chapter six!
006. nobility

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    ODETTE FOUND herself back at the window; her favourite window out of every window in the castle. She stared out of the tinted glass, watching the sun set over the afternoon▬casting a glow over the arena in the distance. After the crazed events in the council chambers, the final day of the tournament had been delayed to tomorrow▬where Arthur would have no choice but to fight Valiant and face the snakes she knew he'd use to try and kill him. They had tried, and they had lost ... 

     She didn't know what she was searching for, but she was searching for something. She watched the arena glint▬perhaps looking for a breath of hope; there was always some way to watch the sunrise. 

     Her mother would find something to hold onto; something to break through the storm clouds and brighten up the darkness when all else seemed lost. Odette wished she could be so positive right now. After everything she's been through, she knew more than anyone that miracles did exist▬but sometimes, before the rising sun, it was hard to see the possibility. 

     (The truth was, sometimes, even Odette couldn't find it. She wasn't even my real mother, she had thought bitterly to herself. My real parents left me to perish▬wherever could there be a sunrise to watch from that dark valley?). 

     The shadow behind her brought her attention, and Odette glanced over her shoulder, surprised to see Ronyn make his way over with a hesitant breath. He watched her, as if expecting her to walk away. She wondered whether she should.

      But instead, she stayed. 

      Alone in the corridor, the young lord approached his childhood friend and whispered, "I had a feeling I'd find you here."

     Together, they gazed outside, past the walls of the citadel and towards the rolling golden pastures beyond the forests. It was silent between them; neither could find the right thing to say, but they knew they both thought the same: whatever tomorrow would bring, it was something grave to think about it. 

     Finally, Odette muttered, "How is he?"

     Lord Ronyn didn't need to ask who she meant, "Humiliated," he answered, taking a deep breath as he settled himself beside her. He clasped his hands behind his back. "Valiant called him a coward in front of the entire royal court, and they believed him."

     "Valiant's the coward," said the handmaiden bitterly, her soft gaze turning into a scowl. 

     "Maybe so, but to everyone else, he's the sight of nobility."

     "He is using magic," stressed Odette, meeting Ronyn's gaze sternly. "I saw it▬I saw those snakes come alive."

     "I believe you," he said and her breath hitched, taken aback by it. Ronyn rolled his eyes at it. "Goodness, Odette, do you really think that lowly of me?"

     "No," she said instantly, abashed. She shook her head at him, "No, no, of course not! I just ..."

     "What?"

      Odette pursed her lips. She looked away again, suddenly very ashamed. "I just believed you thought quite lowly of me."

      The silence settled between them again. Odette heard Ronyn take another sharp breath through his nose, sighing it out slowly and sadly▬as if he was exhausted. He seemed to always be these past two years. 

      She hung her head, fiddling with her fingers. "I heard Arthur sacked Merlin."

     "Odette▬"

      "He was wrong to." 

      "He's embarrassed," Lord Ronyn decided to cross his arms, leaning against the stone foundation of the window. "I'm afraid Merlin got the terrible end of it." Noticing the look she sent him, he shrugged. "I can't talk to him like this. You know he won't forfeit the match, and he won't be convinced to take Merlin back."

      Odette grew stressed. "Ronyn," her voice hitched, terrified for the morning that was to come, "Valiant will try and kill him. You have to persuade him to reconsider."

      "Why do I have to tell him what you think?"

     "Because he'll listen to you," she told him harshly. "He won't listen to me. I'm just a servant▬my word counts for nothing."

     Ronyn pushed off the brick. He turned to face her and Odette watched him, feeling her own gaze become quite sharp to match his own. The young lord glanced around at the echo of footsteps closing in▬their time had come to an end. 

     He set his jaw, and Odette wished she didn't feel so sad to see him push her away▬all over again at the very thought of him being seen with someone like her, no matter their history. 

      He went to leave her there, but before he did, Lord Ronyn Vecentia said, "You never were once afraid to say what you thought to Arthur▬to anyone. Where's that courage gone, Odette?"

     His words struck her. She watched him pass on by without another word, marching down the castle corridors as if he had never even spoken to her in the first place▬left her to be forgotten once more. But what he told her stayed rigid in her mind, reminding her of days long ago. She swelled with slight anger▬who was he to tell her she had lost her bravery? He who could say what he wished and be listened to▬who didn't fear speaking out of term and receive punishment? But he did, and for some strange reason, Odette listened.

     She frowned to herself, thoughts coming to her mind that she was scared to act upon. But as her gaze wandered back over to the window, setting with the sun onto the grounds of the arena, she knew she would follow them anyway. She'd cross a bridge she hasn't crossed in a few years, and she had no idea what she'd face on the other end, but in the ill fate of tomorrow, Odette had to pray▬hope▬for a miracle. 

     She had to be positive in the face of this misery. 

     (There will always be a way to watch the sunrise). 

     With these thoughts surging within her a fresh determination, Odette marched the opposite way back to Morgana's chambers to prepare her for her evening supper. They haven't lost quite yet▬there was always hope. Always. 

      Meanwhile, through the glass of the window panes and down in the shadows of the citadel, Merlin sat, small in his defeat at the base of the courtyard steps. He hugged his knees to his chest, trying very hard to not let the tears brew in his eyes as he remembered how angry Arthur had been. He had tried to do the right thing to his destiny; to try and protect him, and this was where it got him. 

     The Great Dragon told him this was only the beginning, but Merlin faced the morning ever-so-quickly, and he was lost on what he was supposed to do. Arthur could die on the morrow, and Merlin would've failed his fate before he even got the chance to begin to barely understand it. 

