Sorry it's a bit of a short chapter, it's meant to be a dramatic one, but it probably isn't. Oh well, hope you like it!

I'm afraid this will be my last update for a few days, as it's getting ever closer to Christmas so it's going to be busy! Don't worry, I'll be back soon (:

Reviews been a bit low recently, I suppose because at this time of year everyone's crazy busy, so I expect after the holidays to have loads of reviews! Haha, only joking, but if you could PLEASE find some time could you review I will be very grateful (:

Anyway, enough of the nagging, have a good Christmas everyone! See you soon! (:

xxx

Chapter 14

Night had fallen over Camelot, and along with it came silence as if everyone was still, and sleeping peacefully. But Feu felt no peace where she sat in Merlin's chamber; instead she felt dread and fear wrapping around her stomach like a boa constrictor. Dark rings sat under her eyes as Feu gazed down at the floor, thinking about everything, apart from how time was ticking closer to midnight.

Despite feeling guilty about the argument, Feu had not yet gone to apologise to Arthur about what she said. She didn't mean a word of it, but while deep down she still burned with rage at the thought of how stupidly he acted and the things he had said to her, she knew it was probably safe to keep a distance for while. He might not even be ready to accept her apology yet, but as time ticked by, he may never get one.

Arthur had been Feu's only hope of getting rid of Samar. She thought he was the only one who would see enough sense and who would have enough power to force Samar to leave the City. As soon as Samar was out of the City walls Feu could feel safe again, but he was still in Camelot, and it seemed that he would never leave.

The only person left to tell was Merlin, but Samar had already threatened Feu that if Merlin knew anything about him, someone would end up hurt, and she knew Samar meant Merlin. If anything went wrong that night and Merlin found out and tried to do something about it, he would be Samar's first victim. Just the thought that he would die because of her tore at Feu's heart. Merlin had already got in to trouble because of her; she didn't want anything else to happen. Merlin was a good person; he deserved to continue living his life, whether or not Feu came home tomorrow.

Little did Feu know, that Merlin knew everything, and was already planning something.

Just then, the door opened and Merlin walked into his chambers, Feu didn't look up at him, but she was glad of his presnece. Neither said anything as he sat down beside her; Feu briefly wondered where he had been.

"Has Arthur forgiven me yet?" She asked into the silence.

"Well I think he's calmed down a little bit now." Merlin told her gently. "He's not one for holding grudges, not really. I'm sure he'll be fine soon."

Feu rested her head against Merlin's shoulder, the only place she truly felt safe at the moment. "Tell him I'm sorry about what happened," she said.

"Can't you do it yourself?" Merlin asked, knowing fully well why she couldn't tell him, because he knew exactly what was going to happen that night. Or what Feu thought was going to happen.

"I think it's better if I keep my distance for a while," Feu mumbled.

Silence followed this, in which Merlin put a comforting arm around Feu, and she gave a small smile.

"What are you going to do about Samar?" Merlin asked, wondering if it was worth trying to get the truth out of Feu, then maybe she would accept his help.

But Feu just shrugged. "We'll just have to see what happens, as long as he doesn't hurt anyone." She looked up at Merlin, "you believe me don't you? You know that Samar's bad?"

"Of course I do," Merlin told her. "He can't fool me."

Feu didn't look so sure. She sighed, "if only there was some way of breaking the spell. It's only a small spell, like a thin mist that's been draped over the mind, but it's effective enough to make sure no one will doubt Samar. I know some spells that might work, but not completely. My mother taught some spells to me, but it's been a long time since I've practise any magic."

Merlin shrugged, "I'm sure there are lots of spells, but sometimes it only needs a shock for people to realise reality."

There was another moment of silence as Feu thought about what might give Arthur a big enough shock for him to realise reality. Perhaps when she disappeared into the forest and turned up dead the next day, he might see the truth.

"I love you." Merlin said suddenly.

Feu looked up at him, surprised. She was about to tell him the same thing, as this might be the last time they sat together. There was always a chance that she could defeat Samar, but he was a lot stronger than she will ever be. Feu wondered why Merlin had suddenly announced this into the silence, as if he was the one leaving her. But she didn't want to become suspicious. There wasn't enough time to turn against anyone else.

"I know," she murmured. "I love you too. And whatever happens in my life, you'll forgive me won't you?" She added.

"Of course," Merlin nodded, he didn't seem to be phased by this random comment as Feu thought he should be. "As long as you would do the same for me."

Feu nodded silently. She had a feeling that something wasn't quite right, there was something Merlin wasn't telling her, but she said nothing.

"You look like you need some sleep," Merlin said.

Feu shook her head, "I'm fine," she murmured, but she felt exhausted. She needed sleep, but she knew she wouldn't be able to get to sleep, and there probably wasn't any time to either.

It fell silent again; Merlin took this opportunity to pull Feu slightly closer to him, she didn't complain or wonder why. He lowered his head and whispered something almost silently in her ear. Gold flashed in his eyes.

Before Feu had time to realise, or even think about what he had said, her eyes were closing and her body relaxing. She didn't even seem to notice that she was drifting off to sleep, her head still resting on Merlin's shoulder, her worries disappearing as peaceful darkness drew in.

Merlin got up and carefully laid her on his bed. He wasn't sure what Feu was going to say when she woke up and realised that he had made her fall asleep. Hopefully she wouldn't be able to remember what he had whispered in her ear. He felt guilty for doing it, but he knew that there was no other way. Merlin just kept reminding himself that he was doing it for her, he couldn't sneak away while Feu was still awake; she might realise what he was doing. This might be the only safest option for Feu, because she couldn't die, not again, especially not because of someone like Samar.

Closing the door quietly behind him, Merlin left his chambers without looking back. He walked out into the night, ignoring the cold air that bit into his skin, there were more important things to think about. Time was already ticking towards midnight.

Merlin turned and headed off to the forest.