Thanks for all the reviews, faves and alerts!

I'm glad the number of reviews for each chapter is increasing. I really appreciate it.

Sorry about the delay, I had to prepare for the exams.

Chapter 4: Clashing Hearts

Arthur, though alone in the castle grounds, trained with might and valor, his sword was the only one who accompanied him through this silent battle against the elements. He was so caught up that he didn't notice the faint footsteps quickly approaching from behind.

As the intruder's sword was swung in the air towards him, Arthur swiftly turned around to deflect the attack and abruptly countered in response. The attacker quickly regained composure and proceeded to charge. After a few more strikes, Arthur managed to pin him up against the Castle walls.

"Lancelot, I'm surprised you didn't make a grand entrance."

"Since when do I ever do that?"

The two men looked at each other and heartily laughed as they recovered from the "not so" serious fight earlier.

"How's my childhood friend been doing? I see Du Lac has prospered after your father finally retired." Arthur curiously asked wanting to catch up as soon as possible.

"Yes we did, I heavily invested on the nearby mines. They bring in good amounts of gold to keep my people living fit." Lancelot answered quickly to quench his friend's anxiousness.

"Good to hear! As for Camelot, the storm did a lot of damage we need to rebuild our kingdom with a stronger foundation." Arthur stated in a calm, but sad tone.

"Don't worry I've sent more than what you need." Lancelot assured his trusted ally with a gentle pat on the back.

"Say for old time's sake, how about a proper spar?" Arthur smiled a little brighter as Lancelot nodded eagerly.

"The armory is this way and… where's your manservant? Shouldn't he be with you?" Arthur asked while looking around for any signs of him.

"Don't worry about Fredrick; I put him in charge of organizing the entire reconstruction. He may look frail, but he's quite witty and smart." Lancelot said while making his way towards the armory leaving a surprised King behind.

"I'll be fine, I'm sure I've faced greater challenges than putting my armor on!" He playfully yelled as he waved a short goodbye to Arthur.

At the Armory…

Lancelot roughly pushed the door making it slam open. His eyes widened to find a young lady inside who seemed to have been startled by his earlier action.

"My lady, what are you doing in a place like this?" Lancelot said cautiously as to not further frighten her.

"Oh I am so sorry my lord, I was just admiring the craftsmanship." Gwen said as she ran her fingers against the cold studded surface of a nearby chain mail.

"I never knew a woman could be so interested in armor and weapons." Lancelot curiously approached Gwen to get a better look at his enchantress.

"Just like jewelry they too are hard to make, not only that they seem to be much more of use." Gwen faintly said while giving the King a quick glance, then continued to admire the sword she's holding.

"So when did this fascination of yours started?" he looked deep into her eyes as if trying to find the answer himself.

Gwen was about to tell him her late father was a blacksmith, but then quickly remembered her role and instead sweetly smiled at him while muttering a quick "It's a secret."

Lancelot smiled as well, thrilled to get to know her more, but was quickly reminded that Arthur was waiting for him and decided to slowly choose the armor he was going to wear, after doing so proceeded to put in place each piece on the required body part.

"Let me help you with that." Gwen said as she sensed his silent struggle. He nodded gratefully as he leaned into her touch. Their fingers brushed and for a moment their eyes connected. Gwen was the first to look away and slowly made her way towards the exit.

"Wait! I…. Thank you." Lancelot couldn't find the right words and ended up with that simple statement. Gwen smiled and bowed before taking her final leave. Lancelot, still in a daze, watched her walk away before snapping back to reality.

Back at the Castle Grounds

"Took you long enough." Arthur playfully punched Lancelot's arm.

"Well it was worth the wait, I probably met the world's most charming woman down at the armory." Lancelot said dreamily while recalling their encounter.

Arthur looked at him awkwardly, surprised to find his friend having this kind of hidden persona.

"At the armory? Seems like a place where most or maybe all women dread to be in. Are you sure it wasn't a ghost?" Arthur asked, carefully eyeing his friend for any signs of hallucinations.

"I'm sure she was real, she even helped put my armor on." Lancelot defended his words while finding evidences of her existence.

Arthur merely raised an eyebrow and said "Maybe it was one of my Royal handmaids, what was her name?" hoping to put an end to this mystery woman soon.

"I never got the chance to ask." Lancelot looked down in disappointment.

"Wait, wait do you fancy her?" Arthur asked a bit interested

"Well, in a way yes." Lancelot honestly confessed.

"So you're still a bachelor?" Arthur added while walking over to him

"If I said yes, would you laugh?" Lancelot smiled at Arthur's curiosity about his love life

"No, but I will be surprised after all you're the only man I've seen who could rival both my looks and talent, well almost." Arthur stated while placing his hand on Lancelot's broad shoulder.

"Same old Arthur, you didn't change one bit." Lancelot said while brushing Arthur's hand away playfully.

