Camelot
September, 507 AD
"Have you got everything?" Gwen inquired as she stood inside my closet, her eyes meticulously scanning it for something. Presumably anything that I may have forgotten to pack for the journey.
"Let's hope so," I replied with a nonchalant shrug. She placed her hands on her hips as she turned to face me with an indecipherable look in her eyes. "I'm sure Gawant has shops I can visit if I'm missing anything – which I'm not."
She looked past me and towards my bed – where my closed and locked navy blue suitcase sat – and she raised an eyebrow as she asked, "Where is the dress?"
"Inside. Obviously."
"Astra!" she raised her voice in a scolding manner as she darted towards the suitcase. I tilted my head as I watched her go. "You cannot stuff a dress inside a travel trunk!" I had to hold back a snort at her interesting vocabulary. "It will get wrinkles!"
"I didn't stuff it! I folded it!"
Gwen scoffed. "I have seen the state of your closet. I am not sure that our definitions of 'folding' align."
She went to open the suitcase and I remained standing in place, wondering when she turned into a bossy fairy godmother. Last I checked, I 'officially' appointed her my 'girl-in-the-chair' in an effort to get Arthur to raise her salary once more after learning that she was demoted by Uther following Morgana's betrayal – since there was no longer a position for 'Lady's maidservant', or whatever that's called. Much to my surprise – it worked! Arthur didn't even ask me to explain what I meant. He simply agreed to raise her earnings and take her out of the serving force and into 'my employment' (I prefer to think that she's my friend whom I pay so that she doesn't have to work and can hang out with me instead) without argument.
My contemplative thoughts were interrupted by an incessant jingling sound. I focused my gaze and found that Gwen was having trouble opening the suitcase. 'Cause, y'know, she doesn't have the combination to the lock. Lucky for me, because I suddenly remembered that I put my tablet and solar charger inside.
"Here," I said as I walked up to her and gently nudged her out of the way, then I turned my back to her as I worked the lock and I quickly put an admittedly badly-folded hoodie over the electronic devices before pulling out the dress and hurrying to close the suitcase again.
Gwen swiftly took the fancy gown from me and unfolded it, letting it stretch all the way to the ground. "See? Wrinkles," she noted as she motioned towards the bottom part of it with her head. I gave her a sheepish grin. "I am going to get an appropriate garment bag for it," she announced before carefully folding the dress over her arm and leaving the room.
"Thanks, Gwennie!" I called after her with a sweet smile and I heard her chuckle as she closed the door.
I let out a sigh of relief, feeling slightly mortified from the close call with my twenty-first century secrets. I'm losing my edge. I blame Arthur and his brain-jumbling perfect imperfection.
What am I saying?! I'm turning into a cheesy softy! I'm a badass knight! I need to act like it!
Speaking of the King who flipped my world upside-down – he showed up moments later with a paused knock on my door and entered my room with a bit of a pout on his soft lips. He was wearing a white v-neck tunic that made him look like an angel, and the sight caused my heart to skip a beat or five.
"'Sup, Prince Charming," I greeted.
He rolled his eyes at the nickname, but didn't stop moving until he was right in front of me and he sneaked his arms around my waist, pulling me tightly against his chest as he leaned down to hide his face in the crook of my neck. He's gonna get a hump on his back from leaning down so much…
"You okay?" I questioned as I reached up to tangle my fingers in his hair while my other arm wrapped around his shoulders. Or half-way around them, I guess, given how broad they are. He's so dreamy, isn't he?
And I'm gonna marry him!
I love life!
"Part of me will not be until you get back," he mumbled. His lips brushed against my sensitive skin as he spoke, sending a shiver down my spine.
"You're sweet," I said while I tightened my grip on him and I kissed the side of his head. "Y'know, I can still stay if you want me to."
He lifted his head and shook it as we made eye-contact. "No, you have to go. I am sure Elena is very excited to see you."
"Yeah, it's gonna be fun," I replied with a goofy smile.
Arthur grinned and promptly moved to brush his lips against mine as one of his hands came up to rest against my cheek. His hand fisted the back of my hoodie as he swiped at my bottom lip with his tongue and I allowed him to deepen the kiss, running my fingers through his hair and earning a hum.
His lips left mine and began trailing kisses along my jaw, then softly down my neck, where he lingered for a few moments before returning to my mouth, this time more fervently as he tightened his grip on me. I would've melted into mush from the burning sparks that ignited my insides; but humans can't do that.
