Camelot's Hope

BBC Merlin inspired Arwen Pendragon with influences from legends and other stories

[archivelcved-deactivated2021112]

𝐅𝐔𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐀𝐄𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐄𝐍 、  𝓪𝓻𝔀𝓮𝓷  𝓹𝓮𝓷𝓭𝓻𝓪𝓰𝓸𝓷 .

She often wished she could remove these difficult dresses, they always made things so uncomfortable to breathe, which was why she loved the armor or even the clothing men used. she knows that for the sake of appearances, she’s not allowed to claim she’s friends with a servant, no matter how close she really is to lara jean and merlin. she doesn’t mind allowing lara jean access to the garden, the only other she allowed was merlin because she trusted him so deeply. “merlin is going to have a hard time with my brother no matter what happens. i’ll be fine walking back. you be safe, if you’re not going to let me sneak away with you.”

𝑰𝑵 𝑨𝑳𝑳 𝑯𝑶𝑵𝑬𝑺𝑻𝒀 ,  she wasn’t even going to be sneaking away into the night ;  she would simply go back home to her family and bury her face in the pillow and rest away from the royal event that has happened and been invited all because she was a physician apprentice .   she was thankful that she had been friends with the prince and princess ,  it just make it more relaxing at times and that their work wasn’t as much difficult .   she enjoyed collecting herbs and brewing potions for the sake some knights that had gotten ill .   she sighed ,  not wanting to offend the princess ,     ❝     it’s not that i would not allow you to sneak away with me ,  i was wishing on retiring for the night ,  my lady .     ❞

[futuraequeen]

Seeing the look on her face, the princess had a feeling that there wasn't a place she was sneaking off to. arwen should in all honestly know better. she sees day in and day out how hard everyone works in the castle. and at hearing lara jean's words, she felt a wave of guilt running through her. she had thought her teasing words would have been understood. ' lara jean...' arwen started softly, reaching out and giving the other woman's arm a gentle squeeze. ' by all means, go, go home and rest, you deserve that and more. '

[archivelcved-deactivated2021112]

𝐅𝐔𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐀𝐄𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐄𝐍  、𝓪𝓻𝔀𝓮𝓷  𝓹𝓮𝓷𝓭𝓻𝓪𝓰𝓸𝓷.

She knows that lara jean would rather be in the library, if she was honest, she enjoyed places where she could hide as well. she often would hide away from the world in her mother’s gardens. everyone would be busy with arthur, no one would really notice the princess slipping away for a few hours. there were few people allowed in the gardens, with lara jean being one of them. it was nice to have a friend, even if they just sat in silence reading. she shook her head gently, “ you mean the kind or the lords who are all busy praising my brother about his recent tourney win? i think they’ll survive without my presence. besides, i could walk with you to the library before returning. ”

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐐𝐔𝐈𝐄𝐓 𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐏𝐇𝐘𝐒𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐍 𝐌𝐀𝐃𝐄 𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐔𝐍𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐁𝐋𝐄 ,  but that doesn’t mean she can easily fix it with a small smile.   things were much better without fancy dresses back in healing the bloody people or making herbs beside gaius.   being friends with the royals were a different thing,  not that they would publicly say that they were friends in anyway.   there was still a line,  as to why she could only say that merlin was her friend.   she doesn’t go to the queen’s gardens often,  as she tried not to invade much space on what is personal for the prince and princess,  especially to the king.     ❝     well,  let’s hope the ego doesn’t go much into your brother’s head,  merlin would have a hard time once again.  and i don’t think that is suitable,  my lady.   i should walk you back to the party before i am to escape the night.     ❞    

[futuraequeen]

She often wished she could remove these difficult dresses, they always made things so uncomfortable to breathe, which was why she loved the armor or even the clothing men used. she knows that for the sake of appearances, she's not allowed to claim she's friends with a servant, no matter how close she really is to lara jean and merlin. she doesn't mind allowing lara jean access to the garden, the only other she allowed was merlin because she trusted him so deeply. "merlin is going to have a hard time with my brother no matter what happens. i'll be fine walking back. you be safe, if you're not going to let me sneak away with you."

[archivelcved-deactivated2021112]

𝐅𝐔𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐀𝐄𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐄𝐍  、𝓪𝓻𝔀𝓮𝓷  𝓹𝓮𝓷𝓭𝓻𝓪𝓰𝓸𝓷 .

