Felicity stood close to Gavin, deftly adjusting the straps of his armor. The sight of him like this stirred a memoryâthe first time she had seen him in his own world, a noble knight radiating strength and purpose. He had been handsome then, but now, standing before her with Excalibur at his back and destiny in his eyes, he seemed to glow with an undeniable authority.
"I can't believe Merlin wants to test me," Gavin grumbled. "I thought that pulling the sword from the stone would be enough."
"My grandfather is wise." She smiled. "He knows what he is doing." She chuckled. "In fact, he trained me before sending me to your world, and he put me through tests, as well. Believe me when I say, you shall learn quicker than I did."
He lifted his hand to her face, but his armored glove was in the way, so he frowned and lowered his arm. "I want to touch you," he whispered.
Her face heated and her heartbeat quickened. "It's not possibly, Your Highness."
"Gavin," he said softly. "I want you always to call me by my name."
She nodded. "Only when we are alone." But sadly, she knew their time together was fleeting, slipping through her fingers like sand in an hourglass. No matter how much she wished otherwise, fate had already set its course, and soon, Gavin would walk a path she could not follow. Whether it was duty, destiny, or something far more final, she could feel the weight of their impending separation pressing down on her chest.
That was why every moment matteredâevery stolen glance, every shared breath, every fleeting touch as she adjusted his armor. She memorized the way the firelight danced in his gray-blue eyes, the way his presence steadied her in a world constantly shifting beneath their feet. She clung to these small, precious fragments of time, knowing they would soon be all she had left.
"I'm glad you are back to wearing pretty dresses. You were right when you said that the hoodie and leggings looked ridiculous on you."
His gaze swept over her, taking in the deep forest-green gown that complemented her perfectly. The round neckline framed her collarbone with understated elegance, while the long sleeves clung to her arms like a second skin, accentuating her graceful movements. The skirt cascaded loosely around her legs, allowing her the freedom she always preferredâboth in movement and in spirit.
Felicity exhaled softly, grateful to be back in her own clothes after so long. The familiar fabric was more than just comfort; it was a piece of herself, a reminder that she was more than just a servant, more than just a protector. And in Gavin's presence, dressed as she was, she didn't just feel like a warrior or a guardianâshe felt like a woman. And that, more than anything, was how she wanted him to see her.
"And I'm happy to see you in armor." She smiled. "You were born to wear this."
He laughed. "Literally."
Once she finished adjusting his armor, he was ready. She stepped back and gave him a nod. "You can do this. Remember you are King Arthur of Camelot."
"So everyone says."
Gavin smiled, but she could tell it wasn't full. He still lacked the courage, which surprised her.
"Remember when you first fought me during the tournament?"
"How could I forget? I felt humiliated that a woman bested me."
"But Gavin, you didn't know I was a woman until I removed my helmet."
"True."
"Well, there were a few times I felt as though you were overpowering me. That was when I knew what a great fighter you were. And, the only reason I won was because I had help from a little magic."
His eyes widened. "Are you kidding me?"
She shook her head. "I assure you... you are the champion. Always and forever."
This time when he smiled, it brightened his eyes. "Have I told you lately how wonderful you are?"
His words caused her legs to grow weak, but it was only because she loved him, even though she knew it was forbidden. "You are too kind, Gavin."
He winked. "Okay, so remind me what I have to accomplish?"
"Well, the gauntlet consists of a few rooms. In the first room, you'll be fighting beasts."
"Beasts?" His voice wavered. "Are they real?"
"They are but only designed for the gauntlet tests. Merlin is preparing you for when you fight Morgana, so you must be ready."
He squared his shoulders. "I'll do my best."
"I know you will."
His gaze held hers, unwavering, as if searching for something unspoken between them. Felicity's heart pounded against her ribs, the words she longed to say trembling on the tip of her tongue. Three simple wordsâwords that had taken root in her heart long ago and refused to let go. But she swallowed them down, knowing it wasn't wise to give them life.
Loving him was effortless, as natural as breathing, but love alone would not change the course of fate. She was meant to protect him, to guide him to Camelot, where destiny awaited him. And there, he would find a futureâone that did not include her. He belonged to a kingdom, to a throne, to a woman worthy of a knight like him. Not to a servant who had only ever existed in the shadows of his journey.
