I firgured what the hell let's post the 20th chapter too. I like parts of this one a lot, but I do not like the end. Non, je n'aime pas. i feel that the ending of this episode and the ones that will follow are anti-climatic, because I completely skip the fighting scenes at the end. I do that for a reason though. One: I feel that if Artemis was the one helping all the time then what the hell would Merlin be for, he is the title character. Artemis can't steal his thunder and two: I am too freakin lazy to retype the entire scene and find a way to put Artemis is there. It's tedious and I'm impatient with myself... is that possible? anyway, so comments, suggestions, complaints, questions?

Enjoy.

From what Artemis had heard, Arthur had told his father the truth about where he had been. They had gotten into a bit of a quarrel because of it but all was eventually forgiven. Lancelot and Gwen got back to Camelot safely, and after the three had arrived back in Camelot Lancelot disappeared after a few words with Gwen. A week passed without anything decently eventful happening. Of course the calm wasn't to last.

Walking down the halls of the palace during the night, Artemis was prepared to go home. The rumor of the day was that a noble, Lady Catrina, was in Camelot. She was of the House of Tregor, a family that had been killed in an attack on their home. She was the only one that had apparently survived. Nearly out of the palace, Artemis ran nearly directly into Arthur and Morgana. They both had come from the dining hall.

"Evening Artemis," Morgana said happily. "Going home?"

"Yes. You seem pleased."

"Yes. Uther is quite taken with Lady Catrina," Morgana replied. "It's good to see him happy." She saw Arthur give a look of disgust. Artemis bit her lip stifling a laugh.

"Well, that's nice I suppose. I should get home. Have a good night you two."

"You too," Arthur said. She smiled at him gently. This weren't as awkward toward each other as they were previously. They tried to act normal to each other. They really did try, but it still held a little awkwardness. Artemis turned and walked back to the house.

"Honestly," Arthur said turning away from the sight of Uther and Lady Catrina. "Look at them," he said gesturing to them. Merlin was brush Arthur's horse while Arthur stood on the other side of the horse. Artemis was sitting on the ground watching Uther and Catrina.

"Don't you think it's odd how quickly they've become close?" Merlin asked.

"There's nothing odd about that," Arthur replied. "My father's a wealthy and powerful man."

"So…," Artemis said, "all women who love and are charmed by powerful, rich men are just after their money and power?"

"No," Arthur said quickly. "Of course not. That's not what I meant."

"It sounds like that's what you're saying, Arthur. That all women are gold digging harlots? Is that what you believe?"

"No! I mean… some women are… not that you are… or um… I am going to stop talking now."

"That great Arthur Pendragon is stuck for words? That seems impossible." Artemis smiled. "Perhaps you just know nothing about romance, Arthur. A ride to the river to have breakfast together," Artemis chuckled. "It seems your father has a romantic side. Most women kill for a man for some sense of romance." Artemis laughed. "It'll be interesting to see the woman you will marry, Arthur. Hopefully she's not to demanding or she's in trouble of some serious disappointment."

"Don't you have something to do?" Merlin said noticing slight pain on Arthur's face. He hid it well.

"Talk about rude!" Artemis said standing. "Well then, I'll just leave shall I? I'll find something to do with my time?" She marched away annoyed.

"She's a troll!" Merlin said bursting into Artemis's house the next morning. Ava and Artemis were eating breakfast.

"I know," Artemis replied eating her breakfast calmly.

"You know? And you didn't care to say anything?"

"I figured you would figure something out, and so you did. Now get going on trying to break Catrina's magic."

"What? Then why can't you?"

"That would technically be interfering in a monarchy which is against the rules."

"What? Are you kidding me?"

"No. I can't do anything. You do something."

"Fine! I will!"

"Good." Merlin left.

"That was interesting," Ava said. Artemis laughed.

The court was required in the Council Chambers the next day this included Artemis unfortunately. Artemis stood by Arthur and Merlin. She tapped her fingers against her arm impatiently. Lady Catrina and Uther walked in hand in hand. They bowed gently as they passed.

"Thank you all for coming," Uther said with a smile. "You're no doubt wondering why I've gathered you all here today. Though we live in dark times, today I bring you light andlove." Artemis cleared her throat and coughed slightly trying to hide her laughter at his cheesy words. Arthur didn't look pleased. Artemis put a hand on his arm. He looked down at her. She smiled gently. He smiled weakly back. "It is my greatest pleasure to inform you that the houses of Tregor and Pendragon are to be reunited in the closet bond of all. I am to marry Lady Catrina of Tregor." Artemis smacked her hand to her head. There was clapping.

