Exams nearly done, ohh how I am looking forward to writing the next episode. The things I have in store :p
Enjoy this one first though
Vex
"Send for the Witchfinder." Uther announced to the hall.
Camilla heard the intake of breath from many in the room, including Morgana sat next to her. Camilla turned to look at the ward giving a concerned look but Morgana simply avoided her eye contact. Sighing Camilla turned back to look at her father.
"Sire, is it necessary to resort to such measures?" Gaius asked.
"The Witchfinder is a trusted ally, Gaius. His help will be invaluable." Her father stated.
"Of course" Gaius bowed his head.
The court was dismissed.
Gwen and Edith quickly joined their mistresses. Camilla was about to ask if Morgana was okay when she saw Arthur heading towards them.
"Excuse me I have somewhere to be." Camilla said. The other three looked confused. "Morgana I'll see you at diner this evening."
Morgana, still looking confused, nodded her head. Camilla then took the door to the left of the thrones.
"Camilla." She heard Arthur shout after her so she just sped up.
She didn't walk quick enough though and Arthur soon joined her. He grabbed on to her arm resulting in her stopping and looking at her brother.
"Camilla I've called your name three times now." Arthur said, huffing slightly from the quick run he had done. Camilla looked behind him, realising he was alone. She immediately felt a weight off her shoulders.
"Did you? Sorry I didn't hear." Camilla shrugged.
"You've been avoiding me these past few weeks, ever since that troll incident." Her brother complained.
"I haven't been avoiding you." Camilla scoffed. It was just someone else she had been avoiding.
Ever since that dream Camilla had been trying to see as little as possible of Merlin. She reasoned with herself that if she avoided him long enough then the feelings would go away. However it hadn't been working so far, in fact if anything they were just stronger when she had those few moments in his company.
She still was in denial that she was in love with the manservant but there was a part of her which couldn't believe she hadn't realised sooner. If it had been a noble who had attracted her affections then the simple thing would be to try and gain theirs. Unfortunately nothing could come of her and Merlin. She was a princess and he was a peasant. If her father found out how she felt then Merlin would be banished or worse, executed.
No the best course of action was just to ignore her feelings and hoped they would go away.
Easier said than done.
"Camilla?" Arthur asked frustrated.
"Sorry what?"
"I just asked you whether you want to go on a ride later?" Arthur repeated.
"You did?" Camilla asked and got a nod in return. She was about to say yes then remembered if they were to go on a ride then Merlin would be there. "I'll have to pass. I think I'm coming down with something." She coughed to add to her lie.
"Have you been to see Gaius?" Arthur's face scrunched up in concern.
"No need it's just a simple cold. Rest will be enough." Camilla reassured. "Anyway I won't keep you any longer. You better go and send the message to the Witchfinder."
"I better." Arthur muttered. "Feel better soon."
Arthur then walked off. Camilla watched as he did knowing she know had to act ill for the next couple of days. On top of the whole Witchfinder business.
She had heard stories of the Witchfinder and from them she could definitely say she wasn't looking forward to his visit.
"Edith give my compliments to chef. Her best beef stew to date." Camilla smiled at her servant. The woman nodded before taking Morgana's and Camilla's plates to the kitchens.
Camilla turned her attention back to Morgana who was staring aimlessly at the table. Camilla reached over and placed her hand over hers which seemed to snap Morgana from her trance.
"The dreams again?" Camilla asked.
"Something like that." Morgana gave a stiff smile.
"Do you want to talk about it?"
Before Morgana could answer though the sound of a horse could be heard outside. Morgana took the excuse to walk to the window. Camilla sighed before joining her there. A tall dark stranger could be seen dismounting his carriage. One made up of a cage and was pulled by a black steed.
The Witchfinder had arrived.
"Is that him?" The voice of Gwen came between the two.
"It is." Camilla answered. "He made good time."
"What's that cage for?" Gwen asked.
"It hardly bears thinking about" Morgana said quietly. Camilla and Gwen shared a concerned look.
All three looked back to the new arrival who then looked up to them. Morgana shrunk back in fear but Camilla held the eye contact.
She had nothing to hide.
"Sorry." He muttered as he held his hand out to whoever he had just knocked to the floor.
"Merlin we must we always meet this way." Camilla joked with a smile on her face. She took his hand as he helped her up off the floor. She hoped he could not hear how fast her heart thrummed in her chest.
"I'm sorry my lady." Merlin bowed his head.
"No harm done."
The two noticed simultaneously that their hands were still entwined. There was a pause before each one pulled their hand away.
"Forgive me-" Merlin's hand came up behind his neck.
"Sorry that was-" Camilla said at the same time blushing a deep shade of red.
They then both stopped and looked at each other before an awkward laugh followed.
