Chapter 6: Beautiful Stranger

So okay you guys here it is the moment you have waited for your entire life (ok maybe a bit dramatic, but you know you loves it) the romance! OH YEAH! This chapter is inspired by Madonna's Beautiful Stranger I love that song! Enjoy!

True to his word Arthur decided that he would do everything and anything in his power to make sure he was nothing like Uther. He'd even chosen a motto to remind himself WWUD, what wouldn't Uther do. He would be the complete opposite of everything that Uther embodied. As he was considering what he should do first he saw Lancelot and Leon struggling to carry a massive set of crates below deck. Although he already had a tremendous load of work to do he decided to help them they were both very appreciative to have an extra set of helping hands.

Throughout the day Arthur offered to lend a hand to anyone who wanted or needed his help. While he was assisting Annis he felt like someone was watching him but he wasn't sure who. He slowly turned around to find the Captain staring at him with a curious look in his eyes he made no remarks he just nodded his head and proceeded about his business.

That night Arthur lay restless in his cot as sleep evaded him. Images of his mother frail, weak and helpless clouded his every thought. How could my father be so cruel to his own wife? To sell her as servant no more than a mere piece of property? What would possess a man to be so horrible to the woman he loves?

He looked around the cabin all the other crew members seemed to have no trouble sleeping and some snoring loudly but peaceful. Arthur envied them he wished for sleep to come so easily but he couldn't even relax let alone sleep in his condition he needed some fresh air. He carefully slipped on his boots quietly as not to wake anyone else. Arthur was well aware of the Captain's strict curfew that restricted all crewmates below deck at a certain time but he just need to clear his head for a moment.

He stealthy exited the cabin and crept slowly above deck. A warm soothing breeze greeted him as he stretched his arms wide and inhaled the salty air of the sea. It was a lovely sight to behold as the ocean churned slightly all around the ship. He gazed up into the night sky at all the countless number of shimmering stars. The crow's nest once again caught his eye at it had his very first day aboard the ship. He smiled to himself as he walked over to the rope ladder that lead to the top some thirty feet in the air.

"Well I guess it's now or never." He said with a grin as he began the long climb to the top. He finally reached the last rung on the ladder as he made himself comfy inside the crow's nest. If he thought the view from the ship was lovely it was spectacular from his elevated height at the top of the ship he could see nothing but dark water churning softly in every direction. And the stars seemed so close he felt he could almost touch the sky. The feeling of the wind on his face calm and soothed his spirits a little and he closed his eyes taking in this precious moment of serenity.

Movement below startled him out of his peaceful thoughts as he crouched down low in the crow's nest. Oh shit if anyone finds me up here I'm a dead man. Who could that be out at this hour? He carefully raises his head and chances a glance at who could be walking around the deck at this time of night.

The sight he sees leaves him breathless. As he gazes down from the crow's nest he watches the most beautiful woman he has ever seen in his life walk across the deck. Her honey colored skin glows in the moonlight like an ethereal angel. Her dark lovely hair flows all the down to her hips in luscious curls. She is dressed in a simple pale blue tunic and dark brown trousers and boots. As the wind blows around her she looks like an enchanted fairy from one of those children stories.

He is tempted to call out to her when he sees her going into the door that leads to the Captain's cabin. She closes the door behind her never looking up or seeing Arthur at all. He sits very still moment thinking. Who could she be? He had never seen her on the ship before but he had never seen quite a few members of the crew. He and Merlin had been on this ship for about two and a half weeks and it was only yesterday that he meet the ship's cook Finna a lovely older woman who the kindest of natures. But this woman she was just incredible.

