A/N- A long chapter for you all. Thanks for all the reviews! I hope to update soon and let me know what you think of this chapter.
Merlin stood in front of Arthur's desk, waiting for his friend to give him the advice he so desperately needed. He was to duel Gregor tomorrow for Mithian's honor, something he found terrifying. He was no fighter; he could barely fight off bandits with a sword, let alone a well-trained knight.
"Well, what should I do?"
Arthur sighed and leaned back in his chair. Merlin had told him of the predicament and the king had been contemplating the situation for the past few minutes. "A duel of this magnitude isn't any little game. It's often a fight to the death."
"The death?" Merlin squeaked. "You mean I could die?"
"Possibly, but unlikely. If at any point one of the opponents wishes to withdraw, the match is forfeited and no blood need to be shed."
Merlin felt his shoulders deflate. "So you think I should give up?" It only made sense, after all. Merlin couldn't fight.
"No."
Merlin looked up with a surprised face. "No?"
Arthur shook his head. "No. I think you should fight. Mithian makes you happy and that's something you deserve to be. Maybe if this knight sees that you are serious in your affections toward her, he'll forfeit and allow you two to be together."
Merlin nodded, but then froze as a thought struck him. "But what if he doesn't relent?"
Pinching the bridge of his nose, Arthur sighed before responding, "That's a very real possibility. From what I've seen of Gregor so far, he is a resilient knight, not one to give up in battle. You may have to deliver the final blow."
"You mean… kill him?"
Arthur nodded solemnly. "Assuming you get that far." Very quickly, Arthur was on his feet, leaning over the desk and into Merlin's face. "But I want you to promise me that if things go too far, if you feel like you might lose, that you withdraw." Arthur held out his hand. "Promise?"
Merlin was a bit taken aback at the forceful tone of Arthur's voice, but it made sense. Merlin could die. It was nice to know that Arthur cared. He reached forward until their hands grasped each other's elbows. "Promise."
"Good." And just as quickly as the intensity had come over Arthur's features, his joking smile returned. "I'd hate to have to find another lazy servant to replace you."
"I am irreplaceable," Merlin agreed with a smile.
"Now, we need to figure out your strategy," Arthur started, sitting back down and beckoning Merlin around to his side of the desk. "Your opponent is bigger than you, stronger too. More skilled as well and-"
"He's a trained knight, I get it," Merlin cut Arthur off quickly.
"Right. So, strategy. Be quick, dodge his blows. If you see an opportunity, land a blow, but retreat quickly. Tire him out as much as possible. Stay light on your feet and, for once in your life, be agile instead of clumsy."
"So fight like Mithian did when she beat you yesterday," Merlin said partly because he wanted to understand and partly because he wanted to see Arthur's face turn red in embarrassment and anger. He got the desired effect.
Arthur looked ready to defend himself with a retort when a smirk crossed his face. "Yes, Merlin, I want you to fight like a girl. Think you can manage to live up to that level?"
"I walked right into that one, didn't I?"
"Yes, yes you did." Arthur replied with a grin. "Now come on, let's go practice." Arthur clapped him on the shoulder and walked out of the room, Merlin following with a groan.
The next morning found Merlin standing in front of the arena, feeling ridiculous in all of the armour of a knight. He and Arthur had found some light armour, hoping to help with Merlin's strategy of staying fast and out of danger.
Still, he felt silly as he stood there, sweating from heat and nerves. However, not everyone shared his opinion of how silly he looked.
"Hello handsome," Mithian greeted as she sidled up beside him. Her face was smiling, but it didn't look right. It was like a smile of someone trying to lighten the mood of a tense situation.
He tried to return the favor and smiled back. "Haha, very funny. I know I look ridiculous."
"No I think it suits you, pardon the pun," she replied. She smiled and began straightening up his breastplate, her hands shaking.
Merlin blinked and he was suddenly reminded of the very real fight he was about to engage in. "Mithian," he said in a serious tone, trying to capture her attention.
She sighed as she seemed to understand where his thoughts had gone and looked up with a solemn expression. "Yes?"
"I don't want to kill him." Merlin was surprised at his own words, but it was true. Gregor was only doing his duty- that was nothing to die for. Merlin understood all too well what it meant to do whatever it took to perform one's responsibilities.
"I know you don't." She placed a hand on his cheek. "And I want you to know that I don't want you to change for me. I li-" she sighed and smiled, "I mean, I love you the way you are." Just then a horn started, the start of the duel was about to begin. "Good luck," she wished him before pecking Merlin on the cheek and hurrying into the arena.
