Gwen knew the moment Arthur arrived at work with Merlin that once again, it wasn't going to be an easy day ahead. Tension lined his face and he didn't greet her on his way to his office. Merlin walked in behind him, looked at her and shook his head before disappearing into the office with Arthur.

Worried, she pulled out some files she had been working on and tried to concentrate. Instead, Arthur's tired eyes and tight mouth kept floating into her head and she worried even more. He'd been this way the past week, so much so that Mithian had asked her one evening during their regular dinner-cum-shopping dates if something was up at work. The truth was Gwen suspected it had something to do with the Mordred case and his father but if Arthur hadn't told Mithian about it, then she didn't think it was her place to either. So she'd mumbled something about Arthur working too hard, then turned the subject to how bloody difficult it was to find a decent contractor to do up her house.

"What's going on?" Gwen grabbed Merlin's arm and whispered when he finally left Arthur's office.

"Aside from Arthur having some sort of crisis of confidence, nothing much."

"Aren't you concerned?"

Merlin snorted lightly, glancing back at Arthur's closed door. "Of course I am. But when Arthur is in a mood, he's a stubborn ass. And any conversation we have about this only results in him insulting me and throwing me all sorts of busy work to do. Which is what I'm headed out to do right now. I'm going to have to take a raincheck on lunch."

"Ok," Gwen said slowly. Her eyes went back to Arthur's door, wondering if she would be overstepping boundaries if she went in to check on Arthur. Then she remembered what happened the last time she did that. Tearing her eyes away, she focussed on the file in front of her.

A few minutes later, her concentration was broken when the phone at her desk rang. It was Arthur, demanding Merlin come into his office. Only Merlin wasn't around. She heard him curse quietly, then slam the phone down. Worry for him overrode her concerns and she knocked on his door.

"Come!"

Peering in, she saw he was standing, which meant he'd been pacing again. "Is everything alright?"

"Guinevere!" He spun around and he almost smiled. "Everything is fine."

She sucked in a breath and stepped into his office. "No it's not. Look at you. You look like you haven't slept in ages, you're constantly angry with Merlin and -"

"Merlin is a pain on his best days."

"Arthur -"

He sighed, running his hand through his hair. "I'm sorry. Things have been hectic recently. We met with Mordred yesterday and he didn't want the deal. Let's just say he took it badly that we even dared offer him such a deal. And there's my dad. Frankly, at this point, my relationship with Mithian is the only thing that is going well in my life at the moment."

Gwen's ignored the instinctual jealousy that bubbled in her. It was getting easier with practice. "Do you want to talk about it?"

"Actually, I would rather not think about it at all."

"Well then, if you have nothing urgent - and there's no terribly important appointments in your schedule today I can't postpone - how about we play hooky today?"

His smile completely transformed his face and made her heart jump and pleasure flood her when she realised he liked her suggestion. "Why, Guinevere. Are you actually suggesting to your boss that we take a day off work for no reason?"

"I've learnt that the occasional break is always for the best. A very smart man taught me that."

"Hmm, a very smart man indeed." Arthur grabbed his jacket. "Let's go."

They ended up in a small park not too far away, eating sandwiches they procured from a nearby kiosk. A group of children kicked around a ball in front of them, their laughter carefree.

"Sometimes I wonder if I am even in the right job," sighed Arthur, seated so close to her she could feel the warmth of his body. "My father was so set on me following his footsteps and taking over his firm."

Gwen tilted her head back, letting the sun shine down on her face. "If you could be anything in the world, what would you want to be?"

"A farmer."

Both the ridiculousness of his answer and the utter seriousness in which he said it caused her to burst into laughter. He joined in. "I can't imagine you being a farmer. Merlin tells me you can't stand the outdoors."

"I admit I don't like the outdoors much. I mean, tamed, managed nature, like this very pretty park, is fine but all that rugged, untamed outdoors just isn't quite my thing." He shook his head. "But nowadays, farmers are more high tech right? Anyway, I'll just bring Merlin with me. He'll revel in it and can do all the work."

"I'm sure you will."