Arthur climbed down the long rope ladder to the top of the deck and began his descent below deck back to the crew cabins. As he quietly made his way back onto his cot his mind was overrun with images and thoughts of the beautiful stranger. Who was this woman? Well she obviously had some sort of relationship with the Captain. Was she his wife or mistress? No dear god, the heavens couldn't be as cruel as to let him gaze upon such a divine beauty and never have her. She could be his sister or cousin? But it really did seem hopeless the Captain still hated him relentlessly and getting involved with whoever this woman was probably a bad idea. But something inside deep inside just felt right about her I have to just see her again. These were the last thoughts that ran through Arthur's mind as he drifted fast asleep his dreams were consumed with the beautiful stranger.

The next morning as Arthur was taking a lunch break he confided in Merlin everything that happened last night.

"Are you insane? Arthur this is crazy breaking the strict curfew with a Captain that already hates you for a woman who clearly has some kind of relationship with him? What is wrong with you?" Merlin asks looking at Arthur as if he had completely lost his marbles.

"Merlin you don't understand this woman is amazing I can't even explain what she does to me. I just need to see her again I won't do anything crazy-

"Crazier you mean." Merlin interrupts with a grim expression.

"Well yeah I admit it is a little nutty but when you feel a connection with someone special you just know it. Like with you and Freya." Arthur says smiling at his cousin.

Merlin blushes a little at the mention of Freya's name. They have gotten very close during their time on the ship together." Just be careful Arthur, The Captain promised us safe passage from Blackwater's manor to Pendragon estates. That doesn't mean he won't kill you when he gets what he wants."

"I'll be fine Merlin no one else even comes out at that time of the night I just want to try to talk to her if I can."

Later That Night

Arthur waits for the entire cabin to go to sleep. Merlin gives him a knowing look of warning before he turns and snuggled underneath his covers and falls fast asleep. As carefully as before Arthur puts on his boots and leaves the cabin quietly he makes it to the top deck and he ascends the rope ladder back to his favorite spot on the ship the crow's nest.

He looks at his pocket watch the time is 1:20 in the morning it took a little longer for the other crew member to fall asleep. He hopes he hasn't missed her, maybe she has already been on deck tonight and he was too late. Just when he is about to give up hope the door to the Captain's quarters open with a creak. And out of the door steps the beautiful stranger tonight her hair his pulled into a long ponytail and her hair hang down her shoulder. She is dressed in black trousers and boots with a dark blue tunic tonight. Arthur watches her intently wondering what to say how to even start a conversation with this woman.

She is leaning against the deck running her dainty little hands along the railing. Then suddenly she jumps up and stands on the deck railing she stretches her arms out wide in the moonlight. Arthur is shocked with panic is she going to jump overboard?

"WAIT NO PLEASE DON'T DO IT!" He yells from the crow's nest.

Startled and surprised at finding someone else on the top deck she tries to turn around but, she loses her balance slips and falls and hitting her head on the rail of the deck before slumping to the floor.

"Jesus Christ I've killed her." Arthur hurriedly climbs down the rope ladder jumping the last five feet in an attempt to reach the unconscious woman. She is even more lovely and perfect than he could have imagined as she lay knocked out on the deck of the silent ship. He sits and the floor beside her and gently tries to rouse her by carefully lifting her in his arms cradling her body close to his, gently he runs his fingertip over cheeks, touching her face. "You are so beautiful." He whispers softly before he can stop his self.

Oh shit was that out loud. I really hope that wasn't out loud.

His fears are confirmed when she stirs. "Are you flirting with me?" She mumbles.

He blushes slightly embarrassed."Um, you took quite a fall. Are you okay?" He asks looking down at her as she begins to come to.

She tries to sit up and fails."Um oh shit my head. What happened?"

She opens her eyes and her long thick black eyelashes reveal the loveliest almond colored eyes Arthur has ever seen they seem familiar to him somehow. They gaze into each other eyes as both of their stomachs flutter with emotion. Her breath quickens as she realizes that he felt it too. Is it just me or is he moving closer?

