Chapter Text
Chapter 5
The next morning, Arthur wakes early, intent on taking a ride to clear his mind. He’d barely slept last night, thoughts of his loss and Morgause’s mysterious request plaguing his mind.
Merlin enters his chambers just as he’s pulling on his boots, and Arthur immediately regrets not getting ready sooner. Now, he’s going to have to sit through Merlin’s teasing before he’ll be able to go anywhere.
“Well, what do we have here?” Merlin says in a grandiose tone, spreading his arms wide and making a show out of looking around the room as if addressing a large crowd of people. “‘Tis truly a momentous day, everyone! For, today, Arthur Pendragon, Crown Prince of Camelot and royal pain in the arse, has finally learned how to clothe himself!”
“ Merlin !” Arthur shouts, cutting off the warlock’s round of slow, sarcastic clapping.
“Yes, sire!” Merlin replies, chipper as ever, completely ignoring the young prince’s aggravated tone.
“Shut up!” Arthur commands, glaring heatedly at Merlin, daring him to disobey.
“Yes, sire.” Merlin says, a smile on his face as his gaze fills with mirth at the expense of his prince’s dignity. Arthur groans dramatically but decides to lay the issue to rest for the sake of his sanity.
“Anyway, you’re up early.” Merlin says, going to place the tray of food he’s been balancing precariously in one hand on the table.
“What of it?” Arthur replies snippily, finishing tying his boots and standing, walking over to the table to begin his breakfast.
“Just surprised, is all.” Merlin pauses, taking a seat across from Arthur. “Any particular reason?”
“I just couldn’t sleep. Why do you care!?” Arthur snaps angrily. Merlin fixes Arthur with a stare that clearly says “Are you stupid?” and Arthur quickly deflates, realizing that he’s not actually angry at Merlin’s prying. “I’m sorry, I’m just on edge.”
Merlin nods. “As am I. This whole situation is starting to get out of hand.”
“Have you spoken to Morgana about her conversation with Morgause yet?” Arthur asks, picking up a piece of bread and taking a bite.
“Not yet, but that’s my next stop of the day.” Merlin pauses, pulling his own piece of bread out of his jacket pocket. “I assume nothing too concerning happened, though. I’m sure Morgana would have come to one of us if things had gotten out of hand.”
Arthur hums out an agreement as he continues eating, finding comfort in having breakfast with his best friend, something that he never thought he would get to do with Merlin. However, Merlin always has a way of defying his expectations. I guess Arthur can just add this to the ever-growing instances where Merlin defies the impossible.
“Morgause should be taking her leave from Camelot soon. I assume you want to speak with her about the details of her challenge.” Merlin supplies, breaking the silence that had descended over the two men.
“You’re right, I would. I should get going then.” Arthur says, standing from the table and beginning to make his way to the door.
“Aren’t you at least going to finish your breakfast?” Merlin asks, his voice laced with confusion as he turns in his chair to face Arthur.
“You can have it, I’m not all that hungry.” Arthur replies before exiting the room, leaving a dumbfounded manservant in his wake.
After preparing his horse, Arthur exits the stables, scanning the courtyard for Morgause. He spots her in front of the steps leading into the castle. She’s obviously getting ready to leave, her horse is saddled and laden with supplies. Arthur takes a deep breath and heads over to the woman, leading his horse across the bustling courtyard.
“Congratulations on your victory.” Arthur shouts, gaining Morgause’s attention. “You’re a skillful swordsman- Woman- Swordswoman…” Arthur flounders with his words, coughing when he finally decides to shut up as he looks down to the cobblestone and ruffles his hair. Morgause ignores his stuttering, instead walking up to his horse, running her fingers through its mane.
“You have a beautiful horse.”Arthur nods, looking over at his horse and petting its neck affectionately. In that split second that Arthur is distracted, Morgause’s eyes flash gold as she silently casts a spell upon the animal.
“I shall expect to see you three days hence.” Morgause repeats her words from yesterday as she walks away from Arthur’s horse.
“How will I find you?” Arthur asks, realizing rather abruptly that Morgause has yet to reveal any details as to the location he will be meeting her at.
“When the time comes, you will know your way.” Morgause replies cryptically as she checks the straps on her saddle.
“If I don’t show up, it might be because I don’t know where I’m going.” Some of Arthur’s dry wit shines through his political facade and he briefly considers putting Merlin in the stocks for influencing him in such a negative way.
“The path you must follow will become clear to you.” Morgause states, her answer just as confusing as before. With that, she mounts her horse, taking up the reigns as she prepares to depart. “You know, I should thank you for allowing me to retrieve my sword.” She says with a smirk upon her lips, making Arthur grit his teeth as he attempts to maintain his composure.
“I’m starting to wish I hadn’t.” Arthur replies in a political tone, not allowing his anger to take hold.
“You showed yourself to be a man of honour, you inherited that trait from your mother.” Morgause meets Arthur’s shocked gaze as she starts to steer her horse away from the castle.
