I DO NOT OWN MERLIN. BBC DOES. Hello my lovlies! You're probably like, "Whoa, two updates in one day!" That's because the original that I typed up was way too long to be one chapter...I have a tendency of going into extreme details :P So, as a result, here is chapter 3! Hope that you aren't upset about that. I was gonna make you wait about a week or two before I posted, for I am feeling a bit lazy, but I changed my mind; as you can obviously see. Now, enough of me! ENJOY


CHAPTER 3: VALIANT


"Arthur!" I yelled, barging into the Prince's large chambers. I furrowed my brows. He should be here. I looked around, now feeling a bit awkward. I heard a loud, tired groan. "I'm in here, Merlin." I heard the Prince's smooth voice bellow out. I followed the sound of his voice only to go through an archway I never noticed before. Arthur was sitting at a long table in the middle of what seemed to be a private dining room. I rolled my eyes. Seriously? This long a table for one bedroom? That's how it is here, I guess. It was very relaxing in here, though. There was a warm fire crackling in the background, and it was nice and quiet. Arthur had his head in his hands, massaging his temples. I scrunched my nose.

I crept behind him, waved the snake head in front of his face, and tapped his shoulder. "Gah!" Arthur yelped, scooting his chair back.


"So…you. You chopped its head off?" Arthur repeated for the umpteenth time. I groaned, resting my arms on the spot next to him while standing, bending over a bit. Really? "Have you even listened to me at all? The knight is dying. He was bitten by Knight Valiant's shield. You could even come to see the wounds in his neck where the snake bit him! And not to mention that he was beating Valiant…Valiant had to have cheated, Arthur!"

"Valiant wouldn't dare use magic in Camelot." Arthur decided calmly. I shook my head, but was a bit shocked that he didn't correct me about my slip-up in his title just now like most noblemen would've. Maybe he's just really tired. "But he was under the shield, and no one could see him get bitten. Think about it-"

"I don't like the guy, but that doesn't mean he's cheating." Arthur argued calmly, standing up from his chair. He sounded like he was in denial. I boldly grabbed his shoulder, making him jump and look at me in shock. I let go of his shoulder once he was turned back around. "Gaius is making an antidote right now. When the knight wakes up, he'll tell you everything. C'mon, I'm pretty sure you go everywhere around Camelot…have you ever seen snakes like these in Camelot while on your great adventures?"

Arthur said nothing, and picked up the snake head, examining it. I nodded. That's what I thought. I sighed, and ran a hand through my black waves. "You even said that you don't like him, and he's done nothing to you. That's your gut telling you that something is off with him, Arthur. For Christ's sake…" I trailed off, letting him fill in the blanks. I would be so very hurt if Arthur didn't believe me. I mean…the guy nearly raped me. He violated me. He's a disgusting lump that has no right to be a knight.

"Arthur," I murmured, my tone gentle. I grabbed his free hand with mine. I know that I shouldn't interact with him like this, but Valiant needs to be stopped. Arthur stared down at our intertwined hands. "I know that I'm just a servant. I know that my word doesn't count for anything. But please, from the word of a woman…" I sighed again. This was the most…intense…conversation that Arthur and I have ever had. I was at a loss for words.

So I just said my true feelings.

"I would never lie to you. Ever. Well, I may try to cover something up for not doing my chores," he snorted, "but I wouldn't lie to you." I released his hand, and glanced at the snake again. Arthur nodded his head, having thought about what I just said. He coughed as awkwardness filled the air after our serious banter. "I want you to swear to me that what you're telling me is true." He concluded, looking me in the eye once more. I smiled. "I swear on my chinny-chin-chin that everything that I said to you is true. Well, don't think too hard on the chore thing…"

He snorted again, and I raised a brow. It was obvious that he wanted to laugh. Why didn't he?

