Krysia watched Gaius examine a lock of hair Merlin brought back from Arthur's chambers. It smelled mildly sweet and floral, but far stronger than anything of its size had a right to smell. As he worked, Merlin paced.
"I knew something wasn't right," Merlin said.
"Arthur's enchanted," Gaius announced, which in all honesty, they had all gathered by then.
"I should have realized he had magic," Merlin said. "No one can make butterflies appear from thin air."
"Trickler?" Gaius said.
Krysia nodded and said, "I had that feeling from the beginning, but it seemed harmless at the time. The question is, why would he want this?"
"An advance by Arthur would be a sure-fire way to ruin the peace conference," Gaius said. "Maybe Alined wants war."
"Without creating it himself," Merlin said.
"It's the sort of cowardly behavior you would expect from him," Gaius said. "Cowardly, but clever."
"We need to find a way of turning Arthur back to normal," Merlin said.
"Yes," Krysia said, "before we're all at war."
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Merlin and Krysia studied through the night, and Krysia groaned when Gaius nudged her awake.
"Breakfast," he said, shifting some of the books on the table so they had space for plates.
"There are over 636 love spells in these books," Merlin said, "and over 150 of them involve a lock of hair."
"Is there no way we can narrow them down a bit?" Gaius said.
"We have," Merlin said. "Look. If I choose this one and it's wrong, Arthur will end up as a toad. And if this one's wrong, Vivian will lose all her hair."
"I vote for Plan A," Krysia said. She propped herself up on her elbows. "Arthur couldn't start a war as a toad, but Vivian might bring war on us all without her hair."
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Krysia could barely focus on the direction of the negotiations, she was so anxious about the Arthur situation. She was concerned that Arthur wasn't actually at the negotiations, although that could be excused in a number of ways.
"Moving on to our final point for discussion…" Uther was saying.
Krysia froze as she saw the Trickler whisper something to a servant by the door, who instead of coming to speak to Alined, went to Olaf's ear.
"The boundaries of the eastern territories."
"This is a point that I am very willing to concede," Olaf said.
Krysia wondered what Bayard would have to say about the matter, knowing that his kingdom was greatly affected, but they all watched the servant whisper to Olaf.
"One moment," Olaf said to Uther.
Krysia heard only the word "daughter" from the servant's lips, and then Olaf could have been heard half the castle away.
"WHAT!"
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Krysia didn't know how Merlin managed to solve the immediate problem of Lady Vivian apparently being in Arthur's room, but Olaf was satisfied by the matter. The kings agreed their treaty, and Krysia was almost relieved by Uther's closing speech.
"This is, indeed, a momentous day for the five kingdoms. This peace treaty's been long in the making, but I know you must all be keen to return to your families, so we will make preparation for the signing ceremony immediately. I am pleased, friends. Very pleased."
"As are we all," Alined said, and Krysia wished she could slap him.
As soon as the kings had trickled out of the council chamber, Uther stood and smiled at Krysia.
"How soon can the banquet hall be made ready?" he said.
"As soon as you say the word, sire," she said. "It has been ready for two days save a few small details. Would you like the signing tonight or in the morning?"
"Tonight, I believe," Uther said, frowning. "I do believe Bayard is still intent on stealing you away to Mercia."
Krysia felt her mouth go dry, and she forced a smile. She pressed her hands into each other behind her back to try to hide her nerves.
"As I have told King Bayard," she said, "Camelot is my home, and I have no intention of leaving it."
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The court and the kings were gathered in the banquet hall, with only a few people missing. Krysia couldn't help noticing that they were a few key people. It was not lost on her, the concern on Geraint's face as he came to speak to Uther.
"I cannot find Arthur," he said, barely loud enough for Krysia to hear.
"Is there a problem, Uther?" Alined said.
"No, not at all," Uther said. "Arthur's just running a little late, that's all."
Alined smiled, almost self-satisfied, and said, "As is the Lady Vivian."
