It had been a few months since Elyan found out about Rose's magic and courtship to Mordred. He was as good as his word. He kept her secrets and she became closer him. Over the months she had been visiting Morgana and, she had been involved in a lot of council meetings. She enjoyed being involved in the council matters and the Camelot stuff however one of the knights called Benning had taken a dislike for her and would stare at her with mistrust all the time, she would ignore him. She turned 15 in this time and she had a small feast with Arthur and a few knights. She had enjoyed it but had also missed Morgana's presence. She missed a woman's touch in her life yes, she had maids, but they weren't chatty or bothered about her really. She missed having Gwen around acting more like a mother than a maid and she definitely missed Morgana's presence.
Rose was in her chambers letting a maid do her hair. Arthur was announcing something at court, and he had told her look official when she asked him knight or lady of the court, he had answered lady of the court, so she was following the command. Once her hair was done, she dismissed the maid. She then slipped her shoes on. Right on cue there was a knock on the door. She opened it and Arthur was stood at the door in his kingly clothing. Rose looked at the window.
"Am I late?" asked Rose.
"No, fancy going for a walk," said Arthur. Rose nodded and walked into corridor he put his arm out to link and she linked his arm and they started to walk down the corridor.
"Come on then what is big announcement" asked Rose.
"I am marrying princess Mithian of Nemeth, don't mention it to Merlin he doesn't know yet" said Arthur. Rose had a feeling at that option was going to be available and she didn't like it, but she had decided to not undermine Arthur he was struggling with his confidence more and more as he became king.
"I am happy for you, Merlin won't I bet you a crown he'll confront you in five seconds after leaving the council chambers" said Rose.
They walked around a bit more before Merlin joined them, looking at Arthur. He seemed nervous because he started to talk a lot and without drawing breath.
"I'm not saying it's inappropriate. I mean, you're the king and I'm not, and of course it's your choice, there's no doubt about that. It could hardly be my choice, could it? What with me not being the king. But, nevertheless, I do feel I have to say something because, strictly speaking, these clothes are only supposed to" said Merlin quickly and without drawing breath.
"Merlin" interrupted Arthur. They turned around to face Merlin.
"Yes, my lord," said Merlin.
"Could you do something for me" asked Arthur.
"Yes anything," said Merlin.
"Please shut up," said Arthur. Rose and Arthur then carried on walking to the council chambers, Merlin carried on talking.
"Yes, I can do that. Of course, I can. That's not a prob—" said Merlin.
"NOW" said Arthur and Rose together calling back to him. Rose giggled in amusement before continuing to the council chambers.
They then entered the council chambers and walked to the front of the room. Rose stood on his right as usual once he had a queen, she would be on his left which she looked forward to it was a lot of pressure being the highest woman of the court.
"My lords, fellow knights, gentlemen, as you are all aware, Camelot's claim to the lands of Gedref have been in dispute. Today I can announce that, after many months of confidential negotiations, the kingdoms of Nemeth and Camelot have reached an agreement," said Arthur. The room began to murmur and mutter everyone seemed to be nervous "There's nothing to fear. 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".
Rose looked across to Merlin who was staring open mouthed at them. The room exploded with applause, and she smiled joining in a little bit. They then left the room and walked down the corridor.
"One two three" said Rose counting on her hand.
"How come I didn't know any of this? How come you didn't say anything" said Merlin.
"You owe me a crown" said Rose to Arthur he smirked at her before turning around to face his disgruntled man servant.
"That's what "confidential" means, Merlin. Keeping it from blabbermouths like you" said Arthur. Rose saw a flicker of hurt go across Merlin's face. They turned around to keep going down the corridor.
"I'll leave you two to it, try not kill or banish each other" said Rose.
