Merlin's POV
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"Merlin, can I talk to you a moment?" Glancing up from where I was saddling the prince's horse for the patrol of the borders. I frowned as i saw Morgana nervously wringing her hands together as she stood there fidgeting. Her emerald green eyes darting every which way as her teeth nervously nibbled on her lower lip. Her normally kempt hair was all over the place.
Narrowing my eyes, I stopped my work as I cautiously approached my friend. Placing my hands on her shoulders. I gazed into her tired green eyes.
"Morgana what is it. Why do you look so frightened?" Sighing and lowering her fidgeting hands she finally met my gaze. I blinked taken back as I noticed tears in her eyes. Pulling her into my arms I held her as she burst into sobs. Rambling about a nightmare she had last night. I stiffened as she mentioned the prince. Ever since she was right about Valiant and his shield. I've learned not to brush her nightmares off so easily. So, I made sure to pay close attention to her explanation.
"It was at a lake. Arthur he...he was beneath the water. He wasn't breathing as he drifted to the lake bed. Above him wearing a blood red cloak, with chocolate brown hair. Was this girl. She was smirking her hand outstretched, and she watched Arthur drown. I woke up screaming shortly after, but Merlin it was so realistic. It was like I was actually there." She sobbed. Her hands clinging to the brown tunic I wore. Her face buried in my curls.
Patting her back and softly whispering assurances I frowned in concern. My eyes locked on the confused face of the prince who had just arrived. Meeting my gaze, he raised his eyebrow in a question. Shaking my head, I refused to answer. Not like he would believe Morgana anyway. Just like Gaius Arthur would just brush it off as just another nightmare. I just hope this time they are right. For if this too came true... well I will just have to make sure it doesn't.
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"Hurry up Merlin. Even a snail could move faster than you." Arthur huffed from his perch on his horse. Rolling my eyes i gently encouraged my mare to quicken its pace. Pulling up alongside the prince.
"Yeah, yeah I hear ya pra..."
"Quiet." Arthur hisses raising his hand for silence as his narrowed eyes scanning our surroundings. After a moment of silence i open my mouth a question on my lips when I hear it. A high pitched scream coming from the right. Kicking his horse into action the prince charges toward the sound, me hot on his heels. We stop outside a clearing where a 2 people in cloaks can be seen fighting off some bandits.
Arthur giving a war cry slides off his horse. Sword swinging as he jumps into the battle. It’s not long before the battle is over, and all the bandits are dead. Arthur sheathing his sword and wiping away the sweat from his forehead turns to the cloaked stranger. The one wearing a blood red cloak with golden lining approaching the prince. Stopping a foot away she pulled down her hood. Revealing a head of brown curls and a silver tiara. Her violet eyes giving almost an eerie glow as they gazed unblinking into the stunned blue eyes of the prince. After a moment she smiles. Her pale pink lips pulling back to reveal her pearl white teeth.
"I thank you for saving us. I am princess Sophia, and this is my father King Aulfric of the western isles." She greeted gesturing to her father who approached, removing his ocean blue hood to reveal his smiling face. I blinked a sense of foreboding lingering in my heart as Arthurs eyes seemed to flash red as Sophia moved her ruby staff in front of him. Rubbing my eyes, I frown as his eyes are back to his usual blue. Assuming it was a trick of the light. I turn my attention back to Sophia. Watching closely as Arthur takes her hand kissing the back of her hands. Eyes sparkling as he gazed at her face.
"Well, it’s a pleasure to meet you Princess Sophia. Oh, and you too king Aulfric." He says the last part dismissively. Not even looking at the king. His eyes never leaving the princess. My eyes narrowed at that. Something wasn't right. Arthur wouldn't brush off a visiting dignitary like that. No matter his interest in the kings daughter. Deciding to keep a close eye on them. I returned my attention to the conversation.
