so several things to say about this one. One: I know an episode was skipped! fear not! it will be implied that it happens later. don't worry you'll understand by what i mean by impied later. Two: I am just awful person and I am leaving you at a cliff hanger. Three: yay! i love this chapter just because Arthur gets jealous and Artemis gets jealous. They have moments. haha.
Enjoy
The King's of the 'far lands' were to arrive today, and Artemis wasn't pleased. More royalty to treat her like scum. She was apparently supposed to help the Lady Vivian. It was rather annoyed really. She had heard of her. Apparently, she was an ungrateful little blonde apparently pretty… bitch. Artemis hoped that none of that was true. She was on her way to Vivian's room when-
"Hey, gorgeous!" Artemis looked over her shoulder. Vidar stood there.
"Oh, god not you. Back already?"
"Got to make alliances, don't we?"
"Go away. I'm working."
"So rude."
"Always."
"So what is going on?" he asked walking by her side.
"Same old, same old. And you?"
"Nothing much. Just here."
"There's not a lot of young royalty to bother me, is there?"
"Not a lot. I mean there are a few." Artemis scold.
"I'm late," she noted before running the rest of the way to Vivian's room. Arthur heard her as she ran in… considering she crashed right into the door frame.
"And where the hell did that come from?" she asked getting up. "Sorry. I ran into Vidar… and a doorframe," she laughed.
"May I present, Artemis," he said gesturing to her. Artemis bowed with a closed fist over her heart. "She'll be looking after you for the duration of your stay. You'll want for nothing. She is truly one of Camelot's finest." Vivian giggled.
"Then I fear for Camelot," she said. Great, she was everything people claim. Both Arthur and Artemis just sort of looked at her. They exited closing the door behind them. There was silence. They looked at each other before starting to laugh.
"Good luck with that one," he said.
"Well, can't be worse then you when we first met." They stared at each other. Their smiles faded slowly.
"I need to prepare for the feast," Arthur said. Artemis nodded and he started to walk away but stopped. "I never did ask. Do you want to serve there tonight?"
"Serve royalty? No. Oh, god, no. I have… previous engagements anyways."
"Previous engagements?" he asked.
"Um… yes. I am going to dinner with a friend."
"Ava?"
"No," Artemis said. "You've never met him."
"Him?" Arthur asked.
"Uh… yeah. He's um… well was a Servant of the World. He isn't anymore well… he kind of is… um… he's a royal advisor now to… one of the Kings that came. He was invited to the feast, but he declined wanting to have a more personal… private dinner with me… later tonight… in his chambers." Arthur nodded slowly.
"Oh," he said flatly. "Have fun then."
"Um… yes," she said. "Thank you. You have fun as well." Arthur nodded before walking off. Artemis wanted to smack her head against the nearest wall. That was awkward to say the least.
Everything was set. Ava was having dinner with Everett, who although could have gone to the feast but did not. So she would be fine. Artemis believed it was dinner with Everett's parents and siblings as well. All she knew was that when she left Ava was wearing a dress trying to remember the manners she was taught long ago.
Artemis too was in a dress. It was a beautiful dress made for only the most important of occasions, and this indeed was an important occasion to her at least. The dress was a dark red gown the hugged Artemis and accentuated her body well. It was a dress that had a lower neckline than Artemis was used to and had straps that were meant to be near the end of her shoulders. It was a beautiful dressed that had a pattern sewn into the middle with white thread that went around her waist. Her hair was curled and her hair was up. If someone wasn't careful they might mistake her for a lady.
Artemis walked to the chambers and knocked gently. The door opened. A man near her age opened the door. He was a tall man, taller than both Arthur and Merlin, a man with black hair that at the moment was slicked back as best as it could be, but Artemis knew most of the time it was messy. He had the brightest blue eyes that made most women fall in love with him at first sight. He was definitely a soldier from his build, but also a very intelligent man from the look in his eyes. He was a very handsome youth. He grinned. He had a grin that light up a room.
"Ulric," she said with a laugh hugging him.