"I cannot wait to marry you," he whispered once he pulled away, his forehead leaning against mine as he breathed slightly heavily.
"Yeah, same," I replied with a small grin.
Arthur kissed me one more time, now much more gently, before letting out a sigh and moving away from me and towards my bed. He lifted my suitcase off it, claiming that Merlin would come to get it soon as he set it down sideways by the door to my room. I tilted my head as I watched him with an amused smile, wondering if he saw the wheels at the bottom. I walked over and flipped it onto them, then I pulled out the handle.
He watched with widened eyes, then a smile filled with childlike wonder grew on his lips as he started rolling the suitcase around. I smiled at his adorable behaviour as my heart did cartwheels. Welcome to the future, Peaches!
"Yeah, America has cool inventions," I noted with a shrug.
Another knock on my door sounded and I called for whomever it was to come in. Merlin peeked into the room, a happy grin on his face. "The carriage and horses are ready," he announced.
In a fun turn of events, Arthur was the one to take my suitcase downstairs, since he was very enthralled with the simple rolling mechanics. My heart could've stopped from absolute adoration as I watched him play around with it while continuously sharing amused looks with my brother.
Louis was gallant enough to take the suitcase once we got to the courtyard and he loaded it onto the carriage.
I turned to face my two boys, really wishing that they were coming with me. I have no doubt that I'll have fun, but it still sucks that I will be away from them for twelve whole days. It's been a while since we've been separated for longer than maybe a day and I almost feel like a child being bussed off on the first day of Elementary School.
I moved to hug Arthur first, almost wishing that I could freeze the moment for an eternity as he held me safely in his strong arms. I breathed in his manly scent, letting it reach the deepest corners of my being as I sought to permanently engrave it into my brain. I took a mental note of the way the muscles in his chest pressed against my body, and the way in which his hands felt against my covered skin, always so gentle and warm.
After a minute or two, I lazily pushed off his torso and let my arms travel upwards to rest my hands on his shoulders, then I tugged on him slightly and he instantly complied with leaning down so that we could kiss. I marked down in my mind how soft his lips felt against mine as they tenderly brushed against each other, and how they retain an aftertaste of mint and something sweet, and how I would stay there forever if oxygen weren't an issue.
But, sadly, it is; and we had to separate before one of us suffocated – something I wouldn't have minded if today was my last day on Earth. Luckily, it's not. I have a bright life ahead. A life by his side. I just have to get through the next almost two weeks and I'll be back where I belong!
And I ask again – how did I lose my sharp edge so easily?! I'm a badass knight! Not a nauseating romantic!
"I love you, Astra," he said as our foreheads leaned against each other for the last time in twelve days.
"I love you more," I replied with a grin.
"I love you three thousand," he responded and gave me a quick kiss.
My jaw dropped and I faked an offended gasp. "How dare you use my own obsessions against me?!"
Arthur laughed and he kissed me one last time before reluctantly dropping his arms to his side. I kissed his cheek and then moved onto Merlin, who seemed fairly uncomfortable with the crappy chick-flick playing before him. I can't blame him.
"I'm gonna miss ya' like crazy!" I said as I jumped to hug him. He laughed and returned the embrace, squeezing me almost as tightly as I was squeezing him.
"Imagine how I will feel, having to deal with Arthur on my own for almost two weeks!" he shot back as we pulled apart while sending a playful smirk towards the King, who scoffed in reply.
I made a 'tsk' sound. "I wouldn't wish that on anyone," I joked, causing the sorcerer to frown at me with an amused expression as he placed his hands on his hips.
"Astraea! We are engaged!" Arthur reminded me with a bewildered look.
I blinked rapidly for a second. I hate it when my jokes don't work out. Then I decided to wave off his comment and I kissed my brother's cheek before stepping back so that I could address the two of them.
"Don't do anything stupid until I get back," I said with a goofy grin while pointing a menacing finger as my eyes alternated between them.
Merlin mirrored my grin. "How could we? You are taking all the stupid with you."
My eyes widened. "No way! You remembered!" I exclaimed before jumping to hug him once more, this time even more tightly. He let out a hearty laugh.