They lapsed into silence and Gwen closed her eyes. Could life get any better than this? To think 3 months ago, she had been adamant that she would not be staying forever in Camelot. With children's laughter surrounding her, with the smell of hotdogs in the air, with the warmth of Arthur next to her, the urge to run away from Camelot was little more than a dull throb, not the overwhelming feeling it once used to be. When she first returned, she'd seen her past everywhere she turned, from the furniture in her home to the familiar buildings that still remained. But now, while she still remembered the past, the easy acceptance of everyone, the new friends she'd made and the fact that even her brother had made peace with his past made her rethink a lot of things.

"Ow!" Arthur leapt from the bench, startling her from her thoughts. Opening her eyes, she saw a sheepish girl approaching them. Then she noticed the ball Arthur was holding.

"I'm sorry! Can we have our ball back?"

"Only if I get to play too."

When the girl scowled at him, then petulantly declared, "You're old!", Gwen tried very hard to stifle her giggle. Not successfully she realised when Arthur shot her a glare.

"Give me my ball or I'll tell my mother."

"You'd better give her the ball," Gwen said, smiling as Arthur scowled back at the girl before thrusting the ball into her arms. "Not very good with children are you?"

"I'm great with kids."

Sighing, Gwen stood. "We should probably be heading back. Lunch time is over and Merlin is going to start complaining about us again."

"You're right." Arthur stood as well. "This was nice. Thank you."

"No worries. I enjoyed myself too."

As expected, a disgruntled Merlin hovered at her desk when they returned.

"You know, when the two of you go on your secret rendezvous, you could at least leave me a note," he said. "Morgana called. She wants to meet up with you and Mordred."

And with those words, the tension returned to Arthur's face. A curt nod, he beckoned Merlin into his office and Gwen was left alone again.

Gwen sipped the coffee, then made a face.

"No good?" Mithian asked, the amusement in her voice evident. "I admire your sense of adventure when it comes to coffee."

"Ugh. And the picture looked so great too."

Pushing her tea over, Mithian laughed. "Here, have some of mine. You must be thirsty after quarrelling with that awful man."

"I'm still too angry to be thirsty. How dare he suggest that I am incapable of making decisions over my bathroom fittings."

Mithian rolled her eyes. "I know. Men. I can't believe he told you to come back with your husband."

"I should bring Merlin with me the next time. He's even more indecisive than me." Gwen took a gulp of Mithian's tea, then cringed inwardly. There was a reason she didn't drink tea usually. "So tell me about that exciting piece of news you have."

"The local travel magazine -"

"Long Live Camelot?"

"Cheesy right?" laughed Mithian, "still, I'll take what I can get. They've asked me to shoot some photos of Gedref for an upcoming article."

Excited, Gwen reached across the table and grabbed Mithian's hand. "No!"

"Yes!"

"That's brilliant!"

"I know! I was so used to being in demand as a fashion photographer, I forgot what it is like to have to work from the bottom up. But I also forgot how exciting it is."

"I cannot imagine ever being sick of being a fashion photographer. All that glitz and glamour. I can tell you there's little glitz and glamour in IT management."

"Glitz and glamour gets old fast. And it sometimes makes you someone you don't want to be." Mithian smiled, the happiness evident in her eyes. "I'm happy here. Mostly."

That little bit of jealousy that was always there when she met Mithian raised its ugly head. "Yeah, your job is picking up and there's Arthur, who's besotted with you." Guilt hit her and Gwen quickly put on a smile. "I'm happy for you."

"Yeah, about Arthur. Can I ask you something?"

Gwen really rather Mithian not ask her anything about Arthur but she nodded.

Mithian ran her fingers along the side of the table as if gathering her thoughts. "You've been in love before right?" When Gwen nodded again, she continued. "The thing is Arthur is lovely. He's sweet and he does all the right things. He brings me out to dinner, we make small talk. He takes me to the movies but it's like we're just going through the motions."

"What do you mean?" Gwen sat up, frowning. While she was jealous of Mithian's relationship with Arthur, that didn't mean she wanted them to break up.

"He doesn't tell me about the things that happen at work for one thing. But more importantly, he seems happy to just keep things as they are. We've been going out for over a month and all we've ever done is kiss."

Images Gwen didn't want floated into her mind. "Maybe he is waiting for you to make the first move?"

"That's the problem. I don't want things to progress either." Mithian smiled wryly. "I feel like I should want more but I don't. There's just no spark."

The kiss she shared with Arthur immediately popped into Gwen's head. That was the complete opposite of no spark. "No spark?"

