Many apologies for the delay! I had a mini-vacation and got sucked into writing a different fic. :( But here we go with Arty's view of Sweet Dreams- beware of sappiness! :)


A historic day dawned in Camelot. We were hosting a peace conference- every king of the five kingdoms are coming to work through their concerns. Things like trade, land grants, aid, and so forth. Mostly that means a lot of talking, but I suppose I could learn a lot too. Father and I watched from the battlements as the first of the entourages made their way down the road. He looked so serious. "Father, we're not going to war, you don't have to look so serious."

"Never before have the rulers of the five kingdoms met together like this. Never before have we all labored toward the same goal, toward peace. If these negotiations are successful, Camelot will begin a new age of prosperity. If they break down, we will almost definitely be at war."

We walked down to the courtyard to meet the delegations. When we arrived, King Alined had dismounted, dropping his cloak onto the ground. Alined was an interesting man- he's very mercurial, prone to fits of temper. So it was no surprise when he upbraided his servant right there in front of everyone.

"Boy! Is it unreasonable to expect that you could anticipate my needs?"

"No, Master. I was just . . ." the servant replied.

"Quit whining."

"Sorry, Master."

Father decided to throw a bone to the poor servant by distracting his master. "Alined, you are very welcome on this historic occasion." They grasped arms in greeting.

"Historic? Let's hope so," Alined replied then was escorted into the castle

Next to arrive was King Olaf's party. I only knew him by reputation—he was way too protective of his daughter. She's beautiful. And lucky me, I get to escort her. But first I had to help her dismount. I reached up with both hands to grab either side of her waist. When she was down, I took her right hand to lead her past the horses. We walked up behind King Olaf, who was walking toward Father.

"What sort of greeting is this? You have us hanging around like the last swallows of summer," he jested.

"You are welcome, indeed, Olaf," Father replied.

"May I introduce my daughter, the Lady Vivian." She stepped forward and Father kissed her hand.

"Lady Vivian. You are so like your mother," Father said to her, then handed her back to me so I could escort her to her guest chambers. She didn't say much on the way so it was hard to get the measure of her.

I opened the door for her and she strode ahead of me into the room. "I hope everything is to your satisfaction," I said and followed her around the room.

"It is . . . tolerable," she replied.

"Most of our guests are exceedingly content here. I'm certain you will be, too." She paused to wipe some nonexistent dust off the table.

"Hmm. I am not most of your guests."

"In . . . deed," I replied. What could you reply to that and still be polite? Luckily Guinevere came in just then to save me from further humiliation. "Well, er, may I introduce Guinevere. She'll be taking care of you for the length of your stay. You'll want for nothing. She is indeed one of Camelot's best." She looked Guinevere up and down critically, probably finding her wanting like she did the chambers.

She giggled. Giggled? "Then I fear for Camelot."

At that point, I couldn't find anything to say. To insult the chambers was one thing, but to insult Guinevere? I had to leave. I glanced at Guinevere. She looked equally as shocked. We quickly exited, closing the door behind us. We looked at each other for a moment then started laughing disbelievingly.

"Good luck with that one," I said to her.

"Mmm," she replied.

I stared at her for a bit before she noticed. I could get lost looking into those eyes, and I almost did. Luckily, or not so much, I remembered myself and made to leave. "I have to get ready for the feast." So I reluctantly left her there and headed for my chambers.

Fortunately for him, Merlin was there. I didn't fancy looking all over the castle for him. I went behind a screen to change and he handed me a clean shirt. He brushed down my jacket while I dressed, but I noticed a problem with the shirt right away. "Merlin, what sort of impression do you suppose this gives?" Nice hole, eagle eyes.

"That we have moths?" He replied uncertainly. Or was that cheekily?

I rolled my eyes and said, "Get me another." After a few seconds he tossed a blue shirt over the screen, which I summarily pulled on. After checking for holes again, of course.

"And who could you be aiming to impress, Sire?"

"Well, let me think. Maybe the five kings sitting down there in the banquet hall."

"Oh. Not King Olaf's daughter, then? The Lady Vivian, she is extremely beautiful."

