Ava was a normal with a normal life. Well normal for a commoner in the fifth century. She lived in a farming village with her adoptive mother and brother. But then said mother decided to send her and her adoptive brother Merlin to Camelot. Where Ava discovers her real family. Who just happen to be the royal family. And that her name is Audrey, Princess of Camelot. How will she react to having a dictator like Uther for a father? A prat like Arthur for a brother? How will they react to her? How will she adapt to her new life in Camelot, while her adoptive brother becomes becomes a man servant to her blood brother? Lets find out together.
Ava's POV
"Are you sure we're going the right way?" I ask Merlin. As we walk through the country side.
"Yes Ava" he assures me. "It should be over this next hill" he states.
"Well lets get going then, Gaius is probably wondering what's taking us so long" I state. We go up the hill and Merlin was right. Camelot is on the other side. He sends me a smile and we head for it. We soon enter the lower town and start to make our way to the castle. As that's where Gaius lives as court physician.
"Wonder what's going on" Merlin says as we see a crowd forming.
"Lets go check it out" I suggest. He agrees and we go. We see a man brought onto a platform. As another man addresses the crowd from a balcony.
"Let this serve as a lesson to all. This man, Thomas James Collins, is adjudged guilty of conspiring to use enchantments and magic. And, pursuant to the laws of Camelot, I, Uther Pendragon, have decreed that such practices are banned on penalty of death. I pride myself as a fair and just king, but for the crime of sorcery, there is but one sentence I can pass" he states.
Uther raises his arm, then lowers it as a signal to the executioner. Thomas Collins is beheaded. People gasp. I grab Merlin's arm. Why would mother send us here? Merlin had better be careful. "When I came to this land, this kingdom was mired in chaos, but with the people's help magic was driven from the realm. So I declare a festival to celebrate twenty years since the Great Dragon was captured and Camelot freed from the evil of sorcery. Let the celebrations begin" he declares. I scowl how could he celebrate something like this?
Suddenly a woman wails and the crowd parts to reveal an elderly woman. "There is only one evil in this land, and it is not magic! It is you! With your hatred and your ignorance! You took my son! And I promise you, before these celebrations are over, you will share my tears. An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, a son for a son" she tells Uther.
"Seize her" he orders. Before the guards could seize her. She disappeared using magic.
"Lets find Gaius" I tell Merlin. He nods and we leave. We soon enter the castle and I spot a knight. "Excuse me kind sir, can you tell us where we could find the court physician?" I ask him. He points to a stair case. "Thank you" I say.
Merlin and I walk up the stairs and he knocks on the partially opened door. No answer. We enter the room. "Hello? Gaius!" Merlin calls gently. I spot a man around Uther's age looking at a bookshelf on the second floor.
"Hello" I say and he turns. But turns to quickly and falls over the railing. Merlin must of slowed time. Because one minute Gaius was falling to the floor, the next he lands safely on a bed.
"What did you two just do?" Gaius demands as he gets up.
"I did nothing" I state.
"Tell me" he says.
"I- I- I have no idea what happened" Merlin stammers.
"If anyone had seen that" Gaius starts to say.
"Er, no! That- that was, that was nothing to do with me. That- that was" Merlin stammers.
"I know what it was! I just want to know where you learned how to do it!" Gaius demands.
"No where" Merlin tells him.
"So how is it you know magic?" he demands.
"He was born with it" I state. Tired of the back and forth. "We have this letter" I add handing it to him.
"I don't have my glasses" he states.
"I'm Merlin and she is my sister Ava" Merlin tells him.
"Hunith's children?" he asks and we nod our heads. "But you both are not meant to be here till Wednesday" he states.
"It is Wednesday Gaius" I tell him.
"Ah, right then. You both better put your bags in there" he says gesturing to a staircase that leads to a bedroom. "I just you two don't mind sharing a room?" he asks.
"We're used to it" I assure him. I go upstairs as Gaius promised Merlin he wouldn't mention the magic. I see only one bed.
