A/N: ok this is where everything changes. the next chapters are going to be alittle crazy. arwen is going to deal with alot of stuff. dont be mad at me!
Arthur was listening to Gwen talk about her day. Most men wouldn't just sit and listen to a woman complain about their troubles, but Arthur couldn't help it. He loved everything about her. Everything,even when she would just talk. Being in love meant that he had to love all of her, and he did.
"You must think you married a chatter box." Gwen said. She couldn't help but point out her flaws. Arthur said he loved every part of her but still, Gwen had her worries.
"I could listen to you talk all day." he said with a smile.
Gwen loved that he always knew what to say whenever she was feeling particularly down on herself.
"So, tell me about your day. I could use the distraction." she asked.
"Well nothing of importance happened. My favorite part was the morning." Gwen started blushing. Arthur moved closer to her. His hands made their way inside her hair, combing through the curls. She hated when he did that. It was Arthur's way of telling her he wanted her. But after last night and this morning Gwen needed a breather. She tried to distract him with conversation.
"Nothing at all happened?" she questioned.
Arthur was kissing each spot on her neck lightly. "No, nothing. Well expect my father is holding a ball in my honor so he can find me a wife."
Once Gwen heard that she pushed him back. "What?"
"Did I do something wrong?" he said in a very worried voice.
"Your father is having a ball to find you a wife?" Gwen reiterated.
"Well, yes. He says it's the best thing to do... for Camelot."
"To which you replied?"
"I said yes."
"I see." Gwen got up and went over to her sink and started to wash plates. Arthur went over to her.
"Is there something wrong?" he asks her.
"I just don't see why you did not say no?" she scrubbed the plates harder.
"Guinevere what was I supposed to do? Tell him I'm sorry I cannot do this because I'm already married and to a servant no less?"
Gwen stopped scrubbing. The plates were still soaked; she threw them back down and turned around.
"I think you should go." she said.
"Gwen what's wrong?" he lightly grabbed her arm.
"You have no clue do you?"
"About what?"
"You never thought about defying your father? Telling him you'll be happier if you married for love and not obligation?"
"I cannot just say no to him"
She pulled her arm from his hold.
"Why not? You're the once and future king! You will one day set your own rules. I just wish sometimes you had more faith in yourself."
Arthur stood back flabbergasted.
"Are you saying I am weak?"
"No! I'm saying you're a man Arthur, not a boy. The future king of Camelot. You should start acting like it."
She went back to the bed and plopped down.
"Gwen you of all people should understand. If I disagree with my father he gets angry. He'll put me in the stocks just so I could learn a lesson. "
"So does that mean you will never have a voice when it comes to your father? That you cannot just tell him you want to do things your way?"
"That's exactly what it means. But this isn't about my father is it? Why are you really upset?" Gwen got up and stared out her window.
"Are you jealous?" he jokingly says.
Gwen turns towards him and gives him an evil look. "You laugh at me? Because I do not want woman fonding all over you, while I just sit back and watch?"
"Guinevere..." Arthur roused.
"Do not say my name like that. Do you not think I have a right to be upset?"
"Please, I'm exhausted. Do we have to argue about this now?"
"No. You're right; maybe we should just not talk about it at all!" Gwen raised her voice sarcastically. Arthur didn't catch on.
"Good. I'm glad that's over with."
Gwen practically rolled her eyes out of her head, how dense was he that he couldn't grasp that she was angry and not over it?
"Sire, I think you should go." she said.
Arthur finally notices her tone of voice.
"You're not over it aren't you?" Gwen shook her head. Not by a long shot.
"What would you have me do Gwen? Just tell me what makes you happy! Cause it seems you are never happy now a days!" he started to scream feeling his own anger boiling.
"Well how can I when it's obvious I married a cabbage head!" she screamed back at him.
"did you really just say that!"
"Yes. I believe I did!"
"Maybe you should've of married Lancelot then!" after Arthur said that the screaming match ended. Gwen was overcome with anger at his words and Arthur was just as angry at hers. She screamed at him to get out and he stormed out and slammed her door. How is it that they had a great night and morning and now it's all gone to hell?
A few Mornings past, and Arthur and Gwen still haven't spoken. Lunch time was approaching and everything was in utter chaos. There were people preparing for the ball. Flowers everywhere, decorations being hung and Uther overseeing it all. Merlin was doing his best not to raddle Arthur. He was downright angry for most of the week and he wouldn't tell merlin why. Merlin sat his soup on Arthur's dining table and stood at least three feet away from him.
