“There is the possibility that we could initiate a polygamist relationship between the three. However, the Welsh and the Britons are not too keen on that. A secret marriage would also be possible but again, an affair is frowned upon.” Merlin said.

“Then that only leaves the possibility of giving an alternative wedding proposal to the Welsh. I hear that the Welsh King has no wife and if you were willing then we could offer you to him.” Merlin offered.

“I have no real blood relations to Arthur so I doubt that that proposal would work. Since mother Ramus died there has been no one with real blood relations to Arthur.” Rhea stated.

“Then I will discuss the issue with the ambassador and hopefully we can find some form of resolution that would allow them to help us without marriage. If I cannot then we will have to deal with it a different way.” Merlin said with a bow before leaving.

“Damn him. Had he known what I just told her to do then I might have been hanged.” Rhea said to herself as soon as he left.

* * *

Having said his peace to Rhea, Merlin walked out to the well outside. Rather than drawing water from it he jumped down into it. The moment he hit the water he shot out of a pond in the middle of a strange forest that glowed a vibrant green and blue. A large cottage with an overhanging balcony that covered a metalsmiths workplace.

“Freya! Are you here?” Merlin called out.

A young woman in her early twenties with more muscles than most men walked out of the cottage covered in soot. She had long brown hair with brown eyes and wore a sleeveless dress that went down a little past her knees. Hanging around her neck was what looked like a pair of primitive goggles. Upon seeing Merlin she ran up to him and gave him a hug that made him feel like he couldn’t breathe.

“Okay, Merlin. What took you so long?” she asked.

“I have been busy helping run a kingdom.” Merlin said as he hugged her back.

“Well you were supposed to be back here last night for some us time.” she whispered in his ear sensually. He seemed a little excited from that but quickly cleared his throat.

“I need your help for something.” he said, changing the subject. She huffed a little but listened.

“Would you be willing to scare someone bad enough that they would want to help the Britons but not want to force a marriage?” he asked.

“Sounds like fun but for what purpose?” she asked.

“Arthur is being forced to marry the Welsh princess in order to receive their aid in our fight against the Saxons. However, he wishes to marry Morgana.” he explained.

“So you want him to have a happy marriage? I must say that you spoil him too much.” Freya said.

“Perhaps, but I can’t help but see him like a son of sorts. I also know that he would do the same for me.” Merlin said.

She sighed and went over to her smithing station for a moment. Looking around she grabbed a few things and put them in a box. Merlin watched as she did, unsure of what exactly she was doing. Once she had everything she could think of in said box the brought it over with ease and gave it to Merlin who struggled to hold it up.

“I want you to get those repaired for me. Then I’ll do it.” she said before giving him a kiss on the cheek.

“I kind of need it done tonight.” he replied.

“Then I’ll do it but I assume that you’ll still get those repaired for me.” she said.

“Of course.”

“Oh, but I can’t promise that it’ll work. If the ambassador is more afraid of his King than he is of me then it will not work.” she said.

“It’s still better than nothing. I’ll reward you with something better than some repaired tools whether it works or not.” he said with a flirtatious smile.

“Okay then, how about three days with just me and you alone.” she replied with a seductive tone.

“I’ll give you a full week.” he replied with the same flirtatious tone.

“You should probably get back to work. I’ll handle the ambassador for you so don’t worry.” she said before pushing him into the pond. Rather than appearing out of the well outside he fell out of a large wash basin inside of the castle. Tools clattered everywhere as he landed with a thud.