The Dragons Princess

by Momma Midnight

*chapter 7 updated* Balinor has died and the Great Dragons enchanted chains will soon break. Desperate to keep the beast prisoner, Uther forces Balinors only child, a daughter named Merlin, to marry his son and produce a Dragon lord.. fem!Merlin, girl!merlin, royal!merlin, lady!merlin x Arthur. Rewrite of the series as Merlin born a girl, with a lot of changes.

3. 02 The Venomous Valiant

The Dragons Princess

-momma midnight

Disclaimer: See prologue

A/N: Sorry for the late update, first I had technical issues with my (brand new) laptop. Twice. And then after having written down about 11,000+ words, I realized this story was not going in the direction I wanted it to. If I had posted the previous version, this would have survived only another two chapters at best. But I managed to get it to go where I want it to, though the quality might not be at it's very best. I like to take my time to make sure that the reader 'sees' the story, not just reads it. So I sometimes take awhile to add in extra description or emotions. I feel I may not have done as good a job this time around. But I'll let you be the judge of that. Good grief, but this story was eating my brain and now that it's done I can finally sleep.

That being said, enjoy! Oh! And thanks to my beta, who tried, really really tried, but I can be a trying author. *smiley face*

Chapter Two: The Venomous Valiant

Merlin stood at her window staring out, watching as several knights paraded in from other kingdoms. Banners and flags with crests from all over, decorated the courtyard as warriors lined up to enter their names into the upcoming tournament.

Outside of her room, in the corridor, she could hear servants racing about preparing guest rooms for the visiting nobles. Since Uther had announced the engagement of Arthur and her, most of them had invited themselves to arrive early, and therefore, set the entire castle in a frenzy. Maids and man-servants alike, ran up and down flights of stairs carrying sheets, pillows, blankets, flowers and much, much more. The halls of the castle were literally teeming with haggard servants and impatient nobles. It was a flurry of activity that was borderline dangerous.

Merlin had decided to remain in the safe confines of her quarters.

After she awoke from the injuries she received, the night of the disastrous dinner feast, the physician had placed her on three days rest. For those three days, Merlin had escaped the heavy weight of responsibility, she had contemplated the words of the dragon, and spent most of the time alone with only the occasional visit from Gwen, as the maid brought her trays of food, and visits and medicine from Gaius.

Her nights were a different story.

For three nights, Arthur had come to her room, they had eaten meals together, he had read poetry to her from a poet named Virgilius. For those three nights, they had fallen asleep together on her bed, heads bowed against each other, book flat on top of Arthur's chest where it fell from his lax fingers.

And for three mornings, she had woken with only a thin blanket covering her still sleeping form. A blanket that hadn't been there the night before.

Except for that morning, the fourth morning. Arthur had apparently forgotten to wake early and leave before dawn. She was startled awake by a very loud swear and a hurried Arthur as he literally jumped off the bed and rushed for the door, nearly colliding with Gwen as the maid had arrived with Merlin's breakfast.

Gwens face had turned a bright pink as she witnessed a sleepy Arthur stumble quickly out of her room and into his own. She didn't look at Merlin's face the entire time she made her morning salutations. Her fingers fumbled with the plates and tea cup as she arranged everything on the table.

The maid then left with a nervous apology about being needed elsewhere and Merlin had to enjoy her breakfast in solitude.

She returned her attention to the view outside her window. The day was cloudy and cold and would, no doubt rain later in the afternoon. She would wait until the rain drove everyone indoors to make her escape outside the citadel.

After spending three days confined in her room, Merlin longed to feel the earth. To touch the trees, feel the open wind, to dance in the rain and feel the living pulse of the ground beneath her feet. Ever since she realized that she could use magic again, she had been waiting for a chance to run to the forest and practice some spells she had learned during the days of her confinement. Her fingers itched to release her magic and feel the rush as it connected with all living creatures around her.

She yawned widely, taking a seat on the settee by the other window facing the west side of the castle. Leaning her elbows against the back, she propped her head against them.

She will have to wait until the rain came.

In the meantime, she dropped her sight to watch as Arthur, down in the training field, battled into his servant first with a sword and now a mace.

Her face scrunched in sympathy. Poor Morris, he'll probably hear clanging even after wards, with all the hits he's taken to the head.

.

.

Arthur hated being summoned. It reminded him of being called forth like a dog, which eventually, reminded him of Morgana and how calling him a 'dog' was her favorite insult.

Walking down the corridors to the throne room was a bit of a gauntlet. He had to duck to avoid being crowned by a basket of laundry, he side stepped a stumbling maid carrying a large bucket of water and he almost slipped on a spilled tray of roasted duck and gravy that stuck to his boot and made a sticky 'thruup' with every step.

Finally the doors to the throne room came into view and Arthur nearly sighed aloud in relief. The guards in front of the door, opened them at his arrival, and closed them as soon as he passed the threshold. On the throne, at the far end of the room, sat his father reading a parchment. Geoffrey of Monmouth stood to the side, his wrinkled hands holding a few rolls of documents waiting to be examined by the king.

"Father" Arthur announced, garnering the attention of the king.

"Arthur" Uther nodded in greeting. He handed the parchment to Geoffrey and waved the elder man away. "Leave us." He told the royal archivist. Geoffrey bowed and exited quickly.

"You summoned me father?" Arthur made sure to put emphasis on 'summoned'.

"Yes. I have made the arrangements for your wedding to be held on the day after the tournament ends." Uther stood from the throne and walked over to Arthur, "But that is not the only reason I called you here. It has come to my attention that you were seen leaving the Lady Merlin's room early this morning, and that you spent the entire night with her. Is this true?"

Warmth rose to Arthur's cheeks, "It's not what you think father. I-we-" He knew he was gibbering, "I mean-it was poetry Father. Honestly." He held his head high trying to restore some dignity.

Uther raised his brow with an amused quirk of his lips, "Well whatever you call it, it needs to stop. What goes on between you and your future wife is of no concern of mine. However, it would not look good on her character, or yours, to have been spoiled before the wedding." He gave his son a sympathetic look, "I was young once, I understand the temptations of wanting to 'taste' your intended. " His gaze took on a dreamy roll towards the ceiling, as if in remembrance of something pleasant. He came back to himself and cleared his throat. "But I suggest you develop some control and wait until your wedding night." Uther made for the door.

Arthur's jaw dropped and he chocked out with an indignant cry, "Father!"

"Honestly Arthur, it's only five days from now. I'm sure you and Lady Merlin can wait to do more-" his voice rumbled deeply as he began to chuckle, "-'poetry' until then?" He opened the door, the guards bowing as he passed by. They closed the door and Arthur was left alone in the room.

He threw his head back and huffed loudly. This is what he wanted to avoid. Why he always woke early and left Merlin's room before the sun rose. He lowered his head and pinched the bridge of his nose, annoyed.

How could he have made such a stupid mistake? He knew he shouldn't have let himself get too comfortable laying on the bed next to her. But it was so easy.

And she looked so beautiful.

He sighed, his hand lowering to rest on the handle of his sword. His vacant gaze focused on the wall in front of him.

Spending the last three evenings with Merlin had been surprisingly pleasant and fun. There was a wit about her that challenged him, kept him on his toes. She is so much more intuitive than probably most gave her credit for.

Falling asleep on her bed on that first night was an honest accident. He had only meant to read some poetry to her, try to get her to develop some interest in him. It was Morgana's idea to woo Merlin with Virgilius, he had never even heard of the man before that night.

But when he woke at dawn that first morning, when he saw Merlin's beautiful face surrounded by her long, dark and silky hair, looking so peaceful in her sleep, he knew he couldn't call falling asleep next to her a 'mistake'.

Before he left he had taken a spare blanket out of the cedar chest that sat at the foot of her bed. Merlin's slim body shivered with the morning cold, but relaxed ever so slightly when he tenderly laid the blanket over her delicate form. He couldn't stop his fingers from reaching out and sweeping away dark strands from her pale face that hid her high cheekbones.

But it was her ears that made him smile with a stitch in his heart and a flutter in his stomach. Those absurd, large, completely lovable ears of hers.

A crash outside of the throne room followed by the sound of loud angry yelling from an irate noble, broke him out of his thoughts.

Arthur shook his head clear and turned to march out of the room. Pushing thoughts of Merlin aside, he forced his concentration on the tournament. With any luck, he could work out his frustration on his challengers and on winning.

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.

