"ugh. do not flirt with her, elyan!"

[3.7 — The Castle of Fyrien]

Gwen walked tiredly from the castle to her home, happy to be done with work for the day. She was looking forward to a good night of sleep. The streets were abandoned with how late it was, and Gwen walked quickly, not wanting to linger in the dark.

Once inside her home, she removed her cloak and was startled when a sinister-looking man stepped out of hiding. He had been waiting for her. Gwen slowly backed away, eventually reaching her sword, which was leaning close to the door. She held it out and glared at the man.

"What do you want?" she asked.

The man stepped closer, and Gwen swung her sword at him. However, another intruder had snuck up behind her and grabbed her, placing a drugged cloth over her face, muffling her screams. Gwen breathed in the fumes and passed out in his arms. The two men smuggled out of Camelot unseen by all but Morgana, who was watching from her window with a pleased smirk on her face.

| | |

"Rise and shine!" Merlin said loudly as he threw the curtains open, letting the sunlight filter in.

Arthur groaned as he woke up, squinting from the light. "Can't you think of anything new to say?"

"What?"

"Every morning it is the same thing," he complained, staying in bed.

"Oh, I'm sorry. How about, "shake a leg?" Up and at 'em? Let's have you, lazy daisy?" Merlin suggested, grinning. Arthur was clearly unimpressed. "No, you don't like any of them, do you? You certainly wouldn't like how Lia wakes me up in the morning."

Arthur narrowed his eyes. "How does Lia wake you up? I'd guess throwing water over you or screaming in your ear."

"Ah, no. She kisses me on the cheek and then hums softly while making her bed. Quite a peaceful way to wake up," Merlin said, smirking.

He knew that Merlin was likely exaggerating but grumbled jealously nonetheless. Being woken up by a kiss from Lia was much preferable to Merlin's annoying habit. "I wish," he muttered, rolling over in bed.

"What was that?" Merlin asked teasingly. Arthur glared at him. "Okay, uh, I'm just gonna go before - before you decide to do something which—"

Merlin ducked just as Arthur chucked a goblet at his head. Arthur then shoved his head in his pillow, wishing he could get a few more minutes of sleep but knew he had to get up as he was supposed to eat breakfast with Uther and Morgana. The Prince was still exhausted by the time he reached the council chamber but did his best to look interested as his father spoke to him.

"The building works in the lower town have been delayed. I want you to ensure it doesn't happen again," Uther instructed.

"I'll see to it," he said as Morgana entered the room. She took her seat across from Arthur.

"Good morning, Morgana," Uther said.

Merlin, who had been the one serving them breakfast, moved to fill her cup with wine, but she quickly placed a hand over the goblet. "No, thank you." There were certainly still hard feelings about the whole poisoning incident.

"Anything the matter?" Uther asked, finding her behavior odd.

"It's Gwen. She didn't turn up for work this morning," Morgana told them, faking a frown.

"That's not like her," Arthur said.

"I know, it's strange," she agreed. "I hope nothing's wrong. Perhaps I will see if Lia has seen her."

"You needn't worry, Morgana. After all, if your maid can no longer be relied upon, we can easily replace her," Uther said. Both Merlin and Arthur were annoyed that he saw servants as dispensable. Gwen was their friend and they were both concerned.

"I'm sure she'll turn up soon enough," Arthur told Morgana in a more comforting tone.

"I'm sure," she agreed, smiling weakly.

As soon as breakfast was over, Arthur had pulled Merlin aside. "Go to Gwen's house, find out what's wrong. And check with Lia, as Morgana said. She may have seen her," he ordered. "And Merlin, as quick as you can."

"Yes, Sire."

Merlin rushed to the lower town to Gwen's home. On the way there, he spotted Lia. She was walking through the streets with a basket full of ingredients to bring back to the physician chambers.

"Morning, Merlin," she said, smiling when she saw him. "What's got you out of the castle so early?"

While he replied, he also grabbed her elbow and dragged her along. "Gwen did not show up to work this morning, and Morgana does not know where she is. Arthur sent me to find her and make sure everything is alright."

"Perhaps she slept in," Lia said, thinking on the bright side. "She did work very late last night."

"Still, something doesn't feel right," he muttered.

And his hunch was proved correct when they stepped inside the home. At first, nothing seemed out of place except for some bread that had been left out on the table.

"Gwen?" Merlin called, walking around the empty house.

"Merlin," Lia called, kneeling near the door. Gwen's sword was lying haphazardly on the ground next to a piece of cloth. She carefully picked it up and sniffed it, making sure to keep it a good foot away from her face. Lia could make out the fumes from that far away and coughed.

"What is that?" he asked.

"I think we'd better get Arthur."

| | |

"What's that?" Arthur asked.

Lia and Merlin had both entered his room with worried expressions on their faces. "We found it at Gwen's," Lia told him.

Arthur looked down at the piece of fabric unimpressed. "It's a scrap of cloth."

"I know," Merlin said, holding it out.

"She's a seamstress. How could that possibly be important?" he asked them.

"Smell it," he said.

"No thanks."

Lia rolled her eyes and took the cloth from Merlin's hand before putting it in Arthur's. "Just sniff it."

Arthur rolled his eyes before bringing the cloth to his face, covering his mouth and nose with it as he deeply inhaled.

"I said sniff, not inhale!" Lia exclaimed. She and Merlin watched as his eyes fluttered close and he began to lose his balance. Before Arthur could fall over, Merlin used his magic to pull a chair over and catch him. He slumped over, and it took a moment for him to come around. "He certainly won't be the brightest King of Camelot."

Merlin snickered and picked up the cloth from the floor. Arthur weakly shook his head. "What is that?" he asked, tiredly.

"It's a compound of hogswart and phylarian," Lia explained.

"Argh, what?" he asked, groaning and holding his head.

"Just a guess," Lia said, biting her lip. She shared a look with Merlin, knowing that both of them had used the same compound on guards when sneaking around the castle before.

"You could knock a man out with that," Arthur complained.

"Yes," Merlin agreed. "Or a woman."

| | |

Gwen, who was trapped in the Castle of Fyrien with her brother by Cenred and Morgause, quickly downed a goblet of water. It was the first she was given to drink since being kidnapped. Cenred watched her with calculating eyes as she finished it. Then he stepped closer and ran a hand across her cheek, causing her to flinch.

"Where have you taken Elyan?" she asked in a shaky voice.

"He's safe," Cenred told her. "For now."

"How do I know that?" she asked, not trusting a word he said.

"We can talk about your brother later. I want to talk about you, and what you can do for me," he said, slowly walking around her.

"What could I possibly do for you?"

Cenred leaned in close to whisper in her ear. "You can bring me Arthur Pendragon."

"I'm just a servant," Gwen said, shaking her head. "I have no influence with the Prince."

