A Prince of Two Hearts
Author's note: This is the penultimate chapter (or last if you don't count the short epilogue that I will soon upload) and is quite short, just a finisher really. Thank you so much for reading and I hope you enjoyed my humble writing. I apologise for the long time periods between updates (sixth form again getting in the way of the fluff) but I hope it's been worth it
Facing a future without Arthur had always been inevitable; he had to marry for the good of the kingdom and preparing herself for Arthur's marriage had been part of her daily life. Though it seems that no preparation could prepare her for this day; it hurt more than she could have ever possibly imagined. Gwen had always taken comfort knowing that when Arthur did get married, it would be purely dutiful. She would never have to see him love another. This was worse, so much worse. Seeing him happy with another was more than she could bear. She could have found peace knowing that Arthur needed her just as much as she needed him. Knowing that he would mourn if she were gone, that his world would be even slightly diminished, comforted her beyond belief. Of course, that had been before Merlin's disappearance. Without her, he would still have Merlin. His life would carry on, full of peace and devotion whilst hers would crumble. Voices echoed down the corridor, delight ringing clear through each syllable, the unmistakably loud and obnoxious voice of Prince Arthur triumphing in its quest to claim her attention. Gaius's softer, more docile tones were more difficult to hear, but as Gwen focused on his voice she could hear equal exhilaration. Upon hearing the third voice, Gwen abandoned the cloth she was holding to rush towards the source of the voices. The three men stood in the stone chamber, laughter and jubilation echoing off the curved walls, but her eyes drifted over Arthur and Gaius to land on Merlin; words fell seamlessly from his lips as if the past days had been nothing.
"Gwen!" Merlin's exclamation made her face crinkle into a smile, all ill feeling fading into delight for her friend's improved condition. He hobbled towards her on his makeshift crutch, his face full of astonishment and awe.
"Can you believe it? It just came back!" She hugged him carefully, taking care not to harm his balance.
"It's a miracle Merlin, it truly is." He and Arthur left, Merlin shouting gleefully as Arthur purposefully raced off without him, leaving only Gaius and Gwen.
"What's happening with those two?" She asked Gaius, true puzzlement clear in her voice. You could never tell with Merlin and Arthur, it was difficult to categorise their relationship; it was simply immune to every label you could throw at it. Friends, lovers, simply master and servant; all descriptions were false and yet equally true. Gaius stayed silent for a long time, clearly engaged in deep thought, before he answered.
"I wish I knew truly, however I fear I never will." His gaze was sympathetic and Gwen couldn't stand it. She desired no pity or comforting words, they couldn't rectify her situation. The situation was too complicated, a tapestry woven with both joy and despair though it seems the threads of despair held her the closest whilst the joy entwined Arthur with Merlin.
"You will be very pleased to know that I have discovered a way to break the enchantment." Gaius's words hit Merlin like a spiked mace, if the enchantment was a true reflection of Arthur's own feelings then there should be no reason that it couldn't stay. It was not hugely damaging, Arthur had shown that he could control it to an extent so there was no danger of revealing any of it to Uther. The nagging little voice in Merlin's head reminded him constantly that the enchantment needed to go; he could not force Arthur to love him. To let it continue would be as bad as placing one on Arthur himself. His stomach twisted and knotted at the thought, the enchantment had to be broken for the good of Camelot and for Arthur.
"It will be extremely difficult as it cannot be broken by magic, only Arthur himself can overcome it. You need to show him that a romance will never work, he has to fall out of love with you himself." Merlin sat in silence for what seemed like an eternity, ice spreading through his body until his blood was frozen.
"Arthur has to… fall out of love with me? Isn't the enchantment preventing him from doing that?"
"The enchantment is powerful yes but it cannot truly create love. If Arthur were to cease loving you, the enchantment would have nothing to amplify. It would be broken. I am truly sorry Merlin, if there was another way I'd-"
"I understand, Gaius. I have to try, for the good of the kingdom." Gaius was a true blessing, he had shown nothing but understanding throughout the whole sorry mess. He had given Merlin yet another reason to be indebted to him yet he asked for nothing in return, unless Merlin counted the endless chores which he would prefer not to. The task before him seemed more daunting than facing the most terrible beasts or the most impossible odds. Convincing Arthur that he didn't truly love him was simply unattainable; Merlin had been lying all his life and yet he could not utter this one falsehood. Submerging himself in the icy lake seemed a more preferable option. The same lake where they had lay, revelling in the pure bliss of each other's company. A jousting lance of pain twisted in his gut, hitting every vital organ he possessed as if the pain in his heart was not enough to make him suffer.