"Moving on." Camilla said though she could feel herself weak at the knees. "What were you doing in Aredian's chambers?"
"He wanted me to answer a few questions." Merlin shrugged but avoided her eye contact.
"Is everything alright Merlin?" Camilla asked sensing there was something more.
"I have to go do some chores for Arthur." Merlin then stalked away with Camilla watching him with a very worried look on her face.
"I can scarcely believe it." The King stated in his throne.
Camilla herself was still trying to digest the witness's stories. A sorcerer in the square? Faces in the wells? All these stories came out of nowhere.
"Yet it is the truth, My Lord. Fortunately I've utilised every facet of my craft to bring this matter to a swift resolution." Adredian's words brought Camilla's thoughts back to the council chambers.
"The sorcerer? You have a suspect?" Uther stood up.
"Oh, I do, My Lord. I regret to say, they stand among us in this very room. My methods are infallible, my findings incontestable!" Camilla looked to Morgana next to her who seemed to be panicking. Camilla sat further forward in her seat as she listened to the Witchfinder's words. "The facts point to one person and one person alone: the boy, Merlin!"
With a dramatic flourish he pointed at the servant and the room fell into silence.
"Merlin?" Arthur scoffed. Camilla mouthed the name unbelieving. "You can't be serious."
"This is outrageous!" Gaius exclaimed. "You have no evidence!"
"The tools of magic cannot be hidden from me. I am certain that a thorough search of the boy's chamber will deliver us all we need." The smug Aredian announced.
"Merlin?" Her father asked the young man.
"I have nothing to hide from him." Merlin stood his ground.
"Very well. Guards, restrain the boy. Let the search begin."
Camilla watched helpless as Merlin was dragged away. Red clouded her vision as she watched the way he was treated. She wanted nothing more than to hit Aredian right across the face.
Merlin a sorcerer?
Camilla scoffed at the idea and she couldn't understand how Aredian had got into his head that Merlin was.
"Camilla I think it best you and Morgana go back to your chambers." Her father told her.
"But Father-" Camilla began but she was cut off.
"Now."
The two stared at each other before Camilla relented and took Morgana with her. The poor ward was white as snow and was still in an almost dazed expression as they walked along the corridors of the castle.
"Morgana?" Camilla said her name in hope of drawing her attention but the ward was too distracted and simply carried on walking. "Gwen." Camilla called the girl from Morgana's side. Once the Ward was out of ear shot Camilla spoke. "I want you to stay with her tonight. I'll be there for diner, I do not want to be in that man's company. I'm sorry to have to keep you from your home."
"Not at all my lady I was planning to sleep here tonight anyway." Gwen gave her a small smile.
"I don't know what Morgana would do without you." Camilla smiled back. "You better go after her."
Gwen nodded before walking quickly to catch up with her mistress. Camilla sighed before heading in the opposite direction.
Camilla couldn't stand being cooped up in her chambers any longer. She had left them and was walking through the castle, by now the whole Merlin thing would be sorted. She decided to make her way to the physician's chambers in order to see Gaius and Merlin just to make sure the two were okay. She would then hopefully make Merlin laugh and smile and then the two would confess their love for one another and they would live happily ever-
Not helping Camilla, she told herself. She was too busy scolding herself that she didn't take notice of the ruined door.
"Merlin-" Camilla said with a smile on her face but stopped herself when she looked up. Her smile immediately fell as she surveyed the damage of the room.
Everything was ruined. Glass shattered on the floor; papers scattered across tables. In the centre of the chaos stood Merlin with his back to her.
"Oh look at this." Camilla breathed. She stepped further into the room and made her way to Merlin. The sound of glass crunching under her feet echoed in the chamber. "Where's Gaius?"
"In the dungeons." Camilla heard the voice crack but it was well hidden. Merlin turned to face her and she could see how close he was to tears. "They found an amulet and Gaius took ownership of it."
"I am sure there is a reasonable explanation and he'll be out of there in no time." Camilla tried to smile but looking at the room she physically couldn't do it. The two fell into silence before Camilla placed her hand on Merlin's forearm. "We'll get him out Merlin."
Merlin didn't need to say anything instead he placed his hand over hers. The two remained like that for a moment, looking at the joined hands before it was broken by the sound of guards running past.
Quickly the two detangled themselves.
"Morgana will be expecting me for diner." Camilla said quietly. Merlin nodded his head while his jaw locked. "My chambers are always open to you Merlin."
Merlin gave her a funny look as an awkward pause followed.
"I meant if you ever want to talk...not like that...I mean come on ...you and me?" She then proceeded to make a noise a horse makes while hitting Merlin on the shoulder. Merlin gave a small laugh before the reality of the situation hit them again. The two turned sombre. "I mean it though Merlin, if you need to talk I'm here."
"Thank you Camilla."