"Dear Gods out all the stupid things Uther Pendragon could do," Artemis muttered to herself. Lady Catrina leaned in and whispered to Uther.

"I am to marry Lady Catrina tomorrow." Everyone clapped. Arthur clapped slowly not very pleased still.

"Oh, for the love of Gods," Artemis said smacking her palm to her forehead again. She dragged her hand down her face in a tired manner.

"This union heralds a new dawn for the kingdom, a new beginning, and a new queen for all here in Camelot." Artemis didn't hear the rest of the speech. She was too focused on the fact that Catrina's skin was literally crawling. Artemis looked out the corner of her eye. Merlin was casting a spell. The troll seemed affected, but it didn't work. "Thank you," Uther said finishing his speech. Artemis clapped absently. Catrina led Uther away. She looked impatient to leave.

Artemis knocked gently on Arthur's door. It was open, but she didn't want to barge in on him. He waved her in when he saw it was her.

"You're not happy about your father's marriage, are you?" Artemis asked.

"Not particularly."

"Why?"

"It's just…," Arthur tried to find the words.

"Too much, too soon?" she asked. Arthur nodded.

"Exactly!" Artemis nodded.

"That's understandable. I know how I would feel if some stranger came out of the blue and married my mother. It would be weird and shocking and… weird." Arthur laughed slightly. Artemis smiled gently before her smile fell and she groaned in annoyance.

"I hate weddings." Arthur laughed.

"What so what would you have done for your wedding?" Arthur asked.

"Well… I wasn't going to get my way. Kael wanted a big fancy wedding. You know typical nobility. Me… I want a small wedding with just my closest friends and family. I want get to married outside near the sea where I can listen to the waves crash against the cliffs." Artemis closed her eyes picturing it. "I would wear a simple white dress made of a pretty thin, loose material. It would natural and peaceful not very professional or romantic." She laughed opening her eyes.

"It sounds nice," Arthur said.

"It would be perfect," Artemis said with a laugh. "I don't know how anyone can get married in front of some many people. Another thing I can't do… public anything," she laughed. "Speaking in front of large groups of strangers makes me paranoid. I just can't do it."

"Maybe I should teach you that too," Arthur muttered thinking.

"Oh yeah and how are you going to do that? Marry me in front of the entire court just to get me over it?" she teased. Arthur laughed and nodded.

"Exactly." Artemis laughed lightly. "I'm just kidding. If I did marry you, a marriage by the sea sounds nice." Artemis smile fell. She wanted to make a comment about that, but she didn't need to kick Arthur while he was down.

"I have to go," Artemis said. "I have to go decide what to wear for Uther and Catrina's wedding. Good luck." Artemis left.

Dressed in a black dress, Artemis stood in the front of the crowd. The dress was not one made for a wedding… well not to most people but the monarchs and Servants of the World. It was simple dress that was cut into a V neck. There was a hood attached to the dress. It had long sleeves and was very depressing really. There was a white dragon of the Servants sewn on the front. A silver ring of a phoenix was on her left ring finger where a wedding ring would usually be placed and a necklace of a dragon claw held a small clear crystal ball around her neck. Artemis's hair was done up nicely as well as the little makeup that was available. She had a mask on. No emotions showed through. When a Servant did not approve of a union, this is what they looked like. Uther and Arthur entered. They both wore their traditional crowns and red capes. Arthur stood next to Artemis.

"You look like you're dressed for a funeral," he muttered.

"Perhaps I am," she said with a morbid look as Lady Catrina walked in. She walked down the isle and met Uther.

"My Lords," the priest said, "Ladies and gentlemen of Camelot, we are gathered here today to celebrate, by the ancient right of hanfasting, union of Uther Pendragon and Lady Catrina of Tregor. Is it your wishes to become one with this woman?"

"It is," Uther nodded.

"Is it your wish Catrina to become one with this man?"

"It is."

"Do any say nay?" Artemis looked forward very sternly. She really wanted to say nay. There was silence. "With this garland, I do tie a knot," he said wrapping a vine around Uther and Catrina's hands, "and by doing so binding your hands and your hearts for all eternity.

"I, Uther Pendragon, King of Camelot, I shall not seek to change thee in any way. I shall respect thee as I respect myself."

