Beauty and the Beast Part One

In a land of Myth and a time of magic,
The destiny of a great kingdom rests on the shoulders of two young people,
Their names,
Merlin and Mira-Liana

It had been two months since Gwen and Mira-Liana were rescued from Hengist and the revelation that Mira-Liana was going to have a baby.

In those two months, everyone in Camelot had been giving them wishes of congratulations, Morgana and Gwen were looking forward to being aunts, Merlin was proud and protective as a brother should, Mordred and Frik were pleased, and Uther and Gaius were happy for the young couple.

Arthur had taken every precaution to make sure nothing happened to Mira-Liana or their unborn child. His concern was both touching and irritating as Mira-Liana carried out both her magical and royal duties, as he fussing over her like she was something fragile. To keep him from driving them both mad, Mira-Liana had promised to keep her involvement in the dangers to a minimum.

Thankfully, this was not one of those "fussing" days and nor had there been any trouble for quite some time. At that moment, husband and wife were sitting together talking about names for possible names for the baby when Mira-Liana suddenly let out a gasp and her hands flew to her stomach.

"What is it? Are you alright?" asked Arthur, looking worried.

Mira-Liana nodded and smiled. "I think the baby just kicked."

"Can I—?"

She nodded and placed his hand on her swollen stomach and then the baby kicked again, making them both smile as he wrapped his arms around her and covered her hands with his own.

"I love you," he said.

"I love you too," she said.

Even though the Great Dragon had foretold the continuation of Arthur's line through Mira-Liana, neither of them had ever fully expected to have a child so early in their marriage. But nonetheless, they were happy and excited about the future that lay ahead for them.

There was a knock on the door and Gwen came in. "Sorry to bother you, but the King wants to see you. Apparently, there's someone here."

"Tell him we'll be right down," said Arthur.

Gwen nodded and left the room as Arthur helped Mira-Liana to stand and walked with her down to the hall where a beautiful redheaded woman and strange-looking man entered.

Mira-Liana was surprised when she saw the look on Uther's face as he said, "Lady Katrina, can it really be you?"

She nodded as she bowed. "I can hardly believe it myself."

"We heard about the tidings in the North, and heard the House of Tregor had fallen to invaders," said Uther.

"All that you heard was true and worse, my lord," said Lady Katrina.

"Your father, the King?" said Uther, looking horrified.

"Gone, sire. The enemy attacked without warning. We were outnumbered five to one. We could not endure. I would not have survived had it not been for my faithful servant, Jonas. And we have made it this far," said Lady Katrina as she nearly fainted into Uther's arms. "Forgive me, my lord. I fear my sufferings have taken their toll."

"Your sufferings are beyond imagining, Lady Katrina," said Uther. "I would be honored to help in any way that I possibly can."

"A bed for the night, that's all I ask," she begged.

"Then consider yourselves our esteemed guests, it's the least we can do," said Uther.

"Thank you," she said.

Okay, who is this and what have they done with Uther? asked Merlin. He's never

I agree, said Mira-Liana. Aloud she said, "Perhaps Arthur and I could show Lady Katrina and Jonas to one of the guest rooms, sire?"

"Yes, of course. That would do nicely," said Uther.

"Follow us," said Arthur.

They led Lady Katrina and Jonas to one of the guest rooms.

"I'm sorry. I know it's not really what you're used to," said Arthur.

"Oh, I'm sorry, but I didn't get your names," said Lady Katrina.

"Prince Arthur Pendragon and this is my wife, Mira-Liana."

"Well, Arthur and Mira-Liana," said Lady Katrina. "Considering Jonas and I spent the night in a cave, this will do very nicely."

"If there's anything you need, just ask and the servants will attend to you," said Mira-Liana.

"My mistress and I can't be more grateful for the kindness that you have showed us," said Jonas.

"You're-Welcome," said Arthur. "Now, if you'll excuse us."

"Good-day," said Mira-Liana, as they left the room.

