The Once and Future Queen
"Gwen has accompanied Anna to Tiltwood to visit her mother, and Arthur wants to use Gwen's home to hide in so he can compete in secret in the joust," Evaine repeated, Merlin nodding as Evaine sighed, pacing for a moment before she nodded. "Fine, I will stay with him," Evaine stated, moving to Anna's wardrobe.
"Wait, what?" Merlin asked, watching in shock as the lady grabbed a few of Anna's dress and packed them in a bag.
"You honestly expect Arthur to take care of himself in that house by himself?" she asked, and Merlin considered her words before shaking his head.
"But you can't, you're a lady," he protested, and Evaine scoffed at her warlock friend, packing a few finer dresses for when she needed to attend the joust.
"A lady brought up mainly by the servants, Merlin. I know how to look after myself and any annoying prince that thinks up stupid ideas such as this one," she said, wrapping a cloak around her shoulders before she faced him. "I shall be at Gwen's," she said, leaving the flustered man behind before he could speak.
Evaine cursed the prince as she walked to Gwen's, smiling at the townspeople as she entered the house. She had visited Gwen's home several times, and she quickly changed into one of Anna's dresses, reminding herself of the luck to have a friend who was the same size as herself. Evaine watched from the window, seeing Merlin approach the door and opening it.
"My lord," Evaine announced her presence, after Arthur had brushed past her without a second glance.
"Evaine, what are you doing here?" Arthur asked, his eyes widening at the lady when he realised who she was.
"Gwen is away with Anna to Tiltwood. I thought it best that I should stay here and look after you, make sure you don't destroy Gwen's home during your stay. I'll prepare some food," Evaine said, smiling tensely at the way Arthur looked at her. "Surely I don't look that different," she said, looking down at the more simple clothes than what she was used to wearing.
"Er, no, I hardly recognised you," Arthur fumbled to say, and Evaine raised an eyebrow before moving to find the plates.
"You can't really expect me to stay here?" Arthur whispered to Merlin, Evaine frowning as she heard him.
"We need to keep you out of sight. She won't tell anyone, and she is helping us, Arthur," Merlin replied back.
"I doubt anyone would believe it," Arthur said, looking around in mild disgust.
"If you can't cope without your big bed and your soft pillows," Merlin said, Evaine laughing quietly.
"This will be fine. How are the preparations coming? Have you found someone to play our knight in the tournament?" Arthur asked, moving to look through the cupboards.
"Absolutely. He's a farmer from one of the outlying villages and no one will recognise him," Merlin answered, rather proud of himself.
"But does he look the part?" Arthur asked.
"He's arriving after you've eaten, so dig in," Evaine said, turning with a strained smile and offering the prince a plate of food. Arthur looked in surprise at how good the food looked and quickly ate all of it. The man, Will, who was going to play the part of knight in front of the crowds arrived soon after, the three looking at the man who had no similarity with Arthur. "Great," Arthur muttered, not impressed in the slightest.
"From now on, you're sir William of Deira," Merlin announced, holding up the coat of arms after he had washed and clothed Will to look like a knight. "Imagine you're really arrogant. Knights like to think they're so much better than anyone else."
"It's not arrogance. Ignore him. He's an idiot. A knight must behave with honour and nobility. That's better. You must convince everyone that you were born into a noble family," Arthur instructed.
"Polish my armour, boy," William asked Merlin, his voice deepening.
"Now you're getting the hang of it. That's a good point, you do need to polish our armour," Arthur agreed, Merlin sighing.
"Yeah," Will said, giggling.
Later that night, Evaine was sweeping the floor, getting all the muck out that Will had brought in with them as Arthur sat drinking at the table.
"It's been a long day. I think I'll turn in for the night. Is this my bed?" Arthur asked, sitting down on it before Evaine could answer.
"Of course. I hope you'll be comfortable," Evaine muttered.
"I'm sure I will be," Arthur agreed, smiling. Evaine huffed, putting the broom away and going into the small space behind the curtain, looking at the sack of potatoes before laying down, struggling to get comfy. "Good night, Evaine," Arthur called.
"Goodnight, my lord," Evaine replied, sighing as she fell into a fitful night sleep.