Her warm eyes seem to glow in the pale moonlight as she smiles, then jumps up in shock to find herself in the arms of a strange man. Arthur releases his hold on her a little as she removes herself from his grasp. She sways slightly when she attempts to stand up and he is right at her side to catch her before she falls.

"My name is Arthur Pendragon, are you sure you're okay?"

"I'm a little unsteady but I can manage thank you." She removes herself from Arthur's grasp cautiously. "What are you doing out here I'm sure you are aware of the Captain's orders?"

"I uhh well sometimes I get a little seasick." He lies not wanting to tell her that he's been watching her. "You should probably get back before the Captain knows you're gone through right?

"What are you talking about?

"You know you and the Captain, I saw you go to his quarters the other night. I didn't know the Captain was married."

"I'm not married to the Captain he's my brother.

"Oh that explains it. When you came to and I saw your eyes I thought they looked familiar. You have the Captain's eyes.

"No my brother has my eyes. I was born first so their my eyes." She states matter of factly.

"Well I met your brother first I didn't even know you existed so you have your brother's eyes." He says with a smile.

"I'm the oldest I had these eyes before he was even born." She walks toward him and pokes him in the chest accenting her every word. "So. Like. I. Said. He. Has. My. Eyes.

"Yeah I'm not going to count that." He says with a cheeky grin, watching her get more and more ticked off.

"I'm going to bed."

"Wait you didn't tell me your name."

'I know. Goodnight."

"Come just tell me what your name is."

"Nope. Goodnight Arthur." She smiles teasing him she turns and walks away and puts her hand on the door of the Captain's cabin.

"If you don't tell me your name then I'll just have to ask your brother or everyone one else onboard this ship till I found out."

She turns around a challenge on her face. "You wouldn't."

"I would so tell me."

"My name is Guinevere." She finally relents.

He smiles triumphantly. What a beautiful name. "Now was that so hard Guinevere?"

Guinevere just rolls her eyes and heads for the door again.

"Can I see you again tomorrow night?" Arthur asks.

She turns to face him." Why?"

"Just to talk. I want to get to know you better."

"You want to get to know me better what are you like fifteen, sixteen years old?"

"I turned twenty a few months ago." He states defiantly. "Is it because of my age, because there can't be that much of a difference between us?"

"No it's not, it's just complicated okay."

"How is meeting me again such a big deal. I would really just like to get a chance to talk to you."

"I just don't think it's a good idea, Arthur."

"Just tell me that you didn't feel it too, the connection between us. Tell me you felt nothing and I won't bother you if that's what you want."

She remains silent for a while considering what Arthur said. Guinevere bites her lower lip a nervous habit she displays whenever she's deep in thought that unbeknownst to her is the sexiest thing Arthur has ever seen. Her lip biting is only making him want her more. She considers lying telling him she didn't feel anything at all but she would not only be lying to him she'd be lying to herself too.

Guinevere sighs quietly. "Okay I'll meet you here tomorrow night at 1:30."

His face lights up in the biggest brightest smile she has ever seen. Guinevere finds herself smiling at his eagerness it quite simply the most charming thing she has ever seen.

"Good night Arthur."

"Good night Guinevere." He calls in a low voice. As she walks to the door of the Captain's cabin, she turns to look at him before she walks inside to find him still grinning like an idiot. She shakes her head and smiles closing the door behind her.

Arthur smiles and continues smiling all the way to his cot below deck. He smiles as he gets under his covers and begins to drift off to sleep. He smiles as he dreams of him and Guinevere together, he smiles when he wonders what her laugh might sound like or what her supple lips would feel like to kiss.

The next day if his face hurts from constantly smiling he doesn't notice as he does whatever chores and tasks are required of him. He continues his path of not becoming Uther by helping and assisting with any ship work. Going above and beyond trying to prove his worth. The Captain is well, still the Captain nothing different in the way he treats him which is good news cause it means Guinevere didn't tell her brother about them. He looks forward to nighttime at his precious time with Guinevere. Merlin watches his cousin with amused interest.

