gwen. It's not right."
"Neither can I. The two of them belong together just as you and I do," Merlin responded, which caused Lyanna to blush. "What's the plan actually? You gave me the day off but you didn't tell me what we were going to do."
Lyanna smiled at him. "I haven't thought about that yet. Do you have any suggestions?" she asked amusingly.
Merlin bit his lip as he thought about it for a moment. He started to grin when he had a suggestion. "How about we go away from Camelot for the rest of the day? Just you and me. A picnic perhaps," he responded.
"I'd love that, but I have told Gaius that I would help him with cleaning the physician chambers and looking for leeches because you left the door open and they all escaped from their tank," she replied, even though she was grinning.
Merlin chuckled. "Yeah, sorry about that. Gaius and those leeches can wait. I on the other hand can't. I'm just a man who wants to spend some private time with his beautiful wife. Is that too much to ask?"
"Are you trying to persuade me, Merlin?" Lyanna asked, giggling.
"Yes, I am," he clarified, smiling brightly. "You freed me from Arthur so I should do something back in return. You're always helping Gaius with everything and I'm sure he can manage without you for one day. He will be okay with that. He just wants what's best of you."
"And what's that Merlin?" Lyanna asked, playing along. She had already made up her mind, but was just having some fun.
"I hope it's me," Merlin responded unsure.
Lyanna laughed before she pulled him closer by his neckerchief and brought their mouths together. Merlin was surprised by her sudden action but he knew that they were alone in the corridor. He eagerly returned the kiss as he moved them behind a pillar in case someone would show up and they would get caught. This way they were out of sight.
They just stood there kissing each other for a few minutes until Lyanna pulled back, smiling up at him. "Of course it's you, silly. I will gladly go with you," she assured him. "Those leeches can wait until tomorrow." Merlin chuckled happily before he kissed his wife again.
~~0~~
Lyanna fumbled with the sleeve of her white dress that she was wearing. It had been a gift from one of the noblemen for her last anniversary and she hadn't had the opportunity to wear it before. Now that she was finally wearing it she was grateful that she hadn't worn it before. The fabric was itchy and the dress was rather on the tight size. Despise the fact that Lyanna had a rather slender figure it still didn't suit her perfectly. Whoever had given her this dress had done it completely wrong, but now it was already too late to put on something else.
She went down a few steps where an assembly was gathered and took her place next to Arthur who was looking rather nervous about what was coming. Lyanna was unsure about what she could say to reassure her brother because she wasn't agreeing with this entire situation at all and he knew it.
Before she could say anything they heard the sound of a horn and just seconds later an armed guard rode into the courtyard. "Knights of Nemeth," Arthur began to address them. "Camelot welcomes you and extends the hand of friendship."
The guards in the front moved aside and allowed the princess to approach. Lyanna watched how Arthur stepped down from the stairs and took a deep breath as he prepared to meet his future bride. Princess Mithian raised her veil and everyone's jaw dropped, stunned by her beauty, and she smiled a little. Lyanna tilted her head a little to meet Merlin's gaze who had raised his eyebrows.
Arthur collected himself and stepped forward as a guard helped the princess dismount. "Princess Mithian, you are most welcome," he said to her.
"Thank you, Your Highness," Mithian replied kindly. "I have heard much about you, and you are more handsome in person than reports suggested." Arthur wasn't sure how to handle the compliment. "Are we to stay in this chill all day?"
At that moment Lyanna approached them. "Not exactly. My dear brother is just a bit overwhelmed by your beauty it would seem," Lyanna said with a smile as she curtsied. "Its good to see you again, Princess Mithian."
"I can say the same about you, Princess Lyanna. You have became a rather fair woman yourself it would seem. I'm sure the men are fighting for your hand here," Mithian politely responded.
Lyanna let out a soft laugh while her gaze lingered to Merlin for a second. "You'd be disappointed," Lyanna said.
Mithian looked a bit surprised. "Unbelievable," she muttered. "These men clearly must be blind."
Arthur looked at Lyanna who was becoming rather uncomfortable. He knew that Lyanna hated having to hide her marriage to Merlin, but perhaps she wouldn't have to hide for much longer. Arthur quickly took Mithian's hand and faced his welcoming committee. "Tomorrow there will be a great feast to welcome our worthy friends," he announced.
