chapter4
Merlin was still picking at bits of food, when Cenred got up from his seat. The boy glanced up at the man who was making his way over.
" Care to join me in front of the fire?"
Merlin gulped. "I'd.. uh like to go back to the library for a bit. If thats alright." He really didn't want to be anywhere near Cenred. Especially alone in front of a fire. He looked back down at his plate waiting for the 'permission'.
Cenred scoffed. "You'd prefer books over the company of your future husband?"
Merlins head snapped up. "Husband?" His eyes widen.
"Yes." Cenred hissed. "Why else would I have you wined and dined, and living in a fancy room."
Merlin shook his head violently.
"YES!"
Merlin jumped in his seat when Cenred smacked his plate off the table. The plate crashing into pieces on the floor. Merlin stared at the plate on the ground, forgetting how to breathe. Chest tight, heart feeling like it would pop out through his ribs at any second.
His chin was grabbed and he was forced to face back up at the Dark King. He stared into the dark eyes of King Cenred.
"You belong to me, now. There is no Arthur Pendragon-"
Merlin shook his head, sobbing. "No."
Cenred nodded. "Yes. And you are going to make me a very happy king." He grabbed on tighter to the boys face when he tried to get loose. "Because if you don't, I have many tools. Tools that cause agonizing pain. I have the greatest amount of pleasure in causing pain."
He roughly let go of Merlins face, causing him to almost fall off the chair.
Merlin watched as Cenred walked out of the ball room. When the King was gone, Merlin brought his hand to his mouth, trying to muffle ths sobs that escaped.
XOXOXOXO
Cenred slammed the chamber door. He smiled at the thought of how scared Merlin looked. But his smile faded as he thought about the younger Pendragon and what would happen if he were to try and play hero.
He would take the boy for sure. Even if it meant ruining the peace treaty. Cenred saw it today, in the way Merlin looked at Arthur. The way Arthur looked at Merlin. They had a connection, and Cenred couldn't let that connection take his Trinket get away. Say no to their marriage. He wouldn't allow it.
He was going to have to move up the wedding. But how would he get the boy to agree to the wedding? Cenred loved how his own brain worked. He walked to the door and opened it.
"Your masjesty. Is there anything that you need?" The knight that stood outside asked.
Cenred nodded. "Take some knights to the lower town. Bring me back a few pesents."
The knight tilted his head looking confused. "Your majesty?"
"Do it." Cenred ordered Bring them back before nightfall."
The knight bowed, then turned and left.
Cenred turned back into his room. There was no way the boy would resist his proposal now.
XOXOXOXO
Arthur was sitting at the table in his room when he heard his room door open. The prince glanced at the door then sighed.
"I see that Uther has decided to let me out finally." He growled.
Morgana smiled sadly. "I tried to get him to change his mind." She shook her head. 'But if he didn't even listen to his son, why woould he listen to me?" She walked up to the table.
Arthur shook his head, his mouth lined in anger. "I'll never forgive him for this."
The Ward nodded. "I completely understand. Merlin..." She sighed. "... he and I were friends." But you were way more than that." She brushed back a strand of Arthurs hair.
Arthur blinked trying to keep away the tears. "I love him." There they were, the tears couldn't be held anymore. They fell.
Morgana brought her arm around Arthurs shoulders. "I know." She whispered.
Arthur shook his head. "You don't. I love him more than anyone could ever know." He sniffled.
"Why don't you tell me?" Morgana whispered. "If you had Merlin right now, what would youi do to show you loved him?"
Arthur looked up at Morgana. "I would put Uther in his place. I would bring Merlin into the throne room and ask for his hand. In front of the court."
Morgana leaned an inch away from Arthur with raised brows. "You'd do that for Merlin?"
Arthur nodded. "Without a doute. That way no one, not even Uther could take him away."