"Artemis," he said hugging her back. "You look radiant."
"You don't look bad yourself."
"Come in," he said moving aside. Artemis entered. The fireplace was lit and a dinner was set. Artemis smiled. "So," Ulric said clearing his throat, "the enemy lies silent."
"The enemy only seems silent," Artemis replied. "In the dark of the night, while they are unprepared we shall take back what is ours." Ulric smiled. That was the right answer. Ulric of the House of Foron was once a noble in Valde. When things took a turn for the worse, he became the general to the rebellion against John. It fell apart after Uther helped wipe them out, and he went to King Vincent's kingdom. At that time, Vincent was just Prince then, and soon became good friends with him and then later his advior, but now Ulric had sought Artemis out to finish what must be finished. Valde must be recaptured, and that is what tonight was about.
"Good. Sit. We'll talk about it over dinner." Artemis sat as did Ulric. "Have you seen John yet?" she asked.
"No, but I can taste his the stench in the air," Artemis replied in a bit of a sick tone. "I've warned Ava. She was a little upset, but I told her you were here, and she actually wanted to come, but I told her no." Ulric nodded.
"And Camelot? They'll ally with John."
"I don't think so," she said. "You see… John will soon know I am here as well. He will figure I am a servant and nothing more and he will try to kill me or capture me."
"But that's the truth. Nothing will be done. You are a maid here." Artemis shook her head.
"No, that's just it. My brother is Arthur's personal manservant and I've become close with both Arthur and Morgana. Arthur's already shown his loyalty to me by rescuing me against his father's orders. I have faith Arthur will convince Uther to see the truth." Ulric nodded.
"You seem to have faith in him."
"I do. He is a good man who will not allow a evil man, besides his father, to be King." Ulric nodded. "What about the army?"
"We scavenged up who we can. We have decent numbers and if Camelot backs us we will not fall this time."
"Camelot will back us. I swear."
"Good, but… be careful. Swear to me you will try not to allow John to know you are here. I do not want him capturing."
"I won't. I'm not stupid.
"No, you're not. How are you anyway? Last time I saw you… was when you were with Kael. I'm sorry to hear of his death. I heard you fell apart after."
"I did for a brief moment, and then I numbed myself to the pain. I was pretty… blank after that."
"You seem happy now."
"I've found home again," she replied. Ulric nodded.
"Good for you." Ulric smiled. "I have a feeling you've also found love again." Artemis was silent.
"I… don't know if it's love per say," she said, "but it definitely feels like something."
"It's Prince Arthur, isn't it?"
"What would make you say that?"
"I was rounding the corner earlier today when I crossed you two talking outside of the Lady Vivian's room."
"Arthur is… some times I think I'm trying to replace Kael with him," Artemis admitted. Ulric shook his head.
"You aren't."
"How do you know?"
"You are different with Arthur. It's hard to explain, but… with Kael it was more of like a cute, teenage romance that would eventually become something more. With Arthur, it's a serious, last forever sort of feel."
"I see," she said. "Well… it doesn't matter. Once Arthur becomes King my job is done. I leave." Ulric nodded.
"True… unless you wished to stay. I mean you do have freedom of choice. It's the Gods given right." Artemis nodded.
"I suppose. Let's not talk about Arthur right now."
"Fair enough. Let's continue talking of war then." Artemis laughed at his bluntness, and they continued to talk.
"Allow me to walk you home."
"I'll be fine. I can handle myself."
"I know you can handle yourself, but what kind of man would I be if I let you walk home alone this late."
"Not much of a man," she teased. "Tell you what you can walk me to the door." Ulric took her arm in his.
"Let us," he grinned with a laugh. Ulric's and Artemis's relationship was strange. They were not lovers, not even close nor did either want to be, but they weren't like brother or sister and not quite just friends either. It was a more of a sort of relationship that a simple kiss was a goodbye to them. There was nothing romantic to it, but someone who did not know their relationship would believe that they were most definitely lovers someone like Arthur Pendragon.