"You finally managed to do something right Merlin. Bravo."
Merlin rolled his eyes, and Gwaine knocked on the door.
"Come." Arthur said.
"I hope I'm not interrupting anything?"
"Gwaine! Of course not. Come take a seat."
"Alright I think I will. I was walking around the castle and I noticed decorations all over."
"Yes, we are holding a ball in a few days. To find me a wife."
Gwaine looked at him confused.
"I thought you already had one of those?" Arthur didn't answer he just took another sip of wine. Gwaine looked to Merlin for the answer and Merlin just shook his head.
"Guinevere and I are married. But my father doesn't know that. He wants me to marry a princess, for the good of the kingdom."
"Why can't you just tell him you wish to marry for love?"
"I do not think you've met my father Gwaine... Have you two been properly introduced?" Gwaine laughed.
"Fair enough, how does your wife feel about this...? Ball?"
Arthur didn't want to answer. Gwen still wasn't talking to him. He couldn't believe she called him a cabbage head. More importantly he told her she should've married Lancelot. Maybe he was a cabbage head after all. He saw Gwen's good side many times. But her mean streak is way worse. She was giving him the silent treatment. He hated it. She drove him crazy.
"My wife understands some things have to be the way they are."
Gwaine once again laughed. "she's mad at you isn't she?"
"Not particularly..," Arthur took another sip. Merlin snickered in the corner.
Gwaine looked to Merlin and Merlin mouthed "marital problems" to Gwaine.
"Moving off that topic, Gwaine can I ask you something?" Arthur inquired.
"Yes of course." Gwaine said.
"You've met the Lady Vivian, what do you think of her?"
"Honestly I think she's beautiful, but rather rude. That isn't a good quality in a woman like her... Why?"
"I was hoping you would accompany her to the ball?" Arthur watched as Gwaine's face turned from inquisitive to shock in seconds.
"What? Why me!" he said.
"This ball is going to be filled with princesses. I cannot have Vivian all over me. If you ask her to the ball, I will have one less princess to worry about. Please Gwaine, you are my only hope."
"What if she says no? I am just a commoner. How can I come to this...? Ball?"
"My Father has agreed that a select few royal servants are allowed to come, if you escort Vivian, that's your way in. I have devised a plan where she cannot say no if she wanted to."
"Merlin, are you going?" Gwaine asked.
"Well I'm not sure, if a certain prince doesn't relieve me of my duties I cannot go."
"Shut up Merlin. So... Gwaine, do we have a deal?"
Gwaine smiled. "What's the plan?"
Gwen knocked on the prince's door. She couldn't believe Uther assigned her to take care of him for the day. Ever since this morning his eyes never left her body. He watched her do everything. Gwen hated to be objectified because of her looks. She was way more than that. Arthur used to think so. She didn't know if he did anymore. He told her that she should've married Lancelot. That stung her to the core. She would never speak to him again if that's how long it took for him to apologize.
"Come in!" Prince Alex said. Gwen came in and put his plate down on the table.
"I'm sorry it took so long sire, I went to see if the Lady Morgana needed anything."
"It's quite alright Gwen. But you need not worry about Morgana. Today your only worry is me."
"Right. Well eat up. I'll be back to pick up your plate." Gwen turned to leave and Alex grabbed her hand.
"Gwen, wait. Sit down please." Gwen followed orders and sat down.
"Yes, Sire?"
"Constantly, I have asked you to consider me as more than a prince, and you keep telling me you love another."
"I do." Gwen said.
"But I never see you with anyone. Am I that repulsive that you have to make up a person just to get away from me?"
"No! You are not. I swear it sire I do love another... But he does not live in Camelot." Gwen lied. She didn't want to get caught or hurt his feelings.
"Well... That explains a lot." he laughed.
"So, is there anything else you need sire?"
"Well since you have cleared up some of my worries, I was hoping you would accompany me to the ball later on this evening?"
" I cannot. I am servant; I'm not allowed to do so."
"How do you think you became my servant for the day Gwen? What I want I get. And I want you to go with me."
"What happens if I say no?" Gwen was becoming increasingly worried that wasn't going to have a choice in the matter. Alex decided to play the wounded animal act.
"I will accept no. I guess". Alex looked down. "It's just that I thought you could use some fun. Guinevere you do so much for the Pendragons and Camelot you deserve to be treated with respect, like a princess or a queen, do you not see that you are worthy?"
"Sire, I'm not sure what to say." Gwen actually was quite flattered he thought so highly of her.