      For a few days, he started to see what he was supposed to do▬but yet again, Merlin felt lost and alone. He had no idea what he was meant to do; what everything meant. If he was supposed to make Arthur the king the Dragon said he'd be, how could he have been so easily pushed aside▬so easily forgotten? So easily defeated?

     A pair of footsteps shuffled up to him. He barely glanced up, recognising the skirts of a dress the wearer sewn herself.

    Guinevere pursed her lips and said gently, "Hello, Merlin..."

    He supposed she had heard everything that had happened to him after the disaster in the council chambers. Merlin slumped, gaze set forward, "All right?"

     The blacksmith's daughter chewed on her bottom lip, not too sure what to say. In the end, she picked up her skirts and took a seat beside him on the stairs. Merlin could feel her watching him intently, like she was trying to figure out an impossible riddle. 

      Finally, she broke the silence to say, "Is it true ... what you said about Valiant using magic?"

     He nodded. 

     Gwen sighed▬not horrified or anxious, even, but as if she knew the answer before he had even given it. She nodded to herself, then asked him, "What are you going to do?"

     Merlin finally met her gaze. He was annoyed, not at her, but at everyone▬at Destiny in itself. What did it see in him? Some lanky, idiotic boy to bestow upon a power no one else seemed to behold? To give him a responsibility he could never carry▬that he failed already in mere days. He scoffed, shaking his head, "Why does everyone seem to think it's down to me to do something about it?"

    Guinevere frowned at him, startled, "Because it is," she replied instantly. Then, she backtracked, a little startled by how sure she had sounded. She pulled her knees up to her chest much like his, wrapping her arms around them. "Isn't it?" she added, less certain than she had been before. "You have to show everyone that you were right and they were wrong."

     "Really?" he smiled bitterly, quirking a brow at her. "And how do I do that?"

     She opened her mouth, as if to answer, only to stop herself. Gwen flushed at the cheeks and looked to her hands, "I don't know."

    He nodded, expecting it. Merlin sighed, slumping forward even more. He propped his chin on the tops of his knees, gazing with a glum look across the courtyard. Each and every person that walked amongst the guards, the stonework and the statues were completely ignorant to what might just happen tomorrow▬Merlin sort of wished he was still amongst them. 

     His gaze wandered around, following the sunlight that glared on the side of his face, setting behind the turrets and the castle walls. It still streamed in bars of light▬like pathways; golden roads that led to here and there, and nowhere. His eyes travelled the length of one, settling themselves upon a statue guarding the entrance down towards the guard barracks: a hunting dog grasping Camelot's crest in his large paws.

     Merlin's heart jolted. His breath hitched. His eyes widened.

     A horrible, stupid, crazy▬and yet brilliant!▬idea suddenly came to mind. 

     "That's it," he breathed.

     Gwen frowned at him, a little surprised by his sudden revelation. She leaned forward to follow his line of sight, only to grow more confused. "What's it?"

     Merlin didn't answer. He jumped to his feet, leaping around the side of the stairwell towards the stone hound. Gwen was on her feet as well, watching him rush over with a cry of incredulity, "Where are you going?"

     He stopped by the hound and wrapped his arms around the base of the statue. Merlin grunted, trying to pull it away from the wall, but he barely managed to tug it even an inch. Gwen slowly met him, watching him struggle, quite dubious. At her silent question, he glanced up. Merlin let out a sheepish chuckle, "Do you have a wheelbarrow?"

      Guinevere looked gravely concerned, but she did not say no. 

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    THE MORNING came. Like a gentle caress, the sun's warm kiss dusted the cheeks of a young handmaiden in the bed she slumbered in▬tucked in under thin blankets, her head placed onto the hard pillow given to her in the Lady Morgana's antechamber. Beautiful, in a moment's of peace despite the heavy dread the day would bring; cheeks gentle and soft, lips puckered and pink, hair as gorgeous as the dawn▬fair, pure, falling across her sleeping figure in two loose braids. 

     Odette, the morning greeted her, like a mother's voice trying to wake her daughter for the day. It warmed her in the freezing chamber, breaking the rigid grip her fingers held clutching her blanket▬the only sight that showed just how anxious she truly was. 

     It coaxed her awake▬careful and understanding of the horrors she slept with. Eyelids fluttered and gorgeous eyes awoke to the early morning, gazing up at the sunlight that glared down just for her through the narrow window. Odette took a deep breath through her nose, and despite it all, managed a gentle smile that welcomed an old friend. 

     Until she remembered what the day would bring, and her smile faltered. 

     Odette got ready for the morning with grave thoughts. Pinning her hair back off her face, she stepped out of the antechamber to find Morgana already awake. She was confused as to why she hadn't stirred her to help her prepare for breakfast and the tournament, but as soon as she saw her mistress standing still by her window, she knew why.

     Morgana gripped the open hatch of the window tight, pale in her nightdress as she gazed down upon the arena. Odette walked up to her, fixing the ends of her dress sleeves and coming to a stop just behind her shoulder. 

     "My Lady?" she asked her gently. 

      Without glancing back at her, Morgana said: "Do you really believe Valiant will use magic to harm Arthur today in the final?"

     Odette could see pass her figure and down towards the arena where a figure stood in the field▬alone under the glare of the sun. Her tongue grew dry to see Arthur stand there, alone and solemn, like he was accepting his fate without even trying. 

     Like he was standing right behind her, Lord Ronyn's words repeated over in her mind. Odette swallowed, suddenly very parched. She didn't want to watch Arthur die. She couldn't bear to see the boy▬as annoying and horrible he was▬she knew perish, forgotten in the wind ... just like she was. 

