Disclaimer: this is a non-profit making work, I own absolutely nothing to do with the show, corporation or legends – just imagine the havoc I could wreak if I did! :p

Note: thanks again to reviewers, u know it makes me happy :D x

It had been three weeks and there had been no word from Gwen apart from one occasion towards the end of the first week when Morgana had despatched a rider to the small town in the west to bring back word of her maid. Gwen had sent a letter expressing her pleasure at hearing from her mistress, that she was settling well in her new setting and the volume of work was keeping her busy enough that she could not specify a time when she would be return and that she hoped that her Lady would understand. She had added that she also sent her regards to Merlin and the Royal Household.

It had hurt Arthur more than he imagined that Gwen had not mentioned him by name despite logic telling him that it would have been highly irregular for a person of her status to imply any over familiarity with a member of the royal family who she did not serve directly.

Since her departure, the blond Prince would stare hopefully out of the window each morning for not insubstantial amounts of time and every time would eventually turn away with a dejected air. Arthur had no idea that he would suffer so much from the absence of a servant, particularly one who did not even serve him directly. Gwen, however, was not just any servant - she had become more than that. She had risked her life for him (saving him from a giant flying monkey gargoyle), she had risked her reputation (hiding him in her home when he had wanted to prove his worth by competing anonymously). Above all, though, she had taught him many important lessons about himself and in doing so, had helped make him a better heir to Camelot's throne and more importantly, had made him a better man. The combination of her quiet dignity, earnest honesty and steadfast faith in his abilities to always make the right decisions in the face of adversity had quickly led him to value, nay, love her in a way he could love no other woman. To Arthur, Morgana's maid was the most beautiful creature that walked the earth and there was nobody else that could even come close.

…And therein lay the problem. The Prince's attempts to distract himself from his private misery had meant that his attentions towards another woman had become perceived by everyone to be the build-up to the prospect of a new future Queen of Camelot. Everyone, that is, apart from Arthur's trusted friend and servant. Merlin could see that his master's actions would have no happy-ever-after ending if he continued along his current course.

Arthur Pendragon gave his reflection a critical look as he straightened his shirt sleeves, pulling them out from the cuffs of his surcoat whilst Merlin examined him with a concerned expression.

"What is it, then?" Arthur asked with a long-suffering sigh.

"My lord?"

"You've been looking at me for the past ten minutes as if I had just grown two heads, so what is the matter with you?"

"Well," started the sorcerer, "you're meeting her ladyship again."

"Yes, I'm just going to show her some more of Camelot's landscape. What's your point?" The Prince was used, by now, to his servant's roundabout way of making a point and he knew when to ask Merlin directly in order to save time and energy.

"Well…you see…" Merlin was trying hard to think of the best way to phrase his words.

"Come on, just say whatever it is you want to say." Arthur tapped his foot impatiently.

"Um, alright then, everyone thinks that you're getting married."

"What?" Arthur was disdainful. "Don't be absurd, Merlin."

The latter stood his ground, it was high time he voiced his concerns to Arthur, before it was too late. "I am not being absurd." Merlin kept his tone even. "It's the talk of the castle."

Arthur shook his head as if he were an adult trying to explain something to a dim-witted child. "Really, Merlin, you shouldn't listen to gossip, I thought you would know better."

"Arthur!" Merlin was stern and it took these rare moments of absolute seriousness from him to get the blond heir to pay proper attention. "It's not gossip. Your father, the King," he stressed, "has already sent word to the royal jeweller and goldsmith that his services may be required in the very near future."

The Prince's expression changed and he looked at Merlin with shock as realisation dawned on him. "No!"

"I assure you, yes. In fact, it's probably the talk of the kingdom – you know how quickly news spreads." Merlin cocked his head slightly and regarded him quizzically. "So are you? Getting married, that is."

"No!" came the horrified reply.

"Alright, just checking." This was said with a shrug.

"But…but how?" Arthur stammered with shock.

Now it was the darker man's turn to patiently explain. "Because you have been spending more time with only one particular young lady and no-one has ever known you to do so with anyone else in the past. Therefore, a great deal of significance has been attached to this observation." He pursed his mouth thoughtfully before asking, "Are you thinking of marrying her?"

"NO!" Blue eyes widened in disbelief. "How can I think of marrying someone else other than…" Arthur stopped himself only for Merlin to complete the sentence for him.

"Gwen." Merlin couldn't resist a satisfied grin in the face of his master's unfolding predicament. "I knew it wasn't true."

"Merlin," he stalked over to him with a desperate look on his face, "you need to help me. What am I going to do?"

Merlin felt sorry for his friend who had a similar look to that of someone who found themselves backed into a corner when they least expected it.

"For a start, you need to stop seeing her as often, actually, probably not at all would be the best option at this moment in time." He looked away as he added, "I also believe that the lady in question has been to consult a dressmaker."

Arthur's expression became gloomier. He had only been trying to forget about Gwen, not trying to pursue a potential bride!

"Secondly, you must speak to the King and tell him that you are not intending on marrying the lady he is thinking of."

The only response was a despairing groan.

"Gwen, my dear."

Gwen looked up at the smiling face of Hannah, the midwife, who had just entered the small cottage where Gwen was staying at the present time. Although, she was enjoying seeing her old friend and learning new skills, the maid was missing her life back at the castle and she missed her friends, not least the blond Prince of Camelot.

"Yes, Hannah?"

"My dear, have you not heard the good news? A kinsman who has just returned from the castle brings word of glad tidings."

Gwen sat patiently, she had grown accustomed to her friend's exuberance which meant she always took a short time before saying anything she wanted to share.

"Prince Arthur is to be wed! Isn't that exciting?"

The young woman could only stare blankly at Hannah before fixing a terse smile and nodding. Inside she heard a pounding as blood rushed to her head and she felt as if her heart had sunk to the soles of her feet. She could not believe her ears!

Ah, if only love ran smooth! Lend me ur musings

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