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fandoms-consume-me · 5 years

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Arranged pt. 6(Arthur Pendragon x female!Reader)

Summary: You are a free spirit learning to be a queen one day. Your first time accompanying your father, the King, on a diplomatic trip was meant to simply be a chance to observe. Little did you know that the universe had much different plans. You find yourself attracted to the heir of Camelot, Arthur, even though he is to marry another-one of your good friends, Princess Dulcina. The marriage is the doing of kings and queens, without the approval of the participants themselves. Can two star-crossed lovers overcome fate?

Warnings: none

Characters: Reader (Y/N), Arthur Pendragon, Uther Pendragon, Lady Morgana, & several OCs (including but not limited to: Princess Dulcina, Viscount Cadby, King Pellinore, and Queen Aethelgyth)

Pairings: Arthur Pendragon x female!Reader; Arthur Pendragon x Princess Dulcina (forced)

Word Count: 1,208

Catch up: Part 1; Part 2; Part 3; Part 4; Part 5

I’m sorry this took sooooo freaking long. Let me know if there are any mistakes!

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The next morning, your four maids found you in a ball on the cold stone ground.

“Miss!” Nyssa exclaimed. All of them rushed to your side and checked if you were alive. When you opened your eyes and began to move, you heard a collective sigh of relief.

“M’lady, pray tell, why were you asleep on the floor?” Breaden asked. You saw Ebba hit her arm before helping Myla pull you to a standing position.

“Never mind that,” Myla said, “Look at the state of your nightgown!”

Upon looking down you discovered dirt splotches covering more than half of your white dress.

“I’m so sorry, Myla,” you said, trying to dust off some of the dirt. It did nothing if not make it worse.

“Don’t worry, your highness,” She said in a soothing tone, “Nothing a little soap and water can’t handle.”

They quickly ushered you behind the changing screen and pulled the nightgown off, setting to work easily on cleaning you up with a sponge and water. Soon enough you were spotless and in a different gown.

The deep blue silk and modest fit felt appropriate for mourning as you set off to clear your head. Behind you, calls of “but you forgot your breakfast” and “Don’t you want to eat?” rang out from your chambers.

“Kinsey?” My father’s voice called from down the hall. He came in to view from around the corner, clad in a grey shirt and red cape.

“Hello, Father,” you said, curtseying slightly as he approached.

“Where are you off to today?” He reached out to slide an arm around your shoulder.

“I was thinking of heading to the stables, Father.”

“What a fine idea.” With a squeeze of your shoulders, he released you.

“Are the negotiations to start today?” you asked, looking up at him.

“Two days from now. Until then I am able to accompany Uther to meetings of his own, a fine way to see my closest friend.”

“Lovely,” you said with a smile. “I’ll leave you to it, then.” Another crusty excused you and allowed you to venture to the stables.

As you walked down one of the halls, you heard bustling in the kitchens. Pots clanged together while someone called out an order. You followed the staircase down to the large open room.

Once inside, you attempted to go unnoticed, aiming at the basket full of carrots.

“Princess Y/N?” Noletha’s voice sounded startled by your presence.

“Hello, Noletha,” you said politely, turning to her as if it had been your original goal. The people around her had stopped, curtsied, and stood waiting for you to respond.

“Please, carry on with your duties,” you said to them.

“What brings you down here?” Noletha asked, gaining confidence with you.

“I was simply looking for a decent way to occupy my time.”

“My apologies, m’lady, but we are much too busy down here to entertain you much.”

“Not to worry.” You bowed your head. “I’ll be off.”

When you turned back toward the door, you allowed your hand to catch on several of the carrots, holding them out of view as you exited.

You found maids and manservants alike cleaning the horses’ manure. They looked up when they heard your shoes on the stone, obviously shocked that a lady would stop somewhere so lowly.

You snapped a carrot, drawing everyone’s attention within hearing distance, especially the horses. Three walked over to you without question and you met them with an open palm.

“I suppose you don’t get many tidbits?” You said, stroking the mane of one of them necks.

“No. They don’t.” A voice came from behind you. You turned to see a raven head of hair moving around a pole. Not a moment later, the boy Arthur had spoken to the night before appeared. “Carrots are not easy to come by out of the kitchen and they keep them under lock and key in there.” His eyes landed skeptically on the others in your hand.

You slowly tucked them in your skirt, sheepish under his glare. A small chuckle escaped your lips before one of the horses bumped its nose into your back with just enough force to nock you over. You gasped as you landed in a pile of dirty shavings and manure.

“M’lady?” He asked, coming to your side. “Are you alright?”

Although you were startled, you managed to look up at him calmly. “It seems as if nothing was injured, save my dress.” You smiled, accepting his outstretched hand. The familiar smell of horse filled your nose, not entirely pleasant but comforting all the same. My worries of the night before seemed slightly less burdensome as you looked up at the serving boy.

“Thank you for your kindness…” You trailed off, not knowing his name and not wanting to be rude.

“My name is Merlin, m’lady.” A lopsided smile grew on his face, another cause for your worries to slip away.

“Thank you, Merlin.”

“It was no trouble at all. In fact, I’ll see you to your chambers.” He offered, gesturing to the exit of the stables.

“How generous.” He followed you, not quite in stride with you but not trailing. You turned to him with a wide smile while you walked. “You must enjoy the fresh air. I have heard that the work is not easy in the stables and I know that it is not the most easy place to stomach.”

“Actually, m’lady, I am there mucking out Prince Arthur’s horses this morning. Any other day I am serving him.” Was there a tinge of annoyance in his voice? You grinned while you tried to see what he could find annoying about the prince.

“You’re his manservant?” You asked.

“More or less.”

“A very prestigious position!” His mouth twitched as he looked at you. “No, truly! To serve such a house is an honor; you should be proud.”

“Thank you, m’lady.” You could tell that he was fighting the urge to laugh, though you could not understand why. Perhaps you got manure on your face.

“I’m sorry,” he started abruptly. The sudden outburst drawing your attention to him, “you are Princess Y/N? Of Cenred?” His mention of your title discouraged you. you were hoping that his kindness was out of his want to be good, not out of duty.

“Yes, I am.”

“I have heard many good things about you miss. The servants in the kitchen rave about your grace toward them.”

“Thank you, Merlin. I believe you have uplifted my entire day.” He went to turn before you stopped him, “Oh! I nearly forgot. Merlin, will you do me a favor?”

“Anything.” God bless his heart, he genuinely meant it.

“I seem to have extra carrots. Seeing as they are not meant to leave the kitchens, I was hoping you’d dispose of them for me. They were wrapped in my skirts when I fell—not a speck of dirt on them. Quite a shame.” You shook your head in mock mourning for the carrots.

“Leave it to me,” Merlin replied, taking them from your hand.

“Those beauties might do well in a stew,” you whispered, slipping in your room and closing the door behind you with a wink and a smile.