"I think we both know that's not true," he said, chuckling. "We couldn't get the physician, but you will work just fine. My sources tell me he'd do anything she or Morgana asked of him."

"I don't know what you're talking about." Gwen had never been so confused. She did not understand what Elyan and Lia had to do with Arthur.

"Enough!" Cenred shouted angrily. He knocked a cup off the table, and Gwen cowered away. "You will bring him here. I don't care how you do it, all I care is that it is done. You have a week."

"And if I do not?" she dared to ask.

Cenred leaned forward as he made his threat, causing Gwen to shake even more. "Then I'll let you watch while I tear your brother's heart out."

| | |

After a bit more investigating, Arthur, accompanied by Lia and Merlin, met with Uther and Morgana in the council chamber. "The guards saw her leave the palace at the usual time. After that, nothing," he told them.

"Why are you telling me this?" Uther asked, not taking any interest in Gwen's wellbeing.

"Sire, I have reason to believe that Guinevere has been kidnapped."

"Kidnapped?" Morgana asked in fake disbelief.

"I'd like to organize a search party," Arthur continued.

"I hardly think that would be appropriate," Uther said, sighing.

"Father?"

"She's just a serving girl," he stated as if they needed reminding.

"She's the maid to the King's ward," Arthur argued.

"Very well," Uther said, rolling his eyes. He didn't really have the energy to argue with Morgana and Arthur about it. "Send a squad of guards to search the lower town."

"And the countryside?" Arthur pressed, knowing she wasn't likely in the city.

"They have until nightfall."

"Father, I'm not sure I can achieve—"

"Arthur, I have a kingdom to protect," Uther said sternly. "I cannot waste precious resources on a servant, whatever their circumstances."

Arthur shared a look with Morgana before nodding, knowing he could not argue anymore with his father. Lia moved to Morgana's side and put a comforting hand on her shoulder, smiling weakly.

"I can assist you for the day, Gana," she offered. Once Uther was far enough away, she leaned over to whisper in her ear. "And don't worry. We'll do anything to find Gwen."

| | |

Evidently, it didn't take long for Gwen to be found. She had returned to Camelot in the night and was there to wake up Morgana in the morning. She sat in bed with wide eyes. "Gwen? Where have you been?"

"I'm sorry, My Lady," she apologized, already gathering clothes to wash. Gwen did her best to hide how shaken she was from being kidnapped. "I was unwell."

"Are you better now?" she asked.

"Much better, thank you," she said, forcing a smile.

"Well, don't tire yourself out," Morgana said, gently. "Whatever you need to do, I'm sure it can wait."

Morgana's eyes followed Gwen as she left the room, a mischievous smirk on her face. It wouldn't be long before Lia or Merlin or Arthur saw Gwen and began to question her. Then Morgause's plan would be complete, knowing none of them would refuse to help her.

As Gwen rushed through the corridor, she did not pay attention as she rounded a corner. She ran right into Merlin and Lia, knocking her basket of laundry to the ground, which she immediately knelt down to pick up. Both of them looked down at her in disbelief.

"Gwen, we've been searching the whole town for you," Lia said. She moved down to help Gwen pick up the clothes. "I've been worried sick. We all have."

"That's very sweet of you. I just had a cold, that's all," she said, avoiding looking at them.

"We went to your house, Gwen," Merlin said. "You weren't there."

"Oh, no... I, uh, was just..."

Lia then took notice of the dark bruises on Gwen's wrist and gently held her arm. "Who did that to you?" she asked in a soft tone.

"No one," Gwen lied, her voice beginning to tremble. "It was an accident."

"Gwen. Look at me," Merlin said.

"It's fine. I'm fine," Gwen said, her voice cracking. She covered her mouth to muffle the sob that had escaped. As she broke down sobbing, Lia hugged her tightly.

After Lia took care of the laundry, she and Merlin took Gwen back to her home. While Merlin fixed her some tea, Lia sat with Gwen at the kitchen table with a comforting arm around her. It was difficult for her but Gwen managed to explain how she and her brother were both kidnapped.

"What I don't understand is how they knew," Gwen mumbled.

"About?" Merlin asked.

"That Arthur would even consider laying down his life for a servant," she told them. "Cenred knew how close I am with both Morgana and you, Lia. I think he would've rather taken Lia, but I suppose she doesn't have a brother that he could kidnap."

"Arthur would risk his life for any of his subjects," Lia told her. "Cenred could've taken anyone."

"Do you really believe that?" she asked. Gwen had a horrible feeling, wondering how Cenred knew so much about them all.

"All I know is you're back home safe with your friends," Merlin said, placing a hand on her arm. "You don't have to face this alone."

"Yes I do, Merlin. This is my problem. I can't involve Arthur. I won't."

"Arthur's already involved," Lia told her. It was kind of Gwen to worry about Arthur's safety, but they were all already involved.

"Not if I don't tell him about it," she said, shaking her head. "There's no telling what Cenred could want with him."

"Gwen, if any of us were in trouble, wouldn't you want us to come to you?" Merlin asked, trying to make his point.

Gwen nodded, knowing she'd do anything to help her friends. "You know I would."

Lia grabbed her hand and squeezed it tightly. "Come on. Let's go save your brother."

| | |

"The Castle of Fyrien," Arthur declared after Gwen had described the place she had been taken to. "I'm sure of it."

"Never even heard of it," Merlin said.

"Fyrien was a merchant. He built a castle on the Seas of Meredor as an outpost for trade routes to the east, but when war broke out with Caerleon, the trade dried up. The castle was abandoned," he explained.

"And so it's ruined now?" Lia asked.

"Well, no. It was built to withstand anything," he said, shaking his head. "For Cenred, it's the perfect hideout."

"Doesn't sound like an easy place to get into," Merlin said.

"It isn't," he agreed. "It will be well defended."

"I'm sorry," Gwen mumbled. "I shouldn't've brought this to you."

"You did the right thing. Your brother will come to no harm, I promise."

"How can you be so sure?" she asked.

"Because we're going to rescue him," Arthur told her.

"What do you mean "we"?" Merlin asked, eying him skeptically.

"The four of us, of course," Lia told him, crossing her arms. "As if we'd leave Gwen's brother locked up there."

"Cenred wants Arthur dead," Gwen reminded them. "That's why he's doing this."

"I know. Cenred's wanted Camelot's throne for as long as I can remember," Arthur said, sighing.

"Then we'll be walking into a trap," Merlin muttered.

A familiar smile graced Arthur's face, telling the other three that he was up to something. "Not necessarily."

As they sat around Arthur's room planning their rescue mission, they were none the wiser to Morgana, who was listening intently outside the door. Everything was going according to plan.

| | |

"Father," Arthur greeted, entering the council chamber with Merlin.

Uther hummed in acknowledgment but did not look up from his paperwork. "What is it?"