She walked away in direction of chambers deciding she didn't want to be in their middle of the squabbles because that's what they did a lot. Arthur was having confidence issues that wasn't helped by his beloved uncle putting seeds of doubt in his mind and Merlin was frustrated with the tug of war he was playing with Agravaine. She went into her chambers and got changed into something more comfortable. She knew Arthur didn't like it, but she was more comfortable in Morgana's tunic and leggings than anything else. She got into that and took her hair out the stupid braid out her hair. She looked in the mirror and brushed her hair. Her hand brushed a mirror she picked it up, it was the mirror Morgause had got for Morgana when she was living in Camelot. She had got it for her birthday. She thought about it, that meant that Morgana's birthday in a few days. Rose spent the rest of the day in the market buying stuff that she knew Morgana would like. She also bought herself some books and went back to the chambers, on her way to her chambers she saw Agravaine was acting suspiciously she rolled her eyes but decided to find out the next day what was going on she was too busy focused on the arrival of Mithian.
Everyone gathered in the courtyard for Mithian's arrival and soon she was in her fancy dress again standing on Arthurs right in the courtyard. The knights of Nemeth and the princess came into the courtyard the knights in front and Mithian wearing a veil.
"Knights of Nemeth Camelot welcomes you and extends the hands of friendship" said Arthur he looked uncomfortable in his crown and kingly robes. Mithian came forward on her horse and revealed her face. She was a very pretty woman so radiant. She looked across to Arthur to see his jaw had dropped. Arthur walked forward and Rose went with him to make sure he didn't say anything stupid in front of his future wife that phrase made her stomach turn.
Mithian was helped down from her horse elegantly by one of the knights and Arthur continued forward. Once they made it her Arthur seemed to be too taken in by her beauty to speak.
"Princess Mithian you are most welcome" said Rose. Nudging Arthur back into the real world.
"Thank you, my lady, your highness I heard a lot about you and your handsome in person" said Mithian.
"Uhhh" said Arthur unsure how to take the compliment so he kept opening and shutting his mouth.
"Are we to stand around in the cold all day" asked Mithian. Rose nudged Arthur again and he seemed to become aware of himself again. He nodded and smiled.
"My apologies" said Arthur he took her hand and faced the people on the steps "Tomorrow there will be a great feast to welcome our guests". Everyone went inside after the announcement and Rose went to her chambers.
In the evening she sat and read the new books and wrapped up the presents that she had bought for Morgana. She looked up as there was a knock on her door.
"Who is it?" asked Rose she quickly put the wrapped presents in a bag and chucked it under the bed.
"It's me Merlin" said Merlin through the door. She smiled and went over to the door.
She opened it and let her in the room, his workload had doubled recently so she had barely seen him much and when she had seen him, he had always been around Arthur. He sat down on her bed while she began to pace.
"I need to find a way to stop this wedding without messing up his confidence" said Rose.
"He won't listen to reason" said Merlin.
"That's because Agravaine keeps getting into his head making him doubt himself, I have a feeling that's not our only problem though" said Rose.
"Why?" asked Merlin.
"Agravaine was acting suspiciously earlier" said Rose.
"I wonder what he's up to, have you seen Morgana recently, I'll be busy with the feast preparations" asked Merlin.
"Well I saw her the other day; I think she's planning something, but she doesn't want me implicated" said Rose. Merlin got up and took her hand taking her over the bed. He sat them both down and she laid down putting her head on his shoulder.
"I'll try and stop this wedding you find out what Morgana is up to" said Merlin. He wrapped his arm around her shoulder and started to stroke the back of her head. This made her sleepy and she fell asleep listening to his heartbeat.
Rose woke up the next day early and she was alone, she looked at the window it was dark, she got out of bed and got changed into some casual clothes and her druid cloak, she'd get changed later into something more official for the feast but while she was walking around the castle, she'll be casual. She walked out her room and saw Agravaine was sneaking around the castle. She put up her hood and followed. He went to the stables and got a horse. She followed him on foot not wanting to arouse suspicion.
They arrived at the hovel and Agravaine went into the hovel. Rose went over to the door.