      "Yes," Odette found herself saying. Morgana's lips quivered at her words, far more worried than she could ever express in words. "But ... Arthur always wins, doesn't he?" the breath of hope slipped off her lips with ease, and even she started to believe it as the glow of the sunrise started to reach the citadel. 

     The Lady Morgana's brows furrowed at this. She considered Odette's words. She hummed, thoughtful, "Yes," she murmured, watching Arthur leave the arena and back towards the castle. "I suppose he does..."

    Odette's gaze followed Arthur intently until she couldn't anymore. Ronyn's words came yet again: You were never once afraid to say what you thought to Arthur. But that was something that felt like an age ago▬would he even listen to a word she had to say now? Did he even care to remember her name? To remember the girl who'd trip him down the stairs, chase him down the hallways, beat him in cards and force him to play dress-ups with her. Had she become invisible to him just like she was invisible to everyone else? 

     Was Odette scared to face that realistic truth? 

     She was hopeful and positive about many things, but about him, Odette knew better than to let herself be vulnerable to that type of hurt.

     But even if she didn't want to admit it, she knew she'd never forgive herself if she didn't go and say something to the Prince herself. As she noticed the basket by Morgana's bed, ready to be filled with her dirty sheets, Odette took the chance. As Guinevere arrived, she made her way over to the bed.

     "I should take these down to be washed," Odette spoke timidly.

    Morgana looked back from the window, still gazing out with a hitched breath▬she looked like she had seen a ghost, as if Arthur's death had already plagued her mind, and she knew just how it would play out. In her anxiety, she barely could even nod. But Odette knew her enough to understand. 

     Odette gathered the dirty sheets and folded them into the basket. There was little word spoken▬the nerves of the upcoming final weighing down on all of their heads. The usual lively mornings between the three girls was solemn. Guinevere watched Odette pass her towards the doors, setting down Morgana's breakfast▬she met her gaze, and knew exactly where she was going. 

     She knew every passageway in the castle. Odette knew the darkest corners, the brightest hallways; she knew each alcove and each door▬she knew where each tapestry lied and where each stairwell took her. Odette has passed through these corridors for years and years and years, always chasing after something. Whether it be her mother, Arthur and Ronyn, Morgana or some other mistress she was waiting on temporarily. Or even chasing the sunlight before it finally left the crevices and the cracks, wanting to see it one, final time before she would have to say goodbye to it before night. 

     But the passage to the Prince's chambers wasn't something she's travelled in a long time. A few years felt like centuries, and the feeling she felt in her stomach was unsettling▬like she was a stranger stepping onto unknown grounds, trespassing onto a past she had known better to delve back into▬until now. 

    She had no place to take this path; no right, no position▬she was not his manservant, she was not a friend, family, or a noble guest. She was a ghost of the past, a maid▬an orphan who had no power at all to find herself worthy of talking to a boy on the verge of becoming of age; the heir to one of the most powerful thrones in the Five Kingdoms. 

     And yet with Valiant's threat nigh, none of that seemed to matter. 

     Odette took the steps of the servants corridor, rising up from the cold corners towards the entrance to the Prince's private chambers. She remembered these steps with a wave of nostalgia▬(days of hunching, as quiet as they could, shoulder to shoulder, listening to Gaius on the other end of that door, expressing to the King that he believed Arthur was out training with Ronyn▬when in fact, the two boys were keeping their lowborn friend company, protecting her from the wrath they both knew Uther Pendragon would behold if he ever came to know just how much of a hold Odette grew to have on the both of them▬especially Arthur). 

     She stopped by its brass handle. Odette hesitated, Morgana's bedsheets rested against her hip. She glanced down at her dusted skirts, her chipped nails and her calloused fingers. Who was he to remember someone as forgettable as her?

     Even still, Odette took a long, deep breath through her nerves and knocked on the door. Light, soft▬specific in a way that if he remembered, he would understand. And as she waited, she could feel her heart pounding through her ribs, both terrified, and yet anticipating hope of his answer.

    She tried to hear whether there were voices on the other end, but she couldn't. There was silence▬anxious, compelling silence. 

    (Perhaps because, when he heard the knock, Arthur Pendragon had become just as breathless as her).

     And then she heard it. Distant, and yet loud enough that it echoed through the wood of the door and to her ears▬unmistakable, and yet she didn't want to disappoint herself to think that she hadn't imagined it:

     "Come in."

     Carefully, Odette pushed open the servant's door. It creaked as it swayed ajar little by little, and she peered her delicate gaze inside, not too sure on what she would find. She was startled to see blue eyes stare right back at her, under the glow of the sun-dusted window of his room. 

     He looked so much older, standing there in his chainmail and scarlet tunic▬hair like the woven threads of gold of the dragon emblazoned on his chest. Arthur looked as though he bore the weight of a thousand men, even without a crown upon his head. He bore more than that: he bore the burden of duty. 

     "Odette," he greeted, stiff and unsure. Arthur was confused to see her, and yet, strangely relieved▬that as soon as he saw her face glimpse out from behind that door, some of that weight seemed to have lifted. 

      Shy, she stepped into his chambers, curtseying and bowing her head, "My Lord." He continued to watch her as she slowly stood back up, holding the basket of sheets in her arms▬they were so different; her in her plain skirts and him in his chainmail and armour, and yet the familiarity between them was exactly the same▬the hesitance. 

     Then, Arthur looked away. He set his jaw and frowned back through the window. "I suppose you come in Morgana's stead to beg me not to fight?" He tried to be smug, but she could see it on his face; it was forced. "Tell me, is she concerned for my wellbeing? Settle her worries and tell her it'll be all right, can't have her blubbering, pale looks mess up my skill."

