Fic: The Undiscovered Country (3/3)

[angelqueen04]

Part Two

Merlin didn’t let go of Arthur for a while, only sitting up when she felt him stir. Staring down at him intently, she watched him slowly open his eyes. He blinked them a few times, and then focused on her. “Mer… lin?”

She nodded, even smiling at him a little. “It’s me.”

His gloved hand reached up to her face, mimicking the same action she had performed just a short time ago. “If I’m dead,” he murmured, “then I suppose it isn’t so bad.”

She laughed lightly. “You’re not dead,” she assured him. “It was just a sleeping draught.”

“Really?” He didn’t ask for further details, just kept gazing up at her and stroking her cheek. Merlin couldn’t bring herself to speak either, reluctant to break the strange spell that seemed to have fallen over them.

She didn’t know how they started making their way back through the labyrinth either. All she really noticed was that Arthur wouldn’t let go of her hand until they made it back through and returned to their horses.

They rode in a comfortable silence back toward Camelot, and were delighted to see that the fields had been restored. They passed many farmers and their families, who were out in the fields beginning the harvest, and waved joyfully to them.

Camelot was in a similar situation when they made it back not long before dusk. Food was being brought into the city and citadel by the bushel, smiles were on every face, and anyone who had a moment stopped to drink deeply of the water, savoring it like never before.

Arthur stopped to explain the situation to his father, while Merlin found Gaius and, much to her surprise, Marcus. “You did this, didn’t you?” the physician asked.

She shook her head. “Not me,” she replied as she started to lower herself down from her horse. She felt Marcus’ hand grasp her arm to keep her steady until she was on the ground. Beaming, Merlin added, “It was Arthur. Once he’d proven himself, the curse was lifted.”

“Indeed?” Marcus said. “Well, given what’s been seen so far, this is the best harvest we’ve had in years. Quite the miracle our prince has pulled off, bringing us back from the brink of starvation and death.”

Merlin turned to look toward Arthur. He was still in deep conversation with Uther, but she saw his eyes shift from the king to meet her own gaze. Something warm and comforting enveloped her, and she smiled faintly. “He is rather good at that,” she murmured.

The next weeks were like a dream. Merlin found herself in a position to actually spend time with Arthur again, for the first time since the discovery of her parentage. It actually felt something like it used to be, albeit without her having to clean up after him. She began to visit the practice field, sitting off to the side with Seanna - and sometimes Gwen and Morgana - and watching Arthur train the knights.

There were also occasions when she and Arthur would slip out of Camelot alone and ride in the nearby countryside. Such times were filled with casual conversation and teasing, and it was a wonderful feeling. Of course, when they returned, they were subjected to many raised eyebrows, not to mention a few warnings from Uther and Marcus both, but neither man was particularly harsh about it. If anything, both the king and the noble only seemed amused and speculative.

It wasn’t until one evening when Merlin dined privately with Marcus that she found out why.

“The king is quite pleased to see you and Arthur spending so much time together,” Marcus informed her.

“Mmm, that’s nice,” Merlin said, taking a bite of the venison on her plate. She eyed him teasingly. “But you’re not?”

Marcus laughed. “I suppose I’m pleased as well. I know you two were friends before everything came to light. Though, I still wish you’d take Seanna with you when the two of you run off alone, if only for the appearance of propriety.”

She shrugged noncommittally and kept eating. She enjoyed the time she spent alone with Arthur. They spent so much time with other people around them that it was a relief to be able to relax.

“Still,” Marcus continued, “there’s a reason the king has taken so much notice of your interactions with Arthur. We spoke of it today, in private.”

“Oh?” Merlin took a sip of wine.

“Yes. He’s broached the possibility of arranging a marriage between you and the prince.”

She was still in the midst of drinking the wine, so gasping was hardly in her best interests, but she still did. Choking on the liquid, Merlin hurriedly sat the goblet down on the table as she struggled to control of her breathing. Seanna appeared at her side, staring down at her worriedly.

After a few moments, Merlin could breathe easily again. Managing a small, reassuring smile to Seanna, she turned her attention back to Marcus. “Marriage?” she repeated incredulously. “Me and Arthur? I thought he’d have to marry some foreign princess and make an alliance.”

He nodded. “Yes. The king has always known that his son must marry for the good of the kingdom and his claim to the throne, and marrying him to you would do much to secure the royal family from a potential threat.”

She raised her eyebrows. “Potential threat?”

Marcus nodded again. “Yes. Who you marry is of great importance to Uther, considering that you’ll one day inherit all of my lands and political standing. Whoever marries you will have at least nominal control over that.”

Merlin snorted. “I’d love to see someone try to control me!”

He chuckled. “I know, dear. Still, while I am someone Uther trusts, not all of his nobles have a share in his confidence. He worries that you’ll marry someone seeking power, who might become a threat to the Pendragons and their claim to the throne. However, if you were to marry Arthur, then your inheritance would pass to him. Albina and all that comes with it will remain close to the crown, possibly even becoming the inheritance of a second son.”

Merlin didn’t say anything, trying to take in this sudden twist in her life. Her appetite gone, she turned to Seanna and said, “We’ll be fine, Seanna. You can go.”

Her handmaiden looked a little reluctant to go, but still curtsied obediently and left the room. Once she was certain they were alone, Merlin turned back to Marcus. “Do you have any idea how insane this idea is? Me marry Arthur? Given what I can do?”

“I know it is an unusual move, and there are risks. But Arthur’s stance on magic is hardly the same as Uther’s.”

