Part Two
"You'd best hope this ridiculous plan of yours works," Arthur mentioned to Merlin as they walked the corridors of the castle towards Lady Vivian's chambers. Merlin had assured him it would work, despite all insecurities he had, he hadn't had a chance to mention it to Gwen. It thought it best to leave it that way. What she never knew couldn't hurt her. The chances of her ever seeing Vivian were slim.
Arthur knocked on her door, but heard no reply. Nobody called out for him to enter. He frowned, she shouldn't have any plans. He opened the door, in case she'd not heard him, but on an inspection of the room, he realised she was nowhere to be found.
"Where on Earth is she?"
Merlin walked across to the window, looking over the courtyard, "Sire," he nodded out the window and saw Vivian with her maidservant; the stable boy preparing the horse, "Looks like a ride is on your cards."
"Sweet lord, I thought I could get this over with."
"The fates are not on your side."
"Yes, thank you, Merlin," he let out an aggravated breath, and looked out of the window.
"Time to bite the arrow, Arthur."
-
"My love!" Arthur plastered a smile to his face as he ran down the steps towards the bouncing blonde. Her exclamation hadn't gone unheard by the surrounding guards and servants and they were all watching as the Prince approached. They had all heard various stories about the events that took place the last time the Lady Vivian was in Camelot.
They had also seen Arthur's reaction and denial of all things that had happened. Claiming ignorance.
"Vivian," he grinned, "I suggest a ride into the forest on this," his smile faltered for a second, "fine day."
"A ride would be utterly fantastic!" She grin dropped, and she looked over Arthur's shoulder at a loitering Merlin, "Your servant won't be joining us will he?"
"Today, is a day for the pair of us," he swallowed his pride, "my love."
-
The ride itself hadn't been as hideously bad as Arthur been expecting. He'd just let Vivian talk, occasionally nodding and agreeing in what he deemed the right places. He must have done quite well as she seemed perfectly happy chattering away.
A few heads turned as they rode back through the lower town up to the Castle. A few people laughed as they saw the bored look on Arthur's face as he allowed his horse to follow Vivian's. They also saw him brighten up slightly as they went past the newly opened forge. Look through the divider and caught Gwen's eye as she looked up from her work.
She smiled at him. Watching each other until the wall of the next house blocked their view.
Arthur knew he had to get the kiss out of the way, so they could both move on. But he'd not had the opportunity to do it. He didn't want it to carry on any longer than it must. Dismounting from his horse in the courtyard, he approached Vivian to assist her from her horse's back. A girlish giggle escaped her lips, as she forced herself forwards into Arthur's arms.
He knew this was his chance, leaning towards her he didn't have to do much before Vivian launched herself to him and placed a heated kiss to his lips. A matter of seconds later and Arthur detached her from him. Holding her at arms length he studied her face, and watched as her eyelids drooped and the sudden realisation flooded her.
"What? What's going on? Why are you holding me? Get off!" she slapped his hands away; a grin spreading across Arthur's face and he obliged letting her go, "Why am I still here?" she uttered in discontent on viewing the castle behind Arthur. He couldn't help but let out a laugh before turning and running up the stairs.
-
"Sire," Vivian addressed the King of Camelot as he sat with her father, studying papers of requests made by the local people, "I have a request to make of you."
"Lady Vivian, please; go ahead."
"I wish to marry Arthur."
"What?" her enraged father stood, slamming her hands on the table, "I will not have this again."
"Hear me out father," Vivian reasoned, her tone even and back to its usual pitch, "I realise that our actions before were rash. But I have come to believe that Arthur is going to make a good king. If I were to marry anyone, I believe him to be the best choice of a vulgar selection."
"I do not know whether to be flattered or offended," Uther replied with a chuckle, looking to Olaf to gage his reaction. He was still staring angrily at his daughter.
"I know my actions before now have been rash, father. But I am old enough, and you would agree that Arthur has a very fine head on his shoulders. Both in looks and logic."
"It is true that Arthur has shown no sign or interest in the women of our court. Perhaps, an arrangement could be made?" Uther turned to Olaf, the other King still eyeing his daughter. The head on her shoulders appeared more level than she had in the past, and she did have a point about the Prince. He would make a fine King one day and he could not think of a man better suited for his daughter. Though young, he knew that all young bird had to leave the nest, and perhaps now was the time.
Grinding his teeth together, he looked between the King of Camelot and his daughter.
"I trust your son. And I trust your judgement. If you think Vivian will make a good Queen to your son's King, then, I guess, I have no qualms with this."
Vivian smiled at both Kings. Joining them at the table.
"So, when shall we tell Arthur of this arrangement?"