Returning her smile easily, she stepped closer to her friend. she trusted lara jean with her fears and worries, knowing that she would never tell her father. she was glad when she was alone with her or merlin that she could open herself up to them, she treated them as friends and that exactly what they were. they were not just servants in her eyes, not when they all shared this deep bond. “i understand, i don’t always like being surrounded by everyone as well. we can stay out here.”

𝐒𝐇𝐄 𝐖𝐎𝐔𝐋𝐃 𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐁𝐄 𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐃𝐀𝐑𝐊 𝐋𝐈𝐁𝐑𝐀𝐑𝐘 ,  not really a people person as she was used to just being her alone with the herbs or sometimes with merlin and gaius.   she would spend a couple of times with the princess in the gardens with a book in hand.   they were all friends,  along with the knights and she was happy to have found a small family in the castle and kitty was enjoying watching the knights train as she lets her come along sometimes.     ❝     we both know you can’t stay outside,  the king or the lords will notice you’re gone and would have your handmaiden suffer.   it would be nice,  but we should return the soonest if i am the reason you walked out.     ❞    

[futuraequeen]

She knows that lara jean would rather be in the library, if she was honest, she enjoyed places where she could hide as well. she often would hide away from the world in her mother's gardens. everyone would be busy with arthur, no one would really notice the princess slipping away for a few hours. there were few people allowed in the gardens, with lara jean being one of them. it was nice to have a friend, even if they just sat in silence reading. she shook her head gently, " you mean the kind or the lords who are all busy praising my brother about his recent tourney win? i think they'll survive without my presence. besides, i could walk with you to the library before returning. "

[magiciitself]

futuraequeen

Arwen felt a flush forming on her cheeks when their fingers couched and didn’t want to let go of him. Feeling him squeeze her hand, she let out a soft noise. It meant the world to her that he was here. “I’m glad… I don’t want you to be anywhere else.” Merlin was always loyal to her even if she never deserved it at times. She often felt that way at times. “Oh, strawberry tarts, I could live for some tarts right about now. I can just taste them,” she hummed happily and squeezed Merlin’s hand as she walked together, it was going to be good to return home.

When they reached the lower towns, she felt Merlin let go of her hand and it made her heart sink. She didn’t know how she felt about that but didn’t saw anything as she saw the guards and gave a smile to her people. She knows that surviving the battle will boost the morale of the kingdom and she would be here to stay. She leaned in and smiled softly at Merlin’s words. “I’ll see you there,” she whispered back before turning to walk the familiar path to the great hall. She had thought she’d never see here again, sitting down at the round table. Now, she’ll never have to fear what comes tomorrow.

There were indeed some strawberry tarts in the kitchens. The head cook was too busy to notice him, fortunately, but Cassandra had. “For the queen,” she said with a gentle smile as she passed him a plate of food and another of tarts. “And you can help yourself. Agnes is too busy to notice right now.” Smiling softly, Merlin replied, “Thank you Cassie.” He picked up a tart from the counter and scarfed it down, along with another before he grabbed an apple to carry while he took the tray to the Great Hall.

No one paid him no attention as he sat the tray down in front of Arwen. He stood behind her, listening as she spoke of the war that had happened. Not everyone was there, but he hoped that they were just in the infirmary. He munched on his apple while he waited for the meeting to be finished. Merlin knew that he could sit down beside her, but he didn’t want to disturb what he had already probably done by bringing her food.

[futuraequeen]

She was exhausted and sore as she sat in her chair in the Great Hall. It didn't matter, this needed to be done before she even dares to go to sleep this night. First, she was alone, which gave her a few moments to collect her thoughts. She knew changing the law was always a risk. The people could hate it, the nobles could hate it, but in the end, they needed to trust her that she was making the right calls for the kingdom. After everything they suffered through, she knows what must be done.

When the tray was set in front of her, seeing the food and tarts, pulled a smile to her face, giving Merlin her thanks. As she ate slowly, she carefully plotted out her ideas to the few nobles there. She would make peace with the druids, offering them a treaty. In turn, she would lift the ban her father started. New rules would be placed for protection of course, but no more senseless killings as they have gone through. She's relieved the nobles here were the younger ones, they were quicker to agree with her ideas.

[magiciitself]

futuraequeen‌

Arwen smiled as she nodded her head, “I’ll show them to you, we’ll make a day of it, have lunch and I’ll see if I can find the albums I have.” She used to dream of taking Merlin to Paris and show him all of her favorite places. She doesn’t see that happening now. He hates her too much and it wasn’t as if she could blame him. She’s so tired of all the fighting, she’s tired of being tough and keeping up a wall. This was Merlin, they were supposed to be better this. She never knows anymore where she stood with Merlin, one minute she thinks they are getting closer, then thing they are blowing up at each other. She’s trying be a better person, but it just feels like Merlin wants to pick a fight for whatever reason.