"It's, uh, it's slightly awkward," he muttered, looking down at the table.

"Oh?"

"I was drawn into a wager and I lost."

"Arthur, you know how I disapprove of gambling," Uther reprimanded.

"I know. I'm sorry—"

"How much do you owe?" he asked as Arthur walked over to him.

"Two silk dresses."

Uther froze and blinked several times, looking up at him. "Excuse me?"

"Well, at least enough silk to have them made, anyway," he specified.

"What kind of wager was this, exactly?" he asked.

"It was Morgana's idea."

Uther instantly laughed. "I should have guessed. Really, Arthur, you should know better than to bet against Morgana."

"I know," he said, sighing. "The thing is, the cloth cannot be obtained in Camelot. So, I'm going to have to leave the city for a couple days."

"I'd get going if I were you. Don't want to keep her waiting. She'll have your guts," Uther said, still chuckling.

"Thank you, Father," Arthur said. As he and Merlin left the council chamber, they shared an amused look.

| | |

Lia had packed quickly before heading to Gwen's home to help her. In her absence, Merlin was free to speak with Gaius about his suspicions. He was sure that Morgana and Morgause were connected to Gwen's brother going missing.

"Morgana? Are you certain?" Gaius asked.

"Yeah. She's been feeding Cenred information. How else would he know about Lia? And Gwen? No Prince would ever offer to help a serving girl save her brother, someone he's never met — he would have no way of knowing Gwen and Arthur are friends. How else would Cenred know these things? It must be Morgana."

"Then there's no denying it," Gaius muttered.

"No. And if I could just go to Arthur and tell him what I know—"

"But you can't," he interrupted. "It'd be your word against Morgana's, and she's the King's daughter."

"I know," he said, scoffing. "She's found Arthur's weak spot. Even if she's unaware of their feelings for each other, she knows they are close. He'd never tell her no, and we all know it."

"Well, Arthur can't sacrifice himself for Gwen's brother," Gaius said, worried about the journey.

"No, of course not. We're going to rescue him instead," he told him.

"You're going to snatch this boy from under Cenred's nose? You and Arthur? Morgana knows nothing of this?" he asked, not even managing to hide his doubt.

"No," Merlin assured him. "And it's not just me and Arthur. Lia is coming, and I'm sure she's dragged Leon into it as well."

"Merlin, look after yourself," Gaius warned before Merlin could head out. "And keep an eye on Lia."

"Always do."

Merlin quickly made his way to the courtyard, where he readied the horses. He was the first to arrive and knew that Arthur would want to get a move on when he got there.

"Aren't you forgetting something?" Morgana asked, walking up with Gwen behind her. They were both dressed in trousers and tunics, ready for travel.

"I don't think so," he muttered, finishing with the saddle.

"But I'm coming with you. Didn't Arthur say?" she asked, a satisfied smile crossing her face.

"No, he didn't." Merlin watched her carefully as she moved to the horses, knowing that she was undoubtedly going to cause trouble.

A moment later, Arthur entered the courtyard dressed in his chainmail. "Don't just stand there, Merlin. We need another horse," he ordered.

Merlin walked up to him and nodded his head toward Morgana. "Why didn't you tell me she was coming?"

"Why should I?" he asked, not seeing the big deal. "What difference does it make to you?"

"I think it's a bad idea."

"Who's going to watch my back if we get into trouble?"

"I am," Merlin said, earning a snort. He rolled his eyes. "Lia and Leon."

"Come on, she's a darn sight better with a sword than you'll ever be, and you know it," Arthur said. "An extra sword will be helpful. Besides, she insisted."

"I bet she did," Merlin muttered as Arthur walked over to his horse.

While Merlin finished getting the last horse prepared, Lia and Leon arrived, meaning that everyone was ready. Like Arthur, Leon was dressed in his chainmail. Lia was wearing dark trousers and one of Merlin's blue shirts tucked into them, a sword at her hip.

"You look worried, Merlin," Leon noted, walking past him. He clapped him on his back. "Put on a brave face before Arthur starts making fun of you."

"Oh, he's gonna do that regardless," Lia teased. "C'mon, Lin. I'm sure we've got quite an interesting journey ahead of us."

"We certainly do," he muttered bitterly.

| | |

It was a peaceful ride through the woods as the six of them traveled to save Gwen's brother. She had been quite nervous about his safety, so Leon, Arthur, and Lia asked her all kinds of questions about Elyan to distract her. Evidently, he was a bit impulsive and left home quite early. Though it wasn't his fault he got kidnapped by Cenred, it seemed that getting into mischief was frequent for him.

Morgana and Merlin did not make much conversation, both too busy with watching the other warily. As Gwen was describing to Leon some funny story about Elyan, Lia rode her horse closer to Arthur's. She smiled softly at him before looking around at the trees. Something about them made her nervous, made her feel like she was being watched — then again, for the past year, it felt like she was always being watched.

"I used to be afraid of these woods," Arthur told her, noticing the look on her face.

"I find that hard to believe," Lia said, chuckling. "It's kind of hard to picture you being afraid of anything."

"My father would bring me here when I was a boy, and it seemed every falling leaf was a bandit, every puff of wind was a ghost," he explained. "You just get used to it in the end."

"I don't think I'd ever get used to it," she muttered.

"You don't have to. You've got me," he said smoothly. He smiled lovingly down at her for a moment before remembering they were not alone. While Lia looked down with red cheeks, he looked back at the group, catching Merlin's grin. "What I mean is, in the event of an attack we'll watch out for each other. Morgana, I think I can rely on your protection?"

"Of course," she said, grinning.

"And Gwen, you'll look after Merlin, won't you?" Arthur asked in a teasing tone, making Gwen laugh.

"Don't worry, Merlin," Lia said, smirking. "I've been training Gwen for a year. She's perfectly capable of rescuing you."

"My life is in your hands, Guinevere," Merlin told her, chuckling.

| | |

Shortly before the sun was meant to set, they stopped for the night. Leon had quickly offered to check the perimeter to make sure it was safe while Morgana and Gwen went to collect firewood. Arthur was sitting and building the fire pit when his eyes fell on Lia, who was struggling to untie her bedroll from her saddle, as the horse was a bit taller than she was used to.

Arthur got to his feet and turned to Merlin. "Go get some more firewood, would you Merlin?"

"I thought Morgana and Gwen were doing that?" he asked, continuing to unload his own horse.

"Well, go and see if they're alright," Arthur said.

"Why wouldn't they be?" Merlin asked. It was made very clear earlier that both of them could take care of themselves.

"I don't know," he said, getting annoyed, "maybe there are wolves in these woods."

He chuckled and shook his head, still not getting the hint. "No, I don't think so."

"Merlin," Arthur hissed. He mouthed the word 'you' and jerked his head away from the campsite. Merlin glanced at Lia, finally getting the hint.