The rain had indeed come, but it came at a much later hour than she had hoped for and by then the sky was dark with night and rain clouds. Her plans to escape the city and go to the forest had to be postponed until the morning. Which left her with her evening free. The first one in days, seeing as how Arthur was too busy with the tournament preparations.

She hadn't realized how much she had come to expect his presence in her room every night. She looked forward to seeing him waltz in with a tray of food and a book tucked under his arm. His ever present smile made her heart leap to her throat before settling down with a warm and tingling feeling that spread throughout her body, ending at her fingertips and nearly making her want to giggle with giddiness.

But tonight there would be no smiling Arthur, no witty banter, no Aeneid poetry. She was truly and utterly bored and restless.

Similar to her breakfast, Merlin had to endure a solitary dinner as well. Gwen had made the effort to supply her with as much of her favorite foods as possible, but even the grilled hare smothered in sweet sauce with roasted carrots and onions, couldn't drive away the feeling of isolation and loneliness. The sweet tasting meat, oddly enough, tasted bland as she focused her attention on the flickering flame of the candle that was her only company.

Unable to palate her dinner, Merlin pushed it away and returned to her seat on the settee. Arms folded over the back of it, she stared outside to watch the rain pour down into the darkness.

An unknown amount of time had passed before there was a knock on her door. She called out for the person to come in, barely having enough energy to even turn around.

The door opened and closed without much noise. There was a shuffle of fabric and the sound of a basket being set on the table. Even with her eyes half closed in drowsiness, Merlin knew who exactly was in her room.

"Hello Gaius." She murmured sleepily.

"Merlin." Gaius greeted casually, "I've come to apply the salve to your back."

"No need Gaius." She said, still sleepy, still not moving from her seat. "I found the spell that heals bruises."

"Have you now?" His tone implied a sense of doubt. She could already imagine his fuzzy eye brow raised in disapproval. "You know Merlin. You should be careful how you speak of magic. The king could have been standing silently beside me. And you would never have noticed since you don't seem to want to turn around."

Merlin spun around quickly, but only Gaius stood there with that ever present frown she knew was going to decorate his face. She gave him a sheepish look, rubbing the side of her head. "I'm sorry Gaius, but I'm just so sleepy."

The physician nodded in understanding, "Inactivity tends to do that. But this is good news, since you have managed to heal your injuries, you no longer need to be confined to rest. I'll tell the king that you're feeling better."

"Thank you Gaius." She said whole-heartedly, "For everything."

Gaius's face softened from his stern frown, "You are welcome my dear." He picked up his basket of medicines and made for the door. He paused in thought and turned around, "Oh and Merlin. If you really are bored, you can pick some herbs for me tomorrow. Come to my chambers in the morning for the book on medicinal plants."

She grinned brightly, "I can start my training tomorrow?"

"You can start tomorrow, so long as the king approves."

Her smile dropped, "I've been so preoccupied, I forgot to ask him. But I don't think he'll mind."

Gaius pursed his lips in contemplation, "Just be sure to ask him as soon as possible."

"I will Gaius. Thank you!"

The physician nodded a good night and left her quarters as quietly as he came in. Merlin stood up from the settee and began to rummage through her wardrobe. She looked for her favorite blue dress, it was the warmest dress she owned currently, (her dresses had begun to filter in from the seamstress, but she still only had a few and they were too nice to wear for tromping through the forest). She pulled out her old worn brown boots, her purple cloak (it wasn't nearly warm enough but it would still do the job) and her red neckerchief (a gift from Will).

She laid everything out on the changing screen, ready to be used.

She yawned, sleepiness still present, Merlin decided to go to bed early. She changed into a soft night dress, forgetting how comfortable they are, and slipped pleasantly under the covers. She snuggled deeply into the soft mattress and pillow, enjoying the sensation of being in the bed rather then sleeping on top of it fully clothed.

The candle on the table was still lit and Merlin concentrated her magic. Her eyes glowed gold and the flame extinguished itself with a tiny stream of smoke, bathing the room in darkness. She closed her eyes and let the sound of the rain hitting her window lull her to sleep.

Her last lingering thought, even though she was comfortable and warm, was that she missed the smell of leather, horseflesh and the distinctive musk of a strong man.

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.

Early dawn turned out to be foggy and wet. The clouds had dropped from the sky and had decided to play hide and seek with the castle and all it's surroundings. The fog was so thick that the morning patrol had postponed their ride for one hour, giving her the opportunity to slip through the gates unnoticed. Not that they would have been able to see her, as it was, even she couldn't even see where she was. She had placed a hand in front of her and lost sight of it just past her elbow.

With the list of herbs in hand, Merlin set out to explore the forests of Camelot.

By the time the sun had risen to mid-morning, most of the fog had lifted allowing Merlin the chance to finally see her surroundings with warning. Too many times she had stumbled and fallen due to some unseen root or a rock hidden by the fog. She had mud caked on the knees of her dress and her cloak had rips and tears from hidden branches that suddenly appeared out of the fog just to snag the purple fabric.

Her stomach growled with hunger by the time she arrived at a clearing that had many of the plants on her list. She stopped to sit on a damp rock to pull out the bits of her uneaten dinner from the night before. She didn't have time to stop by the kitchens for a proper knapsack of food, nor had she wanted to alert anyone of her disappearance. Only Gwen knew where she was going, having bumped into the maid so early in the morning, Merlin had told her not to bother with her morning tray.

When she arrived at Gaius's chambers, the physician had been snoring away in his cot, the book of medicinal herbs sat on a table near the door along with the list. Merlin decided not to take the book, she knew just about every plant that could possibly be on the list, carrying the book with her would be a waste of time. She didn't enter the room, using magic instead to summon the list to her, Merlin left the chambers without waking Gaius. She had told Gaius that she would speak to the king and since she hadn't had the opportunity yet, she wanted to avoid any questions about it.

Her stomach growled again, reminding her that this was the time she usually had her breakfast.

The hare was cold but still sweet and did the trick in settling her stomach for the time being. She pulled out a water-skin and took a drink. Looking back from the direction she came, Merlin could see the castle standing on the hill. The morning sun made the stones glimmer bright white, reminding her of her first impression of Camelot as an image of purity.

She put her items back into the sack she carried and wandered through the meadow for the herbs she needed. She gathered rosemary, crowfoot, lady's smock, yarrow, fever-few, dead-nettle, foxglove and a few other species. By the time she was done, the sun had almost reached midday. She had collected an impressive bouquet of herbs that was sure to make Gaius happy.

Merlin wrapped the herbs in cloth to preserve the stems and leaves. She placed it in her sack and dusted her hands clean. With noon nearly upon her, she was losing time and opportunity to practice some magic. She was a good distance away from the castle and there didn't seem to be anyone else around.

Merlin pulled out a sheet of paper decorated with blue butterflies. She had drawn them for Arthur two days ago, to show him her artistic incompetence. He didn't believe her when she said she had no talent for art, but he wasn't satisfied until he saw her horrendous drawings of something so simple any child could do.

His laughter still echoed in her mind.

Putting the sheet at arms length, Merlin let her eyes glow gold while she began to chant the spell. "berbay odothay arisan quickem"

Nothing happened and she tried again. "berbay odothay arisan quickem"

She tried again and again until finally, with sweat collecting on her brow, blue butterflies morphed out of the page she held.

She couldn't contain the giggle of accomplishment that bubbled out. Seeing the butterflies dance around her made her feel happy. Merlin flashed her eyes gold to get the butterflies to return to the paper but they didn't respond. She flashed them again and still they flitted about her head. She crumpled the paper in her hand and the blue butterflies disappeared immediately.

Merlin gathered her sack and started her trek back to Camelot. The tournament would be starting soon and she wanted to see Arthur compete.

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.

The tournament was held at the stadium in the field that was to the right of the castle. The drawbridge was crowded with contestants and spectators trying to pass through. Food merchants had hauled carts over and had begun to sell.

About one hour after her return from the forest, Merlin, changed into a simple but elegant forest green chiffon dress and headed down to the arena. She passed by a cart selling sausages and roasted duck, the mouthwatering smell of the cooked meat followed her all the way to where Arthur was pacing, near the sword racks, in agitation impatiently waiting for his servant to arrive.

"Where the hell is he!?" He shouted as he spotted her.

"Who Morris? I haven't seen him since you battled into him yesterday." She said stopping by the table that had all his armor set for assembly. "Honestly Arthur, you didn't have to go so hard on him." Merlin rebuked.