"Allow me to escort you to Camelot. Where I am sure my father the king will be delighted to host such exquisite guests." Arthur stated looping his arm through the princess's and leading her toward his horse. Lifting her onto its back and sliding on behind her. Arthur turns his attention back to me a faraway look in his eyes.
"King Aulfric you are welcome to take my maidservant mare. She can follow behind on foot." He commanded. Grimacing but not about to argue in front of the guests I slide off my horse. Holding the mare steady as Aulfric climbs on. Smirking at me as though pleased with the development. Flicking the reigns Arthur, Sophia, and Aulfric make haste galloping out of the clearing. Leaving me to stumble behind them grumbling the entire way. By the time I make it back to Camelot it is nearing evening. My feet are screaming abuse as i pluck twigs from my unruly hair. My scratched and tired face lighting up in relief as the gates of Camelot appear before me. Stumbling past the confused guards I barely make it into the physicians chambers before I collapse on a chair by the table. Gaius hovering worriedly over me. A tub of paste in his hand that he quickly uses to smear over my cuts and bruises.
"Where on earth have you been? The prince came back hours ago with the visiting dignitaries." Gaius demanded. Ignoring my flinch as the cold paste touched my skin.
"The prat gave my horse to king Aulfric and made me walk back." I spat. Tossing the leaf, I just pulled from my curls onto the ground. Gaius frowned at this. His forehead creasing in concern.
"That’s unlike Arthur. I wonder why he didn't just have the king and his daughter ride together on one horse. While you and him ride the other like he normally does?" I scoff at this my anger bubbling as I laid my head on my arms on the table. My eyes burning with frustration.
"Because he was too busy ogling the princess to care about my comfort. What their story anyway. Why they come on foot if they are royalty anyway?" Gaius sighed at this. Setting down the paste as he sat down across from me.
"they told the king that their kingdom was overrun by bandits. That they barely escaped with their lives. They were on their way to the stay with some family when they were attacked. That’s when you and Arthur supposedly found them." I hummed thoughtfully at that. Closing my eyes as my mind ran over everything that’s happened.
"A likely story." Gaius sharply gazed at me a frown on his face as he examined me.
"I take it you don't believe them?"
"Hmm maybe. It’s just something about them Gaius. Something that has my magic cringing away from them. I don't know what it is. Not to mention the auras they are giving off scream of dark magic." Gaius hummed in thought. His frown deepening at this new information.
"Not to mention just before we left Morgana warned me about a dream..." Gaius sighed exasperated cutting me off midsentence.
"Don't give me that. Her dreams have come true before. Remember the snakes in Valliant’s shield. Morgana dreamt of it before he even arrived." I pointed out.
"Yes, Merlin but..."
"Don't you dare say it was a coincidence. We both know when it comes to mag..."
"MORGANA DOES NOT HAVE MAGIC MERLIN!" Gaius roared eyes flashing as he slammed his hands on the table. I stared at him hurt clouding my vision.
"Why are you so against Morgana having magic?" Scrubbing his hand over his face he replied. His voice dripping with exhaustion.
"Because if she has magic than that does not bode well for her being the ward of the king."
"Maybe but if she has magic. Wouldn't it be better if I helped her? I could help her hid..."
"No Merlin. Morgana does not have magic, and I forbade you from telling her about your treasonous theories." He cut me off rising from the table and heading toward his medicine cabinet. Where he began organizing the different potions. I could feel anger and annoyance bubbling within me at his words. Standing from the table. I headed for my room an angry reply on my lips.
"Yeah, because it would be terrible if she had magic." I spat. Marching into my room and closing the door, but not before his final quiet reply reached my ears.
"For her it would be."
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"MERLIN!!!" I sighed in annoyance sitting on my heels and wiping my hand, not holding the rag, over my sweaty face. Turning to the prince marching toward me I groaned as I saw the twinkle in his eyes. Whatever it is he wanted it wouldn't bode well for me. I was right.
