CHAPTER EIGHTEEN


Summary: Finding herself one thousand years back in the past and in the legendary Kingdom of Camelot was something Hermione had never seen coming. But with no possible way back to the future and being stuck in the past, Hermione had no option but to form a new life for herself, and hopefully without changing the timeline. Unfortunately, matters of the heart cannot be controlled and she finds herself entwined in the lives of Prince Arthur and the great and powerful sorcerer, Merlin. Hermione x Arthur pairing.

Disclaimer: I do not own canon events and characters, they belong to J.K Rowling and the creators of Merlin, and the BBC. I am not making a profit from writing and posting this fanfic. I'm also making some big changes to the Merlin plotline so don't be surprised that nothing matches with canon. If I'm being honest, it's been years since I last saw the series, so I'm mostly going off what I remember and episode reviews and notes. And I've decided Arthur won't be dying.

AN

Okay, here's another chapter for you and hopefully it will answer some of your previous questions or thoughts, if not, the next few chapters certainly will. And I've had a recent influx of readers and followers seemingly overnight, so welcome! I hope you enjoy.


Page count: 8


"Ginevra, you may go."

"Your Highness..." The young girl started but Hermione interrupted.

"I am perfectly capable of exploring the grounds without your aid. I thank you for giving me a tour of the castle and though I know I shall have to walk it a few more times until I remember where everything is, I am quite comfortable here. I no longer require your presence, so please, take the remainder of the day away from your duties to do as you wish and I shall see you in the morning for breakfast."

The young girl curtsied and all but ran away from her rooms and Hermione let out a sigh, leaning back against the door after closing it over.

"She is testing my patience," she spoke to her wolf that was curled up by the fireplace on his blanket and he let out a bark in agreement.

She understood why; the handmaiden had barely stopped crying as Akela, being the protective wolf he was, accompanied Hermione on her tour of the castle and with Ginevra's cries, she'd likely annoyed the wolf, too.

"Not to worry," she said, approaching and crouching down before him as she ran a hand through his fur and scratched behind his ears. "She won't be with us for much longer. She has yet to prove to me she is capable of handling us and I don't think she ever will. I will give her a few more days and if there is no change, I will release her of her duties."

With a final pat to the head, Hermione rose to her feet and went over to her shoe cupboard, pulling it open to reveal a selection of flats and boots in different colours.

Hermione could honestly say she'd never slept better in her life than she had the night before. She begrudgingly admitted that the feast hadn't been too bad, but she knew that was Arthur's doing as he kept her distracted and Merlin would tease her when he was called over to refill either one of their goblets, or when Hermione wanted a second opinion regarding the topic she and Arthur were discussing.

Before the end of the feast, there'd been a short moment that allowed for the guests to meet and greet her and again, Arthur had remained by her side, steering the conversation away from certain topics as he soon understood she was uncomfortable being the centre of attention. When it was finally time to retire for the evening, -thankfully there'd been no music or dancing involved- Hermione had blushed red when Arthur insisted that he escort her back to her chambers and with her bloated wolf by her side –she'd honestly never seen him eat so much- they'd walked the corridors in a companionable silence. Upon arriving at her chambers, Arthur had bowed to her and kissed the back of her hand, bidding her a goodnight with a charming smile.

The room had been lovely and warm due to her having left the fireplace light and after adding a little more firewood from the nearby pile, she'd changed out of her dress, placed the tiara on her vanity stand and climbed into bed, slumber taking over as soon as he head had hit the pillow.

When the sun rose and night became day, Hermione could admit she woke in a bit of a mood. The reason being, Ginevra had knocked on her door and entered with a tray ladled with breakfast and tea, waking Hermione from one of the best night's sleep she'd ever had. The poor girl had almost wet herself.

After she'd eaten despite not being all that hungry due to the amounts of food she'd eaten the previous night –more than she could ever remember eating-, Ginevra had returned to her rooms, her arms laden with a collection of dresses and a basket of footwear. Hilda and Marcella had spent all evening and night making her a small selection of dresses to tie her over until they were able to complete her order, and Hermione reminded herself to give the women a good tip for their dedication and thoughtfulness.

After Hermione had put away the small collection of clothing and footwear, she'd chosen a soft blue dress with a neckline that showed only a hint of cleavage, full sleeves that clung to her arms and wrists and a skirt that barely brushed against the floor, ensuring she wouldn't trip or snag it against anything. She'd slipped on a pair of black leather boots, knowing they'd be comfortable and suitable for her plans for the day, and she clipped her hair back from her face with the same pretty pins she'd used the night before, allowing her wild hair to fall down her back. After ensuring her wand was hidden beneath her sleeve, she and Akela accompanied Ginevra on a walk around the castle, only pausing to have a spot of lunch and then continuing with the tour.

