Disclaimer: "I don't own Merlin, I wish I did though."
A/N Thank you to everyone who reviewed. Love you guys: Kohimoana, arthurgwen2010, Ellarose(wow!), the amazing larasmith, WhoNewbie, PrincessJennifer, whitecrossgirl ( I love your fics), bbrownsugar, lailastar, freckled98,darkrose,lilj, jadziwine, evalilly, crystal1998, Embrasia(I love your stories),Rose, Cici, Pea, LonerSun and all guest reviewers. Thank you for all the favourites and alerts. You make writing a pleasure and I am honoured that you are reading and liking my stories.
Okay enough of the tears.
8888888888888888888888888888 8888888888888888888888888888 888888888888888888888888
"Arthur, do you know what you are doing?"
Arthur decides to duck his eyes so that he will not see that he is deliberately feigning innocence or ignorance. "What do you mean?"
"Are you deliberately being obtuse? Or maybe I was right all along, maybe you are as simple minded as I have always thought."
"Mer-lin, you can't talk to me like that; I'm the king." Like that has ever stopped him from calling him all sorts of names. But these are desperate times and they call for desperate measures, like pulling rank.
"It's at times like these that I wonder if you were not dropped on your head when you were a baby." Then Merlin mumbles under his breath. "Knowing your father, he probably thought it was a form of entertainment."
"What was that?" Maybe he can divert Merlin's attention or just buy himself some time to think because in retrospect he is not sure he had been thinking when he invited Gwen for a ride. But then he realises that whenever Gwen is around, thinking for him goes out the window. For someone who keeps promising himself he needs to keep away from her, given her um-m situation, he seems to spend an awful amount of time thinking up ways of spending time with her. Maybe I'm a masochist and I just don't know it. Given that now he has had to invite Ewan and Morgana along for propriety's sake he must be into self- mutilation. There is no other explanation. Now he will have to spend the entire day watching Gwen with her betrothed, which he is not sure he can handle gracefully; but worse he will have Morgana's and Merlin's hawk like eyes on him. Merlin, he could handle maybe, but Morgana is like a dripping from a leak on the roof when it's raining, persistent and irritating. Maybe Merlin is not wrong after all.
"…. realise that you can give yourself away. If I can see it, anybody can."
What is Merlin talking about? I wasn't listening.
"Merlin, what are babbling about? Get me my white tunic."
"Trying to look angelic are you? It won't work. You don't have the morals let alone the disposition of an angel. And God knows there is nothing angelic about your motives." Merlin hands Arthur the said tunic.
"Merlin stop speaking in riddles, it doesn't make you sound wiser. You just sound as ridiculous as you normally do."
"Gwen." That single word makes Arthur stop in his tracks for a moment or two, before recovering quickly and resorting to his normal tactics whenever Merlin is saying something he does want to hear.
"It's Lady Guinevere to you, Merlin. Will your insolence never end? If you insult her I will have your tongue."
"See, that is exactly what I mean. You just can't help yourself, can you?"
Arthur sighs exasperated. Of course he knows what Merlin is talking about. He just will not admit it to him nor does he know how to stop; stop thinking about her or dream about her or imagine her in his arms, at last finding out how soft those tantalising lips are. His body reacts to that one and he silently groans. Well he can't get away from the outing that he himself initiated, can he; not without causing offense, he reasons. When he thinks of Guinevere's animated face when she was with the horses, he cannot in good conscience disappoint her, can he? It does not occur to him excusing himself from the ride but begging them to continue with the outing without him could still have accomplished the goal. But then he has forgotten about Merlin, who at this moment sounds like he has been possessed by Morgana's relentless spirit. Arthur does not feel like discussing his feelings, which he is still not sure about, with Merlin.
"Arthur, I can see that you like Gwen…," then when he gets a look from Arthur, "… I mean Lady Guinevere, although she told me she prefers to be called Gwen…"
"What? When did she say that to you? And why would she be saying that to you. She never asked me…" he catches himself before he reveals all but unfortunately Merlin has already caught on.
