-13-
Arthur was surprised at how little time it took for Morgana and Merlin to reach Camelot. He called them not an hour ago, and here they were, impeccably dressed. He was impressed at how calm they were—most of the employees who were invited to the estate were nervous and fidgety. Probably because they knew that whatever was going to be requested of them would make or break their careers.
But Arthur had long ago come to the conclusion that these two were not the Pendragon employees he was used to.
They were in the study, a large room that had seen its fair share of confidential meetings between his father and several of board members. Arthur had only ever used it as a place to escape unwanted attention when the large gatherings hosted at Camelot became too unbearable.
Until today.
Morgana and Merlin sat in two armchairs in front of him. Once again, a desk separated them. This time it was a big oak affair that was as deep as it was wide. Dark and carved with the same ornate dragon that also appeared on the Pendragon coat of arms, the desk had been passed down from father to son for generations.
Arthur liked this desk, it was a symbol of power. It was an effective barrier that clearly marked the line between lord and peon. But this was not a time for demarcations. His request, while important, was personal, and Arthur thought that it would be best if he appealed to Merlin and Morgana's more emotional side.
He moved in front on the table, taking his place in the space between the two. Arthur chose to stand, thinking that while he needed to be friendly, he wasn't ready to remove all the barries that separated him from everyone else.
"Guinevere Leodegrance," he said her name plainly.
Morgana raised an eyebrow and exchanged a sideways glance with her colleague.
"What about her, Mr. Pendragon?" She gave a small smile at the man standing in front of her.
"Who is she?"
Arthur looked slowly from Morgana to Merlin. Something...electric seemed to pass between them as he asked the question.
It was Merlin who first spoke.
"She's Thomas Leodegrance's youngest daughter," he said simply. "She graduated at the top of her class with degrees in Political Science and History."
"But she chose to be a social worker," Morgana volunteered this information. "She's been working for the same non-government organization for three years."
"Ms. Leodegrance handles spousal abuse cases," Merlin said. His voice was even, but it was hard to miss the way his lip curled at the mention of "abuse."
Arthur wasn't surprised. Guinevere exuded a determined strength and he could only imagine her going toe-to-toe with an abusive spouse.
Merlin and Morgana didn't miss the smile that bowed Arthur's lips or how his features softened as he digested this information.
"What of her brother?" He asked again.
"Elyan Leodegrance," Morgana answered. "Thirty years old, three years older than his sister. He was in the military up until three years ago before he was given an honorable discharge."
"Why was he dismissed?"
"He beat up a soldier who was forcing himself on a woman," Morgana said plainly. "The man was in traction for a month."
"There was nothing on the news about this," Arthur was confused. This was a big case, why wasn't it made public?
"The woman didn't want to come out in the public," Merlin explained. "The other soldier came from a long line of military men and they didn't want to sully their name."
"There's something else, Emrys?" Arthur pressed.
"The family knew of their son's...impulses," Merlin gave the word a slight emphasis. "All they asked was that the court martial proceedings be kept quiet."
"Guilty?" Arthur asked.
"As hell," Morgana said, the hate plain in her tone. "But Lt. Leodegrance chose to leave, anyway."
"Why?"
"Mr. Leodegrance had his first heart attack," Morgana said simply.
Arthur nodded.
"Where is Lt. Leodegrance now?"
Merlin gave an address.
"He owns a motor shop just like his father," he said and then smiled. "But he's trying to get a teacher's certificate."
"They're a good, solid family, Mr. Pendragon," Morgana said. A smile was also on her lips.
Arthur nodded and rubbed his jaw. Salt-of-the-earth, kind, and tight-knit, he wasn't surprised.
"Have I..." Arthur paused before completing his sentence. "Have I met Guinevere before? At a Pendragon function?"
Merlin narrowed his eyes as he looked at the young executive.
"Why, sir?" He asked warily. "Is there...an issue between you and Ms. Leodegrance?"
Arthur regarded the lawyer with a level stare. Just how much should he divulge?
"I want you to find out what you can about Guinevere," he finally said. He left the statement open to interpretation.
Merlin cocked an eyebrow.
"Personal information, sir?
Arthur nodded.
"All above board, of course," his tone was matter-of-fact. "Any secrets, red flags..."
"Romantic entanglements?" Morgana asked.
"Yes."
The two lawyers nodded and Arthur was pleased.
"I've asked the staff to prepare your rooms for this weekend," he said as he gestured to the door. "Make yourselves at home."
The meeting was over and Merlin and Morgana took their leave.
Arthur was determined to find out everything about Guinevere. The emotions she brought out in him weren't normal, and he wanted to know how to prepare for their next encounter.
Arthur smiled. He had always been a very good hunter.