“Yes, but that’s only because Arthur has a heart. Gods only know why Uther hates magic so much,” she said bitterly. “Still, it’s one thing for him to not want to kill sorcerers left, right, and center. It’s completely different to actually agree to marry one of them!”

Marcus sighed. “I know this, Merlin. Nothing has been decided yet. Uther has only just broached the possibility. Still, do you have any objections, the issue of magic aside?”

Merlin blinked. “I… I suppose I don’t,” she allowed. She knew she felt something for Arthur, had for some time. But marry him? “Does he know about this yet?” she asked suddenly.

He shook his head. “No, Uther doesn’t want to bring it up until he’s certain he wants to go that route.”

“Well,” she said, “I know this much - I won’t agree to anything unless Arthur has all the facts - including my magic.” She looked down at her food, and found it completely unappealing now. “I won’t have him thinking that I ensorcelled him into agreeing to anything after the fact.”

The following day, Merlin joined Morgana and the others in repeating the previous day’s activities. Uther tried to convince them that they need not do it, that he could assign the task to someone else, but they both refused. They had started this, and they owed it to the people of Camelot who were still missing loved ones to finish it.

The day was filled with much of the same results - a few happy endings, where children had been separated from their parents in the confusion were reunited, but mostly more heartache and distress. The last body discovered was a little girl whose mother, once she saw the child’s broken remains, began to wail mournfully. Not even the presence of her husband and two sons seemed to bring her any comfort.

That night, Merlin couldn’t sleep. She’d sent Seanna off to bed as soon as she’d been able, since the girl had looked as exhausted as Merlin felt, but sleep was nowhere in sight for her. Admitting defeat, she threw off the blankets and took up her slippers and cloak, leaving her chambers.

She had no destination in mind, just wandered the corridors, nodding to the few people that she passed. Eventually, she ended up on the battlements overlooking the town. Most of the buildings were dark and silent, so unlike how they’d been when she’d first come to Camelot. Suddenly, that night was vivid in her mind, when there had been candles and torches lit in every house, and the people were enjoying the celebrations Uther had provided. Though she had been nervous as to the reasons, the joy that had pervaded city had been infectious. Now, it was hard to believe that this was the same place.

“Merlin?” She turned to see Arthur lean against the parapet next to her. “What are you doing out here?” he asked her.

She sighed. “Couldn’t sleep.”

Merlin didn’t have to look at him to see his raised eyebrow. “You look like death warmed over, Merlin. Rest is the best thing for you.”

“I tried,” she told him. “I guess I’m too tired to sleep.”

Arthur said nothing further, and they stood for several minutes in a companionable silence. Finally, he said, “I hadn’t had a chance to thank you.”

“For what?”

“For helping catalog the dead,” he elaborated. “That’s one of the most difficult duties after something like this happens, and you and Morgana took it on without even being asked.”

“It was Morgana’s idea,” she shrugged. “I just helped where I could.”

Arthur’s hand suddenly appeared on her own, and Merlin blinked in surprise. Turning to look at him, she saw that he was even closer than she’d thought. “Arthur?” she whispered.

He didn’t reply at first, just stared at her. “You’re a puzzle, Merlin,” he murmured, reaching up to brush a stray hair away from her face.

“I -” was all she was able to say before their lips met.

Merlin knew that she’d have to talk to Arthur soon, before Uther broached the subject of marriage. She didn’t speak to him about it the day after Marcus told her, though, or the day after. She kept putting it off, not wanting to break the spell of peace that currently hung between them.

Until, suddenly, everything changed.

It began innocuously enough, when a sharp jab of magic tore Merlin out of a dead sleep. She couldn’t determine its source, and resolved to speak to Gaius about it in the morning. She did so, but he had no answers for her, though he promised to look into it. The following day, however, Merlin woke up to discover that Gwen’s father had been arrested for aiding the sorcerer, Tauren. Before she was even able to think of something to help, Tom was dead, killed after being cornered by the guards during an escape attempt.

After that, telling Arthur that she was a sorceress was the farthest thing from Merlin’s mind. All she could think about was Gwen, who sat in a catatonic state on Merlin’s bed. Merlin had no idea what to say to her, and just did the only thing she could think of - she crawled onto the bed and wrapped her arms around her. Gwen stiffened at first, but then melted into Merlin’s embrace and sobbed.

Merlin did her best to soothe her, stroking her hair like she would a little girl, and then glanced over to Seanna, who was also watching. Their eyes met and they exchanged the same thought - where was Morgana?

They didn’t find out until later that Uther had thrown his ward into the dungeons for calling him a murdering tyrant. Merlin didn’t know whether to think Morgana stupidly reckless, or incredibly brave.

Arthur visited them briefly, reassuring Gwen that her home wouldn’t be confiscated, and that her position as Morgana’s handmaiden was in no danger. He didn’t stay long, though, unable to bear the agony in her eyes. Gwen eventually fell asleep in Merlin’s bed, and stayed there for several hours, leaving Merlin to venture out to find out what else was happening. She did ask Seanna to stay with Gwen, in case she should wake up while she was gone.

What she found outside only made her feel worse. Uther had become paranoid, convinced that others beyond Tom had aided Tauren in his work against Camelot, and thus had decided to execute anyone who had had any contact with the sorcerer. That included tavern owners, innkeepers, and stable managers.

Merlin stood by the gates of the citadel, gaping in horror as she watched the men be marched past. She looked past them, and saw Arthur, who was also watching the spectacle. His eyes met hers for several moments. She looked at the condemned, and then back at him.

Do something, Arthur, she pleaded silently.

Arthur’s eyes softened for a moment, and Merlin saw the pain in them. All too quickly, though, it was gone, and the Prince of Camelot was in command again. His gaze hardened and he shook his head in her direction.