"I'll take the floor" Merlin tells me.
"We'll take turns" I tell him. He nods his head, knowing better then to argue with me. I got some water and washed up before going to bed for the night. It was nice being able to sleep in a real bed. Back in Ealdor we all slept on the floor. Even mum.
I'm having breakfast with Gaius when Merlin finally wakes up. "I got you water. You didn't wash last night" Gaius tells him.
"Sorry" Merlin says sheepishly.
"Help yourself to breakfast" Gaius tells him. Merlin sits down beside me to eat watery porridge. Gaius intentionally knocks a bucket of water off the table. Merlin stands up and stops it with magic. Gaius gasps and they look at each other. Merlin lets it drop. I sigh and go grab a mop to clean it up.
"How did you do that? Did you in-cant a spell in your mind?" Gaius asks Merlin.
"I don't know any spells" Merlin tells him.
"So what did you do? There must be something" Gaius says.
"It just happens" Merlin states as I finish with the mop.
"Well, we better keep you out of trouble. You can help me until I find some paid work for you. Here" Gaius says. Gaius places a small sac and bottle on the table. "Hollyhock and Feverfew for Lady Percival, and this is for Sir Olwin. He's as blind as a weevil, so warn him not to take it all at once" he explains.
"Okay" Merlin says.
"Here Merlin" I say handing him a sandwich.
"Off you go. And Merlin, I need hardly tell you that the practice of any form of enchantments will get you killed" Gaius warns him. Merlin nods and leaves.
"Anything I can do?" I ask him.
"Arnica, for the king" he says handing me a small pouch. I had to open my big mouth. I did not want to see the man who had someone execute and demand the kingdom celebrate it. But I can't say no, especially with how generous Gaius has been to Merlin and I.
"Ok, where will he be?" I ask.
"No doubt his chambers, anyone can point them to you" he states. I nod and grab an apple from the fruit bowl. Along with the arnica.
"I'll be back shortly" I assure him. I leave the room and he was right. A maid pointed me in the direction of the king's chambers. When I arrive I knock on the door. Uther opens it and looks at me confused. "Arnica, from Gaius sire" I say offering him the pouch.
"Who are you?" he asks.
"Ava, I just arrived yesterday with my brother. Gaius is letting us stay with him as he is a friend of our mother's" I state. He takes the pouch. "Have a nice day sire" I say and go to leave.
"Wait" he says and I pause. "Have we met before? You look familiar" he states.
"I doubt it, you're the first king I've meet" I state. "And as far as I know, this is my first time in Camelot" I add.
"You remind me of someone" he states looking into my eyes. "Go, I'm sure you have errands to attend to" he tells me. "Welcome to Camelot" he says before closing his door. That was weird. I wonder where Merlin is. I decide to go look for him. I enter the training grounds and see him take a swing at someone. But the guy catches Merlin's fist and twists Merlin's arm behind his back.
I grab a staff, no one hurts my baby brother. "Hey you!" I exclaim and whack him. He yells letting Merlin go. "You want to pick on my brother you go through me got it!" I snap.
"Ah Ava, you might want..." Merlin tries to say.
"Shut it Merlin, we're not even here a day and I am already having to pull you out of a fight!" I snap.
"Seize them" the guy says. Merlin is grabbed. I see red and swing the staff whacking two guards in the head before they can grab me. I twirl it.
"Ava, behind you!" Merlin shouts. Suddenly I'm grabs from behind.
"I can you both thrown in jail" the guy sneers in my ear.
"Who do you think you are? The king?" I demand.
"No, he's his son Arthur" Merlin answers. I glare at him. "I tried to tell you" he mutters. Out of all people he could have picked a fight with. It had to be the prince. We're both thrown into jail. "Ava, I'm sorry" he says.
"Don't talk to me" I snap. "We're not even here a day, and now we're in jail. All because you picked a fight with the prince" I snap.
"Hey I didn't know who he was until after I tried to punch him. Besides you actually hit the royal prat" he states. I sigh.
