Arthur's Sons (Book 1)

The Gates of Avalon (Part 2)

Arthur was admittedly bored out of his skull as he rode along the forest trail with Sofia, he had been listening to her drone on just like any other visiting noblewoman for hours silently wishing that Merlyn and his children were here telling him about their day or about a new friend rather than...well... this. He promised himself after the last terrible joke that he would never ask Merlyn to let him go willingly out with another woman like this ever again, he rather her clap him round the head a knock him out than pretend to smile and be kind as Sofia battered her eyelashes at him and touched his arm flirtatiously.

He felt ashamed at how he'd acted toward her, even using his best puppy face to convince her but he supposed that's why they say ' karma's a bitch.' He sighed as Sofia continued to prattle on before taking note of his surroundings noticing he was close to the river he had promised to show her.

" The river's not far. It's just down here." He cut across her chatter and quickly dismounted before helping her down as honour demanded.

" Arthur...wait." Sofia called as Arthur hurried off through the trees hoping to get there quickly so they could return to Camelot.

" What is it?" He asked suddenly stopping and turning to her slightly annoyed. She stepped up and took his hands, looking deep into his eyes. A sudden feeling of unease settled over him at her devious smile, she tilted her head moving closer as if to kiss him but before he could back away she spoke,

" Túce hwón frec'úre, Arthur." The language was foreign to Arthur but his mind suddenly felt fuzzy and he was entranced by her forest green eyes which flashed red for a moment. Before Arthur could be pulled completely under a shout comes from up the hill.

" You there! Halt!" Arthur turns just in time to see the crossbow bolt firing and instinctively moves slamming Sofia out of the way as the bolt sinks into the tree where she had been standing. Arthur quickly turns back to the Knights and runs up the hill shouting profanities at the fact they had nearly killed their sovereign. After a thorough tongue lashing Arthur hurries back to Sofia who is looking at the arrow fearfully.

" You okay?" He asks concerned.

" Yes. Thanks to you." She replied with a shy smile and faint blush.

" They were searching for the bandits that attacked you yesterday. Here." Arthur picks up her staff and hands it to her, she snatches it from his grasp and stands quickly.

" Don't...touch that!" She shouts angrily.

" I'm sorry...Maybe we should go back." Arthur says puzzled by her sudden anger over a piece of wood.

" It's fine. I...I'm sorry, I was upset. Now, don't let this spoil our day together. We were having such a nice time. Let's go down to the river." She places her had on his arm suddenly sweet as pie, this confuses Arthur further and instead puts him on edge.

" I'm taking you back to Camelot. Your father would never forgive me if I let anything happen to you." Arthur tells her quickly before leading her back to the horses and taking off without another word. They quickly arrive back at Camelot and Arthur once again helps her down.

" You're sure you'll be alright?" He asks politely.

" Yes. Thank you for today. Good night, Arthur." Sofia gives him a lingering kiss on the cheek and Arthur's mind dulls again as she walks away giving him the sudden urge to follow her, he quickly shakes the thoughts from his head and heads back to his own chambers readying himself to face Merlyn's wrath.

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As Morgana makes her way through the halls she turns to go down the stairs and quite literally bumps into Sofia, the woman who she had been contemplating killing for the better part of 24 hours.