"So I take it your evening went well." Merlin asks.

Arthur's smile widens even more if that were possible." Merlin I think I'm in love with the Captain's sister. She amazing, there was a moment when we were together and there was a connection, I'm sure she felt it too."

"And her brother the Captain doesn't know?"

"Well I think the fact that I'm still alive would suggest that she didn't tell him. I am truly grateful too." Arthur continues to tell Merlin about their night together as his excitement builds about seeing her again tonight.

Arthur checks his pocket watch as he paces back and forth on the top deck. It's almost 2:00am and he hasn't seen Guinevere yet. He hopes she hasn't changed her mind. He almost gives in to the thoughts that maybe she was just leading him on when the door to the Captain's cabin opens.

Guinevere steps out into the moonlight looking even lovelier than the last time Arthur saw her. Smiles at him shyly as she makes her way over to him. Tonight she is wearing a lovely lavender top that is more fitted to her figure than the other tunics she usually wears she has paired them with tall black boots and cream-colored trousers that grip her hips in a way that is very complimentary to her nice round ass. Her hair is loosely pulled back behind her head with a few stray curls slinking down her neck.

"I thought perhaps you weren't coming." He says a worried expression on his face.

"No I just couldn't decide what to wear." She smiles up at him shyly.

"You look amazing Guinevere. Wait you couldn't decide what to wear were you dressing up for me? Does that mean this is our first date?" He wiggles he eyebrows suggestively.

Her eyes go wide and she laughs at his silly flirting. "I didn't say that."

He laughs too. "You have a beautiful laugh. It's like music to my ears. Laugh again."

"What?" She laughs again. "There's nothing to laugh at."

"Oh there it is again I just want to hear you laugh. Tonight my mission is to make you laugh again."

"Okay Arthur." She smiles at him he looks expectantly at her waiting for her to laugh again. "So what do you want to talk about?"

"I don't know actually I just wanted to see you again. There is something I wanted to ask you."

"Sure what is it?"

"What in the world were you doing standing on the rail of the deck? I thought you were trying to jump over board."

She laughs again and he smiles loving the sound of her laugh. "It's quite silly really."

"Oh now I really want to know. What is it?"

"I'm afraid of heights. So I work on standing on different height levels so I can get over this stupid fear."

"You should climb the crow's nest. I've never been so high in my life but the view is beautiful."

"Oh no that's way too high. I could never climb that high."

"I could climb with you. If you'd like we could climb together, now if you want."

Her eyes grow wide with fear. "Uh no maybe later. I prefer to stay on the deck for now."

They walk around the top deck talking about anything that comes to mind. They walk over to where Percival's blacksmith bench is. A few swords have been left out. Arthur picks up a sword and spins it in his hand quickly turning the blade in his palm.

"You are skilled with a sword." Guinevere states impressed with his skill.

"I have been trained to handle a sword properly since I was four. I could show you a few moves."

"I'd like that Arthur." She takes seat far enough away from the length of his blade but close enough where she could see him closely.

"No Guinevere pick up a sword." He points indicating the other sword leaning against the bench.

"What you want to spar with me?"

"Well yes of course."

"Arthur I don't that's a good idea."

"If you're nervous don't be I'll go easy on you Guinevere."

"Okay if you insist." Guinevere stands and selects a sword and stand in front of Arthur. She opens her legs to a wide stance.

"Now the first thing you need to do is stand with your feet-" He turns face her and sees she is already in the correct stance with one of her eyebrows arched high.

He clears his throat. "Yea uh that's the correct stance."

She smiles at him warmly as they begin to duel. He starts with some slow movements and she blocks every one with great ease. So he speeds up increasing his attacks, she matches his speed blocking his every move with the skill of a great sword master.

Arthur moves back slightly flustered. "Wait you are quite handy with a sword yourself. You let me think that you were unskilled."