"It's called practice. Besides, he could use a little toughening up."

She didn't bother with a verbal response. A sour look could do just as well.

"If he doesn't show up soon, I'm going to be late at the introduction ceremony." Arthur growled, picking up his gorget and pauldron, he had already put on his surcoat, hauberk and breastplate.

"Allow me." Merlin took the items from him and slowly, methodically began to buckle the items into place.

Arthur stood quietly, watching her with a touch of surprise. "Where did you learn to put on armor?" He asked curiously.

"Will." She answered, before realizing he didn't know who Will was.

Sure enough, a raised blond brow stared at her questioningly. "Was he your boyfriend before all this?" He questioned cautiously.

"No." She said quickly, then winced, "Yes. No. I don't know. He was my friend. We grew up together, his father was a guard in Essetirs army. He died when Will was very young. Will used to try on his armor whenever he felt he needed to be strong. I used to help him put it on. It's where I learned." She finished with the pauldron and gorget and moved on to the couter, mail coif and sword belt.

Arthur remained silent, his mind filtering all she said, dissecting it for any information that was potentially harmful in his pursuit to woo. He lifted his arms to the side so she could wrap her arms around him as she put on the sword belt. "You're very efficient. I may just have to fire Morris and hire you instead." He said in a deadpan.

Merlin snorted, "And be your manservant? I think I'd rather spend the day in the stocks." She stood up straight and grabbed the cloak. The heavy fabric made a flapping sound as she whipped it open and let it drape down his back. She fastened the embroidered loops and took a step back. "There I think that does it."

"I have to say Merlin, you're not half bad. There might some use to you after all." If it weren't for the twitch of his lips and the amused gleam in his eye, Merlin would have assumed it an insult.

She pouted, "You know you could just say thank you. You don't have to be such an ass."

His bemused smile belied his indifferent tone, "Again with the name calling. You know Merlin, I am a prince, you shouldn't call me names. It's very unladylike."

"It's only unladylike if it's a lie. But since it's the truth, it's called honesty."

His eyes dropped to her pouty lips that always accompanied her witty retorts. So soft looking, so tender, his mouth slightly watered at the wonder if she tasted like the strawberries she always seemed to smell of.

"It's customary for a knight to receive a kiss from his lady before any tournament. Care to try?" He puckered up his lips.

She rolled her eyes and thrust his helmet at him, "In your dreams you prat."

"Likewise my future Princess." He smirked as he marched off to the arena, grabbing his sword on the way.

She tried to look disgusted but couldn't stop the blush that pinked her cheeks and warmed her ears.

A horn trumpeted signaling the beginning of the introduction ceremony. Merlin dashed through the remainder of the crowd, her forest green gown flapping in the breeze as she rushed over to the royal box. She had a seat next to the king, who by the way had expressively told her to be sure to be there on time. She only just managed to arrive before Uther strode into the arena with the same self imposed arrogance that he had the night he came into her home.

"Knights of the realm. It is an honor to welcome you to Camelot. Over the next few days, you will put your bravery to the test, your strength and skill as warriors, and of course to challenge the reigning champion, my son Prince Arthur. The winner of this tournament will receive 1,000 gold pieces and will have the honor of escorting my ward, the Lady Morgana, to the champions feast."

He gestured to Morgana who stood up to wave at the crowd before sitting down again.

"It is in combat that we learn a knights true nature, whether he is a warrior or a coward. Let the tournament begin!"

The crowd cheered and the warriors left the stadium except for Arthur and his first competitor. She watched as guards accepted the cloaks from both challengers and waved for the match to begin.

The king took his seat beside her. Two knights flanking him as they stood behind both thrones.

Watching Arthur battle with a fierce competitor was intoxicating. He was, for lack of a better word, magical with a sword. Parry, blow, parry, shield, blow, shield, spin, blow, elbow to the face and the other knight was knocked to the ground. She hollered along with everyone else in the crowd, cheering for their mighty Prince of Camelot.

"How are you enjoying the festivities my dear?" The king asked, leaning ever so slightly in his chair towards her direction.

"I am enjoying myself very well my lord." She responded politely, shifting in her seat so as to put more space between them.

"Very good. And how are things progressing?" He inquired, his eyes never leaving the fight. There were two new challengers. Arthur having won his round, had gone off the arena.

"My lord?"

"I know that you two have been spending much time together in the evenings. Normally I don't approve of such liaisons before a wedding, and for your reputation and that of Arthur's, I would suggest you refrain from any more, as you prefer to call it, 'poetry'." He smirked, "But what's done is done and I want to know if you believe that things are progressing?"

She cast a pink tinged flustered look to her lap, fingers fidgeting with the silk strings of her dress. "Those things take time my lord. Weeks, months even."

His gloved hand patted hers gently before he sat up straight. "So long as it happens. Remember my dear, the sooner the better." With that he took his attention back to the match and eventually lost himself in the fights.

.

.

Merlin had to change her dress, yet again, into an evening gown. A dark red velvet with black sheer that draped down the sides of her skirt. She had decided to let her hair cascade down in loose curls. Gwen had commented how long and silky her dark hair was and the little bit of vanity in her wanted to show it off.

She did regret her choice in shoes however, she winced in pain. If she had known that she would have to stand a long time, as knights gathered in line to greet the king and the rest of the royal family, she would have worn flats.

"Have you seen the knight in yellow?" Morgana whispered beside her. "He's totally handsome and a vicious fighter. Might just give Arthur a run for his money." Her derisive smirk conveying her mischievous playful banter. They stood side by side greeting the knights as they passed through the line.

"I haven't really been paying attention." Merlin whispered back.

"No? Well he's right over there." Morgana pointed discreetly to a man in a yellow tabard.

The knight, Sir Valiant of the Western Isles, as he introduced himself to the king, was indeed tall, dark and handsome. He also had an inscrutable look about him that made her wary.

"May I introduce you to my ward, the Lady Morgana, and Prince Arthur's bride to be, the Lady Merlin." Uther escorted Valiant towards them, or rather, towards Morgana.

"My lady," Valiant gave her a coy smile before kissing her hand.

"I saw you competing today."

"I saw you watching." He winked, "I understand that the winner has the privilege of escorting you to the champions feast?"

"That is correct."

"Then I must be sure to win." He gave her another leering grin before turning his attention to Merlin.

"Congratulations my lady, Prince Arthur is a fortunate man." Valiant said even though he didn't give her much more than a passing glance before he reached for her hand. The brush of his lips against her skin felt cold and calculated, it also felt dark and menacing. Her magic sent a shivering rush of coldness down her spine. She pulled her hand out of his quickly. "Sir Valiant." She greeted cautiously. Valiant moved on without a second glance.

Even as he walked away to join the other warriors, Merlin could still feel the aura of darkness that surrounded Knight Valiant. An ominous presence that closely resembled the magic that once used to bind hers.

"Enjoying yourself?" Arthur stepped in front of her suddenly, blocking her view of Valiant.

"Immensely." She said in a bored tone.

Arthur cast a furtive glance in the direction she had been looking at and rolled his eyes annoyed. "It looks like Morgana was right, it seems everyone's impressed by Sir Valiant."

"I'm not. He's a creep." Merlin muttered just loud enough for him to hear.

Arthur let his lips twitch in approval. He lifted her hand and brought it up for a kiss. Instead of kissing the back of her hand like all the others, he turned her hand over and pressed a tender kiss in the center of her open palm. His eyes on hers, she gasped as heat lingered in the area where his lips touched her skin. There was no way she could say that Arthur's kiss on her hand was anything like that of Valiant's.

She closed her fingers protectively over her palm, bringing her hand close to her chest.

He stood up straight and gave her one last little warm twitch of his lips before letting the gentleness slide off his face. His shoulders firm, his face hardened, Arthur turned his attention to the other competitors and allowed his status as a fierce warrior radiate with a dominating aura. It was then that she realized that she had been seeing a side of Arthur that no one else had. A side of him that only she was allowed to see. A gentleness that he showed to no one else but her.

It sent a warmth through her and a tingling feeling of happiness down to her fingertips.

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.

The second day of the tournament was much like the previous day. Crowded stadium, crowded bridge, aromas of all sorts of food. The only exception was that the sun had decided to come out from behind the clouds giving everyone a much desired break from the foggy coldness and the icy rain that had plagued the city for nearly a week. The sun shone down warming the backs of everyone in the stadium and making it less bitingly cold for those unfortunate to have to wear armor.