The knights, the councilmen and the courtier's applauded and smiled at this news while Lyanna's smiled faltered. She watched how Arthur escorted her into the castle and quickly the entire stairs emptied, leaving her behind with Merlin. She caught up with him on the stairs before they entered the castle together.
They parted ways once they were inside. Lyanna went to her own chamber where she finally freed herself from that horrible dress and put on a much more comfortable dress so that she could actually move around in. She removed the crown from her head and placed it at her vanity before she walked out of her room again.
As she stepped into the physician quarters minutes later she found Merlin and Gaius sitting at the table together, eating some breakfast. Her gaze fell onto the extra bowl that had been placed there for her and she smiled at Gaius because of that as she sat down at her usual spot.
There fell a silence in the room which quickly annoyed the old physician. The two of them were sulking at the breakfast table, poking at his food. "Are you two going to sulk all day?" he wondered.
"Not sulking," Lyanna replied without looking up.
"You two haven't said a word this morning," Gaius remarked, raising his eyebrow at them.
"We're thinking," Merlin made clear.
"You know how bad that is for you," Gaius teased them.
Lyanna smirked slightly at that while Merlin's sighed. "It's Arthur's fate to marry Gwen."
"If that's the case, then he will," Gaius responded, taking a bite from his breakfast.
"Are we suppose to do something about it?" Lyanna asked unsure. She still had no idea what to do about Mithian. She really liked the Princess, which only confused her even more.
Gaius paused for a moment. "You don't think that's a little arrogant?"
"Yes!" Merlin responded. "...and no. I don't know. I don't know what to do anymore." Both she and Merlin really wanted Gwen to come back to Camelot so that she could marry Arthur like she is destined to do, which looked like an impossible dream now that Mithian was here.
"You could start by eating your porridge," Gaius suggested instead.
Before they could reply there came an urgent knock at the door and Leon entered. "Milady, Gaius, I have a message from Lord Agravaine. He requires your presence."
Lyanna sighed, wishing that she could go through a day without the mention of her deceiving uncle. Her gaze shifted to Merlin who gave her a small smile. "Go," he said softly. "I'll see you tonight."
She returned the smile before he kissed her sweetly on the lips, not caring that Leon saw it. The Knights of the Rounds Table did know about the true feelings of Princess Lyanna and the manservant of her brother the King. She pulled back after a few seconds. "Good luck with Arthur today," she said, laughing softly as Merlin scrunched his nose. She walked out of the room with Leon and Gaius.
Leon had never asked Lyanna about her relationship with Merlin. Perhaps he didn't want to offend her, but always gave her a shy smile whenever Lyanna and Merlin had shared a kiss in front of the knights which wasn't that often. He was just slightly uncomfortable about the entire situation.
The knight leaded them out of the palace and the to the moat. Lyanna let out a soft gasp when she saw the body of a young man lying on the ground and knelt down beside him as Gaius did the same. "You do it, dear," he said to her.
Lyanna nodded as she began her examination to determine the cause of death. Normally Gaius never let her do it on her own, but he had put his faith in her which warmed her heart. Meanwhile Agravaine had joined them to see what was going on. "The poor boy's neck is broken," she enlightened them. "You can she the bruising just here."
"Must be from the fall," Agravaine suggested, looking up at moat.
She shrugged slightly. "That's possible," she replied. "But a fall from such a height would cause more injuries. There isn't so much as a graze anywhere or any broken bones."
"What are you saying, Milady?" Agravaine asked her.
"I'm not sure yet what caused this," Lyanna clarified.
Gaius meanwhile turned the boy's body over and his gaze fell fell on something. "Something here in his tunic," he informed them. He pulled out a note and read it. "It's a letter from Odin's court."
"Odin?" Lyanna asked confused, raising her eyebrow.
"Let me see," Agravaine insisted. He grabbed the note and read it himself. "I must tell the King at once." With that he strolled away to speak with Arthur. Lyanna exchanged a look with Gaius who slowly shook his head.
Lyanna was listening absentmindedly to Gwaine's usual prater. Because she was a knight she sitting at the other table and Gwaine had decided to sit down beside her so he could tell her and Percival all about his latest tavern adventures. Lyanna wasn't exactly paying attention to the words of the knight.