"Anyone attempting to impress the Lady Vivian does so at extreme peril. Olaf'd have their head in a vat of hot oil before they'd have the option to say hello. Also, she's not my type. She may be beautiful, but she's terribly rude. You should've heard what she said to Gwen." I pulled the overshirt partially on and ducked back behind the screen.

"Anyone insulting Gwen should do so at extreme peril."

I pulled off the overshirt and came back out to glare at him. "What?" That was my warning tone.

"Nothing. I just know how you feel about her, that's all. That is, if your feelings haven't changed, and I presume they haven't." He'd gotten the warning, and proceeded to ignore it. Of course.

"I do own a vat of hot oil, you know."

He laughed. "You're blushing!"

"No I'm not." I went back behind the screen, just in case.

"What's bad about Gwen?" He asked genuinely. Oh, I keep forgetting they're friends.

"Nothing." She's perfect- beautiful, kind, compassionate, strong . . .

"I think she's quite deserving of your love." Oh yes. And then there's reality.

"Certainly, were it so." I came out and put the overshirt back on. He came over to help.

"Which . . . it is."

I got in his face to emphasize my point. "Merlin."

"Yes, Arthur?"

"Get out." And thanks for rubbing my painful situation in my face. Ugh!

"Yes, Sire." He gave me a cheesy smile and left. Maybe I did need to acquire a vat of hot oil. I tidied myself up and affected a dignified walk down to the banquet hall.

Most everyone had already arrived by the time I got there. I took my place and waited to be fed and entertained. When much of dinner had been consumed, the fun began.

Among the entertainers was Alined's servant, or should I say, jester. At one point he started breathing fire! He skipped down to the head table where all the kings sat. Bending over like he was going to be sick, he breathed fire and lit the candles in front of the kings. He walked over to the ladies and said, "But it is not enough to please just the gentlemen of the court. Now I have a spectacle for the ladies." With a flourish of his hands, he produced butterflies out of nowhere in front of Morgana and Vivian.

"That is talent, to be sure," Father said. He was impressed.

"We mean to please," Alined replied.

Trickler gasped then spoke again. "But what is this? Lady Vivian." He bent over in front of Vivian, put his hand by her ear and pulled it back to reveal a butterfly on his hand. "It has confused you with a beautiful flower." He backed away with a flourish while everyone applauded.

xxxXxxx

I woke up the next morning with the most amazing feeling. It's like I knew that everything would go my way today. And it was all down to one out-of-this-world person. Lady Vivian. I sprung from my bed and dressed myself. Because I can! Just then I heard the most beautiful melody on earth—the voice of my beloved angel. She was down in the square. I rushed to the window to see if I could glimpse her glorious visage. She was beautifully scolding a servant, probably for the most heinous offense. No one would offend My Lady if I had any say in it!

"Good morning, Sire!" Merlin came in behind me.

"You've never been more right, Merlin. It is the sunniest, the most fragrant, the most magnificent morning I've ever seen in my life." I reluctantly turned from the window to face him.

"You're dressed." Always the tone of shock.

"I am the future King of Camelot, I do have some talents, you know." I turned back to the window.

"Certainly, you are awfully talented at getting others to do things for you."

"That is your job. But on this day my job is to woo."

"To what?" I turned again. Of course he had no idea what I was talking about. I walked toward him.

"To woo. I want to make a declaration of love."

"Really? I assumed you wanted your feelings to remain a secret?" He looked puzzled. Why?

"Why would I want to do that? By the end of the day I will have won my lady." He started helping me with my shirt.

"Right. Well, what will you say to your father?"

"Why? He's not important in this."

"Well, that's one to handle things."

"So, I require your help to convey my feelings."

"Of course." I waited for Merlin to say something else. Was he waiting for me to explain?

"How to convey my feelings." He's really slow this morning. Slower than usual.

"Oh, I see. Erm. Feelings."

"Feelings."

"Girls."

"Girls."

"Flowers?"

"Brilliant. Get some. Maybe you should also write a note."

"Excellent idea." I know.