      Odette didn't know what she expected. She pursed her lips and looked down to the sheets in the basket. When she didn't say anything, Arthur glanced back, and he▬himself▬faltered, too. He hasn't seen her in such proximity since they were young. Of course, he always saw her: at Morgana's side, filling his goblet when she worked his and her mistresses's dinners with his father, passing down by in the courtyard or minding her business in the castle corridors. He had seen her, suffering alone after her mother's death▬and he most definitely saw her, now. 

      She had changed from the girl with two braids and a harsh punch for an underfed child into a girl on the verge of becoming a young woman▬but she was still the same. Still with the same gaze that held such intelligence; something that was captivating in a way Arthur could never quite describe. 

     He wanted to tell her that he was glad she decided to come here before the fight. He wanted to tell her that he was thankful. He wanted to tell her that he missed her friendship still even now. 

     But Arthur never knew how. 

     He didn't even think he should. 

     Odette set her jaw, determined, and looked back up to meet his gaze, "I saw those snakes come alive. I saw Merlin strike one's head."

     Arthur sighed. He shook his head, looking down at the leather gloves he had yet to put on his hands. They lied limp in his fingers. "I know," he decided to tell her.

      "Valiant will use those snakes against you today."

     "I know."

      "He'll try to kill you."

     "Believe me, Odette, it's not my idea of fun, either."

      Her brows lifted▬his words hitting a soft spot within her chest. As if knowing exactly what she thought, the Prince glanced over to meet her eyes yet again. He rolled them. "By all means, don't act so shocked on my account. Your little faith in my memory wounds the soul."

     Odette felt stupid to find herself choked up. She swallowed the ache in her throat back down into her chest, "You ... you remember?"

      Arthur made a face, "No, of course I don't remember the girl who hit me with a wooden sword. Or left me with a broken leg after we fell down the stairs. A girl like that is just easy to forget."

     She didn't know what to say▬or how she felt. If anything, it only made the ache within her even more painful. Odette chewed at the inside of her cheek. Not meeting his gaze, she muttered, "You're really going out there to fight Valiant?"

      The Prince became stiff once more. That weight bore down upon him, so heavy he thought for a second, he wouldn't be able to breath. "I don't really have much choice in the matter. He made the entire royal court think I was a coward. If I withdraw, I'll only prove that."

     "You're not a coward," said Odette immediately, not even thinking of it. "You're many things Arthur, but the last thing you are is a coward. I thought you were brave▬and fair▬speaking for Merlin yesterday; believing and trusting him. You showed yourself kind and noble▬something Valiant could never be." 

     When he frowned at her, taken-aback by her sudden words, Odette went pink at the cheeks. She backtracked, finding it hard to meet his gaze. "I▬I mean, you know, not just me ... but ... you know ... we all did. You know▬Merlin, Gwen ... I suppose ... quite possibly ... n▬not that I would know what they think, obviously! Just ... you know ..."

      The Prince continued to watch her, intently▬like even now, after all these years, he still wasn't quite sure what to make of her. It was the same gaze that frowned at her the first time they met, the same gaze that turned his nose up when he realised she followed, the same look he scoffed as she beat him at cards, the same look he held whenever they sort of got along▬here and there ... "Thanks ..." he muttered slowly. 

     She nodded, a little breathless from being so suddenly flustered. The awkward silence gnawed at them, neither one able to think of a way to say exactly what they knew they desperately wanted to tell. And so, in the end, Odette shuffled back, leaving their conversation far before it got the chance to begin. 

      "I'll see you at the grounds," Odette curtsied low. "My Lord."

      Arthur nodded, admittedly sad to say goodbye when it had been so long since a proper hello. He watched her leave, turning around to go the same way she came▬a way no one would know, or care to see her use. She had become a ghost in this castle; yet, never to him. 

      Before she could close the door, he found himself speaking up, "I'll see you at the feast."

     And it wasn't a kind courtesy, it was a promise: a promise that he'll make it through today alive. 

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    THE AIR was unsettled. Rumours of what happened in the council room had reached the ears of the people of Camelot, and they each eyed the entrances to the arena grounds with anxious breaths. Odette searched the crowd for their faces, diligently at Morgana's side▬she wanted to see which ones were scared their Prince was a coward, and which ones were scared Valiant was not at all what he seemed. She was scared of how today's battle would end; whether she'd have to watch Arthur triumph or lose in a horrible way, and for Camelot to be without its only heir. 

     Odette wondered how anyone could ever think Prince Arthur to be a coward when he faced today, knowing that it could quite possibly be his last. He was many things: arrogant, sometimes quite rude and inconsiderate, oblivious (a royal prat, as Merlin often muttered in just a few days knowing him), but he understood duty enough to step out here today nonetheless. He had enough honour to believe them (even if his pride caused him to lash out at Merlin), and then enough courage to fight Valiant despite it. 

     The crowd was growing restless. Odette squeezed Morgana's hand that clutched her own incredibly tight, their's and Guinevere's eyes fixed on the guards that stood by the leaderboard where the Pendragon crest sat still next to Valiant's knotted serpents. They watched a trusted courtier place the winnings on display under the protective gaze of the King's chair. Odette searched for Merlin amongst the stonework edges, hoping that he had figured out a way to end this, but he was nowhere to be seen▬not even with Gaius who had emerged from the physician's tent, dreading the fight just as much as the rest of them who knew the horrible truth. 

     She briefly glanced behind her and saw that even Ronyn watched with all severity, leant back in his seat with his fingers brushing against his chin in thought. Their gazes met, and without even uttering a word, she knew he could tell she had spoken to the Prince. 

