Wow, so many lovely reviews! Thanks to all who reviewed.
Someone said that Merlin couldn't be afraid of Arthur. I'm sorry if i wasn't clear in my last chapter but what I meant was that Merlin is afraid of Arthur becoming like Uther. Merlin isn't afraid of Arthur, he's just afraid of Arthur proving his worst fears right.
So anyway here is chapter 4
Arthur stood at the training fields watching his knights spar. Normally, he would be amongst them, moving as quickly as the wind. But today he was content to stay back and watch his fellow knights show off their talents. Arthur made sure to keep a close eye in particular on Gwaine, Percival and Elyan. The knights fought ferociously, their sword moving like lightning.
Over the past few months Arthur had noticed his relationship with several of the knights, mainly Gwaine, and his physician was strained. Part of him knew that the short and clipped responses he now received from the physician were only to be expected. At first Gaius had tried telling Arthur of the things Merlin had done, feeding him nonsense like Merlin being born with magic. Arthur had scoffed at the ridiculousness of that; did Gaius really think Arthur foolish enough to fall for that? Arthur knew enough about magic to know that it was learnt. After that Arthur did not listen to Gaius, did not want to. Perhaps one day he would sit and talk to Gaius about it all, but now Arthur was too busy revelling in betrayal and self-pity. When he had brought Merlin's betrayal to the physician's attention he had muttered that sounded suspiciously like how did he think Merlin felt. To Gaius, Merlin could do no wrong, Arthur could only hope that time would heal their relationship.
But he had been immensely surprised that some of his knights would be so distant towards him. At first he had put it down too Merlin's treachery and absence and had assumed they would resume to their normal selves within no time. But soon days turned into weeks and weeks turned into months and still the knights kept their distance. Out of his closest knights only Leon seemed to carry on as usual and Arthur grew increasingly frustrated that the other knights still continued to maintain their distance.
Finally a month after the discovery of Merlin's magic had been discovered, Arthur decided to confront Gwaine but was shocked at the response he received.
"Why would I want to talk to someone who would condemn a man, who had just saved their life, to death?" Gwaine had all but yelled at him.
The fury in Gwaine's voice had stunned the King and for a moment he stood there gaping at the knight. After discovering Merlin's magic and his betrayal, Arthur had all but forgotten about the context of the said discovery. The fact that Merlin had revealed his magic when he had saved his King's life had been pushed to the back Arthur's mind. As he stood gaping Arthur realised that Gwaine was right. Merlin had indeed saved his life using magic. It was only when Gwaine had shook his head sadly and had turned to walk away when the King recovered his senses.
"He used magic, Gwaine. I'm sure you of all people understand the consequences of using magic" Arthur shouted at the retreating knight who made no attempt to respond whatsoever.
Arthur tried again. "Besides, Merlin lied to us all. How can we trust him to be loyal to Camelot?" Still Gwaine did not bother making a response and continued down the corridor.
Arthur couldn't understand how he was made the villain by the knight instead of the lying sorcerer. Even Percival, a man of few words, seemed to be disappointed in his king. Arthur had been more than shocked when the man had outright told him that he would not kill Merlin. Arthur knew the knights had been friends with Merlin but were they truly that blind? Could they not understand the evil nature of magic and how it twisted and corrupted one? So he had saved Arthur with magic, but that didn't mean he would forever remain this good-hearted. Besides if Merlin had lied about his magic, what else had he lied about? When he had brought this up with Gaius, he had simply given Arthur an unwavering gaze and said there had been an important reason why Merlin had hid his magic and if the King could not see that then he was a fool.
Only Gwen seemed to understand. Only she seemed to understand that Arthur didn't want to do this, didn't want to sentence his friend to death, but had to for the sake of the kingdom. Merlin had broken one of Camelot's fundamental laws. Arthur wouldn't dare admit it to anyone, but he was inwardly glad that the incessant search for the traitorous sorcerer had been stopped and hoped that Merlin had enough brains to not come near Camelot.
But that did not mean he didn't feel betrayed. He could not understand how his friend could betray him so. Merlin had known magic was outlawed, yet he had chosen to defy the laws and practice sorcery. How long had he been doing this? For Arthur, Merlin had been the only constant the last decade. He had always been there, and although Arthur was reluctant to admit, providing support and encouragement when needed. And although Arthur had often pushed him away, Merlin had helped him through the betrayals of Morgana, Aggravaine and even Gwen. The fact that Merlin would choose to betray him like this and lie to him like this had shaken Arthur to his very core. To Arthur it was the ultimate betrayal and these past few months he often found himself wondering just who could he trust when all those close to him had betrayed him.
Hope you all like this! I just wanted to explore how Arthur felt, as you can see he's beginning to feel confused. Next chapter- Merlin goes to Vestavia!
