Episode 10-Wishes
Uther rolled over in bed, finding his wife's neck in front of him. "Morning," he whispered kissing her collarbone. Wiping her eyes, Hunith turned on her side to face him.
"Morning," she whispered kissing him back. The two quickly entangled themselves in a mess of flesh and clothes, only to be broken apart by the sound of a baby's cry. "Anna's awake."
"I'll get her," Uther promised kissing his wife once more. Carefully he rose from their small bed, and made his way into the cottage's only other room where Anna lie in her old crib. "Hey sweetheart," he whispered picking the girl up and rocking her. Safe in her father's arms, she little girl quickly shut her cerulean eyes and fell back asleep.
Hunith entered the room, wrapped in her cloak, just as Uther lay the baby back in her crib. "She'll need to get up sooner or later," Hunith reminded him with a smile. "Don't forget Merlin and Morgana are bringing Isla over later."
"How could I ever?" Uther smiled, pouring the rest of last night's stew into two bowls. "Are Arthur and Gwen coming too?"
Hunith rolled her eyes, "Of course they are, just as they come every night. Honestly, they live two doors down I hope they can make it to see their niece for the first time."
"Why did Merlin move so far away? A day's ride has to be hard on Morgana."
"He just likes his space, you know that," Hunith replied with a shrug. "Now you better get going. I can hear the cows calling. 'Breakfast, breakfast-we want our breakfast.'"
Uther dawned his ragged cloak, and kissed his wife one more time, "Honestly, you're so strange. I don't know why I keep you around."
"Because I'm the only one who'd bother with someone like you," Hunith teased pushing him out the door as Anna began crying again. "And make sure to slaughter a chicken for dinner."
Uther bit his lip, "We really can't afford it. Two died in the last frost."
"It's Merlin," Hunith reminded him with a pointed look. "I get to see my only son once a year, we can afford a chicken."
No, they couldn't, but they'd slaughter one anyway. Merlin came around so rarely that his parents would do anything to make the occasion special. As though his presence wasn't special enough.)
Uther shivered in the cold as he went to feed the animals. A cool layer of snow had settled on the ground, but he drudged through despite the holes in his boots. When he arrived in the chicken coop, he discovered a most depressing sight. Another one of the chickens had frozen overnight. "Might as well use this one, not like anything can spoil in this weather," he muttered to himself chopping the head off so Hunith wouldn't know. She wanted the best for her son, but really this would have to do. They could not afford to lose any more chickens, and they would before winter was out.
Arthur met up with his father in the cow barn, "Sorry I'm late. Guinevere tried to talk me out of coming and 'catching my death'. I had to remind her we'd all die if the animals starved."
"No need to frighten her Arthur," Uther scolded kindly. "We'll be fine this winter just as we are every year. Spring will arrive soon enough as it always does."
Arthur nodded, having heard the same speech his whole life, "She wanted to know if Merlin was still coming, considering the weather."
"You know he'd never miss his mother's birthday," his father replied simply. Merlin had moved away when he married Morgana, hoping to start a business as a healer. From his letters he was finally managing it, but it hurt to know he'd been so far from his family for three years now.
"I'll go hay the donkeys," Arthur suggested pulling his cloak tighter and stepping out into the frigid air. Uther watched his eldest go before turning back to the animals before him. They were skinny, but healthy. They'd made the right choice not to butcher them before the winter set in. Why have jerky when they could have nice fresh milk come spring? Milk in March is the kind of thing a man could sell, jerky…not so much.
As Uther trudged back to his home, he saw George, heading his way. "How are the twins?"
"They're sick," George admitted with a sigh. "That's why I'm here. You're a learned man aren't you Uther? I have some flu remedy at my house, but I can't read the directions. Think you could help me out?"
Uther wanted to go home to Hunith and get out of the freezing cold, but he couldn't leave the twins to suffer. "It'd be no problem," Uther smiled following his young neighbor. The two arrived at George's cottage easy enough, and were greeted by the sound of two crying infants. "Let me see the bottle." George handed it over, and Uther looked at the words. "How odd. This writing isn't anything I know." The letters jumbled together in a strange way. "I think it might be Norse. Don't worry though Merlin is coming in town for his mother's birthday. I'll send him over."
"Once that boy finishes his training he'd better come and be our healer," George sighed with a smile. "We could use him. Please send him over as soon as he arrives. Oh, and I almost forgot. I found this in the barn and cleaned it up. Figured Hunith would like it for her birthday."