At that point, Krysia knew there was nothing she could do to stop it. When Olaf got the bee in his bonnet, he stormed out of the banquet hall, with Uther, Alined, and the Trickler close behind. She followed with them, knowing she couldn't do too much in their presence.
"I knew it!" Olaf hollered when they entered Arthur's room to find Arthur and Vivian quite engrossed in each other, and Merlin looking quite despairing.
"I don't believe it," Merlin said, giving Krysia a forlorn look that said plainly that he had failed in his task.
"Father!" Vivian said, delighted. "We've got something to tell you."
"Arthur!" Uther said.
Krysia winced when Olaf threw down his glove at the foot of the bed.
"Father!" Vivian cried.
"You once said that if you ever truly offended my honor," Olaf said to Arthur, "that you would happily pa the price. What say you now, Prince Arthur?"
"How have I offended your honor?" Arthur said. "Surely not with my love alone?"
"Love?" Olaf said. "You don't know the first thing about love! You're taking advantage of an innocent girl!"
"Father," Lady Vivian said, and Krysia had to silently agree with the girl. Innocent was never a word to describe Vivian.
"Perhaps if we all had a conversation in the morning," Krysia said softly, "when everyone's had a chance to rest and—"
"I assure you," Arthur said, "my feelings for your daughter are as real as they are strong."
"Unhand her or suffer the consequences. Is this really worth risking your life for?"
Vivian batted her eyes at Arthur, obviously not opposed to the suggestion her father was making, which made Krysia like her even less.
"Arthur?" Vivian said.
"Indeed, it is," Arthur said. "I would rather die than deny my feelings. I love your daughter with all my heart."
He kissed Vivian, retrieved the glove, and Krysia and Merlin stared at each other, dumbfounded.
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Krysia turned down Uther's bed while he paced his chambers frantically. She smoothed the sheets and fluffed the pillows, but he continued to talk, barely conscious that she was the one there.
"It isn't that I don't understand sudden and all-encompassing love," he said. "I was young once. But Arthur is a bit old for that sort of foolishness, and to agree to duel Olaf for her is madness."
"Sire," Krysia said, "you're going to wear footsteps into the floor at this rate."
He froze and considered her. He gave her that uncomfortable look, like he'd seen a ghost, and then shook his head and said, "There comes a time to let go of a thing. I thought he'd learned that lesson already. I believe it is a lesson every man learns, however painful. But even if we could get Olaf to agree to rescind the challenge, Arthur seems to have lost his mind."
"What would you like me to do, sire?" she said.
Uther frowned at her, thoughtful. This felt perhaps worse than the other expression, the one where he'd seen a ghost. Krysia held her breath, hoping he was thinking only of the present danger.
"Olaf will have to be spoken to," he whispered. "I suppose I should wait until morning."
"That seems wise, sire."
"Then you should get some rest, Krysia. I expect we've all got a long day ahead of us tomorrow."
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Krysia went with Uther to Arthur's chambers to plead with him the following day, which was a signal to her that the talk with Olaf had not gong as desired. Merlin and Arthur were there, and Arthur seemed totally unconcerned by what he was about to do for Lady Vivian.
"It's no good," Uther told his son. "I've spoken to Olaf; he will not rescind the challenge. He has his honor has been tainted. He demands recompense."
"You didn't have to do that, father," Arthur said.
"The fight is to the death," Uther said. "What did you think you were doing?"
"You cannot help who you fall in love with."
Uther gave Krysia a desperate look, and she inhaled, shaking her head slightly. Uther continued to give her that same, beseeching look, however.
"We are on the verge of signing the peace talks, Arthur," Krysia said. "Is it really worth a war?"
"I am happy to fight for what I believe in," Arthur said blissfully.
Uther spun around to Merlin, who just looked at them, despairing.
"What's happened to him?" Uther demanded.
Before Merlin could give an answer, Arthur said, "Lady Vivian. Nothing more. And yet, who could wish for more?"
