Disclaimer: I do not own Merlin or any of its characters. I only own the ones that I've made up myself.
A/N- I just want to thank everyone who reads this story! I wish that I could bake you all some cake to show you my gratitude. I wouldn't be able to do this without everyone's sweet support. I will promise that I'm not going to abandon this story and will finish it. But for now, A happy Saturday to all of you :)
- x Milou Lilly
Chapter 37: The Queen of Hearts
"So, you plan to take Gwen on a date out of Camelot?" Lyanna repeated to make sure that she understood it correctly.
Arthur nodded. "You don't approve?"
"It doesn't matter what I think. The important thing is what you and Gwen want. Nevertheless I'm glad that you've send Merlin out to inform Gwen about this plan of yours. The two of you need spend some time together. It's only natural to do such a thing when you're in love." Arthur gave her a certain look. "Don't look at me like that, Pendragon. You know that I'm right. The two of you have been twirling around each other for years now it's logical that you want to be together. So therefor I must say that I'm immensely proud that you've finally found the guts to ask Gwen on a date."
His jaw dropped a bit. "So you do approve?"
"Oh wow, you surely aren't the wisest are you? Did you even listen to what I'm saying at all? Never mind. I've been listening to both of you talking about each others for years and waiting for both of you to finally take the next step and I can't believe that today is the day." Lyanna grinned sheepishly.
"But how is it that you and Merlin have done this countless of time already during the last couple of years?" Arthur wondered.
She licked her lips. "Well, I guess it's because Merlin and I spend a lot more time together than you and Gwen do. Also I'm the apprentice of the court physician and Merlin is his ward, so it isn't an odd sight for us to be seen together out in the open and people don't question that. But just to let you know we hardly go out on dates if that's what you're referring to. I think we've been on six ever since my betrothed ran of with someone else, not that I mind that he did that. I'm glad that he did."
"What kind of dates does he take you on?" the prince asked. Lyanna could tell that this entire situation was making him nervous because it was the first time that he wanted to do this and she thought that it was adorable.
"You helped him a couple of months ago by arranging dinner and candles so that he could decorate my chambers and surprise me. Otherwise he just takes me out to a nice spot in the forest for a picnic so no one will find us," Lyanna explained, finally looking away from the window to meet his gaze. "You plan to take Gwen on a picnic right?"
"Yeah, do you think that she will like that?"
Lyanna approached Arthur and placed her hands on his shoulders. "Arthur, I know my friend well enough to know that she will absolutely love everything that you do for her, so a picnic is a good idea."
At that moment Merlin entered the chambers of the princess and closed the door behind him. "I was already wondering where I could find you and I thought that you might be talking with your sister -" Merlin rambled.
Arthur looked at his servant. "Well, what did Gwen say?" he asked impatiently.
A grin crept on Merlin's face. "She said yes!"
Arthur let out a breath that he had been holding in anticipation. "Arthur, come on. You didn't honestly expect that Gwen was going to turn you down?" Lyanna asked her brother, frowning. "You've no idea how many times that I've had to listen to her rambling about how dreamy your eyes are." Merlin snorted at that.
"What else does she tell you about me?" Arthur suddenly asked.
Lyanna raised her hands. "I'm not going to tell you anything. I'm bound by a code of secrecy and everything that Gwen tells me in person I keep that a secret as she keeps mine. So no, I can't say anything, but you must know by now that you two are madly in love together and you don't need to ask others to realize that."
"She's right though," Merlin agreed with Lyanna. "We've heard both of you talking about each other for years. Going to spend some time with just the two of you is a logical step and will do you good."
"Since when are you two suddenly the love experts?" Arthur asked them, frowning.
Lyanna grabbed Merlin's hand and gently squeezed into it. "We do have a bit more experience on the matter than you do, brother dear. But that's nothing to be ashamed about. We're here to help you because we want things to work out between you and Gwen," she explained, smiling. "You two belong together as much as Merlin and I do. Don't you bother denying it, Archie. Or I may slap you."
The prince scoffed, not frightened by his sister's playful threatening. "Alright. Alright. I'll take her on this date," he finally gave in.
"Do you need any help with preparing?" Lyanna immediately asked, grinning sheepishly.
"No, I think that I'm alright with that," Arthur assured her.
"Okay, in that case I have a simple request," Lyanna continued, biting her bottom lip. Both Arthur and Merlin eyed her in confusion. "If you're going on a date with Gwen tomorrow morning you don't mind me borrowing your servant for a while."
Arthur rubbed his temples while Lyanna tried to contain another grin that crept on her face. He looked at his manservant. "Are you behind her asking this?"
"Nope, I didn't even know about this request until she just mentioned it," Merlin admitted, being completely honest.
"Alright," Arthur said again. "He will be released from his duties for the rest of the morning once me and Gwen's date has started and he has put everything into place and has delivered her to the spot in the forest."
Lyanna beamed at him. "Thank you, brother dear. Right, if you'll excuse me I need to find a dress for a certain maidservant." With that she walked out of her chambers.
"Lyanna, the sun has only just risen is this really necessary?" Gwen asked doubtfully as the princess stormed into the small house where the maidservant lived and placed all her belongings onto the table. "What do you need all of that stuff for?"
"Well," Lyanna began, facing her friend. "You've been helping me getting dressed for years now so I thought that it would be nice to return the favour and to help you get ready for your date with my brother. Are you excited?"
Gwen smiled nervously. "Alright, so maybe I am."