"Something stirring. Something heartfelt. Something . . . you'll come up with something." Why should I have to do everything? I walked past him to go back to the window. All too soon I'd have to go sit in the boring, Vivian-less meeting with all the stuffy kings. I'm going to soak up her glorious presence while I can.

xxxXxxx

Sitting in the council chambers with the negotiating kings was mind-numbing. I tuned in to what they were saying now and then and had to stifle a few yawns. Daydreaming about Vivian was almost enough, but I finally took to sketching her face on my parchment. Hopefully Father wouldn't notice. I could use a distraction about now.

"Your requests are recorded and will be discussed in good time. In the interim, is there anyone else who has any other remarks about the northern territories?" Father droned.

King Olaf spoke up. "Well, can I just point out that . . ." I quit listening there, because a door had just opened.

Fortunately for me, Merlin popped in from that door and gestured for me to come over. I was all too glad for the excuse to leave. We walked out into the courtyard corridor. I asked him about what was on my mind, "Did you do it?"

"I placed them in her room. I felt that was better than an open display," he replied.

"You're certain she got them?" I stopped.

"I'm certain she will get them."

"Great. All we can do now is wait." Just then I saw Guinevere and Vivian walking down the other end of the corridor. "Oh, but heaven has smiled upon me. She's even more breathtaking than earlier, don't you agree?"

"Yeah. Erm...I'm amazed to hear you speak so candidly."

"Nonsense. I want to tell the whole earth. I want to yell it across the kingdom."

"Are you certain that's a good plan? I appreciate your feelings, but others could object."

"Object?" I looked at him, puzzled. "To what?" My angel vanished into her room.

"Well, you're the future King of Camelot and she's just a simple serving girl. Though a very good serving girl . . ." I slapped him hard across the face. He's lucky that's all he's getting for that vile insult!

"Ah!" He put a hand to his cheek.

I got back into his face, pointing a finger for good measure. "Lady Vivian's of royal blood, a future queen. I will remove your head if I hear such impudence again." I turned around and walked away, leaving him there. How dare he! I would show her myself what she's worth.

xxxXxxx

That evening I felt it was time for me to make my own "gesture." So I went to the garden for a red rose, then to the kitchen. I gathered plates of tonight's dinner on a platter and headed to my Lady's chambers. I stood outside her chambers for a few moments with the platter and the rose. I took a breath before I knocked.

"Who is it?" Ah, that beautiful symphony of sound!

"It is destiny, my love! Destiny and chicken!" I checked to see if I smelled all right, then she opened the door. "What a delightful combination, eh?" Then she closed the door in my face! Why? I opened the door. "The beans are a bit cold, but the meat is very delicious."

"Go away." Awww.

"My love, I don't understand what I've done to upset you."

"Your love?! Not now, nor ever!" She looked disgusted! What had I done?

"Come now."

"My father will murder you if he catches you here."

"Your father doesn't concern me." I scoffed.

"You won't be saying that when he's rushing at you with a knife in his grasp. I've seen it before." What?!

"Really?"

"Yes." She shut the door in my face again. Oh, the agony! What was I doing wrong?

"Just five minutes!" I knocked again.

"My Lord, I'm not sure your advances are appreciated." I turned partway to look at Merlin, who'd snuck up to me. How rude!

From behind her door Vivian confirmed his suspicion, "Go away! And take your chicken with you!"

I turned and walked from the door, shoving the tray at Merlin. "Don't know where you get that idea from." I stormed back to my chambers to form a new strategy to win her heart. Merlin followed behind. She will be mine!

When we got back there, he helped me change for bed. I got under the covers and sat against the headboard. How could I sleep like this? Merlin walked over with a cup of water. "Go on, Merlin. Say it."

"What?"

"You don't feel I should woo my love."

"Well, since you asked, I think a lot of things are in the way of a joyous tie between you and the Lady Vivian. Her murderous father, for one."

"Her total lack of regard for another."

"Would it be worthwhile revisiting your old love? Although, I have uncertainties about that as well."

"What are you chattering on about, Merlin? I don't have an old love." I went to turn over on my side, but stopped when I found some hair under my pillow. "What on earth? You really must begin paying attention to the details." That was so disgusting! Ugh! I'll get him for that tomorrow.

xxxXxxx

I had an odd but wonderful dream that night. My Lady and I were having a romantic picnic in the woods. We'd finished eating and decided to cuddle together on the blanket. She spooned up to my back and I took hold of her hand and brought it to my chest, saying, "Mmm. Lady Vivian, my love." It was such a sublime moment. Waking up in the morning was anticlimactic, but then again it was another day to win her heart.

