The next morning Arthur went to the training field where he found Kendrick waiting with his father. Arthur had Leon and Merlin with him. There was no need for a large crowd for this after all. The fight soon started and it was clear from the very beginning that Arthur was the best swordsman, as the parried Arthur's superior skill was very apparent. But Merlin watched carefully not trusting Kendrick one bit. He was right in his feeling as Arthur disarmed his opponent he stepped back to allow Kendrick to pick up his sword. Kendrick lunged forward pulling a dagger from his boot as he did so throwing it at the Prince. At the same time Kendrick glance up at the parapet and nodded. Merlin saw three men with crossbows about to fire. Leon, Arthur and himself, were clearly the targets. Shouting a warning to his husband at the same time Merlin slowed down time just enough to divert the arrows and the dagger that was within inches of Arthur.
Arthur heard Merlin's warning, he had been expecting something and parried, the dagger fell before he felt it hit his own blade. But he carried through and this blade went through Kendrick's chest, hitting his heart. Realising Merlin has somehow been responsible he looked up and saw the men on the parapet. Merlin hadn't been the only one looking out for the Prince. Although the other knights had been prevented from going to the training ground that did not stop them making sure their leader was safe. Three were watching the woods nearby whilst the others went up to the parapets, or they had intended to. Getting there they found the doors barred and it took them time to break them down. They reached the archers just as they were going to fire, but were too late to stop the first arrows. But they were all dead before they could do anything more. What they had seen were the arrows miss their targets
"What the…." Pallinore said.
"Who cares as long as they missed, maybe the noise we made put them off" Oswain said as he looked down. At the scene below.
Arthur looked at Lord Anstey "Even in death your son could not be honourable. Take him and bury him as you see fit. Then remember if your second son makes a step wrong your family will lose everything. My tolerance will not be tested a second time. You are to have no authority here, don't over step the mark. We will send regular patrols and one of my knights will stay to assist your son to adapt to his new position as Lord Anstey. I want your letter of abdication before I leave later today. Kendrick's widow will come with us. You will send her an allowance for the rest of her life. But she will life in Camelot, she has family there and I believe Emrys will welcome her company."
Arthur turned and took Merlin's arm whispering "I know you intervened, take care or you will betray yourself. That dagger never hot my sword. As for the bolts, for three archers to miss is …..well let's just say impossible and be kind."
"I saved your life, twice and Sir Leon's!"
"You did but at what risk to yourself?"
As Pallinore approached Arthur could tell the knight was not convinced by what happened. Looking very sceptical he said "We broke through the doors too late to stop them firing, but it seems all three missed" he glanced at Merlin then back at Arthur "Maybe we put them off? But they are all dead now"
"I'm sure that's what it was" Arthur said as Percy and Lance approached to take their place by Merlin.
Sir Kendrick's widow approached Merlin as they were preparing to leave "I understand I am to leave and travel with you"
Merlin nodded "Unless you want to stay here? But I felt you would rather leave. You have family in Camelot I understand and my husband has ordered for you to have an allowance that means you will be dependent on no one." Merlin paused "If you wish to live independently I have no Lady in Waiting. That comes with rooms you are welcome, but understand before you take the post I am not popular with many of the ladies. It may be awkward for you"
Lady Kendrick smiled at Merlin "I thank you for the post, I owe you much your highness and any life would be better than what I had here, and the ladies of Camelot are fools if they cannot see your kindness"
"They are, and the chief of who is my sister" Arthur's voice cut in "She lost her chance for her son to take my place as heir when I married Merlin. I will be thankful to you if you take the position, though I fear knowing my spouse you will have little to do. But it will be nice for to have company when I am gone on patrols. Much as I know Merlin will want to come on all of them I doubt that will be happening"
Merlin scowled "I intend to do my best!" he turned to Lady Kendrick "Now please call me either Merlin or Emrys and what shall I call you?"
"Drea my lady" at Merlin's scowl "I'm sorry Emrys"
"Now I'm sure we will be friends. If you have a maid you wish to bring please do if not Freya will be happy to help until we get to Camelot" Merlin smiled "Pack what you need and then we will be ready for Prince Arthur when he leaves."
"I have little to pack, but a few clothes and jewels that are from my family. The rest I will leave behind, they hold no happy memories for me" the woman looked sad at the thought.
"Well in Camelot you will soon build happy memories" Merlin called Freya and introduced her to Drea. "Would you help Lady Drea please Freya, I am more than capable of coping for the trip home"
Later that night when they set up camp for the night Merlin turned to Arthur "What will I do with a Lady in Waiting!"
"You need several Merlin, there is no way you can go without, not without causing suspicion anyway. Make friends with her, you will need the backing of some of the women and the lot in Camelot don't want to be seen to be the first. My sister is a harpy. Make your own roles for them. Maybe teach them all how to throw a dagger" he joked "I'm sorry my love but being a woman you have to follow certain expectations."