Arthur finds his words, desperate for answers. “You knew my mother?”
Morgause turns in her saddle to face him once more. “I knew her very well.”
Before Arthur can respond, Morgause spurs her horse forward, leaving a dumbfounded Arthur Pendragon gaping at her retreating figure. Just as she begins to fade into the crowd, Arthur calls out to her.
“Wait!”
Morgause does not respond, leaving Arthur to contemplate what he has learned and wonder longingly about the mother he never had the chance to know.
Merlin is allowed into Morgana’s chamber by Gwen, who hurries him inside and quickly shushes him. “She’s still sleeping.” Gwen whispers, jerking her head toward the peacefully sleeping Morgana.
“I need to speak with her about her conversation with Morgause last night.” Merlin explains quietly, looking over at Morgana.
“I was wondering why she came to bed so late last night. I guess it is midday, so go ahead.” Gwen says thoughtfully. “I’ll leave you to it. Arthur can fill me in later.” Gwen picks up a laundry basket from the floor and turns to leave, shutting the door softly behind her.
Merlin walks slowly over to Morgana’s bedside, gazing lovingly at her elegant features. Not a trace of discomfort can be seen upon her beautiful face and Merlin’s heart clenches at the thought of waking her when she seems to finally be sleeping less fitfully. He kneels down and strokes the pad of his thumb against her smooth skin, smiling warmly.
“Morgana, love, it’s midday.” He says gently as Morgana stirs, her eyes fluttering open. When she notices Merlin’s presence she breaks out into a radiant smile.
“Merlin.” She whispers, reaching up to bring the Warlock's lips to her own for a brief kiss. After pulling away, Morgana slowly sits up in bed, taking in the sun shining through the still-drawn curtains. “I assume there is a reason for this wake-up call, though I’m not complaining. I like waking up to see your face, it’s comforting.” Morgana admits, blushing as she speaks.
“I feel the same.” Merlin assures, moving to perch on the edge of Morgana’s bed. Morgana changes positions so she’s sitting cuddled up next to Merlin, leaning her head on his shoulders as Merlin’s arms encircle her. “How did your conversation with Morgause go last night?” Merlin finally asks, his tone serious, breaking the comfortable silence that has descended upon them.
“It was both enlightening and confusing. She seemed even more familiar to me, and the way she spoke to me made it seem as if we knew each other. She offered me a bracelet that was given to her by her mother. I declined, but-” Morgana stops abruptly, her gaze falling to her bedside table, where she notices that same bracelet sitting upon the finished wood.
“Morgana? What is it?” Merlin questions worriedly as he notices the widening of Morgana’s eyes.
“That bracelet,” Morgana begins and pauses briefly to lean over and pick it up. “I swear I didn’t accept it. How did it get here?” Morgana holds it in her hands for a moment before handing it to Merlin for inspection.
The Warlock gasps the moment the bracelet touches his skin, feeling the telltale tingle of magic shooting through his fingers and traveling up his arm.
“What’s wrong?” Morgana hastily asks, her anxious gaze turning upon Merlin.
“Something’s been done to it.” Merlin mumbles. “It’s enchanted.” He finishes, handing the bracelet back to Morgana. “Close your eyes and focus on it.”
Morgana takes a sharp intake of breath as she feels what Merlin is talking about. “She told me it was a healing bracelet.” Morgana states, setting it down on the bed beside her. “And that was the best night's sleep I’ve had in quite a while. You’re right, it’s definitely been enchanted.”
“Here,” Merlin says, gesturing for Morgana to give him to the bracelet. “I’ll take it to Gaius and see what he has to say about it.” Morgana places the bracelet in Merlin’s hands and he quickly pockets it. After a moment of silence, Morgana speaks again, her voice cutting through the quiet atmosphere.
“I’m worried about Arthur. We have no idea what this deal entails. What if he’s walking into a trap.” Merlin once again wraps his arms around Morgana, pulling her flush against his chest. She easily relaxes into his embrace, sighing as she feels the warmth of Merlin’s magic buzz against her skin.
“I don’t think she will kill him. She had the chance and she could have made a spectacle out of it. I find it hard to believe that she would kill him with no witnesses. It sends less of a message.” Merlin’s words reassure Morgana, even if only slightly.
“You’re right, but that doesn’t mean that she won’t hurt him.” Morgana pauses. “You’ll go with him, won’t you?” Morgana asks, pulling away slightly to look at Merlin’s face. His jawline is even more pronounced in the shadowy light, and Morgan finds herself transfixed by the sight.
Merlin turns his head to her, meeting her gaze and grinning widely. “Of course, I will. I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
Morgana chuckles at Merlin’s antics before settling back into his chest. The couple shares a few more minutes of blissful indulgence before Merlin decides to take his leave, promising to see Morgana later in the day.
Later that day, Arthur finds himself in the Counsil Chamber under the intense scrutiny of his father. Arthur resists the urge to fidget as Uther’s gaze pierces through him. The silence weighs heavily upon the prince of Camelot, and he is relieved when his father finally decides to break it.