"Say yes. It's one night of fun and drinking and the finest food you've ever had the pleasure of tasting."
Gwen's indifferent look changed to excited. Maybe Alex was right. She did deserve some fun every once in a while. And if Arthur could be there having all those princesses drooling all over him, then Gwen could be there, having harmless fun with Alex.
"I don't have anything to wear sire."
"Do not fret Guinevere, everything is already taken care of." he grabbed her hand and pulled her towards his closet, opening it and revealing many dresses to choose from. Gwen was delightedly surprised with the selection. Alexander wasn't Arthur, but he was definitely something to be admired.
Gwaine reluctantly knocked on the Lady Vivian's door. He was only doing this for Arthur. Vivian was very beautiful but that's where it ended. If she was smart or loyal it wouldn't show because she was bitterly rude.
"Who is it?" she yelled.
"It's Gwaine we met the other day... May I come in?" Vivian finished brushing her long blonde hair and got up to open the door.
"What is it that you want?" she spat.
"Can I come in? We have much to discuss." before she could answer he pushed his way inside.
"What is it that you think we have to discuss?"
"I was hoping you would accompany me to the ball tonight?"
Vivian laughed at him. "Me? Go with you? Ha! Not now, not never. Besides I love Arthur and Arthur loves me."
Gwaine clenched his jaw ignoring her snide laughter.
"Then you do not know the concept behind the ball is to find Arthur a wife?"
"What?' Vivian's laughter quickly ended. " How dare Uther? Does he not know Arthur loves ME? I must stop this at once!" Vivian tried to leave but Gwaine pulled at her arm.
"Unhand me at once! I must go."
"Will you calm down and listen? Yes the ball is meant to find Arthur a wife, but don't you think he would be mad with jealousy if he saw you come there with another? Assuming of course he shares the love for you as you do for him." Vivian thought about Gwaine's words for a second. He could be right. Arthur seeing her all over Gwaine, who is equally as handsome, would definitely drive him insane.
"Alright knave. I accept your proposal. You shall accompany me to the ball, but put you filthy hands on me once and my father will chop them off with ease. Are we clear?" Gwaine shook his head. "Crystal."
The grand hall was becoming packed with people entering. Princes and Princesses alike filled the ballroom. Arthur stood behind the curtain looking at all the princesses. They were all beautiful, and aptly dressed, but Arthur couldn't help but think about Gwen. She probably was at home now, crying her eyes out thinking he didn't love her. The fact that they haven't spoken in a week made Arthur nervous. He didn't want to lose Gwen for Camelot or Uther. No matter what he loved her. And he hoped she still felt the same especially after this. Merlin came up behind him dressed in his best clothes.
"Are you nervous?" he asked him.
"Please Merlin. This is a simple feast of sorts, why would I be nervous? I have fought warriors and knights."
"Well what about Gwen? You being here, what does that mean for you?"
"I would like to know that myself. Have you talked to her today?"
"In the Market, this morning. She seemed sadder than usual." Arthur nodded knowningly.
"So are you ready?" merlin wiped some dust of his coat. "As ready as I'll ever be." he said
"ok then, after you sire..."
As they made their way out the people cheered for Arthur. All the princesses were in huddles admiring the future king of Camelot.
The Lady Vivian and Gwaine got there a little late. She changed four times before she found an adequate outfit. "Now remember the plan, stay by my side at all times." Gwaine said. Lady Vivian spoken through her teeth cause she was forcing a smile. "I understand, I'm not an idiot."
"That's debatable." Gwaine said under his breath. "What was that?" she asks.
"I said you look delectable my lady."
"Stop looking, and hold fast. I see Arthur!" lady Vivian drops Gwaine's arms and rushes to Arthur, pushing pass many princesses in the process. Arthur sees her coming towards him and gets lost in the crowd on purpose.
He bumps into Princess Victoria. A much older woman then Arthur. She smiles at him looking to make small conversation. He breezes pass and gets lost again. Arthur was now near the food table where some princes were camped out next too.
"Arthur! Nice to see you old friend." Prince Henry calls out to him.
"Henry, nice to see you as well."
"I have to hand it to your father Arthur, staging this ball, inviting all the princesses from the allied kingdoms just to find you a suitable mate? I wish my father had that much interest in me." Henry laughed to himself.
"Yes, my father is a very hands on king." Arthur said half-heartedly.
"That he is. In fact one time I came to Camelot, I'm not sure if you remember..." the rest of what prince Henry was saying seemed to fade.