The rest of the court was dining on this feast. Lyanna's gaze shifted to Arthur and Princess Mithian who were sitting at the head of the table and saw how they were smiling and laughing together. Her eyes widened a bit as she watched how Merlin casually strolled towards them for the tenth time that evening to interrupt them.
From where she was sitting Lyanna was able to see Arthur make a frustrated Go Away face which made Merlin leave. Immediately Mithian put a hand on Arthur's arm as they continued their conversation.
Merlin was now standing close to the knights and Lyanna so he wouldn't draw any attention. At that moment Arthur's hand flipped a spoonful of soup onto his chainmail. Lyanna immediately looked at Merlin who was smirking slightly. It was clear as day that he was doing whatever he could to interrupt them.
Arthur stood up to clean himself, but Mithian put down her goblet and wiped Arthur's chainmail with her napkin. Mithian chuckled at the situation and Arthur regarded her warmly. They share a poignant look and Lyanna sighed tiresome, wanting this entire situation to end.
At that point it got even worse as Agravaine approached the King and the Princess. "The vaults are secure, My Lord, and, er...there were no plans missing," he informed him.
"Thank you for performing your duties with such haste, uncle. Now you have to make up for for lost time. We're to have dancing and I hear that your jig used to be something to behold," Arthur teased him.
Agravaine's face went red. "Er... 'used' is the word, Sire. A-alas I am not as nimble as I once was," he responded. Lyanna couldn't actually imagine her uncle dancing. In fact she couldn't remember having seen him dance before.
"Nonsense," Arthur replied.
"I do feel that dancing is best performed in youth and appreciated in age," Agravaine said. Arthur and Mithian chuckled and shook their heads as Agravaine departed hastily.
"Milady, is all well?" a concerned Percival asked. "You haven't said a word in about twenty minutes now."
Lyanna turned her head and looked back at the knight and smiled faintly. "I'm fine. Nothing to worry about," she quickly assured him.
"So it's alright if you accompany me on the next dance then?" Gwaine asked amusingly, being his charming self. Even though he knew that Lyanna was taken he saw no harm in asking her for a dance. "I'm sure that Merlin won't mind."
Lyanna rolled with her eyes as she stood up. "Just one dance, Sir Gwaine," she made clear, hearing him laugh loudly as he escorted her to the dance floor where other couples were already dancing.
This wasn't the first time that the two of them had danced together. They had danced several times on different feasts throughout the last years, but then again Lyanna often danced with some of the knights when her brother was too busy. While they were dancing around the floor Lyanna's eyes met Merlin's and she felt anger building inside her because it wasn't him she could be dancing with. It should be him.
Lyanna didn't had a chance to return to the table after the dance had ended because Percival was there to ask her for the next dance and she couldn't decline him. This was going to be a long evening.
"Lyanna!"
The Princess of Camelot let out a yelp as Merlin entered her room through the secluded entrance and slammed the door shut as he called for her name. She had been busy reading before he had stormed into her chambers.
"Erm... Sorry," Merlin quickly apologized. "I didn't mean to startle you."
Lyanna closed her book while she stared up at him and noticed the look in his eyes. "Sit," she ordered him with a placid voice as she patted beside her on the bed. Merlin nodded as he did what she had told him. He gazed at his feet for a few seconds while he was tapping with them on the ground. "What's troubling you, Merlin? You can tell me anything."
He finally dared to look up to meet her gaze. "You know that Arthur had asked Mithian to eat breakfast with him in the woods and that I had to accompany them?" he asked and Lyanna nodded. He had complained about having to come with them only a few hours ago. "Of course while I was there I was busy to try to get Mithian be disgusted by Arthur. I used my magic to make Arthur belch. Twice." He was blushing a bit as he told her that. "I'm well aware of how inappropriate this is, but it didn't scare Mithian. In fact she let out an even louder belch." Lyanna snorted quietly at that. "I don't know why I bother. I should just leave him to it, let him make his own mistake, see how he gets on without me. I should resign."
Lyanna grabbed his hands and held them. "You would never forgive yourself if you resigned. Besides you would get immensely bored because you would have to spend your entire day doing errands for Gaius," she replied and he scrunched his nose. "Arthur does need you, Merlin, even if he doesn't realize it."
