Authors' Note: As far as I know, this is the last chapter that was written for this story on FanForum, if there are any others that I happen to not have, please let me know and get the chapter(s) to me so I can add them :).
Disclaimer: We don't own Merlin or any external references relating to the Arthurian Legends or otherwise.
"You're sure?" Estella asks as Merlin finishes voicing his suspicions.
The warlock nods slowly. "Yes, the knights are sly, but my eyes are quicker. They have been discreetly following Freya for a few days now."
Her eyes turn that steely gray of anger as the fury fire within seeps out. It intensifies as she sees a couple of knights following Freya as she brings out a new food dish from the kitchens. "Well... it seems I must have a talk with my darling cousin about that. No one, but me can harass my entourage."
Merlin snickers slightly, "Of course."
"Are you mocking me?" she demands.
He stutters at first, but after composing himself he says, "Not at all, wouldn't dream, speak, or even think of doing so."
The woman snorts at his over assurance, he really may never adjust her brute humor, "Very well, Merlin. Go on now and play servant since that is what they want, while I play Lady." She smiles and they part ways from the dark corner that Estella had claimed since the dinner started.
At a casual pace, the daughter of Valeria weaves through the crowds of people gracefully, they all stare or at least turn to watch for a moment, but she disregards them as she observes the crowd, looking for a familiar face. One in particular so she can yell at him. However, the one that she is trying to avoid meets her eye across the hall and he seems to be smirking arrogantly at her. She almost sneers, but holds it in, knowing that the expression would only stem his ego and show his hold on her. Wait... hold? Since when did Gwaine have a hold on her? They barely know each other, sure she has had muddled visions of him - which is unusual because her visions are typically very clear - but that means nothing, just her mind stemming- oh for the Goddess' sake, Estella really must put aside these thoughts. Suddenly she realizes that the knight had come to stand beside her.
"A rather lavish spread for a simple dinner, isn't it?" he remarks as he surveys the crowds and the amounts of food strewn on the tables. When she does not respond he states, "You are looking particularly lovely tonight, you far surpass your beautiful cousin."
Estella smirks, "Why, Sir Knight, I did not know you have such feelings for, Arthur."
Gwaine is stunned for a moment by the comment, "I- I was speaking of Mor-"
"Oh, my cousin-sister, was it? Well there shouldn't be comparison there, because the two of us prefer to stand as equals," the playful gleam leaves her gray gaze, "Now, did Hefina forget to mention that I did not want your company?"
He actually laughs, which increases her irritation with him, "Oh, of course, dear Hefina does not forget such things. I simply choose to overlook them."
"Oh, how rude of you," she quips.
"Well, from my perspective it was more the fact that you say you don't want me, but you do need me," he declares with a wide grin on his face.
Estella almost laughs at the ridicule of the thought, "I think that you are overstating your importance."
"You could be right and you could be wrong," he then has a gleeful glint in his hazel eyes, "Why don't we test that?"
"What?"
He clarifies, "Our need for each other and our abilities to resist it. And by rejecting you thereby concede that I am correct."
Her nostrils flare, but she states flatly, "Fine, you can chase me and in return I'll chase you and we will see who will fall first." She gives him no time to speak again as she rushes toward where the king and Morgana are conversing. When they notice her coming, they attempt to greet her, but the older woman does not allow for that either, "I don't appreciate it."
Arthur is perplexed by the blunt, vague statement thrown at him, "To what are referring to?" he asks calmly.
"Your knights stalking my sorcerers," she answers coldly.
The king is surprised by this, he was and is not aware of such things going on, "Well... I-"
"Oh, I suppose you are going to claim that you did not know, which matters not, you are a king so you should be aware of the most important things if you can't do it for every little thing. And I warrant that the security of your guests here under the protection of a person of your family should not feel the least bit offended by such treatment." The raven-haired woman had planned on yelling, causing such a scene would demean Arthur, but it seems that her cold tone and steel eyes are doing enough to scare him into submission. "I care not what your knights suspect about Freya, but leave her be or your father will have no justice for his death."
The golden-haired man swallows, he would rather not have a dispute over such a matter. "I will declare their actions punishable if the knights ever do such a thing or the like ever again."
The only answer Estella gives is to curtly nod and strut away from the duo. Arthur sighs heavily as Morgana smiles sympathetically. "She is quite... a tempest, I am sorry."
"It is alright, family arguments is all, isn't it?" he says, trying to laugh it off.
"But I must say, I do agree with her. Whatever the knights and even you have against Freya, she is only here to offer her assistance, no more, no less," Morgana explains.
Arthur nods, "I understand that, but she was the Druid girl who escaped the city around the time of my father's death. I hope you can understand why my knights were stalking her during her time here. I assure you I knew not of such close following, I only asked them to watch everyone in your entourage while throwing aside any former suspicions. For my people's safe state of mind, not because of our mistrust in you."
Morgana smiles once more, "For now, I trust you but I will hold you to those words. We care not to be watched, as long as we are not persecuted."
He offers a bright smile while complying her words.
...
"I don't like it," Estella states while downing her wine.
"What, my Lady?" Freya questions as she stands beside the older woman.
The Le Fay answers, "The way Arthur is looking at Morgana, the obvious interest cannot be lost to anyone."
The dark-eyed girl smiles, "Is him having interest in your lovely cousin a problem?"
"He is betrothed, so yes it is," Estella emphasizes, "They may end up branding Morgana a seductress wench if Arthur breaks up his engagement to Princess Guinevere. Although, I would completely understand. Guinevere may be a princess, but her title is all that she has, not a great beauty or swordswoman or anything beyond being born royal. And no, if you are trying to tell me that I am biased, I am not. You cannot possibly think that any woman out there - princess or not - can compete with my cousin. And no, I don't count, you know that."
Freya laughs, "Yes, my Lady," but as she continues to watch Arthur looking at Morgana, she cannot help but think that the tableau is actually fitting. Morgana did have all the qualities and more of a glorious queen.
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