Author's note: First let me apologize for not updating. I've been having a hard time lately and haven't been able to write. I'm terribly sorry, but I am updating everything and uploading some new stuff! Second let me ask: how is the new season of Merlin? I live in the US so I haven't been able to see any episodes except the season premiere. Enjoy the chapter.
Chapter 8
After his bath Arthur made his way to the massive dining hall. He paused outside the door and looked at Merlin. "You can't tell anyone what that letter said Merlin."
Arthur had let Merlin read the letter. It was the letter King Hrothgar had sent about Elaina. The letter detailed her supposed crimes and that ultimately she planned to take over the country. She was not only a threat to Heideen but to all the surrounding countries, Camelot included.
Arthur shook his head and sighed in frustration. "How could a man do that to his own daughter?"
"He fears losing his throne, power makes people do crazy things Arthur." Merlin could think of a prime example of that. Uther's hatred of magic and his pursuit of any and everyone who practiced it.
"But to sentence your own daughter to death, it's unforgivable."
"Well it's a good thing that you got to her when you did. If you hadn't she would probably be dead."
"Why that's chipper Merlin! I often wonder how I got by before you and your sunny disposition."
"So do I," Merlin said easily.
Arthur scoffed at him for a moment. "Right, I will see you after dinner. Remind Gaius that he still needs to look in on Elaina."
"Yes sire," Merlin said before heading down the hallway.
The guards at the door announced his presence and Arthur strode into the room. His father was the only one there. Morgana and Elaina must still be getting ready.
"Father," Arthur said in greeting.
"Arthur," Uther said warmly. "How are you this evening?"
"Fine sir."
"Good, good," Uther said. Arthur noticed that his father seemed distracted by something but did not comment on it. "How are your men? Is the new batch rising to your expectations?"
"Of course, you would be pleased with their progress, they'll make excellent knights."
"Perfect, we need more men like you in this kingdom, more men to uphold the knight's code."
"Yes," Arthur said lowly.
"The Lady Morgana and Lady Elaina," the guard announced before opening the door to reveal the girls.
Morgana and Elaina swept into the room. Both looked exceptionally comfortable in the other's presence. Arthur paused for a moment to take in the sight. There were several girls in Camelot but few could compare to Morgana and Elaina.
Morgana wore a blue gown with her hair swept up on her head. Elaina wore a green gown and had left her hair down in a bit of a wild mess. It flowed down to the middle of her back in an unruly fashion. Morgana smiled brightly at both men, but Elaina kept her eyes on Uther refusing to meet Arthur's gaze.
"Good evening ladies," Uther said warmly. He offered his arm to Elaina and escorted her to her seat. "I hope that you found your chambers satisfactory Lady Elaina."
"Please call me Elaina. And yes, Merlin, Morgana, and Gwen did a wonderful job preparing them. Arthur selected the perfect room. It's beautiful."
"Good." Uther pulled out her chair and motioned for her to sit. Arthur offered his arm to Morgana and led her to table. He went through the same process his father had before taking his seat next to Morgana across from Elaina.
"Elaina and I spent the afternoon together," Morgana informed them. "Did you know that in Heideen their young ladies are trained to fight just like the young men?"
The servants hopped to business and began placing the food on the table. Everyone slowly filled their plates as the conversation continued.
"Do the young men not find it distracting," Uther asked Elaina.
"Some do," Elaina admitted. "On the other hand though, it forces them to be more focused. Getting distracted by a beautiful girl could prove to be deadly."
"Do they fight against one another," Uther asked curiously.
"Of course," Elaina replied. "Often we underestimate our opponents. This prevents it, when you know even a young woman can be deadly with a sword you expect much more."
"It's an interesting tactic," Arthur allowed. "It hardly seems necessary though."
"How so," Elaina asked. She met Arthur's gaze for the first time that evening. It held a challenge for him.