Walking down the halls Artemis and Ulric talked quietly. The party was still going on, but you never know who could be sleeping. Turning a corner nearly at the door, Artemis and Ulric ran right into two others.
"Sorry, my lady," one said bowing. "Artemis?" It was Vidar.
"Hello, Vidar, Arthur."
"I just had mistaken you for a lady."
"You did," she said.
"Sires," Ulric said bowing.
"Who are you?" Arthur asked.
"I am Ulric. I am royal advisor to King Vincent."
"Ah, yes," Vidar said. "Vincent is only a few years older than us. He's quite a nice man."
"I will tell him you think so."
"Anyway, where have you been hiding this more Ladylike, attractive side?" he asked Artemis.
"Under my bed until I find a decent man to act like a Lady for," she laughed. "I have to be going home. Ava will be there soon."
"Good night," Ulric said .They kissed gently without a second thought.
"Boys," she said curtsying for the first time in front of them. She walked off.
"What's Arthur being such a prat about?" Artemis asked Vidar as she entered his room. She was now under the service of Arthur, Morgana, Vivian, and Vidar. It was a pain since Vivian was commanding; Vidar was annoying; and Arthur was being an ass, but at least Morgana hadn't been a bother. Vidar looked at her and laughed.
"I thought he would be acting like a part toward you."
"What do you mean?"
"He's treating you like your just maid, a nobody, right?"
"Yes. What do you know about this?"
"He's jealous. He won't admit it, but it's true. He thinks that there's something between you and Ulric."
"But there's not."
"Maybe you should tell Arthur that."
"What should I have to tell him anything?" she asked annoyed. "Just because he thinks that I'm with someone doesn't mean he has a right to be so damn rude!"
"May I ask you a personal question?" Vidar asked. Artemis was picking up dirty laundry that Vidar so rudely threw on the floor.
"Go for it."
"If Arthur was courting another women would you be upset?"
"No," she said.
"You're saying that if Arthur was let's say kissing the Lady Vivane in the hallway with plans of marrying her you wouldn't be upset at all?" Artemis was about to speak, but Vidar did first. "Be honest with yourself." There was silence before Artemis set down her basket and turned to the door.
"Where are you going?"
"To tell Arthur that there's nothing between Ulric and I." Artemis exited and walked down the halls to Arthur's chambers. She knocked.
"Enter." He looked up at her.
"Did you finish my laundry yet? What good are you if you're slow?"
"So I just talked to Vidar, and… well… I guess have to explain to you how very stupid you are."
"You can't-"
"I can. Let me tell you why. Ulric is a friend. I knew him from my time in Valde. Last night, I had dinner with him to discuss war strategy. That's it. There is nothing between us and… if you hadn't assumed things I wouldn't be having this problem." Artemis turned to leave, but stopped at the door. "Oh," she said turning to him again, "and for the record I shouldn't even have to explain this to you. I can be with who I want, when I want. Get over it." Artemis left and slammed the door behind her.
Artemis sat on the top of one of the towers. It was a place that she went to when she had to do some serious reflecting. It wasn't often that she went up here especially since it took so long to find this specific spot. She chose it because it was the highest point on the castle. You could see all of Camelot and beyond from the tower.
"Merlin said you would be up here," Arthur called. Artemis looked down at him but looked back out to the land. Arthur pulled himself up onto the tower and sat by her. "Wow," he said looking out over the land. Artemis smiled.
"You never really know what the worlds made of until you see it from above." There was silence as they looked over the land.
"I am sorry," Arthur said. "I had no right to be upset."
"No, you didn't. You can be a moron sometimes, but I accept this. Just like you accept that I can be annoying and temperamental."
"So you forgive me?"
"Fully," she said quietly.
"Good. I didn't want you mad at me."
"Oh, I'm never really mad Arthur. You'll know when I'm mad when you see it. I'm terrifying," she laughed.
"Like when I killed that unicorn?"
"Very similar, but even scarier." Arthur looked off for a moment.
"That's… an unpleasant thought." Artemis laughed.