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Catch up: Part 1; Part 2; Part 3; Part 4; Part 5

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Tag List:

@hellboundblogger

@cynthianokamaria

@fandomscombine

@awesomeowlbook

#Arthur pendragon x female!reader #Arthur pendragon x reader #merlin #bbc merlin #friends before lovers trope #Arthur pendragon fanfiction #fanfiction #arranged pt. 1 #arranged pt. 2 #arranged pt. 3 #arranged pt. 4 #arranged pt. 5 #arranged pt. 6 #king arthur #slow burn #love #Arthur pendragon

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fandoms-consume-me · 5 years

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So, basically, I’m the worst...

I have thought about writing and posting some more of Arranged (Arthur Pendragon x female!Reader) but I just haven't gotten around to it. When the holidays are over and finals are done maybe I’ll have some free time (hopefully!) to get back to it. Till then, I apologize! Gimme like a month maybe two to get my shit together and then I’ll start writing some more!

Thanks for your patience—love you guys!!

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fandoms-consume-me · 6 years

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How to Plot a Complex Novel in One Day

Now first, I have to say, that the plot you’re able to come up with in one day is not going to be without its flaws, but coming up with it all at once, the entire story unfolds right in front of you and makes you want to keep going with it. So, where to begin?

What is your premise and basic plot? Pick your plot. I recommend just pulling one from this list. No plots are “original” so making yours interesting and complicated will easily distract from that fact, that and interesting characters. Characters will be something for you to work on another day, because this is plotting day. You’ll want the main plot to be fairly straight forward, because a confusing main plot will doom you if you want subplots.

Decide who the characters will be. They don’t have to have names at this point. You don’t even need to know who they are other than why they have to be in the story. The more characters there are the more complicated the plot will be. If you intend to have more than one subplot, then you’ll want more characters. Multiple interconnected subplots will give the illusion that the story is very complicated and will give the reader a lot of different things to look at at all times. It also gives you the chance to develop many side characters. The plot I worked out yesterday had 13 characters, all were necessary. Decide their “roles” don’t bother with much else. This seems shallow, but this is plot. Plot is shallow.

Now, decide what drives each character. Why specifically are they in this story? You can make this up. You don’t even know these characters yet. Just so long as everyone has their own motivations, you’re in the clear.

What aren’t these characters giving away right off the bat? Give them a secret! It doesn’t have to be something that they are actively lying about or trying to hide, just find something that perhaps ties them into the plot or subplot. This is a moment to dig into subplot. This does not need to be at all connected to their drive to be present in the story. Decide who is in love with who, what did this person do in the 70’s that’s coming back to bite them today, and what continues to haunt what-his-face to this very day. This is where you start to see the characters take shape. Don’t worry much about who they are or what they look like, just focus on what they’re doing to the story.

What is going to change these characters? Now this will take some thinking. Everyone wants at least a few of the characters to come out changed by the end of the story, so think, how will they be different as a result of the plot/subplot? It might not be plot that changes them, but if you have a lot of characters, a few changes that are worked into the bones of the plot might help you.

Now list out the major events of the novel with subplot in chronological order. This will be your timeline. Especially list the historical things that you want to exist in backstory. List everything you can think of. Think about where the story is going. At this point, you likely haven’t focused too much on the main plot, yeah, it’s there, but now really focus on the rising actions, how this main plot builds its conflict, then the climactic moment. Make sure you get all of that in there. This might take a few hours.

Decide where to start writing. This part will take a LOT of thinking. It’s hard! But now that you’ve got the timeline, pick an interesting point to begin at. Something with action. Something relevant. Preferably not at the beginning of your timeline - you want to have huge reveals later on where these important things that happened prior are exposed. This is the point where you think about what information should come out when. This will be a revision of your last list, except instead of being chronological, it exists to build tension.

Once you’ve gotten the second list done, you’ve got a plot. Does it need work? Probably. But with that said, at this point you probably have no idea who half your characters are. Save that for tomorrow, that too will be a lot of work.

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fandoms-consume-me · 6 years

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“But if you forget to reblog Madame Zeroni, you and your family will be cursed for always and eternity.”

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fandoms-consume-me · 6 years

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Arranged Pt. 5 (Arthur Pendragon x female!Reader)

Warnings: mention of death

Characters: Reader (Y/N), Arthur Pendragon, Uther Pendragon, Lady Morgana, & several OCs (including but not limited to: Princess Dulcina, Viscount Cadby, King Pellinore, and Queen Aethelgyth)Pairings: Arthur Pendragon x female!Reader; Arthur Pendragon x Princess Dulcina (forced)

Word Count: 1,228

Catch up: Part 1; Part 2; Part 3; Part 4

Skip ahead: Part 6

SORRY IT TOOK SOOO LONG! I FINALLY GOT A SECOND TO WRITE AND NOW IT’S DONE (NOT PERFECTLY BUT IT’S COMPLETE). LET ME KNOW IF THERE’RE ANY MISTAKES!

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That night, as you took off your shoes, a horde of maids came bustling in. You recognized some but others were unfamiliar.

“Hi,” you said, unsure why they were in your room. You thought you had been clear about your ability to do things for myself. Any confusion you had was immediately cured when your mother followed them in.

“Dear,” She started, smiling at you softly, “I thought I asked you to act like a lady.”

“You did, Mother.”

“Then may I ask why you dismissed your maids?”

“You know that I can dress myself, Mother,” you told her. Both of our voices closely resembled the ones we used when talking to precious diplomats.

“That news can spread: a princess refusing maids. How fast do you think it will spread in the servants’ quarters?” She asked. The maids that had filed in before her looked at the ground in shame. “I thought I asked you to be perfect. The perfect lady.” She paused and looked at you, seeing for the first time how much it took for you to be perfect. “Accept your maids’ help and avoid crazy viscounts.” She told you before returning to her own chambers.

You sighed and smiled at the girls left in your room.

“Well, I suppose you’re stuck with me,” you grinned tiredly at them. “I’m Y/N.”

“We know, your Highness.” One spoke up, a slight tinge of pity in her voice.

“Of course you know.” You laughed mirthlessly, “I don’t know your names, though.”

“I am Breaden,” one of the shortest girls spoke up.

“My name is Ebba,” another followed.

“Myla.”

“Nyssa,” the last said. You took them all in, wondering if you would get used to having their nimble hands working on you. Myla seemed like the oldest; her reddish hair was pulled back in a messy braid and her face clearly had seen its fair share of worry. You stopped examining them when a yawn pulled your attention away.

“Lovely to meet you all, Breaden, Ebba, Nyssa, and Myla.” You bowed your head to them before continuing, “I am so sorry to be rude, but since you all are here, would you mind helping me…” You gestured to the lacing tying you into the organza.

Immediately they all jumped into action, one untying the back, another removing your tiara and hair pins. One disappeared only to return moments later with your nightgown. Breaden stretched herself out as much as she could to turn down your bed—and succeeded in seconds.

Within five minutes they herded you into your bed and elected the maid to stay behind. Ebba, you thought, was the one to stay, settling down in a corner with the last lit candle. After the shortest time you felt myself drift closer and closer to sleep, barely hearing when Ebba rose and left.

You did hear, however, the loud pounding on the wooden door. You was jolted up from your peaceful slumber as more knocks sounded. You groaned and ran a hand through your hair, sure it looked like a mess. You could never get the waves to keep from tangling while you slept.