After breakfast, I decided to go on a ride to clear my head and come up with a better way to woo my angel. I sent Merlin down to notify the stable hand of my wish. When I got down to the square, my horse was waiting, and off I went. But no matter how much I tried to put them out of my mind, my woes kept coming back to me. So I rode back home and stood next to my horse to think. His presence was soothing; I petted his nose while I tried to make up my mind. Just then Guinevere walked by me. She's such a sweet friend.

She passed me, then walked back. "What's wrong, Arthur? It looks like you're thinking hard about something."

I sighed, and handed the reins off to the stable hand. "You see right through me." I started walking with her next to me. "I've made myself look like a fool, that's all. That's everything."

"I'm certain that can't be true."

"You're very generous, Guinevere, but I'm afraid it is. I have made a gesture, but it wasn't received well."

"You sure?"

"Fairly sure." Yelling and doors slammed in my face are pretty definitive actions.

"Then you're mistaken." I stopped and looked at her. Did she know something I didn't?

"You are intimate with the lady in question." She let out a soft laugh.

"Your gesture was very welcome. But the situation is sensitive, and it isn't easy to say what is really in one's heart."

"You believe there's hope?"

"There is always hope."

"If I just had some way to know."

"Certainly, My Lord." That was an inspiring chat! I wasn't sure what I was going to do yet, but that talk was just what I needed to go forward. I'd have to thank her later.

I decided to go back to my chambers and swung by the kitchen on the way to grab a snack. An apple, yum! I heard someone yell as I got near, but I couldn't make it out. When I entered, I found Merlin standing with his back to the wardrobe. That was odd, but not for him. "Why are you hanging around with a bad smell? I'm the one who needs to bathe. I won't win my love stinking like an old kipper."

"No, My Lord." He may be odd, but at least he agreed with me. Suddenly King Olaf stormed into my chambers. What the?

"Where is he?! I know she's in here, Arthur! Surrender her! Or taste my fury!" King Olaf was very upset about something.

I looked at Merlin. "What's he talking about?"

"She wasn't even fully clad," Trickler interjected. I didn't like that guy—what's his part anyway?

"If I've dishonored you somehow, then, of course, supply me with proof and I'll accept the consequences."

"Trickler here informed me that the Lady Vivian is in your chambers."

Oh wouldn't that be heavenly? "If that were only true." Olaf grabbed the front of my shirt with both of his hands and pulled me toward him. Not pleasant. Luckily Merlin stepped in to save me. Good man.

"If that were only true you wouldn't seem so ridiculous." Olaf let me go, fortunately. He was pretty strong for someone Father's age.

"Search the room! You better pray I don't discover her." His guards started searching my chambers. I didn't get why he was upset. Didn't he understand how lovely love is?

I watched Trickler when he got an "ah-ha" look on his face then walked over to the wardrobe. He tried to open it, but it seemed it was locked. Weird. Merlin doesn't normally lock my wardrobe.

To Trickler, Merlin said, "That hasn't opened in years." Huh, why would he say that?

Olaf grabbed Trickler by his shirt, "You idiot! You made a fool out of me!" He then shoved him toward the door. Trickler scurried out of the room under his own power. Olaf turned to me to say, "I am, er, so extremely sorry, Arthur, to have bothered you. I . . . I do hope that you will pardon me." I waved at the apology—no harm done. He turned around, walking to the door, while yelling to the guards, "Check on the Lady Vivian! And stay outside her chambers!" Phew!

"If only the Lady Vivian were in my chambers." I started walking toward my screen. "How wonderful that would be. Eh, Merlin? Merlin? Merlin?" I peeked over the top of the screen, then the side, but no Merlin. He's always disappearing like that. Oh well.

xxxXxxx

Later in the day, after I'd finally gotten bathed and changed, I noticed a piece of folded parchment on the floor near my door. I picked it up and opened it. A note—was it from my beloved? I read it out loud, "A second try. Sunset. I anticipate your arrival." All right! She must have somehow sensed I hadn't given up on her. And now she was waiting for me. In her chambers? Only one way to find out.