It was early afternoon when they'd finished with the castle and they returned to her rooms, and Hermione, needing some time alone and away from her sniffling and shaking handmaiden, had excused her so she may visit the grounds by herself.

Looking out of the windows, Hermione decided against changing into a warmer dress as despite it being early autumn, it was quite warm that day. After closing the cupboard door Hermione left her chambers, this time without Akela as he napped by the fireplace, and she went in search of the gardens.

It was almost an hour later when she'd wandered past the stables, guest stables, the tournament fields and the servants' quarters, when stepped out into the early afternoon sun that was beaming down and onto a large field which she'd spotted from a distance. Thinking that maybe she'd finally found the gardens, she approached until she recognised the sounds of clashing metal. As she drew nearer, she saw the large field littered with banners and crests, a tent with benches beneath, tables littered with weapons of every kind and shields, bows and arrows and targets were on one side, wooden practice dummies on another whilst men were fighting with weapons, some clad in chainmail, some partial armour and others wore nothing but their shirts and breeches. She blinked in surprise as realised she'd stumbled upon what was most certainly the training grounds.

Giving her head a shake, she turned with the intention to head back the way she came, only a voice that was becoming familiar to her called her name and she stopped in her steps. As she looked over her shoulder she felt a genuine smile pull at her face at the sight of Prince Arthur crossing the field, leaving his companions behind as he headed towards her.

She couldn't help but smile at him; it was something she found felt natural to her. He was too handsome, too kind and considerate towards her for him to be on the receiving end of anything else, well, unless he was teasing her and then she didn't mind giving him a scowl or glare.

"Princess Hermione," he greeted with a slight bow, his grin widening at the sight of her annoyance. She had quickly learned that he loved to tease her, he'd done so plenty the night before and she wasn't sure if it was his way of flirting with her, or if it were just the ale he'd been consuming.

He was one of the few that fought without armour or chainmail, rather he only wore a dark blue shirt and dark breeches that were tucked into his dark boots. His hair was rumpled and messy, slightly dampened with sweat and he still carried his sword. Even from the distance between them, she wasn't blind to the way his eyes trailed her form in her dress.

Hermione remembered the way he'd looked the previous night at the feast, dressed in red and black with his crown atop his head and his cape fastened around his neck, the golden dragon reflecting in the firelight of the torches and candles. If she were honest, the sight of him had not only made her blush, but she'd felt as though a swarm of butterflies had taken up home in her stomach and refused to leave her be. She couldn't remember the last time she'd felt such a thing.

It was dangerous. In that moment she'd come to realise that sometime between their meeting and the feast, she'd grown to like him. She'd been horrified; terrified by the realisation but there was little she could do about it. She wasn't one to easily fall for a man but she was still human, and Arthur was the kind of man she could only dream of one day marrying. He was kind and brave and thoughtful. He was willing to risk his life for the safety of others; he cared about his Kingdom and his people.

It was dangerous for her, she wasn't sure she could survive falling for him when she knew he was destined to marry Gwen. And that meant she had to do her best to guard her heart, to remember she would never be able to be with him. She had to discourage any behaviour that was inappropriate and give him a nudge in Gwen's direction and to continue doing so until they fell for one another.

"Prince Arthur," she replied, curtsying.

"Where is Akela?"

"Napping in my chambers by the fireplace. He ate a bit too much last night and the walk through the castle has worn him out."

He laughed. "Yes, I did not think it was possible for a single animal to eat so much," he responded, reminding her of the fact he'd all but ate a whole chicken, half a platter of sausages, a platter of cheese and half a platter of pork by himself.

"Well, he was well behaved so he was rewarded," she laughed lightly, remembering that she'd also fed him a lemon cake and he seemed to have enjoyed the apple pie, too.

"You spent the morning exploring the castle?"

She nodded. "Yes, I did and it is beautiful here, it reminds me very much of Hogwarts. Ginevra gave us the tour," she sighed and he raised an eyebrow, looking around pointedly and bringing note to the fact she wasn't anywhere to be seen. "I relieved her of her duties. I could no longer take the shaking and sniffling, and she all but wet herself this morning when she faced my temper."

"Temper?" He asked amused. "What did you do?"

"She woke me for breakfast and I did not appreciate it," she answered. He laughed. "Usually I wake at dawn but last night I had one of the best night's rests I've had in as long as I can remember and I was unwilling to wake, hence Ginevra being on the receiving end of my displeasure."

