Fic: Death Cannot Stop True Love - Part 5
Feb. 20th, 2013 12:19 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
geeklover80Part 4
Arthur knocked on his father’s door. When Uther gave him the word to enter, he opened the door quickly and didn’t give his father a chance to say one word. “Where is Gaius?”
Uther did a double take, and then looked at his son sternly. “I urge you to watch your tone, son.”
Arthur took a calming breath. “I’m sorry, father. Morgana just informed me that Gaius is no longer the court physician. It was very upsetting to here. Is there any way she heard wrong?”
Uther took off his glasses and stepped away from his desk. “I’m afraid not. I had to let Gaius go.”
“But why? Gaius has been here since before I was born. He is the man you trust more than anyone. What could have happened to change that since I’ve been gone?”
Uther sighed. “I found out that Gaius is not the man I thought I knew. I know that you were not aware of this, but before the great purge Gaius was known to have dealings with sorcerers and even practice the dark arts himself.”
Arthur blinked rapidly. “No, I didn’t know that.”
Uther nodded. “I forgave Gaius because he swore allegiance to me and said he’d never practice it again. But it has come to my attention that he still has magical artifacts in his home.”
“That doesn’t mean he’s practicing magic.”
“Gaius knows who I feel about magic and still insisted on keeping these items. But that’s not the worst of it.”
Arthur looked at his father expectantly. “What else is there?”
“I found out that the reason Balinor escaped was because Gaius aided him.”
Arthur shook his head. “No, Gaius wouldn’t…why would he have done that?”
“I don’t care about his reasons. Gaius is not a man I can trust and I cannot have a man like that holding a position in the royal house.” Uther explained, going to sit back down in his chair.
“So you sent him away? Father, please tell me you didn’t have him executed.” Arthur pleaded.
Uther narrowed his eyes at Arthur. “I can assure you I did not have him killed. He is, however, banished from Camelot.”
Arthur hung his head. “I wish it didn’t have to come to this, father. I’ve known, Gaius my entire life. He’s not a bad person.” He sighed. “I understand why you hate magic as much as you do, but perhaps there’s a better way of dealing with it then killing anyone who so much as looks at someone who possesses magic.”
Uther stood up quickly. His face contorted in rage. “How can you even think to question me after all these years?” He strode towards Arthur. “I shouldn’t have to remind you that your mother was killed by a sorcerer.”
Arthur looked at his father carefully. “But does that mean every sorcerer is evil? Can’t some of them be good?”
Uther stared at Arthur in horror. “Yes, sorcery is evil. You’ve seen that over the years. What’s happened to you? Is this because of that boy?” Uther spat.
Arthur quickly shook his head. “No.” He paused. “It’s just something that I’ve wondered. It’s hard to believe that an entire race of people is evil.”
“They are.” Uther said his voice wavering. “You cannot forget that, son. No matter you may be told. Magic is an abomination and I will continue to do whatever I must to rid Camelot of its evil once and for all.”
Arthur nodded slowly. “I trust you, father. I know that you’re doing what you believe is right.”
Arthur turned to leave. His father’s words rang in his head. He had always believed his father wholeheartedly. He trusted him more than anyone. But nothing his father had said cleared up the doubts he was having.
~*~
Over the next few weeks, Merlin and Arthur spent almost all of their time together. Arthur had Merlin watch him train his knights, and even let his knights give Merlin a few pointers with a sword. He helped Merlin get work aiding the new court physician Edwin, even though Merlin wasn’t entirely happy about the situation. He told Arthur he found Edwin to be very creepy.
Arthur also tried to keep his promise to Merlin. He had Leon asking around and seeing if anyone had seen Balinor or had talked with him. There was no luck so far. Arthur worried about Merlin. He put on a brave face, but every now and then Arthur would watch Merlin, when Merlin thought no one was paying attention and see loneliness and sadness in his eyes.
When Merlin wasn’t spending time with Arthur or working he was getting to know Gwen. She was a very sweet girl. She had a tendency to ramble and getting flustered really easy, which Merlin thought was adorable. But Merlin worried about her. He tried to not press her about the bruises around her wrists, but wondered if it was possible that someone was hurting her. He found it hard to imagine someone hurting a good person like Gwen, but he tried to keep an eye on her anyway.
~*~
Morgana found Uther on the roof of the castle one day. He was watching Arthur lead his knights in practice. She walked up to him and put her hand on his arm, smiling warmly at him. “Feeling nostalgic for your days as a knight?”
Uther smiled. “Sometimes I do miss the excitement of going into battle and the camaraderie of the knights, but this is Arthur’s time now. I’m happy to leave him to it.”
Morgana watched Arthur finish talking to his men and leave them to their sparring. He walked over to Merlin. Merlin must have made a joke or said something funny because Arthur threw his head back and laughed heartily. Morgana looked at Uther and laughed. “It is so sweet watching the way Arthur is around Merlin.”
Uther looked at her and pursed his lips. “How is Arthur with him?”
“I don’t know how to describe it. He seems happy with Merlin. He just seems like a whole new person.”
“That’s what concerns me.” He turned to Morgana. “Has Arthur said anything to you about magic?”
Morgana shook her head. “No. Arthur knows we don’t see eye to eye on the subject. Why do you ask?”
“Arthur came to me a few weeks ago and asked me if not all magic was wrong. Arthur has never questioned me like that before. Not about magic.”
“I can’t say that I’m sorry Arthur may be opening his mind on the subject. Merlin does have strong opinions about magic. It’s possible he is influencing, Arthur.”
Uther crossed his arms in front of his chest. “I can’t allow that.”
Morgana sighed. “I think Arthur’s friendship with Merlin is good for him. But if you’re so concerned you could find something, or perhaps, someone else to use to distract Arthur.”
Uther looked back down at the training ground as he pondered Morgana’s suggestion.
Morgana walked away, smiling inwardly.
~*~
Merlin examined the assorted weapons on the table by the training field. He picked up a stick with a hanging spiked ball; Arthur called it a mace, and never thought he’d seen anything look so strange. He tried to swing it around and almost impaled himself in the eye. He dropped the weapon and looked around to see if anyone else had noticed his blunder.
He spotted Leon, who hadn’t been in practice, approaching Arthur. He and Arthur moved off to the side to talk privately. Whatever Leon said caused Arthur to widen his eyes and look turned Merlin. Merlin began to feel a little uneasy. When Leon and Arthur were done talking, Arthur gathered his knights and dismissed them for the day. He walked over to Merlin. “I think there’s someone who can help find your father.”
Merlin opened and closed his mouth several times, finding it difficult to breathe. He was finally able to take a deep breath before speaking. “Arthur, I told you that my father is dead.”
“I know.” Arthur put his hand on Merlin’s shoulder. “But you don’t know that for sure. Leon talked to someone at the tavern who said they saw your father talking to a druid named Alvarr. He found out where he lives. We can go to him and maybe we can find out something and you can finally know for sure what happened.”
Merlin didn’t say anything.
“Merlin?”
Merlin looked up at Arthur and nodded slowly. “Alright.”
Arthur squeezed his shoulder before letting go. “I have to warn you though that the druids are a nasty race of people.”
“That’s not what I’ve heard. My father always said the druids were very kind.”
Arthur’s face hardened. “The druids are anything but kind. You can’t trust them. But I promise you, Merlin I will make this Alvarr tell us the truth about your father.” He walked off before Merlin could say another word.
~*~
Merlin walked through the lower town in a daze. He had finished delivering the remedies Edwin had made for various citizens around town. He couldn’t stop thinking about his father. He truly believed that his father was gone. But if this Alvarr could provide some answers to what happened to him, it would provide a small measure of relief. Merlin didn’t know how to deal with his grief properly with so many lingering questions.
Merlin’s thoughts turned to Arthur, as they so often did lately. No matter how aggravating the boy could be, Merlin was seeing more and more that Arthur had an incredibly big sweet and generous side. Arthur’s personality was a mass of contradictions and Merlin liked that unpredictability.
Merlin wondered why Arthur had become so agitated when talking about the druids. He was still thinking about this when he spotted Gwen in front of her home talking to Leon. He wasn’t aware that the two knew each other. Merlin became alarmed when he saw that Gwen’s face was contorted in fear. Leon crowded Gwen, their face mere inches apart. They were whispering something. When Leon grabbed her arm, Merlin hurriedly walked over to them.
“Hey, what’s going on?”
Gwen’s eyes were large as she stared at Merlin. She quickly wiped her watery eyes. “Nothing, Merlin. Everything’s fine.” She quickly looked up at Leon, before turning her gaze back on Merlin. “I have to get back to the Lady Morgana.” She left Leon and Merlin standing, staring at each other awkwardly.
Leon cleared his throat, not meeting Merlin’s eyes. “I have to go on patrol.” He nodded briefly at Merlin, and then left.
Merlin sighed. He had no idea what he just witnessed. Despite what he had seen, he couldn’t believe that Leon was hurting Gwen. The man was very intense and quiet, but he seemed perfectly nice. Merlin determined that he was going to have a talk with Gwen and get to the bottom of this.
~*~
Arthur took a deep breath as he knocked on Alvarr’s door. He looked at Merlin standing beside him. Merlin was wringing his hands and worrying his lip with his teeth. Arthur tried to throw him a reassuring smile, but he was too tense himself, and his mouth just formed a grim line. Arthur knocked two more times before a man with hair down to his shoulder answered the door.
He took one look at Arthur and sneered. “Your highness.” He bowed mockingly. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”
Arthur gritted his teeth. “May we come in?”
The man hesitated briefly before stepping aside.
Alvarr closed the door and Arthur took a brief glance around. He turned up his nose at Alvarr’s meager surroundings. “I’m curious what you’re doing in Camelot, Alvarr? I thought you druids preferred the woods.”
Alvarr narrowed his eyes at Arthur. “Where I live is none of your concern? How do you know who I am?”
“You were spotted at the Rising Sun talking to a man a few weeks ago. His name was Balinor.”
Alvarr’s eyes widened slightly.
“Can you tell me what you talked about or if you know where he might be?” Arthur continued.
Alvarr crossed his arms in front of his chest. “Why do you want to know?”
Arthur pointed at Merlin. Alvarr looked at him for the first time. “That’s Merlin, Balinor’s son.”
Alvarr’s eyes widened more than slightly this time. He recovered quickly, but Arthur knew that this man knew something important.
“I haven’t seen my father in weeks. I just want to know what happened to him. If you could tell me anything, I would be grateful.” Merlin pleaded.
Alvarr looked down at his feet. “I’m sorry that you can’t find your father. But I can’t help you. I only talked to the man briefly. I didn’t follow him when he left.”
“You’re lying,” Arthur said, briskly walking over and getting in Alvarr’s face.
Arthur glanced down and saw Alvarr’s hands ball into fists. “You may be the prince but you have no right to come into my home and accuse me of being a liar.”