Uther studied the brass buckle. It was old, probably older than him, but well kept. "It's lovely, thank you George I'll make sure she knows it's you. And I'll send Merlin over to look at the twins when he arrives."
"The gift is the least I can do. Us little people need to stick together, eh? Those Kings up in their castles can afford distinctions, but if we're to survive we need each other."
"I'd hate to be a king," Uther admitted with a chuckle. "Too much responsibility for me. It's enough worrying about a few chickens freezing to death never mind a whole Kingdom. If I had to wish for a life, this would be it."
Merlin awoke in his large bed, and looked around his chambers. Mordred, are you alright? You're never late. He called out telepathically. When no response came, Merlin swung out of bed, dressed quickly, and made his way towards Mordred and Gaius's chambers.
It didn't take him long to realize something was very, very wrong. The sun hung high in the sky, but no one moved about the corridors. The night guards were asleep at their posts, which wasn't unusual, except at noon. No, everywhere Merlin looked he found more and more sleeping bodies.
Actually, it appeared with the exception of Merlin, the whole castle was asleep. The town below moved about their normal daily business, but as soon as you reached the Citadel there wasn't a single person still awake-except for Merlin.
"Bloody sorcerers," Merlin muttered creeping through the hallways. "Why do you always have to mess things up? 'Oh we have magic and are going to use it to take over Camelot and get our revenge. It totally won't just make Uther hate magic more.' Really, you're all ridiculous."
Grumbling to himself didn't help the situation, but it did make Merlin feel better. Once again it seemed his extraordinarily strong magic had left him to save the day, again. Really, he was getting sick of this.
"I'll wake you up soon," Merlin promised his sleeping fiancée once he reached her chambers. Gently he placed a kiss on her forehead, before leaving to make sure Arthur and his father were safe enough as well. Whoever did this had to have some malicious intention, and Merlin had to figure out what before he could stop them.
"Áwierpeþ", Merlin cast upon the figure that stood over his father. He should have come here before finding Morgana; of course the sorcerer would be here for Uther. "You're going to have to try harder than that to kill my father."
The man laughed, "I'm not here to kill anybody, why would I be? I was summoned to grant a wish, and I have. The consequences of that wish are not my concern, though I should say the fact that my power can't influence you is."
Merlin was incredibly confused. This man, who was certainly not from around here with his tan skin, and dark features, didn't appear to be a threat. Yet, at the same time, he'd admitted to putting everyone to sleep, more or less. "Who wished for the castle to be unconscious? Especially considering magic like this will get them killed."
"I'm not from around here," the man admitted as if that would come as a shock. "So I don't know what you mean? Why would magic get anyone killed? You use it and are perfectly alive."
Wow. He really wasn't from around here. "You're in Camelot, and that's King Uther Pendragon." The words didn't seem to mean anything, which came as a shock to Merlin. Everyone seemed to know his father. "Magic is illegal in Camelot. He'll kill anyone he knows has magic, hence him not knowing I do."
"I haven't been to Camelot in a hundred years," the man admitted as if somehow that made sense. (Because he was older than Merlin, but not by a hundred years.) "I did not know that was the case. Unfortunately, I can't leave until my master uses his last two wishes, and he's going to find that difficult considering his current state."
Merlin looked down at his sleeping father, and for the first time realized his mother was sharing the bed. Oh gods that was not the kind of thing he wanted to be thinking about. "My father would never use magic like this. You're lying."
"He didn't know it was magic I suspect," the man, who Merlin was starting to think wasn't a man, admitted. "I am a Djinn, a creature of magic, though not necessarily one of the Old Religion as you think of it. My gods are very different from yours, and far crueler. I was bound to a lamp, and cursed to offer three wishes to anyone who held my lamp. Your father did just that, and then made a wish. He didn't know I'd be forced to obey it."
The Djinn looked so upset, Merlin knew he wasn't evil. This was a cursed creature, not a malevolent one. Still, he'd caused quite a mess. "What did he wish for?"
"I may be able to show you. You are a creature of magic too, hence why my power didn't affect you. I suspect though I could put you under the enchantment if you didn't fight it. Perhaps you could even convince your Father that the life he is living isn't real, and he has to ask for his real life back for it to end."
Just because this Djinn wasn't malevolent that didn't mean Merlin trusted it. "How can I know that once I give into your spell I'll still know it's a dream? I could end up trapped as well."