Merlin was, again, seated in the royal box next to the king. Her status as future princess had granted her a privileged seat. It was unfair, she thought, that she would have a seat next to the king when she wasn't even royalty yet, but Morgana, who was the kings ward, had been designated to sit next to her servant.

Though it looked like Morgana was having much more fun.

The day proceeded with a series of cheers and awes, a few gasps and then more cheers. Merlin managed to lose herself in the fights. Arthur had once again dominated his match and ended his day victorious. Others were not so lucky.

A fight between a knight of Camelot, Sir Ewan, and his challenger Sir Valiant, had ended with Ewan being carried to the physicians quarters, Gaius following quickly.

She remembered her promise to Gaius and realized that now was a good as time as any. The king was in a genial mood and more likely to either not be bothered or simply not care if she decided to study to be a physicians assistant.

She leaned in his direction and spoke to him, "My lord?"

Uther turned questioning eyes to her, "Yes?"

"I wanted to ask your permission to study under Gaius." She pointed to where they could still see Ewan being carried out. "To be his assistant. Arthur agrees that it would be beneficial to have more than one active physician and I would like nothing more than to be useful to you and Arthur, for Camelot." She said with practicality. Hoping that by mentioning her want to aid Camelot would appease his decision towards the positive.

Uther furrowed his brows in contemplation. His chin settled within the palm of his hand as he leaned his elbow on the arm of his chair. "What about our agreement?"

Her eyes dropped down to her lap, nervous gaze focusing on her teal colored dress before she straightened her shoulders and gave him a fixed stare. "When that time comes, I'll stop my studies."

"You will stop completely and concentrate on my grandchildren. That will be your sole responsibility. If you can agree to that, then I'll let you follow Gaius around if that is what you want."

"It would my lord. Thank you." She bowed her had appreciatively, hands trembling as she fidgeted her fingernails together.

Uther sniffed disdainfully and returned his attention to the fight.

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As customary on the night before the final battle, a dinner was held to celebrate the final two competitors before they dueled for the championship. Arthur had seen the way Valiant had injured his fellow knight, Ewan, in their last match. Anger burned inside of him as he watched his father take a liking to Valiant so easily, as if he had no regards to his own knight injured by this same man. Morgana was no different, with the way she smiled at him or would throw coy glances. Her words echoed in his mind, that everyone seemed taken with Sir Valiant.

Everyone except him...and Merlin.

For whatever reasons, his bride to be, had showed no favor for Valiant. In fact, when the knight had tried to kiss her hand in greeting, just before dinner, Merlin had shied away from his touch and took a defensive stance behind Arthur.

It made his heart swell with pride at the notion that she favored him instead. Their mutual distaste for the other knight, forging a silent alliance. It felt good to know that she was on his side, even if it seemed like no one else was.

The dinner itself, slow roasted deer with bread pudding and stewed herbs, passed by agonizingly slow. Conversation concentrated primarily on the tournament and all the previous fighters, their strengths, their weaknesses and if whether Valiant considered himself a worthy match for Arthur.

It was during dessert that Valiant finally gave him any notice. He and Merlin had been sitting quietly, eating peacefully all the while listening to every word exchanged between the other knight and the king.

"How soon until the wedding?" Valiant asked over the rim of his goblet.

"Preparations have already begun. The wedding will take place in two days time." Uther announced proudly, "You should stay. Become a knight of Camelot. We could use more men like you."

Valiant lowered his glass with a sardonic smile. "I will consider it my lord." He gave Merlin a quirk of his brow that set Arthur's nerves on fire, "I will admit there is much temptation to staying. Perhaps until after the wedding then?"

"Of course!" Uther agreed, "You are welcome to anything you need while you are our guest."

Valiant tilted his head gratefully, "You are most kind my lord." His eyes bounced between Morgana and Merlin, only to glance at Arthur's angry face and then settle his focus on Merlin once again.

.

.

"Can you believe the audacity of that man!?" Arthur growled, "Did you see how he has my father practically eating out of his hand?" He started to pace angrily, hands on his hips, "And Morgana! She's basically just throwing herself at him!"

Seated on her settee by the window, legs tucked under her, Merlin sat watching Arthur pace back and forth like some angry bear.

"I wouldn't say she's throwing herself at him. But she was definitely flirting." She added, watching his angry pacing increase in ferocity.

After some time, Arthur cupped his elbow with one hand and raised the other to his chin. Forefinger over his lips, thumb under his chin, he kept pacing but his anger began to dissipate into confusion.

"There's something about him that I don't trust."

Merlin knew exactly what he meant. She too felt it, the darkness that surrounded Valiant like some malicious shadow. She opened her mouth to say something when there was a knock on her door.

"Enter" she answered.

Morris opened the door slowly, "Forgive me miss, but Gaius has requested your presence."

Merlin and Arthur glanced at each other briefly before she stood up. "Thank you Morris."

The servant nodded and closed the door.

She gave Arthur a quick nod as she stepped past him.

His hand shot out and grabbed her arm firmly, "I want you to stay away from him Merlin." He gripped her arm tighter, "If he so much as looks at you wrong, you are to tell me immediately."

Startled, she gently uncurled her arm free from his grip and winced. "I've no intention to be in the same room with that creep."

"Good."

.

.

The walk to the physicians office was a series of corridors and two flights of stairs. By the time she reached Gaius's room she had worked up an appetite. Maybe she should head to the kitchens afterward? Grab some sweet bread and take it back to her room, Arthur will probably be hungry as well.

She knocked on the door and heard a muffled 'enter'. The physician was at the far end of the room leaning over a cot. Blanketed legs stuck out and she remembered Sir Ewan had been injured during his match.

"How is he?" She asked, approaching the other two.

Gaius stood up and released a tired sigh, "Dead I'm afraid. It was poison, snake venom, to be precise."

"Snake? That can't be. He was injured during a sword fight." She moved forward to look at the deceased knight. Sir Ewan had turned pale and sallow. There was no movement in his chest to signify breathing. He was truly dead.

"True, but that is not what caused his injuries. Here take a look." Gaius tilted Ewans head to reveal two puncture wounds, small enough to certainly look like a snake bite. "His symptoms were consistent with snake venom. Fever, vomiting and at the very end, seizures." His saddened gaze swept over the lost knight. "It was terrible to watch. I gave him everything I could, but without the anti-venom, there wasn't anything I could do to save him."

Merlin put a comforting hand on the older mans shoulder, "I'm sure you did your best Gaius. You probably eased his passing, he would be thankful I'm sure."

"Perhaps. But that doesn't change the fact that he died from a snake bite, not a sword wound."

"But that doesn't make sense Gaius. Where would he get the chance to be bitten by a snake?"

"Well that's why I called for you." Gaius paused to look around as if to make sure they were indeed alone. He turned his voice down to a whisper, "I believe this is the work of sorcery."

Her eyes widened, "Magic?"

Merlin studied the older mans face, not really seeing but going through her memories as to who could have used magic. Green snakes decorating a yellow shield, wielded by a warrior in a yellow tabard flashed through her mind.

"Valiant" She whispered. Her eyes focusing clearly, "Ewan was fighting Knight Valiant in the match today. He has green snakes on his shield. Could he have conjured them to life?"

Gaius's forehead wrinkled in consternation, "It is possible, but I don't know of any spells that could bring drawings to life."

"I do." She said, remembering the butterflies. She gathered her skirts to run, "I need to tell Arthur. He's fighting Valiant in the tournament tomorrow."

"Merlin wait!" Gaius called after her. "You can't just accuse of a knight of using magic."

"But Arthur could be killed tomorrow Gaius! He needs to know."

"What are you going to tell him? You need proof Merlin. He'll never believe you until you have valid proof." Argued Gaius.

"Then I'll tell the king. He'll believe me." Merlin said annoyed.

"And what do you propose to tell him? In case you've forgotten, he knows you have magic. For all that could happen, he just might believe you're the one behind this. That you set the snakes to kill Arthur."

"But why would I do that?" She turned around to face the physician, her lips parted, molars clenching with impatience.

"To escape getting married."

Merlin's prepared retort died in her mouth. She jolted where she stood in stunned silence. A cold unsettling feeling washed over her making her hands lift to rub her arms anxiously.

Escape marriage? To be honest, the idea of escaping had never occurred to her.