"So, what about you, found yourself a bride?" it was now Lancelot's turn to interrogate.

"Yes I have a fiancé; you shall meet her later on in tonight's banquet held in your honor." Arthur proudly said making Lancelot burst in laughter

"I am anxious to meet the lucky lady." Lancelot winked as a way of teasing, but then quickly dodged an attack.

"Well that's that, but right now you need to focus before I accidentally kill you." Arthur confidently muttered before trying to land another blow, making Lancelot smirk.

"Speak for yourself."

Gwen's POV

I giggled at how adorably helpless the knight was down at the armory, maybe he was new, but despite that I have to admit he was a bit good looking. I waltzed my way across the long corridors when I heard my handmaids calling out to me.

"This could not be good." I thought as I slowed down my pace to let them catch up.

"My lady! We were looking all over for you!" One of them huffed while taking deep breathes from exhaustion.

"Why what for?" I asked while trying to get them to calm down.

"We were just informed that the King of Du Lac arrived sooner than expected and that a banquet in his honor will be held soon. We were obliged to get you ready for the big event." They said as they grabbed hold of both my arms tugging on them gently to beckon me to move towards their direction.

"Alright then, it is after all my duty as Future Queen." I said looking enthusiastic, but deep down inside I wanted to run, the last banquet wasn't exactly a night to remember.

They led me into a huge room and at the center was a huge bath tub, the two asked me to take my clothes off while they fetch other utensils needed for the bath like hot water and towels.

I mentally sighed a breathe of contentment, well maybe a bath would be nice it would help me unwind a bit.

I was almost half naked when I heard someone come in I turned around to find Arthur!

"Guinevere we need to discuss your false noble background so that if ever…." He stared at me with both eyes wide open, it wasn't until I screamed that he snapped out of his trance and turned around.

"Guinevere I'm so sorry I didn't know…I swear I didn't see anything" He said clearly embarrassed and nervous.

"Didn't see anything? I'm sure you got a good look for 5 seconds before turning around!" I thought while I rushed behind the curtains.

"Well we can't talk like this; I'll call for your handmaids to get you dressed properly." Arthur said while opening the room's door and yelling for the two, but to no avail.

"Don't you have anything here to wear?!" Arthur scowled a little bit desperate.

"I do, the ones I was wearing before can you find them? They're hanged on top of the bathtub's wooden walls." I said trying to describe the place where I left them in the best possible way.

Arthur looked around but then groaned at how they fell into the water. "I'm sorry Guinevere, they slid off the wall they're now completely soaked!" Arthur scratched his head, but then realized he was wearing a long coat.

"Perfect!" He thought

"Guinevere I'm going to hand you my coat, but don't worry I'm going to close my eyes. Ready?" He said while closing his eyes and slowly handing me the coat while taking cautious steps towards my direction.

I quickly took it and put it on, I signaled him to open his eyes and we both sighed from relief, but then we heard knocking.

"My lady are you alright in there!? Sorry we took so long, we didn't have much charcoal to boil the water!" They said while knocking in between.

"Don't worry, I the King is here and I would like some private time with my fiancé!" Arthur said while leaning towards the locked door to make sure they heard him right.

"Oh my we apologize my Lord! We-we shall excuse ourselves for now." The two handmaids quickly scurried off elsewhere.

Arthur and I looked at each other and laughed at how those two probably got the wrong Idea, but after recovering from the little incident we managed to agree on what my so called "noble" legacy would be and it seems I'm the youngest daughter of Uther's most trusted knight, the late Sir Thomas.

We bid each other goodbye as Arthur had to get himself ready as well. I could still see a faint blush across his face and pouted at how he probably still remembers the previous incident.

As soon as he was gone the two servants quickly entered and proceeded to finish what they've started.

At the Banquet… (3rd person POV)

Arthur and Lancelot were already seated, Arthur on his throne and Lancelot at his right. Merlin and Morgana sat on Arthur's left busy chatting about magical spells and creatures. The banquet had a warm aura, knights from both kingdoms were reacquainted, new friendships were being forged as well as a bit of competition on who's honor outshines who.

It definitely was a lovely night, the moon was ripe and its light shined its blessings upon the hall's windows, but it seems another beauty entered to rival its glow.

Gwen slowly entered hesitantly and as she did the room fell completely silent. She gulped at how all eyes were on her. She didn't want to be fashionably late it's just that it took them so long to do her hair.

Everyone looked at her in awe, except for Arthur and Lancelot who seemed to have both their jaws dropped.

Arthur's POV

I was talking to Lancelot about how we could reconstruct the kingdom's market, but as the room fell silent I curiously looked up and found myself speechless. Guinevere was a sight to behold; the sea foam gown that trailed gracefully towards the floor suited her nicely. Her eyes shimmered not with makeup, but they seem to reflect the moonlight perfectly.