"You're late, you have my plans" said Morgana.
"There have been some unexpected developments" said Agravaine sounding scared, he had the unfortunate task of telling Morgana about the upcoming marriage. She sniggered without thinking and then decided that her cover was blown. She walked into the hovel and walked across to Morgana she looked stressed out and tired but smiled when she saw Rose.
"I hope your not going to tell me you've failed me again" said Morgana.
"Does she know about Nemeth?" asked Rose.
"Yes, I told her recently" said Agravaine. He then turned to Morgana who was glaring at him and looking ready to kill him.
Rose put her hand her shoulder which Morgana put her hand over hers giving it a squeeze "I'm sure there'll be the other opportunities in the future".
"Camelot grows in power every day, Agravaine. If we don't act now, there will be no future. Particularly for you" said Morgana angrily. Agravaine didn't look phased at the threats.
"It is not easy, my lady. Plans for the siege tunnels have always been very well protected" said Agravaine.
"And yet you assured me you could bring them to me. Or were you exaggerating?" asked Morgana glaring at him even more.
"No not at all but it will take time…" said Agravaine.
"Enough!" said Morgana interrupting him and about to get up but Rose kept her in her seat squeezing her shoulder.
Morgana breathed deeply using the hand on her shoulder and Rose's presence to calm her "a man of your standing can go wherever he like".
"You can say the same about Rose, the kings ward and her other abilities" said Agravaine.
"I am not having her involved, if she gets found out then she'll be in trouble" said Morgana.
"And I won't be" said Agravaine. Morgana got up then and looked deep into his eyes.
"Don't get caught but you are not involving Rose in any of it" said Morgana.
"I am here you know" retorted Rose getting annoyed that they were both talking about her like she wasn't in the room. Agravaine rolled his eyes.
"We should be heading back" said Agravaine.
"I'll catch you up" said Rose. Agravaine left the hovel and the hoof beats were loud cantered away on his horse.
"You are not getting involved" said Morgana.
"Can you at least tell me what I am not getting involved" said Rose giving her a big smile and tilted her head.
"I will tell once I have the maps for Camelot" said Morgana. She decided to argue with her, she gave a hug before going after Agravaine.
"Aswindan ae Camelot" said Rose. She shut her eyes quickly and landed in her chambers in seconds, she was lucky the room was empty she didn't fancy freaking out a maid or anything like that.
A maid walked into the room and smiled at Rose she was carrying a dress on her arm. This maid was called Marie and relatively new didn't quite understand how to not act like a servant and have a conversation about anything that wasn't about her serving Rose and she would take orders from Agravaine and Arthur about how to assist her. She just missed Gwen and wanted her back.
"I got you a new dress for the day" said Marie.
"Thank you, Marie come on let's get this new dress on" said Rose.
"I hope you like it, it's more adult than usual but it's the colour you usual wear" said Marie looking anxious. Rose went behind the screen and Marie handed her the dress.
She understood what she meant by an adult dress. It was a dress where the top of the dress was very to corset design and it was tight without it going tied up yet. She came out from the behind the screen and saw that Marie was looking hopeful she looked like if Rose rejected the dress, it would cause her to have a breakdown. So, she smiled it was a red dress and poor Marie must not understand her hatred for tight things.
"It's very pretty thank you" said Rose. Marie smiled and curtsied before coming over and starting to do the strings tightening up the dress.
Once she was finished Rose dismissed her and looked at herself in the mirror. The dress was so tight she'd have to change it before the feast later. She left the room and walked to the council chambers to see Arthur was sat at the end of the table. She went over and sat down gently. Agravaine was there leaning on a chair. Arthur was reading a letter.
"Look at this" said Arthur giving her a note. Rose read it; it was a note from Odin to the map makers apprentice asking for the maps to the tunnels.
"Have him bought here this instance" said Rose.
"I can't he's dead, Young Eoghan was the mapmaker's apprentice. He was a good lad from a decent family" said Agravaine.