"There you are Merlin. I have a favor to ask of you." I raised my eyebrow at that surprised that he was actually asking instead of ordering.
"A favor?" I asked. He smirked at my tone.
"Your right an order." I sighed. Yep, that’s more the prat I know.
"My dad has a council meeting scheduled in a few minutes, but Sophia and I want to have a picnic in the woods." I swallowed uncomfortably already knowing where he was going with this.
"So, I want you to come up with an excuse to get me out of the meeting."
"So let me get this straight. You want me to lie to the king just so you can shirk your duties and hang out with princess Sophia?" I slowly asked praying that he would retract his order.
"Yep, that’s exactly what I am asking." He proudly sang grinning at me.
"And what pray tell do you think will happen to me when your dad finds out I lied? Not to mention what punishment i could receive if he believes my lie. Hmm?"
"Well probably the stocks i guess?" He hummed dismissively already gathering his items for the picnic.
"No Arthur I could be flogged or worse if he realizes I am lying." I said my voice rising in desperation. He merely laughed as he walked toward the door prepared to leave.
"Then i guess you better make sure he doesn't find out than."
"Arthur!!" I whimpered but he ignored me marching from the room and leaving me to face my doom.
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"So let me get this straight. The reason Arthur is not here is because you forgot to inform him?" I swallowed keeping my gaze firmly on the ground as I clutched my hands tightly behind me.
"Yes, your highness. I am deeply sorry that i neglected to inform him."
"And where is my son than?"
"Showing princess Sophia around the kingdom." I replied trembling and praying that he believes my lie.
"Hmm. Well as this is the first time this has happened, I will be merciful." I sighed in relief as I bowed to the king.
"Thank you sire."
"Guards escort her to the stocks. She will spend the entire morning there as punishment. " i froze at that grimacing as I thought of the scrubbing, I will be doing to clean my clothes afterwards.
"Oh, and Marvin." Uther called butchering my name as the guards dragged me away.
"If you fail to inform the prince again especially in a time of crisis. The punishment will be ten times worse than just the stalks. Do I make myself clear.”? I gulped my face paling at that. I wanted to promise it wouldn't happen again but knowing Arthur it would. So instead, I nodded allowing the guards to pull me away. All I could hope is that the next time Arthur does this the punishment won't be too bad. How do I always get myself into these situations?
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That night as I was trudging wearily back to my room I paused as voices drifted over to me from an alcove. Creeping forward i peeked around a corner. Stifling my gasp as I saw Sophia scowling in disgust as she ranted to her dad.
"He saved me father. I was leading him to the lake like we planned when a knight patrolling the area. Mistake us for intruders and shot an arrow at me. If it weren't for the prince pushing me out of the way I would have been killed. Me a powerful sidhe rescued by a mere mortal. I have never felt more disgusted in my life." She spat allowing her dad to pull her into his arms.
"I know my daughter. Just hold on a little while longer. Soon it will all be over and all that we lost will be yours once more." He whispered brushing his lips over her hair.
"Yes, after tomorrow I will no longer have to put up with such an insufferable mortal. After I sacrifice him at the lake of Avalon. I will once more be allowed home. I just wish you could come too father." She agreed smiling sadly.
"Yes well because of my banishment I will never be allowed back, but you my dear have done no wrong. With the death of the crown prince. The gates of Avalon will be opened to you once more." He sighed brushing a strand of hair from her face. I panicked as I saw them start to head my way. Desperately looking for an escape. When suddenly i was grabbed from behind. A hand over my mouth as I was pulled into an empty room. The door quietly shutting and locking behind me. The hands released me as I spun around prepared to fight off my attacker. Only to find Morgana staring back at me. Her lips stretched into a thin line.
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"Morgana what..."
"I'm sorry Merlin but ever since that girl arrived, I've been following them. I heard what they said, but when i was about to retreat i saw you listening in as well. You were right in there path too so I..."