Be silent, Merlin, if you value your head, he seemed to say.

This was hardly Merlin’s first kiss. She and Will had been each other’s first, though they’d done it because they’d seen two of their neighbors doing it and had wanted to see what all the fuss was about. It had been sloppy and uncomfortable, and they’d laughed it off, swearing to never try it again. Then there had been Ban, who worked in the stables here in the Camelot, who had kissed her after a celebration and they’d both been drunk.

None of them, though, compared to what Merlin felt now, as Arthur pulled her closer to him. His lips were soft but determined against hers, coaxing her into reciprocating. Almost of their own volition, Merlin’s hands grasped Arthur’s shoulders for several moments before sliding up his neck to bury her fingers in his hair. His touch on her back was like fire, even though there were multiple layers of clothing between his hands and her skin.

When they broke away, they were both breathing heavily, their foreheads resting against one another.

“Why… why now?” she asked him slowly, struggling to think straight.

He gazed down at her, his eyes tender. “Because you’re a part of me, Merlin,” he answered. “My father’s laws or not, common sense or not, I can’t give you up anymore than I could give up my sword.

“You’re mine,” he breathed. “And, one day, you’ll be my queen.”

She didn’t have a chance to respond to that outlandish statement before Arthur kissed her again.

Merlin didn’t have time to be angry with Arthur again, like she had been with the unicorn. Gwen was mourning and, after being released from the dungeons, Morgana was being less than helpful. It didn’t take long for Merlin to find out why, and she spent the next few days trying to decide whether or not to let Morgana succeed in her plot to kill Uther. The Dragon and Gaius had their own polar opinions on the subject, but it was ultimately Gwen’s words that swayed Merlin to try and save the king.

Only Morgana ended up being the heroine anyway. She didn’t know what had made her decide to keep Uther alive, but Merlin was grateful. Uther would die eventually. Having him die at magic’s hand would not make Arthur more accepting of it.

Which reminded her, Arthur still had to be told. It was only a matter of time before Uther brought the subject of marriage up to him, even if he had been silent on it in light of recent events.

However, just as Merlin was planning to go watch Arthur and the knights train, Seanna spoke up hesitantly. “My lady?”

Merlin sighed. She despaired of getting her handmaiden to call her by name. “Yes?”

“I… I do not wish you to think me overly prying, but… you left your chambers a few nights ago, after we had retired for the night…”

Merlin went cold. She had, as that had been when she had gone to the Dragon to ask his advice. She’d thought Seanna was asleep. “Y-Yes, I… couldn’t sleep,” she stuttered, praying silently that would be the end of Seanna’s inquiry.

The other girl stared at her, still distinctly nervous. “Forgive me, my lady, but I followed you. You… spoke with a dragon, down beneath the dungeons.” Despite her anxious demeanor, Seanna straightened. “You have magic, my lady.”

Merlin gazed back at her, terror coming over her. How much time would she have before Uther sent the guards for her? Would she be better off running now than waiting to warn her father? He could easily plead ignorance, and given that he had known her only for a short time, Uther might very well believe him. Arthur -

“My lady, please, please!” Seanna was suddenly in front of her, grasping her hands. “You have nothing to fear! I won’t ever tell the king, I swear!”

Merlin blinked rapidly, struggling to focus on her. “W-What?”

Seanna led her over to the bed, urging her to sit down on it. She then knelt beside the bed, squeezing her hands reassuringly. “I’ll never tell anyone about you,” she repeated. She looked down for a moment, and then continued, “I wasn’t entirely truthful with you, my lady, when I told you about how my parents died.”

Merlin tilted her head questioningly. What did she mean?

“I… They were accused of sorcery, my lady,” Seanna confessed, “and executed by the king. I might have shared their fate, even though I was just a child, but someone got me out of Camelot and brought me to my grandmother in Albina.” She smiled weakly. “So, you see, I could technically be considered a fugitive, though I doubt the king remembers me.”

Merlin took a deep, steadying breath, trying to bring her rolling emotions under control. After a few moments, she replied, “Thank you, Seanna, for trusting me. I’ve always tried to use my gifts for the good of Camelot and the prince. I mean no one but Camelot’s enemies any harm.”

The handmaiden nodded. “I’ve never thought otherwise, my lady.”

The two of them stayed up on the battlements for the rest of the night. Merlin convinced Arthur to talk about her magic, and they discussed the issue in low tones well into the early hours. Arthur had been raised to despise magic from infancy, but he also knew what he’d seen - magic could be destructive, but he had also seen the great miracles it could perform. Much to her relief, he didn’t think Merlin was a monster.

By the time the sun began to creep up over the treetops, Merlin sat on the ground, leaning against Arthur. He had an arm wrapped around her shoulders, keeping her close to his side.

When they began to hear the sounds of the lower town awakening, they shifted slowly, tense and sore from sitting in one position all night. She looked up at him. “What do we do now?” she asked him softly.

Arthur stared back at her. “I have to ask your father for permission to marry you.” At her raised eyebrow, he added, “I know I have yours - as if there was ever any doubt - oof!” he paused when she elbowed him the ribs. Rubbing the spot where she’d made contact, he continued, “But it’s tradition to ask a lady’s father. I’ll also need to speak to my father, though I don’t think he’ll have any objections. As far as he’s concerned, this was all his idea.”

Merlin raised an eyebrow. “It kind of was, Arthur,” she reminded him. “I certainly wasn’t thinking about it until it was brought up to me.”

Arthur just smirked.

