"I don't believe you." Arthur stated coldly. He could not believe a word the man before him had spoken.
"Arthur I'm telling you the truth. You know I wouldn't lie about something like this, Merlin's like a brother to me!" The Knight stated.
Arthur sighed. It was true Merlin was almost like a little brother to all of the Knights, but how could it be possible...Merlin was nothing more than a bumbling idiot. He was the one person who he could always count on, the one that always remained glued to his side...whether he was wanted or not.
With a sigh Arthur sat back upon the throne. He didn't want to hear anymore, he wasn't sure his heart could take it. But for the sake of his Kingdom and for the good of his people he had to continue.
"Tell me.." He began hoping there wasn't anything to tell. "Tell me what proof do you have to back up your claim?"
He watched as one of his most trusted Knights stood before him shifting uncomfortably and for a moment Arthur felt the wild pounding of his heart slow. He was sure the Knight was going to come up empty handed and apologize for wasting his time.
He did not expect the man to look at him apologetically as he pulled his hand from beneath his cape.
"I'm sorry."
And to Arthur he sounded so sincere.
"This was found beneath a broken floorboard in his room." The man stated as he held out the evidence.
With trembling hands Arthur slowly grasped the book pulling it closer. The sound of his heart beating wilding within his chest almost deafening him.
No...no...His mind screamed as his heart shattered.
There was no room left for denial. There was no doubt to the Knights word, for in his hand was a book of magic.
"Not..." Arthur stopped to clear the lump that had lodged its way in his throat."Not a word of this to anyone. Do you understand me?" He demanded..
"Yes Sire."
"Good, Now leave me."
The Knight before him gave a curt nod then turned to leave.
"And Gwaine.." Arthur called causing the Knight to halt. "Thank you."