''Arthur, I can explain…''
''NO! DON'T YOU DARE! YOU BETRAYED ME, I CALLED YOU MY FRIEND!''
''I am your friend!'' Merlin cried in anguish. With shaking hands he tried to reach for the king's arm. But the blonde pulled back immediately, whipping his Camelot sword into the air and pointing it towards him.
The voice that followed was like the steel of the blade; cold and capable of blood.
''I could take you out with one blow!''
Merlin sighed; a dreary noise that seemed to express years of pain.
''I can take you out with less than that.''
He looked up and for once Arthur believed him.
All those years ago the gangly peasant boy had spoken truth; Arthur could have been dead in a heartbeat.
Still keeping his sword firmly up, the royal's blue eyes narrowed.
''Why?''
It was only one word, but it was a word Merlin had been waiting to hear from him for years.
''Arthur what would you have done in my position? Magic…magic is banned. Your father would have…''
''My father is dead! I am king now, so tell me…'' Arthur took a breath, ''…Merlin, why?''
The amount of venom injected into his name made the young man flinch.
''There has been so many times that I wanted to tell you…but…I…I was scared of this. Of the hatred in your voice. I never wanted that hatred aimed at me. I have done nothing but protect you; ever since we met! Do you know how many times I've had to save your royal…''
Merlin never finished the sentence for Arthur lashed out. It was so quick that the young man didn't realise it had happened until he felt the cool steel against his throat. In shock his magic came to his aid but he swallowed the words before his tongue gave voice to them.
''Give me a reason not to kill you'' the king said, speech lacking emotion. Merlin gasped trying to formulate his words into a pattern.
''I'm your friend. I have protected you…''
''You're not my friend. Friends don't do this, friends don't lie. Magic has corrupted you, when did it corrupt you is the question. When did the Merlin that everybody liked die?!''
''I've had it my entire life…since I was born.''
Arthur scowled, ''that just makes it even more sick.''
If Merlin's eyes weren't blurred he would have sworn he saw a tear escape the king's eye. He was betrayed; too many had betrayed him and now...Merlin. Now to realise that his friend had been deceitful, untruthful and just plain traitorous pushed him over the edge.
Arthur would make it perfectly clear that no one should ever make that mistake again.
''…no…listen to me'' Merlin said desperately as the sword was pulled back and was pointed to his heart instead, ''…trust me…''
Arthur ignored him and thrust the sword back ready for the blow.
''….Please…listen to me…''
For a moment Arthur's eyes squinted as he attempted to stop his composure from breaking. It felt like he was fighting a war in his mind. Sweat leaked down his red face, he couldn't breathe properly.
''LISTEN TO ME! '' Merlin cried, ''Arthur…listen to me.''
Arthur stopped and looked up.
''No, you have missed your chance.''
Merlin shut his eyes and prepared himself for death. He would not use magic against the king; it was a refusal that would surly cost him his life.
''Run.''
The servant opened his eyes and stared blankly, unsure whether he had heard right.
''RUN'' the king repeated, ''RUN!''
Merlin looked at Arthur-right in the eyes. Blue on blue.
''I'm sorry'' he said sadly then turned and ran.
I found this oneshot I had wrote a while ago on my laptop. It's a bit cliche, but I thought I might as well put it up here.
I really love reviews : )
Thanks for reading!