Merlin stood, frozen as a statue, until someone gave him a shove and he found himself in the arena. Apparently his feet had moved of their own accord and he was now standing next to Gregor, facing Arthur in the royal box. Not many were in attendance- Arthur hadn't wanted to make a spectacle- but the knights of Nemeth and Camelot along with a few courtiers were present.
Arthur was giving the rules of the duel (things Merlin already knew) but Merlin couldn't seem to focus. The words I love you were still reverberating around in his head. Mithian loved him? The thought both terrified and thrilled him. And the more he thought about it, the more he realized he loved her in return.
"Begin!" Merlin distantly heard Arthur shout and with a start realized he was in the middle of a duel.
Turning quickly, he found his opponent advancing straight on. Raising his left arm at the last moment, Merlin effectively blocked a blow with his shield. Moving swiftly, he retreated and began to shuffle along the perimeter of the circular field.
The next few minutes were spent with Merlin avoiding any and all blows given by Gregor, managing to stay mostly unharmed, though he had hurt his side running into the low wall and had a developing bruise on his right shoulder thanks to the hilt of Sir Gregor sword.
How he managed to avoid so many attacks was a secret to many. Golden irises were hidden behind a shield or a blink of an eye.
After ten minutes of constant fighting, both contestants were growing tired. Merlin decided it was time to finish it once and for all. If Mithian loved him, then he would prove his love for her.
Charging suddenly, Merlin managed to catch Gregor off guard. (Plus a little bit of magic didn't hurt.) He found himself poised over Gregor, in the perfect position to kill.
With a simple thought, Merlin slowed down time. He glanced over to the royalty box where his friends were seated. Gwen was cringing, no doubt preparing for the blow Merlin could so swiftly deliver. Arthur's expression was neutral- as was expected of a king- but there was a glint of pride in his eyes.
And then Merlin turned to look at Mithian. Her face was a mix of hope and sorrow, some unidentifiable expression. The hope was easy enough to place. But the sorrow… And then it hit Merlin. Mithian knew Gregor, had probably known him her whole life. And he was about to kill him. But he had to. Didn't he?
Turning back to Gregor, Merlin resumed time, hefted up his sword and plunged it into the ground next to Gregor's head.
The servant stood and faced the crowd. "No blood needs to be shed today," he announced to all those in attendance. He turned back to Gregor, who was still lying on the ground. "I do not wish to dishonor your princess," he continued to the knight, but spoke loud enough for everyone to hear. "I only want to court her as any respectable gentleman would." He turned and caught Mithian's eyes and was happy to see her smiling at him. He allowed a small grin to grace his face before becoming serious once more and looking at Gregor. "Will you accept my offer?" Merlin asked, extending his hand.
The knight was still breathing hard from the fight and wearily looked at the outreached hand. Sitting up, he spit on Merlin's hand and declared, "You are nothing but a cowardly servant and the princess deserves better than scum like you."
Merlin drew back, shocked at the rudeness of the man before him.
"Enough!" Mithian's voice rang through the arena as she stood. "Merlin has been nothing but honorable. You, Sir Gregor, have been the dishonorable one. I have half a mind to-"
But they would never know what Mithian had half a mind to do, because just then Merlin- who had stood motionless in silent contemplation since the knight had insulted him- spoke up. "No. He is right, Princess Mithian. I bid you farewell and withdraw from this duel and from courting you any longer." And with a bow, Merlin left the arena.
He had hardly made it back to the castle when he heard Mithian's quick footsteps following behind him. He smiled at her persistence. Turning to greet her, Merlin yelped as he was forced into a secluded alcove, Mithian grasping his shoulder tightly.
"How could you say that?" she seethed quietly. "You're worth-"
"Mithian-" Merlin tried to intervene, but she was on a tirade.
"No, you're perfectly good-"
"Mithian-"
"He's the coward and-"
Merlin leaned in and kissed her, effectively shutting her up.
When they broke up apart, Mithian's mouth was a perfect "o".
"I love you too," Merlin answered her unspoken question with a smile. "But no one can know. Not even Arthur and Gwen, no one."
"I understand," Mithian replied with a nod and then she smiled. "You're very clever, did you know that?"
Merlin grinned his signature grin. "I'd like to think so."