-
"Guinevere?" Arthur knocked on her front door before he opened it. He could smell the smoke of the fire as she cooked her dinner, or heated some water for tea. He wasn't quite sure, but as he entered he could see her hunched over the counter chopping some vegetables, "Gwen?" He heard her sniff before bringing the knife down particularly hard onto the wooden surface, "What's wrong?"
A harsh snort sounded, followed by another string of hard hitting cuts.
"Guinevere?"
"You don't even care do you?" She turned to face him, baring the knife in her hands.
"I don't know want you're talking about," another short laugh, and she turned her back on him. He stared at the back of her head, trying to figure out what would have her so annoyed; she hadn't cared to see Vivian when they had ridden past.
"I saw you."
"Oh."
"'Oh'? Is that all you can say?"
"It's not what it seems like."
"No? So what is it then? If you couldn't help yourself, what was it?" She slammed the knife down on the table, turning back to face him, her hands resting on the counter behind her.
Oh she'd seen alright. She had a few deliveries to make the castle staff, and thought it as good a time as any, knowing the Prince would be lurking in the courtyard and surrounding corridors, she thought maybe there was a chance of speaking to him. Perhaps an alcove or behind a closed door of an unused room.
Being greeted with the Prince and the Lady embraced and kissing hadn't been what she'd expected at all. At least, not with Arthur looking willing, she knew Vivian was still under the spell, but he wasn't even trying to fend her off.
"I was trying to make your life easier. iOur/i life. Kissing Vivian was the only way to break the enchantment. You've got to believe me, Gwen. I would never- not to you," he approached her. She didn't move, or make a move for the knife so she wasn't annoyed enough to keep him away from her, "I promise you, I want nothing more to do with her. And having her follow me at any given opportunity was starting to get on my nerves. I had to do something to stop it. And it worked."
"What if it didn't?"
"It did. That's all we need know," he reached out and cupped her cheek in his hand.
"I'm sorry."
He shook his head, leaning forward to gently capture her lips with his own. When she reciprocated he kissed her again with slightly more pressure than before, pushing her back into the counter, "You've got nothing to be sorry for."
"And as long as you didn't kiss her like that, neither have you," Arthur smirked, running his fingers through her loose curls and kissed her forehead.
-
Arthur didn't make it back to his chambers before Leon caught up with him and told him that he was wanted by his Father for something urgent. Arthur had switched off from the conversation and turned around to head towards the throne room.
"You sent for me, Father?" he announced as he pushed open the door, only to be greeted with the bright face of Vivian and her drawn looking father.
"Arthur, at last!" Uther stood from his seat, approaching his son, "As you well know, you are of an age where you are expected to settle. Finding a wife, and starting a family. Camelot must have an heir once you are king. And I think I have found you the perfect wife," a small happy laugh escaped Vivian's lips alerting Arthur to his father's plan.
"What? No," he shook his head and looked at his father, "I'm more than capable of finding my own bride, father."
"I have given you many years to find a wife. At a time I thought you would be best suited to Morgana; however you had both shown me over the years that that is no longer appropriate. Now I think is the time for me to take more decisive action."
"Father-"
"Unless you can give me just reason for this arrangement not to be carried out, your engagement shall be announced at court tomorrow," Arthur's jaw dropped, slowly closing and opening again. He had just reason. He just didn't know if his father would accept it. Nor would he if he didn't say it. His future happiness lay in the balance against his father's disapproval. And if he had to take one against the other, he knew which he would vouch for.
"I don't love her."
"You can learn to love her. Love if something we work on, not something we have."
"I can not love more than one woman."
"I do not see how this is a problem."
"That's because you are blind to your son."
"Be careful where you tread Arthur."
"Were you not in love with my mother, when you married her? You knew you loved her. You married her because you loved her. You can not be hypocritical. You married my mother because you loved her. You told me that enough as I grew up. Or was that a lie?"
"I loved your mother-"
"Than allow me to marry a woman I love. Not a woman who-"
"Who what, Arthur?"
"I fear I should not complete that sentence."
"Are you telling me, Arthur, that there iis/i someone you care for enough to marry?" Arthur stood, staring down his father. On one hand, having the truth out would take the strain of sneaking around and trying not to be seen. On the other, the chance of his father understanding his desire towards the handmaiden was slim.
"I am, father," his Adam's apple moved as he swallowed. The path of true love never did run smooth, but if there was one thing his father imight/i understand, it would be love. Or so he hoped.
Uther's eyes widened, expectant of an answer, "Well?"
"Promise me something, Father. Promise me that no matter what I say, you aren't going to do anything rash," His father slowly nodded, "I can not marry the Lady Vivian, my heart belongs to another."
"We got that far, Arthur, who?"
"Guinevere," no shadow of recognition flashed over the King's face, "Morgana's Maidservant."
"The Blacksmith Girl?" was shortly followed by an outraged Vivian exclaiming the name of the girl - nay woman - that Arthur loved.