I went to the garden for another red rose. Ooh sunset. I made my way toward her chambers only to see guards in front of her door. She was there! I stuck the rose behind my back and went back the way I'd come. Maybe there's a way in from the square?

I snuck outside. It was after dark now, but that was okay. No one would see me do . . . whatever it was I was going to do. I walked over until I was under her window. No obvious ways in presented themselves. All that was left to do was climb the wall. I stuck the rose between my teeth for lack of another place to stash it, and began climbing.

Getting through the window was a chore. There was nothing to leverage myself up and over the sill. I ended up falling head first, but managed to turn it into a forward roll. Neat! The rose was mangled, but I stood and looked down. There she was; I sighed. "At last." So beautiful, even while asleep.

I sat next to her, to cuddle until she woke up. As I stroked her face, she woke. "My love!" She squealed. Oh, so melodic! She knelt up to face me.

"Always. Forever." The world faded away as we began kissing furiously. There was nothing but her.

A few minutes laterI heard her door bang open and King Olaf's furious voice say, rather loudly and rudely, "I knew it!" We broke apart. It seems we had quite an audience now—her father, my father, King Alined, Trickler, and Merlin?

"I can't believe my eyes." Merlin said.

It seemed my love was anxious to share our news, "Father! We've got something to say to you."

Father yelled, "Arthur!" At the same time, King Olaf took off his glove and threw at the foot of the bed.

"Father!" My Vivian yelled, exasperated.

He didn't listen to her, but said to me, "You previously said that if you ever actually insulted my honor, then you would gladly face the consequences. What do you say now, Prince Arthur?"

I got up off the bed, moving toward him. "How have I insulted your honor? Certainly not with my love only?!"I reached back to grab Vivian's hand and pull her toward me.

He was incredulous. "Love?! You don't understand anything about love! You're exploiting an innocent girl!"

Vivian took issue with that. "Father."

Father was incredulous too. "Arthur!"

I said back to Olaf, "I promise you, my feelings for your daughter are as genuine as they are deep."

He didn't buy it. "Hand her over, or face the consequences." I snuggled her into my chest and took her hand again, putting on my serious face. He continued, "Is this enough to risk your life for?"

"Arthur?"Vivian asked meekly, looking up at me. I saw that I needed to prove myself to her.

"It certainly is. I would sooner die than renounce my feelings." I looked right into her perfect eyes. "I love your daughter with all my heart." She smiled her brilliant smile and I kissed her before bending down to pick up the glove.

xxxXxxx

The next day dawned beautiful and bright, just like my Vivian's smile. What a gorgeous day to prove my love to her father by meeting him on the field of battle. Father came to visit me. He'd been talking to King Olaf to try to get him to change his mind. How silly! I couldn't contain my joy and bounced around my chambers—mainly my bed 'cause it was so springy!

"It's no good. I've talked with Olaf; he will not withdraw the challenge. He says his honor has been stained. He wants recompense."

"You didn't have to do that, Father." He didn't want me to prove myself?

"The fight is to the death. What did you imagine you were doing?"

"You can't help who you fall in love with." The absolute truth.

"You do understand that your behavior endangers the peace talks, and that it could lead to war for Camelot?"

"I am pleased to fight for what I believe in."

Father got so frustrated he turned to Merlin and asked, "What's wrong with him?" Merlin just shook his head, not saying a thing. Oh good! He was on my side.

"Lady Vivian. No more. And yet, who could hope for more?" Father threw his hands in the air and left. I guess he just couldn't withstand my flawless reasoning.

A short while later, Merlin and I left my chambers to head for the tournament field. I saw Guinevere in the corridor coming our way. I hadn't forgotten how she'd helped me the previous day. As she passed us, I said, "Ah, Guinevere! Will you wish me luck?"

"Will I?" She sounded kind of upset and didn't stop walking.

"Haven't you been told?" I stopped and turned around.