With a skip in my step, I finally willed myself to get away from them and moved towards Dallas, who waited patiently beside Gwaine and Fallyn. I rubbed his forehead for a few moments and placed a kiss on his muzzle before feeding him a piece of carrot out of my waist bag; then I tightened my girth, let down my stirrups, and accepted a stool from George so that I could climb on without straining my horse's spine. I gathered the neck-rope in my hands and gave the Thoroughbred another piece of carrot before nodding at the party, indicating that I'm ready to go.
Merlin side-eyed Arthur with an uncertain look. The pair stood among a welcome party that gathered on the front staircase to the castle awaiting the people of Nemeth. The sorcerer grinned a little when he noticed the very-obviously-forced grin on the King's lips.
It is no secret that Arthur dislikes state business. Especially inter-kingdom affairs that require weeks of meticulous planning and hours of discussing and drafting contracts. The task seems even more dreadful now that he doesn't have Astraea by his side to keep things interesting with her unintelligible jokes and strangely charming personality that could win anyone over. There isn't a single doubt in his mind that she'd be able to solve the conflict by pulling a brilliant idea out of nowhere.
Merlin knows that 'out of nowhere' more often than not means stealing from her favourite movies and TV series.
The King cursed himself mentally for insisting that his future wife go to Elena's wedding, a selfish desire to keep her by his side at all times rising within him. But, deep down, he knows that it was the right choice. He can't hold her back from living her own life. She might be willing to put off her own wishes for him, but he doesn't want her to ever grow resentful from having to compromise. If he can give her wings to fly free every once in a while, he will do it in a heartbeat even if it pains him.
A nudge to his side from his servant interrupted his thoughts. He blinked rapidly for a few moments and realised that the knights from Nemeth were now standing before him on horseback, likely waiting to be addressed. He's the King, after all.
He cleared his throat before speaking firmly, "Knights of Nemeth, Camelot welcomes you and extends the hand of friendship." That's good enough, right?
The two rows of knights in silver and dark green parted to reveal a figure atop a bay horse behind them. Its face wasn't visible, given the white veil that was draped over it. Merlin and Arthur shared a confused glance prompted by the strange clothing. But, lacking a better explanation, they individually assumed that it is the custom in Nemeth. They've both seen stranger garments. Particularly on a certain native Texan.
Who they now presumed to be the Princess rode forwards until she was standing before the King. Then she removed her veil.
Merlin resisted the urge to slap the back of Arthur's head when he noticed that he seemed stunned for a moment.
The Princess is undeniably beautiful. She has an unblemished marble skin, intelligent brown eyes, perfectly-trimmed eyebrows, a very feminine nose, and chestnut hair. But she lacks a certain... spice that the King has grown used to. Astraea might not be the classical beauty that the woman before him is; but, in his eyes, there is no one more perfect than her. So he quickly composed himself and took another step forwards as a knight helped the Princess off her horse.
"Princess Mithian, you are most welcome," Arthur greeted gallantly.
"Thank you, Your Highness," she responded in a soft voice that is more than fit for a Princess and she gave a respectful bow. "I have heard much about you, and you are more handsome in person than reports suggested," she added with a small smile.
Arthur's eyes widened and he quickly glanced towards his servant in search of help. Obviously, he knows that he's handsome. He knows what a mirror is. But no girl has said that to his face in a long time. Well, except for Astra, of course. Even if she usually says it with an air of mischief, for some reason...
He swallowed thickly as he tried to think of a reply. "Um."
Luckily, the Princess moved on from that, an amused grin forming on her lips as she asked, "Are we to stay in this chill all day?"
The King rapidly blinked away his mental jumble at the realisation that it is, indeed, very cold outside, and he forced a smile again. "Forgive me," he told the Princess before turning to address her party. "Tomorrow there will be a great feast to welcome our worthy friends." Then he turned back to Mithian and gestured for them to go inside, feeling eager to get this treaty over with.
Agravaine called for an emergency meeting with the King just before the beginning of the welcoming feast for the people of Nemeth. He talked of a situation in which a young man had been trying to sell out some sensitive information about the castle. More specifically, the tunnel system underneath it. However, in a plot twist, the man was found dead with a letter from Odin's court on his person.
Morgana's little pet impostor has several plans in motion at the moment. Plans that are sure to bring down the Pendragon dynasty once and for all. And almost as sweet will be the moment when the troublesome little foreigner who has the title of 'Queen' almost in her grasp perishes along with it.
"Was anything else found alongside this letter?" Arthur inquired, a grave look on his features under the fear that Camelot might find itself under attack again soon. Suddenly, he felt beyond grateful that Astraea is a four-day-ride away and out of harm's way.