"Yes father."
"A peasant?"
"Yes father."
"A witch."
"What? No, father."
"Well, I can see no other way for you to turn down the Lady Vivian for a serving girl. An ex-serving girl who now works as a Blacksmith. The girl has been held under suspicion of witchcraft before now, what makes the present situation any different."
"Ask around father, Guinevere is no witch."
"Arrest her. I will hear no more on this."
"Father, please!"
"Take Arthur to his chambers. Guards outside the door. And window. I learnt from that lesson last time," the guards in the room split, two taking a hold of Arthur, who defiantly struggled against them, but even for a knight as strong and agile as he, he was no match for two guards who clamped their hands and arms around his elbows and upper arms, dragging him from the room.
-
Gwen was hard at work in the forgery. She was finishing the remaining touches to the young Squire's sword. She'd done a delicate pattern on the armour she had made him, and was now matching in the blade of the sword.
She'd engraved his name along its centre. A personal touch.
She hadn't been expecting company; especially that of three knights storming through the Forgery door.
"You are under arrest for the use of witchcraft, and treason against the crown of Camelot," one of them said. Leon stepped through the door behind them, a pained look on his face. He'd always been fond of Gwen, he hated to do this to her. But it wasn't as if Uther could have sent Arthur to arrest her.
"What?" she exclaimed moving away from their grabbing arms.
"I'm sorry Gwen."
"What have I done?"
"Uther believes you have bewitched his son."
"That's preposterous!"
"I'm so sorry, Gwen. There was nothing I could do," Leon reasoned. She'd been a part of the crew who had assisted in the saving of his life, he hated to see her carted to the dungeons, "He can't be reasoned with."
"He shouldn't have to be reasoned with," the two Knights who had accompanied Leon grabbed her by the arms and were pulling her towards the door, "I haven't done anything wrong."
-
It was happening again. She was being thrown into the prison for a crime she hadn't committed. She doubted this time the King would be so lenient. She was accused of using witchcraft against the Prince. It was one thing to use it to save her father – had it been her – it was another to use it to enchant Arthur.
What she couldn't understand was why Uther wouldn't listen to his son.
But then, with an hour of trying to figure out a reason, she found herself talking I circles. She knew why the King was always so sceptical of any emotion his son showed towards a woman. First Sophia; she had disappeared after five minutes. And Vivian, the first time, an enchantment. Of course Uther would question any woman who won over his son. She had never suspected this. Perhaps because she was not of noble birth as the other girls were; Uther would suspect a serving girl of enchanting his son because it was so unlikely for hi to fall in love with her over a courtier. Being bound and thrown in the prison wasn't the action she had first imagined Uther would take. Having her thrown on the floor of the throne room, perhaps, like last time. It was as if she was beyond second chances and there was no chance of trial.
She slumped against the wall, allowing for gravity to pull her down. She curled her arms about her knees and hugged them close. But her plan to mope until such times as she was taken to the stake were interrupted near straight away by the echoing of "Get out of my way," reaching her ears.
The guards were under strict orders not to let anybody see her. But after a brief tussle and the guards safely guarding the stone floor by the door with their eyes closed, not much difference there then.
"Guinevere?" Gwen had never scrambled to her feet so quickly, running over to the other side of the cell to the wooden bars.
"Arthur? Merlin told me your father had guards on your door."
"Turns out the Guards of Camelot need training. They'll come round soon. I don't have long."
"What's going on, Arthur?" He placed his hand over hers as she clutched on the bars.
"I told my father."
"Why?" As much as keeping a secret was slowly taking its toll on her, but risking what they had? She'd rather keep it a secret, the chance of Uther allowing his son to pursue a relationship with a peasant? Unlikely.
"He was trying to marry me off with Vivian. I couldn't let him do that."
"I'm being accused of witchcraft, I would never-"
"I know. I'll talk to him, I will make him see re-"
"Arthur Pendragon, you will leave these premises. If I catch you down here again, I will personally see you are flogged in the stocks. Don't think I won't," his father marched into the prison, he signalled for a pair of conscious guards to take Arthur from the bars. Gwen took a few steps back from the bars; out of Uther's reach should he feel the need to grab out.
He glared at her, not saying a world, and turned on his hill storming out of the prison. He stood, watching a guard re-locking the door and taking the key from him, "Nobody sees the girl."
-
"The sooner the wedding, the better," Vivian suggested over dinner that night. Arthur looked resolutely down to his plate; pushing his food around but not eating a scrap. Not making eye contact with any of the three others at the table.
Five minutes later and Arthur had had enough of Vivian's prattling about a wedding he refused to partake in. He stood with determination and excused himself from the dinner. Without another word he walked back to his chambers, throwing himself down on his bed.