Merlin was actually relieved to have Seanna know about her magic. Before that, all she’d had was Gaius and Marcus, and as nice as they were, it wasn’t the same as having someone her own age to confide in. More than once she’d been tempted to confess to Gwen and Morgana, almost as much as she wanted to tell Arthur sometimes, but had kept quiet; having Seanna to talk to made her feel a little less alone.

Still, she had to talk to Arthur. The problem was finding time to do so. Arthur had a fresh group of knights to train, and spent most of his time either on the training field or out hunting with the newcomers. Hunting with them was apparently his way of building a sense of camaraderie, to encourage them all to see themselves as part of the whole. With all of that, he didn’t have as much time to spend with her as he had in the recent past.

It took nearly a week, but she was able to convince Arthur to take a ride with her. They went along their usual route, going deep into the darkling woods, away from the road. As they rode, Merlin thought that Arthur was a little quieter than normal.

“Something bothering you?” she asked him.

He glanced at her, and then shook his head. “No,” he replied unconvincingly.

“Come on,” she said, nudging him. “Something’s wrong. Did Oswin not bring your breakfast not exactly warm enough for you, Sire?” she teased.

“Shut up, Merlin,” Arthur said reflexively, though with no heat. Shaking his head, he told her, “It’s nothing like that. My father and I had a strange discussion last night, that’s all.”

“Oh? Anything bad?”

“Not bad, just unusual.” He stared ahead and they rode along in silence for a few minutes. Then he pulled his horse to a stop, prompting Merlin to do the same a moment later.

“Arthur?”

He didn’t look at her. “My father wanted to speak to me about my marriage.”

She froze. Oh no, she thought. She’d delayed too long. “He… did?”

Arthur nodded. “He… he considers you a suitable bride, given your inheritance and station in life,” he said in a rush.

Merlin eyed him, wondering if perhaps he was mortified that he was even being asked to consider marrying her. “I see,” she said slowly. For a second, she didn’t say anything further, but finally she decided to go on with it. It was now or never. “My father mentioned that the king had brought up the subject with him.”

Arthur looked at her, surprise flicking across his face. “You knew about this?” he inquired. “Why didn’t you say anything?”

She sighed. “I’ve been trying to, but events lately haven’t made it easy.”

“Ah. Then do you have any objections? Though,” he added, smirking at her, “I don’t see why you would object. It’s not every day that a girl is asked to be the wife of the future King of Camelot.”

Merlin rolled her eyes. “Yes, Arthur, you would only see that part of it.” She shook her head. “There’s a lot more to it than that.”

“What do you mean?” He stiffened. “Is the idea so abhorrent to you?”

She shot him a look. “That’s not what I’m saying, Arthur,” she snapped. “Stop acting like a kicked puppy!” When he had the grace to look contrite, Merlin continued. “I told Marcus I had no objection, but there was something I had to discuss with you before any agreement was made.”

“What?”

Merlin bit her lip. This was it, the moment of truth. Either Arthur would accept her for who she was, or she would have to flee and pray that those closest to her wouldn’t suffer for knowing of her. “Arthur, I -”

She was cut off by a great, deafening roar just beyond their line of sight. They whirled, gripping the reins as their horses reared in terror. Within seconds, a huge creature tore through the foliage, snarling and snapping in their direction. It was enormous, with the head of a snake of all things.

Merlin’s scream tore through the forest as she and Arthur turned and bolted away as fast as the animals could run.

When Arthur decided on a course of action, he didn’t waste any time. Merlin returned to her chambers to find Seanna already awake and preparing Merlin’s dress for the day. “The court has been summoned later today, my lady,” she said. “The prince has an announcement to make.”

Merlin could feel the heat creeping up her neck as the handmaiden eyed her speculatively. “Ah,” she said. “Well, which dress did you pick out?”

Seanna stepped aside and allowed Merlin a better look. She nodded. It was a fairly new one, made of a lovely red material that Merlin had especially come to like for both its comfort and its prettiness. “Perfect,” she said, “as always, your taste is better than mine.”

The girl smiled, her green eyes sparkling. “Thank you, my lady.” She paused, and then asked, “Are you hungry? I can get a tray for you from the kitchens.”

Merlin nodded. She was famished. “That’d be lovely. Thank you.”

Seanna soon left, but Merlin wasn’t alone long. After a knock at the door, Merlin opened it to reveal Morgana. She still looked exhausted from the events of the previous days; the dark circles were prevalent around her eyes. “Merlin?” her voice was soft and wary.

“Morgana, come in,” Merlin said instantly, motioning her into her chambers. “Didn’t you get any sleep? You look terrible.”

Morgana managed a small, wry smile. “Thank you, Merlin.” She eyed her. “You don’t exactly look at your best yourself.”

Merlin took a quick look at herself in her mirror. Her hair was mussed and tangled, and her dress was wrinkled. She certainly looked like she’d spent the night outside. “Can’t argue with that,” she admitted. Turning back to Morgana, she asked, “Is something wrong?”

Morgana had a nervous look on her face. “I… I had a dream last night.”

Everything happened so quickly. Gaius identified the monster as a Questing Beast, and Uther ordered Arthur to take the knights out to kill it, despite Gaius’ warnings that only magic could defeat the beast.

“They are going to their deaths, Merlin,” Gaius said gravely. “The last time a Questing Beast roamed the land, it foreshadowed Ygraine’s death and the beginning of the Purge. If Arthur dies, I can’t even begin to imagine the retribution Uther might exact.” He pointed to a picture of the beast. “Being bitten is a death sentence to even the strongest man.”