When she sat in the passenger seat, she could see how happy Hunter was for tonight. At the end, Hunter is what mattered. She feels so drained all of a sudden, the ride wouldn’t be long, but she felt her eyes growing heavier as she pressed her forehead against the window. She felt so small when it came to her and Merlin. It wasn’t his fault, she’s to blame for all of this, she did a bad thing. She’s asleep before they even left for the carnival. She just wanted them to be happy again, even if its for one night.

Merlin didn’t mean to make Arwen feel guilty for all of this. He never wanted to hurt anyone any way at all. And yet he knew he kept pointing fingers at her and that he shouldn’t. She’d done what she’d done and he hadn’t exactly made the best effort to contact her. He could have gone to Paris. He could have gotten her address from her father even though he didn’t like him. He should have done more and he was as much to blame. Merlin knew that he needed to start making up for his own mistakes.

When they got to the festival, both Arwen and Hunter had drifted off to sleep. He parked the car and unlocked the doors. “Arwen, Hunter. We’re here,” he called to them in a singsong kind of voice. Merlin slipped out of the his side of the car and went to the the back and unbuckled Hunter, waking him up in the process. “Hey buddy. You ready to have some fun? Looks like we should wake up your mama, too.” Merlin carried him over to the passenger side where Arwen was and they both tapped on the window, Hunter making silly faces through it to try to get her attention.

[futuraequeen]

Arwen knew that as long as she lived, she was going to carry that guilt always. It was impossible not to, but what's done was done. She couldn't go back and make things right by telling Merlin back then she was pregnant. She could have done so much more than what she did, and she knows Merlin could have as well. Every time she tries to make amends for what she did, it often feels thrown back at her. There's not point in making things work with Merlin when she walks on eggshells around him.

She never noticed that they made it to the festival, completely drifted off to sleep. She would have just stayed home and taken the advantage of a nap, but she wanted this time with her son, with Merlin, if some hope that they could make things work. She jolted awake when she heard the knocking on the window and smiled softly at the faces Hunter was making to get her attention. "Alright, alright, I'm up, we can stop banging on the poor window." She climbed out of the care and ruffled Hunter's hair, before looking to Merlin. "Where to first?"

[futuraequeen]

It was easy, pretend to be in a relationship with Merlin, get her ex jealous and have him think there’s a chance for a reconciliation and maybe go on one date with the guy. But then never let anything happen between them again. Today Merlin was supposed to break up with her publicly, so she’d get sympathy. There was this part of her however, that kinda wishes she and Merlin didn’t break up and just kept going. She always had feelings for him, but buried them down because they had been friends for years. She didn’t want to lose that.

She can feel Merlin’s irritation rolling off him in waves, she had been blabbing about her ex who was here in the restaurant they were at. It was perfect, he was annoyed, he’ll “dump,” her and she can get a shoulder to cry on in her ex. Yet, why was Merlin looking at her like that? What she didn’t know was that he was changing the entire plan they had.

@magiciitself; plotted starter

[magiciitself]

futuraequeen‌

Arwen didn’t want Merlin to carry all this guilt on his shoulders for lying to her about his magic. She understood, why he did what he needed to keep it a secret. Her father would have killed anyone who had magic, even if his suspicions were wrong like with Gwen’s father. She had never quite forgiven her father for that. She’s not sure what them sharing hearts was going to mean for their future. She hopes that Merlin wasn’t planning on leaving, they did have a lot to talk about. “True, we did survive the battle, I should have a better outlook.” But she’ll have to have to talk to a lot of the families before she can give herself a chance to relax.           

Smiling softly at his words, Arwen reached out and gently held his hand within hers. “Thank you, it means a lot to me that you are here.” She knows that Merlin would never leave her side, nor would she leave his side. Looking at Camelot in front of her, she nodded her head, “I can make it the rest of the way there. The sooner we get home the better.”

Merlin felt his breath catch as Arwen’s fingers curled around his own. That didn’t mean that he let go of her. Instead, he squeezed gently to let her know that he was there. “I wouldn’t be anywhere else.” He knew his loyalty to the queen was astounding to most, but he wouldn’t have it any other way. “Yeah? Let’s go home then. I’m sure there will be some strawberry tarts waiting for you when we get there.” He smiled gently over at her, squeezing her hand once more before he continued on leading the way.