XXX

That night, Uther held a dinner with Lady Katrina, Arthur, Mira-Liana, and Morgana. Everyone seemed quite surprised at how taken Uther was with Lady Katrina. They couldn't recall a time whenever he'd ever acted like a young man with a little crush.

"Are you enjoying yourself, Lady Katrina?" asked Mira-Liana.

"Very much, thank you," said Lady Katrina. "This is all wonderful."

"It's an honor," said Uther. "The Houses of Pendragon and Tregor have been allies for long as anyone can remember."

"My father spoke of you often, my lord," said Lady Katrina.

"And I will remember him always," said Uther.

"I'm sorry I didn't get the chance to meet him," said Arthur.

"I'm sorry too," said Lady Katrina, as she pushed aside her food. "The House of Tregor is no more."

"No, Katrina, it lives on in you," said Uther.

"I only wish that were true," said Lady Katrina.

"It is my Lady, your courage, your modesty and you are as you always were. Ever since you were a child," said Uther.

"Oh I fear I am much changed since then, my lord," said Lady Katrina.

"Yes, it's true," said Uther. "You are far more beautiful now."

Good heavens, is it me or is your father actually flirting? asked Mira-Liana. She'd worked out a spell that allowed her to talk to Arthur with her mind as well.

It's not just you, said Arthur. I've never seen him like this before in my life.

Don't get me wrong, I'm glad he's happy, but it's a bit strange seeing him so…un Uther-like.

I have to agree with you. Do you want to go?

Yes, please.

Arthur yawned and said, "I'm sorry. It's been a long day of training and I should get my wife to bed. If you'll excuse us."

"Yes, of course," said Lady Katrina.

"I should be retiring too," said Morgana. "Excuse me."

"I'll see you all in the morning," said Uther. "Sweet dreams."

XXX

Back in Gaius's chambers, everyone was having a little talk about Lady Katrina as Gaius did a little examination of Mira-Liana and prepared a tonic.

"Did you see how taken Uther was with her?" asked Morgana.

"I've never seen him like that with anyone," said Gwen. "It's kind of nice."

I don't like her very much or Jonas, said Mordred, as he hung up some herbs. They're too strange.

"In what way are they strange, Mordred?" asked Merlin.

"Well, most of Uther's guests don't treat anyone below their station politely, but she did," said Frik. "And so did her servant, even though they've been through quite a lot in the past few days."

"Well, Lady Katrina's always been gracious," said Gaius.

"You knew her before?" said Arthur.

"It was many years ago," said Gaius. "I doubt she would remember." He filled a bottle with a purple liquid and sealed it tightly. "Mordred, could you a little job for me?"

Yes, sir. What is it? asked Mordred.

"Take this to the Lady Katrina with my compliments," said Gaius. "She'll know what it is."

Alright, said Mordred. He took the medicine bottle and then left the room.

"So, Gaius, how are they?" asked Arthur, referring to Mira-Liana and their baby.

"Both of them are fine, Arthur," said Gaius.

"The baby seems to be strong too," said Mira-Liana, as she rubbed her stomach. "It kicked again."

Everyone smiled, but the Mordred returned with the unopened medicine bottle, which he placed on Gaius's desk. She didn't ask for the medicine. She didn't need it. She didn't even want it.

"Interesting," said Gaius.

"If you say so," said Merlin. "Why did you send the tonic, if she didn't need it?"

"When I treated Lady Katrina as a child, it was for an incurable disease. Katrina had a rare bone disorder that affected her joints. She often had difficulty walking, especially after a long day's ride. My tonic was the only thing that brought her relief."

"But she was walking just fine," said Gwen.

"So, I noticed," said Gaius.

"So, the tonic was some kind of test?" said Morgana.

"Indeed," said Gaius. "Now I'm starting to wonder if the Lady Katrina is really the Lady Katrina at all."

"Well, we can't do anything tonight," said Arthur. "If this woman is an imposter, we're going to need solid evidence that my father can't refuse."