Merlin leaned forwards until their noses were touching and Lyanna was able to feel his hot breath on her skin. The proximity was making them rather breathless. "I have to go hunting. I hate hunting," Merlin said quietly.
Her hazel eyes widened. "Hunting," Lyanna muttered. "I had completely forgotten about that. Arthur had asked me to join earlier this morning. I'm not exactly in the mood for a hunt."
"You're not the only one," he responded before he captured her mouth with his own. Lyanna leaned into the kiss. Merlin's hands rested on her waist while Lyanna's traveled upwards to cup his face. Merlin kissed her slowly, but with such urgency that it caused Lyanna's head to spin. He carefully let Lyanna fall backwards on the mattress while he was leaning above her. They had been married for months now but Lyanna still hadn't gotten used to everything yet. When she was being so intimate with her soul mate like that she felt complete and that was how she wanted to feel for the rest of her life.
"Merlin, I don't want to be the one who always ruins these moments," Lyanna began as she broke the kiss. "I'm convinced that Arthur is going to be hunting you if we don't get there on time. Besides we have plenty of time to continue this properly tonight without any interruptions okay."
Merlin gently touched her face. "You're not ruining anything. You're just being wiser and more responsible than I am," he corrected which caused Lyanna to chuckle before she briefly kissed his lips again. After that she stepped out of his hold and began to take off her nightgown. As she shed her nightgown on the ground she was able to feel Merlin's gaze burning on her back, but it only amused her. "Are you doing this on purpose, Lyanna?"
Lyanna looked at him over her shoulder and smiled adoringly. Even though she didn't feel beautiful herself, she knew that Merlin did see her as the most beautiful woman in the world. She was well aware of the effect that she was having on him. "Maybe," she said mysteriously before she stepped beside her chamberfold where her clothes were lying. She put on her usual travelwear because they were so comfortable to move around in.
As she stepped from behind the chamberfold, completely dressed, Merlin was already waiting near the door. He smiled faintly. "Ready then?" he asked, knowing how badly they both wished that they could stay in this room instead of having to go on a hunt.
"Yeah," Lyanna muttered, returning the smile.
They both left the room through separate doors so they wouldn't be caught before they joined each other again further down the corridor. Plenty of guards and servants were already preparing for the hunt by carrying all the needed belongings. As they reached the lower corridor they came to a halt.
"You're going to be alright?" Merlin questioned her.
"Yes. I'm only tagging along to make sure that Arthur doesn't use you as the target," she clarified and they both chortled together. Lyanna then looked around to notice that they were alone before she leaned forwards to lightly kiss her husband on the lips. "It will be over before you know it." She gave him one warm smile while she turned around and walked away in the opposite direction.
As Lyanna stepped outside the palace and went down the front steps she saw that her horse was already saddled and waiting for her. She approached Lumiere and patted the strong neck of the black and white spotted steed, which caused him to neigh enthusiastically. Lyanna put her healing satchel in the saddle bag.
"I'm glad that you're joining us, Lee," Arthur said when he stood behind her.
Lyanna turned her head so that she could meet his gaze and frowned. "I'm not here for you," she made clear, still irritated by her brother's actions.
"You're mad at me," Arthur figured.
"Of course I'm mad at you. In case you've forgotten you threatened to banish me and Merlin from Camelot a few days ago," Lyanna reminded him while she kept her voice down so the others wouldn't overhear them.
Before Arthur could say anything else Mithian descended down the stairs and their conversation had come to an end. Lyanna glared at her brother for a few seconds before she smoothly mounted Lumiere. She knew that she would forgive Arthur in the end, but she was just astonished by how much he was acting like a fool.
Seconds later Merlin exited the palace, carrying some crossbows. Once all the nobles and knights had mounted their horses Arthur gave the signal for the party to leave. Lyanna sighed as she kicked Lumiere in a canter so she could join the others.
Lyanna was hoping that she could ride alongside on of the knights, but instead Mithian nudged her horse beside her. The two of them were riding near the back of the party so there were riding rather alone. "You and Merlin are very close," Mithian suddenly said, completely surprising Lyanna.
The princess gulped away the lump in her throat. "What business it to you?" Lyanna asked rather rudely, not wanting to discuss her personal life with her.
"It's not my business at all. I only saw you and Merlin in the palace earlier and -"
"We're just close friends," Lyanna interrupted her, clenching her hand around the crossbow she was holding.