"Oh, yeah. Yeah, of course. The wolves," Merlin said loudly for emphasis.

Arthur rolled his eyes as Merlin hurried off, before moving to Lia's side. "You need some help with that?" he offered.

"Thanks," she said, stepping to the side to let him untie the bedroll.

"Anything for you," he said, taking her bedroll and placing it next to his own.

"I mean thank you for all of this," Lia told him. "For going against your father's wishes and helping Gwen. It means a lot."

"Like I said," Arthur murmured, wrapping an arm around her waist and pulling her closer. "Anything for you. Gwen is a friend to both of us, and I will not see her suffer at the hands of Cenred."

"I just hope we can save Elyan," Lia said, frowning. Arthur took a seat and began trying to light a fire with the sticks that were piled up in the fire pit. She sat next to him, leaning against his side.

"She seems very worried about him," he said, struggling to get the flint to work.

"Seems to me like she always is," she stated. "From what it sounds like, he's the type to never settle down and not think about the future. He just follows his heart wherever it leads him."

"Doesn't sound so bad," Arthur murmured, looking down at her.

"No, it doesn't," she agreed, glancing at his lips. "But based on some of those stories, it sounds like he always manages to be in the wrong place at the wrong time."

"Well, I don't think it's his fault this time."

"No. But even if it was, Gwen would still be there for him," Lia said, sounding sure. "It's what you do when you love someone, isn't it? I'd do the same for you or Merlin — all of you — in a heartbeat. I just hope Cenred does not hurt you."

"He won't," Arthur said. She smiled softly, and he went back to trying to light the fire with the flints. Lia grinned as he continued to fail. "What's wrong with these things?"

"Here, let me," she offered, taking the flints from him. She struck them once, and the flame came alive. Arthur bit his tongue, glad that none of the others were there to see the smug smirk on Lia's face. "My father and I traveled for two years before landing in Ealdor, remember? I've been lighting fires on the first try since I was nine."

"Mmm," Arthur hummed as Lia giggled.

"Don't worry," she said, brushing her hand through his hair as he pouted. "You're a prince. No one expects you to know things."

Arthur scoffed and lightly shoved her. "I know things!"

"Sure you do," she said in a patronizing tone.

Then she giggled as Arthur pulled her closer, a playful glare on his face. Lia placed her hands on his chest, and he stared up at her lovingly. His eyes fell on her lips while she leaned down. However, they heard a twig snap in the distance and quickly separated.

It was Leon, who was returning from checking the perimeter. There was an amused smirk on his face as he looked between them — Arthur was leaning against a log, and Lia busied herself with setting up the rest of the camp.

"I can take another lap around the perimeter," he offered, not bothering to wipe the grin off his face. But a moment later, Morgana, Merlin, and Gwen had all returned as well. "Nevermind. Moment's gone."

Arthur threw a twig at Leon as he came and sat next to him by the fire. Soon, Lia and Merlin started making dinner, and they all sat around the fire eating while Arthur went over all he knew about the Castle of Fyrien so that they could come up with a plan.

"Cenred's chosen his hideout well. Now, the Castle of Fyrien backs onto the sea, we will be vastly outnumbered, and his lookouts will spot us well before we've reached the gates. So, we can't go that way," Arthur told them.

"But there's no other way, surely?" Morgana asked, frowning.

"Yes, there is," he said.

"Uh, more beans? Anyone?" Merlin awkwardly interrupted. He didn't want Morgana to hear the plan but knew it was useless.

"No thanks," Arthur muttered, eying him strangely. "When Caerleon was defeated by my father at the Battle of Danaria, he retreated to the Castle of Fyrien and it seemed a victory would be denied us, but my father knew of a secret labyrinth beneath the castle."

"A labyrinth?" Morgana asked.

"Fyrien was greedy. So, to avoid Camelot's levies, he dug tunnels from the castle to the sea. That way he could smuggle goods into the kingdom without anyone knowing," Arthur continued.

"And you ambushed Caerleon using these old tunnels," she said.

"He never saw us coming, and neither will Cenred," Arthur said, pleased with their plan.

The only problem with the plan was that Morgana had heard it all. As Merlin suspected, once everyone had laid down to go to sleep, Morgana snuck from the campsite and deep into the woods to meet with Morgause.

"So they are heading for the castle as planned?" she asked.

"Yes, but Arthur means to catch you unawares," Morgana told her.

"What do you mean?"

"He knows of some tunnels beneath the castle," she revealed.

"There must be a secret entrance," Morgause muttered in disbelief. "Did he say where?"

"I'm sorry, that's all I know."

"Then your work is not yet done, Sister. When you find the entrance, you must lead us to it."

"But how?"

Morgause pulled out a ring, and her eyes glowed gold as she whispered a spell. For a moment, the orange stones in the ring shined brightly before returning to normal. "When you are certain that you are alone, cast it upon the ground. Its magic will guide us."

Morgana nodded, understanding what she had to do, and took the ring. Then she snuck back to the campsite. She glanced at Lia, who was laying close to Arthur — it was a good thing their intertwined hands were covered by a blanket. Morgana moved to her own bedroll and settled in to go to sleep, unaware that Merlin heard her every move, refusing to go to bed until she returned.

| | |

The first to hear something wrong was Merlin, who was used to the routine by now. He was just hoping it wouldn't happen in the middle of the woods while everyone was there to see it. The pathetic whimper reached his ears, and he sat quickly, searching in the dark for Lia. Through the dying firelight, he saw her next to Arthur, having rolled onto her side and farther away from him.

A second after Merlin woke, the writhing and the screaming started. That certainly woke everyone else up. Arthur was on his feet in a flash, his sword in hand looking for danger. Merlin was crouching by Lia's side before anyone else realized the screams were coming from her.

"Lia," he whispered, gently shaking her.

"No, no! Please!" she cried in her sleep. Merlin had grabbed her wrist as she struggled in her hold. By now, everyone had gotten up and circled around the two of them, watching carefully. "S - stop!"

"Lia," Merlin called louder. "Wake up!"

He shook her once more, and Lia woke with a loud gasp which was cut off with a sob. It took a moment for her eyes to focus on Merlin, who was leaning over her and stroking her hair.

"M - Merlin, he - he's coming—"

"Shh," he said, holding her tightly as she shoved her head into his chest and cried. Merlin narrowed his eyes at the others and waved one of his arms, signaling for them to give them some space. "It was just a dream, Lia."

"It - it wasn't," she said, more hysterical than usual after her nightmares. "He's going to f - find me."

Merlin knew she was simply upset from her nightmare. Slowly, he helped her to her feet and began moving towards his own bedroll. "C'mon and lay down. I brought a sleeping draught just in case."