"Well we better get comfortable, it'll be a long night" I state. He nods his head.
"Think Gaius will be able to get us out?" he asks.
"Perhaps, he is the court physician after all" I state. "But we'll no doubt be stuck here for the night" I tell him. It was a cold night in the dungeon. I woke before Merlin and lean against the wall. Gaius is soon let in waking Merlin.
"You both never cease to amaze me! The one thing that someone like you Merlin should do is keep your head down, and what do you do? You behave like an idiot!" he snaps. "Then you Ava, thought it was a good idea to hit the prince" he adds.
"Hey, I didn't know he was the prince" I protest.
"We're sorry" Merlin tells him.
"You both are lucky. I managed to pull a few strings to get you both released" he states. We thank him. "Well, there is a small price to pay" he tells us. Merlin was put into the stocks. I laugh as kids pelt him with rotten fruit. Gaius to laughs. "Come along" he tells me and leads me away.
"So what's my punishment?" I ask him.
"You must apologize to Arthur and demanding on how well you do will decide your fate" he states.
"Can't I just be put into the stocks with Merlin?" I ask him. He shakes his head and we reach the throne room. We're let in and I see Arthur there with his father. Along with a beautiful raven haired woman. Gaius nudges me and I sigh.
I step forward and curtsy. "I am sorry for striking you Prince Arthur. I had no idea who you were and only saw a man picking on my baby brother. Who I promised to protect, again I am sorry for hitting you and your men" I say honestly. Well partly honest. After hearing why Merlin picked a fight with Arthur yesterday. I'm glad I hit, maybe it'd knock some humility into him.
"I accept your apology" he states. "But you must be punished" he adds. "You'll work in the stable today, muck out all the stalls and what not" he tells me.
"Of course sire, again I am sorry" I tell him.
"Know this Ava, should you attack my son again. We will not be as forgiving" Uther tells me.
"I understand my lord" I say bowing to him.
"Arthur show her to the stables" he instructs. Arthur does so and then leaves me with the head stable hand. It was hard and stinky work. But better this then being in the stocks in my opinion. When I return to the chambers Merlin and Gaius are already enjoying dinner.
"You stink" Merlin teases.
"Give me a hug" I say and start to chase him around the room.
"Come now you two, settle down" Gaius tells us. "Ava there's a bucket of warm water for you to wash up with. I've set a plate aside for you" he states.
"Thanks Gaius" I say. I go wash up and change dresses. Before having dinner and call it a night. Exhausted from working in the stables all day. I slept in until late next day. When I woke I decide t explore a little as Merlin and Gaius weren't home.
As I round a bend I bump into someone. Causing them to drop the basket of clothes they were carrying. "I'm so sorry" I say and help her pick them up.
"You must be Ava" she says with a smile. I look at her confused. "I'm Gwen, I met Merlin yesterday" she states offering me her hand. I shake it. "What punishment did you get?" she asks.
"Worked in the stables all day, it was exhausting" I tell her. "I can help you rewash these, it's my fault they got dirty" I state.
"You don't have too" she tells me.
"I want to" I tell her. She smiles and leads the way. We wash the clothes and got to know each other better. She told me about her father. I in turn told her about my life in Ealdor. How I was adopted and don't remember my true parents.
"You must have been very young" she states as we hang the clothes.
"Two or three" I state. "But Hunith was a good mum to me and still is. And I love Merlin like a brother" I tell her.
"Do you have any clues at all?" she asks me.
"Just a pendant and a mark on my arm. Mum believes it to be a birthmark" I state. "But enough about me, what about you? Any siblings?" I ask.
"I have a brother, but haven't seen him in years" she states. "Anyway, I must get back to Lady Morgana. I must prepare her for the feast" she tells me. I nod my head and return home. Where I discover Gaius got Merlin and I job for the night at the feast. We'd be serving drinks and stuff. While Uther and his court enjoy Lady Helen's singing. So I changed dresses.