When he said something like that, what else could Merlin do but follow Arthur and the others? In addition, Morgana’s distressed ramblings as she flung herself into Arthur’s embrace in the courtyard, trying to keep him from leaving the citadel, had been convincing as well.

She made a quick trip to her chambers and changed into trousers and tunic. Seanna looked on worriedly. “Are you certain I shouldn’t come with you, my lady?” she asked.

Merlin shook her head. “Best I do this myself. If I’m seen, then it’ll just be me that the knights go after. If you’re with me, they’ll know that you knew, and you’d be executed as an accessory.” She grabbed her sword - a gift from her father - and started toward the door. “Help Gwen watch over Morgana. Tell them that I’ll look after Arthur.”

It was difficult getting out of the citadel, and Merlin was stopped at least three times by guards. She managed to lie her way past them, and was able to get out of Camelot. Arthur’s party made no effort to disguise their trail, and she pursued them to the cave where the Questing Beast had made its nest. She could hear it hissing and growling as she slipped into the cave.

Merlin spent at least ten minutes searching without success, not finding Arthur or any of the knights. Then, suddenly, she heard a great howl, which was quickly followed by the clang of a sword. Merlin raced toward the commotion, and came upon the beast as it hovered over an unconscious Arthur.

Merlin reacted immediately. Arthur’s fallen sword flashed blue and flew up from the ground, embedding itself in the monster’s neck. It shrieked in agony and stumbled away from Arthur, collapsing seconds later. Merlin didn’t care. She raced across the cavern, tripping over the Beast’s tail, and landed painfully at Arthur’s side. “It didn’t bite you,” she murmured frantically, “it didn’t!” Merlin grasped his shoulders to shake him awake, not caring that she had no explanation for why she was there and how the Questing Beast had died. She just wanted him to open his eyes.

He didn’t, and her hand came into contact with something wet as she touched him. Trembling, Merlin pulled it off of Arthur’s shoulder. It was blood. Arthur’s blood.

He had been bitten.

Alarm filled Merlin. “A dream?” She knew Gaius thought that Morgana was a seer and that she must never know - something Merlin didn’t really agree with - so she knew to pay attention.

Morgana nodded. “I’ve been dreaming for days, but this one… this one was different,” she explained. She slumped down on Merlin’s bed.

“Should,” she asked hesitantly, “should I get Gaius?”

“No!” Morgana looked up at her wildly. “No. He’ll just give me more sleeping potions. I don’t want them; they don’t help! I want…” she trailed off, and shook her head. “I saw Arthur, standing in the throne room. He was king, and he was crowning a woman, only… I kept seeing different women.”

Merlin sat down next to her. “Who did you see?”

“At least four,” she replied. “It’s hard to remember, and I didn’t recognize all of them. I know I saw you, but I also saw that girl, Sophia. I even saw Gwen, of all people! The others were strangers, people I’ve never met.”

Merlin bit her lip. She was hardly an expert at interpreting dream-visions, but she could only suppose that it meant that the future was at a crossroads. Still, as she looked at Morgana’s frightened face, she knew she couldn’t stay silent. Taking Morgana’s hands in her own, she said, “I don’t have easy answers for you, Morgana, but I want you to know - you’re not crazy, or anything like that.”

“Gaius keeps saying they’re just fancies, hysterics,” Morgana pointed out bitterly.

Merlin sighed. “Gaius… wants to protect you. He doesn’t mean you harm, but he doesn’t understand what you’re going through, and telling you things like that doesn’t help.” She would have kept going, but the door opened, revealing Seanna, who carried a large tray of food. Merlin felt Morgana stiffen and start to pull away, but she kept her grip. “Trust me, Morgana. You’re not mad. I can’t go into details now, not with the court having been called, but we’ll talk more about this soon, I promise.”

Morgana stared at her, her green eyes piercing. They seemed to Merlin both sharp and vulnerable. After several moments, she nodded. “Very well; I’ll hold you to your promise, Merlin.”

“I know you will,” Merlin responded. Then she smiled, and said in a louder, more cheerful tone, “Come, eat with me. Who knows how long the king will keep us in the court?”

Merlin gaped at Nimueh. “You?!”

The sorceress smiled with cool amusement. “Yes, Merlin. You come seeking Arthur’s salvation.” It was a statement, not a question.

Watching the other woman warily, Merlin nodded. “He’s been bitten by a Questing Beast, and nothing I’ve done to heal him works.”

Nimueh nodded. “The magic of such a creature is strong, far stronger than simple healing spells. You need the backing of the Old Religion to heal him. Such things are not called upon lightly.”

Merlin took a deep breath. “I know,” she said. “I will give up my life, if Arthur is permitted to live.”

“How brave, my dear!” Nimueh exclaimed. The sorceress continued to mock her, but eventually gave Merlin what she needed. She didn’t even pause to thank her, just raced back to the boat and across the lake.

Her horse seemed to her to have gained a second wind as he bore her back to Camelot. Once in the courtyard, she threw the reins to the nearest stable hand and ran inside, to Gaius’ chambers. A few, frantic words got the physician to take the cure to Arthur, though he eyed her warily and demanded to know what price she paid for it. Merlin refused to answer, just told him to see to it that Arthur lived.

Two hours later, Arthur awoke. Uther and Gaius had been the only ones present in his chambers, but once he was certain Arthur was out of danger, Gaius came to Merlin’s chambers, where she waited in the darkness, alone.

“The prince lives.”

Merlin’s sigh of relief was more of a sob.

Morgana left Merlin’s chambers after they had both eaten, going to prepare for court and leaving Merlin to do the same. The moment they were alone, Seanna had dragged Merlin over to the dressing table and pushed her down in front of it. The handmaiden then attacked Merlin’s hair like a woman possessed. Watching her, Merlin wondered if she had heard rumors while down in the kitchen.