Mithian met her gaze. "I don't know what is custom in Camelot, but I don't believe that friends kiss each other," she replied.
"Okay, I love him. Is that what you want to hear?" Lyanna asked, sounding rather agitated.
"I meant nothing by it, nor do I want to offend you, Princess Lyanna," Mithian assured her. "I've been watching the two of you sharing looks with each other for days now and its obvious that the two of you are in love and that's alright."
"Is it?" Lyanna took a deep breath. "The love of my life is the manservant of my brother, the King. We've been in love for years now and we even gotten married months ago but I can't tell anyone about it because its inappropriate. We have to hide what we truly feel for our own people which is true agony I can assure you that," Lyanna ranted. As soon as the words had rolled over her lips she had regretted saying them especially because she hardly knew Mithian.
Mithian paused for a moment. "I wasn't aware of that. Forgive me for interfering with things that don't concern me," Mithian assured her. "I can't be easy to have to hide like that, but its pretty obvious that the two of you really love each other. Not many people are fortunate to find their soul mate. Things will work out for you in the end."
That clearly surprised Lyanna. She knew that Mithian was kind and didn't mean to offend her in any way. "Thank you for saying that, Princess Mithian," she replied, smiling faintly. "I'm sorry for being so rude and -"
"Don't worry about it," Mithian said, grinning. "I'm only an intruder here. I had no right to ask you about your personal life like that, but I feel honored that you decided to entrust me with the truth. But I'm curious, does Arthur know about your marriage?"
Lyanna nodded. "He was the one who gave away my hand in marriage to Merlin so that we could tie the knot in another kingdom. We'll be able to get married in public when Arthur has found his Queen," she explained. "Seems like we don't have to wait much longer anymore."
Mithian bit her lip. "So you do approve of me then?" she asked as if she wanted Lyanna to confirm what she thought.
"Truth to be told I do approve of you," Lyanna replied, smiling. "You're a kind woman and you and I could become great friends." Lyanna knew that she meant it. Everything was perfect about Mithian and she would make an excellent Queen, but as she looked at Mithian Lyanna could detect only one flaw in the beautiful woman. She wasn't Gwen. Only she didn't dare to tell her that because that was not Mithian's fault. She had only come here to fill the gap that Gwen had left behind by her exile.
"That's very sweet of you to say that. You and I can become great friends indeed," Mithian agreed. "Arthur told me that you assist the court physician. Is that true?"
"It's true indeed," Lyanna confirmed. "I've been aiding Gaius for years now and he has taught me a lot. This is my way of being able to help the people of Camelot every day and I enjoy doing it. Healing is fascinating."
Mithian smiled. "It's not very common for a princess to attend the people like that, but you're different than every woman I've ever met. Do you hope to take over from the current physician one day?" she wondered.
"I hope that I'm good enough to take it over when Gaius retires," Lyanna replied.
"I'm sure you are," Mithian said positively.
At that moment the hunting horns sounded. They had now reached the middle of the woods and their hunt had officially started. The two Princesses smiled at each other one more time before Mithian rode to where Arthur was riding so she could join him.
Lyanna looked at Merlin who had the misfortune to have to run alongside the horses with the other servants, carrying a stick. She wished that he didn't have to do this, but there was nothing that she could do that would change Arthur's mind. It was just part of being the manservant of the King.
The hunt went on for a while and Lyanna nudged her horse next to Elyan this time who isn't much of a talker. The only sound they heard for a while was that of the dogs barking and the hoofs of their horses touching the forest ground. It didn't take long before it began to annoy others that they hadn't run into something yet.
"Maybe we could call it a day," Merlin said as he walked alongside Arthur and Mithian's horses and tried to catch his breath. He had been running non-stop for at least an hour now which sounded like a nightmare.
Arthur shook his head. "Nonsense. We've barely begun," he protested.
"Not much point in hunting if there's nothing to hunt, is there?" Merlin dryly responded and Lyanna chuckled quietly. Merlin heard it and flashed her a warm smile.
"Well, we could always give you a five minute head start, Merlin," Arthur teased him and Mithian smiled at his joke while Lyanna glared at her brother. She knew that he didn't mean it, but she wasn't exactly fond of Arthur talking about her husband like that.