"I now pronounce you to be husband and wife." Uther and Catrina kissed. There was clapping. Artemis kept still. That was the end of it. The wedding was over. A troll was now the queen of Camelot.

Artemis frowned to herself. The next day Catrina had accused Merlin of stealing, and he was now on the run from the guards. Arthur had made sure he got away. Artemis was actually pretty proud of him for allowing that. The day after a new tax was instilled. She knew Arthur wasn't pleased about it. Artemis sat in a chair in Arthur's room. She was dressed in a black, a mask still in place. Arthur entered his room.

"Artemis," he said surprised to see her there.

"Afternoon, Arthur."

"Is something wrong?"

"There is many things wrong," she admitted. "I feel that I need to warn you, Arthur. If things get worse in Camelot… the Servants of World will get involved and you do not want that. If they get involved your father will most likely be tried and found guilty. You must understand that."

"What can I do?"

"I don't know," she said. "But right now… I am here as a Servant of the World, and that is it. Do you understand?"

"It's why you've been acting so serious?"

"Yes, because this is a serious matter." Artemis stood. "I don't know what you can do. All I can do is prepare you for the worst if it ends badly. I am sorry."

"I do not blame you. My father has been acting strangely. Cruelly even." Artemis nodded. She put a hand on his shoulder as she walked past him and left the room.

It did get worse in Camelot. The next day Artemis watched as a neighbor was struggling with the guards for not paying taxes. Arthur walked down the street.

"What'd you think you're doing?" he asked

"He refused to pay the King's tax," the guard replied.

"You-you ask for too much," the man said. "I've given all I can."

"That's not enough," the guard said. Arthur looked around at all the civilians watching.

"Let me see," Arthur said holding out his hand. The guard gave him the money pouch. He looked inside of it before giving it back to the man. "Release him."

"The King said-"

"Release him," Arthur ordered. The guard nodded. "Give them back their money," he said gesturing to the villagers. "All of it." He walked away the villagers bowed to him gently. After a breif moment, Artemis decided she would to speak to Arthur. She stopped to ask a guard where he had gone, and they said to the counsel chambers. Artemis followed went there in time to hear Arthur and Uther arguing.

"Because we rule the people not the other way around."

"I think you're wrong," Arthur said.

"I beg your pardon," Uther said stepping down and walking to Arthur.

"I said you're wrong," he said louder. "Without the people there is no Camelot. We're as much their servant as they are ours."

"You allow him to address you in this manner?" Catrina asked.

"No I do not. It will not be tolerated." He moved closer to Arthur. "You will take your men down on into the town and go to every house collecting the payments I demand!"

"I will not."

"Get out of my sight," Uther said dangerously. Arthur nodded once before turning and leaving. Artemis backed away so that she could give him space. He didn't see her. She decided to let him cool off for a moment before going to him. Finally, she walked off and knocked on his door.

"Come in," he muttered. She entered. He was sitting in his usual chair looking down at the ground. He looked up. "Artemis," he said slightly cheerier.

"I saw what you did earlier. The people owe you a debt of gratitude."

"The people owe me nothing. My father is still going to impose the tax."

"I know. I heard what you said in the counsel chambers as well," she admitted.

"He can't stand the sight of me," Arthur muttered.

"That's not true," Artemis said. "He loves you as a man should love his son. His love for is the only thing that makes me have a little respect for Uther."

"You heard the way he spoke to me," Arthur said standing and walking closer to her.

"He was angry, but your still his son. Everyone appreciates what you did. They know you tried and they won't forget that."

"Maybe he's right," he said. "One day I will be King of Camelot. I cannot be a friend to the people as well as their ruler."

"That's not true," she said taking a step to him, "and you will prove it when you become king. You have a kind heart, Arthur. Don't change that not for anyone." He looked at her. They both stared at each other lost in a moment that was soon broken. There was a knock on the door. A knight entered.

"The King has sent for you," he said.

"Father?" Arthur asked as they entered the counsel chambers. Artemis stood to the side watching the scene.

"I'm relaxing your duties," Uther said. "I am revoking your title."

"What?" Arthur said in outrage. Artemis's frown deepened. This was not good.

"We live in dangerous times. I cannot allow you to undermine my authority."

"You've always welcomed my counsel in the past."

"You stood against me for all the people to see."

"I'm sorry," Arthur said looking around slightly annoyed. "Any future grievance I have will be held in private."