After nearly twenty minutes, Merlin’s hair had been tamed into an intricate style that she’d never worn before. Raising an eyebrow, she asked Seanna, “Preparing for something?”

The handmaiden stared at her incredulously before mastering her expression. “I just wished you to look your best, my lady,” she answered. That seemed to be all she had to say.

Merlin wanted to laugh. It appeared that word that something was going to happen in the court today had spread among the servants, even if none of them knew what. It was turning into a grand spectacle.

She wondered if Arthur had planned on this.

Merlin stared, stricken, at Gaius’ unmoving body, which lay at Nimueh’s feet. It was too much. She had barely managed to drag Arthur back from the jaws of death, to accept her own mortality as a price, only to find out that her mother’s life had been sacrificed instead. Now Gaius. Who was next, her father?!

She raised her eyes to Nimeuh’s arrogant gaze, feeling the fury building up inside of her. Damn Nimueh, damn the Dragon. Damn them both.

“You should not have gone after my family,” Merlin snarled.

The battle was a short one. Nimueh was a priestess of the Old Religion, who had lived and breathed the training all her life. It was a given that she would annihilate anyone who was stupid enough to challenge her. Indeed, Merlin was hit with a blow that had knocked her unconscious. When she came to, Nimueh had already dismissed her, turning her back.

Merlin lashed out, angrily calling lightning down from the sky.

Then it was over. Nimueh was gone, and Gaius was alive.

When they arrived back at Camelot, Oswin was waiting for them. “Prince Arthur wants to see you, my lady,” he said nervously.

She sighed wearily, but nodded. “Could you help Gaius back to his chambers?” she asked him.

The young man did as she requested, and Merlin made her way to Arthur’s chambers, stumbling more than once from sheer exhaustion. He was sitting in the same chair she had left him in. He looked up as she stepped inside, shutting the door behind her. “What happened?” he demanded instantly. “You look like death warmed over!”

Merlin wanted nothing more than to collapse into her bed, to sleep for a week. She was in no shape to match wits with Arthur. “Gaius and I had business to take care of,” she said dully, trying to keep her eyes open.

“Business that your father knew nothing of?” Arthur shot back belligerently. “He’s been frantic for hours! He had no idea where you were, knew only that your mother was violently ill in Gaius’ chambers.” He stood up, wincing as it jarred his shoulder, but still moved closer to her. “Where did you go? What did you do, Merlin?”

It was hardly the best way to tell Arthur the truth, she would think later, but she didn’t have it in her to control herself. “I had to go kill a sorceress who was killing members of my family in payment for your life, all right?” she snapped. “Nimueh wanted to play games, and she paid for it.”

Arthur gaped at her. “You killed a sorceress?” he choked. “How? And what does this have to do with me?”

Merlin leaned tiredly against the closed door. “You were bitten by the Questing Beast, Arthur, a magical creature. This isn’t like with the unicorns, where good intentions and purity could win the day. Either magic cured you, or you’d die. So I went and bargained with the Old Religion - my life for yours. That was the agreement, but Nimueh broke it.”

“My life for yours,” he repeated. “You tried to kill yourself for my sake?! Merlin!”

“There was no choice!” she shouted at him. “It was either that, or you died! And in any case, it didn’t happen. Nimueh tried to take my mother’s life instead, just to make me suffer. Then she took Gaius’. I’d had enough.”

“And you killed her? You killed a woman that my father fears more than anyone?” Arthur stated disbelievingly. “How? You’re hardly an expert with a blade.”

She snorted bitterly. “No, I’m not. Fortunately, I had other resources.”

“What?”

Merlin didn’t say anything, and she had no control over her magic. It flared up, and she knew that her eyes had flashed gold.

Arthur’s jaw dropped.

Seanna assisted Merlin into her dress, being careful of her hair. By the time they finished, it was time to join the rest of the court. As they walked through the corridors, Merlin could feel the palpable excitement in everyone they passed, courtiers and servants alike. As they approached the council chamber, Merlin saw her father standing just outside the doors, waiting for her.

She smiled at him as they approached, and he took her hand, placing it on his arm to escort her in. Marcus leaned toward her ear and murmured, “I had a very interesting conversation with the prince this morning. I trust that what I agreed to meets with your approval?”

Merlin grinned and nodded. She honestly had never felt this light, this happy before.

They took their places among the nobles, and waited for the rest of the court. Morgana and Gwen arrived, and took their places to the left of the throne. Morgana threw more than one speculative glance in Merlin’s direction, and Merlin reminded herself that she was going to have to talk with Gaius about the other woman’s situation. Merlin was determined to tell Morgana the truth about herself, if only for Morgana’s peace of mind and to reassure her that she wasn’t a monster or insane.

She knew she’d have a fight on her hands. The one time she had spoken of Morgana’s gifts, Gaius had been implacable on the subject - for her own safety, Morgana was not to know. Merlin, though, believed that while ignorance might keep her safe, that ignorance was slowly driving her mad. Merlin had always had someone to confide in about her magic - her mother, Will, Gaius, or her father. Morgana had never had a confidant, not even Gwen.

Morgana needed help, and Merlin was determined to give it.

The doors of the council chamber opened, driving the subject from her mind and Merlin looked up. Arthur strode in, wearing his formal mail and red cape, as well as the circlet he wore on ceremonial occasions. Almost instantly, people throughout the chamber straightened, as though sensing the import of the gathering. Merlin’s heart began to pound.