"It’s ok Morgana i appreciate it. I don't think i would have been able to escape before they saw me." I cut her off smiling at my friend. She relaxed once she saw i wasn't upset with her kidnapping me. She smiled a moment before a worried frown once more creased her face.
"But what are we going to do. You heard what she said. They are planning to hurt the prince. Not to mention she is the girl I told you about from my dream." I frowned at that. I had my suspicions she might be, but I had to be sure.
"Well, we can start by talking to the prince. Maybe if both of us tell him about Sophia’s intentions he might listen." She snorted at this.
"I doubt it, but we can certainly try." She laughed following me out of the room toward Arthur's chambers. Pushing open his bedroom door. I shamelessly marched in. Morgana on my heels. A squeal of surprise and outrage could be heard as the prince bolted behind his dressing screen. In an attempt to hide the fact that he was half undressed.
"Morgana! Merlin! Hasn't anyone heard of knocking anymore." His strangled yell huffed from behind his screen.
"Oh, come now Arthur. Not like I haven't seen it all anyway when you would streak across the hall in your underwear. " Morgana laughed eyes twinkling in mirth. Arthurs exasperated huff echoed across the chambers as he reappeared fully dressed. Though his shirt was on backwards, but i wasn't about to tell him that.
"Morgana I was 5." He whined crossing his arms indignantly over his chest.
"Hehe and what a rambunctious 5 year old you were." She giggled enjoying his discomfort.
"Anyway, we didn't come to talk about that. We came to talk about Sophia." I stated bringing us back on topic.
"Sophia? Isn't she wonderful.”?
"She's something alright." Morgana muttered crossing her arms over her chest.
"Arthur Sophia isn't who you think she is. She's a sidhe fairy. She plans to sacrifice you tomorrow at the lake." He scoffed at this rolling his eyes.
"That’s crazy talk Merlin. She is not some fairy or whatever. She is a princess, and one I plan to one day marry." For some reason those words caused a stab of unfamiliar pain to shoot through my heart. As quickly as it came it was gone. Strange. I thought placing my hand over my heart. What was that sharp pain just now? Hmm maybe i ate too much earlier. Anyway, i prince.
"Arthur we are serious. Both Morgana and I heard her say it. Her dad and her are planning on killing you." I pleaded taking a step toward him. Only to freeze as a new voice behind us joined the conversation.
"I told you people would try to keep us apart." Whipping around Morgana and I stare at the intruder.
"Sophia." Arthur gleefully exclaimed making a beeline for her.
"I told you that they wouldn't approve. They won't let us be together." She fakes sobbed pretending to cry into her hands as she turned away from us. Not before i saw her smirk behind her hand though.
"I know but it doesn’t matter what they say I love you and nothing will take us apart. Even if we must run away together." Weird there’s that pain again. Maybe i should speak to Gaius about it later.
"Arthur please listen to us. Your under a spell can't you see what she's doing to you. You barely know her, yet you say you love her? You just met her yesterday. Please Arthur." I begged reaching for him. Only for Sophia to smack my hands away her eyes flashing golden as she tossed me into the air. I yelped in pain as my head smashed against the wall. The last thing I saw before the world turned black was Morgana being knocked out by another spell. Than nothing my world turned dark.
"Merlin. Merlin, can you hear me? Merlin!" I groaned blinking open my eyes as I groggily gazed into the concerned eyes of Morgana and Gaius. Allowing Gaius to prop me against the wall in a sitting position i asked the question that’s been driving me insane since i awakened.
"What happened and where is Arthur?"
"Sophia knocked you and Morgana out. Morgana woke up first as she was only hit with a sleep spell. When she woke and saw you hurt, she came and got me. You woke up shortly after." Gaius explained banding the cut on my head.
"But why was i thrown across the room and Morgana only knocked out?"