"Deer!" Leon suddenly shouted, which earned everyone's attention.
Everyone except Lyanna kicked their horses into a gallop to chase after a running doe through the woods. Lyanna had meanwhile dismounted Lumiere to stretch her legs for a bit because she wasn't in the mood to kill an innocent animals, especially not since she had the ability to talk to them.
Merlin was slowly walking nearby her and they separated from the group. He spotted the doe and saw it staring back at them. Merlin gently nudged Lyanna's shoulder so that she could see what he saw. As Lyanna looked at the doe she could tell that there was something special about it.
Because of her gift Lyanna was able to hear the sound of a woman weeping and she recognized who it belonged to. A chill set into her skin as saw the reflection of her dearest friend in the eyes of the doe. It didn't took her long to figure out what had happened here and they saw the running reflection of their friend as the doe passed a small puddle.
"Gwen," Lyanna breathed in shock, covering her mouth.
At that moment the hunting party passed by them and both Lyanna and Merlin come back to their senses and chased after them.
"Beauty," Leon said in awe. The knight aimed, but gave up when he noticed Arthur's presence next to him. "Sire, she's yours."
Arthur aimed and the doe stopped and looked at him. A bolt was fired and Merlin's eyes glowed for a brief second, causing the bolt to miss its target. Arthur gave his crossbow a confused look.
"I thought you were a good shot, My Lord," Mithian supplied. This time she aimed and quickly fired. "Gold sovereign says she's hit." The party urged their horses forward.
Immediately Lyanna started to run away to get a head start on the others. If this was really Gwen then she had to make sure that her dearest friend hadn't been injured. Losing Gwen wasn't an option. While the party was searching for traces of the doe both Merlin and Lyanna were looking for Gwen.
"Deer tracks," Leon informed them.
"Ah," Arthur said in relief. "It can't have gone far."
The others searched for more deer tracks while Lyanna kept hoping for a any sign that Gwen had been here. She gulped loudly when she saw Arthur pick up something shiny from the forest floor. It was a silver ring on a necklace and she recognized it as the engagement ring he had given Gwen.
"Have you found the trail? My Lord?" Mithian asked. Arthur stared at the ring, completely lost in it. "My Lord?" Arthur now looked at Merlin and Lyanna, trying to process the pain of this shock. Lyanna sighed while she continued to roam her eyes around the woods for Gwen. Mithian looked at Merlin and Lyanna and back to Arthur, sensing that something was wrong. "My Lord?"
Arthur stared off into the woods, breathing heavily in his emotion. "They'll be no more sport today," he said as he stood up and walked past Mithian, lost in his own head.
"I didn't take you for a poor loser. Sire?" Mithian queried, but got no respond. She looked back at Merlin and Lyanna, trying to sort out Arthur's foul mood.
Ever since they had returned to Camelot Lyanna and Merlin had decided that they would wait until nightfall before they would go back into the forest to look for Gwen without drawing attention from others. Lyanna had been pacing restlessly through her room the entire afternoon, wanting to get out there already. Knowing that she couldn't only made her more restless. If anyone in Camelot knew that she would be helping a woman who had been banished from this kingdom she would be questioned.
Lyanna had made sure that Merlin would be released from his duties that evening so that the two of them could leave together. As soon as the moon had appeared in the sky the two of them rode through the town gates of Camelot and disappeared between the trees.
Because they had no idea where their friend could be they had no other choice than to use their magic to track her down so that they knew for sure that they were going in the right direction. Despite the dark Lyanna recognized where they were because they had been riding here earlier today.
"Gwen! Gwen!" they both called in union.
If Gwen was indeed injured then she could be in need of help.
"We have more chance to find her on foot," Merlin suggested.
Lyanna nodded ans smoothly hopped off Lumiere's back, while Merlin dismounted his own horse. They continued to call for Gwen's name again and they searched around the darkening woods.
Lyanna felt a chill set into her skin again when she spotted something. She nudged Merlin's shoulder so that he could see it too. "Gwen?" Lyanna shouted once more. They quickened their pace.
They found Gwen lying unconscious, shaking from the cold and shock with a crossbow bolt in her leg. Lyanna grabbed her healing satchel from her saddlebag before she knelt down beside her friend so that she could properly treat her. Lyanna pulled out the arrow, causing Gwen to let out a soft growl in pain.