"No, Sire," Agravaine replied.
"Then it is possible the boy succeeded in his mission and was murdered for his pains," Arthur noted as he left his seat at the head of the empty council chamber. "I need to check the vaults."
So check the vaults they did. There were no signs of a forced entry but, seeing as the boy had allegedly worked for the royal mapmaker, that isn't unexpected. Nothing seemed to be missing either but, given the long rows of documents stashed in the dark chamber, Arthur couldn't be too sure. Not without a more thorough search. So, oblivious to his uncle's evil plans and lacking someone who could see past the man's amicable front, he asked him to run a complete inventory of the room.
Agravaine smirked triumphantly behind the King's back as he left. A few more smart moves, and the kingdom will be his and Morgana's for the taking.
With a clouded mind, Arthur went to his room; where Merlin promptly helped him to get ready for the feast.
The dining hall was uncomfortably crowded, like a factory farm. An endless sea of platters were being passed about the long wooden table. Arthur and Merlin – along with a bunch of Camelot's knights –were once more weirded out when Princess Mithian sat to the King's left side. A spot he'd thought would remain empty in the face of his future wife's absence. Not wanting to start any conflicts, though, he once more marked it down as the fruit of a cultural difference. It certainly isn't stranger than Astra's recurrent decision to sit on tables, rather than on chairs, under the claim that they're less uncomfortable.
Oh, how he misses her! If she were home, maybe he wouldn't be stuck having to make small talk with the Princess all on his own. Astra would've befriended her already, like she did Elena, and she would've taken on the task. That, or she would've scared her away with a befuddling story about a boy with spider abilities... Perhaps it's better this way, after all.
Shaking away the thoughts of how he would rather be anywhere but in that room, and reminding himself that he needs to make an effort in order to eventually resolve the conflict between Camelot and Nemeth (once the official talks finally start); Arthur put on his best smile and engaged the Princess in a livelier conversation.
Merlin, who stood in a corner ready for whenever the King might need him, didn't miss how Mithian kept giggling at every other word that his master said, continually placing her hand on his arm while looking at him with an almost lovestruck look in her eyes. It made the sorcerer feel nauseated. And he could tell that Arthur was uneasy, too.
"Merlin –" George suddenly called his attention in a whisper as he moved to stand beside him, "I do not believe that the Lady-Knight Astraea would appreciate the Princess Mithian's behaviour towards our King."
Whatever strange friendship the hard-working servant has managed to develop with the un-biological siblings has sparked a strong sense of loyalty in him. He'd always been busy with trying to outshine every other worker in the castle in an attempt to gain the Pendragons' attention – what a surprising twist it was when the future Queen of Camelot decided to befriend him despite his rank! (Granted, that was originally born out of a burning desire to spite Arthur, but he doesn't need to know that!) He never felt noticed by anyone before that, despite his relentless efforts; and he is determined to serve Astraea faithfully until he breathes his last.
The two servants shared a nod, silently agreeing to do something to diffuse the situation before it could turn into something that Arthur might not be able to handle, and then Merlin moved towards the King. "Would you like more soup, Sire?" he asked with a pointed look that begged him to realise that something is off.
Arthur didn't catch the hint as he shook his head. "No, thank you."
At least he said 'thank you'.
"Are you sure?" Merlin pressed while stepping in between the two royals in an attempt to make his unspoken message clearer.
The King responded with a puzzled look and waved him away. He's actually managing to make friends with the Princess! He can't have Merlin clumsily screwing everything up! The fate of Camelot is on the line!
Merlin backed away with a clenched jaw. Then he did the next best thing he could think of: he grabbed George's arm just as Arthur was about to take another spoonful out of his bowl and shoved him towards his chair. The servant accidentally pushed the King forwards while trying to catch himself, causing him to spill the broth onto his chainmail. The sorcerer quickly steadied his fellow worker as he exclaimed, "Woah, careful!" while trying to put on his best innocent look. George turned to the King with a mortified expression; then he glanced at Merlin, who gave him a pointed look.
"M-my sincerest apologies, S-sire," George scrambled for words, then he gulped as he mentally chastised himself for the major fault he was about to commit – lying. "I-I tripped."
