A/N – okay so review reward didn't work, never mind, worth a shot. Would still love to hear what you think. Thanks for reading.

Disclaimer in Chapter 1

Now, on with the story:

Chapter 6 - Waking up

They went back to Gaius' chambers, to find the Princess still asleep, with Gwen by her side.

Tristan made his way directly to Tayla, whilst Arthur went to Gwen who had stood up to give Tristan her seat.

"How is she?" Arthur asked, looking at Gwen. She smiled at him gently, "She is resting well and Gaius is pleased with her condition."

"Thank you Guinevere." Arthur smiled at her and she felt her heart leap. Maybe Gaius was right, Gwen thought, as Arthur gave her another smile before walking over to Merlin.

"Merlin, could you please organise the chambers across from mine for the Princess and Tristan. He will be staying with her." Merlin's eyebrows raised at the idea of the knight staying in with the Princess, as well as the please.

"Merlin, it is complicated but my father has agreed to it. Could you please take care of it?" Arthur asked again, his eyes going to Tayla as he heard her stir.

"Of course, my Lord," replied Merlin, moving away to do as requested.

"Merlin, she likes flowers, ..." Arthur said, still looking at Tayla.

"I'll take care of it my Lord," Merlin said. As Merlin passed Tristan, the knight added, "She likes them in various colours not just one."

"Many colours. I'll see what I can do. Thank you, my Lord," Merlin replied nodding to the knight and left, wondering just how well these two men knew the Princess.

Arthur moved closer to Tayla and Tristan, noting that she was struggling to open her eyes.

"Gaius, is she alright?" Arthur asked the physician, who came over quickly to check on his patient.

"Princess, can you hear me?" Gaius asked.

"Yes Gaius, I can," she replied quietly, to the relief of all of them.

"Can you open your eyes?" asked Gaius as he continued to notice how that seemed to be troubling her. At that moment a memory surfaced in Arthur's mind and he couldn't help but chuckle.

"So, still here then Arthur?" Arthur heard Tayla ask softly, a smile in her voice as she recognised his laugh.

"Still here," Arthur said as he moved around so she could see him.

"Going to share?" Tayla asked, looking at him and noting the missing sleeve and bloody clothes. He obviously hadn't taken the time to change.

"Share what?" Arthur asked, pretending to not understand.

"Why you were laughing? I am sure, considering the day we have had, we could all do with something funny," Tayla replied.

"Alright then. I was just remembering the times you stayed here and the trouble you had waking up. Gaius, I do not think you should worry too much about the Princess if she struggles to wake. It is perfectly normal for her." Arthur said, smiling at Tayla. He heard Tristan start to laugh and saw Tayla look at him, reproachfully.

"Are you laughing at your Princess, Sir Tristan?" though she smiled as she said it.

"Well, he does speak the truth my Lady. You are difficult to wake up at the best of times," Tristan replied.

Arthur looked at Tristan carefully, wondering just how he knew that. Though, to be honest, the knight was probably wondering how Arthur knew that himself. He was considering asking when Merlin walked back in.

"The chambers are ready, my Lord." Merlin said, looking over at Arthur and nodding.

"Thank you Merlin," said Arthur, moving closer to Tayla and looking to Gaius, "Is she ready to be moved somewhere more comfortable Gaius?"

"Yes, she should be fine to move, however, perhaps we should get the Princess into something more comfortable before we move her," Gaius replied. Arthur looked down at Tayla and her torn and bloody clothing, he turned to Merlin.

"Already done my Lord," Merlin said as he held out a package that had been behind his back, "One of Morgana's night dresses. She says hello, by the way my Lady, and will come and visit once you are settled, you need only send her word."

"Thank you," Arthur and Tayla said at the same time.

"Alright then," said Gaius, "perhaps if you gentlemen wouldn't mind leaving the room, Gwen and I can make the Princess more comfortable." Arthur was about to protest but the meaning of Gaius' words sank in before he did and hastily, along with Tristan and Merlin, he left the room. When they heard her whimper through the door it was all Arthur could do not to go back in. Arthur noted the tension in Tristan and felt that he wasn't the only one having trouble being away from her whilst she was in so much pain. Again, Arthur wondered just what kind of relationship Tristan had with the Princess. It was obvious the knight cared deeply for her and she for him, but just how far did it go.