     "Is it true?" Adelynn whispered to her brother beside him, draped in a lovely burgundy cloak over her dress. "What they've been saying about Knight Valiant?" 

      Instead of telling her the truth, Ronyn bent it. He was protective of Adelynn, always has been▬if he could avoid showing her the dangers of the world for as long as he can, he would. "You needn't worry, little sister," he told her. "Would I bring you along if I believed this to end badly?"

     She pursed her lips. Even if she was young and naive, she could tell something was wrong▬and she had great listening ears. She heard the older ladies in the court discussing the matter as gossip with her mother at afternoon tea yesterday. Adelynn frowned to herself, and she went to speak again, "But if Sir Valiant▬?"

      She had to cut herself off as the horns blew, and the King arrived. All those sitting near him in the stands stood as he approached, bowing their heads and curtseying. He said no word as he took his royal seat at the centre amongst curtains of Pendragon red. He looked weary. He might not believe the accusations against Knight Valiant, but the end result of this match was still something he feared. If his son lost, then what would that make the people of Camelot watching in the stands think? Most of them had already heard whispers that were untrue of Arthur's possible cowardice▬there was more at stake here than just the Prince's life. Adelynn didn't want to know what was more important in the King's mind at the moment. 

     She sat down again with everyone else when deemed appropriate. Many questions were sitting on the edge of her tongue, but she expressed none of them, scared that if she did, her older brother might explode with the worry he was definitely suppressing. 

     The crowd was still quiet as▬not far in following▬Sir Knight Valiant of the Western Isles and Prince Arthur of Camelot could be seen striding down the slope towards the grounds. 

     The Lady Morgana squeezed Odette's hand even tighter as she noticed Arthur. There was applause, a few cheers. None came from the three girls seated at the very front of the stands. Guinevere pressed her fingers to her lips to hide the way she chewed at the inside of her gum, eyeing Knight Valiant with an anxious eye▬or more so his shield, expecting one of those snakes to strike out at any second. 

      At the King's nod, they donned their helmets. No one would notice the way Arthur glanced at the crowd to check the Lady Morgana's young second handmaiden's look upon her face, remembering her words earlier▬and his promise, that swelled his chest with the hope of the next day; he will make his way to it▬he will not let Valiant take away his honour. 

      Arthur held out his blade, waiting for his opponent to strike it as ready, and when he did, he took a sharp breath through his nose. There was only going to be one ending today, and he knew which one it would be. 

     They raised their shields and hefted their stances, scowling at one another through the visor of their helms. 

     There was a breathless silence where neither moved. Odette's heart began to hammer. Then, Valiant cried out▬

     The battle commenced. 

     Unlike the previous days of the tournament, this was not fun and games between noble men of skill. This was something scary and aggressive▬each blow was made to strike the other with little mercy; Odette winced when blades were met with the iron of their shields, ringing out with an arm shattering force. The crowd were in love, cheering at each thrust, each move blocked by the edges of their shields and each daring miss by only inches. 

     Odette's own were stuck in the back of her throat. Her gaze followed the swing of Valiant's arm, praying Arthur would intercept. She begged each time he got in close enough strike a blow against Valiant's shield, the snakes wouldn't emerge. She almost forgot to breathe, the sound of the people around her dying out to something muffled and far away. 

     Their blades met with a deadly kiss▬again, again, and again▬Valiant struck down overhead one, twice, three, four times, trying to make Arthur's knees collapse with the weight. Until Arthur raised his shield this time. Gasps ensued as the serpent knight's blade got stuck in the Prince's shield. Arthur tugged and Valiant stumbled forth. The Prince kicked him in the torso, freeing both him and his blade. Those in the stands went wild▬the King was on the edge of his seat, watching Arthur spin on his feet and send his blade for a strike to Valiant's head▬

      Even without magic, the serpent knight was skilful. He blocked the blow just in time, fixing his footing to withstand it and shuffle backwards out of the Prince's range. 

     They took a breath amongst each other. 

     Odette's gaze followed Arthur as he regained himself▬her heart jolted. She sat forward in her seat, her hands gripping the wooden edge of the stands as she finally found him. A grin spread across her lips, filled with relief and hope when she noticed the dark hair of a young warlock peering around the entrance. Merlin was here. 

     She sat back, drumming her hands on her legs in anticipation on what Merlin had planned. Morgana and Guinevere frowned at her. 

     "Why are you so pleased?" the lady scolded under her breath. "Arthur could lose."

     "No, he won't," said Odette. 

     "How are you so sure?"

     She met Morgana's gaze. The lady couldn't decipher her handmaiden's glance▬it was filled with a surety, as if she knew something else she didn't. Her answer didn't offer much explanation, "I just am," she smiled. 

     The Lady Morgana's brows furrowed. But as she gazed back out at the fight commencing in front of them, she watched Arthur with a new sense of hope▬if Odette was so sure he would walk out of this, then she found herself feeling the exact same. 

     She jumped when Valiant's next bow to Arthur's shield dented it. He gritted his teeth behind his helmet and shoved his sword away. The Prince feinted and before Valiant could notice, slammed his hilt against his helm▬the crowd went silent as it fell off, rolling onto the ground a few feet away. 

     Arthur stepped back a few paces, breathing heavily. He watched Valiant double over, blinking the dazed look from his eyes. It was an aggressive move from him▬but if his opponent was to fight so, Arthur wouldn't hold back either. 

