The Knight’s Oath: Nights in Camelot

By Lexi Ostrow

Gwen foiled Morgana's attempts to destroy Camelot, but the sorceress hasn't been beaten.

 

Gwen has embraced the wild card life threw at her and stayed in Camelot after foiling Morgana's partnership with the dragons. With every passing day, she finds herself falling hard for the three most important men in Camelot. Merlin, Lancelot, and Arthur each represent something she's longed for, and Gwen isn't ready to leave Camelot until she knows her heart.

 

Her secret trysts threaten to destroy the bond the three men share.

 

A neighboring kingdom's request changes everything. Training with Merlin to hone her magic couldn't be the only answer. Magic training alone wouldn't turn Gwen into the hero she needed to be.

 

Battle training with Lancelot would. 

 

Morgana isn't done threatening the kingdom. Nor is she only targeting Camelot. Gwen isn't ready to fight the woman, but she does feel confident enough to join Lancelot on a quest - away from Merlin and Arthur.

 

Gwen isn't ready to choose. 

She is ready for the journey of strength.

Gwen must choose between magic or might to save Camelot again.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lexi Ostrow
• Release date: Nov 27, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215550960

Lexi Ostrow

USA Today Bestselling Author Lexi Ostrow has been in love with the written word since second grade when her librarian started a writing club. Born in sunny southern California she's spent time in various places across the country thanks to her husband's USCG career. Now, she's also mom to a far too adorable toddler, and a menagerie of pets, spinning fantastical worlds whenever she gets the opportunity. Lexi has been a writer ever since the second grade in some form or another. Getting her degree in creative writing and her master's in journalism she couldn't wait to get a chance to put her fantasies down on paper.  From paranormal romance to thriller there isn't a genre she doesn't love to spend her time reading or writing. With her BA in creative writing from UCR and her MA in multi-media Journalism from Emerson College, she's ready to take on the literary world one novel at a time. Reading and writing are her first loves, but her passion for shopping, love for yummy food and her love for all her many pets are not far behind. Lexi is an enthusiast Whovian and DC Comic Show lover who isn't afraid to talk someone's ear off about them. She hopes to one day help other readers fall in love with writing as she did.

Book preview

Chapter One

The setting sun seemed to frame the party in a magical glow. She could hear the faint clop of the horses’ hooves against Camelot’s lush meadow. Or at least, she believed she could with the men so close in sight.

Gwen stared from her spot on the castle roof, squinting her eyes to try to see through the magic of the end of another day. She could no more make out which man sat atop which horse than she could determine which horses rode toward Camelot.

Her fingers bit into the warmed stone and she leaned forward.

If only a certain sorcerer had taught me a spell to sharpen my vision. The bitter thought was not the first she’d had since Merlin vanished from Camelot, tasked with a mission not even she could pry from Arthur’s lips.

Five months and all she’d succeed in doing was a handful of spells. She couldn’t get the ancient language correct on her first try, and it wasn’t just anyone in the castle who could read even English, never mind the Latin gracing the old tomes in Merlin’s tower.

Certainly, she could aid in battles more than when Morgana attacked—both times—but she hadn’t learned enough to defend herself unless Merlin was by her side. Never mind going on the offense.

And that was the problem.

Gwen didn’t know when Merlin would return. Or even if he would.

With Arthur and Lancelot on their own quests, she’d been forced to find her way in the magical kingdom. She had, with ease, but it didn’t remove the urgency she held as she watched the questing party return.

Arthur and a handful of others left just over three months ago on a mission to strengthen Camelot’s ties with surrounding kingdoms. Should Morgana return, one kingdom alone would not be enough to defeat her.

Two months later, Lancelot took the remaining knights of the round table to find their king. No one knew what the party would find, but Gwen couldn’t help but believe all three men were alive and well.

Now, she couldn’t help but hope that somewhere along the way Merlin had connected with the king and knight she sought to be home.

Five months without Merlin and three without Lancelot and Arthur only solidified what she’d already known.