So instead, she held his gaze a moment longer, allowing herself this fleeting indulgence, before forcing a smile and stepping backâone small movement that felt like tearing herself away from a dream she could never truly claim.
"Now go," she said softly. "I'll be waiting for your return."
As he walked away, her chest swelled with love... and she prayed he would succeed this first test. Morgana needed to be stopped. Soon!
With a heavy heart, she walked outside. It would take all night for him to pass through the gauntlet. She must be patient.
The evening had cast a quiet spell over Camelot, the castle's towers from a distance glowing faintly under the light of the moon. The cool night breeze carried the scent of jasmine and dew as it rustled the leaves of the nearby trees. Felicity sat on a stone bench in the royal gardens, her wand resting on her lap as her gaze drifted toward the horizon. The events of the day still buzzed in her mind, but one thought consumed her more than anything else: Gavin.
A soft rustling sound broke the silence, and she turned to see Merlin stepping into the garden. His long white beard swayed slightly as he moved, and his staff tapped gently against the cobblestone path.
"You look troubled," he said, his voice warm and knowing.
Felicity smiled faintly and glanced down at her hands. "Is it that obvious?"
Merlin chuckled softly and sat beside her, leaning his staff against the bench. "You have never been able to hide your feelings from me, my dear. What weighs on your heart tonight?"
She hesitated, her fingers tracing the smooth surface of her wand. "It's Gavin," she finally admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.
Merlin's expression didn't change, but his gaze deepened with understanding. "Ah. The prince."
Felicity nodded, a lump forming in her throat. "I wasn't supposed to feel this way," she said, her voice breaking. "I was sent to find him, to guide him, to help him take his rightful place as king. That's all I was meant to do. But somewhere along the way, Iâ" She closed her eyes, exhaling shakily. "I fell in love with him."
Merlin didn't speak, just continued to study her. His hand, weathered and warm, rested gently on hers.
"Love," he said softly, "is rarely something we plan for. It doesn't follow rules or heed duty. It simply finds us."
Felicity's eyes brimmed with tears, but she quickly wiped them away. "But it's forbidden," she said. "He's a prince, and I'm just a fairy. A servant girl by birth. Even if he felt the same way, it wouldn't matter. Once he becomes king, he'll have to marry someone of noble blood. Someone who can strengthen the kingdom."
Merlin sighed deeply, his gaze lifting toward the night sky. "Camelot's traditions are old, yes. But times have a way of changing, my dear. I've lived long enough to see it happen."
"But Gavin can't afford to break tradition," she said, her voice pained. "Not when the kingdom is already fragile. He needs to be a symbol of stability and strength. He needs to do what's best for Camelot, not follow his heart."
Merlin studied her for a moment, the moonlight reflecting in his wise eyes. "Are you certain you know what's best for him?"
Felicity bit her lip. "He doesn't need the distraction of someone like me."
"Or perhaps," Merlin said gently, "he needs you more than you realize."
Her breath hitched, and she looked away. "He deserves someone better. Someone who fits his world."
Merlin's hand squeezed hers gently. "Felicity, love isn't about fitting perfectly into someone's world. It's about making each other stronger. You've been by his side when he doubted himself, when he faced trials that would have broken others. Don't underestimate what you've already given him."
A tear slid down her cheek, but this time she didn't wipe it away. "Even if that's true, it doesn't change anything. When this is over, he'll be king, and I'll be forgotten."
Merlin's gaze softened, and he leaned in slightly. "I doubt Gavin could ever forget you."
Felicity inhaled deeply, her chest tightening. "I'm scared, Grandfather. Scared of loving him. Scared of letting go."
Merlin nodded, understanding the weight of her emotions. "Fear is natural. But loveâtrue loveâis worth facing it."
She closed her eyes, her voice barely audible. "What if I lose him?"
Merlin smiled faintly, brushing a stray hair from her face. "Then you will have loved him, and that will be something no one can take away. But," he added, his tone shifting, "if you give him a chance, if you trust that he knows his own heart as much as you know yours, you might find that the path isn't as closed as you think."
Felicity let his words settle in her heart. The moonlight bathed the garden in a soft glow, and for a moment, she allowed herself to imagine a world where she and Gavin could be together. A world where love mattered more than tradition.
But as the sound of distant footsteps echoed from the castle walls, she was reminded that reality didn't wait for fantasies.