“What is to be the nature of this challenge?” Uther asks, his tone even and calm, betraying no emotion. It makes Arthur shiver nervously.
“She didn’t say. But, I gave her my word that I would accept, no matter what.” Arthur makes sure to stress this point, hoping that his father will understand Arthur’s need to honour this agreement. It’s the right thing to do, especially since Morgause spared his life. And, more than that, what Morgause said this morning piqued his curiosity and left him in need of further explanation. Hopefully, this will give him the opportunity to question the woman further.
Uther scoffs. “You should never have made such a promise. You have no idea what she might ask of you.” Uther admonishes, meeting Arthur’s eyes with a stern gaze. Arthur’s heart seems to drop into his stomach. He knows where this conversation is going, and he knows that his father has no intention of letting him fulfill his promise.
“She had her sword to my chest. I had no choice.” Arthur says, raising his voice as he attempts to reel in his anger. “Morgause said that she knew my mother.” Arthur continues, softer this time as he attempts to communicate to Uther the reason that he must go.
“She told you this?” Uther exclaims, rising from his throne and stalking over to Arthur angrily. “Obviously she’s lying. She’s playing on your affections for your mother to lure you into a trap.”
Arthur pauses at his father’s words, considering the possibility that Morgause is, in fact, manipulating him. However, his resolve is not shaken. “That makes no sense. She spared my life.”
“It confirms my suspicions. I believe Morgause is an enchantress. How else could she have defeated you?” Arthur now finds himself in a difficult situation. Based on what Merlin had told him, Arthur knows that Morgause possess magic, however, it would not do for Arthur to agree with his father at this juncture. Especially since doing so would not only further Uther’s dedication to keeping him from meeting Morgause, but also put Merlin in danger.
“I don’t believe she was using magic.” Arthur argues, taking care to keep his reply as vague as possible.
“And you would know for certain if she were?” Uther pauses and shakes his head. “Under no circumstances will you go to meet her, or accept this challenge.”
Now that Uther has gotten to the point, Arthur allows his anger to escape his control, shouting at his father in a futile attempt to convince him to change his mind. “I gave her my word!”
“I don’t care what was said to her. You will remain in Camelot.” Uther states, his own anger threatening to rear its head.
“I want to hear what she knows about my mother.”
“She knows nothing. She is lying. You will not go to her, I forbid it.” Uther says with a note of finality, his expression stony.
“So I am to break my word?” Arthur asks angrily, daring to push the issue further, though he knows that it won’t bode well for him.
“Escort my son to his chambers.” Uther commands the guards standing at the doors behind them. He turns away from Arthur and begins walking back over to his throne. “Under no circumstances will he be allowed to leave.”
Arthur is shocked. He knew that the consequences of his pressing would be dire, but being imprisoned in his chambers seems extreme. “ You’re confining me to my chambers?”
“I am protecting you from your own foolishness.” Uther shouts as he reclaims his seat on his throne, waving the guards, who have ceased Arthur’s arms, out of the room.
As Arthur is led away, Uther reflects on the conversation, deciding quickly that Arthur is steadily becoming more difficult to control.
“What did you do?” Merlin asks as he enters Arthur’s chambers. Arthur merely raises an eyebrow at Merlin’s question, prompting the Warlock to sigh and roll his eyes. “Maybe it’s escaped your notice, but there are guards outside your door.”
Arthur groans, shaking his head tiredly. “First of all, I didn’t do anything. And second, how oblivious do you think I am?” Merlin scoffs.
“Not just oblivious, sire, royally oblivious. There’s a difference.” Merlin quips lightheartedly, eliciting a growl from Arthur in return. Merlin snorts humorously and bends down to pick up a goblet that somehow made its way onto the floor. “Anyway, I find it difficult to believe that you’re being confined to your chambers for doing nothing. So, spill it, what happened?” Merlin asks, coming over to the desk by the window and taking a seat across from Arthur.
“My father and I didn’t quite see eye to eye on the subject of Morgause’s challenge.” Arthur replies slowly, steepling his fingers beneath his chin as he leans forward in his seat.
“I see. So he has decided that you are not to meet her?” Merlin assumes, sighing when he sees Arthur nod to confirm his suspicions. After a moment of pause, Merlin continues, clapping his hands together as he speaks. “So, I take it we’re going anyway?”
“You’re smarter than you look!” Arthur teases, smirking lightly. “Gather some supplies, we leave tonight. Oh, and I suppose this goes without saying, but find a way to get me out of here while you’re at it.”
“At once, sire.” Merlin exclaims, rising from his seat with a grin. As Merlin begins to leave, he turns back to face the Prince. “You’re a good man, Arthur Pendragon. Don’t let you’re father convince you otherwise.” Arthur nods, giving Merlin a soft smile as his friend’s reassurance washes over him.
The door closes with a click, leaving Arthur alone with his thoughts.
‘I won’t let you win, father. I will end you’re reign of tyranny, I swear it.’