You grabbed your robe from where it draped over your changing curtain as another knock come, louder this time. You huffed in annoyance as you pulled the robe over your thin nightgown and secured it. When yet another knock came you had to bite your tongue to keep from calling out.

You yanked on the door, struggling to pull the heavy wood open. When you did get it open, however, you was met by Prince Arthur.

“Hello,” you said, trying to blink the sleep from your eyes. This was one of the two people your mother especially wanted to impress, and, as you was already on very thin ice with her, you realized you should not be standing in front of him in a nightgown and robe having just woken up.

“I’m sorry,” he said, a strange strain in his words, “did I wake you?”

“I was hardly dozing off,” you lied with a smile. “What time is it?”

“Yes, I suppose I did wake you,” he laughed, “It’s nearly one in the morning.”

“Would you like to come in?” you asked.

“Yes.” You moved out of the way for him, still far too tired to think he might have had a reason for waking you up.

“Prince Arthur,” you started, crossing your arms in front of your chest as you walked away from the open door. Without a word he strode back over and shut it. You scrunched your eyebrows in confusion at his behavior but didn’t say a word about it. “Did you see Viscount Cadby tonight after the feast?”

“You noticed his absence?” He asked, seemingly relieved.

“Yes. How could I not? you will not soon forget the man who told me your future love is to be doomed from the start.” You shrugged, sitting on the edge of your bed and motioning for him to take a seat across from you on a chair.

He sat, looking uncomfortable. “I came here to tell you…”

You cocked your head in anticipation, waiting to hear his reason for waking you up.

“Viscount Cadby is dead.”

The words hung in the air as you tried to process them. You had never known someone to die. All of your grandparents were dead before you was born, and you was protected from news of death on the streets.

The prince could tell that you was struggling with the information and decided to elaborate, “He was executed before the feast tonight.”

“Before the feast? I spoke to him moments before the feast began. You were there!” You said, trying to understand the impossible.

“I was.” He confirmed, “But both of us had walked to the gardens seconds after he spoke.” My silence prompted him to carry on. “My father had overheard his song to you and decided that it would not be tolerated. Guards seized him and brought him to the dungeons where my father oversaw the execution.”

“Because of the song?” You asked, realizing that the man was dead because he had been in contact with you.

“Because of his belief in magic.”

Wetness began to accumulate on your eyelashes as the thoughts sunk in. A man was executed because of you. If you had not been there, he would never have sung that song.

“That man died because he sang a song to me?” You asked tightly.

“No.” Arthur assured you, “He died because he sang of old magic. He broke the law by uttering such words.”

“Thank you for telling me,” you said, standing up. You walked numbly to the door, and began yanking it. When you turned back to him, he had not moved. You tucked your arms tightly around you before forcing a smile on your face. “I appreciate how patient you’ve been in telling me this. I do apologize, but I believe I must be getting to sleep.” Somehow you made your voice normal, airy even, as your arms held you together.

Arthur passed you, saying goodnight before walking off.

Once you’d secured the door you sunk down to the ground, your arms no longer enough to keep the pieces together. Sobs racked through your body as the voice in your mind repeated over and over: You’ve killed a man.

{-}

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Keep Reading: Part 6

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@hellboundblogger

#arthur pendragon #arthur pendragon x female!reader #Arthur pendragon x reader #merlin #bbc merlin #friends before lovers trope #Arthur pendragon fanfiction #fanfiction #arranged pt. 1 #arranged pt. 2 #arranged pt. 3 #arranged pt. 4 #arranged pt. 5 #king arthur #slow burn #love

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fandoms-consume-me · 6 years

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Sorry for being inactive

I’ve been crazy with starting school and adjusting to my new schedule. I’m trying to polish up part 5 of arranged this week and hopefully will have it by next Sunday! No promises but that’s my goal!

#thanks for bearing with me #sorry I have no time management #Im getting there?

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fandoms-consume-me · 6 years

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part 5 of arranged?

Coming soon! Kinda lost my creativity for a while but I’m working on the next part rn!!

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fandoms-consume-me · 6 years

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arranged part 4 isn't a x reader. You constantly put Liliana. It was a good series until this.

Yikes my bad! I write it in the first person because that’s easier for me. Then I try to change everything to reader insert because I personally like to read fanfic that way but sometimes I miss stuff. Thanks for letting me know, I’ll change it.

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fandoms-consume-me · 6 years

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Arranged Pt. 4 (Arthur Pendragon x female!Reader)

Warnings: none in this part really

Characters: Reader (Y/N), Arthur Pendragon, Uther Pendragon, Lady Morgana, & several OCs (including but not limited to: Princess Dulcina, Viscount Cadby, King Pellinore, and Queen Aethelgyth)

Pairings: Arthur Pendragon x female!Reader; Arthur Pendragon x Princess Dulcina (forced)

Word Count: 3,527

Catch up: Part 1; Part 2; Part 3

Skip ahead: Part 5; Part 6

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You stepped out of your chambers in a purple gown that made you feel like a walking cloud. It was so large it might’ve fit an entire person underneath. And, although it was a little ahead of fashion, you knew it was stunning.

Your maids at home had brought you a new fabric, from the silk makers in China, called organza. According to them, it was made from silk but had a different texture. Upon wearing it, you could tell that they were right. The dress was roughly half as heavy as your others and just as large.

You started down the hall, toward the banquet hall, but you were stopped by a maid.

“M’lady,” a maid, Tandy, said, “Your tiara.”

You reached up and found that you had forgotten your tiara. “Indeed, it seems I have forgotten it.” You chuckled as you turned back to your room. Tandy followed you in, moving around you to the cabinets that held your collection. She chose a golden band with a brilliant purple gem suspended over your forehead. She tucked it into your hair, allowing the gem to rest cooly above your eyebrows.

“Did you do your own hair, M’lady?” She asked.

“Y/n, please,” you corrected, “I did do it myself. Do you like it?”

“It’s gorgeous,” her hands took one of the loose curls and tucked it behind your ear. You admired the braids you had done; it had taken you ages to get them twisted up just right. “You look fit to be an angel.”

“Tandy, that is such a nice compliment, thank you,” you said, touching your heart. You rose and made your way to the feast, surprised that the halls were mostly empty.

When you reached the large room, you were met by your mother, who, to her credit, smiled at you and outstretched her hand. You smiled back and took it, greeting her as you knew you should.

Without a word she nodded and began to walk, forcing you to keep pace with her.

“Best behavior, Y/n/n,” She said under her breath just as you rounded the corner. You smiled wider as you descended a few stairs to join the feast.

When you came into view you noticed several people, mostly ladies in the King’s house, look up at you. You could tell that your dress would be a topic of gossip for days to come. Your mother and you broke apart, going in separate directions. She was met by your father, who immediately took her hand in his and walked away to mingle with those in King Uther’s court. On your side of the room, you were met by King Uther, himself.

“Princess Y/n, you look beautiful,” he greeted.

“Thank you, your Majesty.”

“May I introduce you to my ward, Morgana,” he said, leading you to a young woman talking in a group.

She looked up at us as you approached, taking in your dress and hair, obviously judging you but not saying a word. Morgana smiled as she locked eyes with Uther and stepped away from the group.