Upon reaching the throne where Uther sat, Arthur bowed properly to his father. “Your Majesty,” he said, his voice pitched so that everyone in the chamber could hear him, “I would like to formally request your permission to marry.”

Gasps tore through the crowds, and Merlin could feel Seanna tense just behind her. She bit her lip.

Uther gazed at his son, his face solemn and unsurprised, unlike he had been the last time Arthur had made such a request - Merlin tried not to think about that day too much. It appeared that Arthur had done as he’d said he would and spoken to both of their fathers before summoning the court together. “Who have you chosen as your bride, my son?”

Arthur didn’t speak to her for two weeks, and Merlin spent all that time jumping every time she heard the steady march of the guards. She had managed to tell Seanna, her father, and Gaius what happened, that Arthur now knew of her magic. What was most surprising was how they took it.

Seanna had reacted better than the others. She had paled briefly, but then had straightened and set about stuffing Merlin’s pack with supplies, to have it ready should Merlin need to flee on short notice. Gaius had been equal parts horrified and furious, and Marcus had gone grey. Nonetheless, there had been no use in bewailing what had happened; they could only prepare for the worst and hope for the best.

Merlin did her best to act like nothing was wrong. She visited the training grounds, albeit not as often as she once did. She didn’t try to constantly be in Arthur’s company, but nor did she go out of her way to avoid him either.

Arthur, for his part, seemed to have the same plan that she did. His wound precluded him from training himself, but he still oversaw the training of the knights, pointing out flaws in their techniques and, occasionally, granting praise for improvement. He performed his other duties as best he could, though more often than not he had to delegate. He couldn’t hunt, and so instead took to walking. A lot. Anything to work off his restless energy. He didn’t invite Merlin to walk with him, but he didn’t shun her either. More than once, though, she could feel his eyes on her.

She didn’t know what he was thinking, and while that made her afraid, there was nothing she could do but wait and hope she hadn’t destroyed everything he’d ever felt for her.

In time, much to Merlin’s relief, Arthur started speaking to her again. Little things, and at times he would even join her and Morgana in the midst of a walk or task they’d taken on for themselves. If they happened across one another without Morgana or anyone else, they made idle small talk, but in no way did he allude to her magic. It appeared Arthur was trying to pretend that night in his chambers had never occurred.

As much as she wanted some resolution, one way or the other, Merlin let him do it.

Before she knew it, two months had passed, and then a third. Arthur’s shoulder had recovered enough that Gaius permitted him to begin limited exercises, to build up his strength again. Merlin felt fairly safe by now, for surely if Arthur was going to turn her in, he would have done it by now.

In the midst of all this, other things were going on. It appeared that Geoffrey had discovered something in his studies amid the oldest areas of the archives - an old layout of Camelot. As expected, the caverns were mapped out, but there was something else too, another cavern beneath the citadel that no one had ever known of.

Curious, Uther decided to hire an army of miners to excavate the cavern, paying them to work day and night in shifts. Of course, that was all very well and good for him, since his chambers were on the opposite side of the citadel from where the miners were working. The rest of those who resided in the castle weren’t so fortunate. Merlin and Seanna were lucky to get even a few hours of sleep before giving it up. Sometimes they would clamber together on Merlin’s bed and play silly word games to try and drown out the constant noise coming from below. Other times, they would slip into Morgana’s room and sit up with her.

Then, about two weeks after the miners began their work, they broke through to their goal, only it wasn’t a cavern they had found, but a tomb.

After that, the uneasy lull came to an abrupt and violent end.

It started with the death of one of the miners due to a booby trap laid just inside the entrance to the tomb. Gaius himself had nearly stepped on it, but just missed it due to stumbling over an errant gold plate. While Uther and Arthur had salivated over the massive amounts of treasure, Gaius had set to work identifying just whose tomb it was that they were planning to ransack.

“That tomb was walled off and removed from the records for a reason, Merlin,” the physician told her the next morning when he’d filled her in on the situation. He shook his head. “I don’t think it’s wise to start pilfering through the tomb, not until I’ve researched everything, but the king does what he will.”

“Who do you think it belongs to?” Merlin asked him as she pulled several dusty tomes down from the shelves that lined his chamber.

“I don’t know, but given that there was a crystal heart that glowed on top of the sarcophagus, I think it’s a fair wager that the person was associated with magic.”

As if that wasn’t enough to set Merlin’s instincts on edge, other things were happening too. Morgana’s nightmares had cropped up again, her screams loud enough to wake Merlin up even in the dead of night. She’d heard the other woman’s cries and had leapt out of bed, not even bothering to grab a robe or even put on her slippers. Merlin threw the door open and raced quickly down to Morgana’s chambers. The door was already open when she went inside - Gwen had beaten her there.

Morgana was shaking with terror, clinging to Gwen like a frightened child, as Merlin slowly approached. Merlin could hear Morgana muttering as Gwen shushed her, and she sat down next to them, rubbing Morgana’s back and trying to be as comforting as possible.

It was just one dream, Merlin knew, and likely Gaius would likely try to write it off, but she wouldn’t. When Morgana’s dreams made her wake up screaming, dark times were approaching.

If that wasn’t enough, then there was the fact that Arthur suddenly had a new servant. Oswin had taken Merlin’s place, and had managed to do well for himself. So, after that, it had been a shock to see the thin, shifty-looking man trailing after Arthur all of a sudden.

“Seanna,” she murmured as she watched Arthur cross the courtyard from the battlements, “who is that with the prince?”

The handmaiden leaned over a little bit, staring down at them. “That would be the young man who recently saved the prince on a hunt, my lady,” she answered. “He speared a wild boar just before it could attack him, or so I’ve heard.” Seanna’s voice was laced with disapproval. “His name is Cedric.”