She was shaking as she sat next to Merlin, who fished around in his bag for the potion. As she drank it, he wiped the tears from her eyes, and then she leaned against him. No one dared to speak as Lia's quiet sniffles eventually faded into snores. Merlin gently laid her down on his bedroll, unclutching her hands from his shirt. Once he covered her with a blanket, he sighed and faced the others.

"What was that?" Arthur asked, not taking his eyes off Lia's sleeping form.

"A nightmare," he mumbled, avoiding eye contact.

"Merlin, she was screaming," Leon said.

"I've never seen her look so terrified," Morgana said, frowning. Lia's reaction reminded her of herself when she got nightmares, and Morgana never wanted her to go through something like that.

"Who was she dreaming about?" Arthur asked.

"No one," Merlin lied.

Arthur looked from Lia to Merlin and narrowed his eyes. "She mentioned a man and that he was coming for her. Who is she so scared of? How long has this been happening?"

"We've got it under control. It's nothing to worry about—"

"Merlin," Arthur said in a firm tone. "If Lia is scared of someone or in danger, you will tell me."

"No, I will not," Merlin said, standing his ground. Everyone was shocked that he spoke to Arthur in such a way. "Leave it alone, Arthur. It's none of your business — any of yours or she would've told you by now. And when she wakes up, you're not going to bother her about it."

They had never seen Merlin so defensive and protective as he laid by Lia's side, ignoring them. In her sleep, she curled into his side. Arthur looked between them, feeling helpless. He had no idea what was going on with Lia or how long it had been happening. He wanted nothing more than to be the one to comfort her as she had done for her so many times. But he had no idea how.

| | |

The next morning, no one spoke to Lia about the nightmare. When they all thought of Merlin, threatening was not a word they'd use to describe him, but the glare on his face kept them all at bay. Not even Arthur brought it up, though he stayed by her side all morning. He did everything for her — he brought her breakfast, packed up her bedroll, and saddled her horse.

As Arthur helped her on the horse, he placed a kiss on her knuckles. "I love you," he whispered so lowly that no one else heard.

"Love you too," she said, appreciative that he wasn't bringing up the nightmare.

As they rode towards the Castle of Fyrien, Lia remained rather silent. She was much calmer than she was the night before, but the distress lingered. This nightmare had been different, but Lia hadn't had an opportunity to speak with Merlin about it. Normally, the nightmare was the same — torturing her mind by forcing her to relive her mother's death and the destruction of her kingdom.

But last night it felt as if he was there, hovering and watching her. Even as Lia woke, it felt as if he was there lurking in the shadows. When she closed her eyes, she could still feel his breath on her skin and his hands clawing at her.

Her troubled thoughts were pushed to the back of her mind when a large snake slithered towards Morgana's horse, spooking it. Morgana screamed as the horse, scared by the creature, reared back and threw her off.

Merlin was the first to dismount and rush to her side and help her up — granted, he was prepared because he had caused the accident. "Are you alright?"

"Ow, my leg," she moaned, trying to put weight on it.

"Let me see," Lia said, checking her leg. After slipping off her boot, she checked Morgana's ankle, which was growing red. "It could be sprained."

"Can you walk?" Arthur asked her.

"No, it's your ankle. You need to rest it," Merlin instructed. Though he wasn't the physician, Lia would have given the same instructions. She began helping Morgana get her boot back on.

"We don't have that kind of time," Arthur said, sighing.

"We can't go on without her," Gwen insisted.

"What other choice do we have?" Merlin asked, wanting to leave her behind.

"No, no, it's alright," Morgana told them, slowly getting to her feet. "I can go on."

"No, you can't!" Merlin said loudly as she stood up fully. "You'll only make it worse."

"I said I'm fine," she said, tearing her arm from his grip. She looked at Arthur and nodded, letting him know that she was fine to continue.

"You were lucky. It could've been serious. Come on, Merlin, don't just stand there," he said. Once Merlin ran off, Morgana moved to follow but stumbled.

Lia quickly caught her and let her lean against her. "You alright?" she asked, worried about her.

"Yeah," Morgana assured her, smiling at her.

"Okay, but let me know if it gets too much," she said. "If you need to stay behind, I will wait with you. I wouldn't want you to be alone."

"I'll be okay. We are on horse for most of the journey anyway."

After Lia and Leon helped Morgana onto her horse, the six of them set back out. They would reach their destination soon and would hopefully have Elyan by sunrise.

| | |

In the Throne Room of the Castle of Fyrien, Morgause met with Cenred to prepare for their arrival. After the events of the failed siege, Cenred's faith in Morgana wavered. Though so far, she was making up for it by delivering Arthur to him.

"Morgana will lead us to the tunnel entrance?" he asked.

"She has not failed us so far," Morgause reminded him.

"Then Arthur's fate is sealed," Cenred said, pleased.

"If you do your job properly," she muttered.

"Don't worry about me."

"I don't," she said snidely. "Believe me."

"And I thought you cared," Cenred said with a sarcastic smile.

"I care only that Morgana takes her rightful place upon the throne of Camelot," Morgause told him.

"I share that desire, Morgause."

"Of course you do. After all, you stand to gain much from Arthur's death."

"I don't deny it. But I am rich and powerful already," he stated, sitting at his throne. "I do this only to please you."

"Is that so? Then please me," she said, smirking down at him. "A reminder — you are not to harm Lia, the blonde girl."

"Right," he said, leaning back and sighing. "She is under Morgana's protection. Though that won't stop me from threatening her if it'll motivate Pendragon."

| | |

"Are you sure we shouldn't try to sneak into the castle itself?" Merlin asked. They were trekking over the rocky shoreline towards the entrance to the tunnels. "It might be easier."

"No, the tunnels are a better bet. That way the element of surprise is guaranteed," Leon told him.

"No, no," Merlin said. He grabbed Arthur's arm to stop him from going closer to the tunnels.

"Are you questioning my judgment?" Arthur asked in disbelief.

"No, no. It's, it's just, uh, an instinct, that's all," Merlin lied.

"Oh, well, if you got an instinct, we should ignore my lifetime of military experience," Arthur muttered sarcastically.

"What if it's a trap? What if Cenred knows about the tunnels?" he asked.

"I'm willing to bet my life he doesn't."

That was the problem, Merlin thought.

Arthur led them to the entrance of the tunnel, checking to make sure no guards were stationed outside. "Here we are. Stay close," he ordered.

Morgana was bringing up the rear of the group, meaning none of them noticed when she dropped the enchanted ring on a rock. It began to emit an orange smoke, sending a signal to Morgause. The tunnels had been abandoned for some time, with walls covered in thick cobwebs. Merlin ended up walking right through one and cringed, trying to spit the webs out of his mouth.

"Stop worrying about your hair, Merlin," Arthur said.

"Very funny," he muttered.

"It's a good sign. Means that no one's been down here," he told them.