"Whatever you thought or assumed was of your own doing Arthur Pendragon." She says with a flirty smile.

"You tricky little minx." He laughs and a thought occurs to him making his smile grow wide. "Okay since you know your way around a sword let's make this interesting."

"How so?"

"Well how about a little wager if I win I get something from you. I want a kiss on the lips." He smiles devilishly.

"Well when I win I get something from you." She remarks with sassy smile." I want a handshake."

"When you win? Somebody's awfully confident."

"Why yes I am. You ready Pendragon?"

"Let's do this."

They circle each other slowly swords drawn and pointing at each other. Their swords meet in the air with a loud clash. They spar duck and dodge each blow quickly turning and spinning past the blades of steel. Ducking and dodging the attacks from each other Guinevere's hair comes undone and her mocha colored curls cascade down her body.

Arthur's blade comes close to Guinevere as the sword grazes the sleeve of her arm, missing her flesh but, slicing a tear into the sleeve of her blouse.

"This was one of my favorite tops."

"Sorry about that."

She grins with a wicked smile as she stretches out and slices his tunic from top to bottom exposing his toned muscular chest and his rippled abdomen.

Her eyes roam over his body as she takes in his physique." Oh, not bad." She licks her licks seductively.

He grins in amazement at her boldness as his shirt hangs off his body in shreds. He takes what is left of his tunic off and tosses it aside. They continue sparing and he spins quickly positioning himself behind her their bodies collide. And he places his sword at her neck as he runs his hand down her slender waist and grips her ass.

"Not bad at all." He remarks huskily in her ear.

She can feel the beginnings of his arousal pressed against her backside and the heat from his bare chest is contagious. An aroused moan escapes her mouth before she can stop herself. She arches her back slightly and she can feel him as he sighs against her neck. Arching her back into him she can feel the him losing some of his grip on the sword. Quickly she pushes forcefully against him and spins quickly disarming him and catching his sword in the air.

She has both of the swords in her hands aimed at his throat. He gulps loudly with the look of surprise on his face.

"Do you surrender?" She asks breathlessly her bosom heaving up and down.

"I yield." He says glumly catching his own breath.

She returns the swords and sees Arthur pouting with his arms crossed over his chest.

"I won far and square Arthur. I believe it's time I claim my prize." She extends her hand toward Arthur.

Arthur doesn't make a move to shake her hand. "I want a rematch." He says still pouting.

"Don't be such a sore loser." The way his lips look when his is pouting is cute and sexy at the same time the most adorable thing she has ever seen.

"Arthur are you going to give me my prize or not."

He finally walks over to her and extends his hand in defeat.

"I was thinking perhaps..." She grips his hand shaking it once. "A compromise."

She pulls his body close to her and places her full lips on his pouted ones. It takes him just a second to get over his stunned surprise. Then he wraps his arms around her waist pulling her body flush up against his to deepen the kiss. This was meant to be a sweet flirty kiss, just a little peck she told herself ,but sparks begin to fly as he gently prods open her mouth with his tongue. She rubs her hands over his firm bare body stroking his broad shoulders gently. The stay lips locked, tongue tasting and bodies pressed together for a few moments before Guinevere breaks the kiss and surfaces for air. He gazes at her with such a look of passion that ignites a fire inside her.

"I should go it's getting late." She pulls away from him gently and reluctantly making her way back to the Captain's cabin.

"Goodnight Guinevere."

"Goodnight Arthur."

Arthur watches her go and stands there a moment reliving that amazing kiss with Guinevere. He picks up his shirt and goes below deck to the crew cabins dreaming of Guinevere throughout the night.

Yeah so okay this sword fight wasn't really an original idea it's kinda inspired by The Mask of Zorro movie the scene where Zorro sword fights with Elena in the barn. I completely loved that scene just sexy hotness. I hope you enjoyed the Beautiful Stranger chapter. Please leave a review!