Lady of the Court

XVIII

Ava flattens out the material of her dress as she sits on her seat by her brother. Now that it's clear who her father is, she is expected to act like his daughter. Which means being there for every court meeting. A woman comes rushing forth, knights following her.

"I saw use of magic," she cries. "It was clear as day just beyond the walls."

Ava looks at Merlin in shock. He awkwardly shrugs.

"I will start a search," Arthur informs his father.

"No. Clearly someone has slipped your grasp before. I think we need to call in the witch finder."

"I think that is a bit extreme," the red head states. "Arthur has proven beyond capable of defeating magic time after time."

"I want to end this one swoop. And that's final."

"I will send for him," a lord states. The king dismisses the court and everyone files out. Ava quickly goes to Merlin in the mess, pulling him towards an alcove.

"What were you thinking?" She snaps.

"I was practicing to suprise you," he mumbles. "The lady just saw it."

"The problem is the witch finder always gets the results he want. Now there are three of us in danger."

"I guess it was different when we didn't also have to protect Morgana. Are you mad?"

"No. Just worried."

He grabs her hand, rubbing his thumb on the back of her hand.

"He won't find out about all of us. I promise."

"Let's at least go and hide proof," she whispers. He agrees, letting go of her hand. The two walk down the hallway, acting as if they were discussing potions she needs to learn about. Soon arrive at the small home. Gaius wastes no time yelling at Merlin once the door is shut. Ava goes straight to grabbing items that may be linked to magic. Which is various books and some supplies. Once Gaius finishes his lecture, Merlin goes to get stuff out of his room. She picks up a couple of vials filled with plants needed to make a magic poltuce.

"Do you think we can say these are just for treatments?" She asks the older man.

"I actually do use them in certain draughts."

She nods her head before setting them down. Merlin comes back with a couple relics. The two of them start wrapping up the stuff in a blanket. The two grab the stuff, sneaking out of the town. Ava and Merlin hurry through the woods. Trees soon grow thicker and more cluster together. The young couple eventually arrives at a clearing. A young woman is sitting on a boulder, brushing her black, curly hair.

"Why do you keep leaving your kingdom, young miss?" Ava smirks. Titania looks over, a smile growing on her face.

"I had a feeling you were coming soon," she states. "I wish to help."

"Can you hide these for us for a few days?"

"Of course."

Merlin drops his stuff in relief, sitting down on the grass. The red head notices new jewelry on the fairy's head.

"What has happen since I last saw you?"

"Mother has relinquished her throne to me. I am Titania, Queen of the Faries."

"Congratulations," Merlin smiles, giving her a thumbs up. "I know you'll be a great queen."

"Just listen to your people," Ava advises. "You serve them as much they serve you."

"I will."

The two women say their goodbyes before Titania takes the supplies. The couple turn back around to head home. Hopefully Arthur figured out how to cut his own food while Merlin was away for the day.