Arthur was certainly surprised at the display of clumsiness from George, of all people. He never expected something like that from him, considering how upright and meticulous he always seems to be! Regardless, he cannot say he was bummed by the occurrence. Quite the opposite. It gave him the perfect excuse to get away from the big crowd for a bit; escape Princess Mithian's excessive friendliness; and maybe go into Astra's room for a minute or two. Maybe lie on her bed for a second just to breathe in her scent...
However, that plan took a nose-dive out the window when the woman beside him grabbed her napkin and began to gently wipe away the bit of soup that now stained his clothes. His breath hitched in his throat and his widened – almost frightened – eyes turned to her as he watched helplessly. He can't exactly swat her hand away!
Luckily, Agravaine cut the tension-filled moment short when he approached him and let him know that the business in the vaults has been performed thoroughly and that there are no plans missing. A lie, obviously. But, once again, Arthur was blind to his uncle's treachery and he promptly thanked him.
Chivalrous as ever, Arthur escorted Princess Mithian to her room once the feast was finally over. He was exhausted, he missed his girl like crazy, and he was seriously considering sleeping in her room that night. Surely she wouldn't mind, right? She has slept on his bed a bunch of times. Granted, he was there for all of them, but... details.
"So," Mithian's soft, feminine voice broke him out of his thoughts as she looked up at him with a glint in her eyes, "what plans are there for tomorrow?"
Arthur cleared his throat. "Uh. I am afraid the Festival of Ostara will be taking place."
He hadn't realised that little fact until just that morning when he'd been looking through his calendar and noticed that the date hadn't been marked. A date he has well-memorised, for it is one of his favourite holidays. Astra must have missed it when she graciously took on the task of arranging his schedule for the month.
"Should I be worried?" Mithian asked.
The King shook his head. "It is a tradition in Camelot to have a hunt that day, but Merlin can arrange a tour of the city."
The Princess seemed a bit disappointed. "A tour?"
"Some of the buildings go back many centuries," Arthur responded with a small grin, a glint forming in his eyes as he recalled how excited Astra was when he personally gave her the same tour, marvelling at every single detail he spewed out from memory.
'You're so lucky!' she said at some point. 'The most interesting thing in Texas is the Alamo, and that's not nearly half as cool as this.' (He didn't understand much of that, but her excitement caused his heart to melt into a puddle).
Oh, how he misses her!
"Arthur?" Mithian called his attention again when she noticed him drift away with an entranced smile on his lips. His head snapped her way. "I love hunting," she revealed.
His jaw dropped in surprise. He didn't think that any woman could enjoy hunting! They tend to be more sensitive towards animals and, you know, blood. Like Astraea. She even avoids eating meat. And he's seen her around blood enough times to know that the sight is a big 'no' for her.
"Really?" he questioned the Princess.
She stopped walking and turned to face him with a kind smile. "Really."
Arthur raised his eyebrows and nodded, feeling slightly impressed. He'd really thought that the Princess was just a pretty face, and he's certainly glad to find more underneath. Perhaps a friendship between them could be the start to a harmonious alliance between their kingdoms.
"I believe these are my chambers," she added when he said nothing more.
He turned his head towards the door right beside him and nodded. "Yes, of course," he mumbled before taking a step back, giving the Princess space to open the portal and go inside.
Arthur nodded at her as they shared an awkward smile. Well, his was awkward. Hers was something along the lines of enchanted. Not that he noticed. He was busy thinking about someone else. And then he remembered that he's supposed to be discussing a treaty with Mithian, not taking her on hunts!
"Mithian," he called her attention again just as she was about to close the door.
"Yes, My Lord?"
"Perhaps you could join me for breakfast tomorrow. It would give us a chance to discuss our arrangement further."
She was surprised to hear that he's finally taking an interest in that, after he acted somewhat distant throughout the entire day. "I would like that very much," she responded with a smile. "Maybe a picnic would be nice," she dared to suggest. She really doesn't want to be in the prying eyes of the courtiers. She's been getting weird looks all day – especially from the knights. She understands that they are wary of having a virtual stranger for a queen, but they don't have to be so obvious about it!
"A picnic," Arthur echoed as he raised his eyebrows in surprise. It sounds rather informal, but he supposes it wouldn't be a bad thing. Maybe the conversation will go a lot smoother without the pressure from everyone at court. He really wants to get past this whole treaty thing soon and go back to planning his wedding! "Sounds good," he said with a nod.
Mithian's smile grew and she curtsied before finally closing the door.
