A Warrior's Kiss ( A Merlin Fanfiction )

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I quickly saddled my horse, I did not tell anyone about my trip to the forest, and I had remembered that Camelot is also still under curfew. But now I don't care.

I need somewhere to clear my head, and the forest is the perfect spot for it. I kicked the horse to a full trot out of Camelot and into the forest.

I tugged at the reins to stop my horse. My fingers never left the reins holding Storm* as I dismounted and lead him into the shades of the trees.

-

"Close the gates! Order of the King!" Sir Leon's voice boomed throughout the courtyard. "No one will enter, and no one will leave."

"But sir, the Captain had just gone to the forest on horseback." One guard said.

Leon let out a sigh, "Tell the King I will be absent. Close all the  gates behind me, and do not open until I return." He ordered.

"Yes, sir," The guard nodded.

-

Storm and I played along, catching butterflies and throwing berries at each other. I giggled as he reared on his hind legs and as he came back down, he nuzzled my hair and let out a soft neigh.

I leapt over a river and instructed for Storm to do the same, I whirled around when I heard rustling of leaves, and snapping of twigs. My hand reached for my sword and unsheathed it.

I swung myself on the saddle and led the horse over the river again. The mysterious figure emerged from behind the bushes, and I frowned when I realised that figure was Leon himself on his morgan horse.

"What are you doing here?" I asked him, sheathing my sword.

"I'd ask you the same. Camelot is under attack. The King wants everyone inside the castle and you leading the battle at night." He answered.

"No," I finally decided.

"King's orders," he reminded me.

I let out a sigh, I would never disobey the King. I have no choice but to follow him. I tightened my grip on the reins and we galloped back to Camelot.

-

The guards closed the gates behind us and I dismounted from Storm in front of the granite steps. Arthur was going down the steps as I was going up, he shot me a smirk, "Going for a ride?"

I grumbled under my breath, "No, I was going to cool my head." I gave him a roll of my eyes before I continued up the steps. Then when Arthur called my name again, I turned, "What?"

"My father wants you to take charge of the battle." Arthur told me.

"Where is it coming from?" I asked.

"Cenred." He replied.

"Then we march to Cenred's tomorrow." I informed him, "And we can stop the battle from coming into Camelot."

"Why don't you go to the King to see if it is all right?" Leon suggested.

"If the King wants his people safe then that's what we must do." I snapped.

I heard Arthur chuckling behind me as I entered Camelot. I groaned again, I began to remove the tie in my hair and fluffed it out as I walked to my chambers.

Another lady, as fine as a jewel, dressed in dark blue silk dress walked past me, shooting me a smile, then she stopped me in my tracks, "Aurora, the Captain, right?" She asked me.

"Yes, and I suppose you must be the Lady Morgana, the King's ward." I answered.

"I pity you have to marry the knight Sir Leon?" Morgana sighed.

I gave her a timid nod, "Yes. And our wedding is next week. I wish I can run away from Camelot." I told her.

Morgana smiled, "I'm sure he's not that bad. He's very loyal to Uther and Arthur. You two are like partners. I've seen him in the tournaments too, he's really good."

I laughed, "I know he's a nobleman but I'm not marrying for wealth. I want to stay alone." I rubbed my shoulders. "I'm sure you'd understand."

"Of course I do. Good luck leading the battle, Aurora!" Morgana gave me a hug before walking past me.

I let out a sigh as I walked up the spiral stairs and opened the door to my chambers. Abigail was there, arranging the bed sheets and when she saw me, she gave me a sad look, "I suppose you've heard the news, have you not?" She asked.

"Yes, I have." I answered. "And I do not wish to talk about it." I pursed my lips, "Abigail, would you please prepare a training dummy outside in the courtyard?"

"But, Captain, rain will be pouring on us soon!" Abigail exclaimed, drawing back in shock.

"I don't care." I mumbled.

"As you wish," Abigail stammered, scurrying out from the door.