Lady of the Court

VI

Ava watches as Arthur prepares for another jousting match. He leaves himself wide open and the other knight completely avoids him. They stops their horses, looking at each other.

"I was wide open," Arthur snaps. "Why didn't you take the shot?"

"You're the future king. I can't afford to hurt you."

The seems to aggrivate the blond.

"Last year, during the tournament, did you let me win?"

The knight doesn't respond, confirming the prince's suspicion. Arthur storms off towards the castle with his servant and sister in tow. Once in his chambers, he starts flinging off his armour.

"How long has this been going on?" He snaps. Ava leans against the wall.

"Probably your entire life."

He looks her in the eye.

"Did you-"

"Hell no. I like beating you too much."

Merlin chuckles a bit as he helps Arthur. The prince looks at him.

"Is everyone else like this though?"

"No... Yes.... I mean-"

"You're doing it now. You're trying to say what I want to hear."

Merlin looks at Ava for help, which she just shrugs in response. Arthur starts discussing possible ways of proving his worth. Some of which seemed a bit out there in all honesty.

"If only you could be a different person," Ava smirks. Arthur's eyes light up. "I'm merely joking. That isn't possible."

"But it might be."

He starts explaining his idea for the tournament. It is a bit mad, but could work. It just depends on everything goes according to plan. There is just too much at risk. Merlin quickly agrees to the plan and they turn to Ava. She nods her head and the boys leave to tell the king the prince is on a hunting trip. The red head hurries out of her brother's room and go to find Gwen.

"I need a favor," she tells the maiden.

"Anything."

"Can Arthur stay at your place during the tournament?"

The servant girl looks so confused, so Ava fills her in. She looks both terrified and intrigued at the idea of Arthur's plan. She agrees to house the crowned prince. Maybe this could work out. Gwen excuses herself so she can clean her home. Just as she leaves, Merlin hurries back to Ava.

"Arthur will be back before dark," he informs her.

"Perfect. Gwen is letting him stay at her home."

"Now we just need someone to pretend to be a knight."

"Maybe we could find someone at the market."

The young couple leave the castle and start wandering through the streets. Since it is later in the day, the crowds are starting to thin out. Ava keeps scanning the crowds, looking for a new face. Spotting one, she points him out. Merlin basically runs over to him. The man has shaggy brown hair and looks as if he hasn't slept in awhile.

"Where are you from?" The sorceror asks.

"An outer village. Why?"

"How would you like to pretend to be a knight?"

"That could be dangerous."

"I'll pay you handsomely," Ava offers. The farmer quickly agrees. The red head excuses herself, stating how Uther might question why she is not in the castle. Plus Merlin can handle anything thrown his way.

People acknowledge the young lady of the court as she passes them, though they keep a few feet away from her. Which is a bit odd. She's one of the few royals who listen to the servants. Many usually don't mind talking to her, so why are they avoiding her now? Well, avoiding talking to her. They seem to stare her down. She keeps moving down the hallway until she comes across Morgana.

"Are people looking at me funny?"

"Well, there is a rumor going around that you and Arthur are-"

"What? No."

"Well I know that. It's the rest of the palace that is considering the idea."

Ava looks around before looking Morgana in the eyes.

"No one else knows this, but Arthur is my half brother."

Morgana looks her dead in the eye.

"We definatley have to end those rumors."

"Yeah."