“I can do whatever I damn well please. I know what you druids are like. You lie as easily as you breathe.”
“And I know what you Pendragon’s are like. Your father has killed innocent people to cover up for his mistakes and he will pay for that.” Alvarr growled.
Arthur grabbed his shirt roughly. “Did you just threaten your king? I could have you charged with treason.”
Alvarr pulled away from Arthur. “He’s not my king. Go ahead and have me thrown in the dungeons, execute me. I’m not afraid of you.”
Merlin pulled Arthur back. “Arthur, please let’s just go. He doesn’t know anything.”
Arthur continued to stare at Alvarr. “You don’t know that.”
“And you don’t know that he has. I’m not going to get answers about my father tonight. Please, I want to go.”
Arthur finally looked at Merlin. His anger melted away when he saw the sadness in Merlin’s eyes. He just wanted to make things better for Merlin, not worse. “Alright, we’ll go.” He turned back to Alvarr. “I would advise you to leave Camelot as soon as possible. The next time I see you, you may not like the result.”
Alvarr just stared daggers at Arthur.
Arthur followed Merlin out. The door slammed behind them.
~*~
The walk back to the castle was filled with uncomfortable silence. Arthur escorted Merlin to Merlin’s chambers. At the door he turned to leave, but Merlin grabbed his hand. “Can you come inside for a moment?”
Arthur looked down at Merlin’s hand on his, before nodding and walking in.
Merlin stared at Arthur, but didn’t know what to say.
Arthur shrugged. “I assume you want to talk about something. It’s not like you to not say what’s on your mind.”
Merlin swallowed. “I was just wondering why you hate the druids so much.”
Arthur rubbed a hand tiredly across his face. “Merlin, I can’t take about this with you.”
“Why not?”
“Because as someone with magic, you do not want to hear me say what I think about the druids.”
“Why, because you hate them because they have magic?” Merlin sat down on his bed.
Arthur moved to lean against Merlin’s cupboard. “Something like that.”
Merlin shook his head. “I don’t think that’s true. I know your father hates all magical creatures and that he’s taught you to fear them as well.”
“With good reason.” Arthur interjected.
“But Arthur, I’ve never seen you talk about anyone with magic, the way you talk about the druids. There’s something more.”
Arthur crossed and uncrossed his arms. “You don’t know me as well as you think.”
Merlin stood up and walked towards Arthur. “Yes, I do.”
Arthur looked up at him sharply.
“I know you, Arthur. You told me that your mother was killed because of a sorcerer. Was the sorcerer a druid?” Merlin quietly asked.
Arthur gulped and looked away. He didn’t say anything for a long moment and Merlin patiently waited. When Arthur looked back at him, Merlin gasped softly when he saw Arthur’s eyes brimming with tears. “My mother couldn’t conceive a child. So my father turned to a druid for help. She used magic and I was conceived. She never told my father that to create life, a life is owed in return. She knew that my mother would die and said nothing.”
Merlin inhaled deeply. He tentatively reached out and put his hands on Arthur’s shoulders. “I’m so sorry, Arthur.”
Arthur pulled away from him and stalked to Merlin’s door. “I have to go.”
“Arthur!”
Arthur left quickly. Merlin followed him. “Arthur!” Arthur didn’t acknowledge him. Merlin considered following him, but thought better of that. He decided to go to Morgana, since she knew him better than Merlin did and might be able to comfort him.
He walked through the castle, not quite sure where he was going. He always found himself getting lost. As he found himself walking through the kitchens, he was soon confronted by the large cook and chased out of there. Managing to get to the front entry way, he looked over by the door and saw Gwen leaving. She was walking at a brisk pace.
Merlin followed her outside. He saw her glance furtively around and then pull her red cloak up to hide her face. Merlin followed her at a safe distance. She walked by the local tavern and went inside. Merlin’s brow crinkled. He didn’t think the Rising Sun was the type of place Gwen frequented. Gwen soon came out, dragging Leon behind her. Leon looked slightly drunk.
Merlin became a little confused when Leon and Gwen traveled through the woods. They stopped at what looked to be a deserted cabin. Before going inside, Leon glanced around. Merlin remained hidden behind some trees. Merlin poked his head around and waited. Merlin didn’t know what was going on. But when he heard Gwen begin to scream, he ran over as quickly as he could, flinging the door open.
Leon whirled around to face him, his eyes bulging. Merlin was too shocked by what he saw before him, to pay any attention to Leon. Gwen was sitting on the floor, writhing in pain, her hands above her, restrained by shackles.
Merlin didn’t care that Leon was twice his size. He charged at the man, kicking him in the knee. Leon fell to his knees, and punched him.
“Merlin, don’t!” Gwen screamed.
Merlin didn’t listen. Leon was a bit dazed, but starting to get up. “Merlin, you don’t understand-
Not paying attention, Merlin grabbed Leon’s sword and bashed him over the head with the hilt. Leon passed out. Merlin ran to Gwen.
“Merlin, stop! Don’t come any closer!” Gwen cried.
Merlin approached her carefully. “Don’t worry, Gwen. I’m not going to hurt you.”
There were tears streaming down Gwen’s face. “But I might hurt you.”
Merlin’s brow furrowed. He didn’t have time to contemplate her words before Gwen let out a terrible scream. Her body bent forward at a horrible angle, due to the shackles. Gwen looked up at Merlin with yellow eyes.
Did Gwen have magic, too? Merlin wondered. All of his thoughts came to a screeching halt when he saw Gwen’s face start to distort and elongate horrifically. Her head fell to the floor. Gwen continued to howl. Merlin’s mouth fell open when Gwen’s body started to change grotesquely. Hair sprouted up all over her body. Gwen turned into a wolf before his very eyes. Merlin tried to fight it, but it was losing battle. He fainted.
~*~
When Merlin came to, he saw Leon petting a wolf. The wolf was sitting where Gwen had been. Merlin’s eyes bulged. The wolf was Gwen! He sprang up.
Leon swiveled around to face him. He held up his hand toward Merlin. “Merlin, calm down!”
Merlin crawled backwards and hit his back against the wall. “What the hell is going on?”
Leon pointed at the wolf. “That’s Gwen.”
“I know that!” Merlin screeched. “How is that Gwen?”
Leon shook his head. “I don’t know. Gwen doesn’t either. She was born like this. Whenever there’s a full moon she turns into…that.”
“A wolf.” Merlin sighed. He got up, rubbing the back of his head. “How did you get involved?”
Leon walked back over to the wolf…to Gwen and stroked her head. “We grew up together. Gwen’s grandmother kept Gwen’s condition a secret. But after she died, Gwen had no one. She told me what happened. She wanted my help. She thought I would be able to handle it since I’ve always had a way with animals, especially wolves. They don’t scare me the way they do other people.”
“So you chain her up during the full moon?”
“Yes.” Leon shook his head. “It was Gwen’s idea. I’ve never liked it.” He looked up at Merlin. “That’s why you saw us arguing the other day. She always has to convince me to do it.”
Merlin walked over to them slowly. He reached out his hand tentatively. When Leon gave him a quizzical look, he smiled. “I’m not afraid of wolves, either.” He stroked the wolf’s head.
“You can’t tell anyone about this, Merlin.” Leon said.
Merlin raised one eyebrow at Leon. “Leon, do you really think I’d tell anyone? Gwen’s my friend. I know how your king is about any form of magic. I wouldn’t do that to Gwen.”
Leon smiled gratefully.
Merlin peered at Leon. “You look terrible.”
Leon smiled sheepishly. “I may have had too much to drink at the tavern.”
Merlin grinned. “You’ve earned it. Leon, why don’t you go home? I can stay here with Gwen.”
Leon shook his head. “I’m not sure if that’s wise. Those shackles are pretty tight, but if she manages to get loose she could hurt you. Gwen would never forgive herself.”
“I can handle myself, trust me. I took you down, didn’t I?”
Leon laughed. “Are you sure?”
Merlin nodded. “I swear I will keep her safe.”
Leon was still hesitant but got up and walked over to a table in the back of the room. When he walked back, he handed Merlin a key. “When you take those off,” he pointed to the shackles, “be gentle. There’s a salve on the table. It doesn’t take away the marks, but it helps with the pain.”
Merlin smiled at Leon. “You’re a good friend, Leon.”
“You, too Merlin.” Leon slowly walked to the door, taking one last look at Gwen before departing.
Merlin sighed. He sat back against the wall and watched the wolf sleep.
~*~
When Merlin opened his eyes, he saw Gwen looking back at him with a tentative smile. Merlin groaned and put his head in his hands. He hadn’t meant to fall asleep. He’d tried valiantly to keep himself awake, but just before sunrise he gave in and rested his eyes for just a moment, which then turned into a half hour.
“I’m sorry, Gwen. I told Leon I’d watch over you. I shouldn’t have fallen asleep.”
Gwen smiled fully. “It’s okay, Merlin. Leon’s fallen asleep plenty of times, too.”
Merlin smiled back at her briefly. An awkward silence fell over them.
“So…I’m a wolf.”
“And I’m a dragon lord.” Gwen’s eyes popped slightly. “I think that makes us perfect friends.”
“You don’t find this weird?”
Merlin shrugged. “I’ve read about things like this. It’s kind of exciting that it’s true.”
Gwen laughed. “You’re strange.”
“So I’ve been told.”
~*~
Merlin took the shackles off Gwen. He helped her apply the salve to her wrists. They made breakfast with food that Leon had left behind. They left the cabin soon after that. They walked in a comfortable silence for a little while. “I bet Arthur’s looking for me.” Merlin sighed. “I think he expects me to be at his beck and call. He forgets that I’m not his servant.”
Gwen bit her lip to hide a grin. “He gets on your nerves?”
Merlin snorted. “That’s an understatement. He is so overbearing. And arrogant. And stubborn.”
“And you love that about him,” Gwen stated.
Merlin stopped in his tracks and sputtered. “What?”
Gwen took Merlin’s hand gently. “Merlin, it’s ok.” Merlin looked down at his feet. “Are you in love with Arthur?”
Merlin took a deep breath. “I can’t be.” Merlin started walking again. “I’m a dragon lord and he’s hated magic his whole life. He’s rich and I have nothing. He’s going to be king one day and I’m just a boy who grew up in a cave.”
Gwen frowned. She looked at Merlin, her eyes full of sympathy. “Do you know how I kept my secret for so long?”
Merlin shook his head. “Because I’m a servant and people don’t look at me. They don’t pay attention. But I pay attention to them. I’ve seen Arthur be an arrogant bully. But ever since you, he’s changed. I mean he still can be an arrogant bully at times.”
Merlin chuckled.
“But he smiles more. He says ‘thank you’ to his servant. He thinks, before he acts. I’ve seen the way he looks at you. And all I can say is I would kill to have someone look at me, the way Arthur looks at you.”