Well maybe it did, once, on her trip to Camelot. But ever since meeting Arthur, and then the dragon, and all the talk of destinies, she had focused her thoughts and attention on coming up with ways to protect Arthur. And after the cuff had failed it's duty and she was able to use magic again, the thought still hadn't crossed her mind.

Was it because of her destiny? Or could it be more because of Arthur?

Some unknown emotion uncurled deep inside of her, leaving her slightly breathless.

She turned confused eyes to the old man, "Then what am I supposed to do Gaius? I can't let Arthur die tomorrow." She whispered, her throat thick, making it difficult to swallow down her anxiety.

Gaius's face softened, then said to her with determined eyes, "We must find some evidence."

.

.

She hid around the corner waiting, watching as the last knight left the armory to catch up with his mates. She waited with a bated breath until they turned the corner and were out of sight before she left her hiding place to run to the armory.

Technically, it was Gaius's idea to search for the shield while everyone was out celebrating. It was also Gaius's idea to send one of the servants to retrieve it. But Merlin didn't want anyone else to get injured, if indeed, the shield turned out to be enchanted.

She made for the doorway and slipped in. Weapons of all manor littered the walls decoratively, stands bearing several swords and spears were positioned methodically apart for easy and quick access. Banners and flags bearing the golden dragon crest of Pendragon and Camelot were placed all over the room. If anyone had any questions as to who the armory belonged to, they need only look up.

The shields were located towards the far end of the room against the wall. She sorted through several of them before finding nothing. Thinking that perhaps Valiant kept it in his room, Merlin turned around to leave when she heard a hissing sound. She stopped and looked around for it when she heard the hissing again.

On the floor, just to the right of her, was a yellow shield with green snakes on it. Her magic rose up within her as it sensed something dark surrounding it. This was Valiant's shield. She knelt down to get a better look at it. There were three snakes painted on the yellow shield, with the exception of the cracks in the shield that disrupted the paint, the artistry was well done. She leaned in closer to touch it when one of snakes blinked.

Merlin fell backwards with a shocked gasp. She scrambled to her knees to study the shield again when the sound of a sword being unsheathed, followed by a cold piece of steel, pressed against her throat. With the metal just short of piercing her skin, Merlin held her breath and slowly gazed up to see Knight Valiant staring down at her with a curious and heated raise of his brow.

"What do we have here?" He questioned with a little bit of a slur, he cast a lustful look from bottom to top making her shudder in revulsion.

"I was looking for a new shield for Arthur. My betrothed." She said hoping that reminding him who she was supposed to get married to might discourage any violent acts he may have warranted to do.

He didn't remove the sword at her throat, if anything, it felt as if he pressed a little harder. "Were you now? Isn't that the job of a servant? Or is this how the Prince treats his bride to be?"

He changed the angle of his sword and gestured for her to stand up. Merlin obeyed, slowly standing to her feet, her eyes never leaving his. She was about to summon her powers when she felt it, dark magic. It swirled around her like a thick shadowy fog, she could feel it trying to penetrate though to her magic.

Valiant studied her with a filthy leer, he lowered the sword and sheathed it. "I heard that the two of you were forced into this engagement." He took a step forward into her personal space, she took a step back. He continued moving forward, effectively backing her into a post where he then placed his hands on the wall on either side of her, trapping her within his arms. "Tell me, do you think he'll be able to satisfy you? Or do you fancy a bit of fun while you still can? I can make it worth your while."

He closed his eyes and leaned even closer, taking in her scent and the close proximity of her body. "You know that I am a strong man, a fierce warrior. There isn't much I can't have or take. Even that worthless chit the king tried to press upon me. But you know what I do like? What I always want?"

His nose pressed against her throat, his lips a whisper against her skin. Her heart pounded in her ears, she swallowed thickly, her skin tingled with revulsion at his closeness and her fingertips burned to use the magic hidden there to force him away from her. But to use it would be exposing herself to a man that has the favor of the king. She couldn't take the risk, not yet.

Merlin could see the exit of the room, her freedom, the door that led to the barracks where the Knights of Camelot slept. If she screamed, they would come, she was sure of it, she held in her breath to avoid inhaling his sour stench of ale.

"I want the things I can't have, the things that don't belong to me. Someone else's wealth, weapons..." He sniffed her skin again, "-women. There is nothing more intoxicating or more satisfying then bedding a woman belonging to another man."

She gasped and inhaled his disgusting stench, her eyes watered as she coughed out the putrid air from her lungs, trying to expel it from her senses. His hands moved away from the wall to place themselves on her hips and Merlin decided, that if she couldn't use magic, she could at least still fight back.

Turning her face to stare coldly at Valiant, she gave him a hostile glare. "You're no match for Arthur." Merlin lifted her knee as hard as she could and hit Valiant dead center of his groin. The knight stumbled back with a howl and Merlin used the opportunity to run.

.

.

Merlin didn't stop running until she reached Arthur's room. She pushed the doors open without warning and stumbled in, panting from exertion.

"Merlin?" Arthur stood from his chair in surprise.

"Valiant's using magic to cheat in the tournament!" She sputtered, still trying to catch her breath.

Arthur walked over to her with an amused curl on his lips. "Merlin, I know you're trying to make me feel better but that's a serious accusation. You shouldn't say something like that so lightly."

She threw him a UN-amused glare. "I'm not lying Arthur! He's using magic." She stood up to face him, her cheeks red from running. "Sir Ewan died of snake venom, from the snakes that came out of Valiant's shield. He has them painted on there, all he has to do is conjure them up to kill when he needs them to."

Arthur's humored smirk slid off his face. "You're serious? Well how do you know it was Valiant? It could have been a snake that crawled into Gaius's chambers for all we know."

"Because I've seen one of them blink! Look Gaius asked me to help him investigate Sir Ewans death, and when I snuck into the armory, Valiant's shield hissed at me and blinked its eye. It's magic Arthur! Ask Gaius, he can confirm Ewans death was by a snake bite."

Arthur fingers clenched and unclenched in agitation. "I knew there was something I didn't like about him." He stalked to his bed and grabbed his sword. "Are you sure? That Valiant's using magic, can you be sure it's not just a trick of your eye?"

"I promise you Arthur, he's using magic." She pleaded.

Arthur nodded and marched out of the room. Merlin picked up her skirts and followed right behind him.

Arthur told the guards to send word to Uther and then had summoned a hearing with the court. Valiant appeared minutes before Uther did. His inebriated humor gone, he tossed a wrathful look at Merlin as she stood beside Arthur waiting for the king.

Uther strode in, sleepy and unhappy. "What's the meaning of this Arthur? Why have you summoned the court?" He said angrily, taking his seat at the throne.

Arthur took in a deep breath before answering in the strongest and clearest voice he could, "I believe that Knight Valiant is using magic to cheat in the tournament."

Murmurs of shock rose out at the accusation.

Uther certainly perked up at the word 'magic'. "Are you certain? Where is Knight Valiant?"

Valiant stepped forward, his best innocent look on his face. "I'm here your majesty."

"Valiant, how do you respond to these accusations?" Uther asked, his eye searching for any hint that the accusations could be true.

"Lies my lord. The Prince must be intimidated by me and has conjured up a lie to force me to forfeit."

Uther turned to his son, "How do you respond to this Arthur? What proof do you have of Valiant's so called magic?"

Arthur gave Merlin a concerned look, then turned back to the king. "My bride Merlin has witnessed the snakes on Valiant's shield come to life. There is also the body of Sir Ewan. It was determined by Gaius, the physician, that Ewan died from snake venom resulting from the snake bites from Valiant's shield."

Uther called out to the guards in the back, "Where is this shield? Bring it here."

A guard carried the shield over to the king. Uther held it closely, "I see nothing unusual. Perhaps Merlin was mistaken?" He looked at her firmly, angrily even.

Merlin flinched slightly, eyes turning downcast, one hand moving to touch the metal cuff on her wrist. Arthur looked to her for answers but she couldn't give him any. There was nothing else she could tell him that would expose Valiant. She could summon the snakes if she wanted to, but that would expose her and Uther already had no patience for her magic.

Valiant spoke up next, "It's as I assume your majesty. The Prince is intimidated and told his bride to play witness to a lie. She was just doing her duty as a good wife should." He smirked.

Merlin turned hateful eyes towards Valiant. Her skin still repulsed by his touch, his scent.

"So it seems." Uther's jaw ticked in suppressed anger, "I'm disappointed Arthur. I expected better from you." He turned to Valiant, "I apologize for my sons brash accusation Sir Valiant. I hope you don't think too unkindly of him."