"Yet willing to sell his country's secrets for a few pieces of gold" said Arthur.
"And of course, he did have access to the city's most sensitive plans" said Agravaine.
"The location of the siege tunnels" said Rose.
"I fear so, my lady. And I don't need to tell you what an enemy could do with such plans" said Agravaine. Rose got up slowly and walked towards the door.
"I am going to go check the map room, you two speak to the map maker" said Rose.
She then walked away quickly she went down to the map room. Agravaine was useless at this. She went across to the maps and started to look through them and a few minutes later Arthur and Agravaine joined her.
"No sign of a forced entry" said Agravaine.
"Boy would've had full access. There's no need to break the locks" said Arthur looking around the room.
"A complete inventory will be necessary, my lord. With your permission, I'll start right away" said Agravaine. Rose nodded and went and stood next to Arthur using her eyes to show Agravaine where the maps were. He nodded and Rose smiled before leaving the room. She walked to her chambers and checked the presents under the bed they were safe.
It was Morgana's birthday the next day and she needed to find an excuse to avoid the Festival of Ostara which had somehow conveniently fell on Morgana's birthday this year. She could barely think straight in the dress. It was so tight it felt like it was slowly suffocating her.
She sat down and did some reading and writing for a bit. She decided early evening it was time to change her dress but as soon as she was about to send for Marie. Agravaine knocked on her chamber door. She knew it was Agravaine because he had a certain knock.
"Enter" said Rose. Agravaine came in looking pleased with himself.
"I got the maps" said Agravaine.
"Good, I will not be joining you tonight however tell Morgana to expect me tomorrow at noon," said Rose.
"That's when the hunt is" said Agravaine.
"Does it look like I follow the rules, now go before you are missed," said Rose. She smiled as he walked out the room. There was a knock at the door again and Rose rolled her eyes. She went over to the door and opened it to see Arthur and Mithian standing in front of her.
"Time for the feast," said Arthur.
"No, it's not" said Rose she hadn't had chance to change out of her dress yet. She smiled and linked Arthur's arm as all three of them walked to the feast.
They walked in and everyone stood up as usual. They sat down and everyone else sat down. She began to eat slowly. Soon the room was full of noise and laughter. She loved the sight of it all. She couldn't wait to be out of the dress though it was doing her head in. After tonight she was going to burn it and just tell Marie it got lost. Then she'd make sure that she didn't need a maid in future. She ignored everything that happened around her and concentrated on breathing. Once the food was finished music started up and it was time to dance.
The tables were moved to the side, and everyone got partners for the dance. She managed to hide herself in the background and avoid dancing. However, she must off known she wouldn't get out of it that lightly.
"My lady will you have this dance with me" said Gwaine. She turned to look at him and nodded. He took her hand and they moved on to the dance floor. It had to be the fastest dance in the world. She was skipping, twirling and dancing around to quick music. Once the song was finished Rose moved away from Gwaine black spots were dancing in her eyes and she felt winded. She bumped into someone by accident, and she saw she had bumped into Merlin. He spun her round so he look at her closely.
"Are you alright?" asked Merlin in concern. Rose shook her head and put her hand to her chest.
"Can't catch my breath, take me to my chambers" breathed Rose.
Merlin looked at her a minute and nodded she linked his arm and they slowly walked out the room. As soon as they were in the corridor and out of the sight of the feast, she wrapped her arms completely around his neck she was breathing easier in the cooler corridor, but it was now replaced with a faint feeling "I usually don't ask but can you carry me, I feel like I am going to faint". Merlin nodded and scooped her up. He got her to her chambers quickly and she was put back on her feet.
"Are you feeling better now?" asked Merlin.
"I will be in a minute, pick up that knife for me" said Rose. He did as he was told and picked up the knife "now I want you to cut open the back of the dress". Turning so she was facing the opposite direction he cut the dress as she held it to her.