Merlin glanced at her from the corner of his eye. He was fighting back a smile.
~*~
Arthur had been worried when he found out that Merlin hadn’t slept in his room. When Merlin showed up with Gwen, Arthur found it hard to hide his relief.
Gwen bowed her head. “Good morning, sire.”
“Good morning, Guinevere.” He barely looked at her.
“I should get to the Lady Morgana’s chambers.” She squeezed Merlin’s hand briefly before leaving.
Arthur noticed Gwen squeezing Merlin’s hand and felt something sharp and nasty roiling in his gut. “Where were you?”
“Arthur, I’m not your servant. I don’t have to report to you.” Merlin said.
Arthur thought he sounded a bit defensive. “I was just concerned.”
Merlin sighed. “I was at Gwen’s. She’s a good friend and she listens. I fell asleep at her house and she was kind enough to let me stay the night.”
Arthur inhaled deeply. He knew he had no claims on Merlin’s time. And he understood why Merlin sought Gwen out the previous night. It was Arthur’s own fault for shutting Merlin out after Arthur told him about his mother. He wanted to make it up to Merlin. “Merlin, have you ever been to the tavern?”
~*~
No one looked twice at the prince being seen at the Rising Sun. He didn’t frequent the place that often, but the knights would take him there every now and then after training. He ordered a pint of ale and he and Merlin found a table to sit at.
When they sat down Arthur observed Merlin surreptitiously and was happy to see Merlin smiling while he observed all of the raucous laughter, music, and hollering happening in the tavern. When the barmaid slammed their drinks in front of them, Merlin laughed. “I bet you’re not used to be treated like any peon off the street.”
“It happens more often than you think.” Arthur threw back his drink, gulping it down.
“Then why do you get such a bee in your bonnet when I do it to you?” Merlin grinned before slugging back his drink. He had drunk almost half of it, in one gulp.
“There’s a time and place for everything, Merlin something which you don’t seem able to grasp.”
“Oh, I grasp it. I just don’t care.” Merlin grinned cheekily at him.
A loud cheer came from the back where a large group of men where gathered around the table playing dice.
Arthur laughed despite himself.
Merlin took another wig of his drink. “Admit it, Arthur. You love my cheek.”
Arthur grinned. “I will admit no such thing.”
Merlin looked over at the men, playing dice. “I’ve never played that before.”
“There are a lot of things you’ve never done, Merlin.” Arthur picked up his cup and stared at it. He wondered just how strong that ale was; he was already starting to feel a little tipsy.
“Are you any good?” Merlin asked.
“I excel at everything I do, Merlin and that includes stupid parlor games that require no skill whatsoever.” He laughed. “Now that I think about it that probably is the perfect game for you.”
Merlin put down his drink. “How about a little wager then?”
“I’m listening.”
“We play a game of dice. You win; I give you ten pieces of silver.”
“I don’t need your money, Merlin.” Arthur interrupted.
“And you’re not going to get it.” Merlin smiled. “I win, then you admit that you like me…I mean that you like when I tell you exactly what’s on my mind.”
“That’s it?” Arthur took another gulp of his drink, finishing it off.
Merlin nodded.
Arthur slammed his cup down. “You’re on!”
~*~
Merlin had to admit that Arthur was as good at dice as he claimed. He’d guessed right eight straight times. Arthur was also getting drunker by the midnight. Cheered on by the crowd, he guzzled drink after drink after every roll of the dice. Merlin however was completely sober.
Arthur shook the cup directly in Merlin’s face. “Three!” He threw the dice out without looking. The dice rolled and landed on three.
All of the men around the table except Merlin, cheered. Arthur took another drink.
“There’s no shame in admitting defeat, Merlin.”
Merlin crossed his arms in front of his chest. “Never.”
Arthur smirked. “Have it your way.”
Arthur shook the dice, staring directly at Merlin. “Twelve.” Merlin coughed lightly at the same time as Arthur threw the dice out. It landed on seven.
The crowd groaned.
Arthur glared at Merlin. “You put me off.”
Merlin furrowed his brow as he picked up the dice. “What are you talking about?”
“You just coughed.”
Merlin pointed at his throat. “I was just clearing my throat.”
“You coughed deliberately.”
A slow grin spread on Merlin’s face. He nodded. “I knew you’d discover my secret in the end. There is just no fooling you, milord.” He said “milord” mockingly.
Arthur narrowed his eyes at him.
Merlin was on a good streak. He’d guessed correctly seven times in a row. He threw the dice for the eighth time. “Ten.” It was ten.
Arthur looked more and more agitated, though he was still having trouble focusing his eyes. Merlin thought he might pass out on his feet.
“There’s no shame in admitting defeat, sire.”
“Just get on with it.”
Merlin grinned. “Three.” It was three. The crowd roared. “One more and I win.”
“Don’t count your…” Arthur trailed off, blinking rapidly.
“I think the word you’re straining for is chickens.” Merlin laughed.
“Throw the dice.” Arthur said through gritted teeth.
Merlin shrugged. “Alright.” He closed his eyes, shaking the cup vigorously. “Ten.” He let the roar of the crowd tell him what he already knew. When he opened his eyes, Arthur’s scowl made him laugh harder than he had in ages.
~*~
It took a valiant effort on Merlin’s part to get a drunken Arthur home. Arthur was very heavy and kept stumbling, requiring Merlin to grab him and press him closer to his side. Arthur also kept mumbling about a rematch and claiming that Merlin took advantage of Arthur’s drunken state. Merlin ignored him. He shushed Arthur when they entered the castle. By some kind of miracle, Merlin managed to get to Arthur’s chambers without being spotted.
Merlin dragged Arthur into his room. When Merlin turned to close the door, Arthur stumbled once again and nearly fell on his face. Arthur had the presence of mind to grab Merlin’s hand and they ended up tangled in a heap on the floor.
Merlin pulled back slightly, panting. Arthur and Merlin looked into each other’s eyes at the same moment. Arthur put his arms around Merlin. Merlin stopped breathing for a moment. Arthur was looking at him so intensely, Merlin felt as if he was in a trance. He put his hands on Arthur’s chest and managed to pull them both up.
Arthur’s gaze never left his. A nervous Merlin licked his lips and wheezed lightly when he noticed Arthur’s eyes tracking the movement. Merlin cleared his throat and averted his gaze. “You know you never delivered on your end of the bet.”
Arthur grabbed the front of his brown jacket, stumbling backwards as he tried to pull it off. “What were the terms again?”
Merlin rushed to Arthur’s side and started to help him take the jacket off. “I win and you tell me how much…”
“I like you.”
Merlin took Arthur’s coat all the way off. He walked over to Arthur’s desk and threw it on there. “Not exactly. You tell me that you like when I tell you exactly what’s on my mind.”
Merlin turned around and nearly gasped when he saw that Arthur was standing directly in front of him.
“I do like that about you. And I also like that you’re funny and kind and that you’re not scared of me. I like that I can be the biggest prat in the kingdom and you still care. Why is that?”
“I haven’t figured that out yet.” Merlin whispered.
“I think you have.” Arthur leaned in close.
Merlin froze. God, he really wanted this. But not like this. “No!” He moved out of the way and Arthur practically fell over his desk.
For a drunken man Arthur was surprisingly quick to get up as he reached for Merlin’s hand, stopping Merlin in his place. “What are you doing?”
Merlin turned to face him. “Keeping you from making a mistake. You may want to…kiss me now. But you won’t when you’re sober.”
“That’s not true.” Arthur pulled Merlin in closer. “I want to do this and I know you do, too.”
Merlin shook his head. “No.” He walked backwards, looking at Arthur. “I have to go.”
Arthur sighed heavily. He went to his bed and plopped down. “Before you go can you help me?”
Merlin stopped in front of the door. He hung his head. “With what?”
Arthur pulled at his shirt. “Take off my shirt.”
Merlin’s mouth opened so wide you could practically see his tonsils. “Are you serious?”
Arthur pulled at his shirt feebly. “I’m not coordinated enough to take it off.”
Merlin huffed. “If you have it in you to say the word ‘coordinated’ I think you can manage with your shirt.” He turned to the door.
“Please.” Arthur begged.
Merlin looked over his shoulder and completely lost his battle when he saw that Arthur was practically pouting. Merlin trudged over. Arthur lifted up his arms. Merlin grabbed the shirt end and slowly pulled Arthur’s shirt from his body. He smiled when he saw Arthur’s hair sticking up all over.
When he looked down at Arthur’s muscles and the smattering of chest hair, the smile fell from his face. He looked into Arthur’s eyes. His pupils were blown wide. Merlin pushed Arthur back against the bed. ‘When you’re sober…” Merlin leaned over Arthur. “If you still want to kiss me…” He hovered just above Arthur’s lips. “You know where to find me.” He moved and quickly kissed Arthur’s forehead before dashing to the door.
“Merlin!” Arthur cried after him.
~*~
Merlin slammed the door behind him, and gasped loudly when he ran into Uther. “Uther, what-what are you doing here?”
Uther narrowed his eyes. “I should ask you the same question. And Merlin, as long as you reside in Camelot, you shall address me as sire.”
Merlin nodded. “Excuse me, sire.”
Uther gestured to Arthur’s room. “What were you doing in there?”
“Arthur and I went out. I was just making sure that Arthur arrived at his room okay.”
Uther nodded. “How responsible of you.”
Merlin grimaced at Uther’s tone.
“I don’t think it’s wise that you be in the prince’s room alone at such a late hour.” Uther declared. “Arthur is the prince and he has many important duties and needs his rest. I can’t have you keeping him up and distracting him.”
Merlin simply nodded. He just wanted to get away from Arthur’s room as quickly as possible. When Uther said nothing, Merlin started to leave.
“I trust that your plans to leave the castle are coming along well?” Uther asked.
Merlin stopped and looked back at the king. “Yes. I should be leaving shortly. I wouldn’t want to overstay my welcome.”
Uther sneered as he walked past Merlin. “That point was reached long ago.”
Merlin glared after the king.
~*~
The next morning, Arthur woke up with a splitting headache. The events of the previous night were a bit of a blur, but he did distinctly remember making a pass at Merlin and being turned down. When you’re sober…if you still want to kiss me…you know where to find me.
Arthur shook his head. Perhaps Merlin was right and it would have been a bad idea. But he still regretted it not happening. He tried to put it from his mind. He had a meeting with his father and he didn’t want to be thinking about kissing Merlin, while talking to his father.
He met his father in the council room. His father was at his desk going over some papers. Uther took off his glasses and stood. “Good morning, son.”
Arthur shrunk back slightly. His father didn’t usually greet him so informally. “Good morning, father.”
Uther strode over to Arthur. “Arthur, do you remember Lord Godwin?”
Arthur searched his memory. He smiled when he remembered the man. “Yes. He was not like many of the other kings. He was actually pleasant to be around.”