Merlin kept staring at the raven haired woman talking to Arthur when Gwen joins us. "She looks great, doesn't she?" she asks and Merlin agrees. "Some people are just born to be queen" she states.
"No!" Merlin says shocked.
"I hope so. One day. Not that I'd want to be her. Who'd want to marry Arthur?" Gwen asks.
"Not me" I tell her. So the raven haired woman must be the Lady Morgana. Merlin chuckles.
"Oh, come on, Gwen. I thought you liked those real rough, tough, save the world kind of men" he states.
"No, I like much more ordinary men like you" she tells him.
"Gwen, believe me, I'm not ordinary" he tells her.
"True" I say.
"No, I didn't mean you, obviously. Not you. But just, you know, I like much more ordinary men like you" she explains.
"Thanks" Merlin says looking unsure how to take that. I giggle. Celebratory horns signal King Uther's entrance and everyone finds their place at the tables. Merlin, Gwen and I go our separate ways. I'm on one side of the room with Gwen and Merlin is on the other. As Uther presents Lady Helen. Who starts to sing in a foreign language. I see people starting to fall asleep as I to become drowsy. I make eye contact with Merlin who's covering his ears and I do the say.
We see Lady Helen slowly approaching Arthur and Uther. As the room starts to fill with cobwebs. I notice her pull a dagger out and look back at Merlin. I look up at the chandelier and back at him. He seems to get my idea and has it fall onto Lady Helen.
Court members wake and pull the cobwebs off, muttering. Uther and Arthur stand up to see Mary Collins lying on the floor. Mary raises herself up enough to throw the dagger at Arthur. Merlin slows down time to reach Arthur and pull him out of harm's way. The dagger slices into Arthur's chair as they fall to the floor. Mary dies. Uther and Arthur stare at Merlin.
"Merlin!" I exclaim and rush over. Helping him and Arthur to their feet.
"You saved my boy's life. A debt must be repaid" Uther says looking at Merlin.
"Oh well" Merlin says.
"Don't be so modest. You shall be rewarded" Uther tells him.
"No, honestly, you don't have to, Your Highness" Merlin tells him.
"No, absolutely. This merits something quite special" Uther states and starts to think. "You shall be rewarded a position in the royal household. You shall be Prince Arthur's manservant" he declares.
"Father!" Arthur exclaims and I laugh as the court claps. Gwen claps with a pitying smile on her face. Arthur and Merlin look away from each other unhappily. Suddenly Uther freezes looking at me, why does he feel the need to stare at me?
"That mark, it can't be" he says looking at my birthmark. I cover it feeling self conscious. "Audrey" he says looking into my eyes again.
"It's Ava my lord, remember? I told you before" I state.
"No, you're Audrey" he says with tears in his eyes. "Only one person in the world has that mark" he states and suddenly pulls me into his arms. "My daughter is home!" he declares. I freeze, daughter? He's my father? That can't be right? That'd make Arthur my brother and me a princess. No, he must have the wrong person.
"My lord, I fear you have me confused for someone else" I state pushing him away gently.
"What if he doesn't?" Gwen asks. We all look at her and she blushes lightly. "You said yourself you were adopted" she states.
"Thanks Guinevere, tell the whole world why don't you" I say annoyed.
"You were only two or three, right?" she asks.
"Yes, so?" I ask.
"Princess Audrey was only two when she was kidnapped" Lady Morgana states. "We all thought her dead, but you have her birth mark" she tells me.
"Coincidence" I state.
"What about the pendant you told me about?" Gwen asks. I sigh and take it off showing it to Uther.
"I had these made when you and Arthur were born" he states looking at it. "Oh Audrey, I'm so glad you're back" he says hugging me again. As the court cheers. Great not only is Arthur possibly my brother, but he's my twin now? What's next an evil half sister? Power hungry uncle? Surely this is all a big misunderstanding.
A/N
Picture above of the cover and pictures in chapter of Ava, her necklace and dress.