"Yes, you could," the Djinn admitted. "But I don't think you will. Like I said you are a creature of magic. There are many with magic, but I've never encountered one like you. You are magic itself, which is suspect is as much a curse to you as the lamp is to me. Still, in this case it may be a blessing. Your power is stronger than mine, so you should retain your consciousness in this dream world. I make no guarantees mind you, but if you want everyone to wake up it is your only possibility."
Merlin had suspected that answer, but he was still thrown for the loop. He didn't like this whole 'creature of magic' or 'magic itself' talk. It sounded like the kind of thing the Great Dragon would say, and there was a reason Merlin had stopped visiting Kilgharrah. Still, Merlin wasn't used to having a second option. "Fine, do it, but if anything changes out here bring me back immediately. I know the lamp your held in, and it was given to my father by some traveling sorcerers, not that he knew the second part. They should have known what you were, which means they wanted this to happen. I suspect they're up to something."
"My last mistress was cruel," the Djinn admitted with a dark look. "The things she wished for were most terrible, and she was barely more than a girl then. If she is the one who gave your father my lamp I'd agree, she wanted this to happen. You have my word that should there be a threat here I will bring you back. Now you might want to sit down."
Carefully, Merlin sat at the foot of his parents' bed. He didn't like this one bit, but in a way he trusted the Djinn. "Do you have a name? I never asked."
"A long time ago," the Djinn admitted looking sad. "Before I wished power for myself and ended up cursed I was just a man. My name then would best translate to Halil I suspect."
Merlin nodded, "If I stop this mess, Halil I will claim the lamp for myself and use my wishes to free you. I promise."
"Thank you," Halil admitted smiling like he'd heard the offer before, and never had someone fulfill it. "Now close your eyes and let my magic affect you."
With a deep breath, Merlin did so, and fell into the world of his father's creation.
Merlin didn't know what he expected to find. Camelot covering Albion? Every single magical creature dead? Certainly he didn't expect to find a farming village covered in snow, or Morgana, baby in hand, smiling up at him. "Come on Merlin, Isla is getting cold. It's not much further to your parents."
"Yes, yes," Merlin rubbed his eyes, trying to figure out what was going on? Why was Morgana dressed like a peasant, and whose child did she have? Unless….
There was a ring on Morgana's finger, small, simple, but obviously a wedding band. He had one himself. In his father's dream world they were already married…with a daughter.
Merlin looked down at the girl, his daughter, Isla, Morgana had called her. She couldn't be more than a few months old, but looked just like her mother. Beautiful green eyes sparkled up at him, turning gold for a split second. His and Morgana's daughter had magic. Of course she did when they both did as well. In reality any children they had would probably too. All the more reason for Merlin to free magic.
"Are you alright, Merlin?" Morgana asked looking at her husband worried. "You seem confused."
"It's nothing," Merlin lied, kissing her forehead for good measure. "I just want to get to my parents." And convince my dad this is all a dream.
As they walked, the thought of 'why' bothered Merlin. Why would his father wish they were all peasants, as they clearly were? He fit the crown well, and seemingly liked it. Was that all a farce? After all, Merlin pretended to enjoy being a prince as well. Did anyone actually like their life as a royal?
No, probably not. It was a miserable existence, as was the life of a peasant. Life in general was miserable. Still, Merlin got why his father wished for this. Everyone thinks the other option will be better until they try it, and then they're always disappointed.
"Merlin! Morgana!" A familiar voice greeted as they stumbled into the village. It was Arthur's manservant, George, looking a lot less polished than normal. "Your father told me you were coming. I was hoping you could take a look at the twins; they've developed the flu."
And what was Merlin supposed to do about it? He found the answer in Morgana's words, "Merlin would love to. He's the best healer I've ever seen. He could work for Kings."
What? Merlin knew nothing about healing, and was miserable at it even with magic. Why would he be a healer in this fantasy world? "Sure, I'll look at them. Morgana, why don't you bring Isla to my parents before she gets cold. I'll be right over."
"Okay," Morgana told him with a lingering kiss. Merlin watched her trudge through the snow, before turning and following George. "I have this potion, but your father said it was written in some strange language he couldn't read so I don't know the directions."
Merlin picked up the potion, and read it easily. "My father couldn't read this?" George nodded, and Merlin sighed. He'd noticed before that you couldn't read in dreams. That had to be Uther's issue. "Just give them each a spoonful now and when they wake up in the morning. I don't even think it's the flu just a chill."