“Your Majesty,” She greeted with a curtsey.

“Morgana, dear,” He said as he kissed the top of her hand. “This is the Princess Y/n of Cenred. Y/n, my ward, Morgana.” He gestured as he introduced us. You smiled genuinely at her, hoping that she would see that you meant no harm. Her smile was just as genuine but held much more judgement than there was before.

“How do you do?” You asked with a slight bow of your head.

“Well, I will leave you two to get to know each other. I am sure you will be great friends,” Uther said, excusing himself.

“Come, your Majesty, let me introduce you to my friends,” She said, mischief playing in her eyes.

“Just ‘your Highness’, please, I am in no place of power to be called ‘you Majesty’,” you grinned at her, trying to ease whatever tension she was creating.

“Well, your Highness, allow me to introduce you to Lady Susane, of Mora,” She smiled, approaching her friend group from before. “And Lady Zenith, of Cedref, Baroness Ailith, of Caerloen, and Dame Devona, of Merris. My friends, meet Princess Y/n, of Cenred.”

“Yes! Dear Y/n!” Ailith said, reaching out to hug you. “It has been far too long!”

“Ailith, has it been two years already?” You exclaimed, hugging her back.

“Yes it has!” Her voice was shrill, but at the same time it was like a bird singing, a strange sort of comfort in it.

“You two know each other?” Morgana asked.

“Yes. We’ve known each other since our infancy. Our mothers are dear friends,” You explained to those looking at us.

“How sweet,” Susane said, smiling at us.

“Quite,” Morgana said, not nearly as sweetly as Susane had. You stood, smiling at each other, for a while.

“Why don’t we walk, Y/n?” Morgana asked. You smiled and moved next to her. She took you to the perimeter of the room and stopped you.

“You’re the king’s ward?” You asked politely once she’d positioned you by the wall.

“Yes.” You nodded at her short answer but could not find words for more. “King Pellinore is here on business.” It sounded more of a statement, although it should have been a question, but you answered.

“Yes, he is.”

“And you are here. Why?” She asked, finally looking you in the eyes.

“To learn diplomacy.”

“Ah,” She clicked her tongue, “Do they bring you along often?”

“More recently not as much, but in the past I was brought to show good will to those we were visiting.” You explained.

“Of course,” She replied.

“Do you have siblings?” You asked after another pause.

“A sister,” she responded curtly.

“Is she here tonight?”

“No, unfortunately she is not welcome at the castle.”

“I am sorry,” you said, taken aback by her response. You had not expected to make her share something that seemed a more intimate matter. Thankfully, years of manners training helped you hide your shock.

“What of you? Siblings?” She asked, remnants of the acid from her previous comment still left in her voice.

“Yes. I have four younger sisters and two younger brothers.”

“How delightful. Tell me all about them.”

“My sisters are nine, eleven, thirteen, and fifteen years of age, while my brothers are three and seven years old. The boys are quite rowdy for their age. I know that Audric, the older of the two, is aware that he will one day be king as he tends to run about the castle screaming ‘bring me my armies’ and ‘all hail Audric, the best king in the world!’, things like that. It is quite endearing for him to be so excited for his era on the throne. Garrett, the younger, has hardly an inkling that he is a prince, but he follows Audric around screaming the same things. They are very great friends,” you smiled to yourself before glancing over at Morgana; she was looking at you intently, as if she were imagining the memories playing out in your head.

“Do go on,” She prompted.

“The girls and I are currently being groomed for our future husbands,” you said, less fondly. You did not notice Morgana shift her gaze from your face to a person behind you, so you continued talking, “My father has assured me that I will marry no less than an heir, but in all truth, I don’t care. If I could live comfortably and the marriage would profit my family, I don’t imagine I would complain much.

“My youngest sister, Arietta, has just begun her lessons with a tutor. The second youngest, Daisy, is at an awkward stage in life where she isn’t allowed to do too much; something I remember all too well—if you remember your eleventh year perhaps you know what I speak of.” You smiled and Morgana returned it along with her attention back to you. “Farah is the middle sister and she is developing a beauty unlike anything I’ve ever seen. I have a feeling that she will be married quite soon. And the second oldest, Rhoswen, has finally begun taking guests at our castle, accepting them with Audric as the heir apparent when my father is not present. It’s remarkable, though, how my father’s house has expanded.”

“Quite remarkable, indeed, Princess.” She said, smiling politely. “Pray tell, what is your gown made of?” Her fingers pinched the fabric of your skirt and rubbed it together.

“Organza. A new method of Chinese silk.” Your smile didn’t falter once as you smoothed the airy material down.

“It is gorgeous. I must admit, I am jealous of your fashion sense.” She said.

“Thank you. But you must know that I know of very few people that could wear a dress like the one you don, and you appear to be one of them,” you gestured to her red gown, tight to her skin in all of the right places. Her thanks was in a nod but you accepted it all the same.

The longer our conversation dragged on, the more you realized that she was not as nice a person as she seemed. Rather than growing more comfortable around her, you found yourself retaining your lady-like manners.

“Tell me, Y/n, do you enjoy life in Cenred?” She asked after you were on your second chalice of wine.

“I do. I have my moments where I wish I were not living at all, but in the end, I know that I have it better than most.” You confessed.

“It must be difficult.” She put her hand on your exposed shoulder in sympathy.

“Not nearly as bad as I make it sound, surely,” you promised her. “Do you enjoy life under Uther?”

“As much as the next.” Her answer was short, as all of her other answers were. And, although they were filled with less hostility than when the conversation started, they were no more friendly.

“I must apologize, I am monopolizing our conversation and your time!” You said, earning an irritated look from her. You suspected she had a purpose in talking to you but the fuzzy feeling of the alcohol in your veins prevented you from investigating further.

“No trouble.”

As if on cue, Lady Zenith approached you, taking Morgana’s arm and leading her away with an apology and a laugh.

You stood, suddenly alone, looking at the crowd around you. Older women stood in bunches around each other, easily on their third glass of wine before the meal had even started. Older men stood randomly throughout, staring at the younger women as they danced about the room. Some younger ladies stood in groups while others hung hopelessly onto knights or lords. Eligible men not occupied by a girl were in also in groups, telling stories of glory and impressive feats.

You looked at the gowns of the other women in the room, taking in the shine of the fabrics and dull colors. Nearly all of them had a regular tight bodice, leg-of-mutton sleeve, and heavy skirts. Some ladies ventured so far as to add belts to their ensemble.

Your dress easily stood out from the others. It had a tight bodice, but the organza made the skirt light. You had small caps of the same organza over your shoulders for sleeves and purple gloves rose far above your elbows, a sort of mock leg-of-mutton styling.

You knew that the reason you were still alone was due to the outlandish fashion. At least at home the women had more expensive tastes, kept up with the new styles more.

“What could you possibly have done to earn exile from social groups, m’lady?” A knight asked, stepping in front of you.

“Why, I’m not quite sure, good sir. I have a sense it’s that I’m not quite a familiar face,” your smiled widened at such a humorous man.