Uther threw his hands up and stormed out, and Krysia spared one look to Merlin before she followed him out, quite believing that they were all doomed.
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At Uther's request, Krysia went to personally see to the preparations for the tourney. Once she knew the grounds were prepared, she went to hand-select the weapons, and she was surprised to see Leon in the armory, changing. She apologized when she saw him, and she turned quickly.
"It is I who should apologize, my lady," he said.
"Why you?" she said, laughing. "I should have knocked. There could have been a dozen knights changing in here."
"It is an unusual time of day," Leon said. "You can turn, Krysia. I have changed."
She did turn, gave him a weak smile, and wen to select the weapons. She examined a pair of quarterstaffs, thinking about the height of the men.
"For the tourney?" Leon said.
"Yes," she said, "isn't it all so foolish?"
Leon was silent for a long time, so she turned, surprised to see him looking thoughtful.
"I'm not sure," he said softly. "While I do think that this particular instance might be…ill-advised, I can see the wisdom in fighting to the death for the love of a woman."
"Even to war?" she whispered.
Leon hesitated again, then said, "If I loved a woman, and if I had even a hint that the woman returned my affections, I would fight a hundred wars, duel a thousand men, and crawl from this country on my belly from the north coast to the south for her, whether it be her safety or for a single kiss."
Krysia let out a nervous laugh. It sounded almost like he'd thought about it. She knew knights had weird ideas about love, but the idea of Leon in love with someone was…uncomfortable, and she didn't know why.
"If the woman loves you back, Leon, she wouldn't wish to see you suffer any of that on her behalf."
His lip twitched and he said, "It wouldn't make the suffering any less worthwhile. You'll want the thinner ones, Krysia. Remember, it's a three-stage tourney."
Before she could thank him, he was already on his way out of the armory.
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Krysia stood behind the king as he addressed the crowd, which was a nerve-wracking experience.
"King Olaf has demanded recompense," Uther said. "And by the ancient laws of Camelot, the matter will be settled by a tourney with three stages. The weapons chosen are quarterstaff, flail, and sword. The fight will be by the Knights' Rules, and to the death. Are we all clear?"
As they commenced, the fight looked decent. They began well, but Arthur paused to gaze at Vivian, and predictably, Olaf knocked Arthur down by the knees. Krysia watched Uther's hand squeeze shut in his glove.
"He's being a fool," Uther said as Arthur scrambled up.
Olaf managed to break Arthur's quarterstaff and get him in the ribs, which triggered the shift. Uther sent Krysia to Arthur's tent to assist Gaius and assess the damage.
"One of your ribs is broken, sire," Gaius said as Krysia entered.
"Nothing can hurt me today," Arthur said. "I'm invincible. Love really can conquer all, Gaius. It's true."
Gaius gave Krysia a startled look, and they put their heads together with Merlin.
"He's going to die if we let this continue," Krysia whispered. "Uther's right, he's being a fool, he can't seem to think."
"I don't know what to do," Merlin whispered back.
"Then find someone who does," Gaius whispered.
Merlin looked like he had an idea, and he hurried out of the tent. Arthur began to prepare for the next bout, and Krysia handed him his flail.
"Are you sure you can carry on, sire?" Gaius said.
"As long as I have Vivian go gaze at, I can conquer the world," Arthur said. "Besides, the flail is my forte. You'll see."
Arthur strolled back into the arena, and Krysia groaned.
"I can't stand watching this," she said.
"How is Uther?" Gaius said.
Krysia laughed nervously and said, "You know how he is. If he could get away with Arthur only ever watching the tourneys, he'd be a happy man. I should report back."
Gaius told her to be careful, and she slipped out again, hurrying to the king. He leaned close when she sat beside him and asked how Arthur was.
"He's a broken rib, sire," she said, "but he could not be reasoned with."
"Brilliant," Uther said darkly.