Uther nodded. “Yes, Lord Godwin has always been a good friend as well as trusted ally of Camelot. That is why I have invited him to visit Camelot. He should be arriving tomorrow with his daughter, Elena.”
“Tomorrow? That’s a bit soon.”
Uther sighed. “It’s not soon enough.”
Arthur raised his eyebrows. “What do you mean, Father?”
“Arthur as much as I enjoy Lord Godwin’s company, this visit isn’t a social call. It’s a strategic maneuver.” Uther explained. “The dragon attack has decimated Camelot and we unfortunately do not have the resources to rebuild Camelot the way it was before, not without an alliance.”
“You said that Lord Gown was already an ally of Camelot’s.”
“Yes, but to secure the kind of resources that we need a stronger match is necessary.”
Arthur noticed that Uther was having trouble looking him in the eye. It wasn’t like his father to be so jittery. “What kind of match are you talking about?”
“A love match.”
Arthur jerked his head back. “A love match? Father, do you want to tell me something about Lord Godwin and your relationship?”
Uther sputter indignantly. Arthur couldn’t hold back a chuckle. “Arthur, please be serious.”
“I’m trying to be. I just don’t have any idea what you’re getting at. Lord Godwin and his daughter…” Arthur’s eyes widened. “Elena and I?!”
Uther nodded.
“I don’t know the woman. How can you expect me to fall in love with Elena?”
Uther rolled his eyes. “Love doesn’t have anything to do with it. It just requires a more permanent union.”
Arthur gaped at his father. “Marriage?!”
“Yes.” Uther said.
“Father, you can’t seriously expect me to marry someone I’ve never met.”
Uther shook his head. “Of course not, that’s what this visit is for. You two can get acquainted and then we will proceed with the wedding.”
“Father-
“Arthur, this for the good of Camelot. I know in time you will come to understand that this is for the best.” Uther clutched Arthur’s shoulder and nodded. He left a still gobsmacked Arthur behind.
~*~
Merlin knocked on Gwen’s door and he didn’t have to wait long before he was greeted with her beaming visage. “Hello, Merlin.”
“Hello, Gwen. Can I come in?”
“Of course.” She opened the door wider for him to step through. After closing the door, Gwen surprised Merlin with a hug. “I’m happy to see you.”
Merlin returned the hug. He smiled as he pulled back. “It’s good to see you. How are you doing with the whole…?” He gestured vaguely with his hand. “Wolf thing?”
Gwen tittered. “Yes, Merlin. I’ve been dealing with it my entire life.”
Merlin’s cheeks flushed. “Right. Sorry. I just wanted to make sure you were alright.”
“Thank you, Merlin. I’m fine. It happens once a month usually. It’s more than a little awkward to deal with. But I’ve learned to live with it as best I can.”
“It must help having, Leon.”
“Oh, yes. He’s always been a big help. If I had to deal with it alone, I don’t think I could cope.” Gwen gestured for Merlin to come and sit at the table. “It’s good to have someone to talk to.”
Merlin nodded. “Well if Leon is unavailable, I hope you know you can talk to me.”
Gwen smiled. “Likewise.”
“Does anyone else know, other than Leon, and now me?” Merlin asked.
“The only other person that knows is Morgana.”
Merlin’s eyes widened. “She knows and she hasn’t told Uther?”
Gwen shook her head. “She wouldn’t do that. I told you she’s very sweet. She doesn’t agree with Uther’s views on magic.”
Merlin smiled. “That’s good to know.”
Gwen put her hands in her lap and fidgeted with her skirt. “How are you doing with adjusting to life in Camelot…without your father?”
Merlin sighed. “It’s still hard not being able to talk to him. And not knowing what happened is making it harder. I tell myself I’m okay if I never know, but that’s a lie.”
Gwen took his hand in hers. “I hope that Arthur is able to help you.”
Merlin’s cheeks unconsciously reddened when Arthur’s name came up.
Gwen covered her smile. “Still not ready to admit what you feel for him?”
Merlin pursed his lips. “I still don’t see the use.”
“Merlin, I’m your friend. You can talk to me safely. I won’t say a word to anyone else.”
Merlin ran his hands through his hair. “You know what I hate about, Arthur?”
Gwen rolled her eyes fondly. “What?”
“I want to hate him, but the prat is such a good person that I can’t.” He sighed. “I can’t stop thinking about him.” He glanced up at her briefly. “Arthur almost kissed me.”
Gwen opened her mouth wide in shock. “Oh, my God.”
“It’s not really a big deal.” Gwen gave him an incredulous look. “He was drunk. I put a stop to it. I’m sure it means nothing to Arthur.”
“You don’t know that, Merlin. You have to talk to him.”
“I don’t know if I can.”
“Merlin.” Gwen squeezed his knee. “You are a brave person. If you have a chance to be happy with Arthur, you have to fight for it.”
Merlin wrung his hands, considering Gwen’s words.
~*~
Arthur hadn’t seen Merlin at all for the rest of the day. Arthur assumed that Merlin was avoiding him. Not that Arthur made much of an effort to reach out to Merlin, either. The next day, Arthur was determined to talk to him. It was just a drunken mistake and nothing came of it. He didn’t see why it had to ruin their friendship. He also wanted to alert Merlin of Elena’s impending arrival, and that his time may be limited for a few days.
Arthur knocked on Merlin’s door.
Merlin opened the door and his eyes widened slightly when he saw Arthur. “Hi.”
“Hello.” He paused. Arthur gestured to inside. “May I come in?”
Merlin looked back hesitantly, but soon nodded. He gave Arthur a wide berth before closing the door. “If this is about the other night-
“No.” Arthur shook his head. “Though I do want to apologize for my behavior. It wasn’t fair to you.”
Merlin smiled grimly. “No harm done.”
Arthur nodded. He cleared his throat. “I wanted to tell you that there will a visiting Lord arriving today. Lord Godwin and his daughter Elena. My father wants me to make sure that Elena enjoys her stay here. So I will be spending a bit of time with her. I just wanted to let you know, in case you were wondering what I was doing. I didn’t want you think I was avoiding you.”
Merlin grinned. “Thank you for telling me. I hope Elena can enjoy herself and not be too overwhelmed by having to suffer listening to you talk about battle strategy.”
Arthur chuckled. “It’ll be nice to spend time with someone who doesn’t endlessly mock me.”
“You know I only do it because I lo…” Merlin trailed off. He looked down immediately, suddenly preoccupied with a loose thread in his pants.
Arthur swallowed several times before smiling at Merlin. “I should go.”
“Have fun.” Merlin’s voice cracked on the last word.
Arthur nodded and briskly walked away.
~*~
Arthur was genuinely pleased to see his father look so happy when Lord Godwin and Elena arrived. Lord Godwin and Arthur shared a warm hug.
“Lord Godwin, it is such a pleasure to have you here.”
Lord Godwin smiled. “It is a pleasure to once again be in Camelot.” Lord Godwin turned his attention to Arthur. “I haven’t seen you in a long time. It’s lovely to see you again, Arthur.”
“Thank you, Lord Godwin.” Arthur shook his hand.
“I’d like to introduce you to my daughter, Elena.” Lord Godwin announced.
A beautiful girl with blonde hair stepped forward. She was wearing a beautiful yellow dress and her hair was styled in a perfectly put together chignon. Arthur had only met only, briefly, when they were children and remembered her being a mess of a girl. She had certainly changed.
Elena smiled sweetly. “It’s nice to meet you, Arthur.”
“It’s nice to meet you, too. You look lovely.”
Elena blushed. “Thank you. You’re too kind. I’m not exactly a fan of fancy dresses, but a princess has to do what she must.”
Arthur laughed. “I understand.”
Arthur looked back at his father. He looked pleased as punch. Arthur resisted the urge to roll his eyes.
~*~
Arthur had planned a leisurely horseback ride through the gardens. But it turned that Elena had other ideas. Arthur could barely keep up with Elena. It reminded him of riding with Morgana when they were children. Elena finally came to a stop in a clearing in the woods. Arthur caught up with her a minute later, too winded to speak properly at first.
“It’s hard to keep up with you, Elena.” Arthur panted.
Elena laughed as she dismounted her horse. “Sorry. Horse riding is one of my few joys in life. I can’t help myself once I start.”
“It’s always nice to be able to do something that you really love.” Arthur said, getting off his horse.
Elena smiled. “My mother was an excellent horsewoman. I think I might take after her. I never met her. I like to think that I take after her in some ways.”
Arthur nodded. “I never met my mother, either. People tell me that I look like her. I’d like to think that there’s some of her in me; that I’m not completely like my father.”
Elena shook her head. “I don’t think you are. You’re a perfectly nice person.” Elena immediately realized her faux pas and covered her mouth.
Arthur just chortled.
“I didn’t mean to insinuate that your father isn’t nice. He’s been very nice to me. It’s just Uther does have a reputation.”
Arthur waved off her explanation. “I completely understand.”
Elena sighed in relief.
Arthur stroked his horse’s mane. “Who taught you how to ride?”
Elena’s sunny demeanor disappeared. She frowned. “It was someone very special. His name was Gwaine.”
Arthur cocked his head to the side, curious. “Was he a friend?”
Elena bit her lip. “More than that. I thought I might marry him.”
Arthur was taken aback. “I’m sorry. What happened?”
Elena looked down at the ground. “He died.”
Arthur led his horse closer to Elena. “I’m sorry to hear that. How did it happen?”
“Arthur! Elena!” Morgana suddenly appeared next to them atop her horse.
“Morgana, what are you doing here?” Arthur asked.
“I wanted to catch up with Elena.” Morgana smiled at Elena as she dismounted. “Uther also asked to tell me that he wants to speak with you immediately when you return.”
Arthur nodded. “Thank you.”
~*~
Arthur left Morgana and Elena to giggle over both of them beating Arthur home. He found Uther in his room. “Did you enjoy your time with Elena?” Uther asked without giving Arthur a chance to close the door.
"Yes, we had a very pleasant time."
Uther smiled broadly. "That's good. I think it's very important for you to propose before they leave tomorrow."
Arthur goggled at his father. "After one afternoon? I thought this trip was for us to get to know each other?"
"It was, and now you have gotten to know her. And your personalities are perfectly agreeable."
"I like the girl. She's very nice. It doesn't mean I'm prepared to spend the rest of my life with her." Arthur tried to reason with his father.
Uther grabbed Arthur's arm. "Open your eyes, Arthur! You're not living in some fantasy. Getting married for love is a luxury you can't afford. When you're king your first duty isn't your personal happiness, but doing whatever is necessary to secure the future of Camelot!"
Arthur pulled back his arm, stepping back from Uther. “I would do anything to protect Camelot, you know that Father. But I don't see how marrying someone I don't know, let alone, love will help matters."