I felt my legs walk towards her, but my light headedness quickly ended as Lancelot surprisingly sprinted and beat me to her, I pondered at how unusual his actions were, they've never met before or have they? No that couldn't be possible Guinevere is a servant she couldn't have mingled with royalty from another kingdom. My thoughts were interrupted as I heard Lancelot speak.

"My what a coincidence to find you here my Lady." Lancelot said while taking her hand and softly kissing it. I felt myself cringed at the sight.

"It seems we were destined to meet." Guinevere smiled as she watched him carefully.

"I believe I don't know your name." Lancelot added while holding her hand.

"Guinevere, and you my Lord?" Guinevere asked while looking him straight in the eye

"Lancelot King of Du Lac." He humbly responded.

"You two know each other?" I asked surprised to see them talk so casually.

"I met him down at the armory this morning." Guinevere replied as she smiled at Lancelot.

"See I told you she was real." My childhood friend said as he smiled triumphantly, while Guinevere giggled at his statement.

There was a short pause and they looked into each other's eyes. I felt a small tug in my chest and I unconsciously took her hand from his and proceeded to go to her side and said "Well as for my dear Guinevere she also seems to be the lucky lady."

Lancelot was surprised by my statement, but then he quickly regained composure and said "Ah so your Camelot's future Queen, would you mind sitting next to me for the rest of the night? After all it is one of your duties as Queen to be acquainted with your husband's most trusted ally."

For the second time tonight, I was speechless; I looked at Guinevere nervous of what her answer may be to his invitation.

"Well, I suppose your right." Guinevere answered after a brief thought. I looked away a bit disappointed, I was hoping she would decline, but as much as it hurts, what Lancelot said was true. I broodingly watch him as he took my bride away and led her to his seat. Wait did I just say my bride?

We were all finally seated and the banquet began quietly. A servant offered Lancelot a goblet full of wine, but he surprisingly declined and said "I greatly apologize; I don't drink anymore, could you replace this with juice or water instead?" He politely asked the servant.

"Of course sire." The servant bowed and proceeded to do what he was asked to.

"You don't drink anymore?" Guinevere asked impressed by his actions.

"Yes, it all started when I attempted to jump off the castle walls drunk. Good thing my men stopped me in time, or I wouldn't have had the chance to meet you." Lancelot embarrassingly confessed making Guinevere laugh at how silly that scene was.

After hearing this I quickly gestured a servant to come close. "Yes Sire?" She asked while cradling a tray filled with appetizers.

"I would like you to take my wine goblet away. I don't want to be labeled as a drunkard by our guests." I said loudly hoping Guinevere would notice my actions, but I was completely ignored and it seems as though Merlin saw the whole thing and laughed annoyingly towards my direction making me glare at him.

The main course quickly made its way towards our plates. I saw Guinevere playing with her food until she finally tried to take a small bite, but then Lancelot quickly stopped her saying "My Lady you must not, the meat is not cooked properly. If you don't want to upset your belly than I suggest you don't eat it."

"How can you tell?" Guinevere asked while examining the piece of chicken herself, sure she barely had meat back when she was just a florist outside the castle walls, but I'm sure the burnt edges suggest that its cooked properly.

"Here let me show you." Lancelot took a knife out of his pocket and sliced a thick piece to show how raw it actually was on the inside.

"Don't tell me you can cook too?" Guinevere asked amazed while putting down her fork.

"Well, let's just say it was a skill I needed to survive. You see father wasn't exactly the gentle type. As training he left me in the mountains to fend for myself for 2 weeks." He shuddered while recalling his past experiences.

"I bet he did it out of love, look at how you matured into a wonderful young man because of his guidance." Lancelot smiled at her complement and humbly bowed.

I frowned upon hearing this. Guinevere never complemented me, not once! Well it's not like she had an obligation to do so, but still I can't accept the fact that she complimented him before me.

Merlin sensed my sulking, while leaning over he said "You can't stop true love." He grinned brightly at my priceless reaction, but I quickly took care of that smile of his with a spoon full of chili shoved down his throat. I smirked in satisfaction at his discomfort.

My laugh quickly faded seeing as those two were still getting comfortable with each other. As a man I need to think fast before he completely sweeps Guinevere away. I abruptly stood up, gestured the musicians to play a slower tune and said "May I have this dance my love?" while offering my hand and bowing like a gentleman.

She smiled sweetly at me as she took my offer. As we reached the dance floor I slid my hand on her waist while gliding her gently across. I squeezed her hand to ease her nervousness. I can understand this is probably her first time.

Soon both our movements quickly synchronized with the music and soon we felt carefree and natural, as if no one was watching us. I heard her sigh from relief, I smiled and continued to sway her while motioning her to rest her head on my chest.

My fantasy was soon cut short when I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned around to find Lancelot.