Happy to finally get some time to himself, Arthur rushed to his room and, not bothering to wait for Merlin, he changed into his PJs – the ones Astra gave him years ago, of course – before sauntering over to her room.
Only to find a lock on the door.
"Merlin!" His yell echoed through the corridor and reached the sorcerer, who was just climbing the stairs on his way to assist the King in getting ready for bed. He knows that he's late, but the alarm in Arthur's voice suggested that something is very wrong and he took off in a sprint. It's safe to say he was puzzled when he found him pouting outside his sister's room. He tilted his head in confusion.
"Where is the key?" the King questioned as he narrowed his eyes at his servant.
Merlin chuckled and reached for the lock, tilting it to show that the item doesn't need a key. Just a four-number combination. "There is no key."
Arthur was struck by the revelation. "Well, you must know the code to open it."
"I do."
"Well, open it!"
"Sorry, Sire. She will kill me if I do," the sorcerer replied, matter-of-factly. "Why do you want to go in?" he inquired, suddenly feeling afraid that Agravaine might have done or said something that could put his sister's secret in danger. Is Arthur looking to search her room?!
A red tint spread through Arthur's cheeks and neck and he clenched his jaw while averting his gaze, feeling slightly embarrassed by the answer. Perhaps he's behaving like a child. But you know what? He's the King. He can behave however he wants!
"I... miss her," he admitted.
To his surprise, Merlin didn't make fun of him. He simply gave an empathetic grin before responding, "Yeah. I do, too."
"Then you will open the door?"
"No."
Arthur huffed, stepped closer to the door, shoved his servant out of the way, and grabbed the lock; determined to find out the combination so that he could enter and steal a pillow, or a blanket, or a hoodie. Anything that has her vanilla and something indecipherable (coconut) scent laced with it.
He tried out her birth date first, earning an amused look from Merlin, who stated, "She hates her birthday. She would not use it as a code." The King rolled his eyes, annoyed that his servant is right, and he tried out a simple 1-2-3-4. Obviously, that isn't it either. So he tried it backwards... Still no.
Arthur paused. He's thinking like himself. He needs to think like Astra. What is something that she values above anything?
Of course! Her horse!
With a triumphant smirk, he entered Dallas's birthday (which he knows because she makes a huge deal about it every year): 1-2-0-2. But that isn't it, either!
With that, he gave up with a groan and, feeling his heart twisting, he returned to his room.
Merlin had to hold back a big laugh as he watched him go with slumped shoulders and dragging feet. Arthur's intuition was correct. He just didn't take into account the fact that Americans, for some reason, write dates the other way around: 0-2-1-2. Then he felt bad for him, and allowed himself a chuckle when he remembered that Astra stole one of Arthur's shirts before leaving. He decided that it is only fair that he gets something of hers, too. So, making sure that he wouldn't get caught, he quickly opened the lock and went inside. He was suddenly extra grateful that the King didn't press harder because his sister's Nintendo Switch was lying atop her desk for anyone to find. She's been getting a bit careless with her secret lately! He quickly put the device inside a drawer.
Not wanting to waste any more time and risk Arthur returning, Merlin stole Astra's Spider-Man pillow and left the room as quickly as he'd gone in – taking care to put the lock back on – before taking the pillow to the King.
Arthur was so happy to get it that he didn't even question why his servant is allowed to go inside his future wife's room and he isn't.
As Tequila and Princess Mithian's horse serenely trotted past the castle gates, Arthur couldn't help but feel slightly pleased that he is, for once, leaving his home calmly without the challenge of a race being uttered before he can even gather his reins. A race he knows he will always lose, but be forced to participate in anyway; lest the girl he loves gallop too far ahead and somehow get herself into trouble.
He still misses her like crazy, though.
Merlin and Falcon rode behind the pair and the sorcerer observed them with a quirked eyebrow. He felt slightly alarmed by Mithian's behaviour towards Arthur. It's almost as if she were... flirting with him, judging from the way in which she giggled and twirled her hair constantly. He isn't sure if the King noticed, but he certainly did. And he isn't a bit happy about it.
So he did the only logical thing he could think of: he pushed Falcon in between the other two horses, and gave Arthur an innocent smile when he turned to him with an annoyed look. "So, should I set us down?" he asked while motioning towards the forest ground with his head.