Mithian shook her head. "None. I mean it's pleasant but it's not like how I feel about - uh"

Gwen perked up, leaning towards Mithian. "You have feelings for someone else? Someone who isn't Arthur?"

Her head dropped and the salt shaker suddenly seemed very fascinating to Mithian.

"You don't have to tell me who it is," said Gwen quietly. "What are you going to do now?"

"I don't know," Mithian sighed. "To many people, Arthur and I probably seem like the perfect couple. And you know, I think I could be happy with him. I just thought there would be more -"

"More?"

"That it would just be more." Mithian shrugged. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't be dumping all this on you."

"What are friends for, if not discussing difficult life decisions like whether I should go back to that awful man to buy my bathroom fittings."

"Don't. His stuff may be cheap but he's an ass."

"You're right."

"Wow, this is gorgeous," breathed Guinevere as they spilled out of his car.

Merlin grinned. "It's just the beginning -"

"-of torture," groaned Arthur. He was already regretting this whole outing. First, since no one else had a car large enough for all of them, he'd had to drive his car through muddy, uneven roads. He was loathed to see the state of his car right now. Then Gwen had invited Gwaine along. It wasn't that he didn't like Gwaine - he did. It was just that Gwaine spent the whole time fussing over Gwen and it annoyed him. And it annoyed him that he didn't understand why it annoyed him.

Mithian slipped her arm in his and he pasted a smile on his face. From the corner of his eye, he could see Gwen and Gwaine snuggled together and Gwaine whispering something in her ear that made her laugh. Merlin had gone on ahead and was waxing lyrical about the view, to whom, Arthur had no idea. Everyone looked relaxed and happy. Arthur sighed. He didn't want to be the lone unhappy person.

"Isn't this nice?" he said to no one in particular.

"It's perfect," murmured Mithian. She disentangled herself from him and went over to the boot of his car, grabbing her camera and other assorted equipment.

Soon, they were trekking in a valley and somehow Arthur ended up at the back of the group. He watched with growing resentment as Guinevere walked hand in hand with Gwaine, laughing and teasing each other. He felt excluded from their little bubble of happiness. His own girlfriend chatted animatedly with Merlin as they pointed at various things. From his vantage point, he watched Mithian. Her smile was bright and he could hear the enthusiasm in her voice. A sense of discomfort settled in his stomach but he pushed it away.

"Come on slow poke," Merlin shouted from the front, turning back to wave at Arthur.

Arthur rolled his eyes and refused to walk any faster. Hell would freeze over before he listened to Merlin, he thought sulkily.

Finally, after what seemed like forever, they stopped at a clearing. To Arthur, it looked like every other clearing they passed but to Merlin and Mithian, it was apparently the clearing to beat all clearings if their oohing and ahhing over the place was any indication. Amused, he turned to look for Guinevere. She would find it as amusing, he knew. Then, he saw Gwaine with his arm slung around Guinevere and still whispering into the ear.

"It's not that bad right?" Mithian was suddenly at his side, her fingers twining with his. "Look at how gorgeous the mountain range in the distance is, and the flora."

He let her rattle on, smiling and nodding at what he thought were appropriate places. His eyes glanced at Mithian then moved back to Guinevere and he watched as her and Gwaine settle down on the grass, still plastered closely to each other.

By then, Merlin had joined them and Mithian, although her hand was in his, her attention was solely on Merlin. Her eyes danced, excitement coloured her voice and she seemed more alive than he'd ever seen her. And it was all because of Merlin.

Everything was wrong.

Arthur dropped Mithian's hand. She didn't even blink twice, instead, moving closer to Merlin so she could look at the plant he was pointing at. When Mithian giggled at something Merlin said, Arthur walked away, not unaware that Mithian probably didn't realise he had gone.

"I'd suggest we kick a ball around but Merlin and Mithian might object to us destroying nature," Arthur lifted the arm from across his face and blinked. Gwaine hovered over him for a while, shoving a can of coke at him. "Don't mind if we join you. Gwen thought you looked lonely."

"Mithian looks so at home taking photographs," said Guinevere as she sat down next to him. Gwaine immediately plopped down beside her. "I bet her photographs are going to be stunning."

Arthur grunted, letting his arm fall back down to cover his eyes.

Someone nudged him. Then he caught the unmistakable smell of Guinevere's perfume. She was leaning over him. He opened his eyes again and stared at her. After a moment, she jerked back, then burrowed into Gwaine's chest.

