Lady of the Court

I

Ava rubs her hands on her dress, nervous for what the king called her down for. She moves down the bright hallways. There is a nice breeze flowing through the archway, almost calming. She arrives at the throne room. Light flutters in through the stainglass. Uther is sitting in his throne, waiting for her.

He seems to brighten at the sight of his daughter. His daughter. That still hasn't fully settled with her yet. She is still so use to her father being Lord Grayson, the man who raised her. The man who she saw be murdered with her mother.

"Ava," he smiles, standing up. "I have a request for you."

"Yes my lord?"

"I wish for you to be more of a lady of the court."

She freezes and looks him in the eye. Her breathing seems to falter slightly. She thought he was on her side when it came to training.

"Pardon me?"

"I think instead of using your time to fight with a sword, it's time for you to learn to fight with your words."

"I already-"

"I'm aware you learned this before, but you need to hone this craft. There will come a time when I'm no longer king. When that happens, Arthur will ascend the crown and he will need allies. There would be no better than you and Morgana."

Her head spins, processing this. She knows one day Arthur would be king, but she never thought of her role in the future. Maybe at times she tries to live in the present after that night. Even though the king made it seem like she has an option, she knows there isn't. Maybe she can find a balance, cause she doesn't want to give up fighting. Ava softly accepts his wish before excusing herself. Just before she leaves, he calls to her.

"Have you told Arthur yet?"

"No my lord. I feel it isn't my place."

She moves out of the throne room and down the halls of the castle. As a person runs by, he grabs her hand, pulling her into a corner under the stairs. Merlin places a hand over her mouth, motioning for her to be silent. Arthur starts to runpast them.

"Merlin," he snaps. Once the prince is gone, Merlin releases her.

"What did you do now?" She chuckles, wrapping her arms around his neck. His arms weave around her waist, pulling her closer. If anyone walked by, they would have to really try to see the two of them.

"May have implied he's a pratt," he states, smiling.

"Why?"

"He told me I was spending too much time being lazy."

"What led to this?"

"Maybe the fact I secretly go to spend time with m'lady."

She chuckles, shaking her head. He presses his lips against hers, pulling her closer for the kiss. Someone clears their throats, causing them to turn to see Morgana. Her black hair is braided back, and she is dressed in a light blue gown. Metlin and Ava pull away, fixing themselves.

"I think the two of you need to find another hiding spot," she states. "Also, Merlin, Arthur is getting mighty angry he can't find."

The sorceror mutters something under his breath before leaving. Morgana smiles at Ava, clearly wanting more information. The red head hasn't even told her that she told him she loves him. It would having to spill his secret since she confessed her feelings as she thought he was going to die.

The two ladies walk down the hall as they quietly talk amongst each other. Morgana enjoys the idea of her friend being in love. She just was shocked it was Merlin that Ava fell for. Not that it was a bad thing. Just everyone predicted she would be a knight's wife. Someone who could equal the spark in her. Though, even Morgana has noticed it died a bit with her parents. Though, now she seems to glow with Merlin around. Hopefully the two could be together. If not with Uther's blessing, with Arthur's.