Camilla nodded her head before she left the room hoping the redness of her cheeks would die down by the time she got to Morgana's chambers.
"No. No, of course not. You're not a physician, after all." Camilla heard Aredian joke meaning she had found the right chamber.
"But I am." Camilla made sure her entrance reflected her rage. Her eyes turned gentle though when she looked at Morgana. "Are you okay?" The Ward nodded. Camilla sent a small smile before turning back to face Aredian.
"Your highness." Aredian looked at the young Pendragon.
"You have over stepped the line Aredian. Not only are you questioning the King's ward but in manner such as this." Camilla let her anger show in her voice. "In the dungeons. You will answer for this and your false accusations on Gaius."
"False? But my lady I have evidence."
"A keep sake nothing more. You have no other indications he practices magic." Aredian went to speak but Camilla cut him off. "And before you say it yes I am aware he used to practice the old religion. But I have faith in Gaius."
"I thought you would be eager to find the source of magic my lady. After all you have more reason than most to hate it."
"How dare you." Camilla seethed. "You will watch your tongue and remember what family I belong to. Now leave the Lady Morgana alone."
"Of course." He sent a slimy smile at her. "However for all we know these potions could have been magical, her dreams the product of an enchanted elixir."
"Hardly." Camilla scoffed.
"Ah but your highness how do you not know Gaius has passed on sorcerer to you?" Camilla's mouth literally hung open at the accusation. She was too blinded by rage to form a coherent sentence.
"Oh, I had these dreams before Gaius started treating me." Morgana stated with a smile sensing the increasing anger inside Camilla.
"But these dreams, have they got better or worse since Gaius began treating you?" Aredian asked.
"Worse." She had looked at Camilla before she had answered. Camilla could see her reluctance. Camilla closed her eyes, knowing how it must sound to the Witchfinder.
"As I thought. Thank you. You've been most helpful."
"You need rest Morgana." Camilla said quietly. The ward nodded her head and allowed Camilla to take her back to her room where she watched the ward sleep.
It wasn't long though until the two were called to court.
Camilla was arranging a pile of papers. Some she recognised and hope she could place back in the right order. The glass on the floor had been swept up but the damage was still evident. Camilla was still in shock Gaius had confessed.
It had to be a lie she told herself. Aredian must be forcing him. However hard she tried to ignore it though there was a part of her which believed the confession. A very small part but a part of her nonetheless.
The sound of workmen could be heard. Camilla walked to the window and watched at the execution was prepared for tomorrow, the sun setting in the sky.
She was too immersed in watching the fire being set up that she didn't even notice his presence.
"We haven't got long." Merlin muttered. Camilla turned to look at him and was going to ask what he meant but before she could Gwen burst into the room.
"Merlin?! He won't let go! He won't stop!" She ran to the two. "Oh my lady I've been looking for you."
"Gwen whatever is the matter?" Camilla stepped to Gwen and placed her hands on her arms.
"The Witchfinder's questioning Morgana again. I'm worried, she's close to breaking point."
"How dare he." Camilla raged.
"It's what he does." Merlin said. Camilla turned to look at him. "He breaks you down and in the end you confess whether you're guilty or not."
"What do you mean?" Gwen asked.
"Gaius was set up. Aredian planted that amulet." Merlin stated.
"But why would he do such a thing?"
"Aredian is paid to catch sorcerers." Merlin began to explain. "Maybe he doesn't care whether someone is guilty or not. Maybe he gets confessions by lying, by planting evidence, just as long as he gets a confession, he gets his money."
"Merlin these are serious accusations." Camilla told him. "If you bring this to my father without sufficient proof then the consequences will be sever."
"Then we get some." Merlin said before walking out of the room.
The two girls looked at each other confused.
Not ten minutes later Merlin was back in the room with something in his hand.
"Here I found this in his chambers." He held his palm open to show the two the petals in his hand.
"Merlin it will take time to find what flower this belongs to." Gwen said.
"Not necessarily." Camilla muttered before making her way over to the scattered books. Some had been put back on the shelves while others still lay scattered on the floor.
"Camilla?" Merlin asked.
"I have learnt a thing or two off Gaius over the years." Camilla said as she found the book she was looking for. She walked back over to the pair and placed the book on the desk. She then flicked through it trying to find the page she wanted. "Here."
She found what she wanted and pointed her finger as she began to read out loud.
"Belladonna." She continued. "For the alleviation of ulcers, allergies, and muscular inflammation. I knew I recognised the flower."
"But that doesn't help-" Gwen began but Merlin cut her off.
"No, wait. Listen," He began to read off the page. Camilla was trying her best to focus on what he was saying instead of how close Merlin now stood next to her. "Under certain conditions, a tincture of the flower can produce hallucinations."
