Queen of Camelot ~~~ON HIATUS~~~

Chapter Four

Gwen smiles happy Merlin liked it. "Some people are just born to be queen." Merlin could hear a bit of envy but who could blame her.

"No!" Merlin cried not wanting Gwen to think of herself as some one lower.

Gwen giggles adding, "I hope so. One day. Not that I'd want to be her. Who'd want to marry Arthur?"

Merlin chuckled as well looking over at Arthur. He was smooth talking Morgana but he also didn't seem to be completely hitting on her as well.

"Oh," he said laughing, "Come on, Gwen. I thought you liked those real rough, tough, save the world kind of men." He teased, raising an eyebrow.

Gwen shook her head and arms at the accusation. "No, I like much more ordinary men like you."

"Gwen, believe me, I'm not ordinary." Merlin counters taking offense at her words.

Her faced redeemed as she tried to fix what she had said. "No, I didn't mean you, obviously. Not you. But just, you know, I like much more ordinary men like you."

Merlin allowed his own blush to grace his face as he nodded a little, "Thanks." Neither knew what to say from there so Gwen waved heading over to a couple of other maids.

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The night drew long and the light was only provided by the moon, stars, and a couple of candles. Uther stood up getting everyone's attention. "We have enjoyed twenty years of peace and prosperity. It has brought the kingdom and myself many pleasures, but few can compare with the honour of introducing Lady Helen of Mora." He gestured towards the doors being pulled open as the Lady Helen enter. A round of applause erupted through the night they were excited but the claps were still respectful. It was short lived before they were all sucked into the music.

Artura sat by her father listening intently. She did love music, she felt that it brought her closer to her mother. Did she know her mom loved music, no, but she always imagined she would sing her a song each night to bring peace as she fell asleep. As those memories came she began to drift off to sleep in her seat.

She knew it was rude but it was so peaceful and calming. She leaned back in her chair getting comfortable closing her eyes pretending she was just absorbed in the music but the truth was she was falling asleep.

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Merlin watched as the people around him were falling asleep. Quickly he covered his ears to avoid falling into the trance himself. Slowly spider webs appeared from all around them they laid everywhere showing signs of no moment on a long time. He searches for what Lady Helen's goal was. Her eyes laid on one person and one person alone. It was his destiny to save him sadly.

She pulls a knife from her sleeve calmly walking towards him. She continued to sing as she pulled back. Merlin searched for something anything that could stop her from killing him.

His eyes wandered up spotting a chandelier over head. One more step and she would be in the perfect spot. His eyes glowed breaking the chain. It fell right after her next step flattening her to the ground.

Once her singing was cut off, what must have been magic instantly wore off. Everyone slowly woke up Arthur noticingly taking the longest. Merlin thought she was dead allowed his eyes to sweep the area checking on everyone around. Eventually his eyes were back on Lady Helen only she was no longer Lady Helen, but Thomas Collins mother, Mary. Uther and Arthur were both know on their feet staring down at the women.

Apparently she still had some fight left within. She weakly raised her knife sending it swiftly at Arthur. She must have used the last of her magic to send the knife flying so harshly for a dying woman. Merlin's eyes glowed again slowing down time as he raced towards the target. Speeding up time he jumped at Arthur knocking him down to the ground as the dagger struck right where his heart would have been.

Everyone's eye went from the blade to the two boys on the ground. "You saved my boy's life. A debt must be repaid." Uther said smiling down at Merlin.

Merlin rises to his feet followed by Arthur. "Oh, well..." Merlin said a lost for words.

Uthur laughed smiling at the boy "Don't be so modest. You shall be rewarded."

Merlin searched the back of his neck uncomfortably. "No, honestly, you don't have to, Your Highness."

"No, absolutely. This merits something quite special." Uther said not taking no for an answer.

Merlin gave in knowing he couldn't refuse the king. "Well..."

Before another word could be spoken Uther declared before all those in front of him. Writing history in front of them all. "You shall be rewarded a position in the royal household. You shall be Prince Arthur's manservant."

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The court applauded all smiling at the little tiny Merlin. Artura turned sharply towards her father growling, "Father!"

Her father paid her the same amount of attention as he always did as he walked away talking to some of the court people so that Merlin's new job could be arranged. Lucky Merlin would have to be trained this gave Artura some time to convince her father of how terrible the plan was.

Merlin glanced over at her also upset about his new job. Artura gave him a disgusted look before pushing him aside leaving the room.

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Merlin laid in his bed the party playing over and over in his head wishing it could have gone a little different so he wouldn't be working for Arthur. A knock broke threw his thoughts as Gaius enter sitting on the edge of his bed.

"Seems you're a hero." Gaius commented looking at the mopping Merlin.

"Hard to believe, isn't it?" Merlin scoffed staring at the ceiling. He didn't want this and neither did Arthur so why did his father think it was a good idea.

Gaius chuckled patting Merlin's leg. "No. I knew it from the moment I met you. When you saved my life, remember?"

Merlin thought back to the moment when he had saved Gaius from falling to his death. "But...that was magic." Merlin protested not seeing the point.

Nodding Gaius continued, "And now, it seems, we finally found a use for it." He smiled at Merlin hoping to bring some joy to the young warlock.

Merlin turned his head towards him propping himself up with his elbow. "What do you mean?"

"I saw how you saved Arthur's life." Gaius said. His eyes didn't hold disappointment this time but rather fatherly pride.

Merlin's head flopped back to his bed as he groaned, "Oh, no." He did not like that way the talk was going.

Gaius raised an eyebrow wondering what Merlin was complaining about now. "Perhaps that's its purpose."

"My destiny," Merlin sighed knowing that the Great Dragon was now probably right.

Gaius nodded glad he was catching on quickly. "Indeed. This book was given to me when I was your age, but I have a feeling it will be of more use to you than it was to me." Gaius handed Merlin an old worn out book wrapped in cloth. Eager, Merlin took the book unwrapping it and opening it checkout the words inside

Merlin snorts holding up the book towards Gaius. "But this is a book of magic."

Gaius nods again telling Merlin, "Which is why you must keep it hidden."

"I will study every word." Merlin promised looking at the book excitement rushing through him. He had a way to learn real magic something he never thought could be possible.

A.N: Why are the episode so dang long each chapter has been over two thousand words. I decided to shed a new light on how Artura thought about Arthur. I also didn't want Uther to seem like a complete monster (or at least not yet), what he is doing is lying. However, he understands that Artura can't play Arthur forever.

Issue number four: Who's view to do for certain moment, because we always get Merlin's but sometimes Merlin is the only one there.