As quickly as the lightness in the air came, it disappeared. Arthur didn't seem at conflict at all as he patted me on the shoulder. I smiled. "Then I believe you, Merlyn." I felt warmed that he trusted me so easily. But I couldn't help but feel a bit confused. I thought that he hated me. "I thought that you hated me." I blurted out, cursing to myself for voicing my thoughts out loud. He tisked, and waved the snake in front of my face. I let out a shriek, and backed away quickly, tripping over a bucket. I scowled at him while he laughed, but I couldn't help but let out a smile of my own as he finally began to loosen up. "Scared of snakes, are you?"

"No." I muttered, not wanting him to figure out my fear. He would probably use it against me. I groaned when he snorted, obviously not believing my tale. "I thought that you said you'd never-"

"This is different!" I cried, trying to ignore his laughter.


I stood close to Arthur while Valiant and a few guards walked past us the next day. "Creep." I muttered for the second time. There were guards, servants like me, and of course, Valiant and Arthur, huddles to the sides of the throne room, making a clear path for King Uther. Arthur had requested a meeting with the King. I shifted my weight nervously when Uther came strutting through the hall. I glanced at Gwen, who looked at me with curiosity from her place next to Morgana. I shook my head, assuring her that nothing was wrong. She didn't believe me, from the looks of it.

Why am I nervous? We had our proof, and I was telling no tale. I should be fine. I relaxed after I repeated that over and over to myself in my mind. This was it. Valiant would be found a fraud.

"Why have you summoned the court?" Uther finally asked, making his way to his throne. I gave one assuring look to Arthur, and he nodded, stepping out from his stance against the wall. I followed him, my arms behind my back, as I confidently stuck my chin up. Valiant, you're going down.

"I believe that Knight Valiant is using a magic shield to cheat in the tournament." Arthur's voice echoed in the throne room. I began to get nervous again. That did sound pretty silly, especially since it was already quiet in the room, but we had plenty of proof. Uther looked uncertain as he faced Valiant, questioning him about Arthur's words. "My lord, this is ridiculous. I've never used magic." He spat out. I smirked fully at him, but stopped once the King faced us again. Wouldn't want to look suspicious…the king is known for his unfairness. "Does your son have any evidence to support this?" he continued, looking slightly panicked. Uther repeated the question to his son, like he wasn't within hearing range. "I do." Arthur said confidently. He looked down at me, and gestured for me to move forward. I gulped as the attention was brought on me, but pulled on my big-girl panties. This was it. I gave the snake to Uther, who examined it carefully. I saw Gwen give me a, "What the hell happened?" look. I ignored her. Valiant began to looked pissed off that one of his snakes were found and killed. I didn't shiver under his harsh stare. I stuck my tongue out at him quickly before returning back to my serious posture.

Uther asked for the shield, and Valiant gave it to him, reluctantly, may I add. I began to worry. Those snakes could pop out at any moment. "Don't let him get too close." I whispered in Arthur's ear, stretching up on my tip-toes. "Be careful, my lord." Arthur said promptly, taking my warning into consideration as he unsheathed his sword. I refrained from smiling again at the prince's trusting act. Uther looked at him, wary, before leaning to stroke the shield. I had to stop myself from rolling my eyes. Of course, Valiant wouldn't make the snakes pop out, at least not in front of everyone. He'd be planning his own funeral. "Merlyn." I heard a voice whisper. I turned around, along with Arthur, and saw Gaius walking quietly toward us. I furrowed my brow. "We need Ewan. Find out what's happening." Arthur said, leaning down to whisper in my ear. I nodded obediently. I'd planned on doing that, anyway. I walked over to Gaius quickly.

"We need Knight Ewan, now, as expected." I murmured to Gaius quietly while Arthur was speaking with his father. Gaius sighed. "I am afraid that Knight Ewan has passed away." What? "What?" I said in a raised whisper, "You said that he was making a full recovery!" Gaius shook his head in disappointment. I sighed, running a hand through my hair. Grief managed to sneak its way into my heart as I felt sadness for the knight. He didn't deserve death. Not like this. "What happened?" I finally asked, my sanity beginning to take its toll when Arthur looked at us questioningly. "He should…be here." Arthur started confusedly after conversing with his father, looking at me and Gaius. I quickly turned my head back to face the physician. "I honestly do not know…but I think that he was bitten again. The venom was almost vanished when he was recovering…when I examined his body, it seemed that it made its way back in his system again."

