Song used is "Bridge over troubled water" (Version done on YouTube by Melissa Kellie.)
SMACK
The sound of her hand on his face resounded through the courtyard, and the Knights looked on in shock. Athena stepped back, and glared at their Crown Prince, while Arthur just stood there, his hands still in the air, where they had been cupping her face. His cheek, where her hand had connected, was slowly but surely turning pink. Then red.
"Just because you're a prince doesn't mean I won't hurt you for touching me without my consent, you selfish, egotistical, useless prat!" She yelled, when she suddenly heard clapping behind her. Turning around, she saw Uther, standing on the steps, and clapping his gloved hands together. His smile was wide, and soon the Knights joined him. Arthur looked completely appalled, then furious. He reached over to grab her shoulder, but before he could touch her, she grabbed his wrist, and pushed him to the ground, bending his arm so that his wrist was lodged between his shoulder blades, and his face was pressed into the cobblestone ground.
The man was strong, but if he moved, he'd be in a lot of pain.
"Arthur Pendragon, if you try to touch me again, I will snap your arm, do you understand?"
Arthur let out a snort, and when he was about to make a remark, she pulled on his arm a bit, and he let out a… moan? It was so quiet, only she could hear it. But... It sounded almost… Erotic.
"Yes, Athena." Was Arthurs true response, and with that, she let him go, standing up, she brushed off her dress, and walked over to Uther, bowing and apologizing.
"I'm sorry, Sire. Your son was being rude, and I thoug-" She was interrupted by Uther placing his hand on her shoulder.
"You thought you'd put him in his place. I'm not mad, I'm impressed. Arthur never had a mother, so it's no surprise he seems to have little respect for women. I am proud of you for teaching him some. You are excused.
"But before I leave, Sire, I must ask you, not to discipline him to hard. I'm sure his ego has been bruised enough these past days." She said these last words in Uther's ear quietly, and he nodded his approval, before walking off. Athena turned towards the Knights, who were getting a death glare from Arthur, and she smiled, bowing to them all, and then looking at Arthur a glint of… Desire, in her eyes? Arthur must be seeing things.
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It was the next day that Athena's father came, and the castle was bustling, getting preparations ready for the festival to happen that very same day.
Athena was also bustling about, for she had a surprise for her father. She had written him a song, and she was sure he'd love it.
Her father had overcome so many obstacles to get his kingdom this peaceful, and she felt he needed rewarded. He was the reason she was who she was today, and she had all the thanks for it.
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It was finally here. She heard the trumpets, and she dashed down the halls, saying "Sorry, excuse me! Pardon!" Every time she bumped into someone. Shen she reached the crows outside, she continued to gently push, and when the people realized who she was, they all moved. When she reached the front of the crowd, she grinned and waited for her Father to reach her. He was looking around, and when he saw her, his mouth curved in to a big, beautiful smile.
Not being able to hold it anymore, she ran towards her father, and threw her arms around him as much as she could, for he was on top of a horse. She could hear his chuckle, and she looked up at him, smiling wildly.
"It was only a week, my dear!" Said Eochaid, his eyes kind, and his hand patting the top of her head.
"I've just missed you, Father." Was Athena's response, her eyes watering slightly.
"Well let us go inside so we can start the celebration!" Eochaid called to the crowd, and the responding roar was his answer. The people loved him, and he loved them.
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Once everyone in the royal court was seated, with Uther at one end of the table, and Eochaid at the other, with Ainsley and Arthur in the middle, across from each other, to each of their dismay, and Morgana sitting on Uther's right side, the feast began.
Athena had a small fear of eating in front of people, and the nervousness she felt not helping she probably ate about three bites of food. Whereas Arthur, in front of her, was happily munching and laughing with his Knights, whom surrounded them both.
Athena was dressed in one of her few formal gowns. This dress was a deep forest green, edged with purple lace. The sleeves were tight, and trailed off on the wrists. The bodice was corseted, but she made sure Gwen only tightened it a little. She did not want to faint. But it was tightened enough to accentuate her bosom tastefully, with about an inch of cleavage showing.
The skirt was full, filled out with layers of tulle, and it seemed to have dragons laced into it with silk thread. They seemed to move, as if by… Magic?
When they were all stuffed and happy, Athena looked at Gwen, and Merlin, who were standing in the back, and she nodded slightly, which went unnoticed by everyone except two. Morgana, who was also in on this plan, and Arthur, who looked back in time to see his servant and Morganas' disappear down the hall. He looked at Athena with confusion, but she simply pressed a finger to her lips. Her delightfully plump, and soft, and delicious tasting li-
Arthur practically shook his head to clear his mind of these thoughts. He didn't hate this woman, but he certainly didn't like her.
Everyone went silent as Morgana stood up, lifting her hands to the royal court, which came from both Uther's kingdom, and Eochaid's.
"Friends, family. I hope you enjoyed tonight's feast. Now before we get on with the rest of tonight's festivities, we have a very special surprise for the High King, from his daughter herself. Athena, would you like to stand up front?" Morgana smiled at her friend, and nodded, and felt someone pull her chair out. It was Merlin, and she smiled, standing up, she took his hand and let her lead her up front. No one had noticed before, but there were guitars, and a set of drums.
Morgana, Merlin, and Gwen all stood beside Athena, and she held Merlin's and Gwen's hands for support. A few men from the village stepped in to play the instruments, and they all took a deep breath.
One of the musicians hit the drum once, and Athena started singing quietly, but gaining confidence as she saw the surprised, happy faces around the court.
When you're weary, feeling small
When tears are in your eyes, I will dry them all.
I'm on your side, oh, when times get rough
And friends just can't be found
Together, she, Morgana, Gwen, and Merlin sang this part, and everyone looked stunned.
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
This part, she sang by herself, and she was confident, for she saw encouraging smiles everywhere.
When you're down and out
When you're on the street
When evening falls so hard
I will comfort you (comfort you)
I'll take your part, oh, when darkness comes
And pain is all around
Her friends sang the chorus with her, and she squeezed their hands thankfully.
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
She felt a tear as she begun the last parts of the song, but her voice stayed strong, and she lifted her chest, mustering up the rest of her courage.
Sail on silvergirl (Sail on silver gii-rl)
Sail on by.
Your time has come to shine.
All your dreams are on their way.
See how they shine.
If you need a friend
I'm sailing right behind.
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind.
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind.
(At this moment, she had to let go of her friends, so they could start clapping in unison.)
I'll be your bridge over troubled water
When you're down (When you're down!)
I will carry you like a bridge over troubled water!
I will lay, I will lay, me doooowwwnnn!
When she finished, she finally looked at her father, and there were tears streaming down his face. She smiled, and walked to him, hugging him tightly.
"I love you, Father."
"And I, you. My Daughter."
Everyone clapped, and Arthur just sat there, staring from his friends, to Athena.
For one, when did Merlin learn how to sing? Two, how did this happen without him knowing about it? And three, he thinks he might be falling for this beautiful girl, with the beautiful voice to match.
Bollocks.
Authors note: When song lyrics are in parenthesis "()", it means that the other three were singing, also. Thank you!