"I'm done" said Merlin. Rose smiled at him and went behind the screen.
"Chuck me my night dress its on the bed" asked Rose. Merlin went over to her bed and got her nightdress he bought it over to her. Rose got out of the dress quickly and got into her night dress.
Rose came out from behind the screen to notice Merlin was sat on her bed, she went over and sat next to him.
"Tomorrow, I am going to see Morgana for her birthday, can you tell Arthur I am herb picking a rare herb if he asks me where I am" asked Rose. Merlin turned around and gave her an incredulous look.
"Your joking, after everything she has done, you think a few presents and wine will fix what she did, she tortured Gaius, she put a creature in my neck that nearly made me kill Arthur, she goaded Annis to go to war with us and she enchanted Gwen to fall in love with Lancelot again and got her banished" said Merlin.
"Yes I do, you told me to find out what she was planning, how else am I meant to find out, kidnap her and bring her Camelot kicking and screaming, I am the link between you and Morgana so I have to keep her on side, I know what she has done hasn't been great but she is scared, she has magic and lived in fear for so long, Uther ruined so much with his war against magic" said Rose.
"I know where you're coming from, but are you up to it, you just nearly fainted" said Merlin.
"I am fine now it's the dress, it was too tight and then dancing didn't help" said Rose. He looked her up and down.
"You are still on the pale side, come here" said Merlin he pulled her towards him and wrapped his arm around her shoulders and she put her head on his chest.
"I don't want to be going between Camelot and Morgana, I just don't want her to be alone, she felt like a monster and we both know how that feels and now she feels abandoned" said Rose.
"I know, the weight of destiny can be heavy" said Merlin. He started to stroke the back of her hair and she began to fall asleep.
"I just want her to feel loved" said Rose sleepily.
"Shush" soothed Merlin. She smiled and rubbed her cheek on Merlin's t-shirt and fell asleep.
Rose woke up the next morning incredibly early and got up straight away, the kitchen would be empty so she could get the stuff together for Morgana's feast in her hovel. She got dressed into a casual tunic and top and had some fruit before getting her presents together. She went to the kitchen and got some food together and put it in her bag. She then got some wine from the wine cupboard and filled a few water skins of wine. She then left before she was noticed in the kitchens area. She went to her chambers again and got the presents in the bag. It was still early but she had a feeling Morgana would be with the person she is giving the maps to giving her time to prepare the hovel for her birthday. She snuck out the city with her horse and rode her horse to the hovel.
She got of the horse and got her bag and entered the hovel. It was empty so she got to work, soon the hovel was smelling of good food. While the food sizzled on the fire, she got the candles and garlands that were in her bag. She decorated the whole place making it look perfect. It would be better if she were in Camelot and they were having the feast for her birthday. She missed Morgana's presence in Camelot more than anything at the moment, she missed having a woman in her life in Camelot. Both were now banished, and she wanted them both back. She heard a horn in the distance and knew it the hunting party. She looked out the door to see Morgana coming in the distance. She smiled and went in and hid behind the bed. A few minutes later Morgana came in and her face lit up.
"Surprise!" exclaimed Rose jumping out. Morgana ran over to her and gave a her a long hug.
"I didn't realise you would remember" said Morgana she pulled her away slightly but held her in an embrace still, a few tears came down her face.
"I would never forget your birthday" said Rose.
She pulled away from Morgana and set up the food on the plates.
"Ooh herb crusted Caper my favourite" said Morgana smiling.
"My thoughts were bring Camelot food to you, because I can't imagine Arthur doing a truce for you to have your birthday in Camelot" said Rose.
"I appreciate it" said Morgana. They sat and ate food for a bit before sitting by the fire. Rose made shapes in the fire as Morgana watched her with interest. A dragon, a deer, a sparrow taking flight and a bear walking on its all four paws.
"I miss you" said Rose.
"I know, we'll be together soon" said Morgana. Rose got up and got some cups. She pours wine into both and gave one to Morgana and sat down with her own and taking a sip.
