Lady of the Court

XIV

Days pass, and it becomes more clear that the king is falling for the lady. Morgana, Arthur, and Ava do help try to give them alone time. Maybe it would be good for him to find someone to love. Arthur currently is eating breakfast as Merlin is rushing around, doing some chores.

"Merlin," Arthur calls. The servant stops. "You realize Ava is like my sister."

"More than you think," he mutters.

"What was that?"

"Nothing. Continue."

"As I was saying. She is like my sister. And if you put her in any form of danger, or hurt her, I will make you regret it."

He keeps himself from laughing.

"I think she can take care of herself. She does seem to hold her own against you."

Arthur snickers.

"That is true."

"So maybe she would handle someone with more brains."

Arthur picks up a roll, throwing it at the servant. He avoids it before laughing. Merlin picks it up, setting it on the table. He jokingly bows before leaving. He walks down the halls towards Ava's chambers. The king isn't here right now, so it is less sneaking around. He lets himself in, unable to see her. That is until he notices a bundle of fabrics fly over the folding screen.

"Ava," he calls, looking at the floor. His cheeks turn red.

"Yes," she responds, walking around. She is in a light pink dress that seems to compliment her figure.

"When did you get that one?"

"I've had it, just didn't wear many dresses till recently. Now I doubt you came here to talk about my clothing."

"Uh... right. So Lady Catrina is a troll."

"What?"

"Think about it. She doesn't eat. Cured from an uncurable disease. Trying to gain power."

"I admit that she is off. Maybe I was just was hoping that... well you know."

Maybe he shouldn't have brought this up. But he can't leave her oblivious. Arthur won't listen to him.

"We know how unreliable some sources are," he states. "Maybe your family is still safe."

She nods her head, clearly trying not to shut down. The more she looses someone, the more he thinks he's going to loose her. Even the toughest breaks after a certain point.

"Maybe you're right Merlin. But what are we to do about the troll situation."

"We need to expose her for what she truly is."

"Okay. Um... Gaius needs to know."

"He does. Uther won't listen to him."

"We'll need to find a spell then."

~~~

The court has been called. Everyone is gathered, waiting for some sort of news. Catrina and Uther stands in the front.

"I would like to announce the union of the House of Pendragon and the House of Tregor," the king smiles. Ava glances across the room towards Merlin. He is starting the spell. He wouldn't let her learn the spell. Afraid it would put her in danger. The woman's skin starts shifting a bit. Barely enough to notice. The false lady tries to focus on the floor as the king continues his announcement.

Soon the speech is over and the engaged royals leave. Exactly as they were before. Ava locks eyes with Merlin, who simply shrugs. Great. Now she is going to have a troll for a step mother if they don't fix this. The thing is, how could this have happened so quickly. She must be use even more magic than they thought.

Uther was about to murder someone when Arthur tried to get married. This is too out of character for him to have just been won over. People start talking among themselves as they file out. Mostly everyone questioning whether this was true or not. If only they knew.