"It seems improper for a young lady to be trained as a young man would be," Arthur pointed. "Men want women who know how to be such."
"Heideen women are incredibly well rounded Arthur," Morgana said sharply.
"It's true," Elaina said easily. "Our women train in sewing, singing, dance, and art as well as swords, bows, maces, and spears. Everyone should be capable of defending what is theirs."
"It's an interesting philosophy," Uther said. "You're quite accomplished Elaina."
Arthur snorted at the comment. Everyone shot a glance in his direction. Elaina clenched her jaw and stared at him for a moment. "You doubt the ability of a woman with a sword," she asked pointedly.
"Yes, I do. A woman could never hold her own against a well trained man."
"Why don't we put it to the test then," Morgana suggested.
"Careful Morgana," Uther warned. "Elaina's not fully recovered."
"What did you have in mind Morgana?" Elaina was eager for an opportunity to prove herself and to prove Arthur was wrong.
"A fight," Morgana snuck a look at Arthur who looked stunned. "Why don't the two of you fight?"
"I wouldn't want to hurt Arthur or his pride," Elaina said with a slow smile. "I wouldn't want to do something 'improper'."
Arthur rolled his eyes and snorted again. "I am not going to fight with you, you could get hurt. My pride has nothing to do with it."
"I think it's an excellent idea," Uther commented.
"Father," Arthur said sharply.
"Arthur, I think we should give the young lady an opportunity to prove her strength. When she is fully recovered I would like to see what she can do. Of course the two of you shouldn't fight, I know how competitive you are Arthur. You two could very well kill each other."
"Then who would rule Camelot," Morgana pointed out.
"Very true, no Elaina will fight with a man I select."
"Do you not think it would dishonor one of my men to fight with a girl," Arthur demanded.
"If your men are dishonored to fight with a worthy opponent they shouldn't be knights at all!" Elaina pushed her plate away and stood up. "I'm not feeling well, if you would excuse me I would most appreciate it."
"Of course, Arthur will walk you back to your room," Uther said as he rose from his seat.
Arthur shot an angry look at his father before standing to do his bidding. He offered his arm to Elaina who took it stiffly. They strode out of the room and down the hallway away from the guards. As soon as they were out of sight Elaina released Arthur's arm.
"I would love to say that your behavior surprises me, but it doesn't, you're every bit as arrogant as I heard," Elaina snapped.
"Excuse me?"
"You heard me! I can't fight because I'm a woman?"
"You're a girl."
"I'm a year younger than you are Arthur Pendragon!"
"Exactly," Arthur said smugly.
"You're infuriating. You think because you're crown prince you can treat people however you please and they'll just take it."
"You do the exact same thing Elaina."
Elaina stopped walking and stared at him in surprise. "I do not!"
"What do you consider what you just did to me? We are on the same level so it's not the same?"
"It's too bad your father won't let us fight, I would love an opportunity to come at you with a sword."
"There are some in my room."
"I would hate to kill the future king of Camelot because of his stupid assumptions of the female condition." Elaina stormed away from him silently praying that he wouldn't follow her. The footsteps pounding after her weren't a good indicator though.
"I do not think you are incapable because you are a woman."
"A girl, you called me a girl Arthur!"
Arthur grabbed her arm to make her stop walking. Elaina spun around to face him. Being that close to Arthur was unnerving, until that moment she hadn't noticed just how blue his eyes were.
"I simply think that endangering one so beautiful is foolish," Arthur said softly. It was meant to be a compliment. It was what Arthur really thought, but at the same time he hoped to diffuse the situation.
Elaina yanked her arm out of his grip. Her jaw clenched tightly and she stared at him furiously. "I am much more than a beautiful girl Arthur Pendragon," Elaina said menacingly. "You'd do well to remember that."
With that Elaina stormed away from Arthur without a backward glance. He realized in that moment that he had really made a mess with Elaina. It was going to take a lot to fix this one.