It wasn’t until they got to the lower towns did Merlin finally let go of Arwen’s town. He relaxed a bit as they reached the citadel and once they walked up the steps he didn’t even have to open the doors for Arwen because the guards had already done so, bowing before they did. He could tell that there was relief on their faces at Arwen’s reappearance. “I’ll get you something to eat and meet you in the Great Hall, alright?” Merlin said, leaning in to whisper into ear as he spoke. He was sure she must be as hungry as he was by now. Without waiting for anymore orders, Merlin hurried away to the kitchens, hoping the cooking staff was already hard at work even though most of the castle had been away at war.

[futuraequeen]

Arwen felt a flush forming on her cheeks when their fingers couched and didn’t want to let go of him. Feeling him squeeze her hand, she let out a soft noise. It meant the world to her that he was here. “I’m glad… I don’t want you to be anywhere else.” Merlin was always loyal to her even if she never deserved it at times. She often felt that way at times. “Oh, strawberry tarts, I could live for some tarts right about now. I can just taste them,” she hummed happily and squeezed Merlin’s hand as she walked together, it was going to be good to return home.

When they reached the lower towns, she felt Merlin let go of her hand and it made her heart sink. She didn’t know how she felt about that but didn’t saw anything as she saw the guards and gave a smile to her people. She knows that surviving the battle will boost the morale of the kingdom and she would be here to stay. She leaned in and smiled softly at Merlin’s words. “I’ll see you there,” she whispered back before turning to walk the familiar path to the great hall. She had thought she’d never see here again, sitting down at the round table. Now, she’ll never have to fear what comes tomorrow.

[archivelcved-deactivated2021112]

𝐅𝐔𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐀𝐄𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐄𝐍  、𝙰𝚁𝚆𝙴𝙽 𝙿𝙴𝙽𝙳𝚁𝙰𝙶𝙾𝙽 .

She knows that she should be out there for the party, but she doesn’t have the same excitement for it as she once normally does. She doesn’t know if it’s the reason for the party or the people, she had wanted sometime alone, noticing Lara Jean leaving and heading outside for fresh air and the blonde followed shortly after. “I could ask you the same thing. I don’t care about the party, I care about you.”

𝙰  𝙶𝙴𝙽𝚃𝙻𝙴  𝚂𝙼𝙸𝙻𝙴  𝙵𝙾𝚁  𝚃𝙷𝙴  𝙿𝚁𝙸𝙽𝙲𝙴𝚂𝚂  .  other  than  merlin  and  gaius  ,   arwen  was  one  of  the  people  she  does  trust  and  not  much  as  her  secret  was  still  hidden  behind  the  royal  family .   she  just  sighed  at  her  reply  and  knowing  well  that  this  is  how  she  does  treat  both  her  and  merlin  ;  much  more  than  just  servants  or  commoners  ,  and  as  sweet  it  was  it  just  puts  a  light  on  them  when  all  she  does  was  hide  from  the  eyes  of  the  king .     ❛     i’m  perfectly  fine ,  princess .   was  just  overwhelmed  with  the  amount  of  people  in  the  room .   i …  am  not  used  to  gatherings  like  this .      ❜

[futuraequeen]

Returning her smile easily, she stepped closer to her friend. she trusted lara jean with her fears and worries, knowing that she would never tell her father. she was glad when she was alone with her or merlin that she could open herself up to them, she treated them as friends and that exactly what they were. they were not just servants in her eyes, not when they all shared this deep bond. "i understand, i don't always like being surrounded by everyone as well. we can stay out here."

[magiciitself]

futuraequeen‌

She doesn’t know why she’s trying so hard to make amends. She should just allow the druids to help her return to her kingdom and become queen.Then she can give the druids their freedom like she had always wanted to give them and put her walls back up. She’ll be just like her father without all of his anger and violent tendencies. Maybe he was right about ruling a kingdom, she wasn’t going to have friends. She would just have to rule alone like Uther always expected her too. There was no room in her heart for anyone else.

She knows that its foolish to hold her breath in the water and stay under for as long as she has been. She wanted to be alone, but her whole heart is so torn over everything. She was glad that no one came looking for her, but she knows that she couldn’t stay here forever. Once she felt her lungs were starting to burn, she pulled herself up and out of the water, taking harsh breaths of air. Hopefully no one sees that the once princess and queen attempted to drown herself in water, at least she’ll lie about what she was doing if anyone asks why she was wet.