"I am pleased to hear you slept so well," he smiled. "And what are you doing on the training grounds? Couldn't help but want to see where the greatest Knights are trained?" He said a little arrogantly, but she'd allow it to slide given that he was a great swordsman and he used his skills to help and defend others.

"I was exploring the castle grounds and searching for the gardens."

"We don't have a garden other than the vegetable patches," he said, looking apologetic.

"Oh," she frowned in disappointment. She quite loved sitting amongst the flowers and reading in the sunshine. Even Ealdor had a small garden and it was where she'd hide if she wanted some time for herself. "I'd assumed that you'd have one," she shook her head. "Never mind."

"Do you enjoy spending your time in such places?" He asked curiously.

"Yes," she nodded. "I have since I was a child. My mother was very meticulous with her gardening. I'd watch her spend hours a day planting and watering flowers, weeding and tidying the garden," she said fondly, her hand coming up to fiddle with the locket around her neck. "I liked to spend my time amongst the flowers, it was peaceful and I could read until I fell asleep in the sun."

"You like to read?" He questioned, a spark seeming to enter his eyes and his mouth twitched at the corners.

"I love to read," she replied with a smile. "By the age of eight, I had read every book and tome my parents owned no matter their subject. I read medical tomes to learn and cross-reference, but when I can't sleep or I'm upset or stressed, reading is my escape. During the war, it's what helped me stay strong. It was an outlet for me."

"I am the same with my sword," he confessed. "When I find myself troubled or weary, I train."

"It's important to have something that allows you to escape from reality for a little while," she nodded. "Anyway, I shall let you return to your training and I will find something to keep me occupied."

"And what are your plans?"

"I'm not sure, I think I might take a walk into the city and do some exploring."

"Hermione, you shouldn't go into the city alone. It could be dangerous. Word will have spread that there is a visiting Princess, but they do not know your identity and there will be nothing stopping anyone from harming you."

"I will be fine, Arthur," she responded. "There is no need for you to worry about me, I am quite capable of taking care of myself."

"Hermione, allow me to accompany you."

"Arthur, you are clearly very busy with the Knights and it will be unfair of me to steal away your presence. When I came to Camelot, I had no intentions of taking you away from your duties. And if you accompany me, it will draw attention in which case, may put me in further danger."

He frowned. "Hermione, I'm not comfortable with you being in the city alone. If you will not allow me to accompany you, please allow me to send guards to escort you."

"Arthur, that will again draw attention," she pointed out.

"I only wish to ensure your health and well-being."

"I know and I appreciate that, but I have been on my own for a long time now, I may be in a different environment but nothing has changed."

He was frowning deeply and his grip tightened on his sword until his knuckles went white. How was she supposed to deal with her feelings and squash them down when he was showing such concern for her? He was just making it more difficult for her!

Seeing that the thought of her being harmed was evidently upsetting him and she didn't wish to do so, she sighed.

"If it would make you more comfortable, I shall find someone to walk with me. Where is Merlin? I'm sure he wouldn't mind accompanying me."

Arthur shook his head. "He is retrieving ingredients for Gaius."

"Not to worry, I'm sure there is someone else available," she smiled. "I shall see you later this evening, Arthur," she smiled before turning and leaving the training field, feeling his eyes on her retreating back.

It was when she had left the entrance courtyard and stepped through the gates that she realised she hadn't found anyone to accompany her but she really didn't want to turn around when she was halfway there.

Slowly she made her way down the pathway until she reached the city. The market place reminded her very much of Diagon Alley only without the magic; it was bustling with life, children running around, vendors selling as many products as they could as their livelihood depended on it and shoppers slowly made their way around the market place, browsing the products on sale.

Hermione purchased a wicker basket from a young woman before she found herself mixed in within the crowd as she slowly perused the stalls with the vendors offering her deals on the items and all but begging she bought their products. Hermione was tempted to buy them but she had no need for such items, nor would she be able to carry them all home by herself so she remained strict, only buying a handful of apples, some cheese for Akela and she bought a lemon cake for herself to nibble on as she shopped.

She'd just left a stall that sold scarves and as she turned around, she bumped into someone, her basket falling to the ground but luckily nothing fell out.

"I'm so sorry..." Hermione spoke at the same time as the other voice had, and they both bent down to pick up the basket.

Looking up, Hermione blinked in surprise when she saw it was Gwen and when the future Queen realised who she was, her eyes widened and she stuttered in surprise.

"Your Highness, I did not mean to..."

"Guinevere," Hermione interrupted. "It is fine. It was an accident, I am as much to blame as you are and there is no harm done, I assure you," she smiled. "And please, my name is Hermione. I do not care for such a formal addressing, if I am being honest, it makes me uncomfortable and I would much rather the crowd not know who I am at this moment."