"Come on. Mithian isn't going to be happy when she sees you sulking like this."

"She's fine. Merlin is keeping her company."

"You should be with them, taking an interest in her work." Arthur could hear the disapproval in Guinevere's voice. "How do you expect to maintain a relationship behaving like that?"

Gwaine chuckled. "She's right of course. If you love Mithian, then you should be there, getting involved in the things she likes."

"Like I'm going to take advice from the perennial bachelor," muttered Arthur.

"Hey, I'm a bachelor by choice. And I'm not quite a bachelor now. I've the best woman by my side."

Arthur couldn't help the scowl that formed when he heard Guinevere giggle. "Look, why don't the two of you take your romantic selves and go cuddle somewhere else?"

Gwaine laughed. "Come on Arthur. Don't be such a baby."

"It's a lovely day and we don't get to spend time together so often," Guinevere said, her tone eliciting feelings of guilt.

"You're right," he said, pushing himself up. "Now how about we tuck into the food while the two nature lovers are busy?"

By the time Mithian and Merlin wandered back to where the three of them were, the best sandwiches had been eaten and they were lying on the grass, making up nonsense stories based on the shape of clouds. Whatever misgivings Arthur had earlier had completely disappeared and he laughed heartily at Gwaine's story of a bear and a squirrel. He felt Guinevere laugh beside him and turned his head so he could see her face, watch her laugh. Their eyes met, his heart swelled and for a moment, time seemed to stand still.

"I can't believe you ate all the good ones!" Merlin sat down besides Arthur as he rummaged through the bag. "Ugh. Now I have to eat the ones with alfalfa sprouts."

Pulling his attention away from Guinevere, he laughed at Merlin's disgusted face. "The early bird catches the worm. And you should have volunteered to make the sandwiches if you're going to be so fussy."

"You know I don't like alfalfa sprouts!" Merlin grumbled.

"Alfalfa sprouts are good for you," said Mithian as she settled down as well.

Guinevere sat up. "Lucky for you, I made you your favourite peanut butter sandwich. And I kept it away from these two ravenous animals."

"Hey!" grunted Arthur and Gwaine in unison.

Ignoring them, Guinevere turned to Mithian. "How was the shoot?"

"Great. Merlin has quite the eye for nature." Arthur watched Merlin and Mithian exchange a smile. "I think we got a few good pictures."

"That's good. I'm sure Long Live Camelot would be glad they commissioned you," said Arthur. Then feeling slightly bad at his lack of enthusiasm, he sat up and took Mithian's hand. "You're a brilliant photographer."

The guilt only increased when Mithian squeezed his hand and beamed back at him. "And thank you for arranging this whole thing with everyone." She kissed him lightly. "It's been a wonderful day."

From the corner of his eye, he saw Guinevere watching them. The smile she flashed him was slight, then she turned back to Gwaine. With Mithian busy with the sandwiches, he continued to watch Guinevere.

After dropping everyone off at their respective homes, Arthur drove Mithian back in silence.

"I had a great time. Thanks again for arranging it all." She smiled briefly. "Would you like to come in?"

Arthur thought about the day he had, about the strange mix of feelings that had churned in him and looked at Mithian. "Sure."

It was awkward.

He didn't know if he should stand or sit. Mithian seemed equally as uncertain, fussing with the curtains then the magazines on her sofa.

"I'm sorry it's such a mess."

Reaching out an arm, he stopped her. "It's fine. Come here."

He tried. He pushed the doubts that clamoured in his mind, demanding release, aside. He thought of all the many virtues of Mithian. He thought of how pleased his father had been. He tried very hard to focus on the very beautiful woman in his arms, kissing him.

Gently, Mithian pulled away from him. "Arthur -"

"We should talk," he said finally. She nodded and led him to her plush sofa. "The truth is, I like you a lot, Mithian but -"

"- you're not in love with me?" The anxiety that had been building in him eased when he noted that she didn't seem very upset.

"I'm sorry. I really thought that we could work this out but I think that it's not fair to either of us to continue like this."

While he was relieved that she hadn't burst into tears, Arthur wasn't quite prepared for the smile that bloomed on her face. "I'm glad you feel that way," she said, then she laughed. "You are rich, attractive, smart - everything I could ask for so when Gwen started to encourage me to give you a chance, I thought why not?"