He had to think this through. He couldn't get into the prison without breaking in, either breaking the door down or picking the lock, but his father had put extra guards on the doors, both on the prison and his bedroom.
He couldn't even send Merlin after the key; his father would keep it on his person. Or the guards would keep it on their person and although incredibly stupid, Merlin wasn't skilled enough to slip the key from their belts. Either way, it was going to take a lot of effort to get to Gwen, if only for a second.
The chances of the guards allowing Merlin to be the servant to deliver Gwen food and drink was slim. If his father had had any say in the matter he would have ordered the guards to keep Merlin from her as well. Knowing perfectly well that Arthur would send him with messages.
"Merlin!" Arthur shouted, hoping the boy was in an audible distance.
"My lord?" he appeared through the servant's entrance, a pile of laundry in his hands, ready to go into his draws.
"I need to talk to Gwen."
"Then go to her house and talk to her?"
"Haven't you heard?" Merlin shook his head, up turning his bottom lip, "My father had her arrested for witchcraft."
"What, why?"
"Because he knows that I'm in love with her. And he can't differentiate between love and magic. He's got triple the amount of guards on the prison doors, twice the amount on mine. Guards outside my windows and there is no way he'll let either of us in to see her. I can not leave my room without Leon or my father."
"Why won't I get in?"
"Because my father knows I would send you with information for Guinevere."
"Can't I try?"
"No offence Merlin, but you won't be able to penetrate the prison."
Arthur may have no faith in Merlin's usual abilities but he was no usual person and his natural gifts could assist him.
-
"I would have suspected better of 'Camelot's finest'," Vivian stated as she ate. Arthur's departure hadn't had its intended effect on her. She knew that at the end of the day if the King deemed it so, she had won.
She could tell from the look on her father's face that he still was not best pleased. But the time had come for him to let her go. She was old enough now and in a clear mind about the whole ordeal. Of all the men she had met in her life, Arthur was the most honourable the one most likely to be the greatest leader in all of Albion.
"Witchcraft is not tolerated in Camelot; if she was one of our finery she would know that."
"Will there be a trial?" Olaf asked, taking a swig from his goblet.
"The girl has been suspected of witchcraft before."
"Then why wait?" Vivian said. The sooner Guinevere was out of the way, the sooner Arthur and she could be married.
"As much as my son and I disagree, I need to give him chance to calm down before any action is taken."
"If the laws of Camelot are to be respected they must be consistent," she eyed the King of Camelot. She knew if there was a way to get what she wanted from any King; it was to question their position with the people. Presenting a weakened front would question his ability to lead and over the years Vivian had learnt how to play to her father's strengths and weaknesses. If Uther was like her father in anyway, placing doubt in his leadership would ebb at him.
Uther had his goblet raised to his lips. He didn't drink, looking over the brim at the girl who would become his daughter-in-law. He sucked in his cheeks, a pout on his lips.
"You are right, of course."
"I suggest her execution be brought forward to the morning."
-
"Gwen?" she stirred slightly from the fitful sleep, "Gwen!" his voice was barely above a whisper but she heard it. She knew better than to assume it was Arthur, besides he would have gone with the less subtle and more of a mouthful 'Guinevere'.
"Merlin?" she whispered through the darkness. The shadowed face of her friend appeared at the bars, a solemn look on his face, "How'd you get in here?"
"I, uh, I stole a sleeping draft from Gaius," Gwen raised a sceptical eyebrow. It was as close to the truth as Merlin could get, and it was believable. It was something Merlin had access to and could easily steal away with it. In actual fact he'd used his usual Merlin technique, but he wasn't about to go and reveal himself after two years of hiding his secret. He trusted Gwen, but she was imprisoned for the very same thing. He didn't need the wrong person over hearing his conversation.
"You shouldn't have done that, Merlin," thinking he would get in trouble with Gaius if the old man found out. He was more of a father to Merlin than he had ever known, and the guilty look on his face told her as much.
"Yes, I should," he said defiantly.
"Did Arthur put you up to this? He shouldn't have done tha-"
"He didn't. He expressly told me not to. I had to make sure you were okay," he smiled through the bars at his friend. This scene was far too familiar to before. Last time she had told him not to forget her, and now he knew he never could. She was his best friend. He needed to find a way to help her.
"I'm fine."
"You don't deserve to be here. We will get you out of here. iArthur/i will get you out of here," he knew it. Arthur would never let his father win. He knew Arthur all too well. The more he cared for something the more he fought for it and there wasn't anything he cared for more than Gwen. Everybody knew it.
Everybody but the King.
"You can't be sure of that."
"He loves you. He won't let Uther do this."
"The king doesn't always listen to Arthur. You know that, as well as I do."
"This time it doesn't matter. He'll get you out of here."