Lady of the Court

VII

As the tournament proceeds, Sir William becomes a beloved knight. Clearly the man chosen is a perfect cover for Arthur's true plan. He keeps winning the challenges put forth by other knights. If this keeps up, he will make it to the finals and may even win. Though this will be a major ego boost for the prince. Probably the last thing he needs.

Right now seems to be all that matters to her. Ava and Merlin are laying in bed while Merlin reads out loud. Ava lays her head against his chest. The only sounds are his steady heart beat and the words flowing from his lips. Her eyes start hrowing heavy, pulling her to sleep. That's until her bedroom door open.

"Gaius," Merlin jumps. The two quickly sit up. "You just can't barge into a lady's room."

"Well I know you and Ava. Plus this is a matter of emergency. A dead body has been found."

The young couple hop out of the bed, putting on shoes. They follow Gaius down the halls till theh arrive where the king is with a couple knights. Laying on the ground is a corpse of a guard. Gaius starts looking over the body.

"His neck was broken. Clearly a professional."

"He was suppose to watch Arthur's room," Ava states, looking Uther in the eyes. He runs his fingers through his hair, looking at her.

"Let's be thankful he's not here right now," he mutters. "Still, his room is in the same hallway as yours." He turns towards the armoured men. "I want the guards doubled." The men bow their heads. He turns back to his daughter. "Stay in your room until sunrise."

"We'll escort her back ourselves," Gaius offers. The king agrees and the two men lead the lady back towards her room. Once there, Gaius excuses himself.

"Go and protect Arthur," she states.

"I will. Remain here until the morning. Please."

"I will."

He nods his head and quickly leaves. She watches him before closing the door. Of course he had to leave her to help Arthur once more. That is what the decision will always be. Her or Arthur. Ava quickly pushes those thoughts deep in her mind. She can't think like that. He needs to protect Arthur. The prince is suppose to be the one to usher in a new era. And Merlin must protect him.

She lays down in the bed, trying to fall back to sleep. However, it was no use. The day soon breaks and the final round arrives. Ava stands outside the tents, waiting. There has to be a way to find the assassin. Merlin pulls her into the tent. Gwen is helping Arthur put on his gear.

"You ready?" Ava asks.

"Yes," he responds. She nods her head.

"Please be safe."

"I'll do that and win in the process."

Ava rolls her eyes, chuckling.

"I need to go," she states. "Good luck, Arthur."

She leaves the tent, heading down towards the seating area. The is before Merlin stops her.

"Sorry for leaving last night," he states.

"Don't be."

The two quickly kiss before Morgana tears them away. She claims that Uther is not too far off. The young couple bid goodbye before the girls hurry to their seats. Ava's fingers start messing with the fabric of her dress. The more she avoids fighting, the more fidgety she is. Must be the need to move keeps her calm. The two knights ride onto the field and prepare for a joust. Gwen sits next to Ava, looking slightly flustered. The two horses run towards each other as the men attempt to knock each other off.

A glint flashes just before Arthur gets hit. He manages to stay on, hurrying to the tents. Ava prepares to stamd up, but sees Merlin shaking his head. Gwen and Merlin hurry off to help him, leaving her feeling useless. Soon Arthur rides back out, ready for another round. The opposing knight barely avoids hitting Arthur, getting knocked down. However, he doesn't get back up. The prince rides off and Sir William rides back out. The crowd cheers while the other knight is removed. In the mess of the crowds, Ava slips off. Her fingers wraps around those of the sorceror.

"I think Gaius just told me I have to limit our visits for the next couple weeks," he chuckles. "Apparently I need to spend more time with his leech tank."

"Good luck with that."

He smirks, looking Ava in the eyes.

"Arthur will be fine. Probably come up with some lie about his injury."

"Was it a deep wound?"

"He's dealt with worse."

She nods her head. He kisses her forehead before running off to find Gaius. Morgana hurries over, dragging the young red head off to the celebrations.