"That is why I am king and you are not. Being a king requires sacrifices, my son. The sooner you learn that the better."
Part 6
Arthur knocked on his father’s door. When Uther gave him the word to enter, he opened the door quickly and didn’t give his father a chance to say one word. “Where is Gaius?”
Uther did a double take, and then looked at his son sternly. “I urge you to watch your tone, son.”
Arthur took a calming breath. “I’m sorry, father. Morgana just informed me that Gaius is no longer the court physician. It was very upsetting to here. Is there any way she heard wrong?”
Uther took off his glasses and stepped away from his desk. “I’m afraid not. I had to let Gaius go.”
“But why? Gaius has been here since before I was born. He is the man you trust more than anyone. What could have happened to change that since I’ve been gone?”
Uther sighed. “I found out that Gaius is not the man I thought I knew. I know that you were not aware of this, but before the great purge Gaius was known to have dealings with sorcerers and even practice the dark arts himself.”
Arthur blinked rapidly. “No, I didn’t know that.”
Uther nodded. “I forgave Gaius because he swore allegiance to me and said he’d never practice it again. But it has come to my attention that he still has magical artifacts in his home.”
“That doesn’t mean he’s practicing magic.”
“Gaius knows who I feel about magic and still insisted on keeping these items. But that’s not the worst of it.”
Arthur looked at his father expectantly. “What else is there?”
“I found out that the reason Balinor escaped was because Gaius aided him.”
Arthur shook his head. “No, Gaius wouldn’t…why would he have done that?”
“I don’t care about his reasons. Gaius is not a man I can trust and I cannot have a man like that holding a position in the royal house.” Uther explained, going to sit back down in his chair.
“So you sent him away? Father, please tell me you didn’t have him executed.” Arthur pleaded.
Uther narrowed his eyes at Arthur. “I can assure you I did not have him killed. He is, however, banished from Camelot.”
Arthur hung his head. “I wish it didn’t have to come to this, father. I’ve known, Gaius my entire life. He’s not a bad person.” He sighed. “I understand why you hate magic as much as you do, but perhaps there’s a better way of dealing with it then killing anyone who so much as looks at someone who possesses magic.”
Uther stood up quickly. His face contorted in rage. “How can you even think to question me after all these years?” He strode towards Arthur. “I shouldn’t have to remind you that your mother was killed by a sorcerer.”
Arthur looked at his father carefully. “But does that mean every sorcerer is evil? Can’t some of them be good?”
Uther stared at Arthur in horror. “Yes, sorcery is evil. You’ve seen that over the years. What’s happened to you? Is this because of that boy?” Uther spat.
Arthur quickly shook his head. “No.” He paused. “It’s just something that I’ve wondered. It’s hard to believe that an entire race of people is evil.”
“They are.” Uther said his voice wavering. “You cannot forget that, son. No matter you may be told. Magic is an abomination and I will continue to do whatever I must to rid Camelot of its evil once and for all.”
Arthur nodded slowly. “I trust you, father. I know that you’re doing what you believe is right.”
Arthur turned to leave. His father’s words rang in his head. He had always believed his father wholeheartedly. He trusted him more than anyone. But nothing his father had said cleared up the doubts he was having.
~*~
Over the next few weeks, Merlin and Arthur spent almost all of their time together. Arthur had Merlin watch him train his knights, and even let his knights give Merlin a few pointers with a sword. He helped Merlin get work aiding the new court physician Edwin, even though Merlin wasn’t entirely happy about the situation. He told Arthur he found Edwin to be very creepy.
Arthur also tried to keep his promise to Merlin. He had Leon asking around and seeing if anyone had seen Balinor or had talked with him. There was no luck so far. Arthur worried about Merlin. He put on a brave face, but every now and then Arthur would watch Merlin, when Merlin thought no one was paying attention and see loneliness and sadness in his eyes.
When Merlin wasn’t spending time with Arthur or working he was getting to know Gwen. She was a very sweet girl. She had a tendency to ramble and getting flustered really easy, which Merlin thought was adorable. But Merlin worried about her. He tried to not press her about the bruises around her wrists, but wondered if it was possible that someone was hurting her. He found it hard to imagine someone hurting a good person like Gwen, but he tried to keep an eye on her anyway.
~*~
Morgana found Uther on the roof of the castle one day. He was watching Arthur lead his knights in practice. She walked up to him and put her hand on his arm, smiling warmly at him. “Feeling nostalgic for your days as a knight?”
Uther smiled. “Sometimes I do miss the excitement of going into battle and the camaraderie of the knights, but this is Arthur’s time now. I’m happy to leave him to it.”
Morgana watched Arthur finish talking to his men and leave them to their sparring. He walked over to Merlin. Merlin must have made a joke or said something funny because Arthur threw his head back and laughed heartily. Morgana looked at Uther and laughed. “It is so sweet watching the way Arthur is around Merlin.”
Uther looked at her and pursed his lips. “How is Arthur with him?”
“I don’t know how to describe it. He seems happy with Merlin. He just seems like a whole new person.”
“That’s what concerns me.” He turned to Morgana. “Has Arthur said anything to you about magic?”
Morgana shook her head. “No. Arthur knows we don’t see eye to eye on the subject. Why do you ask?”
“Arthur came to me a few weeks ago and asked me if not all magic was wrong. Arthur has never questioned me like that before. Not about magic.”
“I can’t say that I’m sorry Arthur may be opening his mind on the subject. Merlin does have strong opinions about magic. It’s possible he is influencing, Arthur.”
Uther crossed his arms in front of his chest. “I can’t allow that.”
Morgana sighed. “I think Arthur’s friendship with Merlin is good for him. But if you’re so concerned you could find something, or perhaps, someone else to use to distract Arthur.”
Uther looked back down at the training ground as he pondered Morgana’s suggestion.
Morgana walked away, smiling inwardly.
~*~
Merlin examined the assorted weapons on the table by the training field. He picked up a stick with a hanging spiked ball; Arthur called it a mace, and never thought he’d seen anything look so strange. He tried to swing it around and almost impaled himself in the eye. He dropped the weapon and looked around to see if anyone else had noticed his blunder.
He spotted Leon, who hadn’t been in practice, approaching Arthur. He and Arthur moved off to the side to talk privately. Whatever Leon said caused Arthur to widen his eyes and look turned Merlin. Merlin began to feel a little uneasy. When Leon and Arthur were done talking, Arthur gathered his knights and dismissed them for the day. He walked over to Merlin. “I think there’s someone who can help find your father.”
Merlin opened and closed his mouth several times, finding it difficult to breathe. He was finally able to take a deep breath before speaking. “Arthur, I told you that my father is dead.”
“I know.” Arthur put his hand on Merlin’s shoulder. “But you don’t know that for sure. Leon talked to someone at the tavern who said they saw your father talking to a druid named Alvarr. He found out where he lives. We can go to him and maybe we can find out something and you can finally know for sure what happened.”
Merlin didn’t say anything.
“Merlin?”
Merlin looked up at Arthur and nodded slowly. “Alright.”
Arthur squeezed his shoulder before letting go. “I have to warn you though that the druids are a nasty race of people.”
“That’s not what I’ve heard. My father always said the druids were very kind.”
Arthur’s face hardened. “The druids are anything but kind. You can’t trust them. But I promise you, Merlin I will make this Alvarr tell us the truth about your father.” He walked off before Merlin could say another word.
~*~
Merlin walked through the lower town in a daze. He had finished delivering the remedies Edwin had made for various citizens around town. He couldn’t stop thinking about his father. He truly believed that his father was gone. But if this Alvarr could provide some answers to what happened to him, it would provide a small measure of relief. Merlin didn’t know how to deal with his grief properly with so many lingering questions.
Merlin’s thoughts turned to Arthur, as they so often did lately. No matter how aggravating the boy could be, Merlin was seeing more and more that Arthur had an incredibly big sweet and generous side. Arthur’s personality was a mass of contradictions and Merlin liked that unpredictability.
Merlin wondered why Arthur had become so agitated when talking about the druids. He was still thinking about this when he spotted Gwen in front of her home talking to Leon. He wasn’t aware that the two knew each other. Merlin became alarmed when he saw that Gwen’s face was contorted in fear. Leon crowded Gwen, their face mere inches apart. They were whispering something. When Leon grabbed her arm, Merlin hurriedly walked over to them.
“Hey, what’s going on?”
Gwen’s eyes were large as she stared at Merlin. She quickly wiped her watery eyes. “Nothing, Merlin. Everything’s fine.” She quickly looked up at Leon, before turning her gaze back on Merlin. “I have to get back to the Lady Morgana.” She left Leon and Merlin standing, staring at each other awkwardly.
Leon cleared his throat, not meeting Merlin’s eyes. “I have to go on patrol.” He nodded briefly at Merlin, and then left.
Merlin sighed. He had no idea what he just witnessed. Despite what he had seen, he couldn’t believe that Leon was hurting Gwen. The man was very intense and quiet, but he seemed perfectly nice. Merlin determined that he was going to have a talk with Gwen and get to the bottom of this.
~*~
Arthur took a deep breath as he knocked on Alvarr’s door. He looked at Merlin standing beside him. Merlin was wringing his hands and worrying his lip with his teeth. Arthur tried to throw him a reassuring smile, but he was too tense himself, and his mouth just formed a grim line. Arthur knocked two more times before a man with hair down to his shoulder answered the door.
He took one look at Arthur and sneered. “Your highness.” He bowed mockingly. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”
Arthur gritted his teeth. “May we come in?”
The man hesitated briefly before stepping aside.
Alvarr closed the door and Arthur took a brief glance around. He turned up his nose at Alvarr’s meager surroundings. “I’m curious what you’re doing in Camelot, Alvarr? I thought you druids preferred the woods.”
Alvarr narrowed his eyes at Arthur. “Where I live is none of your concern? How do you know who I am?”
“You were spotted at the Rising Sun talking to a man a few weeks ago. His name was Balinor.”
Alvarr’s eyes widened slightly.
“Can you tell me what you talked about or if you know where he might be?” Arthur continued.
Alvarr crossed his arms in front of his chest. “Why do you want to know?”
Arthur pointed at Merlin. Alvarr looked at him for the first time. “That’s Merlin, Balinor’s son.”
Alvarr’s eyes widened more than slightly this time. He recovered quickly, but Arthur knew that this man knew something important.
“I haven’t seen my father in weeks. I just want to know what happened to him. If you could tell me anything, I would be grateful.” Merlin pleaded.
Alvarr looked down at his feet. “I’m sorry that you can’t find your father. But I can’t help you. I only talked to the man briefly. I didn’t follow him when he left.”
“You’re lying,” Arthur said, briskly walking over and getting in Alvarr’s face.
Arthur glanced down and saw Alvarr’s hands ball into fists. “You may be the prince but you have no right to come into my home and accuse me of being a liar.”