"Oh, yes. I've been told. But regrettably not from your mouth. I hoped you could've been more truthful with me, Arthur." Say what? She was upset with me? Whatever for? Very puzzling.

"What is she trying to say?" I asked Merlin.

"No clue." Well, he knew her pretty well and if he didn't know, then no one would. I turned back around and resumed walking to the field. We went inside my tent and I quickly changed with Merlin's help.

I walked out to the field where King Olaf waited and stood next to him. Father sat in the royal box, with Morgana and King Alined flanking him. He stood to address the crowd. "King Olaf has demanded recompense. And by the earliest laws of Camelot, the situation will be resolved through a tourney with three stages. The weapons selected are quarterstaff, mace, and sword. The fight will be by the Knights' Rules, and to the death. Do we all understand?" I smiled over at Vivian and she smiled back. She's so beautiful and I was doing this for her. She's so worth it.

Father raised his hand and lowered it quickly. That was the signal for the hourglass keeper to start timing. I heard Olaf growl as he made the first move. We traded a few blows then I noticed Vivian staring, so I blew her a kiss. He was definitely strong, but there was no way he was going to beat me. We got a good rhythm of strikes and parries going, then I hit him in the stomach. That gave me enough time to smile at my love again. Olaf used that moment to whack me behind the knees and I fell down hard. Ow! He almost hit me again before I jumped up and hit him a couple times. I relaxed too early and he struck me in the stomach where I was holding my staff. It broke and I turned around to show everyone that I was all right. Luckily the time ran out just then. I got to go back into my tent where Gaius insisted on checking me over. As if I could be hurt—how silly!

He poked me in the ribs and said, "One of your ribs is fractured, Sire."

"Nothing can harm me today. I'm indestructible." I grabbed his face between my hands. "Love really can conquer all, Gaius. It's true."

Gaius turned around and whispered something to Merlin. They had a quiet little conversation before Merlin shot me a weird look and left the tent. Oh well. Gaius could get me ready for the next bout with the mace. He didn't seem too sure though. I already told him I was indestructible; didn't he believe me? "Are you quite certain you can continue, Sire?"

"Providing I have Vivian to look upon, I can conquer the world. Anyway, the mace is my forte. You'll see." And I felt that way even after Olaf hit me hard in the abdomen. Again. More than once. He was really good at this—maybe it was his forte too. He just kept coming and coming at me. I couldn't get in close enough to hit him. Maybe the mace wasn't my forte. Finally I managed a couple of hits and he went down. I turned around to applause and faced my Vivian. She smiled her glorious smile, then looked horrified. I was puzzled until I heard Olaf's next swing. He almost had me then, so he redoubled his efforts and hit me in the shoulder. I fell and he swung his mace around for a final blow, until the gong sounded. He growled in frustration. I was grateful for the break and went back to my tent.

I had gotten my armor off and had been poked and prodded by Gaius again. He left, muttering something about lovesick fools. That's when Guinevere walked in. I was surprised! "Ah! Have you turned up to wish me good luck? 'Cause I honestly don't feel I need it anymore."

"No, Arthur. I haven't come to wish you luck." Hmph! Why come at all then?

"Well, frankly, that's quite rude."

"Then let me apologize," she said and walked right up to me. She pinned me up against the tent pole and kissed me. I was confused for a moment then closed my eyes to kiss her back. It's like a fog was clearing from my head. We put our arms around each other and I felt the need to dip her. I pulled her up and we broke apart. Suddenly I felt incredible pain and cringed at my newly discovered injuries.

"What's going on?" I asked her.

She whispered back, "You're in a fight. To the death. You're being beaten." Say what? How did this happen?

"But . . ."

She whispered again, "No time to explain. Simply . . . live for me, Arthur. That's all I want for now." The horn sounded. She had her hand on my face and looked right in my eyes. How could I refuse her that?

Merlin came in the tent just then and helped me get my armor back on. This fight was already going to hurt a lot, and I hoped the pain wouldn't hinder my mobility. We walked back to the field; once there, I stopped to put my helmet on. I watched Guinevere climb into the stands. I'd gotten into this fight for a stupid reason, but I knew I had to win it. Not for Vivian, but for Guinevere. But if I lost . . . I turned to Merlin. "Merlin, if anything happens to me, take care of Gwen. Everyone else may believe she's only a servant, disposable, but . . . she's not disposable to me."