XXXXXX
"Knights of the realm, welcome to Camelot. You have trained for this day for many years. Putting your bravery and skill to the test. Today you will fight for honour and for glory. For this is the ultimate test of courage and it will be your measure as men. For only the most skilful, the most fearless among you, will emerge as a worthy champion," Uther called out, smiling as the crowd cheered at his words. Evaine sat back down, clapping as the first joust began. She sat beside the other ladies of the court, rolling her eyes at the compliments they gave Sir William, though she couldn't hide the smile on her own face when Arthur was victorious in every match.
"From what the other ladies of the court told me, they are quite impressed with sir William. They think he's very handsome," Evaine said, cleaning the plates from the meal.
"Typical. They wouldn't know a real knight if he whacked them round the head with his lance," Arthur joked back, making Evaine laugh.
"Why are you doing this?" Evaine asked suddenly, turning to face Arthur.
"I fear that people respect me just because of my title," Arthur said.
"I don't believe that's true of everyone," Evaine said, and Arthur looked at her pointedly.
"Would you tell me if it were?" Arthur asked, and Evaine smiled.
"No. That is the curse of being royal, I fear," Evaine stated.
"When I'm competing as William, my title doesn't matter. Nobody gives me any special treatment. So when I win this tournament, if I win this tournament, it will be because I deserve it, not because I'm prince Arthur. I think I'll take a bath," Arthur said, and Evaine smiled, looking around.
"That might be difficult as Gwen doesn't own a bath tub," Evaine pointed out.
"Really? Perhaps you could prepare me a bowl of hot water. I take it she has a bowl?" Arthur asked, and Evaine gritted her teeth at his tone.
"I think I can manage a bowl. I'll just walk all the way down to the well and fetch some water then, shall I?" Evaine asked, but Arthur had already stopped listening.
The next day, Evaine sat watching the tournament, smiling as Sir Alynor advanced to the final. She looked in surprise as he walked his horse to where she sat, lifting his visor up to look at her.
"May I be so bold to ask for a token of luck, my lady?" he asked, and Evaine blushed before unwrapping her scarf from her neck and stepping down to pass it to him. He lifted it to the crowd, who cheered loudly as Evaine blushed, sitting back down as she watched him take his place amongst the other knights, glancing to the other end to see Arthur watching the exchange. Evaine winced as Sir Leon was nearly unseated by Arthur, choosing not to clap.
"You're not impressed by this Sir William of Deira?" Gaius asked, noticing how she didn't clap.
"I believe he's an arrogant pig," Evaine answered, before rising to leave the tournament early.
XXXXXX
"Evaine?" Arthur called, Evaine sweeping the small space in which she slept in.
"Just a minute," Evaine said, quickly trying to hide her blanket.
"Have you got a needle and thread? My shirt needs mending," Arthur asked, coming to stand in front of her and noticing the sack of potatoes and blanket. "Is this where you sleep? Where's the bed?"
"You're sleeping in it," Evaine pointed out.
"Gwen only has one bed? Why didn't you say something?" Arthur asked.
"How could I? You're prince Arthur. Besides you didn't give me a chance, you saw it and assumed it was for you," Evaine answered.
"How am I supposed to know if you don't tell me?" Arthur asked.
"You shouldn't need to be told to think of someone other than yourself. You're not a child," Evaine said, looking down as Arthur looked at her in surprise.
"Is there anything else you'd like to say to me? Please. I'd like to hear it. If there's something you want to say to me, don't let me stop you," Arthur said, a tinge of anger in his voice.
"You don't have any idea, do you?" Evaine asked.
"About what?"
"About how rude and arrogant you can be. This is Gwen's home and you are staying here as a guest. I know you are used to more luxurious quarters but that is not an excuse to be so rude. You claim titles don't matter to you, but you behave like a prince and expect me to wait on you like a servant, I can only imagine what it would have been like for poor Gwen if she were here. Saying it means nothing if your actions betray you. Would it kill you to say please and thank you once in a while?" Evaine spoke angrily, falling silent as she realised who she was speaking to.
"Is there anything else you'd like to add?" Arthur asked.
"No, sire," Evaine whispered quietly.
"You're right. You have looked after me and I have behaved appallingly. You are a lady, and I may have forgotten that over the past few days," Arthur apologised, surprising Evaine.
"I didn't mean for you to feel bad," Evaine mumbled, feeling bad.
"Oh really?" Arthur asked, smiling slightly.