“I can do whatever I damn well please. I know what you druids are like. You lie as easily as you breathe.”
“And I know what you Pendragon’s are like. Your father has killed innocent people to cover up for his mistakes and he will pay for that.” Alvarr growled.
Arthur grabbed his shirt roughly. “Did you just threaten your king? I could have you charged with treason.”
Alvarr pulled away from Arthur. “He’s not my king. Go ahead and have me thrown in the dungeons, execute me. I’m not afraid of you.”
Merlin pulled Arthur back. “Arthur, please let’s just go. He doesn’t know anything.”
Arthur continued to stare at Alvarr. “You don’t know that.”
“And you don’t know that he has. I’m not going to get answers about my father tonight. Please, I want to go.”
Arthur finally looked at Merlin. His anger melted away when he saw the sadness in Merlin’s eyes. He just wanted to make things better for Merlin, not worse. “Alright, we’ll go.” He turned back to Alvarr. “I would advise you to leave Camelot as soon as possible. The next time I see you, you may not like the result.”
Alvarr just stared daggers at Arthur.
Arthur followed Merlin out. The door slammed behind them.
~*~
The walk back to the castle was filled with uncomfortable silence. Arthur escorted Merlin to Merlin’s chambers. At the door he turned to leave, but Merlin grabbed his hand. “Can you come inside for a moment?”
Arthur looked down at Merlin’s hand on his, before nodding and walking in.
Merlin stared at Arthur, but didn’t know what to say.
Arthur shrugged. “I assume you want to talk about something. It’s not like you to not say what’s on your mind.”
Merlin swallowed. “I was just wondering why you hate the druids so much.”
Arthur rubbed a hand tiredly across his face. “Merlin, I can’t take about this with you.”
“Why not?”
“Because as someone with magic, you do not want to hear me say what I think about the druids.”
“Why, because you hate them because they have magic?” Merlin sat down on his bed.
Arthur moved to lean against Merlin’s cupboard. “Something like that.”
Merlin shook his head. “I don’t think that’s true. I know your father hates all magical creatures and that he’s taught you to fear them as well.”
“With good reason.” Arthur interjected.
“But Arthur, I’ve never seen you talk about anyone with magic, the way you talk about the druids. There’s something more.”
Arthur crossed and uncrossed his arms. “You don’t know me as well as you think.”
Merlin stood up and walked towards Arthur. “Yes, I do.”
Arthur looked up at him sharply.
“I know you, Arthur. You told me that your mother was killed because of a sorcerer. Was the sorcerer a druid?” Merlin quietly asked.
Arthur gulped and looked away. He didn’t say anything for a long moment and Merlin patiently waited. When Arthur looked back at him, Merlin gasped softly when he saw Arthur’s eyes brimming with tears. “My mother couldn’t conceive a child. So my father turned to a druid for help. She used magic and I was conceived. She never told my father that to create life, a life is owed in return. She knew that my mother would die and said nothing.”
Merlin inhaled deeply. He tentatively reached out and put his hands on Arthur’s shoulders. “I’m so sorry, Arthur.”
Arthur pulled away from him and stalked to Merlin’s door. “I have to go.”
“Arthur!”
Arthur left quickly. Merlin followed him. “Arthur!” Arthur didn’t acknowledge him. Merlin considered following him, but thought better of that. He decided to go to Morgana, since she knew him better than Merlin did and might be able to comfort him.
He walked through the castle, not quite sure where he was going. He always found himself getting lost. As he found himself walking through the kitchens, he was soon confronted by the large cook and chased out of there. Managing to get to the front entry way, he looked over by the door and saw Gwen leaving. She was walking at a brisk pace.
Merlin followed her outside. He saw her glance furtively around and then pull her red cloak up to hide her face. Merlin followed her at a safe distance. She walked by the local tavern and went inside. Merlin’s brow crinkled. He didn’t think the Rising Sun was the type of place Gwen frequented. Gwen soon came out, dragging Leon behind her. Leon looked slightly drunk.
Merlin became a little confused when Leon and Gwen traveled through the woods. They stopped at what looked to be a deserted cabin. Before going inside, Leon glanced around. Merlin remained hidden behind some trees. Merlin poked his head around and waited. Merlin didn’t know what was going on. But when he heard Gwen begin to scream, he ran over as quickly as he could, flinging the door open.
Leon whirled around to face him, his eyes bulging. Merlin was too shocked by what he saw before him, to pay any attention to Leon. Gwen was sitting on the floor, writhing in pain, her hands above her, restrained by shackles.
Merlin didn’t care that Leon was twice his size. He charged at the man, kicking him in the knee. Leon fell to his knees, and punched him.
“Merlin, don’t!” Gwen screamed.
Merlin didn’t listen. Leon was a bit dazed, but starting to get up. “Merlin, you don’t understand-
Not paying attention, Merlin grabbed Leon’s sword and bashed him over the head with the hilt. Leon passed out. Merlin ran to Gwen.
“Merlin, stop! Don’t come any closer!” Gwen cried.
Merlin approached her carefully. “Don’t worry, Gwen. I’m not going to hurt you.”
There were tears streaming down Gwen’s face. “But I might hurt you.”
Merlin’s brow furrowed. He didn’t have time to contemplate her words before Gwen let out a terrible scream. Her body bent forward at a horrible angle, due to the shackles. Gwen looked up at Merlin with yellow eyes.
Did Gwen have magic, too? Merlin wondered. All of his thoughts came to a screeching halt when he saw Gwen’s face start to distort and elongate horrifically. Her head fell to the floor. Gwen continued to howl. Merlin’s mouth fell open when Gwen’s body started to change grotesquely. Hair sprouted up all over her body. Gwen turned into a wolf before his very eyes. Merlin tried to fight it, but it was losing battle. He fainted.
~*~
When Merlin came to, he saw Leon petting a wolf. The wolf was sitting where Gwen had been. Merlin’s eyes bulged. The wolf was Gwen! He sprang up.
Leon swiveled around to face him. He held up his hand toward Merlin. “Merlin, calm down!”
Merlin crawled backwards and hit his back against the wall. “What the hell is going on?”
Leon pointed at the wolf. “That’s Gwen.”
“I know that!” Merlin screeched. “How is that Gwen?”
Leon shook his head. “I don’t know. Gwen doesn’t either. She was born like this. Whenever there’s a full moon she turns into…that.”
“A wolf.” Merlin sighed. He got up, rubbing the back of his head. “How did you get involved?”
Leon walked back over to the wolf…to Gwen and stroked her head. “We grew up together. Gwen’s grandmother kept Gwen’s condition a secret. But after she died, Gwen had no one. She told me what happened. She wanted my help. She thought I would be able to handle it since I’ve always had a way with animals, especially wolves. They don’t scare me the way they do other people.”
“So you chain her up during the full moon?”
“Yes.” Leon shook his head. “It was Gwen’s idea. I’ve never liked it.” He looked up at Merlin. “That’s why you saw us arguing the other day. She always has to convince me to do it.”
Merlin walked over to them slowly. He reached out his hand tentatively. When Leon gave him a quizzical look, he smiled. “I’m not afraid of wolves, either.” He stroked the wolf’s head.
“You can’t tell anyone about this, Merlin.” Leon said.
Merlin raised one eyebrow at Leon. “Leon, do you really think I’d tell anyone? Gwen’s my friend. I know how your king is about any form of magic. I wouldn’t do that to Gwen.”
Leon smiled gratefully.
Merlin peered at Leon. “You look terrible.”
Leon smiled sheepishly. “I may have had too much to drink at the tavern.”
Merlin grinned. “You’ve earned it. Leon, why don’t you go home? I can stay here with Gwen.”
Leon shook his head. “I’m not sure if that’s wise. Those shackles are pretty tight, but if she manages to get loose she could hurt you. Gwen would never forgive herself.”
“I can handle myself, trust me. I took you down, didn’t I?”
Leon laughed. “Are you sure?”
Merlin nodded. “I swear I will keep her safe.”
Leon was still hesitant but got up and walked over to a table in the back of the room. When he walked back, he handed Merlin a key. “When you take those off,” he pointed to the shackles, “be gentle. There’s a salve on the table. It doesn’t take away the marks, but it helps with the pain.”
Merlin smiled at Leon. “You’re a good friend, Leon.”
“You, too Merlin.” Leon slowly walked to the door, taking one last look at Gwen before departing.
Merlin sighed. He sat back against the wall and watched the wolf sleep.
~*~
When Merlin opened his eyes, he saw Gwen looking back at him with a tentative smile. Merlin groaned and put his head in his hands. He hadn’t meant to fall asleep. He’d tried valiantly to keep himself awake, but just before sunrise he gave in and rested his eyes for just a moment, which then turned into a half hour.
“I’m sorry, Gwen. I told Leon I’d watch over you. I shouldn’t have fallen asleep.”
Gwen smiled fully. “It’s okay, Merlin. Leon’s fallen asleep plenty of times, too.”
Merlin smiled back at her briefly. An awkward silence fell over them.
“So…I’m a wolf.”
“And I’m a dragon lord.” Gwen’s eyes popped slightly. “I think that makes us perfect friends.”
“You don’t find this weird?”
Merlin shrugged. “I’ve read about things like this. It’s kind of exciting that it’s true.”
Gwen laughed. “You’re strange.”
“So I’ve been told.”
~*~
Merlin took the shackles off Gwen. He helped her apply the salve to her wrists. They made breakfast with food that Leon had left behind. They left the cabin soon after that. They walked in a comfortable silence for a little while. “I bet Arthur’s looking for me.” Merlin sighed. “I think he expects me to be at his beck and call. He forgets that I’m not his servant.”
Gwen bit her lip to hide a grin. “He gets on your nerves?”
Merlin snorted. “That’s an understatement. He is so overbearing. And arrogant. And stubborn.”
“And you love that about him,” Gwen stated.
Merlin stopped in his tracks and sputtered. “What?”
Gwen took Merlin’s hand gently. “Merlin, it’s ok.” Merlin looked down at his feet. “Are you in love with Arthur?”
Merlin took a deep breath. “I can’t be.” Merlin started walking again. “I’m a dragon lord and he’s hated magic his whole life. He’s rich and I have nothing. He’s going to be king one day and I’m just a boy who grew up in a cave.”
Gwen frowned. She looked at Merlin, her eyes full of sympathy. “Do you know how I kept my secret for so long?”
Merlin shook his head. “Because I’m a servant and people don’t look at me. They don’t pay attention. But I pay attention to them. I’ve seen Arthur be an arrogant bully. But ever since you, he’s changed. I mean he still can be an arrogant bully at times.”
Merlin chuckled.
“But he smiles more. He says ‘thank you’ to his servant. He thinks, before he acts. I’ve seen the way he looks at you. And all I can say is I would kill to have someone look at me, the way Arthur looks at you.”
Merlin glanced at her from the corner of his eye. He was fighting back a smile.