George seemed relieved. "Thank you Merlin. I'll let you get to your family."
Merlin nodded, and wandered over to the cottage where he saw his family gathered inside. His mother hugged him quickly, and Uther nodded in approval. Seeing his father reminded Merlin of why he was here. How was he supposed to convince the King, no, this farmer, that this was all fake? That he lived in a hut but was actually a king? The idea sounded insane within Merlin's head, never mind out loud.
"Isla is beautiful," Gwen beamed, and Merlin realized she and Arthur were married. How was that part of Uther's wish? He didn't even know Arthur was developing feelings for Gwen, and for good reason. They'd never be allowed. Gwen was a servant and Arthur the future King. If Uther wouldn't marry the mother of his children because of her blood he wouldn't allow his only legitimate child to do so.
No, this wish had taken on a life of itself. Whatever specific thing Uther wished for created a world, one he couldn't have been happy with. They lived in a hut! Sure, it was a little bigger than what Merlin had grown up with, but still a hut. This was King Uther Pendragon; he belonged in a castle. Seeing him dressed in rags with holes in his boots just felt wrong. This whole thing was so wrong.
"Thank you," Morgana whispered wrapping her free arm around Merlin. "I think it was a blessing she got my ears."
Well, maybe all of this wasn't wrong. "And your eyes," Merlin smiled kissing her softly. Back in reality they were still awkward. Engaged, but not married. In love, but wary. Here though she didn't even look up. This was their norm. Merlin got to breathe in her scent every day and it was wonderful. Someday this would be their life. Well, minus the rags.
"Happy birthday mum," Merlin hugged his mom remembering that was what everyone said they were here for. It did seem to be January, so it would make sense.
"So, how is training?" Arthur asked over dinner. Merlin tried to figure out what he meant, and then realized everyone seemed to think he was a healer. Did his father's wish really entail him and Morgana living far away so Merlin could learn healing? Did Uther hate Merlin, or just miss the time before he came around? (And how were those any different.)
"Oh, you know, normal," Merlin shrugged looking at the measly meal for the number gathered. This was what it was like for the first 18 years of Merlin's life, but he found it difficult to return to. You can hate your new life, but still be unable to go back to what was.
Merlin counted himself lucky when he awoke to Halil staring at him. Well, he was glad until he realized that for him to be brought back something had to be very, very wrong. "My last mistress, she's invading the castle."
Merlin looked out the window and found Halil's words true. The streets of the lower town were filled with terror as an army marched into the castle. Merlin ran, not thinking of a plan, but Halil caught his arm. "They do not know you are awake. You have the advantage of surprise."
He was right. Merlin needed to find this mistress of his and stop her, not worry about the army, "Who leads them? Who wants the throne?"
"Her name is Morgause." Merlin cursed. "You know her?"
Unfortunately Merlin did. "She's my sister, well half sister. I don't really know the story actually, but she's bad news. I knew that right when we met."
"She is a terrible person," Halil admitted his head down. "And I gave her everything she wanted, including this army. I am so sorry."
The Djinn looked so upset, Merlin found himself offering comfort, "You cannot disobey. Tell me about this army you created, what are their weaknesses?"
"They have none," Halil confessed. "They're undead. I can't give life but I can revive corpses. They will fight for Morgause because they have no choice in the matter-they are just puppets."
Oh great. Not only did Merlin have to stop his traitorous half-sister, but he also had to defeat an undead army. "Well my magic could probably kill them."
"No," Halil insisted looking terrified. "Nothing but a weapon forged in the dragon's breath could stop them. How would you possibly summon a dragon, even with your powers? Only a dragonlord could!"
Merlin didn't know what a dragonlord was, but it didn't matter. "I don't need to summon a dragon; I know where I can find one."
Merlin hid his parents in the antechamber locked by a powerful spell he doubted anyone but him could undo. Actually, he was worried about being able to undo it himself. Hopefully though it would protect his parents long enough for him to retake the castle, and then he'd be able to go back into the dream and fix this.
"We need to do the same for Arthur and Morgana," Merlin realized, but it was an impossible task. Already there were undead knights filling the halls and Merlin would have a hard enough time sneaking down to see Kilgharrah. Arthur's chambers were close enough, but Morgana's… "I'll just do Arthur. Morgause seemed to care a lot about Morgana. I don't think she'll hurt her."