"It's too late for that," Uther said turning and stepping up to his throne.

"Father," he said stepping forward. "This is-"

"You are to be disinherited with immediate affect. You are no longer Crown Prince of Camelot." Arthur looked stunned.

"Sire," Gaius said stepping forward, "Arthur is your son, your natural heir."

"Gaius," Arthur said stopping him. He looked at his father before walking closer to him. "You've always taught me to be true to my heart. That's all I've ever tried to do. To be the man you wanted me to be, someone you were proud to call your son." There was silence as they stared at each other.

"My decision is final." Arthur stared lost for words. He looked down before turning and leaving. "Queen Catrina will be named as rightful heir to the throne." Uther sat in his throne. "Ceremony will begin forthwith." Slowly clapping begin. It seemed the court wasn't pleased with this.

Artemis turned and left. When she entered Arthur's room, he was throwing things and tossing over furniture. She had only seen him this angry when he had failed the unicorn trial, but this time she didn't say anything. She allowed him to vent. He suddenly realized she was standing in front of the doorway.

"You're not going to make some stupid little comment, are you?" he snapped.

"No," Artemis said quietly. "That would be like kicking a puppy right now." He calmed down.

"Sorry," he said realizing what he had snapped at her.

"Don't be. You are angry, and you have a right to be." She walked closer to him. "I am afraid what will happen," she admitted quietly. "If things aren't fixed, Camelot will fall."

"What do you mean?" Arthur asked.

"Arthur… the reason that the Servants have never brought charges against Uther was because of you."

"How?" Artemis couldn't help it she smiled.

"The King you'll be… we know. There has been prophecies written about your rule, and your rule is one that will completely overshadow Uther's. I'm not supposed to tell you this, but you have a right especially now. The time limit is two weeks. If things aren't fixed by then, the Servants will act. Camelot will fall. Do you understand?"

"What do I do?" he asked desperately.

"If it's not fixed, I'll get word. When that happens, as many people as possible must leave Camelot."

"We'll have to flee?"

"Yes."

"Where?"

"Anywhere. It depends who leads. If the Blacks lead… Camelot will fall. It will be destroyed. Anyone else, Camelot should be safe, but… I fear it will be the Blacks that lead." Arthur nodded.

"And you?"

"I will leave Camelot for good." Arthur stared at her.

"Where will go?"

"I will travel and try to find home," she said with a smile. "I don't know if I could go back to the Servants with Camelot destroyed."

"If the worst does come… can I leave with you?" Artemis smiled.

"If there is no chance of Camelot ever rising again, yes, but I am confident it will all work out in the end. Just give it a little time." Arthur nodded. He looked down. Artemis put a gentle hand on his chest. He looked up at her. "You must have faith that everything will be okay." Arthur nodded.

"Thank you, Artemis. You always know what to say." Artemis nodded.

"We are gathered her to bare witness to the naming of Queen Catrina as the rightful heir to Camelot." Artemis stood next to Arthur. She was wearing the same black dress as she did to the wedding. Arthur looked to be in internal pain. Artemis gently took his hand in hers. They looked at each other. She gave him a gentle smile.

"Are you willing to take the oath?" the same man who did the wedding and was the courts librarian asked. His name was Geoffrey of Monmouth.

"I am," Catrina said.

"Do you solemnly swear to govern the people of Camelot? To uphold the laws and customs of the land?"

"I… do," she said looking uncomfortable for a moment and scratching her arm.

"Will you to your power cause law and justice in mercy to be executed in all your judgment?" She continued to scratch her arm furiously.

"I will."

"Will you to the utmost of your powers maintain the laws-"

"Yes, yes," she said impatiently. Artemis stared at Catrina before a smile tugged at her lips.

"I'm sorry. You must let me finish. The wording must be right to be binding."

"Well then get on with it," she said impatient again. "I mean really where did you dig up this old crone from?" she asked Uther, who was sitting on his throne with an oblivious smile.

"She's right," Uther said. "Get on with it." Artemis giggled trying to hold back her laughing. Arthur looked down at her. His hand was still laced with hers. He gave her a questioning look.

"You'll see," she muttered.

"Will you to the utmost of your powers-"

"Yes, yes," she said itching more.

"Maintain the laws and customs-"

"I will, I will."

"Of the land and serve the people of Camelot?"