I cursed.

"Shit!" I whispered furiously, stomping my foot quietly. Gaius didn't say anything about my language. We were in such a bad situation; I don't think that he cared about that. I knew that something was up. I didn't trust my nervous guts. But what could I have done, anyway?

"Where's Ewan?" Arthur asked me as he finally walked to Gaius and me. I sighed, and put my face in my hands, unable to speak. "He is dead." Gaius supported, sensing my muteness. I couldn't bare show my face. I could practically smell Arthur's fear. "I'm waiting!" Uther said, raising his voice in impatientness. Oh my God. He'll think that we…no, he'll think that Arthur lied to him.

Crap on a cracker.

I dragged my hands down my face, despair clear on my face. Arthur looked at the many faces surrounding us as silence raked through the room. Curiosity, worry, and disappointment were on many faces. Arthur finally opened his mouth to speak. "I'm afraid that the witness is dead."

"So you have no proof to support these allegations?" Uther murmured, his tone getting angry. I winced seeing Arthur's still form. "Have you seen Valiant use magic?" Uther finished, anger clear in his voice. I furrowed my brows. This is all my fault. "No." Arthur murmured. I froze when he pointed to me. "But my servant fought-"

"Your servant?" Uther hissed, outraged. I cringed at his harshness. Arthur was still as he turned back around to face his father. I felt a bit angry…I wasn't used to this low-class feeling, having grown up in the twenty-first century. "You make these outrageous accusations against a knight on the word of your servant?" I cringed again. Valiant now looked smug as his once stiff posture began to relax, a smirk on his face. I let out a huff of frustration. "I believe she's telling the truth." Arthur said clearly, his voice rising slightly. Uther looked like he was about to say something horrible when Valiant spoke up. "My lord, am I really to be judged on some hearsay from a girl?"

"I've seen those snakes come alive, you-" I barked, outraged, and unable to hold my tongue anymore as I stepped up, my hands balled up into fists. "How dare you interrupt!" Uther scolded, looking me in the eye. I kept my chin up. I was telling the truth. It's so…unnerving, that Uther was defending a guy who was the most disgusting, evil creature...

Uther called for the guards.

I struggled as two guards came, each one grabbing my elbow. "My lord…" Valiant muttered. Uther commanded the guards to wait. "I'm sure she was merely mistaken," he began after the attention was on him. I gaped, my eyes narrowing and my mouth dropping, as he began to lie his butt off. That filthy little sonofabitch- "I wouldn't want her punished on my account. She is also a lady, milord." Uther had the nerve to lecture Arthur, about how that was how a, 'true knight' was supposed to behave. Which was true, but Valiant was not any of the things he listed to Arthur. Then Valiant really made me angry. "My lord, if your son made these accusations because he's afraid to fight me, then I will graciously accept his withdrawal."

"He is not scared of-"

"You shall be silent, peasant!" Uther yelled, finally losing his temper as he yelled at me, spit flying from his mouth. My lip quivered, and I shut my mouth into a tight line. I see why people do not like him. He's a bastard.

Uther sighed, inhaling a deep breath, and closing his eyes for a moment. "Is this true? Do you wish to withdraw from the tournament?" he probed Arthur. I sneered. This is his own son. He should know him. I have been here for barely a week and I know that he would never cower before someone. "No!" Arthur interrupted quickly. Uther's voice lowered. "Then what am I to make of these allegations?" he asked, disappointment and, horribly, disgust in his voice as he was eye-to-eye with his son. I closed my eyes as mostly everyone began to look at Arthur in disgust. Anger washed over me again. I may not be the best of friends with him…but I darn well know that he wouldn't do something like what Uther suspected him of. "Obviously there has been a misunderstanding. I…I withdraw the allegation against Knight Valiant." Arthur said, his voice deepening as he put his sword up. I could not see his face, though I was silently glad about that. He sounded like he was so embarrassed and sad. My world turned red when Arthur apologized to Valiant. It should be the other way around.

