The Once and Future Princess

Chapter 4

I was suddenly more awake. It was too late for me to take it back but maybe I could save it. "Oh! Merlin, I am so sorry! I did not realize that it was you! I momentarily forgot where I am." I quickly apologized hoping this would save both our skins. "You see Lord Emrys is a family friend who often wakes me up early in the morning so I can ride without my mother knowing. My sleep-addled thoughts must have confused me to assume I was home in my own castle. I am so sorry Arthur for the confusion. Please forgive me?" I looked at Arthur with what I hoped were innocent enough eyes.

Arthur looked between me and Merlin. As I held my breath waiting for a response I felt someone trying to access my thoughts. I quickly peeked at Merlin, then I let him in. I am so sorry my lord. I genuinely did not realize what I was saying! Please forgive me! I sent to him.

"It was a mistake, Princess. You most likely were not even aware of what you were saying! It is no problem at all!" Merlin managed to stutter out while bowing to both Arthur and me. "I will leave you two to talk." Merlin quickly walked out. I could sense he would wait outside and talk with me later.

"Catherine, it truly is ok. Please do not worry my dear. I am aware that waking up in a strange castle is very confusing." Arthur pulled me in and held me. "We need to get you back to your room before Gwen shows up to get you ready. Can you wait for me to quickly get dressed? I will escort you to your room." Arthur smiled at me. I knew that all would be forgotten by the end of the day.

"Yes Arthur, I can wait for you." I smiled back. I sat and pondered if Arthur had ever heard of Lord Emrys the great magic-user who would help bring the Once and Future King to the side of magic. I could still feel Merlin's magic in the area so I decided to see if he could hear me.

Merlin, are you there?

Yes, princess, I am here. Why did you call me Lord Emrys?

Please. Do you know what kingdom I am from My Lord?

No princess. And please it's just merlin.

Well Merlin, please just call me Catherine. I am from the kingdom of Elmet.

The magic kingdom to the north of us? Really?

Yes, Merlin. You are a rightful lord in my kingdom if you so choose to be. We can all feel your power, although my mother will deny it tooth and nail. My father was a warlock and I am a witch. My powers mostly align with nature and healing spells. It's why I do not like other people doing my work for me.

You are meant to be the next queen of Camelot Catherine, yet you have magic. Does Arthur know?

No, but I will tell him when the time is right. He knows my kingdom supports light magic and all magic users who wish no harm. I plan on telling him soon.

Arthur will take it hard but he will understand eventually. His mother was killed in childbirth due to Nimueh. But he will need to learn magic can be good.

I agree. Arthur is coming back. He said he would escort me to my chambers. I will see you around merlin. Thank you for talking. I severed the connection just as Arthur returned.

"I hope I did not keep you waiting long." He walked over to me and held out his hand. I took it and stood up.

"No, you are alright. Shall we get going?" I kept a hold of his hand.

"Yes, we should. I should tell you though that if we get caught, I am not sure how we will cover for this." I giggled at Arthur.

"We won't get caught. I promise." I smiled as he opened the door for me. Thankfully I had my dress from last night so I wasn't indecent.

We slowly made our way through the hallways, pausing every time we heard voices. It took us about an hour to get there. We kept having to stop because we were having fun. Arthur and I talked the whole time. When we finally got to my room, it was a struggle to get him to leave. Once he left, I got in bed and made it look like I had been there all night. My dress hanging on the back of my chair and my nightclothes thrown on over my slip.

My mother burst into my room just a little bit after I managed to lay down. "Get up! We are going to have a conversation now! You will do as I say!" I faked a wake-up noise. Miraculously she had never caught on to when I was faking. I got up and looked at my mother.

"May I please get ready for the day before you start talking. Prince Arthur promised to show me the grounds today, of course, that was before you and the King shocked the both of us by forcing us to get married. Also, mother, if that is your plan then maybe you should just leave. I know you just wanted to get rid of me. I am not like you or my brother. I am aware of this. So, thankfully I am not your problem anymore. Anyway, I hope you have a safe trip home mother." I sarcastically ranted to my mother. It felt good. I have held everything in since my father passed. Thankfully at that moment, I heard my maid's voice at my door.

"Milady I am here to help you get ready, and I have your breakfast." Gwen stated while knocking.

"Come in Gwen, you are right on time. I was just telling my mother here that I needed to get ready for the day anyway. The Prince is going to take me around the grounds today." I smiled at Gwen while letting her in.

"Catherine we are not done talking about this. You will marry Prince Arthur and there is nothing you can do about it." My mother forcefully reprimanded me.

"Fine." I turned to Gwen who was holding up a few options. One was a deep purple and the other was a light grey. I pointed to the purple. "Gwen, would you mind helping me get ready. Mother, I will speak with you later, for now, I must get ready for the day." I escorted my mother out of the room. She kept trying to stay but I held my ground. As soon as she was gone, I sank to the floor.

"Milady, are you alright?" Gwen said rushing over to me.

"Gwen, I am fine. My mother is just a bit much. She and the King are forcing Arthur and me to get married. Not that I mind, Arthur is very sweet. I am only 18 and I know she is doing this to push me out of my family." I smiled at her. "Also, I am so sorry for not being here last night, I was with Prince Arthur. He and I fell asleep talking without realizing it until Merlin woke us this morning." I smiled as I remembered falling asleep in Arthur's arms.

"Oh, you are more than fine princess. Merlin spoke of what happened at the dinner. He was one of the servers, so I had a sneaking suspicion you would not be here last night. I am glad you are taking this well though. Shall we get you ready for your outing with the prince?" she smiled and started helping me get ready.