"Not at all sire. If I had any doubts in myself, I too would have looked for a way out." Valiant's up turned sneer made her blood boil.

Arthur dropped his head in defeat. "I'm sorry father."

Uther's disgusted frown made his heart sink. "As you should be. Courts dismissed." Uther didn't wait for everyone to leave. He marched out of the room without a second glance back at his own son.

.

.

Merlin followed Arthur back to his room quietly, somberly. She closed the door behind her as they entered.

Arthur stood at the window with his arms crossed.

"I believed in you. I trusted you." His voice broke the silence. He didn't turn to look at her.

She swallowed thickly, "I know. I'm sorry. But we can still expose Valiant. If we could just switch the shields-"

"You left me there to defend myself! You stood there with nothing to say as Valiant made a mockery of me! Now my father and the entire court think I'm a coward! You humiliated me! And you expect me to still believe your lie?" He finally did turn, but only to glare at her, shout at her. His hands clenched and unclenched angrily.

Merlin drew back, eyes focused on him for any sudden reaction, her hand reaching for the door knob. "It didn't go as planned, I'm sorry Arthur."

"Get out of my sight!" He growled through clenched teeth.

Merlin's heart dropped in disappointment. She swallowed down a bitter lump in her throat. What was she thinking? She should have gone to Gaius instead, but Valiant had startled her and repulsed her, and his stench had infected her with disgust that she needed to replace it with something familiar and comforting. She went to Arthur because she wanted to, needed to.

Her eyes widened and she gasped, of course!

"Valiant assaulted me in the armory. He propositioned me." She said with a hitch in her voice and a quiver of her bottom lip.

Arthur scowled at her in disgust, "How many more lies are you going to tell Merlin? What is it that you want? Do you want to get out of marrying me?" He stalked forward and pushed her aside. "Because I couldn't agree more." He opened the door and shoved her into the hall. "You got your wish Merlin. There's not going to be a wedding. I won't marry someone I can't trust."

His anger hadn't allowed him to look at her, to even give her a glance. If he had he would have seen the heartbroken look of distress on her before he slammed the door in her face.

.

.

She didn't go back to Gaius, nor did she go and hide in her room. Instead, Merlin found her feet carrying her to a cave underneath the castle.

Using a pebble to distract the guards, Merlin made her way down the stairs and to the ledge overlooking the mound that had supported the dragon the last time she came. She looked around for any sight of him, any sound. The only thing she heard was the crackle from the flame on the torch she held.

"I don't know what to do!" She began, yelling in frustration.

"How am I supposed to protect someone when they won't believe me? I can't do this! Whatever you think I'm capable of doing, you've got the wrong person!"

She waited for a response but there was nothing.

She swallowed down her frustrated urge to scream. "I only came to tell you that I'm done. I'm leaving. So...this is goodbye." She waved her hand in a halfhearted gesture and turned around to leave.

"If only it were that easy to escape one's destiny."

Merlin sought out the voice in the darkness and watched as the dragon glided down to the rocky mound.

She tucked her hair behind her ears anxiously. "How is it my destiny to protect someone when they don't want to be protected? Arthur hates me now."

"A half cannot truly hate that which makes it whole. Very soon you will learn this young princess." Golden eyes peered down at her.

Merlin scratched her head furiously in irritation. "Great. I come for answers and you give me riddles."

"Your destiny lies with Arthur is but the truth."

"What does that supposed to mean? Why can't you just give me a straight answer?" She argued.

The dragon laughed, his voice echoing in the cavern all around her. "You know young princess, this is not the end. It is only the beginning."

Merlin watched as the dragon leapt from his mound and flapped away back into the darkness. She groaned in annoyance before climbing the stairs back to the room with the guards. It was embarrassingly easy to get past them. It never failed using the pebble.

She only got as far as the courtyard steps before sitting down and burying her face in her hands. The courtyard was empty save the burning flames of the torches set up against the walls. She cradled her knees to her chest and covered her head with her arms.

Falling back into old habits of trying to convert herself into a ball whenever she was upset, all she needed was her mother to come and give her a comforting hand and some sound advice.

"Merlin?"

A gentle and warm hand touched her arm and Merlin jumped in surprise.

"Gwen!" Merlin gasped out-loud.

Gwen had taken a step back in startlement. "Merlin are you all right?" The maid asked hesitantly. Her big brown eyes shrouded with concern.

Merlin wasn't sure what to answer. Was she alright? She nodded first, then shook her head. She looked at Gwen again then let her shoulders drop in a halfhearted shrug before burying her face in her hands again.

Gwen bit her lip and took a seat next to her. "Is it true what Arthur said in front of the court? Is Valiant using magic?"

Merlin nodded again. Fatigue making it's way down her body from head to toe.

Gwen kept biting her lip nervously, "So what are you going to do?"

Merlin huffed tiredly, "Why is it my responsibility all of a sudden? Arthur's a big boy, he can take care of himself."

Gwen tilted her head expectantly, "Because it is your responsibility. You're to be Arthur's wife." She scrunched her brows together, "And he may be a big boy, but he still needs someone to do his laundry. So he can't take care of himself entirely."

Merlin burst out laughing, the sound slightly hollow. "Don't let him hear you say that or poor Morris is never going to hear the end of it."

Gwen giggled as well, "So what are you going to do?"

Merlin shrugged, "I'm not sure. But it'll have to be something soon. Arthur fights Valiant tomorrow. And if I don't think of something, then I won't have a husband to marry the day after tomorrow."

Or ever. She thought ruefully. Arthur might still not want to marry her even if she does expose Valiant for the cheat that he is.

That unnamed emotion uncurled a little bit more, a little painfully, and Merlin gasped as a single thought passed through her mind.

Did she want to marry Arthur?

.

.

Visions of swords clashing together, sounds of metal hitting metal, a scream, a flash of yellow, hissing, someone crying...

Morgana startled awake with a gasp. Her heart raced, pounded inside of her chest. She drew a trembling hand to her forehead, the images still swimming behind her closed eyes.

She saw Arthur fighting Valiant. There was an intense sword fight, then there was hissing as snakes came to life leaping out of a shield to attack Arthur. Merlin screamed as a sword penetrated flesh with a nauseating crunching sound. And then crying...

Not a woman crying, but a man crying...

Morgana opened her eyes. Pale green eyes rimmed with red and gold as her visions slowly began to subside.

A deep fear for the tournament made her whole body tremble. Events from the court earlier seemed to make more sense. Valiant was using magic just like Arthur said.

But it wasn't Arthur who died in her dreams.

It was Merlin.

.

.

The final day of the tournament turned out to be full of sunshine and warmth, the complete opposite of the first day. Arthur stood by the fireplace as Morris struggled to adjust his pauldron. He rolled his eyes as the piece of armor slipped to hang crookedly from one side.

Morgana entered the room quietly, her timid demeanor confusing him, he wasn't used to seeing her without her usual confidence.

"Morgana" He greeted.

Morgana walked over to Morris and nudged him aside gently. "I'll take it from here." She told the servant.

Morris looked relieved and left the room quickly before she could decide to change her mind.

"What's wrong Morgana? You're not usually this quiet." He said.

Morgana didn't look up from the piece she attached correctly. She lifted the voider to place on his arm.

He watched her as she struggled and then stopped. Her eyes were red rimmed and her usually pale skin had more of a gray pallor to it than usual.

"Don't fight in the tournament Arthur, please."

Arthur groaned, "Not you too."

Morgana turned pleading eyes to him, "Merlin was right. Valiant is using magic and I saw it Arthur! In my dreams! I saw you fighting Valiant and he used magic." She grabbed his arm tightly, "But in my dreams you didn't die!"

Arthur sniffed annoyed, "Well then that's good news. Valiant will expose himself and I'll kill him."

Morgana clutched at him tighter. "You don't understand! Merlin-"

Arthur whirled on her suddenly, "You don't understand Morgana! I can't just forfeit the tournament! How can I lead an army, if my men think I'm a coward? Fighting Valiant is the only way to redeem myself from the embarrassment of yesterday. I have no choice!"

Arthur picked up his sword and sheathed it into his belt. "If you see Merlin, tell her I'm sorry for yesterday. She'll know what I mean." With that said, he stormed off leaving a frantic Morgana behind.

.

.

