Katie went to visit Uther the next morning. She had stayed with Merlin and Gaius that night, in the spare bed. She walked in as Morgana walked out, a strange smile on her face.
Uther still had tear tracks down his face as Katie walked towards him. "Kathryn?" He asked, walking towards her quickly, arms wide open. "It is you, isn't it? I'm not dreaming that all my family is back together."
"Of course it's me and once again I ask for forgiveness for leaving without saying 'goodbye' again."
"You are already forgiven." He embraced his ward and for once Katie felt safe in his arms. "Where have you been this time?"
"Travelling, again. Not as much as last time but I promised myself I would return as soon as I could. I missed you terribly."
"And we missed you. I heard you brought Morgana back to us. I am forever in your debt." He kissed Katie's hand. "Your room is ready for you, we made sure we were prepared for your return."
Although she was happy to have been welcomed back so warmly something was bothering Katie. She couldn't think of what it was as she walked to her room but it was there, an annoying niggle in the back of her mind that told her she would have to be careful.
She entered her familiar bedroom quietly and breathed in the smell of damp. "It's good to be home." She whispered.
"It's good to have you back." Came an arrogant voice from behind the curtain. Arthur appeared and grinned.
"Arthur." She sighed. He walked forward and embraced her.
"Thank you for bringing Morgana back."
"My pleasure. You haven't changed a bit." She told him, admiring his well built figure.
"You certainly have. You haven't been travelling so much this time, have you?"
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Well, I mean, you're just… not as… you're more…" Looking at her figure.
"Choose your next words carefully, Pendragon." Katie growled.
"Beautiful. Than last time, you don't look like you've been through many bushes." He said quickly, too quickly. "Well, I best be off." He said, running out of the door.
Katie shook her head and walked towards the mirror. She had become a little chubby in her absence, thanks to a short stay at Lord Godwyn's palace. That will not do. She sighed inwardly.
There was a small knock on the door, "Come in." Katie sighed.
Merlin's head poked around the door and smiled apologetically. "Arthur says he's sorry."
"No he didn't." She sighed. The boy walked into the room nervously.
"Why would you think that?" He rubbed the back of his neck uneasily.
"Because he wouldn't have sent you to apologise for him and he won't believe he has anything to apologise about."
"Well he looked sorry for whatever it was he said."
"So you don't even know what he said."
"Well, um…"
"Don't worry Merlin. You can relax." Katie shook her head fondly.
They were silent for a little while. "Well, I guess I should-" Merlin started making his way to the door.
"Is that all you came to say?" She asked, furrowing her brows.
"I'm sorry, about yesterday." He said. "I didn't- I mean-"
"Merlin, stop. It's ok. I'm going to have to regain your trust and I know it will take a while. Don't apologise." She told him, sadly.
He looked like he wanted to say something else. "Is everything alright?" She asked sweetly.
He opened his mouth to speak when there was a knock on the door. "Come in!" Kate cried.
A young girl walked into the room. "Good evening, Lady Kathryn." She bowed low. "I am your new maid." She looked terrified.
"I better go." Merlin smiled. "Lady Kathryn." He smirked as he left. As he opened the door he looked back at Katie sadly. He wished he could tell her what he had done, if anyone could have understood, it would have been Katie.
"What is your name?" She asked kindly, enjoying the look Merlin gave her.
"Louise, my Lady."
"First thing, Louise, don't call me my Lady, your Ladyship or Lady Kathryn. Call me Katie. Except when Uther's around then you know the drill." She nodded.
"Alright, Katie." Louise replied uncertainly.
"How old are you?" Katie asked.
"Sixteen." Louise smiled, slightly uncomfortably.
"Did Uther send you?"
"Sort of. He said you needed someone and the cooks sent me."
"The cooks did?"
"I have been working with them for two years. They said I would do better here." She smiled bashfully.
"Well I guess you could help me put my things away." Katie shrugged, slightly bemused. She hadn't had a maid in years.
She smiled at the girl and turned to the bag that someone had brought up for her from Gaius's quarters.
"I shall do it for you, my… I mean, Katie." Louise shook her head at herself and walked towards the bag.
Katie stood awkwardly, not sure what to do while the girl unpacked her bags.
Merlin stood on the other side of Katie's door a long time after he had left the room. He smiled, he had always admired Katie's kindness- especially to servants. He walked toward his and Gaius's quarters slowly. What is wrong with you? He thought angrily, You have missed her terribly and dreamed of being with her for so long and know you can hardly be in the same room as her?… You can tell her what you did. She won't hate you. Man up.
He stormed into his quarters and slammed the door before walking into his room.
Gaius watched as Merlin walked by him. He didn't need to ask what was wrong. It was the same thing that had been upsetting him for last two years and five months. Katie. At least he's not moping anymore. Gaius sighed.
Hope you enjoyed, I will try to update again during the Christmas holidays.