Lady Scarlet of Camelot

Chapter 15

For the rest of the day, I visit with the seamstress that is making my wedding dress. I changed my original design after Morgana had let it slip on what I was going to wear to everyone. Boy, were they in for a surprise. I ended up not taking a nap since I was a little worried about being to sleepy at dinner. Dressed in my simpler red dress with a red veil paired with my golden dragon belt and the small crown that Uther gave me, I am ready for the feast.

Percival and Walsh are my guards for tonight. They walk me down and stay close to me as I mingle with the different people of the court. Close but not so close that it scares people off. Arthur is cutting up with a small group of off-duty knights. My eyes catch as Merlin and Gaius come in as well. But Merlin's eyes have fallen on Morgana, as have the rest of the people. She is wearing a deep red dress, but it is more a Romain or Greek-style dress. She has no sleeves and even shows off her back. I hold back my laugh as I can see the different thoughts that people are having. Concern that this trend will catch on, the heated gazes of the young men to shock from the other women.

"My Lady," Percival whispers in my right ear, "The king is waiting for you."

I head to the double doors where Uther is waiting just outside them. He is dressed simply in a brownish-red shirt and has a deep blue cloak over it. His head sports a simple gold band as his crown. As soon as my left arm is wrapped around his right, he nods. A simple blast of the trumpets quiets the people as they quickly make their way to their seats. Walking straight up the middle of the room, we pause as Uther turns and gives a little speech about peace and the happiness that the last twenty years have brought, "Two things that these years have brought is a new queen," he motions to me, "and peace to our kingdom. Welcome the Lady Helen of Mora, who is our entertainment this evening."

We take our seats. I am set between Arthur and Uther as Lady Helen starts singing. She has a beautiful voice, but something is off. The words aren't any language that I know of. Not an ancient language but something else. Something that carries ice in it. I notice that people are starting to fall asleep. I lock eyes with Merlin as everyone else was nodding off. I mouth save him, looking to Arthur before passing out on the Uther's left shoulder.

Third POV

Merlin locks eyes with the queen-to-be and almost panics as she mouths save him, and looks at Arthur. How could she know? She passes out onto the king's shoulder. Not wasting another second, Merlin brings down the wooden chandler on top of Lady Helen. It takes a few moments but everyone starts waking up again. However, instead of rushing to help Lady Helen, Uther and Arthur, as well as the guest, are shocked to see the old hag from the execution this morning.

Using her last strength, the hag throws a knife towards Prince Arthur. Merlin slows down time, racing to the prince's side and knocking him out of the way. Everyone, still in shock, has not noticed that their future queen still lying asleep in her chair, "You saved my boy's life," Uther states, looking from the old hag back to Merlin, "You will be rewarded."

"I don't need an-"

"This orders something special," Uther continues, "You say be named Arthur's manservant."

A rush of, what, comes from both the prince and Merlin as applause is heard through the room from the rest of the guests. Percival, having collected himself, rushes forward and joins Lady Morgana, checking over the silent bride-to-be, "Sire," Percival calls the king's attention to his bride.

"Scarlet," he quickly moves to her, cupping her face in his left hand, "Gaius!"

Gaius quickly moves forward, pulling a small bag from his belt on his waist. Opening a vial, the strong smell of peppermint hits the noses of the small group around Scarlet. Waving it under her nose, Scarlet's eyes flutter open, "Welcome back, My Lady."

"Return to your rooms," Uther orders, "We will continue tomorrow," Dismissing everyone, the King helps his bride back to her room, making sure that the guards are in place before turning in, himself.

Scarlot's POV

I wait till I am sure that everyone has fallen asleep before slipping out and down to the dragon once more. I am positive Merlin will have returned here after what happened, and I was correct. We nearly run into each other in the dark hall of the cave, "Lady Scarlet," Merlin whispers, "What are you doing down here, My Lady? Are you alright?"

"I'm fine, Merlin, or should I say Emrys," Before he can speak, I hold up my hand, "Come," I head deeper into the cave and greet Kilgharrah with a bow of my head, "Kilgharah, I hope that you are well, or as well as you can be?"

"I am My Queen," he bows his head, "I see you have met Emrys. Take care of Queen Scarlet as you will with Arthur. She will be of great help you to too, Merlin."

"I will bring you something the next time that I come and visit Kilgharah. Is there something that you would like?"

"I would be grateful for whatever you brought me."

"My Lady, we need to return before anyone sees that you are missing," Merlin states, "The guards should be changing soon."