"Aredian's witnesses." Camilla murmured.
"It wasn't magic they were seeing, it was visions." Merlin said louder so the confused looking Gwen understood.
"It makes sense, if he's faking the evidence." Gwen admitted. "But how can we prove it?"
"No, Aredian's too clever to have given the tincture to them directly. The witnesses, they must've got it from someone else." Merlin thought out loud.
"They could've been getting it from anyone." Gwen said deflated.
"Is there anything, anything at all that these people had in common?" Merlin asked.
"They were all women?" Gwen suggested.
"No, that doesn't tell us anything."
"Yes, it does." Camilla said. "What's the one thing only women would buy?"
"Things to make them look beautiful." Gwen smiled as she answered Camilla's question.
She ran out the door with Merlin hot at her heels. The two stopped though when the Princess didn't follow.
"Camilla?" Merlin asked.
"I can't come with you. It would arouse too much suspicion. You two will be covert enough so Aredian does not get wind of what you are doing, otherwise he may get rid of the evidence." Camilla explained. Merlin nodded his head in understanding. "Now go, you haven't any time to lose."
The pair left her then. She stood and looked around the room once more before retiring to her chambers. She just hoped the pair would be successful.
"Where did you get it from?" Uther asked the man. He turned to look at Gwen. "Don't be afraid, no harm will come to you here."
Camilla was smiling to herself as she watched the Witchfinder have his reputation ruined. Gaius had come so close to burning that this man deserved no mercy.
"The Witchfinder. He gave them to me" The man from the Apothecary said. A shocked whisper ran through the room.
"Did he tell you what it was for?"
"No. Only that if I did not sell it, he'd have me burnt at the stake." More hushed whispers.
"How do you answer to these accusations?"The King asked Aredian.
"They're absurd." He answered. "The boy has clearly concocted these lies in the hope of saving his master."
"Then you won't mind if we search your chamber-" Merlin began but was cut off by the roar of the King. Camilla bit her tongue to stop herself form smiling.
"Silence!" Uther said. "You have no authority here!"
"Father..." Arthur cut in as he stepped from the King's side and stood next to Merlin. "Let's settle this once and for all. If what Merlin says is wrong, he must bear the consequences. But if there is some truth in what he says..."
"I have nothing to hide." Aredian declared.
"You're wasting your time." Aredian told the room. Camilla stood next to her father watching as the room was ripped apart.
"The cupboard over there." Arthur directed the men to the one opposite where they stood.
As soon as the doors opened countless numbers of amulets fell out of it. Furthermore a crate load of eye drops were stacked on the bottom.
"These things don't belong to me!" Aredian scoffed as she walked over and kicked some of the amulets. "This is a trick!" He coughed. "That boy plots against me!"
There was something in his throat though as he began to try and clear it. It wouldn't go though and soon he was bent over leaning on a chair.
Camilla watched in disgust as the man coughed up a toad.
"Sorcerer!" Uther exclaimed while withdrawing his sword.
Camilla found herself being dragged by the arm into Aredian's grasp as he held a dagger to her throat. She watched her father and brother step towards her but Aredian pulled them further back.
"Aredian, think carefully about what you're doing." Her father's tone was low and threatening. "You will never escape from Camelot alive."
"I will if you value the life of your daughter. Hmm?" Aredian argued.
"I quite value my life as well." Camilla said.
The Princess then stomped on the Witchfinder's toes followed by elbowing him in the stomach. He dropped the dagger, freeing her from his grasp. As soon as she was safe from Aredian, her father pulled her behind him.
There was no need to though as the winded Witchfinder stumbled back and tripped over a box. He fell out of the window and his scream could be heard before there was an almighty thud followed by silence.
"Camilla what do I owe the pleasure?" Her brother asked as she walked into the room. Camilla caught sight of Merlin clearing away Arthur's breakfast. The two shared a quick smile.
"I wanted to take you up on that offer of a ride. You're right, we haven't been spending a lot of time with each other these past few weeks." Camilla told him.
"Feeling better then I see."
"Much."
"Very well, Merlin prepare the horses." Arthur ordered his servant.
"Will do sire." Merlin began to walk out of the room.
"Oh and Merlin make sure you saddle the right horse this time."
"I still retain your horse and the horse I saddled are extremely similar." Merlin said. "What does it matter anyone, as long as it can carry your big butt-"
He was cut off by an apple soaring at his head but he managed to duck in time.
"I'll meet you in the courtyard." Camilla said with a smile as she walked away.
She had decided there was no point in trying to avoid Merlin. She had tried and she had failed. No she would just have to put up with these stupid feelings until they went away. But until then she may as well try and have a little fun with them.
Her birthday was coming up in a few weeks, now that was going to be fun.
What she didn't know was unexpected guest had just invited themselves to the party.