Arthur clenched his jaw. He isn't sure why Merlin is being so rude to the foreign Princess, but he needs to put a stop to it before it can get out of hand and ruin the chances at a peaceful treaty.
So he determined that the logical way to address this issue is to mess with his servant.
"Yes, how about here?" he said as he stopped Tequila in the middle of the forest. "What do you think?" he kindly asked Mithian.
"Well, the view is certainly spectacular," the Princess replied with a smile.
The trio dismounted and Merlin unloaded the picnic items from Falcon before carefully setting everything on the ground while stealing momentary, discreet glares towards the brunette who seems to be trying to undermine his sister.
Although, to be fair, no one outside Camelot knows about the engagement yet.
Trying to hold back a smirk, Arthur crouched and felt the ground beneath him. It is the usual, dirt-covered, slightly hard, forest floor. But that is irrelevant to his plan to punish Merlin for being rude to the Princess. "The ground is not really smooth, is it? It is a bit bumpy," he noted.
Merlin swallowed a groan as he narrowed his eyes at the blond.
"What about over here?" the King proposed as he walked a few more metres into the wilderness.
With an eye-roll, the sorcerer gathered the picnic items again and he moved them to the new chosen spot.
Arthur and Mithian promptly sat down on the cloth and the King let out a contented sigh, prompted by the very-annoyed look on his servant's face. He wasn't done yet. "Is the view really as good?" he inquired while raising an eyebrow at the Princess.
"Arthur..." she said in a disapproving manner, clearly realising what was happening.
"You prefer the original," Arthur 'deduced' with a click of his tongue. "Right, then, Merlin!" he commanded as he waved the sorcerer over to the previous spot.
Biting on the inside of his cheek to keep himself from saying anything, Merlin moved the stuff again. 'When Astra gets back,' he thought, 'that prat is in for a weekend of merciless pranks. I will give her free rein.'
"Do not be so mean!" Mithian scolded the King, who chuckled in response.
"He does not mind, do you, Merlin?"
Merlin clenched his jaw and glared at him, but said nothing.
"Besides, he needs building up. Look at him!" Arthur added teasingly.
Mithian, not happy with the way the King is treating his servant, helped to carry the food basket and she gave Merlin a sympathetic smile.
The sorcerer was surprised and touched by her kindness, but that doesn't change anything. He needs to ensure that she doesn't cross a line with poor, oblivious Arthur.
So Merlin did the only logical thing he could think of: he used magic to make the King burp as the pair sat down to eat. He smirked as Arthur flushed in embarrassment and apologised. Mithian, however, didn't seem too bothered. So Merlin did his trick again. Then he was horrified when the Princes giggled and purposely burped, too.
Perhaps he should let her keep Arthur. Astra can do a lot better.
The prosperity that was quickly made clear to me as we passed by the outskirts of the town suggests that Gawant is either very good at getting into conflicts and earning big rewards for winning them; or that it is a very peaceful land only concerned with making life easy for its people. From my many written conversations with Elena and her father's reaction to Arthur's rejection of her hand in marriage, I am inclined to believe that the latter theory is true.
People ran up and down the town, dressed in colourful gowns that were mostly in good shape. Children laughed as they played on the cobblestone streets. Vendors smiled and waved at passers-by, not appearing at all wary of strangers. And a group of little girls danced around a fountain. I smiled as it reminded me of that scene in 'Tangled' when little girls braid Rapunzel's hair and then a musical number breaks out.
I made a mental note to remember to ask Elena – or even her father – for advice the next time Arthur needs help with anything related to ruling and stuff.
After about half-an-hour, we finally made it to the main gates of the castle. They were open wide for anyone to step into the courtyard, which is traced with sand that goes around in an oval that surrounds a green well-kept garden with a big fancy fountain in the centre.
Guards sported friendly grins and they bowed respectfully as we walked past them. I waved at them before looking around at the architecture.
Three horizontal rows of arched windows along the walls reveal that the building is three storeys tall (excluding towers). Towards the opposite end of the courtyard is a slightly taller building with an extra row of windows that is divided into three sections by two octagonal columns that frame the grand wooden doors at the bottom.
A tall figure in a yellow dress appeared as the doors flew open. Elena.
"Sister!" she called out while sprinting down the small staircase.
"Hey!" I exclaimed with a grin and I jumped off Dallas – just in time to be tackled into a hug by the Princess.
"Ah! I am so glad you came!"
"Wouldn't miss it for the world!"