A soft breeze ruffled the gossamer curtains of Morgana's chamber, turning her attention to the open window. Scanning the vicinity for any unfortunate witnesses, she closed it gently and filled the shimmering dish with water. Upon her command, the water swirled and boiled to form the image of her half-sister peering up at her with expectant features.
"You'll be pleased to know that the charm if in full effect. Arthur is besotted and Uther is furious. I cannot be long until word of this gets out." The corner of Morgause's mouth curled upwards in a dastardly grin, her sister was most pleased as she predicted.
"Excellent, we cannot lose. If the kingdom hears of this, Arthur will be disgraced and Merlin sent away from court. The charm is potent, Arthur will not leave Merlin at all and he will leave with him. Uther will lack an heir and the kingdom will be ripe for the taking." Morgana smiled down at her sister. Her moment of triumph was close; soon the whole land would bow before her, the rightful heir. She would be rid of the insolent fool and his meddling servant at last, they pretended to be her friends for so long but now her sight was clear. They never were; they schemed and plotted against her and now, they would get what they deserved.
Arthur stood silent, leaning against the window frame and staring into the courtyard below. The light shining through the window illuminated the angular lines of his torso. Merlin's eyes fixated on the ceiling upon entrance, avoiding the very person he came here to see. Arthur noticed him of course, he always does.
"Ah, Merlin! Is your voice still going strong?"
"Strong as ever, sire." Merlin's voice wavered and cracked, falling broken to the floor for Arthur to step on as he approached Merlin.
"Well it doesn't sound like it, give it time and I would try to rest it." He took Merlin's hands in his own, brushing the smooth new leather of his gloves across Merlin's calloused fingertips. Merlin could feel his gaze brushing across his head, seeking out his eyes, and yet he looked at the cold floor. A gentle touch under his chin raised his head to Arthur's appraising eyes. Merlin looked him in the eyes directly, keeping his face passive as he kept his purpose in mind. The soft expression on Arthur's face was replaced by one of concern, his brow creasing as the smile slid away.
"What troubles you?" His hand brushing along Merlin's jaw as it came to rest, cupping his cheek. Merlin sighed and restrained himself from leaning into the touch. He should walk away, deliver harsh words from the corner of the room and spare himself the pain of looking into Arthur's devoted stare. The floor gripped his feet, fixing him firmly in place, and he knew that he needed to let it happen. Though as he opened his mouth to speak, his words dissolved into his heart; he couldn't lie to Arthur, no matter what the kingdom required. The kingdom never gave him anything in return, only took away every ounce of happiness he could find. Freya, Morgana and even Arthur it seems were ripped from his life for the good of the kingdom. He should just leave it all behind, forget the pull of his destiny and run to a safe haven. Arthur would come with him, he just had to ask. Realisation burned through him like a mouthful of bitter medicine, Arthur would leave the kingdom if Merlin did. If the charm was not broken, Uther would send him away for sure and Arthur would leave with him. Morgana would finally achieve what she wanted, Arthur gone forever. He couldn't leave and leave Camelot to fall into ruin, there were too many good people; too many innocent people. They didn't deserve to suffer for his selfishness.
"Arthur…" he began, sucking in a shaking breath to deliver the blow to both of them "we can never be together." Arthur's face fell further, hurt beginning to blossom in his expression.
"I want to be, believe me…I really want to. Uther would never allow it, the kingdom would never support it and you need to become the king, Arthur. Become the king that Camelot needs and bring peace and prosperity to its people. You'll be loved and respected and people will remember you for years to come. I'll always be by your side but I cannot be seen to be, you need a queen. Someone for the people to adore, not a serving boy." Arthur made as if to speak but failed, releasing Merlin's face and letting his hand fall. Merlin took it and covered it with both hands.
"But promise me something; find a queen that loves you. A queen that you can be happy with, that's all I ask." When Arthur spoke, his voice was soft and steady.
"I understand, Merlin. The kingdom needs me to become a great king. But know this" He leaned forward suddenly, capturing Merlin's lips between his own in a fleeting kiss. "I will never cease to love you. Not the same way I love Gwen, and I do love Gwen truly, but in a unique and impossible way; nothing could ever surpass it. In the next life, things will be different and nothing will stand in my way." A lone, solitary teardrop fell from Merlin's eyes as he tried to blink away the sudden well of tears. Arthur pressed his forehead against Merlin's, savouring the moment in silence for a long while before Merlin spoke with a falsely cheery voice.
"I'll hold you to that."