"Wait. You're not upset."

"Are you?" Amusement danced in her eyes as she smiled at him.

"I am now. I thought you liked me!" Arthur huffed, crossing his arms and staring petulantly at her.

"I do. Arthur, you're a great guy but let's face it, there was never any spark between us."

And as much as his ego bruised at those words, he agreed. "Strange isn't it? On paper, we're perfect for each other. Well, at least I thought so."

Her hand rubbed his. "I thought we would work too. We tried."

"So, what now?"

"I guess we agree to remain friends?"

Arthur nodded. "Of course. Friends."

"Good friends," she smiled.

Impulsively, Arthur pulled her into a hug. He felt as if something heavy lifted from his chest. This was probably the best break up he'd ever had.

"You'll let me tell people I dumped you right?" Mithian murmured into his ear.

Arthur whistled happily as he stood in the lift. A surprise phone call from Morgana the night before and the fact that he was no longer trying to pretend that his relationship with Mithian was actually going anywhere had lifted his spirits. When the lift doors opened to reveal Guinevere deep in concentration at her desk, her brows furrowed and her lips pursed, his mood got even better.

"Do you think you'll want this job forever?"

"I think I'm overqualified for this job actually."

He leaned against her desk. "Mmm, but I pay well."

"Your father hates me. You actually have a PA who is on leave and isn't going to be happy when he finds himself a new father and jobless." She looked pointedly at him, then shook her head when he responded with a grin. "Now I've all these things to do and your first appointment is going to be arriving soon."

"You run a tight ship Ms Thomas."

He could feel Guinevere's frown and he would bet his car that she would be calling Merlin soon to find out what transpired over the weekend. It only made him smile more. Humming to himself, he entered his office.

Over the morning, he cleared a number of straightforward cases, made a dent in the pile of paperwork he'd let pile up over the weeks.

"Gwen says you're in an unbelievably good mood so I had to drop by and find out." Merlin walked in unannounced and uninvited.

"Now you're here, my good mood has plummeted."

As usual, Merlin sank into the sofa. "Your wit is legendary. So, did something happen between you and Mithian then?"

Arthur nodded. "Maybe. Morgana called. Said she wants to meet up tomorrow afternoon with her evidence. Apparently she has a change of heart."

"Huh."

"What?" Arthur frowned at Merlin.

"I wouldn't trust Morgana but hey, you never know. She might have turned over a new leaf."

"Shut up Merlin."

Turning his attention back to the file he was reading, Arthur was still well aware of Merlin lounging on his sofa, staring at him.

Arthur slammed the folder shut. "Ok, what is it?

"Nothing. Gwen is right. You seem happier."

"You can tell this from watching me read something."

"I've known you for far too long," Merlin sighed. "Come on, we're supposed to be friends. Tell me."

A thought crystallised in Arthur's mind. "You and Guinevere are close."

"Are we playing 'state the obvious' now? You are a lawyer."

Arthur rolled his eyes. "How serious do you think she and Gwaine are?"

"I think they enjoy each other's company." Merlin's voice trailed off and he stared at Arthur. "Are you and Mithian no longer together?"

"No, we decided it wasn't working."

"And you're asking about Gwen." Merlin jumped from the sofa. "No."

"What do you mean by no?"

"I mean I know you like her company - god knows the two of you run off from work at any whim - and she's a great person but just because you're nursing a broken heart doesn't mean you run into the arms of someone convenient."

"Do I look like I'm nursing a broken heart?"

"How would I know?" snapped Merlin.

"You just said you knew me too well!"

"Maybe I don't! And don't even think about it. I still remember Vivian."

That was a low blow. Dating Vivian hadn't been his best moment, using her to get over Sophia but he had been young, foolish and selfish. He liked to think that he's mature over the years. "Vivian was different."

"Gwen is happy with Gwaine," stated Merlin. "She's happy with this job. She hasn't been happy in a while. Don't. Please."

"I like her," his voice was pleading, as if he was hoping for Merlin to give his approval.

"You liked Mithian too."

"It's different," Arthur said quietly. It had always been different. With Mithian he liked her mainly because he knew he ought to like her. But she wasn't the one he wanted to play truant with, she wasn't the one he wanted to share stories with and she wasn't the one whose kiss haunted his dreams.