      Still, he gave Valiant room to breathe. He made a honourable choice, even if Valiant wouldn't have done the same: Arthur removed his own helm▬cheers erupted, applause followed; he paid them little mind, dragging down his chainmail from his hair with a slight wince. He dropped his helmet to the ground and nodded at Valiant. He left himself completely exposed; a perfect target, but he'd rather be so than to continue a fight that wasn't fair on his end. 

     Odette couldn't help but smile a little at it. Not many would do such a thing▬Arthur was many things, she knew; she could list them by alphabetical order with a scoff on her tongue. But she could never deny that despite his faults, there was promise▬there was hope. The sun shined down upon Arthur Pendragon and showed windows into the King he had potential to grow into; and Odette saw. 

     "That noble fool," whispered Ronyn, impressed and yet wanting to smack his best friend up the head at the same time. 

    Valiant took this opportunity without fail. Charging, his strikes were fast▬quick enough that Arthur couldn't see him step onto his toes and send his shield upwards against the Princes's jaw.

     Odette gasped, hands flying to her lips in horror as their Prince's back hit the ground. Morgana cried out a little, grasping Guinevere's sleeve who held her breath, terrified. 

     Valiant slammed his foot down onto the Prince's upturned shield, trapping him into place. Arthur struggled, tugging at the straps keeping his arm still. Something had risen up Odette's throat, making it hard to breathe▬Valiant raised his sword to strike a mortal blow down▬

     The sword struck the ground. Arthur slipped his arm out from the straps of his shield and rolled away in just the nick of time. He snatched his sword and deflected a blow not even fully on his feet. Arthur swiped it away and staggered back▬Valiant surged forwards. Two strikes; he kicked Arthur's sword out of his grip and slammed the Prince up against the wooden stands, pinning him defenceless. 

     The King launched forwards to the barrier. Odette thought for a moment he would call for the fight▬until Valiant doubled over. Arthur had kneed him in the stomach. With effort, he pushed the knight away and he staggered back towards the centre of the field. 

     With his sword far from reach, the Prince held little choice but to follow with his bare hands▬breathing heavily, flushed with his hair drenched to his forehead with sweat. The fight was falling heavily to his disadvantage. 

     Arthur remembered how small he had felt in those council chambers, being called a coward and for his father to believe it▬he felt like that now, utterly defenceless under the eyes of the people he would one day have to lead and protect. If he was to lose today, would they call him unworthy? Would they call him dainty and weak? Would his father see nothing but disappointment▬yet again?

    He'd do anything. He'd fight a thousand men, walk into a storm of flames, win every battle and still, it would seem no matter what, Arthur wouldn't enough. He'd die today and that'd be it▬he'd be forgotten in the epics of kings. No one would read the story of the prince who failed his people even before he was of age. They'd pity it instead▬they'll tell their children and laugh at his misery. He'd be a bard; a joke▬the idiotic prince, killed in a tournament. 

     The light shifted.

    Arthur almost didn't see it. But when he did, he skidded backwards with a breath of horrific surprise. All around him, spectators were on their feet; they gasped and they cried out▬each and every one of them catching sight of the two snakes merge out from the heads on Valiant's shield; writhing and hissing with blood-red eyes▬very much alive.

    Valiant looked as shocked as the rest of them. He panicked, glancing down at the snakes that showed themselves without his command. "What are you doing?!" he seethed at them▬and no one noticed the smirk upon a young warlock's face hidden in the shadows, his eyes fading back from gold to blue. 

    "He is using magic!" exclaimed the King, unable to believe it. 

    There was satisfaction in proving he was right. Arthur grinned back at Valiant, enjoying the way his eyes darted around▬he now felt small. "And now," said Arthur loudly, "they see you for who you really are."

    Knight Valiant chuckled. The snakes continued to writhe, peering at Arthur with a menace that matched their owner when his laughter faded, and he said: "Kill him."

    The serpents listened to his very command. They slipped out of the shield and onto the crowd, rearing back with means to strike. Arthur glanced around him, desperate for something to defend himself with▬but there was nothing. He backed up against the stands.

     Morgana didn't waste a moment. She sprung to action. On her feet, she leant towards the King's box and unsheathed a sword right from the belt of a nearby knight. "Arthur!" she cried and hefted it forward into the air. 

     He caught the hilt▬with a spin of the blade, he swiped it low as the serpents attacked. The sword passed right through their necks, and the creatures slumped to the ground. They did not move again. 

    Arthur leapt over them towards Valiant. He feinted and with a gasp from the crowd, they watched the blade strike the knight right through. The Prince kept him standing, holding him close enough to whisper the last words he'll ever hear, "Looks like I'll be going to the feast after all."

    He twisted the hilt. When Arthur felt Valiant's final breath did he pull the blade out, eyeing him as he collapsed at his feet. He waited a moment to see whether he'd move ... but Sir Valiant was dead.

    The people of Camelot cheered. Arthur glanced at them all, surprised to hear them so loud▬so proud. They screamed his name and stamped their feet, and for once, Arthur didn't look to his father for his reaction. He didn't need it. Them, his future kingdom, they were enough. Their smiles, their applause, the way they had leapt to their feet in victory of their young Prince▬in this moment Arthur knew, he had started to become enough, too. 

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    A SECOND FEAST in just as little as a week. Odette marvelled at the many candles that spread across the tables and rose from candelabras. The entire banquet hall had been turned into a splendour of red and gold, with drapes hanging from the ceiling to celebrate the champion, their own Prince▬winning against the evil of sorcery. It was a victory for more than just his pride. 