She loved the sorcerer fiercely, but her connection to the knight and king were nearly as intense. Gwen could not ignore the feelings she held for the men any more than she could return home. The portal would not open again. She was trapped in Camelot, for better or worse.

The months without just Merlin were not awful. She’d found herself strengthening her connection with Lancelot. Arthur was distant, but only because he focused on protecting Camelot. On more than one occasion, he’d stepped so close to Gwen’s heart hammered in her chest, waiting for him to kiss her. Each time, he’d pulled back. He could not be distracted from Camelot, but she would be his queen when she was ready.

What he hadn’t wanted to hear was that she might never be ready. Arthur would not admit it, but Gwen believed Arthur sent Merlin away because of her feelings for the knight. If he knew she also held intense emotions for Lancelot, he’d not spoken of it. He’d left things simply with his request that she would not play with his knights.

And she wouldn’t.

She’d spent the days learning Lancelot. His kiss, his every battle scar, his mind. All it had done was draw her closer to him. They’d not made love since the cave. She honored her words to Arthur. She did not know if she’d be able to honor them if Merlin did indeed ride up to the castle.

Her heart squeezed her chest. Out of all the men, her connection to Merlin was the most visceral. It may be because his blood mingled with her own, or it could be that he’d been the first to touch her. Gwen didn’t know. She only knew the way the sorcerer set her mind on fire was second only to how her body and heart craved his.

If she’d learned anything in the men’s absence, it was how they each made her feel. Differently, but all the same.

Merlin set her mind blazing. He challenged her intellect and strengthened it all the same. He treasured her for the very things that set many men bored and ending romantic ties. When she was with him, Gwen felt as if her intelligence was to be honored, not hidden away.

Lancelot encouraged her to be brave. He didn’t treat her like a porcelain doll waiting to fall and shatter. He held her close only when she needed it, loving her only when she wanted it—with his words, his mouth, his body. Lancelot pushed her to stand up for herself, and her wants. Once he ensured she got a bath after a disastrous moment in Merlin’s tower simply by forcing her to own up to the ability to command others in the castle with her station. Gwen didn’t like overseeing others in that manner, but he forced her to accept she was worth so much more than she gave herself credit for.

Arthur, Gwen didn’t know where to begin with the man. The mere sight of him could set her body on fire. She craved his nearness, his touch, his attention. It was almost unhealthy the way she found herself desiring the king. But that’s what he gave to her. Desire. Pure, unfiltered desire to be attracted to someone for the power they held.

One made her feel brilliant. Another made her feel loved. The third made her ignite with passion.

Lady Gwendolyn, it would be best if you did not lean so far over. Bernard, a young knight in training, placed a gentle hand over her elbow. Please come down. I assure you, if our king is in that party, he will be most furious if he learns you dangled yourself over the edge.

Or perhaps he’d be delighted to know I cared so much to see who rode to us? She gave him a playful smile. Thank you for looking out for me. I believe you’re right. She let go of the stone and leaned all the way back. "I will go down to them.

A silent command and a smirk appeared on her lips.

Without any glitches, Gwendolyn’s feet lifted off the ground, the harsh stone vanishing from under her silken slippers. She loved the sensation of flying - mimicked as it was.

Using her mind, she guided herself over the side of the castle, gently down to the grass. It was plush beneath her feet, and Gwen couldn’t remember a time when Camelot wasn’t the perfect place. Even after Morgana and the dragons scorched the ground, Merlin somehow put it back together before he vanished on his important mission.

Gwen knew of spells to speed up her response time. She could easily cross the space between herself and the party, but she saw no need to. Rushing up to them could lead to great disappointment if all three did not return together.

No, as much as she wanted to rush up and throw herself into their arms, she would remain where she stood, just outside the castle gates with two knights behind her. You will also appear a great deal more dignified. Gwen snuffed, not certain if she truly cared about remaining dignified. She did, however, care about the fact that if all three were there, she’d make an instinctual choice that the others would read into. No, it was best to hold her ground and wave from her post like a dutiful woman of means.