As they moved further into the tunnels, Gwen separated some cobwebs, and a skeleton fell out, scarring her. She screamed loudly, and Leon rushed to her side quickly, worried that it was an attacker. When he saw it was just a skeleton, he smirked down at her.

"It's not funny," Gwen said, smacking his arm.

"It's a little funny," Leon told her.

Arthur found a torch and lit it before making one for Merlin as well. With the light, they were able to see the many skeletons of dead knights that covered the ground. They were the remnants of Uther's battle.

"Caerleon's last stand," Arthur murmured.

"Where's Morgana?" Merlin asked, searching the cave for the witch.

A moment later, she caught up with them. "I'm here."

"Stick together, everyone," Arthur instructed. "We need to keep moving."

The six of them moved through the tunnels quietly with Arthur leading them. However, when they neared the entrance of the castle, they heard footsteps approaching from a distance, making everyone freeze.

"Quiet," Arthur whispered. "Quick, this way."

He tried to lead them to another tunnel, but there were footsteps in that direction as well. They could see people approaching with torches. They all helplessly looked around for an escape, but there was none.

"We're trapped," Arthur realized. He handed his torch to Gwen and pulled out his sword, as did Leon and Lia.

"How did they know we were here?" Merlin asked.

"It was probably my scream. I'm sorry," Gwen apologized.

Cenred's men approached from all directions, ready for a fight. Lia fended off as many as she could, trying to keep them away from Morgana, who was injured and not fighting as well as normal. She was fast — far faster than many of the thugs expected, which gave her an advantage. For a moment, Arthur and Leon thought they might've even been able to fight them all off.

But then Lia's sword got stuck in the man she had just stabbed. Before she could yank it out, another came up behind her and captured her. Arthur heard her scream first and froze, searching for her. Knowing he could not risk her life, he angrily threw his sword down, surrendering.

Once restrained, the six of them were escorted to the Throne Room. Cenred was waiting for them with a pleased smirk on his face. Once they were forced on their knees before him, he got up and walked toward Arthur.

"Well, well, Arthur Pendragon. How kind of you to pay me a visit," Cenred said. Then he glanced at the others. "And look, you brought some friends with you. Oh, the Lady Morgana, no less."

Cenred kneeled in front of Morgana, and she glared up at him. "Don't so much as breathe on me, you pig," she spat.

"Well, the more the merrier, I say," Cenred said, getting back to his feet.

"I'm the one you want, Cenred," Arthur said. "Let them go."

"You're right, that would only be fair. But fair's for fools. Take them away!" he ordered.

"I won't let you harm them! They're innocent!" Arthur shouted angrily. He struggled against those holding him as they were all forced to their feet.

"Innocent? No friend of Camelot is innocent," Cenred sneered. Then his eyes fell on Lia, who was being held back by two of his men, and he held up his hand. Everyone was silent as he walked up to Lia, brushing his hand across her cheek. "Oh, Prince Arthur, you did not have to bring me such a pretty one."

"Don't touch her," Arthur seethed. He fought so hard that a fourth guard had to come and restrain him further.

"Take the others," Cenred said, not looking away from Lia. "I think I'll keep this one around so that I have something nice to look at."

| | |

Gwen was thrown into a cell with Elyan, who could not believe she had returned for him. He could not help but look at her in disapproval.

"You shouldn't've come back for me, Gwen. What were you thinking?" he scolded.

"You're probably right. You'd think I'd've learned by now," she muttered, rolling her eyes. Elyan was grateful, of course, but not at the risk of everyone's life. "I only hope Arthur can think of something."

Elyan stopped pacing the cell and raised an eyebrow. "Arthur?"

"Prince Arthur," she admitted. "I came with him."

"Prince Arthur of Camelot?" he asked, not truly wrapping his head around the idea.

"Yes, Elyan," she sighed. "Prince Arthur of Camelot."

"Why would he want to help you?"

"Why shouldn't he?" Gwen asked defensively.

"Er, because he's a prince and you're a servant," he pointed out.

"He doesn't care about that sort of thing. He's, you know, chivalrous," she said, shrugging. Elyan had no idea how often Arthur helped those he had no obligation to.

"Right," he said, eying her suspiciously. "So he's like that with all the maids in Camelot?"

"Not really," Gwen admitted. "We're... friends, as surprising as it may seem. Though I owe that friendship to Lady Morgana, Merlin, and Lia."

"Friends with a prince," Elyan said, chuckling. "It seems that things have changed for you, Guinevere."

"Yes, I suppose they have," she admitted.

Elyan came and sat next to her against the wall. "I'm glad."

"Don't worry. Arthur will find a way out of here," Gwen told him, sounding confident. "He'd certainly risk his life to save all of us, but I have no doubt he'd fight every man and Cenred himself to get to Lia."

| | |

Morgana was shoved into the Throne Room where Cenred and Morgause were waiting. Once the doors were closed and they were safely alone, she gave up the scared girl act, but she did glare fiercely at Cenred.

"Sister, you are unharmed, I trust," Morgause said, moving to Morgana's side to hold her hand.

"No thanks to your men," she spat, looking accusingly at Cenred. His men had not been gentle when handling her.

"Forgive me, but we must keep up appearances," he said, clearly not bothered.

"What've you done with Arthur?" Morgana asked.

"He's safely under lock and key," Morgause explained.

"Why not just kill him now?"

"How cold-hearted you've become," Cenred said, smirking.

"The Prince still has his uses," Morgause told her. "He knows more about Camelot's defenses than anyone."

"Arthur will never tell you anything."

"Cenred has his methods," she said.

"And do those methods include Lia?" Morgana asked, glaring at Cenred. She took a threatening step towards him, but Morgause held her back. "If you harm her, know that unimaginable pain awaits you."

Cenred chuckled and stood from his throne. "Careful, Lady Morgana, or one might suspect you harbor feelings for a dispensable physician."

Morgana was seething and on the brink of casting a spell on him. "You should be—"

He cut her off by waving his hand and rolling his eyes. "She is fine. But if the prince thinks she is in danger, he may be more likely to comply. She is being kept in isolation down the hall — though my men roughed her up a bit to make it believable."

A low growl left Morgana's lips. "How roughed up?"

| | |

Arthur, Merlin, and Leon sat in their shared prison cell. Cenred's men hadn't done much to them — not even questioned them. While Merlin spent most of their alone time sulking, Leon and Arthur had been quietly communicating while studying their cell.

"I don't understand why we're not dead already," Merlin mumbled, leaning his head tiredly against the wall.

"Because Cenred will want to torture me first. Find out what I know," Arthur explained in an almost bored tone.

Merlin groaned and hung his head. "Aren't you afraid?"

"No," Arthur said, looking around the cell. "Not in the slightest."

"Sorry, I don't understand. H - how can you not be afraid of pain?" he asked, confused. Arthur was being far too calm about the whole situation.