    The room was filled with the usual guests. Odette noticed the bachelors of the court chat amongst each other, the young girls fixing their kirtles and plastering their best smiles. Knights discussed their many victories and old Lords discussed things such as horses, hunting and the bets they make. Odette often heard many interesting conversations when they thought no one was listening. She'd often chuckle about them to Guinevere back in the kitchens or with Morgana in her chambers once the festivities ended. Already she had heard the gossip of Lord Brambly's second son courting a lady above his station, how Knight Dawson boasted he could stomach an entire smoked pigeon, and how Sir Geoffrey of Monmouth almost missed tonight's feast because he had fallen asleep on the pages of the ever-most-exiting endeavours of the last summer's census. 

     "Two feasts in not even two weeks," mused Merlin as he found Odette holding a jug of water by the wall, waiting patiently for Morgana to call on her. "Is it always this glorious to be a member of the court?"

     "I dare say they might love it," joked Odette in a whisper, "but the preparation..." she scoffed, shaking her head in exhaustion, "I believe I could sleep for the next two weeks."

     Merlin chuckled at her and she grinned, admittedly proud she made him laugh▬she hoped he thought her quite witty. "If we were members of the court," he then proposed and she snorted at the mere thought, "what would we do at a feast such as this?"

     "Well, I for one," Odette went on with his estranged hypothesis, "would avoid the lingering gaze of Lord Michaels▬" she nodded to the old, dreadful man who was so ancient, even his children's children began to wear greying hair. Merlin leaned in close so he could set his gaze where her's went. He made a face when he saw who she was talking about. "Everyone says that he must be over a thousand years old. He was around when the King was a green boy."

     "Wise choice," nodded Merlin, as if he was a boy of great education. Prim and proper. He cleared his throat and Odette bit back her giggles. "I believe I would find myself in the company of a Prince only to just kick him up the backside."

     "Merlin▬!" scolded Odette, elbowing him to shut him up, hoping that nobody else heard his brazen words. 

     "I save that royal prat's arse, yet again," went on the boy who barely survived three days as his servant, "and he gets all the glory."

      "Well, he owes it all to you," Odette smiled at him, amused at his moody face. She nudged him, gentle this time. "I'm proud of you, Merlin▬well done. He's alive today thanks to you."

     "Now, I wouldn't give me all the credit," he said and she shook her head, chuckling, "the Lady Morgana has quite the throw."

     "Yes," nodded Odette, also proud for her dear friend, "she does, doesn't she?"

      The last member of their little group finally arrived. Having finished filling the platter of a rich merchants, Guinevere shuffled through the crowd of servants and nobles, darting away before anyone else could call on her to make it finally to her two friends. Flushed in her rush, Gwen arrived with a huff of a breath, "Hello!"

     "Guinevere!" greeted Merlin with delight and Odette snorted at his ways. "We were just discussing our arrival as nobles to an imaginary feast of our choosing. Do tell, My Lady▬" he bowed mockingly and Gwen broke out into soft laughter, "▬what brings you here to this fine feast this fine evening?"

     "You look and sound ridiculous," Gwen instead said and Merlin made a face of mock offence. The three friends shared a chuckle amongst each other, enjoying their company far more than having to fill any demanding lord or lady's goblet. 

      "What would our noble names be?" asked Odette and Merlin grinned at her, welcoming the continuance of their little joke. 

       "Merlin here," Guinevere quirked a mischievous brow, "would be the second son of Lord Ambrosius▬" she said the name with mocking daintiness, "▬for the second son is always rambunctious."

     "I am not rambunctious!" The girls just stared at him, not believing those words for a second. Merlin guffawed a scoff at them and discreetly stole a grape from a passing servants platter. He ate it before anyone else could see and Guinevere rolled her eyes, nodding to tell him he just proved her point. "Well, Guinevere, what would your title be?"

     "Oh, no," she chuckled, shaking her head. Merlin sighed, disappointed in all good-nature. "I'd rather be a servant than be some lady. I'd hate it▬managing a household, wearing all of those heavy dresses ... having to smile at every word anybody says," Guinevere shuddered. "I imagine that would be someone's nightmare."

     Merlin bounced his brows, taken aback by her disgust, "Yours apparently."

     She elbowed him at that and Merlin gasped, "Hey!" he told her, shocked. "What is it with you two and elbowing me▬haven't I suffered enough?"

     "I honestly believe Merlin would be the court jester," Odette muttered. Gwen covered her laughter in her hand at that▬especially the flat look Merlin sent her. The young handmaiden only smiled at him, and it was his turn to elbow her. 

      But his attention was diverted when the honourable man of the feast finally arrived. Merlin stood up straighter and announced quietly, "And the royal pain in the backside has arrived." 

      There was applause from the esteemed members of the court. The King smiled broadly and held out his arms, proud to see his son arrive in his robes belonging to the Knights of Camelot. He clutched the hilt of his ceremonial sword at his hip, nodding and smiling at all the praise. "My honourable guests, I give you Prince Arthur, your champion!"

     Odette hid her smile to herself, silent as her chest swelled with a gentle warmth to know that he had kept his promise. She clapped with the rest of the room, thinking that they couldn't be further apart still, but something settled in the air enough for him to somehow find her amongst them all. His blue gaze locked onto hers, and she shrugged, subtly rising her brows with a look that made him bite back the want to chuckle. Instead, he nodded at her and moved on, approaching the Lady Morgana who gently bowed her head with a pretty smile adorning her painted lips. 

     She took the arm he offered, and together, they entered the depths of the banquet▬just where they were supposed to be, and Odette was where she was meant to be. Where she was always going to be, no matter the past. 

     But there was something special to know that the one person who should have forgotten her the easiest, had remembered her the most. And Odette was content. She was grateful. She was pleased.