“Sir Allard, at your service, my lady,” He said with a mock bow. You couldn’t help but let a laugh fall from your lips. It was quite unusual for you to meet someone without having someone introduce you. You did not miss how his eyes had risen immediately to your face when the noise escaped you.

“Y/n,” You told him. His chin cocked at your name. Silently you cursed yourself. Of course all of the knights would know your name. Just as he opened his mouth to question you, no doubt, Morgana reappeared.

“Princess?” She asked. “Won’t you allow me to introduce you to some diplomats?”

“How kind, Lady Morgana,” you said before turning to Sir Allard, “Won’t you excuse me?”

“If you find yourself in need of company.” He waved his hand into an over exaggerated bow before walking off.

You anticipated it would be an hour or so before food was served, and a large part of you hoped Morgana didn’t use all of it to introduce you to countless viscounts and barons. You were confused as to why she was doing you such a great favor when she had been so short with you earlier, but you realized that it was a good deed she was doing for you.

“Viscount Cadby, meet Princess Y/n of Cenred. Princess, meet Viscount Cadby of Camelot,” She said as Cadby took your hand and kissed it. You were surprised wrinkles hadn’t started to form across your knuckles thanks to all of the saliva from the mens’ kisses.

“What a great pleasure,” He said, his brown hair stricken through with grey and lines defining themselves around his eyes and mouth.

“The pleasure—” You were cut off when the viscount began speaking again.

“I have heard,” He paused to look you up and down, making you remarkably uncomfortable. During his pause, you noticed a figure walk up to his right. Your eyes flitted over to see Prince Arthur coming to listen in on the conversation. Out of the corner of your eye, you saw Morgana smile at him. “I’ve heard that you are the most beautiful woman in these parts, that you are the fairest woman to be beheld!” His voice rose with each word in his statement, bringing a blush to your cheeks.

“That is very kind, sir, but—” You tried to silence him, especially while he was gaining more and more attention.

“No! Now that I have seen you with my own eyes there is no disputing it. It very well may be witchcraft, your beauty!” He roared with laughter, while the rest of us stared on in shock. It was no secret magic of any sort wasn’t tolerated in Camelot or any of their allied kingdoms.

“Sir. I must ask you to lower your voice,” you said, taking a step forward, your eyebrows creased in concern.

“Do you not know the legend?” He asked, grabbing your arm. You looked helplessly to Morgana who was stifling a laugh. Over Morgana’s shoulder you saw your mother look up at you. To your credit, though, he did lower his voice considerably.

By now your smile had faded and you hoped for any sort of end to the conversation you were having.

“Fairest, fairest, fairest girl, lovely like the moon, Stars crossed, impossible love. The perfect girl, with a laugh like bells, becomes a perfect queen. The flawed boy, with a dependable sword, the once and future king. Between them stands a group of five, will—they—survive.” The viscount’s eery song made you shiver under his stare. You were sure that fear danced in your eyes but you worked to keep a straight face.

“Princess? Why don’t I show you the gardens?” Arthur’s voice broke through a silence that hung between just the viscount and yourself.

Though an unexplainable fear had settled itself in the pit of your stomach you found yourself mumbling, “Splendid,” while turning and walking away from Cadby’s grip.

Prince Arthur fell into step beside you as he guided us outside. You forced your smile to return as you nodded at those you passed.

“Viscount Cadby is not the best with first impressions, I’m afraid,” Arthur said, turning toward you slightly, “Or second, or third impressions, if I am completely honest.”

You breathed an involuntary laugh as you looked sideways at the Prince. His smile was wide and white in the moonlight.

“Certainly not the best at making one feel comfortable,” he continued.

“No,” you said, able to keep your voice steady, “The feeling that he instilled was not settling.”

“I apologize.” He sounded sincere.

“No need. If anyone is exchanging formalities, I should be thanking you,” you said, hoping he would see your genuine thanks. “I don’t know what I would have done—how long I would have stood there like a mindless fool—had you not stepped in.”

“The viscount has a habit of speaking of magic and legends. In truth, I am surprised my father hasn’t taken his head.”

You were silent as the mention of legend caused the one you’d just heard to repeat in your head.

“Princess?” Arthur asked, stopping and looking concerned. You stopped with him and looked up from the ground.

“Yes?” You realized why he had such an odd expression when you released the furrowed muscles in your forehead. “Sorry. I—I suppose I’m not used to mention of such things.”

“Do your villagers not speak of old tales and legends in Cenred?” His voice was very skeptical as he questioned you.

“I wouldn’t know. The farthest I venture from our castle is to the stable, directly adjacent.” You admitted. You took a step forward, hoping he would follow—which he did.

“Your father has told me of your siblings. Who else occupies your days if you do not leave your castle?”

“My maids and tutors,” your voice was quiet as you realized how lonesome your life must seem.

You were both quiet as you continued to walk.

“I—I’m sorry. I have to ask. Do you suppose the viscount thought that I was the girl from the legend?” You asked stopping us once again.

When your eyes met Arthur’s you saw one side of his mouth turn up. “I wouldn’t worry if he thought so or not. Legends are not real.”

“Of course.” You said. You stood in the path facing each other for a while without saying a word. Your mind repeated the off-key song over and over in your head while you stood there. Suddenly, the start of trumpets sounding ripped the melody from you. You turned your head in the direction of the castle, as if to check if the trumpets were real.

“I suppose that means the feast has officially begun,” Arthur stated. You nodded before walking back to where you came from. Arthur jogged a step or two to catch up with you but soon fell into stride again.

Once inside, you took your seat next to your mother. She refused to look at you until the food was set in front of us and King Uther commenced the meal.

“I sincerely hope you will thank the prince for removing you from the embarrassing situation with the viscount.” She said, under her breath.

“Already done, Mother,” you responded in the same manner. The rest of the meal was silent as you watched others have lively conversations. The seat next to you was empty, for which you were grateful, saving you from polite, yet painful, conversation.

Uther, Arthur, Morgana, and your father sat at the head table, with your mother and you in the seats nearest to them at the table to the left. An identical table was across from us, forming a box-like “u” shape, seating people on the outside of it.

By the time the main meal was brought out you had resorted to scanning the line of people, quizzing yourself on their names and kingdoms. By the time you reached the end, you were quite proud of yourself for you had not missed one person. Suddenly it dawned on you that one person was missing—Viscount Cadby.

You searched the room again but it was fruitless; he was no where to be found. You were relieved when you realized that he was not there to cause another scene. Breathing in through your nose, you focused on your chicken.

A thunderous laugh startled you as the servants brought out cake. You looked up to see your father slapping Uther on the shoulder while Uther tried to catch his breath. You smiled to yourself to see your father so happy. You allowed your eyes to wander once more, this time landing on Arthur.

His eyes darted around the room before he leaned back and waved to his manservant. The boy, no older than the prince, leaned down and listened to Arthur before whispering something back to him. You watched as Arthur processed whatever information the boy had given him; then you met his eyes as they moved to you. You were confused by the shock and sorrow they seemed to hold.

You smiled at him before a maid came to take your plate, forcing you to turn your attention to her. When you looked back, he was whispering to the boy again.