Merlin had spent the night in Gaius's spare chamber. After the argument she had with Arthur yesterday, she wanted to be as far away from him as possible. She didn't trust herself not to go back to his room and beg and plead him to forfeit the tournament. So she had decided to stay with Gaius and had spent most of the night practicing her animation spell. After about the third set of butterflies, she finally got the pronunciation right. It wouldn't do to try the spell when she needed to only to have done it wrong and watch Arthur get killed for her incompetence.

She heard the door opening outside and listened quietly as Morgana spoke with Gaius. A few seconds later there was a knock on the door to the little room she hid in.

Morgana opened the door slowly, her entire appearance and demeanor, contradictory to the Morgana she knew.

"Morgana? Is everything all right?" Merlin asked curiously.

Morgana shook her head, "Arthur's gone to fight Valiant." She said fearfully.

Merlin stood up from the bed she was sitting on. "I know. I have to go out there." Merlin made to move but Morgana halted her with a hand to her shoulder. "Merlin wait." She said, she looked back to the main room before looking at Merlin again.

"Gaius left to go see the match. It's just the two of us." Morgana took a few steps back and bit her lip anxiously. "I have a message from Arthur."

Merlin held her breath. Did he tell Morgana about their broken engagement? Has she come to tell Merlin that Arthur wants her gone immediately?

Morgana stood up straight and gave her a watery smile. "Arthur says he's sorry for yesterday. He also said that you would know what it means."

Merlin felt her heart studder. That unnamed emotion uncurled just a bit more, leaving her bottom lip wanting to quiver in relief.

"I also wanted to apologize, and I hope you can forgive me later."

Merlin tilted her head in question at Morgana, just as the other brunette stepped back out the door and slammed it shut. A twist of a key and Morgana had locked her in.

Merlin ran to the door and pounded her hand against the wood.

"Morgana! Morgana what you doing!? Open this door!" She slammed her hands harder against the wood.

"It's for your own good Merlin. Trust me!"

Merlin heard her running out the door, closing it loudly behind her. She hit the door with her fist in anger. "Morgana!"

.

.

When Arthur was growing up he had taught himself to school his features before any fight or before going into battle. Over the years, as his skill increased and his confidence rose, he had no need to pretend he was strong. He felt it, he knew it, there was nothing that fazed him to the point of fear.

Until now.

It wasn't Valiant that scared him. It was the unknown that the knight brought with him that made him anxious. And if it wasn't for his years of practice, his anxiety would certainly be showing on his face.

Cheering could be heard even before he turned the corner. Spectators had come to watch the final match between their current champion and a potential champion. As he turned the corner, the cheering increased and people began chanting his name. Flags bearing the Pendragon coat of arms, waved enthusiastically and some had even gone as far as paint their faces Camelot red.

Arthur scanned the crowd looking for his bride to be. The echo of their argument the night before, still circulating through his mind. He had been so angry, so very angry, but that did not justify his inexcusable accusations of calling her a liar. He had been embarrassed and furious and he had let his emotions get the best of him, accusing her and saying harsh things.

His stomach recoiled at the memory of pushing her angrily out of his room and slamming the door in her face.

What if she was right? About everything? About Valiant, about the snakes and about...about the assault in the armory? He hadn't slept well all night, his mind playing her words over and over. Magic, assault, snakes, armory, proposition, Valiant.

What if she had been telling the truth? What if she had gone to him for protection and he threw her out instead? What if Valiant assaulted her again? Why didn't she return to her room last night?

All those thoughts paraded through his mind as his eyes still furiously searched for any sight of Merlin. He spotted long dark hair and pale skin, but it wasn't Merlin. Morgana had taken a seat next to her servant. When her eyes met his, she gestured for him to come over.

Arthur let his eyes roam elsewhere. Morgana would have to wait, there simply wasn't time right now to listen to her mock him before a fight. He had more important things to worry about.

He made it to the center of the arena, where Valiant waited patiently with a knowing smirk and a sanguine tightness to his body.

Arthur pushed all thoughts aside as much as possible and focused his attention on Valiant. He kept shooting glances at Valiant's shield for any sign of magic. They stared at each other, no words of mutual respect, no wishing luck to the other. Only a sly look from one and a wrathful look from the other.

They both put on their helmets and waited for the match to begin.

.

.

Merlin pounded on the door again, this time out of frustration. She didn't bother calling out for help any longer since no one was around to hear her. She had spent the last few minutes practicing a few spells, she vaguely remembered in the book, with no luck.

"Tospringe" Her eyes flashed gold. Still nothing.

"Tospringe"

"Tospringe"

She bumped the wooden door with her forehead. Tired, anxious and frustrated were only a few words Merlin could think to describe her state of mind. How could Morgana do this to her?

She opened her eyes again and tried the other spell that should have worked, "Aspring"

Nothing.

She stared at the door with unfocused eyes, mind trying to picture the book and all the spells within it. She blinked as she remembered another one.

"Aliese"

The door unlocked and swung open.

Merlin didn't take the time to bask in her accomplishment, she ran for the door only to bump into Gaius.

"Merlin, Arthur's fighting Valiant."

"I know! I have to go!" Merlin left quickly, leaving Gaius to catch up on his own, she ran as fast as she could to the stadium.

.

.

They were studying each other. Valiant had managed to disarm him and were now walking in a circle around each other. Gauging each other for any open weakness.

Valiant thrust his sword expecting Arthur to dodge backwards, only Arthur dodged to the right and hitting Valiant on the head with his elbow, knocking the head piece off.

The crowed jeered. Valiant stumbled before righting himself and glaring at Arthur.

Arthur took off his helmet, his sweaty hair sticking to his forehead. He was panting hard, clearly exhausted. His heart was racing. He didn't have a sword, he didn't have a shield. He had nothing to defend himself with except his bare hands and well trained agility. He dodged a fake attack by stepping backwards and knew that he couldn't use the same tactic twice. His next dodge was to the right and he managed to knock Valiant's helmet off.

Valiant's lips curled up in a mocking way that made his anger rise higher than it already was. "Where's your woman Prince?" He asked, his tone dark and dirty, he licked his lips as he winked at Arthur, "She is beauty isn't she? She smells nice and tastes sweet, like strawberries."

Arthur's nostrils flared with suppressed rage, his fists clenching until his knuckles turned white.

"Once I kill you, I'll make that wench scream your name while I take her."

Arthur attacked instinctively, the urge to kill Valiant more than he could handle. He threw calculated punches and elbow hits to Valiant's unguarded areas. Without the hindrance of a shield and sword, Arthur was more agile, more nimble. He moved faster, aiming for Valiant's head and throat. Every attack accompanied with a harsh grunt and the clinking of his armor.

Valiant stumbled backwards, unprepared to be on the defense. He fumbled with his sword to get a hit, but Arthur was too close in range making every swing ineffective. Arthur kicked the back of his knee and Valiant toppled to the ground, losing his sword and watching it slide away out of reach.

Arthur grabbed the front of his tabard and brought their faces close together. "Where is she!?" He growled, teeth grinding with fury, "WHERE IS SHE!?" He shouted, shaking the other knight before landing another solid punch to his face.

.

.

The crowd hushed in bewilderment, unaccustomed to seeing their beloved prince fight with such hostility. Murmurs of confusion began to rise, filling in the silence as the people of Camelot watched with distress as their prince continued to attack a downed man. His yells and fierce attacks created a tension so thick it became uncomfortable to watch.

Uther stood up from his throne with a shocked and wild eyed look. He motioned for the guards to separate Arthur and Valiant. The guards rushed forward and struggled to pull Arthur away from his curled up victim.

Merlin ran at full speed, her feet stomping the ground, sending small shocks of pain up to her knees. She skidded around the corner of the arena to see Arthur being pulled away from a crouched Valiant. Her heart hammered, her breathing loud and rapid, she picked up her skirts and ran towards him.

She saw Valiant rise, saw him gather his shield. She saw his murderous look and his mouth mutter silently. She ran faster, all sounds muted except that of her own harsh breathing as she screamed out his name and dove in front of him.

.

.

"ARTHUR!"

Arthur spun around quickly, his eyes searching for her. He saw her running full speed at him. His stomach jolted in relief at seeing her unharmed. "Merlin!"

He heard the hissing just as a blur of black and pink knocked him backwards, landing on him with a grunt and a cry. He rolled over, bringing Merlin to tuck underneath him as Valiant approached them with his shield. Three snakes hissed as they slithered in front of them, blood dripped from two sets of fangs and Arthur's blood ran cold.