~*~
Arthur had been worried when he found out that Merlin hadn’t slept in his room. When Merlin showed up with Gwen, Arthur found it hard to hide his relief.
Gwen bowed her head. “Good morning, sire.”
“Good morning, Guinevere.” He barely looked at her.
“I should get to the Lady Morgana’s chambers.” She squeezed Merlin’s hand briefly before leaving.
Arthur noticed Gwen squeezing Merlin’s hand and felt something sharp and nasty roiling in his gut. “Where were you?”
“Arthur, I’m not your servant. I don’t have to report to you.” Merlin said.
Arthur thought he sounded a bit defensive. “I was just concerned.”
Merlin sighed. “I was at Gwen’s. She’s a good friend and she listens. I fell asleep at her house and she was kind enough to let me stay the night.”
Arthur inhaled deeply. He knew he had no claims on Merlin’s time. And he understood why Merlin sought Gwen out the previous night. It was Arthur’s own fault for shutting Merlin out after Arthur told him about his mother. He wanted to make it up to Merlin. “Merlin, have you ever been to the tavern?”
~*~
No one looked twice at the prince being seen at the Rising Sun. He didn’t frequent the place that often, but the knights would take him there every now and then after training. He ordered a pint of ale and he and Merlin found a table to sit at.
When they sat down Arthur observed Merlin surreptitiously and was happy to see Merlin smiling while he observed all of the raucous laughter, music, and hollering happening in the tavern. When the barmaid slammed their drinks in front of them, Merlin laughed. “I bet you’re not used to be treated like any peon off the street.”
“It happens more often than you think.” Arthur threw back his drink, gulping it down.
“Then why do you get such a bee in your bonnet when I do it to you?” Merlin grinned before slugging back his drink. He had drunk almost half of it, in one gulp.
“There’s a time and place for everything, Merlin something which you don’t seem able to grasp.”
“Oh, I grasp it. I just don’t care.” Merlin grinned cheekily at him.
A loud cheer came from the back where a large group of men where gathered around the table playing dice.
Arthur laughed despite himself.
Merlin took another wig of his drink. “Admit it, Arthur. You love my cheek.”
Arthur grinned. “I will admit no such thing.”
Merlin looked over at the men, playing dice. “I’ve never played that before.”
“There are a lot of things you’ve never done, Merlin.” Arthur picked up his cup and stared at it. He wondered just how strong that ale was; he was already starting to feel a little tipsy.
“Are you any good?” Merlin asked.
“I excel at everything I do, Merlin and that includes stupid parlor games that require no skill whatsoever.” He laughed. “Now that I think about it that probably is the perfect game for you.”
Merlin put down his drink. “How about a little wager then?”
“I’m listening.”
“We play a game of dice. You win; I give you ten pieces of silver.”
“I don’t need your money, Merlin.” Arthur interrupted.
“And you’re not going to get it.” Merlin smiled. “I win, then you admit that you like me…I mean that you like when I tell you exactly what’s on my mind.”
“That’s it?” Arthur took another gulp of his drink, finishing it off.
Merlin nodded.
Arthur slammed his cup down. “You’re on!”
~*~
Merlin had to admit that Arthur was as good at dice as he claimed. He’d guessed right eight straight times. Arthur was also getting drunker by the midnight. Cheered on by the crowd, he guzzled drink after drink after every roll of the dice. Merlin however was completely sober.
Arthur shook the cup directly in Merlin’s face. “Three!” He threw the dice out without looking. The dice rolled and landed on three.
All of the men around the table except Merlin, cheered. Arthur took another drink.
“There’s no shame in admitting defeat, Merlin.”
Merlin crossed his arms in front of his chest. “Never.”
Arthur smirked. “Have it your way.”
Arthur shook the dice, staring directly at Merlin. “Twelve.” Merlin coughed lightly at the same time as Arthur threw the dice out. It landed on seven.
The crowd groaned.
Arthur glared at Merlin. “You put me off.”
Merlin furrowed his brow as he picked up the dice. “What are you talking about?”
“You just coughed.”
Merlin pointed at his throat. “I was just clearing my throat.”
“You coughed deliberately.”
A slow grin spread on Merlin’s face. He nodded. “I knew you’d discover my secret in the end. There is just no fooling you, milord.” He said “milord” mockingly.
Arthur narrowed his eyes at him.
Merlin was on a good streak. He’d guessed correctly seven times in a row. He threw the dice for the eighth time. “Ten.” It was ten.
Arthur looked more and more agitated, though he was still having trouble focusing his eyes. Merlin thought he might pass out on his feet.
“There’s no shame in admitting defeat, sire.”
“Just get on with it.”
Merlin grinned. “Three.” It was three. The crowd roared. “One more and I win.”
“Don’t count your…” Arthur trailed off, blinking rapidly.
“I think the word you’re straining for is chickens.” Merlin laughed.
“Throw the dice.” Arthur said through gritted teeth.
Merlin shrugged. “Alright.” He closed his eyes, shaking the cup vigorously. “Ten.” He let the roar of the crowd tell him what he already knew. When he opened his eyes, Arthur’s scowl made him laugh harder than he had in ages.
~*~
It took a valiant effort on Merlin’s part to get a drunken Arthur home. Arthur was very heavy and kept stumbling, requiring Merlin to grab him and press him closer to his side. Arthur also kept mumbling about a rematch and claiming that Merlin took advantage of Arthur’s drunken state. Merlin ignored him. He shushed Arthur when they entered the castle. By some kind of miracle, Merlin managed to get to Arthur’s chambers without being spotted.
Merlin dragged Arthur into his room. When Merlin turned to close the door, Arthur stumbled once again and nearly fell on his face. Arthur had the presence of mind to grab Merlin’s hand and they ended up tangled in a heap on the floor.
Merlin pulled back slightly, panting. Arthur and Merlin looked into each other’s eyes at the same moment. Arthur put his arms around Merlin. Merlin stopped breathing for a moment. Arthur was looking at him so intensely, Merlin felt as if he was in a trance. He put his hands on Arthur’s chest and managed to pull them both up.
Arthur’s gaze never left his. A nervous Merlin licked his lips and wheezed lightly when he noticed Arthur’s eyes tracking the movement. Merlin cleared his throat and averted his gaze. “You know you never delivered on your end of the bet.”
Arthur grabbed the front of his brown jacket, stumbling backwards as he tried to pull it off. “What were the terms again?”
Merlin rushed to Arthur’s side and started to help him take the jacket off. “I win and you tell me how much…”
“I like you.”
Merlin took Arthur’s coat all the way off. He walked over to Arthur’s desk and threw it on there. “Not exactly. You tell me that you like when I tell you exactly what’s on my mind.”
Merlin turned around and nearly gasped when he saw that Arthur was standing directly in front of him.
“I do like that about you. And I also like that you’re funny and kind and that you’re not scared of me. I like that I can be the biggest prat in the kingdom and you still care. Why is that?”
“I haven’t figured that out yet.” Merlin whispered.
“I think you have.” Arthur leaned in close.
Merlin froze. God, he really wanted this. But not like this. “No!” He moved out of the way and Arthur practically fell over his desk.
For a drunken man Arthur was surprisingly quick to get up as he reached for Merlin’s hand, stopping Merlin in his place. “What are you doing?”
Merlin turned to face him. “Keeping you from making a mistake. You may want to…kiss me now. But you won’t when you’re sober.”
“That’s not true.” Arthur pulled Merlin in closer. “I want to do this and I know you do, too.”
Merlin shook his head. “No.” He walked backwards, looking at Arthur. “I have to go.”
Arthur sighed heavily. He went to his bed and plopped down. “Before you go can you help me?”
Merlin stopped in front of the door. He hung his head. “With what?”
Arthur pulled at his shirt. “Take off my shirt.”
Merlin’s mouth opened so wide you could practically see his tonsils. “Are you serious?”
Arthur pulled at his shirt feebly. “I’m not coordinated enough to take it off.”
Merlin huffed. “If you have it in you to say the word ‘coordinated’ I think you can manage with your shirt.” He turned to the door.
“Please.” Arthur begged.
Merlin looked over his shoulder and completely lost his battle when he saw that Arthur was practically pouting. Merlin trudged over. Arthur lifted up his arms. Merlin grabbed the shirt end and slowly pulled Arthur’s shirt from his body. He smiled when he saw Arthur’s hair sticking up all over.
When he looked down at Arthur’s muscles and the smattering of chest hair, the smile fell from his face. He looked into Arthur’s eyes. His pupils were blown wide. Merlin pushed Arthur back against the bed. ‘When you’re sober…” Merlin leaned over Arthur. “If you still want to kiss me…” He hovered just above Arthur’s lips. “You know where to find me.” He moved and quickly kissed Arthur’s forehead before dashing to the door.
“Merlin!” Arthur cried after him.
~*~
Merlin slammed the door behind him, and gasped loudly when he ran into Uther. “Uther, what-what are you doing here?”
Uther narrowed his eyes. “I should ask you the same question. And Merlin, as long as you reside in Camelot, you shall address me as sire.”
Merlin nodded. “Excuse me, sire.”
Uther gestured to Arthur’s room. “What were you doing in there?”
“Arthur and I went out. I was just making sure that Arthur arrived at his room okay.”
Uther nodded. “How responsible of you.”
Merlin grimaced at Uther’s tone.
“I don’t think it’s wise that you be in the prince’s room alone at such a late hour.” Uther declared. “Arthur is the prince and he has many important duties and needs his rest. I can’t have you keeping him up and distracting him.”
Merlin simply nodded. He just wanted to get away from Arthur’s room as quickly as possible. When Uther said nothing, Merlin started to leave.
“I trust that your plans to leave the castle are coming along well?” Uther asked.
Merlin stopped and looked back at the king. “Yes. I should be leaving shortly. I wouldn’t want to overstay my welcome.”
Uther sneered as he walked past Merlin. “That point was reached long ago.”
Merlin glared after the king.
~*~
The next morning, Arthur woke up with a splitting headache. The events of the previous night were a bit of a blur, but he did distinctly remember making a pass at Merlin and being turned down. When you’re sober…if you still want to kiss me…you know where to find me.
Arthur shook his head. Perhaps Merlin was right and it would have been a bad idea. But he still regretted it not happening. He tried to put it from his mind. He had a meeting with his father and he didn’t want to be thinking about kissing Merlin, while talking to his father.
He met his father in the council room. His father was at his desk going over some papers. Uther took off his glasses and stood. “Good morning, son.”
Arthur shrunk back slightly. His father didn’t usually greet him so informally. “Good morning, father.”
Uther strode over to Arthur. “Arthur, do you remember Lord Godwin?”
Arthur searched his memory. He smiled when he remembered the man. “Yes. He was not like many of the other kings. He was actually pleasant to be around.”