"Maybe. Look, you just ended one relationship. Do you really think it's a good idea to jump into another?"

Arthur sighed. "Why do you have to be so sensible?"

"Because you are a fool. Don't look so crushed. Gwen is going to think that I bullied you."

"Shut up."

Merlin nudged him. "It's past noon. Lunch?"

"Fine. Whatever."

When Merlin gave her the news, she dropped the pan she was washing.

"Arthur and Mithian have broken up?"

"Just two days ago," said Merlin between bites.

Gwen picked up the pan and continued scrubbing it, keenly aware of Gwaine's eyes on her. No wonder Mithian had texted her yesterday but she'd been too busy with her brother and Percy to reply. Guilt flooded her. Mithian might have been completely shattered and she hadn't been around.

"What happened?" Gwaine asked the question she wanted asked.

"Apparently Mithian dumped him? At least that's what Mithian told me," said Merlin, "Arthur was very tight lipped."

Gwen dropped the pan again and turned to look at Merlin. "You spoke to Mithian? Was she alright?"

"I think so. We went to watch that latest French movie last night and she seemed fine. Guess that is what happens when you're the dumper."

"And how is Arthur?" Gwaine was asking all the questions for her. She smiled at him.

Merlin shrugged. "None the worse for wear it seems. He'll have another woman on his arm soon enough. Hey, you should come eat. We can do the washing up later."

"Yeah. Come on Gwen. You've already cooked for least we can do is wash up." Gwaine leaned over the counter and snagged her hand, tugging it gently.

Gwen obliged and sat next to Gwaine who had an inscrutable expression on his face. "How is the chicken?"

"Great as usual. She's a brilliant cook," Merlin said approvingly, turning to nod at Gwaine.

"I know. She's great." Gwaine's arm slid around her waist and he gave her a squeeze. There was a message in the squeeze, except Gwen's mind was far too busy with the shock news of Mithian and Arthur's break up to dwell on that. Her mind churning, she let Gwaine and Merlin lead the conversation down another path.

Later, after Merlin left, Gwaine and her sat in front of the television. A soap played on it but Gwen's thoughts were elsewhere.

"A penny?"

"Huh, oh. I was just thinking about Mithian. I hope she's alright."

Gwaine shifted a little, tucking her into his embrace and kissed the top of her head. "Merlin said she was fine."

"I know. But maybe she's putting up a brave front for him?"

"This is what I like about you Gwen. You care." Then he turned her to face him. "Arthur is single now."

Ignoring the flutter of hope in her chest, she said blandly, "It doesn't matter, does it?"

"Are you going to pretend to me that you don't have feelings for him? Because you know I know."

"It's just a crush," she muttered, pulling away from Gwaine and sinking into the sofa. "And there's something wrong with my date asking me such questions."

Gwaine laughed and pulled her back to lean against him. "I like you Gwen and we've had fun together but it's never been anything serious. I'm pretty sure that how you feel about Arthur is a lot deeper."

"What does it matter Gwaine? He doesn't feel that way about me. And you're right. I like this. I like being with you."

"Just remember we're not exclusive."

Letting out a gasp of mock indignation, Gwen asked, "Are you trying to tell me you've been seeing someone else?"

"Well, I did go to dinner with Ling last week, remember? She was very interested in me. Sadly, she turned out to be not the most interesting conversationalist."

Laughing, Gwen took a cushion and hit Gwaine. He grabbed her and they ended up tangled together on the sofa. Gwaine cupped her face gently, then pressed a kiss against her lips. Against her ear, he whispered, "I don't think Arthur is as immune to you as you think he is." Then he got off the sofa. "Anyway, there's a fitness convention next weekend in Caerleon and if I'm going to drive all the way there, I am thinking of staying a while, soak in the sights."

"You are a lot sweeter than you look Gwaine Green," said Gwen as she walked him to the door.

"Are you saying I don't look sweet?"

Patting his cheek affectionately, she grinned. "No, but you are very attractive."

Gwen wasn't sure if Gwaine was trying to make her feel better or if he was simply mistaken because over the next week, Arthur definitely showed no interest in her. In fact, she had the strange suspicion that he was avoiding her. Work was busy as usual but not once did he offer to have lunch with her, something he did fairly regularly before and all of their conversations revolved around work. Any time it seemed like it was getting personal, Arthur would cut it short.