"Are you jealous? Arthur if you haven't noticed she is not yours to be jealous over." That felt like a dart went into Arthur's heart, and not just the proverbial one. Arthur almost clutches his heart in agony. "Anyway I met her by the stairs when I was coming here from the stables. She is not stuck up like you and the other nobles who insist on reminding us all of their station at every turn."
"I am not jealous." He insists in outrage, and on hearing himself, even he thinks he sounds ridiculously defensive. "Anyway, I don't need to explain myself to the likes of you." Might as well dive in, if it will stop Merlin from nagging. And honestly because he can't help it he asks, "So-o where was Lady Guinevere going?"
"Why do you want to know?" Merlin asks suspiciously knowing it will only further rile his master.
"Mer-lin, do you want to spend the rest of the day in the stocks? If you know what's good for you you will answer my question promptly."
"Okay, okay, don't get your breaches in a twist…"
"Mer-lin!" Arthur's teeth are clenched so tight that Merlin can hear them grinding. Arthur's hand is reaching out for a goblet and Merlin knows how this is going to end, the goblet connecting with a part of his body
"Hold your horses, Sire. Before you hit me with that I must tell you that Gwen, I mean the Lady Guinevere and I are now friends. If she were to hear that you, his royal kingliness are in the habit of throwing things at me, her friend…"
"You wouldn't dare." Arthur is looking so menacing that Merlin wonders if this time he has gone too far. But Merlin being Merlin has never backed down from anything in his life.
"Well, I could be persuaded otherwise…"
"Merlin I will count to three…"
"Alright, if you must know, she was going to the armoury."
"Armoury? Why?"
"She is apparently a very good archer and she wanted to see what we have."
"Really! So why did you not tell me the minute you got here."
"Well, firstly because you did not ask and secondly, I don't see how that is any of your business what she does in her spare time."
"Merlin I am the king," making Merlin snort but Arthur continues, "As the king I should know everything that goes on in my kingdom." Merlin has a glint in his eyes and Arthur knows it spells trouble so he back tracks. "I mean not everything, everything, just the important things.
"Oh and how does Gwen, (that eye again) Lady Guinevere's going to the armoury classify as an important detail."
"Whatever Merlin, you should just tell me these things. So how good is she at archery?"
"According to Relena…"
"Who is Relena?"
"Gwen's (and ignoring Arthur's talking eye and just rolls his eyes before continuing) maiden servant. Apparently Gwen is their local champion."
"Don't you mean ladies champion?"
"No I mean champion, as in she has beaten men as well."
"Well it is a small estate… ". Then a light bulb went off in his head much to Merlin's despair. "Maybe she would love to compete here, where there is more of a challenge."
Merlin is regretting ever telling Arthur anything. He does not like the scheming smile on Arthur's lips.
"Arthur whatever you are thinking, don't."
"Whatever do you mean Merlin?" And he has the audacity to look the picture of innocence.
"Arthur, I thought you resolved to stay away from Gwen?"
"Yes and I will. Nothing has changed."
"So this competition you are planning in your big head has nothing to do with her whatsoever."
"Of course it does Merlin. She is visitor to Camelot and we need to show hospitality to all our visitors. So we cater for all their needs and ensure they enjoy their time with us. For the Lady in question, her interests happen to be in areas where most ladies of the court are not interested in. I, as the king, mean to make she does not feel left out and lonely."
"So you are going to make sure you keep her entertained? Arthur, this is one of those times when I tell you that this is not a good idea and you …."
"..ignore you, yes Merlin. Now can you get ready? I don't want to be late for the outing."
Merlin sighs, at a loss on what to do. What do you do when you see a friend rushing towards a raging bull? The problem is, Merlin can tell Arthur is out of his element. His mind is telling him to be cautious and withdraw from Gwen and his heart can't help but be drawn towards her. Arthur being a person who is more heart that head, cannot control where his heart is pulling him towards. Merlin wishes there was a spell he could use to stop the stampede that is surely coming his friend's way.