"Can I?" He asked pleadingly. I stared at the floor first before finally letting him take over.

I carefully studied his every move, on a look out for any signs of molestation, but after a short while he gave a strange signal to the court musicians and a cheery tune soon took over.

My eyes widened at how he lunged Guinevere in awkward directions while twirling her around quickly, making her laugh in delight. Soon the crowd clapped to beckon them to keep going. Cheers and giggles could be heard everywhere while some couples danced along with them.

I merely stared while leaning against a corner, gulping down wine, I didn't care anymore and for the first time in my life, I admit defeat.

The banquet had to end at some point. As the guests were retreating I made my way towards Guinevere hoping Lancelot had already said goodbye, but my false hope was quickly shattered when I saw the two was still together.

I approached them and when in front cleared my throat to make my presence known. "Guinevere it's already late, it's time for me to escort you to your chambers." I said a little impatient, but fortunately they didn't notice.

"Until we meet again my lady." Lancelot said while kissing her hand and slowly backing away to return to his quarters as well.

"Let's go sire." She said while getting a head start. I wish she'd just call me Arthur instead.

As we walked down the halls she was humming a tune while doing small skips. I looked down knowing what the cause of her happiness was.

When we arrived, I couldn't resist and asked "So do you like him?"

"Hmm?"

"Do you like Lancelot?"

"In a way, yes he's quite nice, charming and cunning, but we don't belong I'm merely a servant." She said while looking at the starry sky through a nearby window.

"But if you were a noble, would you accept him?" I asked curious if she would take the opportunity.

"Who knows…maybe." She said while smiling faintly.

"Ah I see, anyways have a nice night my lady." I said finally calling it a night while kissing her hand, but after that I didn't let go and just stared deep into her eyes expecting something to happen, like maybe a kiss?

"Good night my Lord." She simply stated and proceeded to close her door. I walked back disappointed, ack why did I even thought of such things, it's not like we really are together!

All of a sudden I heard her say, "W-wait my Lord!" I turned around so quick hoping that maybe my prayers has been answered, but then I saw her cradling my coat from earlier today.

"Thank you for lending this to me sire." She smiled with gratitude as I weakly took it from her, curse my habit of assuming things.

As she finally closed her door I walked around aimlessly trying to decipher this strange feeling when I'm around her. I feel a sense of longing with a bit, alright maybe a lot of nervousness. I found myself on the balcony just taking in the fresh air when I noticed a familiar silhouette.

It was Lancelot trying to enjoy the night's calmness. I patted him on the back and he smiled at me. We were silent for a while until he said "So how do you feel about Guinevere?"

This question pierced my heart like an arrow. How do I really feel about Guinevere? It was so easy to lie, but I was surprised that I uttered something unexpected.

"I-I don't know."

Lancelot's eyes widened, "You don't know!? For god's sake Arthur you two are already engaged and you can't even say you love her? Friend or not I will not allow you to hurt a lady such as Guinevere!" he unsheathed his sword threateningly.

His actions surprised me and I unconsciously took my own sword out in case he does something unpredictable. He lunged at me and I deflected his attack, we continued to fight, neither one of us giving the other an opening, while fighting I thought of losing Guinevere, which made me fight harder than ever.

"After this battle I shall take Guinevere away to my kingdom where she will be treated just as she should be and away from you." Lancelot said while aggressively trying to pin me with his sword.

After finally hearing this, my whole body and soul just snapped and screamed "No you shall not! I love her and I can't imagine what life would be without her. If you chose to do so I am prepared to wage war against your kingdom and on any man who threatens to take her away!" There I knew I was in fact in love all along and still falling harder by the minute.

Upon hearing this he lowered his sword and said "It's not like you to give up everything you worked so hard to achieve, I…I suppose what you speak is the truth." He smiled while keeping his sword.

"Look, Lancelot it's not that I didn't know, it's just that I was confused, you see this whole fiancé thing is…"

"I know."

"Pardon?"

"Arthur I knew all along." He laughed while saying this. I looked at him surprised and confused, how did he know?

"You see Arthur, Lady Beatrice, one of your so called Queen candidates is in fact my cousin. She told me about your plan and so I decided to come along with my men when you asked for help. I wanted to know who this girl worthy enough to play your fiancé's role was and I found her to be quite a catch and not only that, she seems to make a perfect queen, it would be a great loss for Camelot to let her go, so I decided to let you realize she's been there all along and..." Lancelot realized I was already walking away.

"Wait Arthur where are you going?"

"Sorry, but duty calls I have to go on probably the most important and difficult mission yet."

"What would that be? Slay the great dragon?"

"To woo."

Cliff hangy whew a long chappy

The next update might take a while, I have a lot of school work to finish.

Please review for my motivation. Thanks! ^^ and sorry for any errors, I might've over looked.