"So what's the plan" said Rose.
"I can't tell you too much for now, the plans aren't complete yet, there will a battle soon" said Morgana.
Rose chatted and drank with Morgana for a long time, towards the end of the evening they had both end up snuggled up on Morgana's bed. Morgana had her arm around her shoulders and Rose had her arm around her waist head on her shoulder.
"I miss this" said Rose.
"Like I said we'll be together, thank you, you know how to make a good birthday" said Morgana.
"I wanted you to have a good birthday, I hate it that you're here all alone with no one but creepy Agravaine as a visitor" said Rose.
"You visit me" laughed Morgana.
"Not as much as Agravaine does, he's like a dog on heat at times" said Rose. Morgana laughed and moved her hand to the back of Rose's head and began to stroke it gently.
"What's that?" asked Morgana. Her hand came across a bump on her head, it had been there since the Lamia incident a few months ago.
Rose hadn't mentioned what had happened to her to Morgana and had made Agravaine promise not to say anything, she gave her a nervous look Morgana sat her up and examined it "it looks old, who did this, tell me".
"If I tell you I need you to keep calm" said Rose. She stared at Morgana and she nodded "A few months ago do you remember that I went missing with the knights".
"Yeah, Agravaine told me about that, I was going to track you, but he told me he'd sort it" said Morgana. Rose nodded nervously as Morgana was connecting the dots.
"The knights were enchanted by a creature called the Lamia" said Rose she then went into the story about what happened with Lamia. Once she was finished the story Morgana looked livid.
"I'll kill them" said Morgana.
"It's alright, I survived didn't I" said Rose.
"No thanks to the knights" said Morgana. Rose laid down and pulling Morgana with her, so they lay side by side with her head on her shoulder and arm around her waist. Morgana was stiff for a few minutes before relaxing wrapping her arm around her shoulders. She started to stroke the back of her hair making Rose sleepy. She fell asleep quickly and smiled contently.
Rose woke up early the next morning to see Morgana was already awake and at the fire. Rose smiled at her and had some breakfast with her and spent the morning with her before saying her goodbyes and left the hovel. It was the afternoon and warm out she gathered some herbs in case she was searched on returning. She got her horse and went back to Camelot. Once she got back to Camelot, she expected it to be busy, but it wasn't, that's strange. She went to her chambers and was surprised to see Arthur was sat on her bed, he was upset tears were in his eyes.
Rose ran over and pulled him to her, so his head was in her shoulder. She was surprised however when he completely broke down in her arms hugging her back.
"Shhhh" said Rose gently rubbing his back. She held him for a long time until he eventually calmed himself and sat back but with his arm still wrapped around her "what happened?".
"I found Gwen's ring in the woods and I sent Mithian away this morning" said Arthur.
"You did the right thing; you followed your heart" said Rose.
"That's what Merlin said" said Arthur.
"We grew up in the same village, we are close" said Rose.
"How can I love some who betrays me" said Arthur.
"Because you love her, you have always loved her, I remember when she came out to the courtyard after you defeated Ki.. the dragon she came running out because she had been so worried about you" said Rose.
"She betrayed me; I don't understand" said Arthur.
"I know but you can forgive her, it shows strength" said Rose.
There was a knock at the door and Merlin entered the room.
"My lord, I knew I would find you here" said Merlin.
"Yeah, I needed to tell Rose I am doomed to be a bachelor" said Arthur dramatically they both chuckled "What's the point of loving someone who cannot be found?".
"Gwen will be found, and you'll be together" said Merlin.
"Are you really wise, Merlin, or just a pratting fool? I can no longer tell" said Arthur looking incredulous. Rose smiled, Merlin came forward and knocked over a pot on the floor, Arthur turned to Rose and smiled the first one she had genuinely seen in ages "As if there was ever any doubt". Rose laughed and nudged Arthur with her shoulder.
The end.