The guards let go of me while Arthur quickly escaped the throne room. I turned around, staring blankly at Valiant, and sneered when he smirked straight at me in victory. I looked at Gaius, who put his head down in shame. This was all my fault. I ran out of the throne room and followed Arthur. "Wait!" I cried, following him into his chambers. He put his head in his hands, rubbing his temples. "A-"

"I believed you, I trusted you," He began, his voice deepening and laced with hurt. "and you made me look a complete fool." I walked up to him. "I-I know that it didn't exactly go to plan…but just think, Arthur-" he interrupted me, swiveling around, making me flinch. "Didn't go to plan?" he repeated, his voice rising slightly. I winced at his tone as he stared me down, his blue eyes twinkling with anger and betrayal. "My father and the entire royal court think I'm a coward. You humiliated me!" he said, yelling at the end. I jumped, and tears threatened to pool in my eyes as my throat tightened from his volume. I took in a deep breath, not wanting him to know how scared I really was. I've never been frightened of Arthur before. It's a feeling I'd rather not have. I stuck my chin up while he began to walk away. "Exactly, they think you're a coward. You and I combined know that's not true. Why do you care what they think?" I asked, getting angrier with each word. He turned around, a sour look on his handsome face. He pointed a finger at me. "I wouldn't expect a servant to know how it is to be a prince. I will not waste my time commenting on that remark." He said, his anger still evident. I tugged my hair. "We can still expose Valiant! Ewan's body still has the snake bites…and we could do something to provoke the snakes from the shield, like holding a mouse over it or something-"

"I no longer require your services."

"You…you're firing me?" I said, extremely hurt. "I need a servant I can trust." He concluded, as if explaining his desire. Tears were now fully noticeable as my eyes burned from their saltiness. I put a hand on his broad shoulder. "But you can trust me." I murmured, hurt, and slightly betrayed. He violently shook off my hand, as if it were some disease. "And look where it got me this time-"

"But that was Uther's fault-"

SMACK.

I now cradled my left cheek, raw from the prince's harsh actions. He got up in my face, and snatched off my hand. "You will not interrupt me!" he roared, now yelling in my face. I cowered away from Arthur, who was now tightly grabbing my wrist. "And you shall not speak of my father with such disrespect! Get out of my sight!" He threw his hand off of me violently, and I coiled back into the wall as the result. I pressed my hand against my stinging and throbbing cheek, in utter shock of what had just happened. Before he had a chance to recall his actions, I was already out of the room, fresh tears running down my cheeks.

I stood outside, not knowing what to do next. I looked around, and was met with unknown faces and technology of the middle ages. I couldn't possibly have a destiny here. That dragon was wrong. I grew up in the twenty-first century. How am I supposed to live here when I have those memories with me? Is this a punishment? One of those, "Be careful what you wish for," scenarios?


"Where are you?" I said aloud in the dragon's imprisoned cave. I stomped my foot down, not wanting to go through this. "Whatever you think my destiny is, whatever you think I'm supposed to do, you've got the wrong person!" I yelled out, my voice echoing as I was met with silence. I groaned, rubbing my forehead with my one free hand, since I held a torch in the other. I sighed, and turned to leave, to wallow in my own misery.

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

"Ah!" I yelped, nearly dropping the fire on my foot. I would really have to get used to the dragon. I stared into his beady eyes. "Yeah? You say this is my destiny? Well, how can it be my destiny to protect someone who obviously hates me?" I snapped, angry. I have tried my hardest to protect this uncaring sonofabitch, even nearly getting raped in the process, and he friggin fires me? "A half cannot truly hate that which makes it whole. Very soon, you shall learn that." I thought about that for a moment. I scrunched my nose. Other half? Me, Arthur's other half? The dragon didn't give me a chance to respond. "That you and Arthur's path lies together is but the truth." He continued. I scoffed. I wanted to be nowhere near Prince Asswipe's ungrateful ass. No matter how hot it looked. "You know, young witch, this is not the end. It is the beginning." I said nothing, just glared at the unhelpful dragon as he flew away. Why can't he just give me a straight answer?


