Lady of the Court

II

Ava toss and turn, listening to that constant noise. The king had ordered for the bottom layer of the castle to be dug through. He believes there is some hidden tomb below the structure. So now no one is allowed to sleep it seems. She stretches, trying to get comftorable. Merlin slips in to her room.

"What are doing up?" She asks.

"Arthur can't sleep with the racket."

"Same."

She moves her comforter. He kicks off his boots, laying down next to her. She curls up to him, feeling comfort by just his body heat alone. He runs his fingers through her curls as they lay there. She points to a book on her night stand. He hands it to her, letting her read in the candle light. It almost has become a tradition of their's where one reads to the other. They alternate each night on who reads.

They have been working on one book for a bit now, but it doesn't help they fall asleep during it. Then they forget where they left off, so they have to find it. This time Ava had a few minutes, found the spot, and marked it. This allows for her to hop right where they left off last night.

"While these wonderful sights are viewed by Trojan Aeneas, while amazed he hangs there, rapt, with fixed gaze, Queen Dido, of loveliest form, reached the temple, with a great crowd of youths accompanying her. Just as Diana leads her dancing throng on-"

"MERLIN," Arthur calls from his chambers. Ava and Merlin groan in unison. He gets out of bed, putting back on his shoes. He kisses her forehead before leaving. She folds the top of the page, setting the book back on her night stand. She snuggles under her blankets, trying to get comftorable. Maybe exhaustion will just over take her and she can just sleep. After a few minutes, her door opens just a slight bit.

"You might want to see this," Merlin states. She puts on a pair of slippers, following him. They head down towards the catacombs where Gaius is waiting for them. The three enter the newly revealed cavern. It is full of gold with a sarcophagus in the center with a glowing blue stone. A corpse lays on the groung. Gaius steps closer, activating a trap. Merlin uses his magic, stopping a dart with a golden plate. The dishware falls just before the king enters.

"Which ancestor do I have to thabk for this?" Uther smiles, looking around. She can understand why though. With the amount of gold in this room, Camelot is one of the wealthiest kingdoms in the region. It also means for the people a less need for taxes and proper defense can be paid for. As much as it may seem like there is a selfish reason to be pleased by gold, there is always the public affairs side to it. This could be good for citizens of Camelot.

"I'm trying to figure that one, my lord."

Uther looks around again, debating on his next move.

"Let me know when you do. Until then I want this place under lock."

Gaius bows as the king turns to leave. Arthur and the knights follow, leaving only two of them by the entrance. Ava lets out a long yawn.

"I'm going to bed," she informs them. "Goodnight."

She heads backs upstairs. Once she is curled back in her bed, Merlin enters. He takes off his shoes and jacket. He gets into bed, blowing out a candle. They curl up together, falling asleep in each other's arms.