"In the meantime, I suggest we all get some rest," said Frik. "I will investigate Katrina's room in the morning and see what I can dig up."

XXX

The next morning, Frik reported what he'd discovered. He'd disguised himself as a servant and had snuck into the Lady Katrina's room.

"When I entered the Lady's room, I couldn't help noticing that the bed wasn't slept in and there was this foul smell in the air," he said.

"That's strange," said Merlin. "Did you find anything else?"

"Indeed I did," said Frik. "Jonas seemed to appear from nowhere just as I was leaving and when he turned around, I could've sworn I saw a green forked tail."

"A tail?" said Mira-Liana. "But how is that possible?"

"I don't know," said Frik.

"But we do know this," said Gaius. "Whoever these people are, we must keep a very close watch on them."

"I'd better tell Arthur," said Mira-Liana. "Merlin, come with me."

Merlin nodded and they went out into the courtyard just as Uther and Lady Katrina were riding back in from their morning outing.

Arthur was also there, watching his father and Lady Katrina act like a pair of young lovers. "Honestly," he said. "Have you ever seen anything like it? Whatever she is, she seems to have won my father over very quickly."

"I'll say," said Merlin. "Listen, Frik found a few things."

"What did he find?" asked Arthur.

"Her bed wasn't slept in, there was some strange smell and her servant seemed to have a tail," said Mira-Liana.

Arthur's eyes widened. "A tail?" he repeated. "So, what does that make them? What are they?"

"We don't know, but we intend to find out," said Merlin.

"And before you ask, yes, I promise I will keep my distance from the danger unless Merlin absolutely needs my help," said Mira-Liana, as Arthur opened his mouth to speak. "Relax. I won't endanger the baby."

"I know," said Arthur. "I'm sorry. I can't help worrying about you."

"I know. It's fine," said Mira-Liana, as she kissed his cheek.

XXX

The minute Gaius had a chance, he spoke with Uther.

"Good-evening, Sire," said Gaius.

"A very good-evening to you, Gaius," said Uther cheerfully.

"I see you're in very high spirits."

"I am. I am."

"Katrina seems to have struck a chord with you."

"She is a remarkable woman."

"I seem to remember that I treated her as a child. She has such courage in the face of her condition."

"Condition?" he repeated. "What're you talking about?"

"Oh, I thought you knew, Sire. I diagnosed Katrina with an incurable bone disease," said Gaius.

"Evidently you were mistaken. There's nothing wrong with her now."

"It has been a miraculous recovery, I must say."

"I'm sorry, Gaius, what are you suggesting?" asked Uther.

"I'm not 'suggesting' anything, Sire. It's just a little strange, that's all."

"The only thing I find strange is that you won't admit that you were wrong."

"Sire! This is not about me. It's about the Lady Katrina," said Gaius.

"The Lady Katrina is our honored guest and you will treat her with the respect she deserves," said Uther, sternly, before walking away.

XXX

But Gaius's words did have some effect on Uther, as he couldn't seem to forget them as he and Lady Katrina talked by the fireplace. When she asked what was bothering him, he inquired about her disease and how she no longer needed any medicine.

Lady Katrina seemed a bit bothered by this, but admitted that she suffered from the sickness but Gaius was mistaken in believing her disease was incurable. This seemed to satisfy Uther for the moment and things were fine for the moment, but when Lady Katrina tried to get closer, Uther refused to even try a relationship as he was still grieving over the loss of Igraine.

Despite the polite apologies and the seemingly lack of awkwardness or anger, Lady Katrina was in a rage when she left the room and stormed down the halls, not noticing that she was being followed by Frik, Merlin and Mordred.

They noticed she'd disappeared into some of the animal pens and since they didn't want to be discovered, they went up to Arthur's room where Mira-Liana and Arthur were waiting, and enchanted a mirror that floated to the ground and reflected Lady Katrina's true form in it.