Having hung around Ewan the night of the feast, Merlin knows that the knight is in love with Gwen although the said lady does not seem to realise it. He had seen Ewan's eyes following Gwen's form throughout the night. The lady herself seemed to like him enough but Merlin did not get the impression that she was madly in love with him. And if there was anything Merlin was good at, it was reading people. She did not have the same stars in her eyes for Ewan that he seems to have for her. If truth be told, he actually saw more fire in her when she and Arthur were busy giving each other eyes the day of the feast than she had for Ewan. Merlin almost wishes Gwen was in love with Ewan, then she would not fall for Arthur's charms, which Merlin knows will be switched onto full blast very soon. Their attraction to each other was too strong for them to keep resisting. Problem is, Ewan is quite a nice guy, but so is Arthur. He knows that Arthur is noble and is not deliberately setting out to steal Ewan's beloved from under his nose. It's just that one cannot really tell the heart what to want or what not to. Merlin likes Gwen a lot and knows they could be close friends if she does not mind befriending a servant, so he does not know who to be angry with or frustrated at. He wishes he had someone to talk to who could help him fix things for Arthur.
When Arthur and Merlin come out, Ewan and their escort of guards are already waiting. A part of him wishes they could leave the guards behind but he knows he needs to be responsible as the king and ensure his safety and that of his party. Reports of bandits are frequent and enemies of the kingdom are many. It would be folly to not take the necessary precautions. As he moseys towards Ewan, part of him feels guilty mainly for what he is feeling for his subordinate's intended. He has always liked Ewan, who is pleasant and brave and has turned out to be one of his most loyal knights. Arthur looks towards this pleasant young knight, his courage almost fails him and he finds himself thinking that he should find a way to get out of this engagement he had foolishly organised. Ewan does not deserve what he is doing. He is about to turn around and head back to his chambers when he sees Gwen coming down from the castle's entrance stairs. It strikes him that he had not yet seen Gwen in the bath of the sun because the vision paralyses him. The sun seems to have an amazing effect on her skin making her look almost ethereal but in a good way; the way he imagines an angel would look if he were to see one. The sun beam makes her skin look golden like the rays are being absorbed into her skin making it glow with colour. Lord have mercy! isall he can think his heart summersaulting like the Romany acrobats that he once saw performing at court when he was a child. All thought of abandonment flew out of his head as he watches Morgana, Gwen and their servants walking down to them. To him Gwen looks like she is gliding down, with her feet hardly touching the ground. She is a vision in mauve, a colour she seems to favour. Her gown is fastened in front with a row of tiny buttons. The front of the dress is embroidered and silver ornaments decorate the chest and sleeves. Her hair is held back with a crepine. Her maid servant is holding her surcoat that is a shade deeper than her gown. Arthur cannot find any single thing wrong with her appearance.
Two things bring him back from momentary paralysis; one: Merlin's, "Arthur, I think a fly just landed on your tongue," and Ewan rushing up to meet his intended halfway down the stairs. At that moment, the fact that Gwen is not free hits him with the force of a tornado he wonders that he does not stagger from the sheer force of it. He quickly turns to avoid seeing Ewan kiss Gwen's knuckles and Gwen smiling shyly down at him. He looks up to see Merlin watching him with a knowing look and is surprised when he does not try to mock or tease him as he usually does. It is a good thing as well because Arthur is not sure he would have taken it well. He feels like there is crack in his chest and too much air is swishing in. He momentarily thinks he would be lucky if he survives this outing in one piece. And whenever he feels out of his depth, poor Merlin normally becomes the punch bag to vent out his twisted emotions. Which he admits later, is really unfair.
"Merlin, you air head, I told you to saddle Excalibur for Lady Guinevere not for me. Ladies use the side saddle. Where are your brains today?"
"Well sire…."