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Keep Reading: Part 5; Part 6

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@hellboundblogger

#Arthur pendragon x female!reader #Arthur pendragon x reader #merlin #bbc merlin #slow burn #friends before lovers trope #arthur pendragon #fanfiction #arranged marriage #love #king arthur #arranged pt. 1 #arranged pt. 2 #arranged pt. 3

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fandoms-consume-me · 6 years

Text

Arranged Pt. 3 (Arthur Pendragon x female!reader)

Sorry it took so long to get the next installment up. I’ve been so busy but I’m going to try to do better!

Warnings: light verbal abuse; angst

Characters: Reader (Y/N), Arthur Pendragon, Uther Pendragon, Lady Morgana, & several OCs (including but not limited to: Princess Dulcina, Viscount Cadby, King Pellinore, and Queen Aethelgyth)

Pairings: Arthur Pendragon x female!Reader; Arthur Pendragon x Princess Dulcina (forced)

Word Count: 462

Catch up: Part 1; Part 2

Skip ahead: Part 4; Part 5; Part 6

……………………………………………………………

“Mother?” You called as you knocked on her door.

“Enter,” She said, barely audible from the other side of the thick wooden door.

“You wanted to see me?”

“Yes. I’ve been told that you admitted to gossiping today?” She appeared like she might’ve choked on the words, or thrown up in her mouth from disgust.

“Not exactl-”

“No!” She exclaimed, jumping out of her seat along the far wall, “I asked you to act like a lady! And this is how you do that? I just needed one month, or two, of cooperation from you, and you cannot handle that.”

We sat in silence as she fumed. You hadn’t thought about the implications of asking about Dulcina. Several moments later she spoke.

“Tomorrow the carriage will bring us both back home.”

“Mother.”

“I am your Lady Mother, and you will treat me as such!” She nearly yelled. “Why don’t you simply do as you’re told?”

“Mother, please. It’s not as if I admitted to scandal. The maids down in the kitchen-”

“Of course you’ve been down in the kitchen!” Now she was yelling, “You can’t keep from blurring your lines, something I should have taught you years ago. People who wear crowns do NOT associate with those who don’t. The lowest we go is if they have a title in front of their name. Otherwise you are not to speak to them. Do you understand?” She didn’t wait for a response before she continued, “Pack your trunks. We leave at dawn.”

You hurried out of the room with a curtsey. Once the door shut tightly behind you, you let out a breath you didn’t even know you were holding, and, without your permission, the deep breathes turned into dry sobs. After a second you were able to collect myself; mentally you started building a wall, trying to remember the crushing in your chest your mother had just made you feel so that you could protect myself against it.

“Kinsey? What are you doing out here? You must be getting ready for the feast tonight,” Your father said as he approached. You smiled faintly at the nickname but that was all you could muster.

“What’s that matter?” He asked.

“It appears this night will be my last in Camelot,” you explained, your voice level.

“Your mother?” He asked. You nodded in response. “Don’t do a thing but get ready for the feast. She cannot take you away from here without my order, and I will not give it.”

“Thank you, Papa,” you said, wrapping your arms around his neck and feeling his wrap around your waist.

“You’re not done learning, Kinsey.” He said into your hair. “One day you are going to be a queen, and I will not send you into the world without a few pieces of knowledge.”

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Keep Reading: Part 4; Part 5; Part 6

#Arthur pendragon x reader #Arthur pendragon x female!Reader #merlin #bbc merlin #fanfiction #friends before lovers trope #slow burn #arranged marriage #arranged pt. 1 #arranged pt. 2 #arranged pt. 3

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fandoms-consume-me · 6 years

Text

Arranged Pt. 2 (Arthur Pendragon x female!Reader)

Warnings: None so far…it’s a slow burn so steer clear if you don’t like ‘em

Characters: Reader (Y/N), Arthur Pendragon, Uther Pendragon, Lady Morgana, & several OCs (including but not limited to: Princess Dulcina, Viscount Cadby, King Pellinore, and Queen Aethelgyth)

Pairings: Arthur Pendragon x female!Reader; Arthur Pendragon x Princess Dulcina (forced)

Word Count: 2,184

Catch up: Part 1

Skip ahead: Part 3; Part 4; Part 5; Part 6

*Here’s my inspiration for the dress in this part!

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“Miss?” A servant asked, trying to wake you.

“Hmm,” was your only response.

“Your father, King Pellinore, has requested that you meet him in the castle’s gardens,” She whispered, as you had not yet opened your eyes.

“When?” You mumbled.

“Now, M’lady.” Her smile was apologetic as you finally opened your eyes.

“I will be there as soon as I get dressed.” You blinked. She seemed slightly confused but began bustling around, trying to find all of your things, still packed away.

“What’s your name?” You asked.

“M’lady?”

“Your name?”

“Lavina,” She replied finally, looking extremely confused.

“That’s a beautiful name,” You replied, trying to figure out how to tell her that you dress myself. “I’m sure that you have twenty other things to do by days end, Lavina. Please, you must go do them. I am perfectly capable to dress myself today.”

“M’lady? Would you like me to fetch Gaius?” She seemed concerned as you smiled politely at her.

“No. Please do not fetch him. I feel completely healthy. I’m used to dressing myself is all,” you tried to convince her that you wasn’t mentally unstable. “Back in Cenred, my maids told me that if I did not know how to dress myself then I might as well just be their doll, for dolls let others dress them… I didn’t want to be a doll.”

“As you wish,” Lavina curtsied with a smirk on her face as she left the room.

You stretched before you planted your feet firmly on the ground and stood up. You knew exactly where your maids had packed your favorite dress and went right to it, pulling out the floor length gown. As you tightened the laces, you smiled; the fabric was so smooth, and the pattern was unbelievably intricate, swirling gold through the shimmering red silk.

The golden shoes that went with it made you just tall enough so that the hem didn’t drag, but not so tall that you towered over everyone. In reality, it would be extremely difficult to find a shoe that made you that tall. You had such a small frame that it wouldn’t be a stretch if your maids actually did use you as a doll.

When you had pulled your hair into a braid, you placed your tiara skillfully in the weaves, making sure that it would not fall out. Your neck was decorated with a slight golden chain accented with red rubies, a brilliant match to the earrings that hung from your ears.

You took one more look at myself in the mirror and sighed before marching out to figure out where the gardens were.

{-}

The gardens weren’t that hard to find, just a few turns and flights of stairs. You walked into the bright sun with a smile, finding your father by the roses. Next to him was Uther and who you assumed to be his heir.

“My King,” you said with a curtsy when you stopped next to your father. He smiled at you and put his hand on your shoulder to turn you to the other men.

“King Uther, a pleasure to see you,” you said, curtsying before allowing him to take your hand and place a polite kiss to the top of it.

“Always my pleasure, Princess Y/n,” his smile was wide as he turned to the other man, “Have you met my son, Y/n?”

“I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure,” your own smiled flitted with your eyes to the other man, not entirely noticing him. You could tell that your father was proud of your effort to be a lady, but he could see right through your smile. He knew you would much rather be in bed, or in the stables.

“Well then, we must have a proper introduction!” Uther practically scared you out of your skin with his exclamation. You nearly scolded him for being so jubilant this early in the morning, but your manners kept you mute.