Her heart seemed to beat in triplicate in her chest – not faster – just one for each face she hoped to make out as the party rode closer.

Neighs and whinnies from the horses became audible, but not the riders. One, two, three.

Gwen counted eight in total. Which meant either these men were not all those from three expeditions or there were fatalities.

Don’t think about that right now.

Camelot did not hold a clear time frame in her history, but it was similar enough to the medieval ages. Men went to war and on quests all the time and did not come back.

But magic did not exist. She sucked in a lungful of air and forced it slowly out, a small opening between her lips.

Gwendolyn, Merlin’s voice was in her ear a moment later, his arms wrapping around her a second later.

Merlin, she cried, throwing her arms around his neck and tugging him close, a sudden rush of tears tracking down her cheeks.

The moment I saw you, I needed to get to you. Merlin’s words were a breath of warmth against her ear.

And her heart.

Then you are going to ignore Arthur’s warning?

I am going to do what you signal me to do.

Gwen wanted nothing more than to press her lips against his and get lost in the magic their bodies created. She couldn’t. Not yet.

Are they there? She released her hands around his neck and turned to face the coming men.

Lancelot is. Arthur is not. He is well, or I would have returned sooner. He is merely being stubborn at the moment.

She blew out a breath she hadn’t realized she’d held.

And Lancelot is well?

Still a glory seeking arse, if that’s what you mean. Merlin’s lips quirked slightly before he swayed on his feet.

Gwen reached out, wrapping her arm around his forearm. How much magic have you used recently?

Merlin’s laugh was gruff. More than I should have, but I needed to see you first. Alone. He pulled away from her hold. I am not weak.

No, but you will go lay down and recharge your magic. Now. Gwen narrowed her eyes, curious if the stubborn man would listen or fight.

I am not weak.

He’s worried I’ll be more intrigued by someone who returns strong. She scoffed. You will take your adorable ass up that tower and recharge. I will not see or speak to you—or return for proper training—until you do so. You are the strongest man I know. You stand with men who use deadly force in battles, both with your magic and without, when it is needed. Go rest. Her hand trailed over his cheek, trying to lessen her harshness.

You drive a hard bargain. We will see one another. I swear it.

Oh, we certainly will. I have not even gotten to speak my mind on how you vanished without so much as a goodbye nearly half a year ago!

He had the decency to look away, but she saw the play of a smile on his lips.

And the others?

The smile faltered for a moment. They are not injured. Many will have battle aches and pains they may come to you to heal—it is a common project for me.

She nodded. Then I will do it. Your thoughts and magics need to be on yourself, Merlin. I don’t enjoy seeing you this way.

And what was that?

Nearly as pale and haggard as after we drew up the barrier. She didn’t want the image of him crashing to the ground to fill her mind, but it did. Merlin was a sorcerer, but he was not invincible. Go, rest, and then we will meet.

You wish to defy Arthur, then?

I wish to follow my heart. I am open with you about my feelings for Arthur and Lancelot. That is all I can be while I try to navigate everything.

He gave a single nod and turned toward the castle.

Gwen knew she played with fire, but she only had one life to live, and no man—no matter what they made her feel—would dictate how she lived it.

Lancelot’s body seemed to audibly groan with every step he took. His armor had long since become a part of him, but even he was not without weakness when it came to traveling months on end wearing the suit.

His body needed a reprieve from the heavy metal as much as he needed to see the woman standing before him. He’d thought of little else except Gwendolyn since he left her side. She was a unique woman and one he truly understood why his heart desired,

She sacrificed all to save his home. To save people who she’d never met. To nearly die twice at the hands of Morgana, and still, she stayed. She could have left the moment the battle was done, but she didn’t.

He knew she cared deeply for Merlin, and when he left, Gwen was a shell of herself for a few days, But when she wasn’t? She was a force to reckon with.

Watching her train in a language she didn’t speak with magic she hardly knew how to control had been exhilarating. Each and every spell she completed correctly sent a thrill through them both. He understood her hesitancy to be alone with him.