Whirling around toward the water, Merlin spotted Arwen there, gasping for breath. He glared over at her even though she didn’t see him. What did she think that she was doing? Was she trying to…what? He wasn’t going to even think about it. Merlin slipped out of his jacket and walked over to the edge of the water. “Get out of there,” Merlin said, an order in his tone as well as in his words. “And get over here before you freeze to death.” Unless that was what she wanted and he really didn’t want to even think about it.

“Now, Arwen,” Merlin said, magic in his tone now too. He could command armies with that voice if he wanted to and he didn’t, not at all. And yet he worried that’s what the druids expected of him. “Don’t make me get in there after you. Leon’s going to blame me for this.” Though perhaps it would be Leon who warmed her up. He wouldn’t at all be surprised if those two had gotten close in the years that he had been gone.

[futuraequeen]

Shuddering, she was collecting her thoughts as she pushed her soaked hair off of her face. She supposes that she'll have stay out here and dry off. Which worried her since it was getting darker. But it wasn't as if she could return to the druid camp like this, not unless, she wants to explain why she's wet. Well, she could always say that she fell into the river. Her head whipped around when she hears Merlin's voice. Did he follow her here? Why so he could fight with her more? She's only barely registering the tone in his voice, but there was almost that little spark back in her as her eyes narrow. The only reason she even moved to the shore was because she was tired of fighting against the water. She pulled herself to the shore and out of the water, away from Merlin. "I wouldn't want you to get your hands dirty," she snapped back before making a face. "What does Leon have to do with this? Leon was the one who wanted to find you. All of this was because of Leon, he's on your side more than you think."

[magiciitself]

futuraequeen‌

Hearing his snapping words, she shook her head. He’ll never understand that for one moment, she acted with her heart instead of her mind. Her mind knew that Merlin was smart enough to protect himself, her heart? Her heart wanted to protect the man she loved, even if this was the consequences of it all. He’ll always hate her and she’ll never be admit to tell him that it was out of love that she did this. Maybe it was for the best, he was with his own people and he could be happier and married to one of the druids, not wondering about her anymore.

Walking away was better, she used to argue with Merlin so much when they first met, not all of her fighting was drained out of her. She ignored the looks from the others, slipping away into the ever growing night. This was for the best, she could leave and no one would ever worry about her again, Camelot could be ruled by her sister, Leon and Merlin would move on and she could cease to exist. Reaching a small lake, she doesn’t hesitate to walk into it, letting the water reach up to her waist. She wished there was a current so it could take her far, far away from here. She feels like a failure and its taking everything not to cry, so she won’t let anyone see her. Sinking into the water, she goes under; shutting her eyes tight and allows herself to scream. No one would hear her so far away from the camp and being under the water.

As much as he had tried to make himself hate Arwen, he never had been able to. There had been others too. Well, one other. And she had been killed. Merlin felt like giving up on love entirely. It wasn’t worth it anymore, not when everyone either left forever or sent him away. He was bitter about the whole thing and the few friends among the druids that he had made had tried to convince him to find someone else and he wouldn’t. There wasn’t any point when he was left this heartbroken. Arwen was there and he felt worse than ever about the whole thing.

Uncertainty settled around him and he shifted a bit, unable to get comfortable enough to even try to take a nap. Sighing, he got up, exited the tent and decided to go look for Arwen. Maybe he needed to try to make amends. That was better than doing nothing. She wasn’t in the camp and Leon hadn’t seen her. Worried, he started to look around the nearby woods, coming to a stop by the water close by. Not here either. Maybe Arwen had told Leon to lie about where she was going? It was possible knowing her.

[futuraequeen]

She doesn't know why she's trying so hard to make amends. She should just allow the druids to help her return to her kingdom and become queen.Then she can give the druids their freedom like she had always wanted to give them and put her walls back up. She'll be just like her father without all of his anger and violent tendencies. Maybe he was right about ruling a kingdom, she wasn't going to have friends. She would just have to rule alone like Uther always expected her too. There was no room in her heart for anyone else.

She knows that its foolish to hold her breath in the water and stay under for as long as she has been. She wanted to be alone, but her whole heart is so torn over everything. She was glad that no one came looking for her, but she knows that she couldn't stay here forever. Once she felt her lungs were starting to burn, she pulled herself up and out of the water, taking harsh breaths of air. Hopefully no one sees that the once princess and queen attempted to drown herself in water, at least she'll lie about what she was doing if anyone asks why she was wet.