"I don't believe this," said Arthur. "My father's fallen for a troll?"

"That's disgusting," said Mira-Liana, as her nose wrinkled.

I knew something was wrong with her, said Mordred.

"We've got to tell Gaius," said Merlin. "Frik, go and get him."

"At once," said Frik.

Within moment, Gaius was in the room and he looked worried. "Is it true? Lady Katrina is a troll?"

"I'm sorry to say that it's true," said Arthur.

"This isn't good," said Gaius. "Trolls are seldom seen. They despise all other living things, especially humans. They prefer to lurk and hide in their nests, feasting on rotten filth."

"And Jonas? Is he a troll too?" asked Mira-Liana.

"There's no telling what manner of creature he is," said Gaius.

"But this doesn't make any sense," said Merlin. "If trolls like to lurk in the dark so much, what's this one doing in Camelot?"

"Trolls are greedy," Frik explained. "Lady Katrina and the rest of her kind all lust after wealth and power."

And this troll wants Uther's wealth and power, said Mordred.

"We've reached the point of no return," said Gaius. "Uther has to be told."

"You're going to tell my father that his new lady friend's a troll?" said Arthur.

"That's exactly what I'm going to do," said Gaius.

"Good luck," said Merlin.

XXX

The following morning, Gaius carefully approached Uther, who was watching Lady Katrina from the window.

"Sire."

"Gaius."

"My lord, I've served you for many years now. I'd like to think that in my humble capacity, I've advised you to the best of my ability. And that my advice has proven to be of value to you."

"Yes, this is true."

"So, I must advise you that the Lady Katrina is not all that she seems to be."

"Oh?" said Uther. "And tell me, Gaius, who is she?"

"I believe her to be…a troll."

"Excuse me?"

"Some trolls have the power to take any shape they please and this one has chosen a shape that pleases you. You are besotted my lord. This creature has you in its power."

"Gaius, this is ridiculous."

"Sire, her entire family is wiped out but she alone escapes. She has an incurable disease but makes a miraculous recovery."

"That is nothing but idle gossip," said Uther, dismissively.

"And is it idle gossip that she does not eat her food?" said Gaius. "No, she feeds off rotten food like any other troll!"

"Enough!" said Uther. "This attack is unwarranted and malicious."

"Sire, her servant is not human! He has a tail!" Gaius protested.

"I said enough!" said Uther, sternly.

"Sire, please, I just advise you not to do anything rash."

"And I advise you to hold your tongue, Physician, or I will indeed do something rash," said Uther, coldly.

XXX

Gaius went back to his chambers where the others were waiting. He immediately held up his hands before anyone spoke. "Please, no one say 'I told you so.'"

"We won't," said Mira-Liana.

"Uther didn't take it very well," said Gaius. "He refused to listen."

"I can't say I'm surprised," said Merlin. "Magical love tends to blind people to the truth."

"True enough," said Gaius. "But I know him. He's a grown man, but he's not stupid. He will reflect on what I said, I'm sure he will."

"Let's hope you're right," said Mira-Liana.

XXX

But trouble followed. Merlin and the others did not know that they had been watched by Jonas the previous night and Jonas had altered his mistress that they were on to her. Katrina decided that they had to be quicker in their plans and enchanted an amulet that would make Uther bend to her will.

When she was enjoying a meal with Uther, they spoke of their relationship. Uther wished to wait a while so they wouldn't rush into things or cause the public to react badly and Katrina seemed to agree, but then she gave him the amulet, claiming it was a family heirloom that he simply had to take. Once it was on Uther's neck, he was passionately in love with Katrina and fully obedient to her.

Worse still, Uther asked Lady Katrina to stay indefinitely and told this to Gaius and considered Gaius's previous accusations to be of no importance and false.

XXX

"It's no good," said Gaius, as he spoke with Arthur, Mira-Liana, Merlin, Mordred and Frik. "I can tell him she's a troll until I'm blue in the face, but he won't listen. To him, she's a charming, beautiful woman."