"I am afraid of pain, there's just not going to be any."

"Right. So, you go into some sort of trance?" he guessed.

Arthur and Leon both looked at him with bewildered expressions. "What are you talking about?" Leon asked him. "He's not going to be in any pain because we are going to escape this filthy cell and rescue the others."

Merlin smiled hopefully at both of them. "You got a plan."

"Not as such," Arthur said, causing Merlin's smile to fall.

Leon chuckled and clapped Merlin on the back. "We have half a plan."

| | |

"Help! Quick!" Merlin shouted, banging on their cell door. One of the guards opened the peephole in the door and spotted only Merlin and Leon in the room. He quickly barged in with his weapon in hand, followed by another guard. "The Prince has escaped. I'm so sorry. I - I wish I knew where he was, but I—"

"Oh, there he is," Leon said, looking up at the ceiling.

The guards also looked up and spotted Arthur, who had climbed up and was holding on to the grate. He smiled at them before dropping down on the guards. Leon and Arthur each knocked one out before taking their weapons. A third guard rushed in, but Merlin quickly took care of him, surprising both Arthur and Leon.

"Wonders never cease," Arthur muttered.

Merlin rolled his eyes and laughed sarcastically. The three of them quietly rushed out of their cell to find the others. It did not take long to find the cell where Elyan and Gwen were being held. Only one guard sat outside, leaning against the wall.

"Any ideas?" Arthur whispered after they peeked around the corner.

"Just this one," Merlin muttered.

A moment later, Merlin pushed Arthur out in front of the guard, who got to his feet. Leon looked at the servant in disbelief, knowing that Arthur would certainly yell at him for that stunt later. Arthur awkwardly smiled at the guard, chuckling.

"Ha. Hello again," he said.

The guard immediately charged at him, and the two of them fought. At one point, he got pinned against the wall. Leon was prepared to jump in, but Merlin quietly muttered a spell. The guard's belt broke and his pants fell down, distracting him.

"Know what your problem is?" Arthur asked. He kneed the guard in the groin, who hunched over in pain. "All mouth and no trousers!"

Then he knocked the guard right through the cell door. Arthur, Merlin, and Leon stepped in, spotting Gwen and Elyan, who were grinning happily.

"You alright?" Arthur asked them.

"Yes," Gwen assured him.

Arthur looked around the small cell, noticing the two that were absent. "Where's Lia? And Morgana?"

"I thought Morgana was with you," Gwen said, growing worried. "Cenred must still have Lia."

"They must be holding them somewhere else," Arthur said, sighing. "Let's go."

The five of them snuck out of the dungeons and rushed through the corridors to the exit. However, Arthur stopped Merlin as the others ran ahead. "Take Gwen and Elyan with you. Guard them with your life."

"What about you?" he asked. Gwen, Elyan, and Leon looked back at Arthur.

"I'm going to get Lia and Morgana," Arthur said, turning to run back toward the throne room.

"Not alone. It's too dangerous!" Merlin shouted. He knew they had to get Lia, but Morgana could not be trusted. She wanted Arthur dead.

"Sorry, Merlin. We are not leaving without them. Stay with the others," he ordered, running off to check around the corner. When he heard the guards in the distance, he jogged back to the others. "When you get to the horses, ride straight for Camelot. Do not wait for me. Promise."

"Sire—"

"Do it," Arthur interrupted Leon. Then he looked to Gwen. "Promise."

"But I—"

"Promise," he repeated.

Gwen sighed and looked up at her brother before sighing. "I promise."

Arthur left while the others ran in the opposite direction. Merlin stayed put, knowing that he had to go after him. "Leon! Elyan!" he shouted. "Look after Gwen. I'm going after him."

"Good luck," Gwen told him. "Keep yourself safe."

"You too," he said. Then he rushed after Arthur, hoping he could stop Morgana's plan.

| | |

The warning bells sounded throughout the castle, signaling that the prisoners had escaped. Cenred stood from his throne and glared at the doors. "Arthur," he sneered.

"You should've killed him when you had the chance!" Morgana shouted.

"He won't get far," he said, smirking. "My men will deal with him easily enough."

"Cenred, if he escapes—"

"Do not fret, Sister. You are like family to our brave Prince," Morgause told her. "He will not leave this place without you — or Lia. And when he comes, we'll be waiting."

"And then, My Lady Morgana, you must play your part well," Cenred said, unsheathing the two swords strapped to his back.

"When have I not?" she asked, smirking.

A moment later, Cenred went to fetch Lia, who was being held in a room that connected to the Throne Room. To keep up appearances, Morgause kept a firm hold on Morgana's arm to make her think she was being held against her will. Morgana grew furious when she saw the condition Lia was in.

Her hands were bound in chains that were far too tight. And in the process of "roughing her up," the guards had injured her. There was a large purple bruise on her cheek and a cut across her collar bone, the blood soaked into her shirt.

"Gana!" Lia breathed out when she saw her. Then she glared at Cenred. "Let her go. She's done nothing!"

Cenred rolled his eyes, unable to believe how naïve the girl was. The fact that Morgana had managed to fool all of them for so long was astounding, though he was not complaining.

"Do me a favor, gorgeous," Cenred said, leaning in close to her. Then he roughly shoved her to the ground. "Shut up."

"Don't touch her!" Morgana shouted, pulling against Morgause's hold, only partially acting.

Cenred subtly nodded to Morgause, who let her go. Morgana rushed to Lia's side and tried to help her stand. However, Cenred grabbed her and held a sword to her neck. Then he glared down at Lia. "Another word out of you, and the Lady Morgana loses her head."

They could hear fighting outside the doors, signaling that Arthur was close. Morgause snuck behind a pillar, waiting for the right moment to reveal herself. Lia stayed on the ground, not wanting Cenred to harm Morgana. Just as Arthur burst in, Cenred turned himself and Morgana towards the door, one sword pointed at Arthur and the other still at Morgana's neck.

"That's close enough," Cenred said, grinning.

"Please don't hurt me," Morgana whimpered. She inhaled sharply as he pressed his blade closer to her throat.

"One more step and she dies," he threatened. "Surely you can follow simple orders like her."

"You're a coward, Cenred," Arthur said, carefully circling him. He glanced at Lia worriedly, but she nodded to let him know she was alright. Morgana was the one in danger. "You always were."

"It's cowards that survive, Arthur," Cenred said, laughing. "Now put down your sword."

"Do as he says," Morgause said, coming out from behind the pillar. Arthur's eyes widened and he took a careful step towards Lia. "You seem surprised."

"Hardly," he said, glaring at her. "I know what you're capable of."

"Oh, you have no idea," she smirked.