[magiciitself]

futuraequeen‌

She’s not sure if she believed him, surely he must not have trusted her a little bit. Why else didn’t he come out and tell her he had magic. She could understand when she was princess, she wouldn’t have been to help protect him much, but she was queen and she had made small changes to make sure those with magic weren’t harmed. “I’ve forgiven you for lying for so long. I know that you had your reasons.” She mused, holding onto Merlin’s hands as she stabilized herself before looking through the trees.

She wanted to keep a hold of his hand, there was a comfort there that she needed. She follows him regardless, letting out a breath as they began making their way through the forest. “I need to find out how many of us survived this battle…” when she finds out the ones who didn’t, it was going to be a time of sadness before she pushed forward with her new reforms now that Morgana is gone. “I’m okay, just thinking,” Arwen replied softly, making sure she didn’t trip over anything.  

Merlin looked down, still feeling guilty regardless of the fact that he did have her forgiveness. He didn’t deserve it. And he didn’t deserve her. Merlin wondered if it would hurt them for him to leave Camelot after he made sure she was safely there. He didn’t know what this sharing hearts thing would do to them. And he wasn’t sure if he should test the limits just yet since it was so new. He would just have to go home then, rest and then think on it tomorrow. “Maybe it’s a better outcome than you think,” Merlin replied hopefully. He didn’t like the thought of losing anyone that they had cared about and he knew that it would be hard for her to make those kinds of announcements to families who had lost someone.

Nodding understanding, Merlin grew quiet to let her think. He did end up saying, “If you need to talk, I’m here.” He spoke quietly so as not to disturb her too much. It took awhile for them to finally see Camelot in the distance. “Do you need a break? Or do you think that you can make it the rest of the way from here?”

[futuraequeen]

Arwen didn't want Merlin to carry all this guilt on his shoulders for lying to her about his magic. She understood, why he did what he needed to keep it a secret. Her father would have killed anyone who had magic, even if his suspicions were wrong like with Gwen's father. She had never quite forgiven her father for that. She's not sure what them sharing hearts was going to mean for their future. She hopes that Merlin wasn't planning on leaving, they did have a lot to talk about. "True, we did survive the battle, I should have a better outlook." But she'll have to have to talk to a lot of the families before she can give herself a chance to relax.           

Smiling softly at his words, Arwen reached out and gently held his hand within hers. "Thank you, it means a lot to me that you are here." She knows that Merlin would never leave her side, nor would she leave his side. Looking at Camelot in front of her, she nodded her head, "I can make it the rest of the way there. The sooner we get home the better."

[kitchenwtch-deactivated20210426]

futuraequeen‌

  “They were the best strawberry tarts I have ever tasted. I don’t know what is different about these tarts, but they are the best ever.” She replied with a bright smile on her face. It was so much better than the cook’s, but she didn’t want the head cook to know about that one. She never wants to lose out on the good food that the cook makes for them.

    Cassandra beamed at her reply, pleased that she’d enjoyed them so much. Maybe it wouldn’t hurt to tell her she’d made them specifically for her. “That’s wonderful! I’m glad you liked them so much. I must admit, I’ve been perfecting that recipe. I knew how much you liked the tarts, so I figured they should be the best they can possibly be.” Smiling a little bashfully now, Cassie ducked her head a little. “I hope to continue to impress you with my baking, Your Highness.” She bowed into a curtsy, mostly out of habit, but also to show that she did respect her.

[futuraequeen]

To hear that Cassandra was working on the recipe all this time had the princess smiling brightly at her words. “I’m sure that it gets around my love for tarts, or strawberries in general.” She wondered if that was actually a bit more embarrassing. She wasn’t going to worry about that right now. She gently reached out and gave the other woman’s hands a squeeze before she placed her hands on her sides. “If those tarts were just your beginning, then I know that anything you make will be amazing.” She remarked, having a really good feeling about Cassandra’s skills with baking.

[kitchenwtch-deactivated20210426]

    “Your Highness, if you don’t mind me asking; did you enjoy the strawberry tarts?” Cassie tried to ask when she could if anyone enjoyed what she had made, though they didn’t have to know she made it. She did also happen to know that the strawberry tarts were one of the princess’s favorite treats and she’d been working to perfect the recipe just for her. 

@futuraequeen​ ; liked.

