Lady of the Court

XV

Ava finishes putting on her dress for the wedding. She hasn't seen Merlin since around noon yesterday, and she still doesn't know the spell. There seems to be almost no point in it at this rate. The red fabric scrunches under her hands as she walks towards the location of the ceremony. People are piling into the hall to support the marriage of the king. Ava stands next to Arthur and Morgana. Direct sight of Uther and the alter. The music starts and Catrina starts walking down the aisle.

"Come on Merlin," the red head mutters under her breath. She watches the false maiden walk down towards the king. The ceremony soon begins and all she can do is watch. She starts going through possible plans in her mind. If she does a spell, she could be outed. But if she doesn't, a troll can probably gain control of the kingdom.

Oh what is that damn spell? There has to be some revealling spell she knows. If only she had Merlin's book. The ceremony progresses onwards with no interference. Ava spots Merlin rushing in, looking a mess. However, he is too late to stop the wedding. The newly married couple starts walking away, smiling. Everyone soon follows suit for the feast. Ava, however, slips over towards Merlin.

"Where were you?" She asks.

"Jonas tricked me," he states. "I had to escape."

"At least you're okay. We'll figure something out."

Merlin quickly looks around before kissing her. Someone clears their throat, causing the two to turn. Arthur is standing a few feet off with his arms crossed.

"I have come to collect Ava," the blond prince states. "It would seem suspicious if she is missing."

Ava wishes him luck before following her brother to the party.

~~~

The lady of the court pushes the green skirt of her dress out of the way as she helps Gaius make some of the medicines.

"At this rate," the older man jokes, "I might finally have someone to carry on my task."

"What about me?" Merlin asks.

"You would mix up your Wolf's Bane and St. John' Wort flowers."

The dark hair sorceror looks at the red head.

"Huge difference," she informs him while laughing. "Maybe you stick to spells and I to potions."

Merlin rolls his eyes as he goes back to his book. There has to be something in here to catch Catrina. The small home's door flies open with Arthur rushing in. The book is quickly shut and covered. Though the prince is not paying attention to that.

"You need to flee Camelot," he tells Merlin. "The king has ordered me and my men to arrest you."

Ava and Merlin look at each other before the servant goes to pack his bag. Arthur promises to throw his men off his tracks before leaving. Merlin runs from his room, kissing Ava. He leaves the house in a hurry. Ava excuses herself and hurries towards Gwen's home. The maiden is hanging her laundry, watching the knights rush around the city.

"What is goin on?" She asks.

"They're looking for Merlin. On king's orders."

Gwen automatically sets her laundry down, trying to not hug the lady. Gaius soon walks towards them. Once the knights walk by, Gaius smirks. He hands a vial to Ava, making it look like she is just getting a draught.

"I have a feeling that Merlin won't be found for a bit," he tells the ladies. "Hopefully everything will work out so he returns home soon."

With that, the older man leaves. Ava and Gwen look at each ither in confusion.