"-and he slapped me, Gwen. Slapped me."

"What are you gonna do?" she asked, worried as I told her my story over and over again. The bruise on my wrist was still evident, and so was the red mark on my cheek. I sighed. Gwen was with me, sitting on the steps outside while I ranted. She told me to tell someone about his behavior, but really, nothing could be done. He was the Prince of Camelot.

Gwen grabbed my hands, stroking my bruised wrist. "I know that you feel betrayed, Merlyn. But you know that I believe you, right?" she comforted. I nodded my head, feeling much like a lost puppy. She exhaled deeply. "Then you have to show everyone that you were right and they were wrong. It'll make you feel better about what has happened to you lately, and you'll get your proper credit." I smiled at Gwen's care. I hugged her. "I know," I murmured against her back, "but I just don't know what to do." With my head on her shoulder, I spotted a dog statue, and a brilliant idea popped up into my head. I'd let everyone see the snakes for themselves. But first, I'd have to find the proper spell.

"Berbay odothay arisan quickem, dammit!" I yelled, completely agitated that I still hadn't completed the spell. I had dragged the dog statue to my room to try and perform the spell on it, but I tried, failed, tried again, and, you guessed it, failed again. I moaned, and flopped onto my stiff bed, burying my head in my pillow. This was hopeless. I rubbed my temples, stress washing over me as the instinct to protect Arthur became prominent again. Even though I couldn't do anything, I couldn't let Arthur get killed. I had to try to talk him out of competing in the tournament tomorrow.

I pulled on my big-girl panties and walked to Arthur's room.

"Don't fight Valiant in the final tomorrow." I said, barging into the prince's room, without knocking. I stood away from him at a reasonable distance, still a bit scared from earlier. I frowned when I saw him shake his head. "He'll use the shield against you." I continued, worried for Arthur. I felt a bit disgusted with myself for feeling like that, but blamed it on my general persona. I wouldn't watch someone die, knowing that I could've done something about it. "I know." He murmured. I furrowed my brows in confusion and slight anger. He believed me? Then why is he still competing? "Then withdraw. You have to withdraw." I said, trying to keep my voice from getting too loud. I stopped trying to hide my worry for him. Arthur's mood turned sour again. "Don't you understand? I can't withdraw. The people expect their king to fight; how can I lead men into battle if they think I'm a coward?" he questioned, angry with me. I shook my head, not believing that he'd fight to the death, knowing that he'd die, all for a title. I couldn't help but have the feeling that it was something that he couldn't help. "Valiant will kill you if you fight, A- I mean, Prince Arthur. If you fight, you'll die."

"Then I die." Arthur said simply, his head down. Pure disgust was written on my face as I stared down the prince. "How can you go out there and fight like that?" I whispered, disgusted.

"Because I have to. It's my duty."

I just shook my head, unable to produce sound. Here I am, hustling, trying to save his butt, and he's just accepting the fact that he'd have to fight, knowing that he'd die, and had the chance to stop it? I couldn't help but feel a bit used, though he never asked for help in the first place. I exhaled, my breath coming out slow as I came to this realization. Arthur turned around, looking me in the eye for the first time. He stared regrettably at the red mark along my cheekbone. Suddenly, his face showed deep remorse and anger, as if he'd just realized what he did to me. "Merlyn, I-"

"Save it." I interrupted, knowing what he was about to comment on. He shut his mouth, knowing that he had no right to argue with me. "It's been done. I know what you think of me, now. I'd actually like to say thank you for letting me know that you really do hate me," he winced when I said that, "because I obviously wasted my time actually caring for your wellbeing. I cared so much, I put my own self in danger, almost losing the only pure thing in me, to the knight that your father calls the very definition of Valiant."