She laughed at his response and quickly kissed him one more time before leaving him alone. He sighed as he watched her go. They had been careless the first time around. They'd though it was a secret, but it was a secret that everyone knew. Merlin would've thought he'd be better at lying and keeping secrets by now, but he was, apparently, as hopeless as ever. And now he and Mithian would have to be more of a secret than ever.
But it was for the best, for both of them. He only hoped they could stay in love during their time apart.
Merlin was sitting on his bed, reading the book Gaius had leant him on herbs, when Gwen opened the door and announced, "I know."
Apprehension built in Merlin's chest as he questioned cautiously, "Know what?"
"About you and Mithian." She sat down beside him. "You can't keep things from me, Merlin."
He held back his small smile at her comment and instead focused on the dread he felt. If Gwen knew, how many others did as well? "How do you know?"
Gwen seemed to read the panic on his face as she assured, "Oh, don't worry. I'm sure no one else does. I just understand sidelong glances better than most." She grinned.
"You can't tell anyone, Gwen, please. Not even Arthur or Gaius know and we want to-"
Gwen held up her hand and cut him off. "I understand. And I promise. You two just need to be more careful," she reprimanded with a playful whap on Merlin's shoulder.
He smiled and said, "Thanks," before looking petulantly downward.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing," he shrugged. But under Gwen's gaze, he confessed, "It's just that Mithian leaves tomorrow, but I have to work for Arthur tonight…"
"Let me take care of that."
"Really?" Merlin looked up hopefully.
"Really," she replied, smiling warmly. "We could both use a romantic night for once."
"Thank you, Gwen." He moved to give her a hug.
"Anytime."
"And I think you've done enough to protect me on this journey, Sir Gregor!" Mithian shouted. It was her last night in Camelot, and all she wanted was to spend it away from him. He had ruined everything. True, she and Merlin were still in love, but it wasn't the same as being able to be together.
"But Princess, I think that-"
"I'll be fine." Her tone was dangerously calm. "Just leave. Now." The authority in her voice must have finally hit a chord with a Gregor as he quickly dropped into a bow before leaving her chambers.
She sighed wearily as the door shut behind him, and she sat down at her table. If he thought she would be happy after the events of the other day, he was sorely mistaken. But for the sake of their secret, she hadn't tried to defend Merlin to the stubbornly ignorant knight.
A knock on the door interrupted her thoughts. "I told you," she started as she rose to answer the door, "I don't want to you to- oh!" In front of her stood the Queen of Camelot, a surprise at the late hour of the night. "Good evening, milady. To what do I owe this pleasure?"
"Oh, I was merely inquiring about the whereabouts of Sir Gregor. Is he here?" Gwen asked, peering around inside of the room.
"No, I dismissed him for the night. With any luck, he will not return." Mtihian was surprised when Gwen smiled wide and seemed to gesture to someone in the corridor. "Who are you…? Merlin?" Mithian felt a smile break across her face as the servant approached her door swiftly. "But how did-"
"Explain it later," Gwen advised, pushing Merlin past Mithian into the room. "I'll come back when it's safe for Merlin to come out. You two have a nice evening." Gwen smiled pleasantly before sweeping off down the corridor, humming to herself.
Mithian shut the door behind her, turning and smiling at Merlin. "What was that?"
Merlin grinned sheepishly. "Gwen found out?" he offered.
"I gathered that much, believe it or not."
"She promised not to tell anyone else. And I trust her."
"I do too." Mithian moved closer until she was right in front of Merlin, before reaching up and kissing him. "I love you," she whispered between kisses.
"I love you too," he replied with a grin as he kissed her back.
"You know, it's funny," Mithian commented from her place within Merlin's warm embrace, her head resting on his shoulder and her back pressed up to his chest. The couple was sitting on Mithian's chaise, cuddling just like they had been several nights before. Only this time, they had locked the door and were fairly certain there would be no unwanted guests dropping by.
"What's that?" Merlin asked, placing a kiss on the top of her head.
"I've had knights defending me my entire life, yet I've never felt safer than I do in your arms."
"And I've never felt happier than I do with you in them." She turned to face him and he captured her lips with his own.
In another room, in another corridor of the same castle, Gwen and Arthur were enjoying a similar romantic evening.
It seemed destiny was intent on drawing yet another parallel between the two young men's lives: a servant and a royal, a love forbidden. But both could overcome the challenges of their love. After all, if one side of the coin could do it, why not the other?
Thoughts?
-princessmelia