[futuraequeen]

  “They were the best strawberry tarts I have ever tasted. I don’t know what is different about these tarts, but they are the best ever.” She replied with a bright smile on her face. It was so much better than the cook’s, but she didn’t want the head cook to know about that one. She never wants to lose out on the good food that the cook makes for them.

[magiciitself]

futuraequeen‌

“You’re welcome,” she replied softly. She had hoped Merlin would like the book, and to see how happy he was just made her smile more. She was surprised when she found it, but she really should have known that there were false walls in the library. “Yes, we’ll have to sneak to the library during the night and check for other false walls. Who knows what we might find there?” She knew that it would be great if they could find more books from before the purge, it would help Merlin learn more magic. Her gift was beautiful and it was so thoughtful of Merlin to get her anything. “Yes, please,” she handed him the bracelet and held out her wrist so he could put it on her.

Merlin nodded and knew that they could make a day of adventures out of that by checking out the library. He was sure that Geoffrey wouldn’t give them any trouble since Arwen would be with him. Taking the bracelet gently, Merlin moved to help her slip it on her wrist. He clasped it together and briefly, for a short moment, his thumb brushed over her skin and the bracelet. “Beautiful,” he murmured softly. Feeling his cheeks warm, he stepped back, smiling shyly before he met her gaze. “It’s a perfect fit,” he told her, hoping she liked it still. He hoped that she would also end up liking part two of that gift when he gave it to her later in the year.

[futuraequeen]

Arwen knew that she could spend all day in the library, she always loved staying there for hours and reading what she could. She loved learning and she knew that Geoffrey wouldn’t give her a hard time given her status. She couldn’t wait to see what they might find there. She held out her wrist to Merlin and blushes when he clasped it. There was something so, gentle in the way Merlin was with her that she couldn’t help but to smile. She wondered if he meant the bracelet was beautiful or her, she wasn’t going to ask, this moment was too sweet to ruin. “It is, thank you again for this. It’s the best gift I’ve ever received.” It was special to her because it came from Merlin, leaning in and pecks his cheek.

[magiciitself]

futuraequeen‌

“I bet her garden is beautiful,” she loved going to big gardens and looking at the flowers. It made her think of what she would want her future garden to look like if she ever got a home in the future. But that was thinking too far into the future, she needed to just keep thinking of what’s in front of her, which was work and school.

“Well, I can’t say I blame you that you wouldn’t want to know where he was. I would be the same way. I love my flatmates, but I swear, we got no warning from Perce about his boyfriend moving in, so that wasn’t quite fair, plus, I like my space, I can’t exactly get any quiet moments when I have three now four flatmates. “I would love to come see your place, the sooner I can get out the better,” she joked softly. “Why don’t I come by and see it tonight or tomorrow? Whichever works for you.” She suggested, knowing that it would be good to have a place where it was just her and another flatmate.

Merlin had a feeling that they would get along well. At least that was the kind of vibe that he got from Arwen and he liked thinking that he could have another friend in her. Besides, he needed more friends right now rather than worrying about what his ex was up to. At the mention of a Perce, Merlin’s eyebrows raised in surprised. “Perce. Do you mean Percival?” No, no way. That was too much of a coincidence. It was one thing for them to go to the same college, but another for his ex’s current boyfriend to be who lived with Arwen. Stop it, Merlin, he thought. There’s no use dwelling on any of it now, what’s done with Gwaine is done.

“I understand. And trust me when I say, my flat is usually pretty quiet. You won’t have any trouble getting studying or whatever else you’d like to get done there, done.” He smiled softly and nodded. “Tonight is alright with me. That way, the sooner you’ve decided, the sooner you can notify your flatmates and get things moved.” And he’d have to make sure things were tidied up for her arrival as well, though it was fairly neat already. Sometimes Merlin could get messy when he was busier than normal, but he tried to keep his place clean.

[futuraequeen]

She has a good feeling about the two of them as well. She could use a friend who had similar interests and both of them could be quiet when the other needed it. She didn’t need to be bombarded with four guys everytime she returned home from classes or ballet practice. She nodded her head, “Yeah, Percival, normally goes by Percy. Why?” That couldn’t be the same guy who was now dating Merlin’s ex could it? New York was supposed to be bigger than that, how on Earth could that have happened. Regardless, she should distract Merlin so that he doesn’t think too much about this.

“I had a good feeling that everything would be quieter at your flat. You don’t seem like someone whose blasting rock music at all hours of the day and night. If I had it my way I would already be packing my things and coming to stay with you tonight. I have a very good feeling about you, Merlin.” It would be nice to have only one other person with him in the flat than what she was currently dealing with. “Leave your number with me, that way I can call or text you when I’m off so I can come see the flat.”