"I fear it’s because you were actually getting through to him. Morgana told me how you tried to stop Arthur. Reasoning with him. How for a moment before you were thrown, he seemed to be coming back to himself until Sophia intervened.”? I nodded accepting that answer. It was quiet for a moment before i remembered what led to me being knocked out.
"Wait Arthur. Where is he? Is he ok?" They exchanged a glance at that before Morgana answered.
"Sophia took him."
"What but i thought they were going to wait until morning. " i shrieked jumping to my feet.
"Merlin it is tomorrow you were out all night." Gaius solemnly replied to a grave expression on his normally neutral face.
"We should tell the king..."
"NOOOO!!!" Both Gaius and I shouted cutting her off midsentence.
"If we tell the king he will go on a witch hunt. Tearing the place apart looking for him. We won't be able to get out of the cathedral to save Arthur. By the time the knights locate him it will be too late." I hurriedly explained.
"But if we tell the king about my dream and where they went..."
"Then you will be on the pyre by morning. Or at least locked up." Gaius interrupted. At this Morgana snapped her mouth shut horrified as she no doubt realized the truth of his words.
"He wouldn't. He...."
"Is a tyrant Morgana. He has burned children in his fight against magic." I sighed scrubbing a hand over my tired eyes.
"But I'm his ward."
"Yes and remember what happened when you were healed by magic. Gwen was nearly executed in place of the sorcerer. If we hadn't proved her innocent than she would have been killed. Uther won't care that your his ward. He will kill you. Or at least lock you up so you never see the light of day again." I winced as tears filled her eyes at my harsh words. I hadn't meant to make her cry, but she needed to know.
"I am afraid she is right my lady. Even though your dreams are not magic. Uther would see them as such. Especially if they came true. You must not tell him." Morgana bowed her head at this. Nodding sadly to the concerned physician.
"So, what do we do that." Morgana whispered tugging at a strand of curly hair.
"We don't do anything. I will go after him alone. No let me speak." I said holding up a hand to silence their protests.
"Morgana if you were to disappear even for a moment the whole palace will fall into chaos. Uther will launch a witch hunt just by your disappearance. Gaius no offense but you would just slow me down. You can't even ride a horse for more than 3 minutes without getting tired. Besides they would notice if the only court physician were to disappear for so long. I on the other hand am a servant. I can travel just about anywhere unnoticed as servants are considered worthless. So, i can get out easier. I will find Arthur and bring him home." I promised. Gaius although worried nodded accepting my plan. Morgana on the other hand frowned biting her bottom lip in worry.
"But Arthur won't be alone. That tramp and her dad will be there, and they have magic. You can't stop them alone." Morgana reasoned obviously still hoping to go with me.
"I have my ways." I vaguely replied not wanting to give away my secret just yet. If anything, that only made her more concerned opening her mouth to give even more arguments. I so don't have time for this. Turning away so she wouldn’t see my eyes flash gold. I whispered a quiet spell.
"Merlin." Gaius sighed exasperated as he caught the now sleeping princess. I smiled triumphantly as i turned back to him.
"Sorry Gaius but the longer i stand here arguing the higher chance there is of Arthur dying. Just tell her she fainted from when she hit her head after being knocked out earlier. Now i have to go. Bye Gaius." I said racing out the door.
"Be careful!" Gaius called after me.
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Racing through the forest, magic buzzing within me, I worriedly followed the tracks Arthur left behind. How could I have been so careless. Morgana warned me about her dream and yet still I dismissed it. I should have been more careful. Now because of my carelessness Arthur is in danger. Have to hurry.
I nearly whooped in victory at the quiet sounds of Sophia and her dad. I stopped myself from my victory shout before i could give away my location. Creeping forward I crouched behind a tree at the edge of the lakes bank. Watching as Sophia hugged her dad. They were just barely loud enough for me to hear.
"I'm going to miss you dad. I wish you could come with me." She whimpered burying her face in her dads shoulder. Who in turn wrapped his arms around her back holding her close?