"Well," Artemis shrugged, "I'm an easily annoyed person especially when people belittle me. I can't stand that."
"I know," Arthur said. Artemis laughed. Arthur and Artemis stayed on top of the tower the rest of the day talking. They talked about everything that came to mind. It was surprisingly easy. When the sunset, Arthur had to leave to go to part two of the feast of the King's. Artemis stayed on top of the tower watching the stars a little longer after he left. Finally, she slid down and went home.
"Where have you been?" Ava asked as she entered the home.
"I would tell you, but I don't need your little comments."
"Having fun with Arthur then?" she asked.
"We were just talking," Artemis said sitting across from her at the table.
"Just like how Everett and I just talk?" Ava teased.
"Haha," Artemis said sarcastically.
"Do you love him?" Ava asked seriously. Artemis looked at her.
"Do you love Everett?" Artemis asked. There was silence between them. Neither willing to admit their feelings for the boy they wanted. "So… are you two together or… what?" Artemis asked. "I mean… you have a right to be. You are of the House of Wake. You are nobility."
"Everett doesn't know that. I haven't told him."
"Why?"
"I don't know… I just… I don't want him to know. I am not that girl anymore. I never want to be part of a court."
"Ava… if you ever want to have a future with Everett you must be honest with him and you must accept he is of nobility."
"I could say the same for you and Arthur. When are you going to tell him that if you weren't in Camelot you would openly practice magic… a lot?"
"And have him execute me?"
"He wouldn't. He loves you."
"Arthur doesn't love me. He can't," she whispered.
"Work, work, work," Artemis muttered the next day annoyed. She had been busy working for Lady Vivian. She was such a brat. She was always wanting something and something practically impossible by midday she just couldn't deal with her. She had only seen Arthur and Merlin briefly that day. They were talking in the hallway as they passed. "Deal with Vivian, please," Artemis told Gwen as she passed in the hallway. Artemis left back home at noon. Ava was grinning when she came in.
"What?" Artemis asked confused. Ava pointed to purple and white flowers on the table. Artemis went to them. Her name was on her card. She opened it.
"You're blushing. What does it say?" Ava asked.
"The power that keeps us apart is nothing compared to the power of true love. Arthur." Merlin busted throw the door. "Do you knock?"
"Rats," he said.
"What?"
"Yeah, big, hairy, sharp teeth, yeah, definitely under here," he said ducking under the table. Artemis looked under the table at him.
"Are you alright?"
"Me? Never better. You?"
"I'm… having a very surprising day."
"Really?"
"You know those days that you've lost all hope? And then out of the blue something happens to restore that hope?"
"Sort of."
"Well, I'm having one of those days." Merlin just kind of stared before leaving.
"Arthur loooves you."
"Shut up."
Walking down the hall, Artemis suddenly fell backward. She looked down. The carpet was moved. She looked upside down and saw a man standing there. She could see the magic in him.
"Stupid Sorcerers!" she yelled at him. He looked surprised, but Artemis threw the tray at his head before marching off. She went down to the citadel to see Arthur look extremely distracted. "What's wrong? You look as if you have something on your mind."
"You read me like a book," he said.
"It's written all over your face."
"I made a fool of myself that's all," he said staring to walk away. Artemis walked at his side. "It's everything."
"I'm sure it's not true."
"You have a good heart, Artemis, but it is… I have made… a gesture," he said using his hands dramatically as he spoke, "that was not well received."
"You sure?"
"Pretty sure," he nodded.
"Then you are wrong."
"You are very closer to the lady in question," he said stopping and pointing to her. She smiled.
"You're token was much appreciated, but the situation is delicate and it… is not always easy to express what is really in ones heart."
"You think there's hope," he said waving a finger at her.
"There's always hope."
"If only I had some way of knowing."
"Indeed," Artemis nodded. Arthur grinned before walking away.
Artemis, who was supposed to be working, stayed at home thinking. She was avoiding the palace as much as she could. John was somewhere and she didn't want to see him. Not yet.