[archivelcved-deactivated2021112]

@futuraequeen​   ╱    𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚛𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚌𝚊𝚕𝚕 .

𝙿𝙰𝚁𝚃𝙸𝙴𝚂 𝚆𝙴𝚁𝙴 𝙽𝙴𝚅𝙴𝚁 𝙷𝙴𝚁 𝚂𝚃𝚁𝙾𝙽𝙶𝙴𝚂𝚃 𝚂𝚄𝙸𝚃 .  the  girl  remained  in  the  corner  ,  making  short  talk  with  the  other  knights  as  she  tried  her  best  to  dwell  in  the  surroundings .   she  knows  she  doesn’t  belong  in  a  setting  like  this  ,  even  just  a  helper  of  gaius  and  had  gotten  to  be  invited  in  the  party  ,  a  celebration  for  the  prince  and  princess .   quietly  she  tried  to  excuse  herself  from  the  gentlemen  and  walked  outside  for  a  breath  of  fresh  air  ,  when  she  felt  another  presence  ,  she  simply  sighed.      ❛     your  majesty  shouldn’t  be  out  here  when  there’s  a  party  in  your  honour .     ❜

[futuraequeen]

She knows that she should be out there for the party, but she doesn’t have the same excitement for it as she once normally does. She doesn’t know if it’s the reason for the party or the people, she she had wanted sometime alone, noticing Lara Jean leaving and heading outside for fresh air and the blonde followed shortly after. “I could ask you the same thing. I don’t care about the party, I care about you.”

[magiciitself]

futuraequeen‌

“You say that now, but if either one of us got burned from the sun, then it wouldn’t look pretty as all,” she teased him. She couldn’t resist leaning into his hand and smiled. It would be so nice to get away from it all for a few days, even though as queen that was going to always be impossible. The gardens almost always could put her in a better mood. She could stay here for hours and often did as a young girl to escape the pressures she often felt.  

She couldn’t help the grin that formed on her face when she got Merlin to laugh. She did always feel proud of herself when she could do that. “Exactly, the younger nobles know better than to harass me about marriage.” She was surprised that he even brought up the discussion of marriage between them. They were quite serious about each other, but she never thought Merlin would want to marry her, he didn’t really want to be king, it was like pulling teeth when she offered the role of advisor. “I see,” she didn’t question it further as she returned a tender kiss to his cheek as well. “You do always like me being on the edge, you just like messing with my nerves,” she joked. However he chose to go about a proposal, she’ll just have to wait and see, she already knew what her answer would be.

“I’m glad. You shouldn’t be bothered about that. It’s up to you whom and when you want to marry,” Merlin replied, relieved to know she hadn’t been pressured lately. If he had any say in it then she would never be bothered about getting married again. He just hoped the nobles would hold off until he did officially propose to her. Though he wasn’t her servant anymore however, Merlin did worry that there would be those that argued against them when they knew he offered her hand in marriage. He wasn’t a prince. He was just her royal adviser now. That still wouldn’t mean much to some, but Merlin knew that Arwen would fight it no matter what.

“Nah. I just want to properly be given the chance to sweep you off of your feet.” And perhaps even literally if the engagement went as planned. He was already planning on taking her to the lake to propose, but she didn’t have to know that just yet. Lifting a hand to her cheek, Merlin said, “Don’t worry, it won’t be long from now, Arwen. I promise.” He just hoped that she ended up enjoying what he had in mind for her.

[futuraequeen]

“It has never been up to me when or who I would marry. You’ve been with me long enough to know that.” They always kept waiting for the day she married another lord or a prince or a king and she always had a reason not to do it. She was glad she’s held off long enough to have a marriage of her own choosing and with the one that she loved most. She doesn’t care who was against this between them, Merlin had always been the one for her. She had a feeling there might be some of the nobles that might need to be talked to, but in time, they would come around. Happy queen, happy kingdom right? Though she’s done well enough as queen without having to marry.

“Well, aren’t you sweet. I’ll await for you to sweep me off my feet, then.” She has a feeling whatever Merlin does will surprise her and make her cry. She’s only been more open with her emotions because of him. Stepping closer, she leaned into his hand and smiling warmly I him. “I trust you Merlin. I know that whatever you do I’ll love it,” she spoke, brushing a soft kiss against his lips.