"Yes, just shut up and give me the crown." Artemis was laughing into Arthur's shoulder, who she was now leaning against. Geoffrey gave the paper to someone and was given the crown. Catrina snatched it from him and placed it on her head. "Will you just hurry up?" she yelled running off the platform and down the isle.

"Catrina!" Uther called after her. Morgana, Uther, Artemis, and Arthur ran after her as well as a few other. She was corned in the counsel chambers. "What is the matter?:

"I'm sorry," she said holding up her hands and then quickly hiding the left one behind her back. "I don't know what came over me," she said slightly panicked backing to the door. "I-I just suddenly felt so hot. I do know I need to be on my own," she said pointing to the door behind her.

"Are you alright?" Morgana asked worried as she walked forward.

"Yes, yes, I'm fine," she said holding out a hand, "really. I thank you I just," she said starting to mutter and turning to the door. Panicking she tried to open the door, but Merlin who was hidden locked it with magic. Artemis seemed amused as Arthur slowly walked forward.

"Open!" she yelled in a strange voice.

"Let me," Arthur said walking closer. "What's that!" he asked seeing her troll hand. She seemed lost for words.

"It's uh… it's…" She was stopped as she started to transform back into a troll.

"What's happening?" Morgana asked. "Somebody help her!" Arthur looked like he was going to throw up, Morgana was panicking, and Uther had an oblivious smile still.

"You're a troll!" Arthur said amazed.

"How dare you speak about her like that!" Uther yelled.

"What is wrong with you?" Arthur asked. "Look at the state of her!"

"I don't believe it," Morgana said. Artemis chuckled. The troll threw off the door. Arthur pulled Artemis out of the way of it.

"Thank you," she said.

"She just ripped a door off it's hinges," Arthur said to Uther. "Doesn't that tell you something?"

"Enough!"

"She's a troll! A giant, grey,-"

"Stinking," Morgana suggested.

"Stinking troll!"

"Stop it! Haven't you hurt her feelings enough!" Uther asked picking up her shoes and crown. "Insult my wife again and it'll be the last thing you ever do!" he said walking away.

Artemis sat in Arthur's room laughing a lot. She couldn't stop for two seconds to allow Arthur to say anything. She had already fallen off her chair and was on the floor laughing so hard from trying to keep it in at the ceremony. Finally, her laughing slowed down.

"Are you done?" he asked. She nodded still grinning. "You knew all along, didn't you?"

"From the minute I saw Catrina," she admitted still laying on the floor and looking at Arthur upside down.

"Well, what am I suppose to do?"

"I'm sure Gaius and Merlin will figure it out. Talk to me tomorrow. I'm sure everything will be set right."

"And why can't you? You know a lot about…"

"Magic?" she asked. "I do, but Catrina, troll or not, is still a monarch. I can do nothing."

"That's ridiculous!"

"Ridiculous or not. It's true. You must depend on Merlin." Artemis stood from the ground.

"Great," he said sarcastically. Artemis laughed.

"Everything will be alright."

"You weren't so confident yesterday. You were very morbid."

"No, because I didn't know what was going to happen yesterday. Trust me."

"I do… with my life."

"Good. Then I will see you tomorrow after you've killed your dearest step-mommy," she replied starting to leave.

"You're leaving?"

"Yes, why?"

"I was hoping you would stay and have dinner with me," he admitted. She smiled.

"I have to get home to Ava. Even if I did stay, people would talk."

"People talk all the time."

"Let's not push your father any more this week." Arthur nodded.

"Some other day then?"

"Perhaps." Artemis turned and left Arthur.

"Well?" Artemis asked Arthur the next day.

"The Lady Catrina is no more."

"See, didn't I tell you? Faith, Arthur, faith." Together they started to slowly walk to halls. Both had their hands folded behind their backs.

"I should learn to have more faith in you and Merlin."

"Yes, you should. My brother can be a bumbling moron sometimes, but he isn't an idiot all the time. As for me, I'm always right. I thought I was wrong once, but I was mistaken." Arthur laughed slightly shaking his head. "Anyway, all is well then. Camelot will not fall and we will not have to flee," she said. Arthur was silent for a moment.

"I am glad Camelot did not fall, but I will not lie I was in a way looking forward to traveling with you." Artemis smiled and looked down at the ground.

"There will be a time were you can do as you wish, but now is not that time."

"Then I look forward to that time," he said quietly. Together, Arthur and Artemis walked down the halls speaking quietly to each other. The idea of being together was still there somewhere where light reaches even the darkest corners.