"Could you try a healing spell?" Lyanna asked him. His magic was more powerful than her own after all.
Merlin nodded as he placed his hand over the wound on Gwen's leg. "Ic hæle þina þrowunga," his eyes flashed gold and he looked at Lyanna again. His magic had healed the biggest part of the wound and the rest had to heal the normal way.
Now that the spell had removed her pain Gwen eventually sighed and stopped shaking, relaxing into her sleep. Lyanna meanwhile rubbed some ointment on the wound to stimulate the healing process.
"She's going to be alright, Lyanna," Merlin tried to reassure her. "We saved her life."
"I know that," she replied while she tied a bandage around Gwen's leg. "I can't imagine what would've happened if we had found her too late."
Merlin placed his hand over hers. "But that didn't happen, Lyanna. We were here on time and she's fine. You can stop worrying now."
Lyanna darted her eyes upwards to meet his gaze. "You do know that I actually never stop worrying, Merlin?"
He smiled at her. "Of course I'm aware of that. We've been together for years now and I know you better than I know myself. It's just a part of your good and kind nature," he responded proudly. She gladly returned the smile.
The two of them stayed with Gwen. Lyanna was the first who get some sleep while Merlin watched over Gwen. It was halfway through the night that they switched. As soon as the sunrays shone through the roof of the trees they were both awake again.
Shortly after that Gwen woke up as well and slowly sat up straight. "Lyanna! Merlin!" she cried out in disbelieve. These were the last two people that she had though that she would run into here.
"How are you feeling, Gwen?" Lyanna asked concerned as she hugged Gwen happily.
"I'm alright," Gwen assured her while she hugged Merlin after that. "I think. What are you two doing here?"
"You were injured," Merlin responded.
Gwen sat up straight. "Oh, yes, I remember now. Where's Morgana?"
Lyanna frowned. "Morgana was here?"
Gwen nodded. "She enchanted me. She and the Southrons and Helios, they're planning to attack Camelot."
"They'd never succeed. They must know that," Merlin responded.
"They have help," Gwen clarified. "Agravaine gave them plans of the siege tunnels under the citadel."
Of course both Merlin and Lyanna had known about Agravaine's loyalty to Morgana when he had helped the High Priestess with abducting Lyanna from Camelot and turning Arthur against Lyanna, even though that had failed.
"We must tell Arthur," Lyanna said.
They heard something rustling nearby. "What's that?" Gwen asked with a whisper.
The sound of a hoof beats drew near. Merlin got up to check while Lyanna stayed with Gwen. He came back seconds later. "It's a Camelot patrol. They can lend you a horse," he suggested.
"No," Gwen objected.
Merlin looked at her in confusion. "But Gwen-"
"Please, Merlin," she pleaded while she grabbed his hand to stop him from running after the knights. "I can never see Arthur again."
Lyanna bit her lip. "But Arthur wants to see you, Gwen."
Gwen shook her head. "It cannot be. Not after I betrayed him," she clarified. Both Merlin and Lyanna stared at their friend for a couple of seconds. "You go. Tell him of the danger."
Merlin hesitated. "Gwen, if you stay here-"
"I have what I deserve," Gwen objected. Only Merlin still wasn't convinced. He tried to grab Gwen's hand so that he could pull her with him. "Go! Hurry!"
Gwen then turned around and pulled Lyanna into another embrace. "We'll see each other again, Gwen," Lyanna promised her. "I miss you. Life in Camelot isn't the same without you and I need my friend back."
Gwen smiled as they parted again. "I miss you too. I do hope we'll meet again," she replied. "Now go!"
Merlin was looking at both of them with a furrowed brow when Lyanna grabbed his hand to pull him onto his feet. They both exhaled deeply before they headed off and left Gwen there by herself.
It was the same day when Merlin had told Arthur that Agravaine might be conspiring with Morgana and that the map of the siege tunnels might be missing. Only when they went to check for the map in the vault the map was there, so they didn't manage to convince Arthur of the truth. Agravaine had been one step ahead of them.
Lyanna had been sitting in Arthur's chambers for nearly an hour now the next morning. The two of them had made up the previous day and Lyanna had gladly forgiven her brother. All this time that they had been sitting there at the table they hadn't said a single word to each other. Arthur was constantly fingering Gwen's engagement ring which he had found during the hunt.