“Princess Y/n, meet my son, Prince Arthur of Camelot. Arthur, meet Princess Y/n of Cenred.”

When you finally turned to the prince you were slightly shocked. He had an unreadable look on his face, like someone had told him to think of cotton or a rock, as if his mind was totally blank. Yet he looked nothing like Uther. Slight features gave him away if you looked closely enough— his jaw was square, like Uther’s, and his shoulders seemed to carry a little more weight than the average man—but the resemblance was not obvious.

“Pleased to meet you, your Grace,” Arthur said with a bow.

“Y/n, please,” You said as you returned his gesture. “Though I am delighted to make your acquaintance, Prince Arthur.”

You continued to try to read him as you turned to your fathers. His eyes were dark, making it almost difficult to tell if they were blue or not. You noted that he was also in red; the cape that draped behind his was a piercing scarlet, contrasting to his blonde hair, catching in the sunlight. By the time you returned to his eyes, you noticed them dart from you back to the conversation the two kings were having in front of us. Still, his face told you nothing about what sort of person he was.

“Y/n? Your thoughts?” your father asked as he turned to you. You smiled and ducked your head slightly, sure that it would please him enough. No need to draw attention to the fact that you hadn’t heard the question.

“Of course! You’re absolutely right. We must go for a lunch in the fields before the diplomacy starts.” Uther said.

“Father, I have to train with the knights today,” Arthur said, sounding apologetic yet relieved for having an excuse.

“Son, you can skip one day of training. For any reason, if not to be rude to our guests,” Uther scolded under his breath. You glanced at your father, who had suddenly become very interested in the roses next to him.

“Please, your Majesty, I assure you we take no offense. I’ve heard of the magnificence of the Knights of Camelot and I’d hate to deprive them of training.” You said, gently. “Now, I have heard a rumor,” your sweet smile changing to be slightly mischievous, “Although it is not proper, I couldn’t help but overhear some whisperings about a Princess Dulcina coming for a visit.”

“This is true, my dear,” Uther confirmed as you walked in between your father and Arthur to take his arm and walk with him around the garden.

“You know, Dulcina and I have been known to make quite a pair,” You told him.

“I did not know that. Have you met her often in the past?”

“She is one of my dearest friends outside of my own lands!”

“That will be a delight for you both.”

“Most definitely.” We walked in silence for a moment, allowing the sun to warm your skin before you decided that it was getting uncomfortable.

“May I ask her reason for visiting?” You hedged.

“I don’t believe that will be necessary,” he replied, crushing any chance you might have had to discover the reason behind her visit. “She arrives in a week, though.”

“It will be an occasion to remember, I am sure,” You replied. You stopped us in front of the castle, wanting to be alone after putting on such a great show. You felt you needed a reward for such a long conversation. “If you don’t mind, I thought I might go instruct the maids as they tidy my chambers. I can be so particular about my clothes.”

“As women are,” he replied, gesturing for you to go inside.

{-}

Pellinore watched as his daughter walked away with his best friend.

“She’s quite astonishing, my girl,” He said to the young prince as he came to stand next to him. “Y/n has always been excellent at keeping the peace— at parties, anywhere really. She settles any sort of discontentment without question.”

Arthur stood, watching his father walk away with…one of the most insufferable lady-like ladies he had ever met. Yet she had just saved him from an unbearable picnic that would have consisted of statesmanship and pointless conversation with strangers.

“She must be very good at it,” Arthur commented.

“Yes, she is.” Pellinore patted Arthur on the shoulder before turning and wandering farther into the garden, leaving the prince to decide what he thought of his daughter.

By the time Arthur walked away, both kings and the princess were long out of sight. Though slightly late for his training, he had decided that no human should be that perfect. Not even the Princess Y/n.

{-}

“I don’t know dear,” one of the maids said to you as you peeled the apple in your hand, “It has all been very hush, hush. Dulcina and her mother have visited before, several times actually, once last year even.”

“But Noletha, you must know something!” You whined.

“I’ve told you everything, your—Y/n,” she finished. You had told her to call you Y/n but it was proving difficult for her to break so many years of habit. The gold of your dress shimmering every time you moved didn’t help to make her forget that you were about twenty-six stations above her in the social hierarchy.

“Done!” You exclaimed, putting the twelfth apple in the bucket.

“Do they have you in the kitchens in Cenred?” Noletha asked skeptically. “I’ve hardly got half of mine done and this is my job!”

“No, I do spend a lot of time in our kitchens though. your maids have taken care of me for almost my entire life. Your mom and dad are hardly ever in the castle long enough to raise a child. Though I’ve heard that I had it better than most. At least my parents were around at all, right?”

“Well, you are welcome down here any time, m’lady!” She announced before turning to the chopping board and slicing up all of the apples you’d peeled.

“Princess Y/n?” A voice called from down the corridor.

“Yes, Merry?” You called back, recognizing the voice as one of the many from the late morning in your chambers. Getting up and waving to Noletha, you went to meet her half way. Somehow, though, she was in the kitchen before you could stand all the way up.

“How is it, your high-” your glare made her correct herself, “Y/n, that you know nearly all of the servants’ names by now? You’ve hardly been in the castle for a day!” Merry’s bewilderment made you smile.

“I suppose I’m just good with names,” you chuckled. “You wanted me for something?”

“Yes. Your mother requests your presence in her chambers…immediately.”

“Of course,” you paused in the archway leading to the stairwell before turning back, “How do you think I will apologize for sleeping through our arrival?” You asked putting your forehead in your hands.

“Oh, dear, you will be just fine. You couldn’t help it at all and her highness will realize that!” Noletha said, making you nearly calm.

“Do you really believe that?” You asked.

“Probably not, but, sweetheart, it’s all about if you forgive yourself.” You groaned, which earned a laugh from the maids listening in.

“Here. Take this cookie, fresh from the oven, to calm your nerves,” one of the chefs said to you, offering you a warm circle that smelled strongly of cinnamon.

“You are all too good to me, and you hardly even know me!” You said as you turned, taking a bite out of the cookie before you’d taken a step. The cinnamon danced over your tongue earning another groan and a compliment called over your shoulder.

You kept your eyes on your cookie as you walked down the hall to the stairs, thinking you were alone as you devoured it. Your thoughts were very, very wrong.

“I’d tell her you were tired.” A voice said from in front of you. When you looked up, you were met by a smirking Prince Arthur.

“Pardon?”

“To apologize. I think that being tired is a pretty good excuse.” He suggested with a shrug.

“You’ve been standing here long enough to hear all that?” You asked, surprised he would come down to the kitchen at all.

“I wasn’t exactly planning on it, but it was slightly amusing.”

“Huh,” You raised your eyebrows at him. He was no longer in his cape, looking less official but no less intimidating as he now towered over you, perched on the third stair up.

“What?”

“People don’t typically find my friendliness toward staff ‘amusing’ is all,” You smiled. “It’s more of an insult in their minds, really, that I’d spend my valuable time with such low life.” You waited for an answer but did not get one.

“I really must be going up to my mother’s chambers, if you don’t mind,” You finally said. But again, he offered no answer, just a gesture for you to pass him on the steps. You curtsied as you passed him, which he returned with a bow of his head.

