Who is Hunith?

A/N: Thanks Dragonrider2203 and Heartofcamelot for your support, I have really caught the 'bug' on this one! Please R&R!

Disclaimer: I do not own Merlin or any of its characters.

Chapter Three – Duty

It was the day of the Queen's funeral. Every human in Camelot was wearing black in one way or another. The flag flew at half mast and no one worked as Uther had declared a day of mourning. Hunith stood at the window, cradling the young prince. After the queen's death, she had been made sole nanny of the boy. Uther had visited his son, only to end up crying because he looked just like her.

She turned from the window and placed the boy in his cradle. Sitting down next to him, she picked up her needlework. A breeze caught the back of her neck, making her look up. Stood in front of the young prince was a strange woman. She had piercing blue eyes and jet black hair. Hunith grabbed the young prince and moved away from the woman. Fear gripped her, "Who are you?"

"A friend of Uther's."

Something made Hunith doubt what the woman was saying, "What are you doing here?"

"I only came to look at the child."

Hunith gripped the infant tighter. The stranger laughed as Hunith fled the chamber.

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(4 months later)

Hunith threw up for the umpteenth time. The world was going crazy around her. She felt sick every morning, craved unusual (and expensive) food and her Periods had stopped. She wanted to speak to Gaius but since that night they had not been able to look at each other. She felt that he was hiding something extremely important. And then there was Uther.

When Uther had found out about the incident in the nursery, he exploded. He banned Magic and those that used it were punishable by death. Day by day, innocent families were rounded up and slaughtered. Beasts of the forest were hunted down and Uther was determined that every dragon would be wiped off the face of the earth.

Arthur's screams filled the air. Tidying herself, Hunith rose to see to the child. She couldn't help thinking how that he may look like his mother, his personality was nothing like her! She picked him up and soothed him. "How about some fresh air?" Hunith asked the boy. She took his drooling for a 'yes'.

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Hunith couldn't help but feel self-conscious as she walked through the town. It had nothing to do with her carrying the prince, but instead, had everything to do with the numerous guards that accompanied her. She found what she was seeking.

A thatched wattle and daub house stood in front of her. Its occupants were a young blacksmith, his wife (an ex-maid-servant) and their newborn daughter. Hunith knocked on the door, "Gladys? Are you there?"

The door swung open to reveal a dark skinned, dark haired lady, "Hunith, what are you doing here?"

"I need to talk to you. Can you walk with me?"

"Of course! I'll just go and get Gwen."

Gladys reappeared carrying her one year old daughter. Hunith started walking and her friend followed. The crowds gave Hunith the confidentiality she needed. She poured her out worries and begged Gladys to help her.

When they had walked around the block and arrived back at Gladys' home, Gladys faced her friend, "I believe that you are and that there is nothing I can do for you. Whatever happens, it should be your choice."

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Hunith had made her mind up. Uther had accepted her decision. She rose and dressed early. She spoke to no one, stopping only to slip a letter under Gaius' door. Outside the castle, she faced the direction on home. The direction of Ealdor.