He rolled forward, leaving Merlin unguarded but gathering the attention of the snakes away from her. He dove for Valiant's sword and swung wildly as the snakes jumped to attack. Arthur lopped off the heads of two of them before spinning around to chop off the head of the third and final snake.

Keeping the momentum, Arthur dashed forward, their eyes locking, and thrust the sword into Valiant's chest feeling the metal push through bone and muscle until it broke through onto the other side.

Valiant's wide eyed and startled gasp resonated throughout the stadium as spectators went mute watching their prince impale his enemy.

Arthur held onto the sword, watching Valiant's life drain away. He leaned in close, whispering into Valiant's ear, "That's for touching her." He thrust the sword higher, feeling bones crunch. He dropped the sword, Valiant with it, and stepped away from the fallen knight.

Blood splatter on his breastplate and on his face, Arthur stared into the crowd, his upturned lips and clenched jaw portraying his dominating demeanor as the alpha knight.

"Arthur!"

Arthur turned around, watching Gaius roll Merlin onto her side.

A strong sense of deja-vu swept through him, making him lightheaded. "How is she?" He asked roughly.

Gaius motioned to the snakes, "I need those heads! Quickly now! We don't have much time!"

Arthur picked up the three heads and chased after Gaius and the guards carrying an unconscious Merlin.

.

.

There were fingers in her hair, soothing away the aches and pains she felt in her body. Caressing fingers, firm fingers, gentle and warm fingers...

Hasn't this happened once before?

Slowly, Merlin opened her eyes to an amber glow illuminating her room. She was on her bed facing the window that was shrouded in darkness. Night was upon them, but the last thing she had remembered was running towards Arthur.

Arthur, Valiant, snakes...pain. She groaned and buried her face into her soft pillow. The bed bounced slightly as something heavy shifted near her head. Merlin opened her senses to identify the person, even though she had a pretty good idea who it was.

A warm body, masculine scent masked by a rose fragrant soap, firm and gentle fingers, tenderly massaging her hair and scalp.

"We really need to work on your acts of heroism. The point of protecting someone is to 'protect' them not 'substitute' for them." Arthur sat on her bed, near her head.

"What h-happened?" She croaked, her voice feeling gritty and dry.

Arthur handed her a glass of water and helped her hold it as she took a needy gulp.

"You were poisoned by snake venom." He told her quietly, "Valiant was using magic and summoned his snakes to attack me. You, the idiotic hero, jumped in front of me and were bit by two of the snakes."

"What happened to Valiant?" She tried to sit up but found herself too weak. Arthur slid his arm behind her back and helped her up.

"He won't be around to do anymore harm." Arthur propped her with a few pillows and then took a step back. He watched her as she struggled to hold the glass, "Merlin, I'm sorry for the things I said. For not believing in you." He rubbed a hand through his hair in a troubled gesture, "I should have trusted you more and not have called you a liar." Arthur dropped his gaze to his boots, "And I'm truly sorry for pushing you away when you told me he assaulted you." He moved back to the bed and took both of her hands in his. "I promise you that I'll listen from now on. I won't question you, if you tell me someone tried to hurt you, I won't ignore you again. I swear it. I'll protect you."

Merlin's heart rose to her throat, a large knot forming there making her eyes sting, "It's alright Arthur, thank you."

They sat quietly for a little while, each of them basking in the others company. It was moments like this that made Merlin understand what the dragon meant when he said that Arthur would be the once and future king. She could almost see the strong and fair leader that Arthur would be when he ascends the throne.

It made her destiny that much easier to handle.

"You know, we were supposed to get married tomorrow, but since someone decided to get nearly killed, again, the wedding's been postponed for another three days." Arthur said in a mock annoyed tone. His eyes rolling exaggeratedly but with an amused smile.

"Who would do something so stupid like nearly die to protect the prince of Camelot?" She grinned, "Must not be very bright at all."

"One would think behind those bright blue eyes and incredibly large ears-"

"Hey!" Merlin pouted, touching her ears protectively.

"-would be someone with high intelligence and a heart of gold." He smiled.

Merlin blushed.

"So we are getting married then?" She asked nervously, dropping her gaze to the cuff on her wrist. The items itself was pretty now that it no longer controlled her magic.

"Don't be stupid Merlin. Who wouldn't want to marry the prince of Camelot?"

"Hm-mm...well let's see." She counted her fingers, "They need to be incredibly smart, funny, have a good sense of character-"

"Hah-aha you're so witty."

Merlin tilted her head, her lips curled into a delicate little grin as she watched Arthur pull out a slightly battered leather book. "So where were we?" He asked, nudging her aside to make room on the bed for him.

"Eclogues, verse four."

"Right then," Arthur made himself comfortable on her bed next to her and began to read:

"Muses of Sicily, essay we now
A somewhat loftier task! Not all men love
Coppice or lowly tamarisk: sing we woods,
Woods worthy of a Consul let them be-"

Merlin let his soothing voice relax her. Arthur's hand returned to her hair where he began his massage again, never once pausing or stumbling over words. She had completely fallen asleep by the time he finished the poem.

"Begin to greet thy mother with a smile,
O baby-boy! ten months of weariness
For thee she bore: O baby-boy, begin!
For him, on whom his parents have not smiled,
Gods deem not worthy of their board or bed.

.

.

.

After much apologies from Morgana mixed in with some begging, Merlin asked the king to allow Morgana the chance to organize her and Arthur's wedding. Morgana had promised to make it a beautiful event as a peace offering for locking Merlin in Gaius's chambers. Uther had protested at first but when he realized that the original decorations had been simple and not at all as lavish as a royal wedding should be, he conceded and let Morgana take control.

Morgana had orchestrated the throne room to be decorated in a lavish floral motif. Bouquets of peonies, roses, hydrangeas, sweet peas, agapanthus and lily of the valleys, all in pinks and lavender, lined the walkway leading to the ceremonial stage. A large and thick red carpet was laid on the walkway for the bride and groom, an extra extravagance for it being a royal wedding. She ordered all the windows to be let open and allow the gentle breeze and sunshine filter in to add brightness and make the room seem more festive. The fresh air mixed with the scent of the many bouquets in the room, gave the room a potent floral aroma that wafted all the way to where Merlin had been preparing herself.

Gwen had helped in getting her ready for the ceremony. She had taken one of her new gowns (a few that the seamstress managed to produce and deliver quickly), and altered it to be her wedding dress, a very lovely translucent lavender one shoulder layered chiffon with white satin underneath and decorated with lace and silver beads that glinted in the light. She had also weaved bluebells through her dark tresses letting it cascade down her back. Merlin found it ironic that she would have bluebells for her wedding when she never did get to have that picnic with Arthur.

When it came time for the ceremony, Merlin had asked Gaius to walk her down the isle. The old man had been delighted and frightened at the same time.

Arthur stood at the end of the walk next to Uther. Both royals dressed in their finest. Uther in his kings robes while Arthur had chosen to wear the knights armor of celebration, decorative sword and everything. She had to admit it, he looked dashing.

The ceremony itself was lengthy as Geoffrey Monmouth took a considerable amount of time enunciating every syllable in his book. And just when she thought the vows were over, Arthur pulled away from her and told her to kneel. Geoffrey again began another recitation and it dawned on Merlin that she was being crowned. Arthur stood to the left of his father as the king held a golden crown and gently placed it on her head.

The weight of it sat heavy on her.

Once the crowning was over, Arthur took her hand and held it high. "Please welcome Merlin Pendragon, Princess of Camelot."

tbc...

A/N: Originally I had used the poet Caedmon but decided to change it to Virgil. The Virgil poems were extracted from the website called, The Internet Classics Archive, .edu/virgil in case anyone wanted to take a look.

A/N2: I have to say that Arthur was my biggest problem. My goal was to make him a protector, a warrior, but for whatever reason he kept wanting to be witty and whiney, which he is not. Whiney that is. I hope I portrayed him as a warrior. I had sooo much problem with this darned chapter, I had written so much and kept cutting out almost all of it until I found my groove. I have a 'cuts' file with 10,000 words of potential story leads from this chapter alone. I may just create a new story site for all the cuts so you guys could see what got to taken out. Some really good stuff actually. At one point, I brought in Lancelot and Gwaine in early just to give me something to work with. But luckily I managed to do this chapter without them. You Lancelot and Gwaine fans will have to wait, I have something very special in store for those two.

Thanks for reading!