"So… what are you going to say back?" Ava asked.
"What?" she asked confused.
"In response to the flowers?"
"Nothing."
"Oh come on. I know! You should set up a dinner for you and Arthur! I'll leave tonight and you two can be alone."
"Ava," Artemis groaned.
"Do it!" she yelled. "You love him."
"If I do, you have to shut up."
"Deal." Artemis pulled out a slip of paper and a quill telling Arthur to meet her at sunset. She went to the palace and slipped it under his door.
"Wear a dress, lit candles, be polite!" Ava yelled as Artemis pushed her out the door. Artemis made dinner before doing what Ava suggested. She put on a simple blue dress. She lit candles around the room before she sat down in front of the meal and waited… and waited… and waited… and waited. He never came. Artemis blew out the candles before curling in a ball and going to sleep in the dress. She felt rejected and hurt and vulnerable.
"So how was your night with Arthur?" Ava asked.
"He didn't show," Artemis said flatly dropping a bowl of porridge in front of Ava.
"Oh, I'm sorry."
"I have to go. Gwen has graciously taken over with Vivian for me and I am now going to be helping Morgana until the nobles leave." Artemis left and walked off to Morgana's room with a tray of food. She was looking out the window. "What's new?" she asked wondering what captivated her this morning.
"Haven't you heard?" she asked.
"Heard what?"
"Arthur was discovered in Lady Vivian's chambers."
"What?" she asked both surprised and confused.
"King Olaf has command recompense. They are to fight to the death all for the love of a woman and Lady Vivian at that."
"You look more shock then I did," Morgana noted at the look on Artemis's face.
"It's just… surprising," she said trying to busy herself.
"I just don't know why he couldn't control his feelings."
"Indeed. I will miss the tournament. I have much to do," she said struggling to keep the emotions out of her voice. Artemis marched out with a basket. She crossed Arthur and Merlin.
"Ah, Artemis. You will wish me good luck."
"Will I?" she asked smugly.
"Haven't you heard?" Arthur asked. Artemis turned back to him trying to tell herself to keep her temper in track, but it failed miserably. She hit Arthur hard enough to leave a pink mark on his cheek. He touched his face.
"You know Arthur. I have been made a fool of many different people both of nobility and simplicity, but I have never been made as big of a fool as you have made me! Congratulations!" Artemis pissed tipped over a table near her before walking off.
"Rats again Merlin?" Artemis asked as he busted in her home. She looked depressed. She was setting the flowers Arthur left her on fire with a candle.
"No," Merlin said walking in farther. "No. I need your help. Arthur needs you."
"I do not think Arthur needs me," she said quietly.
"Don't worry," Merlin said. "I know."
"Know what?" she asked.
"Everything. Anyone who spend five minutes alone with you can see how you two feel about each other. Look I do not have a lot of time to explain everything to you. You are going to have to trust me. Arthur does love you."
"No he doesn't."
"Yes he does. If you do not trust me. Trust your feelings."
"I'm never trusting my feelings again."
"He's enchanted!" Merlin yelled.
"Yes with Lady Vivian! I am not blind!"
"No I mean literally enchanted! None of his feelings are real!"
"How can you be sure? I do not want to be made a fool of again."
"None of his feelings for Vivian are real but his death will be if you don't break the enchantment. Search your heart. You know who he loves." Merlin left. Artemis sighed. Enchanted? Was it true?
Artemis marched to Arthur's tent and entered.
"Ah," Arthur said. "Finally come to wish me good luck? I really don't think I need it anymore."
"No, Arthur," Artemis breathed. "I have not come to wish you luck."
"Well that's rather rude," Arthur said.
"Then let me make amends," Artemis said before walking to him, pushing him against a pole, and kissing him. At first he was unresponsive, but slowly the enchantment faded and Arthur kissed back passionately. He wrapped his arms around her pressing her close to him. It was that moment that Artemis realized she was in love with Arthur, and she also realized how messed up her life was becoming or perhaps already was.