Arthur's face darkened, his eyes widening. I narrowed my eyes. So now he reacts? I ran out before he had time to say anything.

Instead of going to sleep like I really wanted to, I'd spent all night trying to perform the spell. I couldn't let Arthur die, no matter how much of a jerk he was. It wouldn't have been the right thing to do. So I tried, literally spending my whole night repeating the same enchantments over and over, until I fell asleep.


I woke up startled. How long have I been asleep? Oh god, no. No, no, no…

I quickly opened up the book, panic beginning to arise. "Shit, berbey odothey, arisan quicken!" I spoke, in a rush. I didn't know what time it was or anything. I had my nose literally in the book as I began to say the enchantment over and over, not noticing the dog in the statue's place. I sighed, about to give up. A loud bark made me jump about a foot in the air, and I dropped the book, too. I laughed. "Yes! Bingo! Literally!" I rejoiced, doing a mini Snoopy dance. I had to close the big dog in my room, since it seemed to be quite mad for being awakened. Gaius barged in, warning me about Arthur's fight with Valiant. "Already got it covered, Gaius." I comforted, throwing my hand in the air, still happy with my success. "And don't go in my room. We'll do something about it later."

I ran as quickly as possible to the tournament, my loose bun unraveling as I swiftly darted to the arena. I stopped at the archway, and gasped when I saw them fighting. The crowd gasped and cheered with every parry and block that was made. Arthur looked like he was winning, by far. Valiant would try to knock him down any moment so he could use his shield. Arthur ended up knocking off his helmet, and everyone cheered. Arthur removed his as well, and the chainmail around his head, too, when Valiant did. This was when I really began to worry. Valiant would be able to knock him out with a simple blow to the head. Valiant used his shield and knocked Arthur upside the chin, making his head jerk back with the collision. I gasped as Arthur was knocked to the ground. He still put up a fight when Valiant put his foot on him. Arthur managed to roll out of the way before Valiant stabbed him…thank god. Valiant smiled an evil, toothy smile. I panted. He knew that he was going to win now. As Arthur began to lose stamina, Valiant knocked his sword out of his hands, and ran to stab him. Arthur still wasn't having that, and ran to grab his sword and left shoulder. They grunted, each trying to take control. Valiant ended up ramming him into a wall, and I put my hand over my mouth at the impact. Arthur threw him off of him, and they both got back to the middle of the arena. Arthur was backed up far enough to where I could summon the snakes from the shield.

I gulped, hoping that my success at performing the spell wasn't just one-time luck, and closed my eyes. I pointed my hand out to the shield.

"Berbey odothey, arisan quicken!"

Everyone gasped when the snakes protruded from the shield, hissing and hovering from the shield. Valiant began to panic as everyone stood up in shock. He then began to laugh, and commanded the snakes to kill Arthur anyway. I, without thought, ran to the side of the arena, yanked a guard's sword from his hands, and threw it to Arthur. "Arthur!" I cried. Everyone looked at me for a second before returning their attention to Arthur, whom promptly caught the sword I'd thrown to him. He then chopped off the snakes' heads right before they striked him. He and Valiant fought shortly after that, and Arthur ended up knocking his sword out, and stabbed him in the shoulder. I didn't hear what he whispered into Valiant's ear, but from his face, it didn't look like it was good.

I let out a relieved breath when Valiant fell to the ground. Not only was Arthur safe now, but so was I.


I clapped, along with everyone else, as Arthur walked down the feast hall, his crown on his head. It was strange to see him with it on, since he almost never wore it. I yawned for the umpteenth time from my lack of sleep. I hadn't slept in literally twenty-four hours. I am so tired from watching over Arthur's butt. I guess that now it's worth it, in the end. Valiant is gone, and Uther isn't angry with Arthur anymore. I don't know if Uther cares about me or not, however, but I shouldn't be going to the dungeons for looking at him funny, now.

I watched as Arthur escorted Morgana with bugged eyes. Since when did they get buddy-buddy?

