Lady of Magic

XIV

Merlin walks into Ava's chambers after sunset. He quickly falls on one of the love seats, kicking his shoes off.

"Are you okay?" the princess asks, sitting across from him.

"Arthur made me do extra chores today," he responds, looking at her. 

"Well you did go missing another two days."

"I was trying to save his life. Again."

"He was worried about you."

"Yeah right."

The red head chuckles, leaning more into her seat.

"He does actually care about everyone in the castle. Even if it his stubborn 'servant boy'."

Merlin picks up his boot and throws it at her. She laughs, catching the shoe. She walks over, dropping it on his stomach. The young sorcerer wraps his arm around her waist pulling her down on top of him. She lets out a squeal as she falls forward. The two kiss each other, his arms pulling her closer. There is a knock at the door just before Gwen enters. The two look at her. The maiden tries to bite back a smile while starting to turn around. The couple sit up.

"I'll come back at another time," Gwen smirks, opening the door.

"Don't tell Arthur," Ava pleads. "He will take this wrong."

"I won't tell him," she promises, leaving the room. The two look at each other before laughing some. Merlin kisses her lips before getting up.

"I need to get some sleep," he tells her. "Arthur wants for me to start working early tomorrow."

She grabs his hand.

"You could sleep in a little but more if you sleep within the castle walls."

"No. I would have to get up earlier to avoid anyone seeing me leaving the room."

"But you are always here. So would it seem off if you are visiting your betrothed before a busy day."

"You are not going to let up till I agree, are you?"

"No."

He chuckles, scooping her up off of the couch. He throws her onto the bed before laying next to her. They pull each other close and eventually fall asleep. Both worn out from all of their duties.

~~~

Arthur and Ava are standing by a table, looking over new possible decrees and issues in the land. Agravaine bursts into the room.

"Excuse my interruption but Gaius has fled the city," he tells them. "A white steed is missing from the stables as well. Specifically the princess's."

"That would be a go to horse for speed," she states. "But why would Gaius flee the city?"

"We had interviewed him about the sorcerer that was involved in Father's death," Arthur calmly states. "It was just to make sure he was not using magic again."

"Probably on your advise," the red head sneers at the king's uncle. "Gaius is a loyal member of the court."

"Than why did he run if he had nothing to hide? I know it is hard to accept this but it is sadly the truth."

"And how do we know you didn't drive him out? Maybe he is scared you will try to execute him for something he never did."

"Ava," Arthur snaps, getting her to stop. "There is nothing we can do about it now."

The princess looks at her brother before storming out of the room. This is an outrage. The fact Arthur would even consider the idea Gaius would betray the crown. And if he is really missing then he could be in severe danger. Plus she has to look for Merlin to see if he is okay as well. His father figure is missing. She hurries to find Merlin pacing back and forth in one of the empty hallways. It was a moment before he even noticed her leaning against the wall. 

"Agravaine had something to do with this," he states. "I know it."

"Arthur won't believe it," she tells him. "I was just with the two of them. He is trying to convince my brother Gaius is an actual traitor."

"He asked Gaius about Emrys. He is doing this because of me. Because I fought Morgana."

"He said the lord was asking about you before that even happened. Plus Morgana would do anything to shake the structures of the court."

"I need to get into his chambers to look for evidence. Or clues, or something. Can you keep a look out?"

She nods her head and the young couple quickly head down the passages to the chambers the lord is residing in. Merlin slips in while the princess remains there. She leans against the wall to relax some. She keeps looking down the ways to arrive. Any servant that passes just nods their heads and continues on.

 Probably assume she is waiting for him. Soon he can be spotted walking down the hallway. Merlin still hasn't left yet. She needs to distract the lord. She puts on a facade of distress walking over to the lord. She turns him so she faces the door and his back towards it.

"Forgive me for the outburst Agravaine," she fake cries. "I was just so frustrated at the situation I didn't want to accept it. And I lashed out at you."

His face softens. Most likely an act that so many have fallen for.

"I understand, Ava. I was shocked myself."

"It's not just that, but I constantly fight with you. It's just my father put the pressure of guiding Arthur and I don't want to fail him."

He tries to look her in the eyes. The fact he is falling for this is honestly hilarious in her opinion.

"You and your brother are so young and both of you are under so much stress."

Merlin sneaks out of the room, nodding his head towards her. She wipes away the fake tears.

"Thank you so much."

She hurries off in the opposite direction of Merlin so there is nothing suspicious. The two meet up in the corner. He holds out a cloth with a red substance on it.

"What is it?" she asks.

"It looks like dirt or something. Maybe Gwaine would know."

"Well lets go find him."