Merlin glanced at her. “What have you heard?”

Seanna shook her head. “Nothing all that condemning, my lady. He is new to the citadel. Apparently, there was an accident with Prince Arthur’s saddle the other day and Cedric helped him up. The prince invited Cedric along for the hunt, and then gave him employment here in the citadel.” She hesitated a moment, before adding, “He is not popular among the servants, and not just for pushing Oswin out of his place. He is apparently not very polite, and lords his position over the others. I’ve heard that he’s even alienated the cooks.”

Merlin cringed. That was the first lesson she’d learned when she’d come to Camelot - anger the kitchen servants at your own peril. Still, she looked at Seanna seriously. “Has Oswin been dismissed then?”

“Not officially, but the prince has not looked on him with any favor since the hunt,” she told her. “Oswin is also certain that someone has been sabotaging him whenever he performs his chores.”

Merlin pressed her lips together in irritation. She didn’t like this, not one bit.

The pieces all naturally fell together very quickly after that. The tomb was raided that very night, much to Uther’s fury. He ordered a search for the thief, though everyone else knew it was likely a useless endeavor. Merlin recalled that Arthur had kept important keys on him at all times, removing the ring that he kept them on only when he retired for the night. A quick questioning with Oswin also confirmed that he and Cedric had been the only other people in Arthur’s chambers throughout the day.

As if all of that wasn’t damning enough, Gaius also hurriedly informed her of the results of his research. “The tomb belongs to Cornelius Sigan, Merlin,” he said urgently. “He was a sorcerer who cursed Camelot, swore that he’d return and destroy the city for its treachery against him.”

Merlin shook her head. “How could he possibly do that? I know the rules of the Old Religion enough to know that dead is dead.”

The physician shook his head. “Sigan stood outside of the Old Religion. I believe he conquered death, and it is his soul inside of the glowing heart. His body may have died, but his true essence still lives on inside of that jewel, and that’s not the worst of it.”

“What do you mean?”

The grim look on Gaius’ face spoke volumes. “The jewel was one of the items stolen. Very likely the thief is now possessed by Sigan’s spirit.”

Merlin put everything together quickly. Oswin showed no signs of possession, and neither did Arthur. That left only Cedric.

When she presented this information to Arthur, however, he was hardly cooperative. Instead, he scoffed, “Really, Merlin, you think I didn’t check into both Cedric and Oswin’s alibis for the time of the time of the thefts?”

“Arthur, listen to me,” she said urgently. “Cedric’s been possessed by the most powerful sorcerers of all time! Gaius said he conquered death! Camelot is in danger!”

He stared at her, eyebrow raised. “You’re paranoid, Merlin,” he finally decided. “Now stop all of this, and don’t go spreading it around. You’ll only make yourself look ridiculous, and you might start a panic.” Without another word, Arthur turned on his heel and walked away, leaving her standing alone in the corridor.

Cedric appeared a moment later. He bowed and smiled at her with perfect subservience before bustling after Arthur. Merlin’s eyes narrowed, not buying his act for a moment.

It was just as well she didn’t. By that evening, the gargoyles which had watched over the citadel for centuries had come alive, along with a terrifying monster. They began wrecking havoc all over Camelot, setting buildings on fire or collapsing them, attacking anyone they saw. Merlin could destroy the gargoyles, she knew, but that was only treating the symptoms. The problem was Sigan.

“As powerful as you are, Merlin,” Gaius told her, “you’re no match for a sorcerer with centuries of experience. You’ll need help.”

And, reluctantly, she got it. She had the spell to defeat Sigan, but only after promising the Dragon that she would free him in the near future.

The things I do for these people.

“Who have you chosen for your bride, my son?”

The entire court waited for Arthur’s answer. Merlin’s blood rushed in her ears.

“Lord Marcus’ daughter, Sire,” he told Uther, “the Lady Merlin.” Arthur then turned in Merlin’s direction and held out his hand to her. Taking a deep breath, she stepped forward and laid her hand in his, keenly aware of the silent crowd all around them. Arthur gently pulled her close to his right side, and she curtsied to the king.

Uther stared at her a moment before asking, “You have the consent of the lady’s father?”

“Yes, Father. Lord Marcus has given his blessing, and Merlin gave me the honor of her agreement as well.”

There was silence for several moments, and then Uther stood up. Stepping forward, he took Merlin’s free hand in his own and bowed over it. “You are a welcome addition to our family, my lady.”

The words were simple, but genuine. Merlin smiled, and refused to think about how that sentiment would vanish if he should ever learn of what she was. She curtsied again, saying quietly, “I am honored, Your Majesty.”

No one else had a chance to say anything, because Morgana, who had also risen to her feet, began to applaud. The court followed her lead. Merlin saw the large smile on Morgana’s lips, and how her eyes were wide with amazement, but she didn’t have time to consider it when Arthur squeezed her hand to get her attention.

Meeting his gaze, it felt like everyone else in the chamber just vanished. Arthur’s eyes were bright and warm, and his smile made something inside her tremble with joy. “My Merlin,” he murmured in her ear. “Always.”

Yes, she thought, closing her eyes for a moment as she leaned against him. Always. Merlin was no seer like Morgana, but she knew as surely as she knew herself - this was how it should be.

The Dragon and her mother both had called her and Arthur two sides of the same coin, two halves of a whole. Merlin didn’t think so. There was no half, no one side and the other.

They were one. Two bodies, but one being.

Merlin and Arthur.

Let this be how they were remembered.

Merlin opened her eyes to face a new world.