After a long day at work, Gwen was all too glad to shrug out of her office wear. The hot shower splashed onto her bare skin and Gwen sighed in contentment, letting the warmth ease her tense muscles. The study was still in a mess and half of the tiles in her bedroom had been hacked up. But at least, her bathroom was still in good shape. Sometimes, when she looked at the mess her house was in, she'd wonder why she even let Merlin talk her into renovating it, especially when she was still planning to leave Camelot. Closing her eyes, Gwen let the water wash over her face.

There was a knock on the door.

She ignored it, unwilling to leave the comfort of her shower. She wasn't expecting anybody and she wasn't in the mood to make nice with any salespeople out there.

The knocking only got louder.

Gwen groaned but just turned off the shower and lathered herself instead.

"Guinevere? Are you at there? Please say you're there."

Her movements stilled. It was Arthur at her door and he sounded desperate. Immediately she panicked. Something must be wrong. As quickly as possible, she washed off the soap, grabbed her robe and made her way to the door.

"Arthur?" She flung open the door. Arthur stood there, tension evident on his face, his eyes bleak. "What happened? Come in. Is your father alright?"

His laugh was bitter but he entered her house anyway. "Turn on the TV."

As he paced up and down, Gwen turned on the TV.

"Channel 3. The news should be on."

"Ok." A young reporter was talking about an accident that had happened earlier in the day. "Was someone you -"

"Look at the ticker tape."

Gwen glanced down at the scrolling news.

Young teen reveals Mercia Constructions shady practises

She blinked and read it again as it scrolled past. "Mordred."

"He called a press conference a few hours ago apparently and spilled everything about Mercia Constructions. Everything. Even things that have nothing to do with his case. I told him not to. I told him that nothing good will come from this. He doesn't see that Morgana is using him for her own ends. He thinks she cares about him and his father." Arthur stopped pacing, then sank onto her sofa and dropped his head into his hands.

Gwen sat beside him. "Will this affect the case badly? The last time we met with Morgana, she gave you the evidence she had and the names of other who were willing to talk. Surely you can still bring Mercia Constructions to court."

"It's a mess. As you can imagine, Mercia who were willing to deal just last week, have left me a very curt note about how they will no longer enter into negotiations with us. And my father is furious that our name is linked with Mordred and Morgana's unethical tactics. I just came from a long lecture. He wants me to drop the case. He's threatening to fire me."

"Are you going to?"

"I don't know. Mordred is going to need us now that he's made himself the center of a media circus but - I just don't know."

"Oh Arthur," she sighed. Then, without thinking, she hugged him. She heard him murmur her name, then bury his face in her neck. For a long time, they just sat on the sofa, entwined. Then Arthur slowly pulled away, his eyes dark and locked on hers.

"You have soap on your face," he said as he lifted one hand up to wipe it off.

His touch was gentle and she shivered. She licked her lips. Arthur's eyes dropped and he groaned before pulling her against him and kissing her. This time the kiss wasn't as gently and sweet as the previous one they shared. There was an edge to it but Gwen gave herself up to Arthur's kiss. His lips moved over hers and she parted her lips, allowing his tongue access. He nibbled her lower lip and a thrill shot through Gwen, sending heat pooling between her legs.

When he moved from her lips to press kisses along her jaw then down to her neck, Gwen shuddered, her fingers threading into his hair. He pushed her back so she was lying on the sofa, then stretched himself over her. She welcomed his weight, slipping her arms around his waist. One hand smoothed up her leg, pushing her robe higher, while Arthur balanced on the other. His lips never left her body, leaving a trail from her neck down to between her breasts. With his nose, he nudged her robe aside, exposing her to his mouth.

Gasping with pleasure, Gwen arched, giving him easier access.

"Arthur," she moaned, wanting more. Her hands left his hair and tugged at his shirt. With clumsy fingers, she undid his buttons, then grumbled when she couldn't. She felt him chuckle against her before lifting his head up to smile at her. "You have too many clothes on."

"So do you." With those words, his hands went to untie her robe. He smoothed a hand down her body, leaving goosebumps in its wake. "You're are perfect. So perfect."

Her whole body was on fire, demanding, needing. Desire hummed through her. Desire mixed with a nagging feeling she shouldn't be doing this.

Unaware of her thoughts, he smiled at her. His voice was low and rough. "Let's go to bed."