     As the Prince and his Lady walked through the applauding crowd, nodding and politely smiling in appreciation, Morgana muttered low under her breath, "Has your father apologised yet for not believing you?"

     Arthur's smile turned grim. He set his gaze momentarily at his father seated at the head table, applauding with the rest of them. He sighed, "He'll never apologise." She pursed her lips, but said nothing more. They reached the end of the applauding members of the court and he turned to face her▬Morgana was always beautiful. She always seemed to stun again and again with gorgeous garments, brilliant bejewelled headpieces and a glint in her eye that was begging for a chase. Arthur always thought she never liked a man who wouldn't chase after her like a dog. He admitted it was tempting, and she very well knew it. "I hope you're not disappointed that Valiant's not escorting you."

     "Hm," Morgana shrugged, playing that coy smile she always does. Arthur scoffed at it, but found it welcoming. "Turns out he wasn't really champion material."

      He made a face at that. And she breathed a chuckle, finding his reaction quite amusing. "I daresay," went on Morgana, "your victory gave me quite some money off Ronyn."

     Arthur laughed at that, shaking his head at his best friend. "When will he ever learn never to bet against you Morgana?"

     She bounced her brows, smirking, "Oh, he knows, I'm just brilliant at deceiving him to think I'll lose."

     Arthur rolled his eyes. He had many fond memories of Ronyn telling him his cards were winning cards, only for him to place them down and Odette to reveal she had a group of aces the entire time. He was the worst at games and betting▬always relying on a feeling like some young girl. 

     As their chuckles ceased, Arthur took a deep breath and decided to say, "That was some tournament final..."

     Morgana grinned, "Tell me about it. It's not every day a girl gets to save her Prince."

     Arthur frowned at that. Slowly, her grin began to fall as she recognised the look on his face. "Um ..." he glance around them, scoffing at her words. "I wouldn't say I needed exactly saving ..." He nodded to himself, setting his jaw and squaring his shoulders in his best attempt to look as manly as possible. "I'm sure I would've thought of something."

     She couldn't believe him. Her brows shot up, all fond thoughts flying right out the castle windows, "So, you're too proud to admit that you were saved by a girl."

     Arthur's gaze shot to her at that. She could see the struggle of his pride like a portrait painted with the brightest of pigments right across his face. "Uh ... because I wasn't?"

     (He was infuriating). Morgana clenched her jaw. She tilted up her chin and sneered, "You know what? I wish Valiant was escorting me."

     The Prince matched her displeasure, "As do I," he mocked her tone. "Then I wouldn't have to listen to you."

     "Fine!"

     "Fine!"

     And the pair stormed away from each other like the squabbling children they've always been, even now. By the windows, Guinevere and Odette both sighed, sharing a glance with each other before bidding goodbye to Merlin, heading towards Morgana who they knew would be begging to exclaim her many complaints for the Prince. 

     Merlin watched them go, turning back to the passing servants and wondering which platter he'll snatch something off from next. (He loved feasts).

     He didn't expect another body to join him with an explosive whisper, "Can you believe Morgana?!" Merlin looked up, shocked that Arthur had made his way over, speaking to him as if nothing had even happened. The warlock watched him, hesitant and a little confused▬he glanced around to double check he wasn't speaking to anyone else. But no, the Prince had willingly chosen to speak to him. 

     Arthur scoffed, frothing with his wounded pride, "She says she saved me. Like I needed any help." He noticed the way Merlin wouldn't quite meet his gaze, and he sighed. His comments about Morgana passed for now, and Arthur pursed his lips. "Look▬I wanted to say ..." he swallowed back his pride and admitted something he's never done before: "... I made a mistake." Merlin's eyes widened, not expecting it. "It was unfair to sack you."

      Slowly, Merlin started to smile. When the Prince glanced at him, he quickly hid it, not wanting to admit how happy he was to hear the closest thing to an apology he believed he would ever get. He quickly shook his head, shrugging it off, "Don't worry about it. Buy me a drink. We'll call it even."

     Arthur turned his nose up at that, "I can't really be seen to be buying drinks for my servant."

     Merlin's brows rose. "Y▬your servant? You sacked me."

     Arthur shrugged, a grin tugging at his lips, "And now I'm rehiring you." Merlin didn't hide his grin this time, chuckling in his disbelief. He didn't realise just how much he sort of ... didn't mind being the Prince's servant until he was given the chance to be yet again, and even if he might not have had the choice, Merlin knew he wouldn't have said no. "My chambers are a mess. My clothes need washing. My armour needs repairing ..." Merlin's grin started to drop, "... My boots need cleaning. My dogs need exercising. My fireplace needs sweeping. My bed needs changing▬oh! And someone needs to muck out my stables!"

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    a/n: adelynn is a soft baby with a bite. I can't wait for you guys to meet her more. 

    also gwen is the best friend in the world like she's so protective of odette. 

    (merlin, gwen and odette's friendship >>>>)

   (part something of arthur and morgana subtly flirting with uther standing in the background knowing it's incest: ://// ). 

    my logical brain: let's publish this once I finish the current chapter I'm on so I won't get struck out with no prewritten chapters.

    my adhd: no. *publishes*. 

    random arthurian fact? are y'all prepared for this? gwaine is actually arthur's nephew in most stories: the son of morgause - yeah, that badass bitch. also there's apparently (don't quote me on this) a lot of similarity between gwaine's (or gawain's) story to that of cuchulainn's, who was a legendary irish hero so will I be referencing that in gwaine's last name because I can do that? yes, yes I am. 

    I am going to the movies with my ex and my guy friend ... help.