"Pardon me, your Highness." How did Gwen come close without me knowing? "I am the one who told him I prefer to ride astride. I find the side saddle quite uncomfortable and unsafe, but if you prefer that I use it I will oblige." Apparently Gwen is a defender of the innocent too.
Arthur blushes so hard Merlin thinks he sees blood seeping through his skin. Arthur turns around to find Lady Guinevere looking at him with challenging eyes. And just when Merlin thinks it cannot get any worse, it does, because Arthur starts babbling so much that Merlin feels sorry for him. Hopeless fool!
"Lady Gwen, I mean Guinevere, I mean Lady Guinevere, pardon me. I didn't mean … that is of course you can ride any way you like, I don't care." What! "What I meant is I really don't mind…"It's the narrowing of Morgana's eyes to slits that makes him stop talking and snap his mouth shut. All the while his face has been growing redder with each passing moment. And worse still Morgana comes to stand behind Gwen. Oh Lord, don't let Morgana embarrass me. I will do anything, he prays silently but desperately.
Thankfully, no one makes the situation any worse. Gwen's attention is soon drawn to the lovely stallion she has been given leave to ride. Her excitement increases an octave when she realises that this horse is a Courser, the most sort after and expensive horse normally used for war. She did not notice the day before as she had got um-m distracted. In this mood, her feelings of ire caused by the unfair treatment of Merlin by the young king ebb.
"Thank you, sire for your generosity and the trust you have placed in me. It is indeed an honour to ride this priced horse." Arthur acknowledges with a slight bow of his head. He helps Morgana onto her horse but his eyes are on Gwen watching her betrothed touch where he wishes he could touch. He turns back to Morgana feeling sick.
Soon everyone is up on their horses. Their ride starts fast with Arthur leading them towards one of his favourite places in Camelot. Guinevere proves to be quite a skilled horseman and Arthur admires the way she handles Excalibur whom he knows sometimes has a mind of his own. She lets him gallop hard while still managing to control him expertly. As they come to their main destination Arthur slows down so the others can catch up and he sees Ewan ride up to Gwen and they maintain the same pace. Somehow it annoys him and he decides to stay ahead of the party, Merlin by his side. He decides not to look at Merlin, who for some unknown reason, seems to read him like a book.
Morgana urges her horse to move faster until he catches up with Arthur and Merlin. Arthur can feel her eyes on him and decides the best way to deal with Morgana is to ignore her and pretend not to notice otherwise she will pounce on you like jaguar. Unfortunately this time it does not work.
"I never thought I'd live to see this day." she smirks sounding cryptic.
"What are you on about, Morgana?"
"The day that Arthur the Great would rivet back to being 12."
"Morgana speak in plain language please, for the sake of us mere mortals." Arthur will soon wish he had not asked.
"Remember when you were twelve and infatuated with Sophia?" she reminds him waiting for him to catch on.
Arthur flushes realising that his worst nightmare has just come to pass. Morgana knows! He could try denying it but knowing Morgana that would not discourage her. He casts a furtive eye at Gwen and Ewan, noting with relief that they seem to be deep in conversation.
"Yes Morgana, just shout it out for the world to hear."
"Well, anyone with eyes can't miss the way you keep ogling her let alone the way you seem to lose your ability to speak one line that makes sense when around her."
"Morgana!" Arthur says through clenched teeth. "Could we discuss it later in a more, um-m private place?"
"Okay but you do know of course that nothing good can ever come out of this?"
"Tell that to the clot pole." Merlin mumbles.
"Would you mind repeating what you just said, Merlin?" Arthur says forebodingly.
"I was just saying I agree with Morgana."
"Next time just shut up okay. "
This outing is not going the way I thought it would, Arthur thinks. Although he is not sure how he expected it to go exactly. Gwen and Ewan seem to be keeping to themselves, which irks him so much it has changed his mood completely. The two people he is stuck with seem to be hell bent on interrogating him. He wishes he could just turn around and abandon this whole ridiculous outing. And to think he had already sent a word to the court announcer that there would be an archery tournament. He just cannot understand himself sometimes.