"Yeah, with the body of a tree trunk," said Arthur. "What're we going to do? My father's in love with a troll and she's done something to him."

"But we only know that because we saw it," said Gaius.

"So, what do we do?" asked Mordred.

"We must open Uther's eyes and show her what she really is."

"Using magic?" said Merlin.

"It's the only way we can reveal Katrina's true form," said Gaius.

"Wait, hold a second, you're telling me that Merlin and Ana need to use magic in front of my father?" said Arthur.

"Maybe not Mira-Liana, but yes," said Gaius.

"Uther would connect the dots and we'd never get away with it," said Mira-Liana.

"I know and I'm sorry. I know how dangerous this is," said Gaius. "But we cannot allow Katrina to gain control over Uther. Think of what the consequences might be."

"True enough," said Merlin. "But there's one problem. Mir and I know nothing about troll magic."

"And mine and Mordred's knowledge is extremely small," said Frik.

Gaius handed him two books. "Then we have work to do."

"Ana, I don't want you near Katrina. Exposure of your magic is one thing, putting you and the baby in danger is another," said Arthur.

"I know. Which is why I won't be near Katrina when it happens," said Mira-Liana. "Merlin and I have come up with a way to join together and combine our powers even if we're apart."

"Alright," said Arthur. "Now, let's get to work."

For the next several hours, they studied until Merlin found something. "Here, look, it's the Spell of Revelation, to bewitch something so the true nature will be revealed."

"But this only applies to inanimate objects, Master Merlin, not living beings," said Frik.

"It's all we've got," said Mira-Liana. "Besides, the principle's the same. We have to try it."

"Very well, but choose your moment carefully," said Gaius. "Trolls are very vicious."

There was a knock on the door and Gwen came in. "Uther's got an announcement to make. He wants everyone in the hall."

"We'll be there in a moment," said Arthur. "Tell him Ana is ill and will not be attending."

"Yes, of course," said Gwen.

"Be careful," said Mira-Liana.

"We will, I promise," said Arthur. "Frik, Mordred, stay with her."

"We will," said Mordred.

XXX

Everyone gathered in the hall where Uther was with Lady Katrina and smiling broadly. Mira-Liana watched everything through an enchanted mirror.

"Thank you all for coming," Uther greeted. "You're no doubt wondering why I have gathered you here today. Though we live in dark times, today I bring you light and love."

Arthur and Merlin exchanged looks and raised their eyebrows.

"It's my greatest pleasure to inform you that the Houses of Pendragon and Tregor are to be united in the closest bond of all. I am going to marry the Lady Katrina of Tregor. I am to marry Lady Katrina tomorrow!"

Those who knew the truth about Katrina were horrified by this information.

Mira-Liana closed her eyes as she reached out to Merlin through her mind and together they whispered the incantation for the Spell of Revelation.

They did this many times and although the spell seemed to take some effect, Katrina's power seemed overpower it and she did not change.

They all came back to Gaius's chambers.

"Gaius, I'm sorry. We tried," said Merlin.

"We tried our hardest," said Mira-Liana.

"I know you did," said Gaius. "It's not your fault."

"The Spell of Revelation is powerful magic," said Frik. "And anyone with eyes could see that she could feel the spell's work."

"Her magic must be strong to resist the two of you combined," said Gaius.

"How is that possible?" asked Mordred.

"Magic works in mysterious ways and it cannot be explained," said Mira-Liana.

"That's all very well, but we're still in the same position as before," said Arthur. "If we can't break the enchantment, what do we do?"

"We'll figure something out. We always do," said Merlin. "We've been in worse cases than this."

XXX

Later that day, Merlin and Mira-Liana were taking a walk and heard the sound of someone sobbing. They looked and saw that it was Jonas.

"Oh, Master Merlin, Princess Mira-Liana, I'm sorry," he said, when he saw them.