"Well, perhaps a little," Evaine teased.
"There's no excuse. I will make it up to you. Tonight I will make dinner for you," Arthur stated.
"You're going to cook me dinner?" Evaine asked, surprised as he pushed her to the door.
"I most certainly am now go for a walk, or do whatever girls do at this time in the evening," Arthur stated confidently.
"I'd love a walk," Evaine admitted.
"Your dinner will be ready when you return," Arthur promised. Evaine passing Merlin in her walk.
"Where's Arthur?" Merlin asked.
"He's cooking me dinner," Evaine answered, and looked as shocked as she felt.
"Arthurs cooking?" Merlin asked once more, Evaine nodding before continuing her walk.
XXXXXX
"Evaine, perfect timing," Arthur greeted, once Evaine returned. She smiled as he pulled the seat out for her.
"Thank you. This is delicious," Evaine complimented, looking at the food in front of them.
"I'm glad you like it. So, do I have any more annoying habits you wish to tell me about?" Arthur asked, and Evaine smiled softly before shaking her head.
"No. None," Evaine replied, but Arthur narrowed his eyes at her, grinning.
"There's something else, isn't there? What is it?" Arthur asked, and Evaine smiled before looking at him.
"Well, the truth is, you snore," Evaine stated.
"I do not snore," Arthur argued, taken aback.
"You do. The first night we were here, I thought a pig had got into the house," Evaine teased.
"So now I'm a pig, thank you Evaine," Arthur said, faking being insulted.
"I just meant you sound like a pig. I think I'd better stop talking," she said, laughing as Arthur gazed at her.
"Where did you learn to cook?" Arthur asked suddenly, and Evaine smiled fondly.
"My father preferred for me to be in lessons, learning how to play music and dance, the priorities of being a fine lady and attracting a suitable husband one day. Any chance I got, I stole away to the kitchens. They taught me real things, like how to bake the best apple pies and have respect for your servants," she admitted, and Arthur smiled. She began to clean the plates, but Arthur stopped her.
"I'll do that," Arthur said.
"Where did you get those plates?" Evaine asked, noticing something on the bottom.
"From the cupboard," Arthur said.
"They have the royal seal. They're from the palace kitchens. I've eaten from them myself, Arthur. I take it that is where our food came from?" Evaine asked, rising to look at the plates.
"I can kill a chicken from a thousand paces just don't ask me to cook one. That's what servants are for. I didn't mean it like that," Arthur stated, seeing Evaine's face.
"I'm sure Gwen is not ashamed to be a servant. But at least she is not a liar."
"We had a nice meal together what does it matter where it came from?" Arthur asked.
"Because I thought you had shown some humility. You had done something kind for me when no other royal would. A good king should respect his people no matter who they are," Evaine said, turning away before Arthur grabbed her arm, stopping her.
"Evaine. I know I have much to learn. There are some things that I am terrible at, cooking being one of them, but also, knowing what to say to someone I care about," Arthur stated, and Evaine smiled softly at his words, the two leaning closer to one another until Merlin rushed through the door.
"Arthur, there's an assassin in Camelot. He's here to kill you. The assassin killed a guard. Your father said Odin had sent him," Merlin explained.
"Why would Odin want you dead?" Evaine asked, watching Arthur turn from where he walked to the other side of the table as Merlin had spoken.
"Because I killed his son. Odin son challenged me to a fight. I had no quarrel with him. I asked him to withdraw. Perhaps he felt he had to prove himself. I still see his face. He looked so scared," Arthur said, his voice breaking at the end.
"You cannot blame yourself," Evaine said softly.
"No one but us knows where you are. If the assassin can't find you, he can't kill you," Merlin pointed out, and Arthur nodded.
"May I continue to stay here?" Arthur asked.
"Of course. I will stay for as long as you need," Evaine agreed.
"Thank you. I'll sleep on the floor," Arthur stated, and Evaine shook her head.
"No, have the bed. You need to be well rested for the tournament tomorrow," Evaine argued.
"I will not hear of it. Good night Evaine," Arthur said, turning to walk into the smaller room.
"Good night," Evaine softly replied, smiling at his kindness.
XXXXXX
Evaine helped Arthur with his armour the next morning, standing back as he hid himself under his cloak, tying it tightly.
"One more match and the tournament will be over," Arthur pointed out, smiling.