"Am I a fool, Lee?" Arthur suddenly asked, surprising Lyanna with the sudden sound of his voice.
She looked up from a piece of parchment she was signing. "Is this a trick question?" she asked, trying to contain a grin. By the look on Arthur's face she could tell that he actually meant it. "Why are you asking me this?"
He paused for a few seconds. "Is it wrong that I'm in love with the woman who betrayed me? How can I possibly make myself love another? Is that possible?"
His question clearly came as a shock to Lyanna. "That's because you know that Gwen is the only woman you can ever love, Arthur," she replied. "And I know for certain that Gwen still loves you as well and that's all good."
"But what do I do, Lee? How do I solve this situation?" he asked, sounding rather desperate.
"I think you perfectly know what you need to do. Just do what your heart tells you," she said.
Arthur let out a soft laugh, which confused Lyanna. "You just gave me the exact same information as Merlin did earlier this morning," he remarked.
She smiled warmly at him. "Well, we are married for a reason and we're both right. You know what to do, Arthur."
Shortly after that Arthur went to talk to Mithian to inform her that their betrothal had been broken. Of course that meant that the Princess wanted to leave Camelot as quickly as she could.
Her escorts were waiting for her in the main square as Mithian and Lyanna descended down the steps. Arthur faced the square as she passed him without a word. "Princess," he called. Mithian stopped, but didn't turn around as she put on her riding gloves. "Forgive me."
Lyanna stopped as well as Mithian turned around to face him. "The time for words is over, Sire," she said.
"I understand. And it is for this reason that I hereby offer you and your descendants all the disputed lands of Gedref," Arthur told her.
This clearly surprised Mithian who exchanged a brief look with Lyanna who stood beside her. "You would give up your ancient claims?" she wondered.
"I have no desire for war. Or to grieve you any more than I already have," Arthur explained.
"Such an offer cannot be rushed into," Mithian said.
"I've had my scribes draw up an agreement." Arthur pulled out a scroll. "If you're happy with the terms, I'll sign forthwith."
Mithian paused. "And if I refuse?"
"It's all I can offer. I do so most humbly," Arthur said.
He bowed his head and looked down, then looked her in the eye as he held out the scroll, waiting for her response. She considered him for a moment and then took the scroll. "Tell me...who is it that trumps a princess?" Mithian asked him.
"No one," Arthur responded as he thought for a moment. "And everyone."
Mithian's mood lightened. "What great family is she from?"
"None. She's the daughter of a blacksmith," Arthur clarified.
"And for her you would risk your kingship? Your kingdom?"
Arthur nodded. "Without her, they're worth nothing to me," he confessed. Lyanna's heart swelled in delight to hear him say that.
Mithian considered his words and looked down. "Hm," she said and they all awaited her reaction. "I would give up my own kingdom to be so loved. Farewell, Arthur."
Arthur smiled a little. "Farewell, Princess."
Mithian returned the smile before she turned around to face Lyanna. "It would seem that both Pendragon twins have a weakness for servants," she said as her smile enlarged. "Even though thinks didn't work out here I do hope that we stay in touch."
"Of course, Princess Mithian," Lyanna assured her while she briefly hugged her.
"Good. Please stay happy," she said before she walked over to her entourage.
HPuni101: I'm really flattered that you liked my version of that episode better. I hope I did this one justice as well. Yeah, Agravaine is a tricky person D: there will definitely be enough drama. This story is going incredibly far, which is fascinating. Oh yes, the final chapters are gonna be different. You have to wait to find out. Thank you for the sweet review!
Lady Ravanna: Thank you so much!
CHARLES CHUKU: Thanks. Glad you liked it.
Guest: Ah don't cry. Thank you. Arthur's confession always breaks me. Of course Lyanna forgives him. She can't stay mad at her crazy brother :) I miss Gwen too, but she'll make a return in the next chapter and from that point on again. She'll be back. Gwen and Lyanna are really wonderful friends, and I miss writing those little adorable scenes too. Good that you were smiling at the Myanna scenes. There will always be enough Myanna moments haha. Oh, they will be parents. Their child will definitely take over their kindhearted nature. You are allowed to punch him! And yes you're right; Agravaine is very aggravating haha. Thank you so much.