Arthur had vocally and publicly deemed her his chosen queen, and they had already fallen into bed together once before.

Still, he was her champion, and he would stand by her side through each trial of magic. When they finally touched again, weeks after the three men had essentially vied for her attention, it had been only a simple hug.

Lancelot,’ the way she said his name drew a breath from him. Gwen’s eyes met his, and all he could think of was holding her.

He held firm to his spot before her. He would not push for unwanted affection.

You’re seriously just going to stand there?

His lips quirked into a small smile, and he closed the small space between them, tugging her against him. As before, her body molded perfectly against his, the top of her head settling right under his chin. 

Some time has passed. I was uncertain you would appreciate my touch.

Her snort drew gazes from the others still dismounting.

Do not be such a man.

He chuckled. I admittedly am uncertain how to be anything else.

Her laughter rumbled against his chest, and Lancelot couldn’t remember the last time anything felt so wonderful. Except for stripping off this suit.

Would you heal me? The words came out gruff, and concern she would say no rushed over him. 

Always. She offered him her hand and smiled at him when he took it. 

Affection such as this, displayed in public, was only common during merriment. Touching her, holding her outside a tourney or banquet, went against his better judgment. 

Her hand was cold beneath his, and she slipped out of his embrace and turned to face the stone walls of the most important kingdom in all the land. 

Come with me. Her voice was level as she spoke and began to lead him back toward the castle. 

As with every return, Lancelot was immensely grateful to live to see Camelot’s sturdy walls. There was a particular thrill to the danger a quest brought, but this time, he wanted to return home for more than the glory questing brought. He wanted to continue to explore whatever feelings he and Gwen shared for one another. He’d seen her rush into Merlin’s arms moments ago, but it didn’t seem to have meant more to her than his return. If it had, she might have gone with him and not waited to see if Lancelot returned. 

Have you been well? He ignored the ache in his back that throbbed from days upon end traveling on a horse. 

Are you seriously going to use small talk? She huffed, not bothering to turn and look at him. 

I’m uncertain what small talk is, but if it ensures you’ve been well, I fully intend to. Do not forget, I saw most of your training sessions. 

It was meant to spark humor, but Gwen froze their journey.

I did not train well with all three of you gone. Every day I feared Morgana would sense the lack of protection and come for the castle. Come for me.

She will never harm you again, Lancelot jerked his arm and pulled Gwen close, wrapping her in his arms until he could be certain her heart beat at a regular pace and not with fear. I was helpless to help you after your first encounter with her, never again. He pressed a gentle kiss to her lips, relishing their gentle softness against his. And you are no longer defenseless. You have met Morgana on the field of battle and walked away victorious. She will come again. We are all certain of that. You will be in no danger. 

Knowing so many eyes in the kingdom belonged to many pairs of lips who constantly gossiped about the mysterious woman who was born of magic yet allowed in Camelot, Lancelot made a choice. Unwillingly, he released Gwen. 

Never feel like you must lay with me.  Would you prefer to just lay together? His tongue flicked out over her lips. He would continue to reassure Gwen of her safety once they were behind closed doors. 

She answered with her lips pressing against his and her hands trailing down his torso. The gentle glide of her fingers drew a moan, and his shaft swirled to full hardness. Again, such a display in public was dangerous - for them both - but he would never stop them.

Gwen, we must move this inside. Lancelot took her hand in his and pulled them both inside the castle, the ache in his back manifesting slower steps to get them to his room.

Only when the door shut behind them did he take her into his arms, but stopped a moment later. You are certain?

Thank you for caring, she pushed inside his loose breeches and ended the kiss. Gwen dragged a finger up and down his shaft. We will never let this go to waste. Let me heal you first.

A moment passed and her hands lay on his shoulders. If she cast, she did so silently. When the pain in his lower back vanished, he knew she’d learned a new skill.

Thank you. 

No more small talk.

Lancelot ground his teeth at the image of Gwen dropping to her knees. It was mere seconds before her mouth sealed around his length and slid down it, then back up.

No more small talk, his dick pulsed as he agreed.