"I know my dear, but just knowing that you will be allowed entry into Avalon is enough." He sighed placing a gentle kiss on her head. I could see Arthur standing behind them. A dazed look in his eyes as Sophia breaking out of the hug grabbed his hand.
"Goodbye my dear I shall never forget you." It was at those words that i decided it was time to intervene. Jumping out of my hiding place just as Sophia and Arthur entered the water. I shouted a spell letting my magic take the lead just as Arthur was pushed under the waves and began sinking fast. Aulfric didn't even have time to lift his staff before my spell turned him to dust.
Sophia's angry scream followed by a bolt of magic sent my way echoed across the bank. Dodging out of the way of the dangerous magic. I watched as the bolt instead hit the tree directly behind where i had been standing. It exploded into a million pieces upon contact with her spell. Stretching out my hand and once more letting instinct lead the way. I send an enormous amount of magic her way engulfing her within seconds and turning her to dust. Lowering my hand and getting to my feet I was just beginning to relax when I realized something important. Arthur was still under water.
"ARTHUR!!" I screamed grateful that i was wearing pants today. Racing toward the lake and diving beneath the waves. I swam as fast as I could toward the rapidly sinking prince. Grabbing his hand and stopping his descent, I frantically made my way to the surface. Gasping in a mouthful of air as our heads broke the surface. Pulling him onto the bank I tiredly laid him on the sand. Leaning over him in fear as I realized he wasn't breathing.
"Arthur come on breathe you clot pole." I screamed pounding frantically on his chest.
"Come on you prat the kingdom needs you. The people need you. I... I need you. Please Arthur. Please don't make me have to tell the king you died. I ... i mean he wouldn't be able to bear it if I... i mean he lost you." I begged stumbling over my words as tears fell from my eyes. Stopping my efforts i clutched tiredly onto his soaked shirt. Burying my face in his chest as I allowed the sobs to break through.
"Please Arthur. Come back to me."
"M....merlin wh... what’s going on." I gasped sitting up like a bolt of lightning as Arthurs strained voice broke through my sobs.
"ARTHUR! You’re ok." I sobbed throwing myself into his arms and holding his confused form close.
"Umm Merlin." I lightly slapped his chest indicating for him to shut up. Not that he ever listens to me. I felt the moment his annoyance won over his confusion for he pushed me away. Through I did notice he was perhaps gentler than usual.
"Merlin, I demand you tell me what’s going on. Why am I soaked laying on the edge of the lake of Avalon? Why can I not remember the past few days? Finally, why are you hugging me?" Yep, he's ok. If his prattishness can shone through he must be ok. I debated within myself whether to tell him the truth and if so, how much. After a moment I decided what I was going to say. Steeling myself for his reaction I began.
"Well, what do you remember of the visiting nobles we found in the forest?" I carefully asked. He frowned at me obviously confused by my question.
"You mean Princess Sophia and King Aulfric? I remember I saved them from some bandits, but then the moment i looked into her eyes everything becomes fuzzy. Why?"
"Well turns out they weren't human. Gaius did some research and learned they were actually Sidhe. Evil fairy’s. They wanted to drown you so they could complete a ritual. After learning what they planned Morgana and I tried to reason with you only for them to attack us. They knocked us out. Gaius found us shortly after and gave me a potion to use against them. One that would destroy them upon contact. I went after you with the potion, but by the time I arrived they already had you underwater drowning you. I managed to use the potion on them and drag you out of the water. I admit I may have gotten a bit emotional there a moment, but that’s only because i thought I was too late." It was mostly the truth. Arthur paused as my explanation came to a close. A look of deep thought on his face. After a moment his eyes met mine a question on his lips.
"Why didn't you tell my father than? I am sure he would have sent out knights after me." I rolled my eyes at how naive he was.