Uther nodded. “Yes, Lord Godwin has always been a good friend as well as trusted ally of Camelot. That is why I have invited him to visit Camelot. He should be arriving tomorrow with his daughter, Elena.”
“Tomorrow? That’s a bit soon.”
Uther sighed. “It’s not soon enough.”
Arthur raised his eyebrows. “What do you mean, Father?”
“Arthur as much as I enjoy Lord Godwin’s company, this visit isn’t a social call. It’s a strategic maneuver.” Uther explained. “The dragon attack has decimated Camelot and we unfortunately do not have the resources to rebuild Camelot the way it was before, not without an alliance.”
“You said that Lord Gown was already an ally of Camelot’s.”
“Yes, but to secure the kind of resources that we need a stronger match is necessary.”
Arthur noticed that Uther was having trouble looking him in the eye. It wasn’t like his father to be so jittery. “What kind of match are you talking about?”
“A love match.”
Arthur jerked his head back. “A love match? Father, do you want to tell me something about Lord Godwin and your relationship?”
Uther sputter indignantly. Arthur couldn’t hold back a chuckle. “Arthur, please be serious.”
“I’m trying to be. I just don’t have any idea what you’re getting at. Lord Godwin and his daughter…” Arthur’s eyes widened. “Elena and I?!”
Uther nodded.
“I don’t know the woman. How can you expect me to fall in love with Elena?”
Uther rolled his eyes. “Love doesn’t have anything to do with it. It just requires a more permanent union.”
Arthur gaped at his father. “Marriage?!”
“Yes.” Uther said.
“Father, you can’t seriously expect me to marry someone I’ve never met.”
Uther shook his head. “Of course not, that’s what this visit is for. You two can get acquainted and then we will proceed with the wedding.”
“Father-
“Arthur, this for the good of Camelot. I know in time you will come to understand that this is for the best.” Uther clutched Arthur’s shoulder and nodded. He left a still gobsmacked Arthur behind.
~*~
Merlin knocked on Gwen’s door and he didn’t have to wait long before he was greeted with her beaming visage. “Hello, Merlin.”
“Hello, Gwen. Can I come in?”
“Of course.” She opened the door wider for him to step through. After closing the door, Gwen surprised Merlin with a hug. “I’m happy to see you.”
Merlin returned the hug. He smiled as he pulled back. “It’s good to see you. How are you doing with the whole…?” He gestured vaguely with his hand. “Wolf thing?”
Gwen tittered. “Yes, Merlin. I’ve been dealing with it my entire life.”
Merlin’s cheeks flushed. “Right. Sorry. I just wanted to make sure you were alright.”
“Thank you, Merlin. I’m fine. It happens once a month usually. It’s more than a little awkward to deal with. But I’ve learned to live with it as best I can.”
“It must help having, Leon.”
“Oh, yes. He’s always been a big help. If I had to deal with it alone, I don’t think I could cope.” Gwen gestured for Merlin to come and sit at the table. “It’s good to have someone to talk to.”
Merlin nodded. “Well if Leon is unavailable, I hope you know you can talk to me.”
Gwen smiled. “Likewise.”
“Does anyone else know, other than Leon, and now me?” Merlin asked.
“The only other person that knows is Morgana.”
Merlin’s eyes widened. “She knows and she hasn’t told Uther?”
Gwen shook her head. “She wouldn’t do that. I told you she’s very sweet. She doesn’t agree with Uther’s views on magic.”
Merlin smiled. “That’s good to know.”
Gwen put her hands in her lap and fidgeted with her skirt. “How are you doing with adjusting to life in Camelot…without your father?”
Merlin sighed. “It’s still hard not being able to talk to him. And not knowing what happened is making it harder. I tell myself I’m okay if I never know, but that’s a lie.”
Gwen took his hand in hers. “I hope that Arthur is able to help you.”
Merlin’s cheeks unconsciously reddened when Arthur’s name came up.
Gwen covered her smile. “Still not ready to admit what you feel for him?”
Merlin pursed his lips. “I still don’t see the use.”
“Merlin, I’m your friend. You can talk to me safely. I won’t say a word to anyone else.”
Merlin ran his hands through his hair. “You know what I hate about, Arthur?”
Gwen rolled her eyes fondly. “What?”
“I want to hate him, but the prat is such a good person that I can’t.” He sighed. “I can’t stop thinking about him.” He glanced up at her briefly. “Arthur almost kissed me.”
Gwen opened her mouth wide in shock. “Oh, my God.”
“It’s not really a big deal.” Gwen gave him an incredulous look. “He was drunk. I put a stop to it. I’m sure it means nothing to Arthur.”
“You don’t know that, Merlin. You have to talk to him.”
“I don’t know if I can.”
“Merlin.” Gwen squeezed his knee. “You are a brave person. If you have a chance to be happy with Arthur, you have to fight for it.”
Merlin wrung his hands, considering Gwen’s words.
~*~
Arthur hadn’t seen Merlin at all for the rest of the day. Arthur assumed that Merlin was avoiding him. Not that Arthur made much of an effort to reach out to Merlin, either. The next day, Arthur was determined to talk to him. It was just a drunken mistake and nothing came of it. He didn’t see why it had to ruin their friendship. He also wanted to alert Merlin of Elena’s impending arrival, and that his time may be limited for a few days.
Arthur knocked on Merlin’s door.
Merlin opened the door and his eyes widened slightly when he saw Arthur. “Hi.”
“Hello.” He paused. Arthur gestured to inside. “May I come in?”
Merlin looked back hesitantly, but soon nodded. He gave Arthur a wide berth before closing the door. “If this is about the other night-
“No.” Arthur shook his head. “Though I do want to apologize for my behavior. It wasn’t fair to you.”
Merlin smiled grimly. “No harm done.”
Arthur nodded. He cleared his throat. “I wanted to tell you that there will a visiting Lord arriving today. Lord Godwin and his daughter Elena. My father wants me to make sure that Elena enjoys her stay here. So I will be spending a bit of time with her. I just wanted to let you know, in case you were wondering what I was doing. I didn’t want you think I was avoiding you.”
Merlin grinned. “Thank you for telling me. I hope Elena can enjoy herself and not be too overwhelmed by having to suffer listening to you talk about battle strategy.”
Arthur chuckled. “It’ll be nice to spend time with someone who doesn’t endlessly mock me.”
“You know I only do it because I lo…” Merlin trailed off. He looked down immediately, suddenly preoccupied with a loose thread in his pants.
Arthur swallowed several times before smiling at Merlin. “I should go.”
“Have fun.” Merlin’s voice cracked on the last word.
Arthur nodded and briskly walked away.
~*~
Arthur was genuinely pleased to see his father look so happy when Lord Godwin and Elena arrived. Lord Godwin and Arthur shared a warm hug.
“Lord Godwin, it is such a pleasure to have you here.”
Lord Godwin smiled. “It is a pleasure to once again be in Camelot.” Lord Godwin turned his attention to Arthur. “I haven’t seen you in a long time. It’s lovely to see you again, Arthur.”
“Thank you, Lord Godwin.” Arthur shook his hand.
“I’d like to introduce you to my daughter, Elena.” Lord Godwin announced.
A beautiful girl with blonde hair stepped forward. She was wearing a beautiful yellow dress and her hair was styled in a perfectly put together chignon. Arthur had only met only, briefly, when they were children and remembered her being a mess of a girl. She had certainly changed.
Elena smiled sweetly. “It’s nice to meet you, Arthur.”
“It’s nice to meet you, too. You look lovely.”
Elena blushed. “Thank you. You’re too kind. I’m not exactly a fan of fancy dresses, but a princess has to do what she must.”
Arthur laughed. “I understand.”
Arthur looked back at his father. He looked pleased as punch. Arthur resisted the urge to roll his eyes.
~*~
Arthur had planned a leisurely horseback ride through the gardens. But it turned that Elena had other ideas. Arthur could barely keep up with Elena. It reminded him of riding with Morgana when they were children. Elena finally came to a stop in a clearing in the woods. Arthur caught up with her a minute later, too winded to speak properly at first.
“It’s hard to keep up with you, Elena.” Arthur panted.
Elena laughed as she dismounted her horse. “Sorry. Horse riding is one of my few joys in life. I can’t help myself once I start.”
“It’s always nice to be able to do something that you really love.” Arthur said, getting off his horse.
Elena smiled. “My mother was an excellent horsewoman. I think I might take after her. I never met her. I like to think that I take after her in some ways.”
Arthur nodded. “I never met my mother, either. People tell me that I look like her. I’d like to think that there’s some of her in me; that I’m not completely like my father.”
Elena shook her head. “I don’t think you are. You’re a perfectly nice person.” Elena immediately realized her faux pas and covered her mouth.
Arthur just chortled.
“I didn’t mean to insinuate that your father isn’t nice. He’s been very nice to me. It’s just Uther does have a reputation.”
Arthur waved off her explanation. “I completely understand.”
Elena sighed in relief.
Arthur stroked his horse’s mane. “Who taught you how to ride?”
Elena’s sunny demeanor disappeared. She frowned. “It was someone very special. His name was Gwaine.”
Arthur cocked his head to the side, curious. “Was he a friend?”
Elena bit her lip. “More than that. I thought I might marry him.”
Arthur was taken aback. “I’m sorry. What happened?”
Elena looked down at the ground. “He died.”
Arthur led his horse closer to Elena. “I’m sorry to hear that. How did it happen?”
“Arthur! Elena!” Morgana suddenly appeared next to them atop her horse.
“Morgana, what are you doing here?” Arthur asked.
“I wanted to catch up with Elena.” Morgana smiled at Elena as she dismounted. “Uther also asked to tell me that he wants to speak with you immediately when you return.”
Arthur nodded. “Thank you.”
~*~
Arthur left Morgana and Elena to giggle over both of them beating Arthur home. He found Uther in his room. “Did you enjoy your time with Elena?” Uther asked without giving Arthur a chance to close the door.
"Yes, we had a very pleasant time."
Uther smiled broadly. "That's good. I think it's very important for you to propose before they leave tomorrow."
Arthur goggled at his father. "After one afternoon? I thought this trip was for us to get to know each other?"
"It was, and now you have gotten to know her. And your personalities are perfectly agreeable."
"I like the girl. She's very nice. It doesn't mean I'm prepared to spend the rest of my life with her." Arthur tried to reason with his father.
Uther grabbed Arthur's arm. "Open your eyes, Arthur! You're not living in some fantasy. Getting married for love is a luxury you can't afford. When you're king your first duty isn't your personal happiness, but doing whatever is necessary to secure the future of Camelot!"
Arthur pulled back his arm, stepping back from Uther. “I would do anything to protect Camelot, you know that Father. But I don't see how marrying someone I don't know, let alone, love will help matters."
"That is why I am king and you are not. Being a king requires sacrifices, my son. The sooner you learn that the better."
Part 6