Without even muttering a spell, Morgause summoned a pillar of fire, forcing it towards Arthur. Lia quickly jumped to her feet and yanked him out of the way before it could reach him. Arthur held Lia as they both were backed into a corner by the pillar of fire. Morgana nervously fidgeted in Cenred's arms but she trusted that Morgause would keep Lia alive for her.

Merlin, who had been watching from the doorway, whispered a quiet spell that caused the pillar of fire to explode. The force blew everyone backwards and the ceiling collapsed. Arthur rolled on top of Lia, blocking her from the falling rocks. Morgause and Cenred had been knocked unconscious momentarily. Arthur pulled himself and Lia to their feet and spotted Morgana, who was slowly sitting up.

"You alright? Come on," he said, helping her stand. A moment later, Merlin rushed into the room. "Merlin? What the hell are you doing here?"

"I thought you might need some help!" he shouted back at him.

"Get out of here now!" Arthur ordered.

Merlin grabbed Morgana and dragged her from the Throne Room, giving her no time to see if Morgause was okay. Arthur looked down at Lia's chained hands and then searched the room for a set of keys.

"Forget it!" she said frantically. "Gwen and Elyan are both skilled blacksmiths. They can get them off. Come on!"

Arthur nodded and pushed her ahead of him as they ran after Merlin and Morgana. They escaped through the tunnels and eventually caught up to the other two, who had stopped in the caves and were shouting at each other while Merlin was trying to drag Morgana along.

"What's wrong?" Arthur asked once they reached them.

"My ankle," Morgana complained, panting heavily. Arthur glanced down the tunnel before leaning over and throwing Morgana over his shoulder, who yelped in surprise. "What are you doing?"

"Trust me, I don't like it any more than you do," he muttered, carrying her through the tunnel. "Come on, Merlin! Lia!"

The three of them ran all the way through the woods to where they had tied up the horses. Arthur and Merlin were surprised to see Gwen, Leon, and Elyan waiting for them instead of halfway back to Camelot.

"I thought I told you to ride for Camelot," Arthur said, setting Morgana on her feet. Lia moved to her side and let her lean on her for support.

"You might be a prince, but I don't always have to do what you tell me to," Gwen said, smirking.

"You've been spending too much time with Lia," Arthur grumbled, scoffing.

Then more of Cenred's men ambushed them. Arthur and Leon, the only two armed, jumped into action. Once they each fought off their own men, Arthur turned to fend off the last one but was stunned by what he saw. Elyan, without a weapon, easily bested the guard before stealing his sword and killing him with it.

"Not bad," he complimented. He hadn't expected Gwen's troublesome brother to fight with the skill of a knight.

"Well, practice makes perfect, I guess," he said, chuckling.

Before the seven of them set out toward Camelot, Lia checked on Morgana's ankle. She could do no more than tightly wrap it in a bandage, and at least they were riding on horseback. Then they booked it, wanting to get as far from Cenred's territory as they could.

"What did Cenred want with you?" Arthur asked Morgana.

"He was trying to extract information," she lied. "I told him nothing."

"See, that's what men like Cenred will never understand. Camelot was built on trust and loyalty. We will never be defeated as long as we stay true to those ideals," Arthur said, smiling. "Lia, are you sure you are alright?"

"I promise, I am fine," she assured him. Lia was sitting in front of Elyan on her horse, offering to share with him. She did not want him to have to walk the whole way back. "The cuts won't even need stitches when I return to the physician chambers."

"I am sorry you were harmed because of me, My Lady," Elyan told her politely.

"I am only glad you are safe, Elyan," she said, looking over her shoulder to smile at him. "And I am not a lady — just a physician."

Elyan smiled charmingly down at her. "Well, you certainly are as—"

"Ugh. Do not flirt with her, Elyan!" Gwen snapped, groaning. "Or at least pick a more original line than she certainly looks as beautiful as one."

"Yeah, Leon can tell you first hand that one doesn't work on her," Merlin said, snickering.

"Oh, shut up, Merlin," Leon said, chuckling. "I'm sure you flirted with her the first time you saw her too."

"No, actually," Lia said, grinning from the memory. "He pushed me down a hill and into a lake."

"I did not push you! You tripped!" Merlin insisted.

"Will and my father both saw you put your hands on my back and shove," she stated, crossing her arms.

"Well, perhaps that was the universe getting back at you for saying my ears were too big for my head," Merlin muttered under his breath.

"I suppose the important part is that you grew into them," she told him, shaking her head.

"Did he, though?" Arthur teased.

"Well, we can't all have heads as fat as yours," Merlin joked. In response, Arthur broke a branch off a passing tree and threw it at Merlin, who did not manage to duck in time.

Elyan watched the exchange, not believing how they all interacted around the Prince of Camelot. He leaned over to Gwen and whispered to her. "Are they always like this?"

"This is pretty tame," she said, giggling. "Stick around long enough and you'll see Merlin thrown in the stocks just to make Lia happy."

| | |

Arthur was at his desk, writing something when someone knocked on the door. "Come in," he called, not looking up. Gwen and Lia entered a moment later, and Gwen had some dresses draped over her arm. "What are they?"

"Two silk dresses," Gwen said, smiling. "In case your father asks any questions."

"Ah, where'd you get them from?" he asked, putting his quill down.

"Well, let's just say they won't be missed for a day or two," she said.

Arthur smirked and shook his head, knowing it was best he didn't actually know where the dresses came from. "How's Elyan settling in?"

"Really well. He's got the forge up and running and a place to live. He really appreciates all the help you've given him," Gwen told him. "I just wanted to say thank you for bringing my brother back. It means more to me than I can say."

Arthur smiled kindly at her. "Guinevere, you are more than just a servant — you are a friend. If you are ever in trouble again, please do not hesitate to come to me."

Gwen bowed with a grateful smile. "Thank you, Arthur."

Once she left, Lia moved to stand behind Arthur and she placed her hands on his shoulders, rubbing them softly. Then she leaned down and placed a kiss to his cheek, continuing to hug him from behind. "I love your kind heart, My Prince."

"I like to believe I learned it from you," Arthur murmured. He turned in the chair and pulled Lia to sit in his lap. Carefully, he traced the wound on her collarbone, which was slowly healing. And then he gently held her wrists, which were still bruised from the chains. Arthur brought them to his lips and placed soft kisses to the inside of her wrists. "I am glad you are alright."

"Thank you for saving me," she said, leaning her forehead against his.

Arthur playfully rolled his eyes. "You are certainly capable of saving yourself in most situations — especially when armed."

"Still, every now and then, it's fun to play a damsel in distress," she said, giggling. "You look so very handsome when playing the daring hero."

"I aim to please," he said, smirking. "But don't go getting kidnapped any time soon. It causes me far too much stress."

"Promise," Lia said. Then she leaned down and kissed him softly. "I'll stay right here where I am safe in your arms."

Arthur tightened his hold on her protectively. "And I will never let you go."