Lady of the Court

XXI

Ava helps Merlin wash the vials as they sit at Gaius' table. Gaius is still on edge since Aredion was here. He keeps trying to hide his concern, but the two know that he is off.

"What is it?" Ava asks. "And don't say nothing. It has been a week and you're off."

"Aredion claimed he wanted to look into you two and Morgana," he tells her. "Even though Uther executed him, it was still way too close of a call."

"I guess some of us have to be more careful," Ava chuckles, looking at Merlin.

"But where is the fun in that," he jokes. Ava dips her fingers in the soapy water before flicking some at the sorcerer. He fake gasps, placing his hand on his heart. "I could have drowned."

"Oh yes. Totally in a few drops of water. It's not like we had to pull Arthur from a deep lake before."

He nudges her gently. She turns and kisses his cheek quickly. He turns his head and quickly kisses her lips.

"Give some people a heads up," they hear. Both turn to see Arthur at the door.

"We don't tell you to hide how you feel about Gwen," his sister jokes.

"I don't act on my feelings," he corrects, pointing at her.

"You would if you could."

He looks at Merlin.

"I need my armor polished soon. I have a knighting ceremony in an hour. Which I'm pretty sure you forgot about."

Ava's eyes widen.

"An hour?"

"You lost track of time, didn't you?"

She nods her head. Getting up, she tells the two other goodbye before following her brother back to the main part of the castle. Gwen is there to greet them. Arthur turns red a bit trying to think of what to say.

"Gwen, ah, you look pretty today. Not that you don't look pretty usually-"

Ava chuckles and roll her eyes a bit. How is it he is so calm in battle and flustered when talking to someone he's known for so long? Since he just recently figured out his feelings for her, any calm moment around her is hard. She is a bit curious how would be if the two kissed. If the siblings are similar in anyway, he would be stumbling over himself more than usual. That's when it clicks in her mind. She has to do something.

"Let's go before Arthur forgets his own name," Ava jokes. Gwen and her start walking to her room. Once she is sure no one is around, she looks at Gwen. "Did you and Arthur kiss?"

Gwen looks at her in shock. So this is what is was like when Morgana and Gwen found out about her and Merlin. It's a bit awkward.

"How did you know?" The maiden asks.

"Based off of how you two been acting. When?"

"At the tournament before he had the final round."

"How am I just now figuring it out?"

"Because we agreed that it wouldn't work out. But I do still have feelings for him."

"We just have to hope love will prevail," Ava smiles.

"Yeah. But even Morgana doesn't know."

The two arrive at Ava's chambers. Morgana is already there, waiting on them. The three don't spend enough time together anymore. It's like everyone is just hiding some sort of secret from another. Ava opens her door and the three head in.

"Which dress is it that you wanted to use?" Ava asks, opening her closet.

"The one from when Catrina was to be named heir."

Ava nods her head, pulling out the white and blue dress. She hands it over to the dark hair maiden before debating on which one to wear. She ends choosing a simple purple one she hasn't worn in a while. She changes behind the folding screen once Morgana finished changing.

"Do you think the boys think you two have an endless supply of dresses?" Gwen jokes.

"I would think they would realize we switch dresses," Morgana states.

"I don't know," Ava laughs. "We're constantly having to 'save the day' I don't think they have time to notice. Gwen, would you like to use one of mine tonight? The red one would look great on you."

"And these are the moments we know you're a girl," the servant laughs. "And thank you."

"Anytime."

The three soon finish getting ready and head down to the ceremony. Moment Arthur sees Gwen, his eyes widen a bit. He quickly regains his composure. Ava goes to her seat beside her father and his ward. He doesn't even seem to notice the shift in his son's demeanour. Ava locks eyes with Merlin. He smiles at her and she smiles back. The ceremony begins soon afterwards. Arthur begins the ceremony just as he always does. By reminding the men of their promise to protect Camelot with their lives. Just as he prepares to knight them, another pushes open the door.

"Arthur Pendragon," he calls. Taking off his gauntlet, he tosses it in front of the prince. "I challenge you to a duel. Tomorrow at noon."

"I accept," the prince responds. "If you take off your helmet."

At least he has learned from last time. The knight removes his helmet to reveal he is actually a she. Her long blonde hair falls.

"What is your name?" Arthur asks.

"Morgause."

"I accept your challenge, Morgause."

She leaves the hall, satisfied. Ava looks at her brother, who leaves with his servant.

"We will resume the ceremony later," Uther promises. Everyone leaves the hall. Ava waits for the crowd to disperse some before she goes to her room.