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Keep Reading: Part 3; Part 4; Part 5; Part 6

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More to come! Lemme know what you think!

#arthur pendragon x reader #Arthur pendragon #bbc merlin #merlin #fanfiction #friends before lovers trope #arranged marriage #merlin fanfiction #slow burn #love #king arthur #arranged pt. 1 #arranged pt. 2

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fandoms-consume-me · 6 years

Text

Arranged Pt. 1 (Arthur Pendragon x female!Reader)

Hey! I have never, ever written anything and shared it so this is sort of a huge deal for me (kinda nervous). I would absolutely LOVE feedback if ya got any -- let me know what I'm doing wrong and right--all that good stuff ;)

So this one is mostly original plot-wise. I drew inspiration from other fan fictions I've read and from BBC’s Merlin (obviously). I don’t really know how many parts this’ll be. Right now I enjoy writing it so I’ll continue to do so until I run out of story or I get bored with it!

(Disclaimer: I own neither screenshots nor characters from BBC’s Merlin. I am not profiting off of this writing in any way.)

Warnings: None so far...it’s a slow burn so steer clear if you don’t like ‘em

Characters: Reader (Y/N), Arthur Pendragon, Uther Pendragon, Lady Morgana, & several OCs (including but not limited to: Princess Dulcina, Viscount Cadby, King Pellinore, and Queen Aethelgyth)

Pairings: Arthur Pendragon x female!Reader; Arthur Pendragon x Princess Dulcina (forced)

Word count: 1,149

Skip ahead: Part 2 ; Part 3 ; Part 4; Part 5; Part 6

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“Father, this is not natural!” You complained to your parents as they walked out of the castle, you trailing behind like a child. “Mother, please, tell father that people’s lives should not be traded and bartered.”

“I do hope you are getting all of this out of your system now,” your mother scolded, “because this will not be tolerated once we arrive in Camelot.”

“Mother!” You exclaimed. We were to negotiate the exchange of servants and serfs for land with Camelot. Cenred was always looking for more dealings with Camelot, no matter how insignificant, as your father believed that more communications with King Uther would strengthen our alliance.

“In, dear,” Your father said as the servant opened the door to the carriage. He mounted his horse while your mother climbed in behind you.

“Don’t ride too fast, Pellinore, we won’t keep up,” Your mother said before allowing the servant to close the door. She sat across from you with her head held high; her jeweled crown rested on her head.

As we sat in silence you could feel her disapproval radiating off of her. You knew she hated that you had a mind of your own; she hated that you had to speak out against your father. But you also knew that she agreed with you. Whenever you speak up she seems like a weight is lifted off of her shoulders.

“Mother, you know that this dealing is not moral. It is simply—”

“This is not up for discussion. One more word and you will have no choice but to accept one of the many marriage proposals sent to you,” She threatened. You outwardly flinched at the thought of marrying a man simply looking for a trophy wife. “And I know how you feel about arranged marriages, so if I were you, I would drop it.”

“Yes, ma’am.” You muttered, defeated.

“Now, speak clearly.” Your mother ordered. “Remember to act like a lady because if you mess this up, not only will you bring shame to me for having raised you, you will ruin this for your father. I know you care about both of us, just…for the love of God Almighty, remember your manners.”

“As you wish, Mother.” You raised your voice just enough for it to be heard but not so much that it was offensive—just as you’d been taught your entire life.

“There’s a good girl,” she smiled softly and nodded in approval. Your parents listened to you at home. They took your concerns and thoughts seriously, for the most part, but whenever we left the palace walls you suddenly became a child.

You figured you had a two day carriage ride to pout about it and then you would act like a lady. For your father. And when you became a ruler, then you would change things, make them the way they ought to be. You stared out the window at the passing trees and the occasional traveler on the road. Eventually, your eyes fluttered shut and you fell asleep to the peaceful rocking of the carriage.

{-}

“My darling,” your mother cooed as she jostled your shoulder, “Dear, we’re here. We’re in Camelot.”

Her voice filtered through your ears as if you were underwater, sleep drowning out any noises as you had hardly slept the night prior. The wolves in the woods kept you on edge, forcing you to sit by the dying embers of the fire and pretend not to hear them.

Somewhere in your subconscious, you were telling yourself to get up. You needed a second to wake up and straighten your hair. But the rest of your brain was completely dead.

A few feet in front of you, your mother sighed. She was used to this by now. The dirt and grass road changed to stone as we entered the city, the wheels making a noise so loud it would seem as though they were screaming. Though you knew the curtains were closed over the windows, you could vaguely hear the bustling of the market as we passed. The people “ooh”ed and “aww”ed over the posh exterior of the carriage and the fine horses that pulled it.

“Pellinore!” You heard Uther rumble from the steps as we slowed, presumably in front of the castle.

“Uther, my friend!” Your father called back. You could hear their excited mumblings through your sleep as they embraced each other. “Who is this strapping young man?” Your father’s voice grew louder, and your subconscious begged for you to wake up. You knew that they would open the door any moment.

“You remember my son, Arthur,” Uther said in a voice that suggested that they had met several times.

“That cannot be him!” Your father replied, genuinely surprised.

“Of course it is, Pellinore! Can’t you see the resemblance?” Uther chuckled.

“I believe the last we met, you were but twelve years old!” Some leather patted against leather—a handshake perhaps?

“Yes, sir. I couldn’t have been more than twelve.” A new voice answered.

“Darling. Wake. Up. Now!” Your mother hissed, interrupting your eaves dropping. Again, you could not.

“Well, I’ve brought along my wife and eldest daughter, if that is alright,” You heard your father right outside the carriage. “We think it’s time to educate my daughter how women act on diplomatic visits.”

“Splendid!” Uther encouraged, just as the door was opened.

“Ladies?” Your father asked.

“Pellinore,” Your mother said in a hushed voice as your father presumably came into view. You could tell that she would smile at the King and his son in front of her as she paused. “Your daughter seems to have nodded off.” She said, her voice growing father away as she climbed out of the carriage.

“Has she now?” Your father asked, his voice smoothly covering his agitation.

“She has been sleeping for the past several hours, I’m not quite sure how the girl can still be tired,” She said, now it seemed more to the men in front of her.

“Has she been asleep that long?” Uther asked. “Is she unwell?”

“I can assure you she is not, Uther, you needn’t worry.” Your father assured him. “She doesn’t sleep well in the woods. Fear of wolves, I believe she has told me.” You could tell that now he was waving to one of our men, to bring in the trunks.

“Impossible to wake her up, you see.” He explained further.

“Well, if she finds herself in need of remedies, our physician, Gaius, is excellent with herbs.”

“Thank you, Uther.”

“Shall you get settled in, then?” Arthur proposed.

“Great idea,” your mother said. You heard hushed conversation outside the window after a moment, and then the carriage rocked under your father’s weight. His arms slid under your back and legs before he lifted you out of your seat. The familiar rock of his arms lulled you to sleep even more as he carried you into Camelot’s castle.

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Keep Reading: Part 2; Part 3; Part 4; Part 5; Part 6

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