Lady of Magic

VII

Ava and Arthur walk down the hallway, heading to a council meeting.

"Merlin has been acting weird lately," he informs his brother. "He was by my cabinet by my bed saying he was looking for wood worms."

"Odd," she responds. He wasn't in her chambers last night because they had agreed that they need to limit how often they sleep in the same bed. They have been almost caught a few times. And the scandal that would happen would be insane honestly. Also who knows how Arthur would react at the two of them sharing one bed. Even if they aren't having sex. 

The two end up in the hall where the other members of the council are there. Ava is the only female among the group and everyone is older than the Pendragon siblings. Most were part of Uther's council so that is why Arthur trusts them. The new king is still afraid of not living up to his father's legacy. The princess knows that he will be a great king.

The members start talking about the need of increasing patrol. There has been reports of members of other countries and bandits increasing. Since Uther has died, everyone seems to think that Camelot territories are up for grabs. Which, of course, is untrue. A map is laid out on the table and they are pointing out possible places of attack.

"What if we increase patrol on this point?" she asks. "That is against the main area bandits are from now."

"You do have a point," Arthur agrees. "Also there has been reports along the forest over here."

At some point, Merlin had entered the room. Arthur's pants fall to the ground with a clink as his belt hit the stone surface.

"I help you, my lord," Merlin shouts, trying to pull Arthur's pants up. The bond keeps fighting him. Everyone watches the two of them fight and fall on the ground. Ava covers her mouth to keep herself from snickering. Other members of the council try not to laugh at the sight before them. The two stand up. Merlin folds his hands behind his back, smiling like he is proud of himself.

"Anything else for you today sir?" 

"No. Leave."

The servant quickly does and everyone returns back to the meeting and issue at hand. 

~~~

The group hurries on to their horses in order to catch the thief. Apparently a man broke into the vaults and stole part of a key to a tomb. Arthur is mostly concerned by the fact that in said tomb is a dragon's egg. Merlin had flat out told Ava this morning that he was trying to help a man who claimed to be trying to save the unborn creature but betrayed him. 

So naturally the couple agreed to join in order to actually help it. There is going to be the slight issue of trying to keep Arthur from destroying the egg, but they will worry about it when they get there. The horses quickly move through the woods in the path of the man who broke in. Soon smoke is clear, signalling they are close to the man.

"We should make camp," Arthur states.

"We are close enough we should take him now," Merlin urges. Guilt clearly guiding his actions.

"We need rest," the king argues.

"It is one man, I think we can handle it," Ava points out.

"We are making camp. End of discussion."

The group reluctantly dismount their steeds and start to set up the area. The red head and the dark hair sorcerer head go and collect wood. Once far enough out, she turns to him.

"Why did you not involve me when you needed to get a key?" she asks quietly.

"I figured it would have been easier for Arthur's servant to get it," he states. "Plus I didn't want you to get in trouble."

"I can handle myself."

He pulls her close against him. His arms wrapping around her waist. She wraps her arms around his neck.

"I know that," he responds. "I can still care. Especially when your brother can be such a clotpole."

"Did you just call our king a clotpole?" she fake gasps.

"You know as well as I he can be."

She laughs, pecking his lips. The two agree to stop and get the wood needed. After the fire is started, Merlin starts cooking a meal for everyone. The knights quickly start getting food, pushing the boy back. Leon manages to get some for Ava in the process. The men scarf down the food quickly. Just as Merlin goes to get his food, Arthur hands him an empty bowl. The other knights follow suit while Arthur eats the final bit of food out of the pan. 

In the process, Gwaine hands the princess a bowl. The men gather between her and Merlin, letting him get down about not having food to eat. The group splits to reveal Ava holding the bowl full of food. A smile stretches across his face as he gladly accepts the dinner. Everyone sits around the fire, joking until they fall asleep.