"You can go back to being prince Arthur," Evaine said, smiling softly. She looked down at the small white fabric in her hands. "I thought you might wear it for luck," she said, holding it out to him, not noticing the smile he sent her.
"Thank you," Arthur said, taking it her from her hands. Evaine smiled up at him, noticing how intently he stared at her, before he leant down and brought his lips to her own. Her eyes remained open for a moment in shock, before she closed them, relishing the soft feel of his lips on hers, wishing it could last forever before he pulled back. The two stared at one another before Arthur looked away, smiling slightly.
"I must go," he said, pulling his hood up and leaving. Evaine stood for a moment, closing her eyes for a second and raising her fingers to touch her lips, before dressing herself in one of her finer gowns and leaving for the tournament. Evaine took her seat, smiling at Gaius and waiting nervously for the match to start. She smiled as she noticed the token she had given Arthur around his wrist. The moment came, but Evaine stood, her mouth open in shock as Arthur was struck badly on the chest, the first time he had been hit in the competition. She didn't hesitate to run to the tent, knowing he was hurt. She met Arthur outside his tent, helping him inside and setting him down on a chair.
"His lance pierced my armour," Arthur groaned, breathing heavily.
"You're losing too much blood," Evaine pointed out, inspecting the wound.
"Do what you can. I have to be back on the course in five minutes or I forfeit the match," Arthur argued.
"You can't possibly joust. You're too badly injured," Evaine stated, shaking her head.
"I have never withdrawn from a match. I do not intend to start now," Arthur argued.
"You would risk your life to protect your pride? You have nothing to prove, least of all to me," Evaine begged, and she watched as Arthur's eyes rested on her own, his breathing evening out as he looked at her.
"I have everything to prove, to myself," he said, before putting his helmet back on. Evaine helped him back to his horse. "You'll have to pass me my lance," Arthur groaned, and Evaine shook her head but lifted the lance up.
"This is madness, Arthur," Evaine stated, but he rode off.
"Evaine, where's Arthur?" Merlin asked, running up to his friend.
"He's about to joust," Evaine answered.
"He's jousting against the assassin," Merlin told her, and she followed after him as they ran back to the stands. She waited as the crowds cheered around her, before Arthur managed to unseat the assassin from his horse. Merlin helped Arthur dismount, and Evaine ran back to the tent. "You were jousting against the assassin. He killed Sir Alynor and took his place. The people are waiting for their champion. It's time to reveal yourself," Merlin said.
"You must go and collect the trophy," Arthur instructed Will.
"I thought this was going to be your moment of glory?" Evaine asked, surprised. She smiled when Arthur looked at her.
"Perhaps this is a time for humility," Arthur stated, and Evaine smiled proudly before the three went to watch Will collect the trophy, laughing at his happiness.
XXXXXX
"The assassin attacked us as we were returning to Camelot. I was injured whilst killing him," Arthur told his father in the council chamber, pretending to have returned.
"Odin must pay for his actions. We must strike back at him" Uther said.
"Surely you understand the grief he feels for the loss of his son? We should try to make peace with him. There's been enough bloodshed," Arthur said, wisely.
"Perhaps you are right. How was the rest of your trip? Fruitful?" Uther asked, and Evaine smiled when Arthur glanced at her.
"Very. I learnt a great deal. How was the tournament?" Arthur asked.
"Excellent. We have a new champion. Sir William of Deira," Uther replied.
"I'm sorry I missed all the excitement," Arthur said, smiling as he shared a look with Merlin. He glanced at Evaine, who smiled sadly before looking down, remembering their places. They left the chamber, Arthur pausing to wait for Evaine. "Evaine," Arthur called, stopping the lady as she turned to him with a smile. "What happened, while we were at Gwen's house, I'm afraid my father would not allow it," Arthur explained, his heart tightening at the very fact he had to speak the words.
"You don't have to explain. Perhaps when you are king, things will be different. A royal may marry below him to the daughter of a lord," Evaine said, hopefully. Arthur smiled tightly, nodding.
"I hope so," he said quietly, reaching for her hand before Uther called for him. The two glanced behind Arthur to see Uther waiting, the two sighing internally as Arthur began walking to his father. Evaine stood and watched him leave, her heart quickening as he glanced back to her, a soft smile on his lips.
