-10-

The morning of the party started off normally. Tuesdays were slow days at the store so Ella and I spent much of the morning opening boxes of inventory and listing everything in the store's database.

"Oof! These things are heavy," I grunted as I hoisted a particularly heavy box from the floor to a table.

"See that letter on the top, there?" Ella pointed to the big E written in black ink on one of the box's top flaps. "That's E for Elyan. He'll be doing all the heavy lifting for us."

"Oh, good," I wiped a hand over my sweaty forehead and expelled a breath. "As much as I love how all this lifting is helping me get toned arms, I don't fancy throwing my back out."

We both laughed and decided that we'd done enough power lifting for the morning. Ella went back to the store and I spent the rest of the day in the office going through receipts and poring over invoices. I was pretty much left by myself until I heard a knock on my door.

"Hey," Ella said, walking into my office. "Shouldn't you start getting ready?"

"Hmm?" I said, tearing my eyes away from the computer screen. "What was that?"

"Gwen," Ella perched on the edge of my table. "It's seven in the evening. What are you still doing here?"

"It's what?" I practically shrieked, seizing the small clock I had on my desk. "Damn, Ella. Why didn't you tell me?"

"I did!" Ella said. "I texted you at four, five, and at six. Check your phone."

I did. "Damn," I said. "This is what I get for keeping it on vibrate."

I shut down the computer and tried to clear up my desk as quickly as I could.

"Can you manage?" I asked Ella.

She waved me away. "No problem," she said with a smile. "Just go get ready. I'll send you another text after everything is done here."

I gave her a quick hug and ran out the door. My flat was only a few blocks away from Tomes and as soon as I got inside, I was a flurry of activity. Soon enough, the primary preparations-meaning the getting clean part-was done and I was standing in front of my closet pulling out what was arguably the most beautiful dress I owned.

It didn't come from a designer label, goodness knows I could never afford one, but it was made especially for me.

I had once seen a beautiful beaded little black dress by Sarmi and fell in love. This dress was inspired by that: round neckline, sleeveless, tiered skirt, and a darling sash to cinch the wearer's waist.

I had only worn it once and I remember feeling like a princess when I did, so it made absolute sense that I wore it tonight. Anna may have left out what corporation she worked for, but if things happen the way I hoped they would, I may get a glimpse of Arthur Pendragon tonight. He will most likely not notice me at all, but I will see him, and I just want to look perfect for that one moment.

It took a while for me to dry and style my hair and put on makeup, but looking at myself in the mirror after putting in all that effort, I just had to smile. Vanity was never my thing, but even I had to admit that, tonight, I looked quite good.

My cab arrived just in time and soon I was making my way to the glass and steel fortress that was the headquarters of Pendragon Industries. Uh-huh, I was going to corner "Anna" for this.

I paid my fare, stepped into the elegant lobby, gave my name to the huge security guy ("Percival" his name tag read) and was escorted to a waiting elevator.

It was a short ride to the eighteenth floor, and as as the doors of the elevator dinged open, I was greeted by a sight that was straight out of an old Hollywood movie.

The party was being held on an open-air deck. Fairy lights were strung on elegant topiaries, small clusters of tables were strewn all over the place, uniformed waiters made the rounds while carrying silver trays of champagne and canapés, and everything was all beautifully lit.

I walked out of the elevator feeling as if I'd been transported into a fairy tale. The city's skyline was breathtaking from eighteen stories up. Buildings were lit and everything looked dream-like.

It didn't take long for me to find Anna-well, actually she found me.

"Gwen!" She called out as she wove her way through groups of people. "You're here!"

If I thought that Anna during the day was beautiful, tonight, in this beautiful setting and with her swathed in clothes fit for a princess, she was stunning. A few weeks ago, I may have put my head down and wanted to fade into the background, thinking myself unworthy to stand beside a woman who looked like her, tonight I held my head high. Wearing this dress made me feel beautiful, and with that came a small measure of confidence.

"So, this is your small company, huh?" I gave her a small smile and raised a brow as Anna reached my side and bussed my cheek.

"Yeah," Anna drawled. "You figured it out?"

"I work in a bookstore," I reminded her. "It was easy to find out who you really were."

"So...you're not mad?" She sounded worried.

"Nope," I told her. "But do I still have to call you Anna?"

"I think it's safe to drop that," Morgana (I suppose I can call her that now) linked her arm through mine and we navigated our way through the party.

Most of the night was spent with Morgana introducing me to several people, but after the first dozen names, I found it hard to keep track of who they were. Morgana must've sensed this because she led me to a table and we both sat down.

"Wow," I said. "If this is a small get-together, I wonder how your big events look like."

"Stick around," she said with a smile as she waved over a tray-laden waiter. "You just might find out."