The sun was higher now, which simply contrasted ever more grimly with how brutally Olaf was besting Arthur in the arena. Krysia was quite certain that Olaf would kill Arthur with the flail, but the gong was rung, and Arthur was returned to his tent to prepare for the sword fight.
Uther grunted and motioned for Krysia to lean in, which she did.
"I need to prepare for Arthur to lose," he said. "Have the knights ready."
"Sire—"
"Just to keep Olaf at bay while we decide what to do. I don't want a war, but if he kills my son, he'll get one."
Krysia nodded and slipped away to where the knights were watching the fight. Some of them had huddled to discuss the battle during the break, and all were looking predictably grim. Geraint, Brennis, and Leon were gathered in an especially bleak conversation when Krysia approached. Geraint dug his elbow into Leon's ribs on seeing her, and the three men turned her way.
"You look well, Krysia," Geraint said. "Your hair is especially…bright today."
Krysia tilted her head in confusion, and Brennis's lips twitched.
"I suppose thank you?" she said. "The king wants preparations to be made in case Arthur loses."
The three of them went still, surprised. Leon looked especially shocked. Krysia wanted to tell him that this was why no woman in love, truly in love, would want a man to promise such things, but it didn't seem appropriate to have this conversation in front of other people.
"We will be ready, Krysia," Geraint said. "I still have faith in Arthur."
"As do I, sir," Krysia said with a forced smile, "if he can keep his eyes on his opponent."
"The gaze of a man in love belongs solely to his lover," Geraint said, nudging Leon again. Leon looked perturbed but said nothing. "But I take your point, yes. We will be prepared. You should return to the king."
She bowed her head to each of them, and Leon did seem to be wanting to say something, but it could wait. She returned to the king's side, and was surprised to see that Gwen, who had previously been absent, took a seat by Morgana.
Krysia nodded to the king, who relaxed ever-so-slightly when she sat. They watched Arthur put his helmet on, and although it became clear that Arthur was in pain, Krysia felt that was a good sign. Before, he'd insisted he felt no pain, so perhaps Merlin had found a solution and he was in his right mind.
Seemingly against all odds, when Olaf knocked Arthur to the ground again, Arthur managed to flip Olaf and disarm him. He was ready to strike, and Krysia held her breath, but Arthur lowered his sword.
"This is no way to achieve peace!" Arthur cried.
He held out a hand to Olaf, and mercifully, Olaf accepted the hand. The crowd cheered, and Arthur nodded, ostensibly to his father, but Krysia knew it had to be for Gwen.
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Krysia stood in the square as the various kings and their staff prepared to leave. Bayard stopped her, for anyone to see he stopped her to ask for assistance with something, but she knew he would never willingly ask her assistance.
"You're quite certain you will not leave?" he said.
"As I have said before," she said, "I have no intention of ever leaving Camelot, but I thank you for your offer."
He looked over her shoulder, smiling to himself, and he said, "He watches you with a great deal of care, that one."
Krysia turned to see what on earth he was talking about, and she saw Leon standing near the door to the castle, indeed, watching them.
"Sir Leon?" she said. "He is an old friend, and perhaps a bit of a mother hen at times."
Bayard seemed amused, and he said, "You are a wise woman, my lady, but you are still very young. He's the late Sir Bors's son, is he not?"
"Yes," Krysia said, frowning.
"Then you are in good hands," Bayard said. "But if you should ever have need of me—"
"Thank you," she said, stepping back from him when she saw Uther and Olaf approach. "Safe travels, sire."
Krysia watched the various kings leave, and as she climbed the steps back up to the castle, she found Leon still standing there, watching her.
"Did King Bayard ask you to serve him again?" Leon said.
"He did," Krysia said with a weak smile, "but my answer will ever be the same. I have no interest to be anywhere but Camelot."
"Nor I," Leon whispered.
She nodded as he bowed his head slightly, and she slipped inside, relieved that it was all over.
A/N:
Nearing the end of Season 2! And of course, we all know what happens in Season 3 (aka my favorite season). What are you most looking forward to?
-C