"What's the matter with you?" asked Merlin.

"I'm a slave, a prisoner," he sobbed.

Merlin and Mira-Liana exchanged suspicious looks. Lady Katrina and Jonas always seemed to get along perfectly. This didn't seem right.

"My mistress is not what she seems, but the two of you know as much," he said.

"Go on, we're listening," said Merlin.

"She is a cruel, wicked creature. She keeps me in chains. She hurts me. Her magic, I can't escape it. It twists my mind, as she is twisting the mind of your king."

"And why are you telling us this?" asked Mira-Liana, as she narrowed her eyes.

"Because I can help you," said Jonas.

"How?" asked Merlin.

"Below under the castle, where she sleeps. She keeps her potions there. Every night she must take her potions, it is the magic that transforms her from beast to beauty. If you were to take these from here, she must remain as a beast. And then your king would not be so keen, I think."

"Tell us, Jonas," said Mira-Liana, her voice dangerously calm. "Why should we believe any of this?"

"You must do as you see fit, Princess," said Jonas. "But if my mistress is not stopped, by morning she will be Queen."

Jonas then disappeared down the hall before they speak further.

How did he know it was both us using the magic? Mira-Liana asked.

I don't know, Merlin admitted. Maybe he sensed the connection.

Do you really trust him?

Of course, I don't. But I'm at least going to look. I'll sneak down there tonight. You stay in your chambers with Frik and Mordred. I don't want anything happening to you or the baby.

Alright, said Mira-Liana. But promise me you'll call if you need help.

I will, I promise.

XXX

That night, Merlin snuck down beneath the castle where Lady Katrina slept. He immediately began looking for any sign of the potions Jonas had spoken of.

"You won't find anything in there," said Lady Katrina, startling him. "You and your sister may possess some magic, but it's no match for mine."

Merlin ran after her, but she used a spell to create a barrier and trapped him inside.

He tried several times to break the barrier so he could get free, but to no avail.

XXX

Meanwhile, Lady Katrina and Uther's wedding was well underway. The hall was prepared for the ceremony, the guests had arrived and Uther was awaiting his bride, who was already walking down the aisle.

Mira-Liana was pacing in her room with Frik and Mordred guarding her. She was trying to keep calm for both her sake and the baby's, but she was worried about Merlin. Finally, she heard his call.

Mir, I'm trapped! I can't get free!

Hang on, I'm sending some help, said Mira-Liana. "Frik, go to Merlin. He needs help. I'll channel my magic through you. Go!"

"At once, my lady," said Frik. "Mordred, stay with Mira-Liana."

Mordred nodded and sat beside Mira-Liana on the bed as she sat down. She closed her eyes and focused on her power and with her help, Frik was able to help Merlin get free.

XXX

Merlin and Frik ran as fast as they could to stop the ceremony. They were nearly there, but unfortunately, they ran into Jonas.

"Master Merlin, Lord Frik," he breathed. "Can I help you? Are you lost?"

"Step aside Jonas," Merlin hissed.

"The King's wedding is by invitation only," said Jonas.

"He said get out of our way, you vile little beast!" said Frik.

They tried to shove past him, but Jonas grabbed them. "I regret to say that the two of you are not invited," he hissed, as he shoved them to the ground.

Merlin and Frik got up, each predicting the other's move. When Merlin and Frik tried to run for it, Jonas knocked Merlin back and tripped Frik before sending him flying into the wall.

Jonas grabbed Merlin and lifted him off his feet. "Leave my mistress alone!" he snarled, shaking Merlin.

Merlin glared and kicked Jonas off him. They both flew back painfully before Merlin got up and used a spell to send Jonas flying into a small pillar that had a jar on top of it that fell and knocked out Jonas.

Feeling satisfied, Merlin helped Frik to stand before they continued their run.

But they entered the hall too late. The bride and groom were kissing. They failed to stop Uther and Katrina from marrying. Camelot was doomed.

To Be Continued