The journey back would take them four days, with the extra baggage and riding slower for Drea who was in a wagon. Freya and Drea soon became good friends despite their difference in status. It seemed Drea was not snobbish and Merlin found that the woman opened up during the journey now she was free of her bully of a husband. At one stage Arthur apologised to her for making her a widow to which she retorted "It was the best thing that could have happened. It was a match I never wanted from the start. The first time I met Kendrick he was beating a servant for a minor mistake. Little did I know he would beat me at the time, you have saved me from a life of misery. I just hope my family don't find me a new match"
Arthur smiled "That won't happen unless you wish it, as a Lady in Waiting your family will need Merlin's permission for you to wed. Merlin will only give it if you desire a marriage to happen"
That seemed to make Drea's day, little did they realise that the new widow would go on to become one of Merlin's best friends and supporters in the trials that lay ahead and pay the couple back tenfold for their kindness.
As the group rode back into Camelot a crowd gathered to greet them. Arthur went to report to his father and Merlin took Drea into the castle and called for the steward. When the portly man arrived Merlin told him "Lady Drea is my new Lady's Maid and will be using the chambers set aside for such a post. Please ensure they are prepared, she will wait here until they are."
The Steward looked awkward and said "Lady Sophia has been using them as she is the Princess Morgana's Lady in Waiting"
" I'm sure you have another room Lady Sophia can use. I want Lady Drea near me and I'm certain Princess Morgana will understand. As the Crown Prince's spouse my husband tells me I am the senior Princess of Camelot and those chambers are for my Lady in Waiting" Merlin was firm but not unkind in his tone "I am sorry to cause your staff extra work. If Lady Sophia objects refer her to my husband"
The steward could see he was going to be caught between the two Princess's and at the moment feared Morgana more "Your Highness, Could not Lady Drea go into the chambers next door to here? That would be convenient for you as it is closer"
Merlin was not going to be put off that easily "What are they normally reserved for?" The one thing he already knew is that every room even in a castle this size had a function, even if seldom used.
The steward looked uncomfortable as he answered "The day room for the nursery your majesty, but she can be moved again when needed"
Merlin raised his eyebrows as he had observed his mother do when someone made a practically bad suggestion. "And you think that is a good idea?"
"No you majesty I will request that Lady Sophia move" he bowed an scuttled out.
"I don't wish to be a nuisance" Drea said "I am happy anywhere"
Merlin looked at the other woman "No Drea You will have the correct room. Before I left the Princess Morgana was trying to intimidate me, I was too busy worrying about offending her, wanting to be liked. I know I am young yet but I must stand up for myself if I am ever to have her respect. And I choose to do so now"
Merlin sent Freya off to get some Honey cakes and a drink while they waited. Merlin was not surprised when Lancelot knocked on the door and admitted Princess Morgana who looked furious.
"What do you think you are doing?" she demanded glaring at Merlin "You have no right moving my Lady in Waiting"
Merlin stayed seated and raised his eyebrow "Princess Morgana I understand the room in question is the one my Lady in Waiting is given. As I know have one I asked the steward to prepare it. I'm sure it will be easier for Lady Sophia to have one nearer your chambers. The one that would normally be allocated perhaps?"
"That one is in used by Lady Vivian" Morgana admitted. "Lady Sophia and her husband has had those rooms for three years"
"I am sorry for that, I'm sure the steward can find her something." Merlin stood up "I am not willing to argue Morgana, I am sorry for any inconvenience to the lady in question. But those rooms are mine to give"
Morgana glared at Merlin "Your trip has given you a backbone I see, well you win this one but I haven't finished yet." She paused "You would have done better to gain friends in court not enemies. Lord Valliant has a great deal of influence, he will not be happy that his wife is upset."
Merlin smirked "I think you will find my husband has more influence. There is no reason we can't all be friends surely? Oh and by the way I have always had backbone, I may be young but I have been brought up to know my duty and position. You mistook a wish to be friendly with being a coward and no member of my family has ever been a coward!"
As Morgana stormed out Merlin looked down at his hands, they were shaking. Lancelot opened the door "Are you alright Emrys?"
Merlin nodded "Yes, please make sure the Princess is always announced if she visits please."
Lancelot grinned he had clearly heard the conversation "I think she will know that now" he bowed and closed the door.
Freya came in and looked at Merlin "Sorry I waited when I heard the shouting, the Princess scares me"
Merlin laughed "What more than I do?"
"You don't scare me Emrys." Freya put the tray of drinks down "I could never work for her!"
Merlin smiled and handed Drea a cake "Come on both of you let's drink to my victory, let's hope I win the war. I may be young but I wish people would stop underestimating me, I am a Gangani!"