Merlin stood, his staff clicking gently against the stone path. "You have always been stronger than you give yourself credit for," he said, his voice full of pride. "Whatever choice you make, I know it will be the right one."
Felicity stood slowly, brushing the moisture from her cheeks. "Thank you, Grandfather."
Merlin nodded, his gaze lingering on her for a moment before he turned and disappeared down the path, leaving her alone with her thoughts.
She looked up at the sky, the stars shimmering like distant dreams, and whispered to herself, "I love him. But will that be enough?"
With a deep breath, she turned toward the castle, knowing that soon, she'd have to face not just Camelot's futureâbut her own heart.
As Felicity walked through the quiet garden, Merlin's words weighed heavily on her mind. The night air was cool against her skin, but it did little to soothe the warmth of emotion swirling within her. She thought of Gavin's gentle gaze, the way he laughed when she stumbled over modern-day phrases, and the way his presence filled her with both hope and dread.
Her fingers brushed against her wand, as if seeking comfort from its familiar weight. She followed the stone path past the garden's hedges, her footsteps quiet. But as she rounded a corner near the fountain, a chill swept through the air, sharp and biting, cutting through the evening's temperature.
Felicity stopped. Her breath fogged in front of her, the garden suddenly far too cold to be normal. Her instincts flared, and she tightened her grip on her wand. The shadows around her thickened unnaturally, stretching along the cobblestone path as if they were alive.
A soft, mocking voice drifted through the night.
"Poor little fairy, caught between duty and desire."
Felicity spun, her wand raised, her heart hammering. From the darkness between the hedges, a figure emergedâtall, elegant, and dangerous. The woman's dark robes billowed like smoke around her feet, and her raven-black hair cascaded over her shoulders in waves. Morgana.
Her glowing amber eyes locked onto Felicity, a cruel smile tugging at her lips. She moved slowly, gracefully, as if the very air bent to her will.
"You've done well, child," Morgana purred, her gaze flicking to Felicity's wand. "Guiding the lost prince back to Camelot. You must be proud."
Felicity gulped as terror clawed through her. "Stay back," she warned. "I won't let you harm him."
Morgana chuckled, a soft, chilling sound that sent shivers down Felicity's spine. "Oh, I'm not here to harm him. Not yet, anyway. I'm here for you." She took another step forward, her robes trailing behind her like shadows. "After all, it would be a shame if you let your feelings ruin everything you've worked for."
Felicity's breath hitched. "What do you mean?"
Morgana tilted her head, studying her like a cat watching a trapped mouse. "You're falling in love with him," she said, her voice almost pitying. "How tragic. A servant girl and a prince. You know how that story ends, don't you?"
Felicity clenched her jaw, refusing to let Morgana's words cut too deep. "You don't know anything about us."
Morgana arched an eyebrow. "Don't I?" She circled Felicity slowly, her voice soft and venomous. "You're hoping, aren't you? Hoping that somehow love will be enough. But you and I both know Camelot thrives on tradition, and love doesn't change bloodlines. He will be king, and kings marry queens. Not fairies pretending they belong."
Felicity's heart pounded even through her doubt, but she kept her wand steady. "Gavin isn't like that."
Morgana smiled, a knowing gleam in her eyes. "Maybe not. But what happens when the crown weighs too heavily on him? When the council whispers in his ear that he needs a political alliance, not a love affair? Will he choose you then, Felicity?"
Her fingers trembled slightly. She hated how much truth lurked in Morgana's words, how easily the witch preyed on her deepest fears.
Morgana leaned in, her breath cold against Felicity's ear. "You will always be the girl who helped him. The girl who guided him. But you will never be the girl he can keep."
Felicity swallowed hard, tears stinging her eyes, but she refused to let them fall. "You're wrong," she whispered, her voice cracking but determined.
Morgana straightened, her gaze softening into something almost sympathetic. "I don't need to be right, dear. The doubt is already there, isn't it? That's the beauty of loveâit's so easily undone."
Felicity lifted her wand higher, her voice hardening. "I'm not afraid of you."
Morgana's smile widened, and she took a step back into the shadows. "Oh, but you should be. The prince may have Excalibur, but you and I both know that sometimes it's not the sword that decides a battleâit's the heart. And yours may be your undoing."