Halil seemed wary, but he trusted Merlin. "I can conceal myself and watch her. Try to keep her safe."
Merlin was grateful, and said as much as he snuck down the hall to Arthur's chambers. He was too late though and, as he rounded the corner, saw Morgause's men pulling his sleeping body along. "Take him to the dungeons. I want him to know what I've done before he dies. AND THEN FIND MY SISTER!"
Merlin hid behind a beam as they passed by, and only moved once the coast was clear. He had to get to Kilgharrah or else he'd never be able to stop Morgause. If he couldn't even kill her army he certainly couldn't kill her.
"Young prince," the dragon greeted once Merlin finally made it down. "How long you have stayed away. Why do you come now instead of just sending Mordred? I see the young druid far more than I you."
Mordred had been visiting the dragon? Merlin would have to question that later, but right now there was no time. "I need you to breathe on my sword. Camelot is being invaded by the undead and I have no way of stopping them. Please, will you help me?"
"A weapon like that would hold much power. I do not fear you yielding it, but you must promise it will never make it into the hands off anyone but you and Arthur. The disasters Uther or Mordred could rage…"
Merlin didn't know why Mordred having a powerful sword could be so dangerous, but he didn't care. "I swear once I'm done with it I'll put it somewhere safe where only Arthur and I can find it. Please, will you help me save Camelot?"
The dragon nodded, and, sighing in relief, Merlin lay down the sword. With a bounding breath, Kilgharrah spit fire across the sword, warming the cavern suddenly. When the fire finally cooled, Merlin could see a new glow in the sword.
"Good luck young Prince, and remember your vow. This sword is to be used by Arthur and only you can borrow it. In the hands of any other destruction would rain down upon Camelot."
With the dragon's chilling last words, Merlin ran off to stop Morgause. He kept the shadows the best he could, but Merlin was unconcerned when the undead knights saw him. A swing of his sword and they burst apart into dust. These people hadn't been fighters, and they didn't expect anyone to fight them. Really, once you got past the immortal part, Morgause's army was useless.
Merlin was glad for their incompetence though, because it made his job easier. When he reached the throne room, the Prince was barely winded. High he held his sword, doubting he'd need it once inside. Morgause was not immortal; Merlin only needed his magic to defeat her.
"This isn't possible," Morgause whispered looking over to see Merlin. They were alone in the throne room, Uther's throne room. Whatever differences Merlin and his father had, Merlin still knew who belonged as King. And he knew who didn't belong as Queen. "You should be asleep."
Merlin spotted Halil's lantern by the foot of the throne. It appeared after making his wish accidentally Uther had just left it there. "The flaw in your plan was that you assumed there were no creatures of magic here in Camelot. You were wrong." Merlin's eyes were golden as he threw Morgause off the throne. "I will give you one chance. No one had been hurt yet. Leave and no one has to be."
Morgause's laugh sickened Merlin, because it reminded him of their father. Really, Morgause was shockingly like Uther. Both power hungry, and both insane. "No one has been hurt? You think I do not know about the siren? I remember how it burned within my head! You Merlin Pendragon have magic as well it seems, so you know what I mean. And that is just the beginning. Uther has burned villages to the ground! He's killed thousands out of his hatred! Do you want to know why the purge began?"
"Because he sacrificed Ygraine's life for Arthur's." That Merlin knew the reason seemed to surprise Morgause, but she continued on her tirade.
"He's a hypocrite and a coward who has brought terror and destruction to all. He should not be allowed to rule any longer!"
Merlin knew everything she said to be true, but there was still one problem. "And who shall be in charge them? You?"
"Why not?" Morgause argued, and Merlin realized they weren't fighting. She seemed to care about him as a brother now that she knew of his magic. "I am his eldest child older than even your slut of a mother!"
"Do not speak of my mother," Merlin growled. "You would make as terrible a Queen as Father does a King! The laws of Camelot would only pass the throne to you should Arthur and I die! You would kill three members of your family just to have the throne, who would you sacrifice to keep it? The nobles? The common people? You're a monster Morgause, and I will stop you."
"Then do it," Morgause smirked her eyes tightening. "Or are you a coward as well, brother?"
Merlin didn't even need a spell he was so fueled by rage. Morgause was no champion for those with magic. She was power-hungry and a monster. As Merlin threw her across the room he felt no guilt. She had to be defeated.
