Chapter 7-Beauty and the Beast

Hey guys, I remembered what I forgot to add at the last AN. I have been asked via the reviews if Elizabeth is going to be like Gwen and break Arthur's heart. The answer is no, she will not cheat on him, in my eyes Gwen belongs with Lancelot she has always belonged with him even after she married Arthur, but Elizabeth only loves Arthur. It's just the wedding that made her nervous and Arthur and her will deal with that later. So onwards with this chapter, I don't own Merlin but Laudine, Kay and Elizabeth are all my creations. Enjoy.

It was manic, that was the only thought that had been running through my head all day as I danced out of the way of different servants who were all working on setting up the hall for my upcoming wedding. It was finally here all the planning and pain had come down to the next few days.

Between my dress fitting in the morning and checking out the hall decoration in the afternoon I had somehow managed to find time to go and see Merlin. He was working for Gaius that day collecting pots, "You and Arthur, you work me to the bone," Merlin was complaining next to me.

"You think you have it rough, try planning a wedding. I swear I have seen the seamstress more times this week than I have seen my future husband," I joked next to him, feeling slightly put off that it was probably true.

"At least the work is interesting," Gaius said from the other side of Merlin.

"Gaius, we're collecting pots. We do the same thing each and every Thursday at exactly the same time and nothing interesting ever happens," Merlin complained even louder this time.

I rolled my eyes, "Just enjoy the fact we arent running around trying to save Camelot from one disaster or another."

Before Merlin could reply a filthy man grabbed hold of Merlin's arms. His ears were pointed and he seemed to smell like rubbish, "Please, we seek Uther Pendragon. Where can he be found?"

"I…" Merlin began to answer before something was shoved into his hand.

Gaius spoke, "I'm sorry, any business you have with the King will have to be pursued through the usual channels."

I looked down at the seal and gasped, "This is the seal of the House of Tregor. Where did you get this?" I asked looking at the man in front of us in disbelief.

"It doesn't belong to me," The man said before looking behind him.

I noticed a figure standing there wearing a cloak and a hood, she pulled back the hood and I came face to face with a woman I never thought I would see, Lady Catrina Tregor, "My Lady," I said bowing my head in respect. Gaius followed my lead almost immediately while Merlin just stared, I elbowed him lightly in the ribs, "Bow," I ordered, Merlin finally did.

"You know me?" Catrina asked.

"My name is Princess Elizabeth-Maria of Deira," I explained, "I will take you to the King right away."

The walk was mostly in silence. Catrina looked around at the Castle in fascination, as we made our way towards the great hall, we stopped outside, "If you wait here I will introduce you," I said softly to her before walking through the doors. Arthur, Morgana and Uther were already gathered in the hall when I entered.

Uther was the first to look up, "Hello Elizabeth. Is everything going as planned with the wedding?"

"Of course My Lord," I said bowing my head, "But I was walking through the Lower Town and I found a woman who has the seal of the House of Tregor. Sire, Lady Catrina is here," I explained.

She seemed to hear me as she chose that exact moment to enter the room. Uther seemed to smile broadly at her. His eyes sparking, "Lady Catrina, is it really you?"

Merlin and Gaius entered quietly behind them moving off to the side. Catrina bowed low her voice breathless, "I can hardly believe it myself."

"We had tidings from the north that the House of Tregor had fallen to invaders," Uther explained.

"All that you heard was true, My Lord, and worse," Catrina said sadly.

Uther walked towards her his expression worried, "Your father, the King?"

"Gone, Sire. The enemy attacked without warning. We were outnumbered five to one. He could not endure. I would never have survived had it not been for my faithful servant Jonas. But we did survive, and we made it this far…" Catrina said before swooning. Uther managed to catch her, "Forgive me, My Lord. I fear my trials have taken a toll."

I couldn't help but roll my eyes at her behind Uther's back. Anyone with a brain could tell that she was moving in for the crown right now, "Your sufferings are beyond imagining, My Lady. It would be an honour to help you in any way I can."

"A bed for the night would be most welcome," Catrina said softly.

The King nodded, "You will be considered our esteemed guest, and of course an invite to the wedding is in order."

"Wedding My Lord?" Catrina questioned as she straightened up.

"My son is marrying Elizabeth. Their wedding is in a few days," Uther explained before turning to me, "Catrina is welcome isn't she?"

"Of course My Lord," I said bowing my head, "It will be a privilege to have her there."

"It would be my pleasure, Lady Elizabeth," Catrina smiled at me, something in her eye told me that not everything was as it seems.

Okay, by now you know the drill. Review and let me know what you think. The poll is going to be up for another few days so please vote on that,

Until next time,

Artistic-Blue-Eyes

xxx