Lancelot let his hands fist in Gwen’s hair. As she fucked him with her mouth, Lancelot used his hold to guide her speed until he could no longer control himself and used his hands to hold her off.

I’m going to fall down and finish in your mouth. Which I have no objection to but that is not where I want to come undone.

That is not where I’d prefer it, either. 

Lancelot scooped her up and walked them to the bed, laying her down as gently as he could - as he always did before going to untie the armored top.

Leave it, she ran a hand down his chest. It’s a turn on.

He didn’t understand the statement, but he knew the lustful look in her eyes. The glossy shine of amber that peeked out from lidded eyes was enough to send him running to her. Climbing over top of her, his fingers deftly swept over her center, relishing in the ready wetness from simply bringing him to his knees. Lancelot dipped a finger in and stroked in and out, ensuring she could take his girth before he’d enter.

"Lance -’ she gasped not getting his full name out.

I like that, he took her lips under his and slide his finger out. Lance, he thrust his tongue in her mouth as he drove his cock in to the hilt. 

Gwen’s thrusts were instant, hungry. He let his eyes close and focus on only the feel of her body underneath his. Lancelot knew no better way to be than driving in to the hilt and pulling out to the tip. Over and over their bodies slammed together.

Hungry and fast at first.

Frantic and passionate as the minutes went on.

Gwen’s nails raked over his back, spurring him harder into her body. His hand reached under her ass and lifted it, letting him drive in more. Lancelot grinned against her lips as she screamed his name and then dropped to kiss her neck.

With her ankles wrapped around his legs, Lancelot thrust again. Again and again until his balls tightened for half a second and he came with a shout - but never her name to protect them from Arthur.

Lance, Gwen said again, her fingers now lazily trailing over his back as their bodies moved in a slow rhythm. 

He could stay like this all day, and they had a number of times before he’d left. But not today. Not with the events of the banquet still to come.

Gwendolyn, he panted, his hips slowly to a stop.

I missed you.

Lancelot let his forehead touch hers. "And I you. Much as I would stay this way for hours, our absence will be noticed.

She nodded. Just a little longer, when her hips rolled Lancelot bit his lip as his cock stirred again. 

He wasn’t certain how he’d ever share her with Merlin home, but she came to him first - came for him first.

And that’s going to be important enough. For now.

Chapter Two

Nearly half a year. Morgana’s lips peeled back at her reflection as if she meant to hiss at herself. Despite her anger, the woman in the mirror was striking as ever, and Morgana couldn’t understand how.

She’d spent the better part of four months fleeing the dragons. They hunted her the way Arthur had hunted them. Without mercy. Without consequence.

Three towns now lay in ash. The burned victims were likely blown away on the next breeze, if not when the dragons flapped their wings and left.

Morgana was a powerful sorceress in her own right, but the dragons would eventually catch her. Like Merlin’s and Gwen’s, her magic ebbed and flowed. It was not an ever flowing fountain. She needed to heal and regain her strength from time to time.

It would be in one of those times the dragons would catch her.

Unless you secure a new ally. Snarling, her fist landed a blow on the mirror. Her blood splashed across the shards of glass as they exploded away from the gilded gold frame.

There were no allies stronger than the dragons. Arthur drove them away from Camelot when he finished with her kind because they posed the most significant threat.

No, you’ve stuck your foot in it. Morgana sighed and allowed her head to rest just above the shattered glass. Her eyes fell closed as she inhaled deeply and forced a slow exhale.

She’d returned to her castle and found what she’d feared.

Her entire staff was dead, their broken bodies littering every castle level. Yet, the beasts left the castle standing. They could have beaten their wings against it until it crumbled, but they didn’t. They left it standing, an empty shell of what it once was.

Perhaps to taunt her. Perhaps as a warning for all who traveled by that the castle belonging to the most feared woman in all the land was laid to rest.

But I’m still here, the words were a low growl, and her eyes opened. I did not die when the pair of Fae attacked me. I did not die when the dragons continued to track me down over every part of the land their wings could take them. Morgana pushed