We each took a tall glass of champagne from the waiter and gave each other a small toast. "Cheers!" we said in unison and took a sip of the bubbly liquid.

"Gwen!" A voice said behind me and I turned to see Merlin. "You look lovely."

"I could say the same about you," I smiled. "You look very dashing, doesn't he Morgana?"

Merlin pretended to preen by straightening the lapels of his jacket and smoothing his already slicked-back hair.

I turned to to look at Morgana and was rewarded with an image of this sophisticated woman staring at Merlin with her mouth agape. A slightly strangled sound came out of her-probably the answer to my question.

"O-kay," I drawled. "I need to go to the ladies' room, can one of you point me in that direction?"

Both Morgana and Merlin indicated the way with a jerk of their heads, their eyes still on each other. I was barely able to contain my laughter as I made my way to the powder room.

A short while later, I came back to the table and saw that my two hosts' hands were linked and that their cheeks were a lovely shade of pink.

"Hmmm," I said, a sly tone to my voice. "I must've missed something important."

Morgana peered at Merlin through her lashes.

"Yes," she said. "You did."

Merlin smiled at Morgana and then checked his watch.

"Almost time for the speeches," he excused himself and got up. "You two will be here when I get back, right? I just have to prepare Prince Perfect and King Dragon." He grinned at Morgana and I remembered the nicknames used to refer to her father and brother.

"Oh god," I thought. "Arthur Pendragon will be on that stage." I swallowed.

"Uh, Morgana," I said after Merlin left.

"Yes?" She turned to me with a brilliant smile.

"What's going to happen now?"

"Oh, my dad and brother will be making speeches," she rolled her eyes. "So boring, but we do this every year."

I watched as both Uther Pendragon and Arthur took to the stage and made their way to the podium that bore the Pendragon Industries' crest.

"And then?" I pressed.

"Then they make the rounds and shake everyone's hand, have the usual photo ops, blahblah."

The speeches were beginning now but they barely registered on my radar.

"Photo ops?" I squeaked. "With the business owners? One on one?"

"Yeah," Morgana's voice was nonchalant. "But it's usually just Arthur now because dad's retired."

Morgana must've seen the abject panic on my face because she suddenly turned around to face me.

"Gwen," I could tell she was concerned but there was also a smile on her face. "You're green."

Then it all clicked.

"You set this up."

"Me?" Morgana tried to look innocent, but all she accomplished was an expression of someone whose plans were coming together.

"Oh my god," I whispered and clutched her arm. "You seriously set me up."

"Ow," Morgana slowly disentangled my fingers from her person. "Look, I know about the story and the fascination with Arthur..."

I whimpered.

"But," Morgana said quickly. "That doesn't mean I'm up to anything too sinister."

I swear I was about to burst into tears. It was one thing to feel humiliated because your friend found out you had a crush on her brother, but it was usually 13-year-old schoolgirls who had this problem. I was a grown woman for heaven's sake!

"Look, Gwen," Morgana took my shaking hands in hers and spoke in a soothing voice. "This is just an introduction. I am not pushing you at anyone."

"I don't believe you," I was close to panicking. I was never good around guys I found attractive. I ended up rambling and scaring them away.

"Okay," Morgana sighed. "Fine, maybe I am. A little. But, if this is what it takes to get over your adoration of Arthur-believe me when I say he already has enough women fawning over him-then maybe it's a good thing."

"Get over him?" I blurted. "Why the hell would I want to get over Arthur Pendragon?"

I. Did not. Just say that. I buried my face in my hands.

"Gwen," Mogana said. "Pull yourself together. Here he comes."

I looked up and there he was. I guess the speeches ended just as I was having my anxiety attack. Arthur Pendragon was making a beeline for us and lord, did he look gorgeous in a tuxedo. If anything, his eyes were bluer and, in the gorgeous lighting of the party, his hair was a golden halo that framed his perfect features.

"Oh, all right," I mumbled to the woman beside me who was grinning like the Cheshire cat. "At least I look good, right?"

"You're perfect," Morgana gave my hand a reassuring squeeze. He won't be able to keep his eyes off you."

In no time at all, Arthur was bussing his sister's cheek.

"Arthur," I heard her say. "Meet Guinevere. Gwen, this is my brother, Arthur."

"Hello, Arthur," I extended my hand so I could shake his. "Thank you for inviting me."

He took my hand, and I swear an electric current passed from his to mine. And it had nothing to do with static.

AN: I realized that it was a bit mean of me for saying that I was going to post this chapter next weekend, so here it is! I hope you all enjoyed the Arwen moment in this one, and as always, I'd love to know what you think.

For the record, here's the Sarmi creation that Guinevere's dress was based on: i49*tinypic*com/153txcn*jpg