He pulled away and they stared at each other. Both was still caught in the moment, but suddenly Arthur started gasping in pain. Artemis gripped him and helped him stand. One hand was on his side the other at the base of his neck. She helped him sit down and kneeled in front of him. Her hand was still at the base of his neck.
"What am I doing?" he asked.
"That out of it huh? You're in a fight to the death." Arthur looked shock. "You're loosing."
"But-"
"There's no time to explain," she said. They were closer than they realized. "Just live for me," Artemis whispered. "That's all I ask right now." The horns blew signifying that the fight was about to start again. "Be careful," she whispered. Arthur stood and limped out of the tent. Artemis stood and went out into the crowd to watch the rest of the fight. It was agonizing watching the two of them fight. It was clash after clash of swords. Arthur was thrown to the ground. He just narrowly missed being sliced into by King Olaf. Another swing and Arthur kicked Olaf over his head onto the ground. Both their helmets were thrown off. Arthur stood quickly and put a sword to Olaf's neck. Arthur hesitated. He seemed unsure whether to kill him or not. Arthur put his sword down with the point in the ground.
"This is no way to achieve peace!" Arthur announced. Arthur held out a hand to Olaf and helped him up. There was clapping. Olaf and Arthur had an arm around each other.
Artemis was so focused on the battle, so focused on her emotions that she didn't notice that someone was staring at her. A King with dark brown hair and cold grey eyes watched her. A King with a scared face. A King who wanted vengeance on a certain gypsy who had taken his victory and disappeared. A King by the name of John of Valde.
Entering her home, Artemis was immediately greeted with a note and a rose on her table. She picked up the rose.
"Thought I better do it myself this time," a voice said. Artemis turned to Arthur in the corner of her room.
"You know most would find it rude that you just enter my home unannounced and without me allowing you in."
"I'm sorry… for everything," he said. "For what I put you through."
"No," she said shaking her head. "You have nothing to apologize for. I too have caused my fair share of hurt."
"You must believe me my feelings for… Vivian… were not real. I've never loved another," he said. Artemis was silent. She looked up at the ceiling before back at Arthur.
"One day, you will," she said. "One day you will find your real princess. One day you will be King of Camelot… and I cannot be your queen."
"You don't know that."
"I am as sure as that as you are."
"Things may change." Artemis sighed. She put a hand to her head.
"Things may change for Camelot, but they won't for me. I… People like you and me just cannot be. In 20 years, you know you will be king. I don't know what I'm doing tomorrow," she laughed. "When you are King, I will leave, Arthur. It is what is meant to be. I am here to make sure you live to take your place as King one day. Once you are, I will leave, and I will only return when you marry. Then, I have to be there to support the new Queen as a Servant, and I know three things will happen the day I return. One: I will congratulate you even if I'm not happy. Two: I will kick, scream, cry, and just over all throw a fit in private. Three: I will try to poison her in fit of jealousy. Merlin will probably be the one to stop me. My feelings for you won't die. I know that. I also know that you and I cannot be. It just isn't. My life is a jumbled, complicated mess, and it always will be. I cannot drag into it. Not now. Not ever. I love you, but because of who I am that will never be enough. I'm sorry." Arthur stared at her.
"Then I will prove that I am enough."
"You are setting yourself up for heartbreak."
"I would rather let my heart break into a million pieces than never try." Arthur turned and left. Artemis sighed. Why did things have to be so difficult? She needed rest. Artemis went to bed her mind racing, but slowly and surly she feel into a deep sleep.
Someone grabbed her and instantly her reflexes went into place and she woke up. It was sudden, but she tried to fling the man away from her. She struggled against his grip kicking over the table and any furniture as they struggled. She realized it was a group of knights. Her eyes caught the tabard on their chests. It looked familiar. Where had she seen it? But before she could place it, the world went black.
Ava walked down the street to meet Everett for dinner. This time it was just them and she wasn't wearing a dress. As she walked down, the street she turned a corner and ran straight into a man from her nightmares. King John. She was about to scream or attack or do something, but she didn't have time. She was knocked unconscious.