Lady of Magic

XXV

Ava walks through the castle in hopes of making it to the stables in a timely manner. There is actually a decent amount to do today. First Arthur want to take the foreign princess on a date, then the festival hunts begin. Those usually turn into an all day adventure. So sooner they leave, sooner they get back. Then getting through the day faster. She hurries through the halls quickly only to run into Agravaine.

"My lady," he calls, stopping her. She really did not want to deal with this. "The Council has been discussing it and we deem it unfit for you to be married to the king's servant."

"And why are you just now bringing it up?"

"Since your brother is to be married, means an heir to the throne. Thus-"

"Thus not needing me to be princess as a fail safe."

"I wouldn't word it like that."

"But that is what you mean. Let me think about it."

"They will only give you until the end of the hunt."

She quickly leaves and meets the other three outside, horses ready. She mounts her's and wait for the others. The four take off for the woods at an eased pace. Probably to enjoy the moment. Merlin and Ava follow behind the engaged royals. The four stop start at a spot and Merlin goes to set it up. Ava just hangs back with a basket for the two of them. Arthur looks around.

"This isn't flat enough," he concludes. He runs over to a different spot. "This will do. Merlin."

The servant moves everything as the king takes in the view. 

"Arthur," Mithian laughs.

"Right. The first spot is better. Merlin."

Merlin rolls his eyes and start moving stuff.

"Really Arthur?" Ava calls. "I would like some time with my husband."

Mithian helps Merlin move everything before the royal couple sit down. He walks over to his wife and the two walk so far off before sitting down to have their own picnic. The two sit in quiet, glancing over every now and then towards the other two.

"What's bothering you?" Merlin asks. She looks at the food in front of her.

"Nothing."

"Are you sure?"

"Nothing I want to talk about right now."

She does not need to concern him with the issue at hand. She can figure it out on her own. Just the fact the Royal Council went behind her back on this. And, does Arthur even know about this? Surely he would have told her ahead of time. So many thoughts go through her head about the whole situation but there is not much she can do. Agree to the idea of giving up her title means an opening for Morgana. But then there is, if she doesn't, a threat to her marriage. 

Everyone finishes and pack up the two different picnics. They ride back to the castle only to be rushed off into getting ready for the hunt. Ava goes to where the knights are, checking a bow. She pulls the string back to feel the tension. By knowing how it is before hand, she can adjust her aim a bit better. She slings it over her shoulder with a quiver full of arrows. 

"Would you rather use a crossbow like the rest of us?" Gwaine jokes.

"It's not as noble of a kill," Leon responds, smirking at the red head.

"I regret saying that to you," she chuckles, shaking her head. Soon the hunting party is fully gathered and ready to go. They move through the woods. Some on horses, some by foot. The hunting party follows the path they usually take. Honestly Ava is shocked if anything can be killed with the noise the group makes just moving together. Soon a doe runs out in front of them. In the reflection of the water, the image shows Gwen. 

"Your shot, Your Majesty," Leon states. Arthur takes aim and fires. The bolt flies right past her with a little help from Merlin's magic. However a second hits her as she runs off. Mithian lowers her crossbow pleased. Arthur dismounts his horse and starts looking for the trail of blood. Ava also dismounts her steed and goes to her husband.

"You saw what I saw, correct?"

"That it was Gwen? Yes."

Arthur picks something up before calling off the hunt. Mithian tries to joke with him, but the king won't accept it. Everyone returns back to the castle, unpacking from a failed hunt. 

"Cover for me," Merlin requests before taking off to the woods once more. Arthur calls for his sister. Waiting for them and Agravaine is the rest of the Council.

"What is this about?" the young king asks.

"My title," Ava quickly answers.

"Let's meet inside," Agravaine suggests. "We don't want too many prying eyes."

The small group go straight to the meeting hall. Papers still line the table with plans and maps drawn out. The one on top is the official document that would be needed to revoke her title. The other members fill the siblings in on their reasoning. However, she is just reading over the parchment instead of paying attention. That is until her brother slams his hand on the table.

"This is ridiculous," Arthur states. "I gave them my blessing. You have no right."

"It is a matter of speaking when it comes to the safety of the kingdom."

"It is no different than when they were courting."

"I'll sign it," she pipes up. "Under one condition. Morgana has no claim to the throne as well."

"Of course she won't," Geoffrey speaks up. "I will ensure that will be the case."

"You don't have to do this," Arthur tells her.

"But I do. It sounds as if my marriage is at risk if I keep my title. And I will always be there to assist you. I promise."

Ava rereads the parchment once more before signing it. She hands the quill to her brother, who reluctantly signs as well. Agravaine seems mighty pleased with himself as the king agrees via ink to the terms. The red head leaves along with Geoffrey beside her.

"Forgive me," he mutters. "But the rest of the members pushed for it. I think someone is trying to change anything in order to ensure instability in the royal house."

"I believe you're right. And thank you for agreeing to the amendment."

"Should have been in there to begin with. Now good evening."

With that he leaves. Seems a particular adviser had a plan set in motion to begin with.