Arthur was surveying the room when he looked towards the door. There he saw Guinevere standing in a red silk dress that show a tantalizing glimpse of cleavage, Her hair all out down to her back with dropping curls, while looking at least two inches taller in the heels she had on. From head to toe she looked amazing. Gorgeous, brilliant. Arthur smiled and wondered why she was there, dressed like a princess. Then his mind went straight to apologizing for his stupid comments, picking her up over his shoulder then having his ravenous way with her.. After his eyes spanned her body once more, Arthur noticed she was holding Prince Alexander's arm.
"Can you believe he actually said that?" henry laughed to himself again, only this time noticing Arthur noticing another woman.
"Oh gods in heaven, she's a beauty isn't she? What family is she from?" Arthur smiled. "I have no idea. Henry if you'll excuse me." Arthur made his way towards Gwen and Alex.
"Excuse me; have I seen you around before?" Arthur played with her. Gwen turn towards him and gave him a look.
She wasn't in the mood for him. Not unless he apologizes. Alexander shy's away from the conversation he was having and puts his arms around Gwen's waist possessively. "Arthur, nice gathering." he says dryly.
"Alexander. Thank you for coming." Arthur eyes don't leave Gwen's.
"Guinevere come, there are people I want you to meet." Alexander pulls her away. Arthur and Gwen still get lost in each other's eyes once more before he loses her in the crowd. Arthur tries to find her again but instead finds Merlin talking to the lady Jasmine. He pulls him away from her. "What was that for?" Merlin asks pushing Arthur's hands away from his coat.
"Guinevere is here, with Prince Alex."
"So? He could of invited her as a friend."
"Except he has made it clear to me and Gwen that he means to make her his. You should see her, she's dressed like... A princess! I know it's Alexander's doing."
"Do you not trust your wife Arthur?"
"of course I do, it's just we had a fight and I didn't exactly apologize, Alex can manipulate her if he wanted to."
"Just have faith my friend, and enjoy your party. Worry is not a wise consul."
"I hope you are right Merlin." Arthur looked around and spotted Vivian and Gwaine. Vivian noticed him again and made her way towards him screaming his name. Arthur ran into the crowd again looking for Gwen. He finally found her laughing with a bunch of princesses. He grabbed her arm and pulled her with him.
"Where are we going?"
"You'll see."
Arthur made it to his chambers and closed to the door shut.
"What is it that you want Arthur?"
"To say I'm sorry. I am a cabbage head, I don't want you to marry Lancelot, and I should've told my father no to this ridiculous party."
He started walking slowly towards her. She kept moving back until her butt ran into the dining table.
"are you saying this cause you are truly sorry, or cause you were jealous I came with prince Alexander?" she asked.
"It's a bit of both. I am truly sorry and I hope you forgive my words, but on the other hand..." he reached her and slid his fingers across her stomach.
"I didn't like it seeing you with Prince Alex today. The way he touched you, made me want to chop his hands off and feed it to Merlin."
"Well, men are very primitive when it comes to the woman they desire." she smiled in his face.
"You're right. In fact, you know what I want to do right now?" his hands ran up the sides of her thighs, reaching under the dress. "Arthur we shouldn't. There are people right down the hall..."
"So? It's loud, no one will even know we are doing It." before she could answer he crushed his lips to hers. Usually Arthur was very sensitive when it came to kisses and touches, but he wasn't being nice about it this time. it was like he was trying to mark his territory. He picked her up and took her to the bed. He unzipped her dress and threw it on the floor. "Do you want me right now Gwen? Or should we wait?"
Alex looked and asked around about Gwen's whereabouts. No one saw her. Not even Merlin. What was odder was that Arthur seemed to be missing in action too. Alex left the hall in search of Gwen. He heard chatter coming from one of the chambers down the hall, Arthur's chambers. He waited behind a pillar when he heard them come out.
"I just couldn't Arthur, you know that Uther would kill me if he accidentally came inside and saw me and you."
"I understand Gwen it's just, a dream of mine to finally stop all this madness and sleep with you in my bed!"
"One day, you will get to. I promise."
Arthur brought her in tight to him and kissed her. "You must wear this dress again." she laughed and they made their way down the hall together. Alex wanted to throw something, that's how angry he was. How could he have been so blind and stupid? It was right under his nose, Arthur didn't want him near Gwen because she was his whore and Gwen foolishly loved the prince of Camelot! That's why she kept rejecting him. Well no more. He was going to get his revenge, against the arse of Camelot and his servant wench.