"Ábrawain," Morgause called back sending a burst of magic towards Merlin. Quickly he shielded himself, sending the spell back at Morgause. She ducked to the side and avoided it's deadly powers. "You are strong, but I am the High Priestess of the Triple Goddess! No man can defeat me."
Her words were tested as Merlin's eyes glowed gold, and power radiated from him. "I am Emrys, the most powerful warlock to ever live. Your spell didn't affect me because I am not a man but a creature of the Old Religion. I am magic itself and I condemn you Morgause Pendragon as you would condemn Albion." The Prince's voice radiated a power beyond his years, and terrified Morgause. She attempted to draw the strength to teleport, but found Merlin draining her own power.
"No! You can't do this!"
"You cannot tell me what I can and cannot do," Merlin howled his eyes turning from a freckled gold to the deepest color of the earth. "I am magic, and as such I take yours. Aftcyme!" The spell hit a quaking Morgause, and her eyes faded immediately. She howled words of the Old Religion, but no magic came. "Just be glad you are my sister, or I would not have spared your life."
Morgause ran so fast towards the door, she tripped. "I still have an army! You will die for what you have done to me!"
"You have no army," Merlin saw Halil come into the room and pick up his lamp. "For their power comes from me. Upon my death they will be destroyed, and Uther's wish reversed."
Merlin didn't even get a chance to process Halil's words before the Djinn stole the sword and ran it through himself. A wave of magic passed across the castle as the army reverted to their former dead state, and everyone awoke. "Leave," Merlin told his sister looking down at the dead Djinn. "Before I change my mind."
She ran out terrified, leaving Merlin alone with just the Djinn's corpse. A silent tear ran down his face for the creature's sacrifice. "You're free," Merlin whispered turning the lamp to dust. "Your curse is broken."
They ended up destroying the anti-chamber wall to free Uther and Hunith. Even then they would have been unable to had Merlin not been standing there inconspicuously reversing the spell. The power he'd shown today scared even the Prince, and he hadn't even told Morgana about it. Actually, he hadn't told anyone anything besides for saying 'it was the Djinn' when Arthur found him in the throne room.
"I'm glad you're both alright," Uther acknowledges as Hunith hugged both boys. (Yes, she didn't care that Arthur wasn't her son; she treated him as well as she did Merlin.) "But I don't understand what happened."
"The lamp you were given by that traveler, it contained a Djinn," Merlin admitted his heart aching at the lie. Halil was the hero in the end, but Merlin couldn't admit it. "The whole castle was under a spell which allowed for the creature to bring his army and siege the castle. When I stabbed him all the spells were broken, so the army died and you all awoke."
"You saved Camelot today," Uther praised never prouder of his youngest son. "But why weren't you affected by the spell?"
Because I have magic that makes even me scared."I went for a walk last night. It must have been cast while I was out of the castle. I just got lucky."
"We were lucky," Arthur reminded Merlin with a smile. "Lucky that you weren't under the curse and that you managed to stand on your own two feet for long enough to kill a Djinn. He must have been very useless for you to kill."
Merlin smiled, "You're such a prat."
"Idiot!"
"Clotpole."
"Useless toad."
The two princes went off bickering, and Hunith turned to the King with a smile. "You would never know they weren't raised together."
"They are truly brothers," Uther admitted with a nod. "We were lucky to have Merlin of else we'd all be dead. Our son was brave."
"Yes," Hunith admitted kissing the King on the cheek. "Yes, Merlin is. This wasn't the first time he's saved Camelot, and it won't be the last. I'm glad I disobeyed you and brought him to Camelot. And I'm glad I finally came as well."
Uther placed his hand on the woman's stomach where their child grew, "Do you think she'll be a girl, like in the dream world?"
"Yes," Hunith admitted. "Gaius taught me about magic when I apprenticed under him. Djinn manipulate reality, but there is always a hint of truth in it. I think that we have already met our unborn daughter."
"Princess Anna," Uther smiled kissing her forehead. "She was very beautiful. Just like her mother."
Hunith smiled, thinking of the world that could never be. Some part of Uther must wish they were married or else the Djinn would never have made it so. So Hunith clung to that part of Uther, the part that loved her and wasn't just a King. The part that legitimized their children. "You need to go. The city is still terrified considering there are hundreds of dead bodies lying about. They need their King."
And sometimes, when Hunith couldn't forget the hypocrite, she just let that part go