He smiled and handed me my helmet. I knew he'd do as I asked, but I was determined to prove he wouldn't have to. It was time to fight for what was right. I walked back out onto the field and, at the sign, we started to fight. The pain did hamper me a bit, and Olaf managed to get in a few good hits. I caught sight of Guinevere and she smiled back. That gave me the strength to push past the pain. Eventually Olaf drove a shoulder into me and I went down. I rolled to avoid him and used his momentum to flip him over my head. That disarmed him and I jumped up quickly to press my advantage. I stood over him, ready to strike, then lowered my sword.

Raising my voice to address the whole crowd, I said, "This is not how we attain peace!" I reached down and offered Olaf a hand. I clapped him on the shoulder while the crowd cheered. I nodded to Guinevere and she smiled back. Now she was the one really worth fighting for.

xxxXxxx

Back in my chamber, Merlin explained about the love potion. Alined had Trickler procure it then use it on me and Vivian. Apparently Alined wanted war. Luckily Gaius knew how to break the spell and Merlin knew about my true love.

I knew I owed Guinevere a massive apology, so after I cleaned up and rested a bit, I made my way down to the gardens for the third time in as many days. At this rate there wouldn't be any red roses left. I walked down to her house with a note I'd written this time. I let myself in, knowing she wasn't home but would be soon. I left the note and rose on her table.

She came in a few minutes later and went right to the table. I'd hidden in the corner behind her door, so she was surprised when I spoke up. She turned around and I walked toward her. "I felt I should deliver it myself this time. I'm sorry . . . for . . . what I put you through."

"No. You don't have anything to be sorry for. I, too, have brought about my fair share of pain." She was too gracious, too kind.

"You have to know that my feelings for . . . Vivian . . . weren't genuine. I've never loved anyone else." I suddenly couldn't look at her.

"One day you will. One day you'll discover your true princess. One day you'll be King of Camelot. And I can't be your queen." Is that really what she thought? Ouch.

"You don't believe that."

"I am as certain of that as you are."

"Things could change."

"Well, until they do . . ." She bowed. "My Lord." No! This is not what I wanted! But what could I do? I turned and left without comment, not knowing what to think.

xxxXxxx

The next day all the kings and their retinues prepared to leave in the courtyard. We all watched as King Alined roundly abused Trickler, yanking on the chains that had been fastened around his wrists. "This is more than you merit, boy. You will run the entire way home." Alined said.

Whining, Trickler replied, "That's impossible, Master."

"Make it possible." Alined replied.

Father finally broke in. "Why so irritable Alined?"

I put in my two pence. "Anybody could guess you didn't want peace!"

"Certainly I do. Peace? Love it," Alined replied.

"Well, you can come back any time to see the treaty," Father said generously.

"You're really thoughtful." He sounded almost condescending. He nudged his horse into a walk, dragging Trickler behind him. A teary-eyed Vivian walked by us. Her father was close by her side.

"We can come back, too?" She asked hopefully.

I could tell father was trying not to laugh. "You'll always be welcome."

Vivian looked past him, to me. "My heart will wait, and I wish to unite it soon." I nodded at her awkwardly, and gave her a little wave. Thank goodness that was over. Hopefully the spell on her would break soon. I pitied Olaf having to live with her like that. I turned to walk inside with Merlin.

"Not too soon." I said to him in an undertone.

"No. May be at odds with your one true love."

"My what?" That wasn't a question. It was an opportunity to change his statement.

"You heard me. I have evidence." Huh? How the heck would he know?

"Evidence?" What evidence? What does he know?

"You kissed her. In the tent." Time to stop this story before it goes any further.

"Merlin." I injected a note of danger into my tone.

"Yes?" Cheeky fellow. I paused on the steps.

"What took place in the tent."

"Mm-hmm?" Paying attention? Good.

"Speak of it one more time and I'll kill you."

"Okay." We resumed walking. If I hear about this from anyone else, it would happen. Immediately and without hesitation. Just as soon as I could find him.


Thanks again for reading! :)