"Erika, Merlin," Elyan said from the doorway of their chambers. "The king has called a meeting of the round table."
"Thank you Elyan." Merlin said. "We will be there shortly."
"He told me to tell you that, if you cannot attend Erika, he will not mind."
"I'm sure I can manage." Erika smiled. "Thank you Elyan." Elyan nodded and left.
"Are you sure you can handle it?" Merlin asked. "Everyone will understand if you don't come."
"Merlin, I was sent here to help and protect Camelot. I'm not going to let this slow me down."
"Just be careful. Gaius told you that too much stress could hurt the baby."
"The baby will be fine. It a simple meeting." She took his hand in hers. "Come on. They'll be wondering where we are." They walked hand in hand to the council chambers.
"Thank you all for coming at such short notice." Arthur said. "I've call you here to discuss border control. Merlin, I was wondering if you could put up a protective spell at the border to stop intruders."
"Of course I can." Merlin said.
"We can head out later today if you want." Erika said.
"I don't want you going out there." Arthur informed. "There's been reports of someone terrorizing the outer lying village."
"Why does everyone think in so fragile all of a sudden?" Erika snapped. "I can handle myself."
"Erika," Gwen said. "Can I speak to you in private?" Erika stood from her seat and followed Gwen to the hall.
"Alright, I need you to stop thinking about yourself for the moment." She instructed. "Think about the baby. I know you feel like you can handle yourself, but, with how close you are to giving birth, it's dangerous to stress yourself out like that. For you and the baby."
"You don't understand Gwen. I have a duty to Camelot. I supposed to be the great sorceress who protects and brings peace."
"I know. But the kingdom will understand if your duties are put on hold for a while. Please. For your child's sake." Erika's hand went to her stomach and she sighed. The child stirred within her and she smiled.
"Alright. I will try to relax. For the baby."
"Good." Gwen pulled her friend into a hug.
"I should probably apologize for my outburst back there." Erika said. She took a deep breath and re-entered the council chamber.
"I must apologize for my attitude before." She said. "I realize you're all just thinking about what's best for me and the baby. I thank you for that." She took her seat beside Merlin and he grabbed her hand beneath the table.
The council meeting ended and Erika watched from her window as the knights and Merlin left for the border. There was a knock at her door that startled her. Regaining her composure she opened the door.
"Morgana," she said. "Come in." She opened the door wider, allowing the princess to enter.
"I thought I might keep you company while everyone is at the border." She said.
"That's very kind of you." Erika smiled and sat on the window sill.
"What do you know of the man who's been terrorizing the outer lying village?" Erika suddenly asked.
"Not much." Morgana admitted. "All I know is that he has strength that could only be gained by magic. He keeps on yelling about something. Trying to find someone he calls 'the Freak' and 'Stupid Bitch'." Fear set into Erika. That's what her father used to call her.
"No." She whispered. "It's coming true. It can't be."
"What's going on?" Morgana asked. Worry etched across her face.
"The man, that's my father. He's looking for me."
"You don't know it's him."
"But I do Morgana. The nightmares I've had about him finding me. Destroying everything I care about. It's coming true. This is how it started."
While the men made their way to the border they heard a man yelling.
"Where is she?" A man barked.
"I don't know who your talking about!" The woman cried.
"What's going on here?" Sir Leon questioned. The man threw the woman to the ground and she scurried away.
"Who the hell are you?" The man asked.
"I'd ask you the same question." Merlin said.
"State your name and intentions or we will be forced to deal with you swiftly and severely." Leon stated. Percival pulled out his sword for emphasis.
"My name is Robert Thompson." The man spat. "And I intend to find my daughter and beat the shit out of her for running away."
"Who is your daughter?" Gwain asked.
"Her name is Erika. But I'm sure she's changed it by now." Merlin's eyes widened when her name was mentioned.
"You will not go near her." Merlin barked. The knights looked at him curiously, but figured Merlin knew more about Erika's relationship with her father and stood with him.
"And who the hell are you to stop me?" Robert growled.
"Who I am is none of your concern." Merlin got off his horse and walked towards Robert. Robert smirked and punched Merlin in the jaw. If it was a normal punch he would have shaken it off, but, because of the enchantment on Robert, it knocked him back nearly an entire league. The knights brandished their swords and went at Robert. It took a while to get him down, but they did it.
"You will be put in the dungeons and questioned by the king and queen of Camelot." Leon said, steering him towards the castle. Percival lifted an unconscious Merlin from the ground and brought him to Gaius.
From her window, Erika saw the knights bringing her father into custody. She also saw Merlin lying limp in Percival's arms. She rushed from her room to the courtyard and watched as they entered Gaius's chambers.
She wanted to see what was wrong, but she was stopped by Gwain and Elyan.
"What's wrong with him?" She asked.
"We don't know yet." Elyan explained. "We were attacked and Merlin got the worst of it."
"I have to see him." She attempted to push past but the grabbed her.
"We can't let you in until we know what's wrong." Gwain said.
"No." She fought against them and they pulled her back inside. "Merlin! No! I have to see him! I have to know if he's okay! Merlin!" Gwain and Elyan got her into the castle and sat her on one of the benches.
"Gaius needs time to look him over and see if he'll be alright." Gwain explained. "He can't have you in there right now."
"What about my father? What's going to happen to him?" Erika asked through tears.
"We don't know yet." Elyan admitted. "He will face trial for what he's done to Merlin and what he did to the village while looking for you. He may face death."
"It may seem harsh but..." Gwain started.
"But nothing." Erika cut in. "That man deserves everything that's coming to him. After all he did to me. He's had it coming for a long time." The two knights looked at each other shocked then back at Erika.
"Allow me to walk you back to your chambers." Gwain offered, extending a hand for her. She took it and he linked his arm through hers.
"Will you promise to inform me when I can see him?" Erika asked.
"Of course My Lady." He kissed her hand and left her alone in her chambers. Morgana was no longer there. She laid down on her and Merlin's bed and cried until she fell into a dreamless sleep.
I understand it's a bit long, I just wanted to put so much in it. So anyway, could you all do me a huge favor and go read my friend, littlemissobssesed's story 'A Complicated Destiny'? It's amazing