"I told you he gets all the girls and the glory." I told Gaius while continuing to clap with everyone else. Well, technically, I showed him. Gaius chuckled, probably remembering the mini-play I'd performed. One thing's for sure…acting is definitely not in my future. "And he owes it all to you."

"Exactly; I was the one that saved the day, and he still gets all the credit. Besides, I learned that he actually doesn't get all the girls. I take that back." I murmured, amused now. Gaius raised a brow, but understood when he saw Morgana stomp furiously away from Arthur. I raised my own eyebrows as Arthur began to stride toward me. Gaius left us. "Do you believe Morgana? She says that you saved me." He said in a bratty tone. My eyebrows raised more. So people remembered when I threw him the sword? At least I have partial credit- at least, to the public, anyway. "Because I did." I stated calmly. He scoffed. "Like I needed any help."

I refrained from screaming.

"Anyway," he continued, his voice getting serious. "I wanted to say…Valiant is gone now. He won't be able to do anything to anyone anymore." I nodded, knowing what he was talking about. So he understood. "And I made a mistake. It was unfair to sack you."

"Yeah, it really was." I said bluntly. His lips formed a tight line as I exposed him. I risked my reputation, virginity, and life to save him, only to get swatted away. But I didn't say that. An apology from the Prince Asswipe was good enough. "So, buy me a drink, and we'll call it even." My free day for drinks was non-refundable, unfortunately. It may make me seem like an alcoholic, but really, I needed this drink. Arthur's face scrunched up again. "I can't really be seen to be buying drinks for my servant."

"Your servant? I'm fired." I supported quickly, not happy, but panicked that I wouldn't get my drink. He laughed. "Now I'm rehiring you." He said, in a, 'duh', fashion. My lips formed a tight line, but I felt a bit warmed. "My chambers are a complete mess, my clothes need washing, my armor needs repairing," my jaw dropped as he used his fingers to list my chores. "my boots need cleaning, my dogs need exercising, my fireplace needs sweeping, my bed needs changing, and someone needs to muck out my stables."

I glared at him, putting my arms around the top of my stomach. He cringed, and a smile played at the corner of my lips at his slight fear. "Though I think I could get you a drink before then." He offered. I nodded with a small, tired smile on my face, accepting.


I got plenty of sleep that night, and slept until…what? Why is it so late?

Gaius didn't come to wake me up as usual. I looked out the window to look at the sun's position in the sky. It was well past early in the morning! I hopped out of bed, still in my pajamas, which consisted of only a thin, white nightgown that reached the top of my thighs. I was scared out of my mind. Did something happen to the old physician? Better yet, did someone do something?

I grabbed a pan from the cabinet, and crept out of my room. I kept my back up, my bravery shining. Ever since I'd saved Arthur from Valiant, I gained a lot more courage. I breathed deeply, and jumped into the middle of the lab, giving out a war cry.

Suddenly, a voice yelped in surprise.

I let out a deep breath, dropping the pan, not caring about the offness of the voice.. "Shit, Gaius, I was scared as hell…" I said, trailing off. I was still trembling. Hey, even though I was brave, it doesn't mean that I wasn't scared. "Does she always speak with such a dirty language?" I heard a deep voice bellow. I looked up, and saw Arthur standing next to Gaius. Gaius sighed. "Not often, Prince Arthur, but you do get used to it." Instead of being embarrassed, I grinned a rare, toothy grin. "You were scared." I said teasingly.

"No, I was not." Arthur argued quickly, probably not wanting to seem like a fool in front of the physician. I shook my head. If only he knew how much I talked about him to Gaius. "Anyway…I was letting Gaius know to let you sleep in, since you seemed rather tired yesterday."

"But I'm up now! And it's not even late!" I complained, disbelief in my voice. I scoffed when he shrugged his shoulders. "Then I guess that you'll have to work hardly through the day, Merlyn!" he said, his statement ending the conversation as he walked out, his chainmail glittering.

Bastard.