"Honestly Arthur? 1. If I a peasant were to bring up suspicions of wrong doing on a nobles behalf there is a higher chance I would be punished rather than Sophia and Aulfric. The king rarely believes peasants. 2. If the king were to find out that magic had been so close to his son. That the people he allowed into his kingdom enchanted the prince nearly killing him. What my prince do you think he would do? Hmmm. I will tell you what he would do. He would start a witch hunt. Don't even try to tell me he wouldn't, because we both know he would. He would have convinced himself that if one sorcerer was able to get in his walls. More could be hiding undetected. He would send the knights to search everyone's homes. Maybe even killing a few innocents."
"Watch your tongue that’s the king you speak treason of." Arthur snapped. Placing my hands gently over his cold ones. I stared into his angry blue eyes an apology on my face as I continued.
"Arthur can you honestly tell me you think your dad wouldn't do just what i said? Do you honestly believe that all those people burned at the stake were guilty? What about Gwen if it weren't for both yours and Morgana's insistence, she would have died by fire too. Even after we proved her innocence the king wanted to kill her just in case, she did have magic. So again, I ask do you honestly believe it wise to tell the king what happened?" He opened his mouth no doubt to argue only to stop as he realized I was right. Sighing he nodded.
"Ok so what should we tell him. I am sure he has noticed my absence." He pointed out. Frowning I thought for a moment. Racking my brain for an explanation. Suddenly I had it. It was risky, (for me anyway), but it might just work.
"Ok here's what we will tell him."
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"So, you were out hunting and that’s why you missed the council meeting today?" Uther slowly asked raising his eyebrow, eyes briefly flickering in my direction.
"Yes, after princess Sophia left, I decided to clear my head for a bit." Arthur calmly answered. Not even flinching as he met his dads gaze head on.
"And killing defenseless animals mends a broken heart." Morgana huffed her eyes also flickering to me. An unasked question in her green eyes before her attention once more returned to the prince.
"No but its good fun." Arthur smiled not even missing a beat.
"Why than was I not informed before now?" I sighed steeling myself for the risky part. This could end in either me in the stocks or like the king said before much much worse. Gulping I timidly approached the throne. My eyes glued to my feet as I clasped my hands respectfully behind my back.
"Actually, sire that would my fault. Arthur told me to inform you of his trip before he left but I forgot. I deeply apologize sire." I could practically feel his annoy from here as the auras around us shifted. Morgana's became worried, while Arthurs aura remained calm confident that i would just be put in the stocks. Uther’s aura though had me quietly whimpering as it gave off an almost deadly vibe that could kill in seconds. I knew just by his aura alone that this was not going to end well for me. It took all my strength to remain standing there when all my muscles were begging me to flee. After a moment of silence, the king spoke. His voice taking on a dangerous edge as he calmly addressed me.
"I see. Tell me Marvin what was it I said last time you forgot to tell the prince or me something. " I trembled under his furious gaze as I nervously licked my lips. Arthur's aura although still calm was no longer confident. His aura was beginning to sour now as a hint of doubt began creeping in.
"That the punishment wouldn't be so light." I shakily replied terrified that I was about to be executed or banished for my fake mistake.
"Hmm yes I did say that. So, Marla obviously I need to make good on my promise." Arthur's aura was downright frantic now no longer calm as it anxiously swirled around the room. Mixing with Morgana's terrified aura as they anxiously looked between me and Uther.
"Guards take this girl to the dungeons. She is to remain in there for 3 days and receive only water during that time. She is not to receive a drop of food." He ordered the guards grabbing me under the arms and dragging me away. Even though both Arthur and Morgana could be heard protesting the punishment I couldn't help but sigh in relief. I wasn’t being executed or banished. Sure, I would be hungry afterwards and weakened but I can still protect the prince so I will take the punishment with a smile on my face.
"Oh, and Marvin I won't be as merciful next time. I suggest you not forget again." Uther called after me as I was dragged away. Arthurs and Morgana's protests silenced as I left the throne room.