They both rose to their feet and Gwen's eyes searched her surroundings, a confused look settling across her face and Hermione knew why; she was noticing the lack of guards.

"It is not safe for you to be out on your own, Your...Hermione," she corrected, shifting uncomfortably.

Hermione sighed. "Yes, Arthur spoke the same words and I refused his company as he is currently busy and I refuse to be followed around by guards; that will only draw attention. But I did promise him I would not come alone," she said, looking to Gwen thoughtfully. "Say, Guinevere, if you are not otherwise occupied, would you like to accompany me around the city?"

"It would be an honour," she replied, dropping into a curtsy and Hermione reached out with her hand to quickly stop her.

"There is no need for such a formality, Guinevere," Hermione said. "Shall we get started?"

Gwen nodded. "Of course, and please call me Gwen."

Hermione smiled and fell into step beside Gwen as they slowly navigated the market place.

"If you do not mind me saying, it was quite the surprise learning of your true identity."

Hermione sighed softly. "It was a surprise for me, too," she muttered beneath her breath. "My birth was kept a secret as my Kingdom was in times of war and my parents and I were sent away for our protection by the King, my Grandfather. I was not raised in a castle with servants and guards and Knights, which is why I do not care for such things, and it is why I am highly uncomfortable with being addressed so formally. I am more comfortable when surrounded by those without nobility and status, and I hold no care for such titles. I was raised to be independent, to never rely on others to do something that I may do for myself and so my handmaiden, Ginevra, is of no use to me."

"Your handmaiden is Ginevra?" She questioned.

"Yes, do you know the girl?"

"I have met her twice but otherwise have had no interactions with her."

Hermione nodded. "If you do not mind my asking, how does Lady Morgana treat you?"

Gwen blinked in surprise to the question, a frown pulling at her brow. "My Lady is kind to me, we have known one another for many years and we are friends."

"I am happy to hear that, I know not everyone has the same fortune as yourself and Merlin. I am trying my best to be kind to Ginevra but she is proving to be difficult."

"Difficult?"

"Yes, she cannot look me in the eye, she trembles when passing me things, she almost cried when I asked her to sit beside me. She is very quiet and I do believe she will not be my handmaiden for long. I have promised that whilst she is my handmaiden she is under my care and I will ensure she is safe and that she has anything she may need, but I may not be able to keep that promise for much longer."

"Did you purchase the dress she was wearing last night at the feast?"

"Yes, and I have Hilda and Marcella making several more for her. The dress she was wearing upon our meeting was hardly suitable."

"That was very generous of you," Gwen replied with a surprised look in her eyes.

"I only wish to help any who may require it, no matter their station or requirements."

"I know, I saw all you did for the people of Ealdor. Is that why you are here in Camelot? To help the people?"

"Yes, Ealdor no longer needs me and Arthur said there were people here who could benefit with my help."

Gwen nodded. "Arthur is a good man, he argues for better care but until he is King he has little power over the council."

Hermione saw the opportunity and took it. "Speaking of Arthur, is there any progress on your relationship?"

Gwen turned to look at her, giving her a look that all but said she was crazy. "Why would there be? There is nothing between Arthur and I. He is a good man but he can still be rude and arrogant, though I admit his tendency to be such has lessened slightly since meeting you. I am nothing but a servant and Arthur is a Prince. There will never be anything between us. My heart belongs to Lancelot and Arthur is falling for you, Princess."

Hermione spluttered, halting in her steps she rubbed at her throat with her free hand and Gwen gave her a look of concern.

"He is not," she denied.

Gwen's mouth twitched in amusement. "Princess, Arthur has never looked at a woman the way he looks at you, especially last night. You were the sole focus of his attention. He seems to adore you and I would not be surprised if he wishes to ask for your hand in marriage. Now your identity had been revealed, I can't imagine King Uther objecting to the union. You are both equals and there is nothing preventing you from being together. I know you care for the Prince, just as he only had eyes for you, the same can be said for you, too. Servants see everything when hidden in the shadows and I can see that you care for him. I have witnessed your kindness and bravery. You may be of royalty but with your upbringing, the people will relate to you. You are exactly what Arthur needs in a wife and what Camelot needs in a Queen."

Hermione shook her head. "I cannot marry Arthur," she said quietly.

"Oh? What exactly is stopping you, as I can see you both have feelings for one another?" Gwen questioned before she continued with her steps, her attention being pulled by a flower vendor.

"You are," Hermione whispered, a knot forming in her stomach at the thought of her ever possibly being able to marry Arthur.

It would never happen. It could never happen.