"That's a good thing, Gwen. It's all part of hanging out with the man that you love without other people being there. This is your opportunity to get to know each other better, without being disturbed. Now sit down please, so that I can do your hair."
The maid didn't argue back, knowing that she would never win this from a Pendragon. She was still wearing a nightgown since Lyanna had woken her from her sleep by showing up at her doorstep at this hour.
"Can't you use magic?" Gwen then asked.
Lyanna pressed her lips together. "What to help you get dressed?" Gwen nodded. "I think that I could, but I'm not sure. I've never tried that before, besides I've already arranged for you to wear this dress."
"Sorry, I shouldn't -"
"No, wait. Stand up please, I want to try something. I'm not going to hurt you," Lyanna assured her, smiling faintly. Gwen nodded and stood up as Lyanna closed her eyes for a second and rubbed her hands together. "Odsysn Bebaysimer."
The white nightgown that Gwen was wearing changed into soft white and pink dress that Lyanna had picked out for her. It suited her perfectly, and really brought out her caramel coloured skin.
"It worked!" Lyanna cried out in pure astonishment. "I can't believe that worked! The dress looks wonderful on you, Gwen!"
Gwen beamed with happiness. "You need to have more faith in yourself, Lyanna. You're capable of more than you think," she helped her remember.
Lyanna addressed her the warmest smile. "Despite that I have magic I want to do your hair without it," she said before clearing her throat. She carefully began to brush Gwen's curly hair to free it from knots. Several minutes later Gwen's loose hair was braided in a nice ladylike style. There were white flowers adorned in her hair.
"You look like a fairy," Lyanna gasped before pulling Gwen into an embrace, trying not to cringe her dress. "Arthur is not going to be able to keep his eyes off you if he sees you like this, not that he already can no."
"Milady, that's not inappropriate," Gwen objected, blushing.
"But it is the truth," Lyanna said as she let go off her friend.
Gwen giggled. "Now that I'm already dressed we have plenty of time before we need to leave. Can I make you some tea?" Lyanna nodded as they both giggled. They drank their tea together while Gwen ate some breakfast and they just talked together like they always did.
Lyanna could tell how nervous Gwen was getting as time dreaded on, which was only logical. She tried to give her friend some advice and to calm her. Eventually there came a knock on the door. They both turned their heads as Merlin stepped into the small house. He smiled at Gwen, but his gaze then lingered to Lyanna. His eyes bulged out of his head and his mouth opened a bit as he took in what the princess was wearing, which was a flowing blue gown. Her hair hang loose around her face like a golden river.
"You two look lovely," Merlin complimented.
Gwen sighed in relief to hear that. "Are you ready then?" Lyanna asked her, grinning.
"Uh... Yes," Gwen replied, smiling shyly.
The three of them then left the small house and walked through the lower town of Camelot until they left the city behind them. They reached the forest and made their way to the place where the prince was waiting for them. As they got there they found Arthur gazing in a silver platter to fix his hair and eyebrows. They approached him from behind and were giggling.
"Sssh," Merlin said to the two women. He cupped his hands around his mouth. "Caw! Caw!"
Arthur dropped the platter on the ground and whirled around only to see them there, laughing. Lyanna, Merlin and Gwen walked to the stream that separated them from Arthur.
He then took in what Gwen was wearing. "Guinevere, you look..." He stopped in the middle of his sentence because he was quite blown away and speechless. Lyanna was smirking in amusement to see them like that.
"I think he's trying to say you look nice," Merlin said, laughing and Gwen started to chuckle.
"Thank you, Merlin. That'll be all," Arthur said to his servant.
"Alright, have fun you two," Lyanna called at them as she watched how Arthur helped Gwen to step over the stream. She then grabbed Merlin's hand and walked in the opposite direction.
"Where are we going?" Merlin quizzed.
"I was just hoping to go on a walk with you," Lyanna replied, smiling. "I've got nothing else planned if that was what you were hoping for."
"No. No. No," Merlin protested shyly. "Going on a walk with you is already good enough for me. I'm already glad when you're just with me. Besides I will keep you safe in case we should run into any bandits."
Lyanna snorted. "Merlin, as if I need any protection."
"Well, no normally you don't, but you didn't bring your sword with you and my magic is more powerful than yours so I'm bound to protect you should anything happen," Merlin explained as their fingers intertwined. Lyanna blushed at the contact.
"I'm glad that you're here then should something befall us. You're my hero after all."
He was grinning brightly. They walked past a flower field and Lyanna watched in astonishment as Merlin suddenly pulled his hand back and ran towards the field before bending forwards and plucking a flower. He then walked back to her, smiling nervously. "For you, Milady," he said, placing the white flower behind her ear. "I know that these are not your favorites, but I thought -"
"I like them," Lyanna cut him off, beaming up at him. "Thank you, Merlin." She quickly silenced him by connecting their lips before he would say something again. Merlin seemed to appreciate her way of thinking and passionately kissed her back. His hands travelled to her hipbone, where they rested. Lyanna wrapped them around his neck and kept them there. Their tongues entwined as she let out a soft moan.
As they kissed they kept walking around a bit until they tripped over a root and fell onto the ground. Merlin was lying on the ground and Lyanna had fallen on top of him. She leaned upwards a bit so that she could look him in his eyes. "Oops," she said before she pulled him in for another kiss because she wasn't quite finished with him. She craved him all the time and she couldn't deny herself this.
They just lay there in the middle of a sea of flowers, kissing each other as if there was no tomorrow. Neither of them wanted to stop and things were heating up. Merlin flipped her onto her back before attacking her with kisses. He started at her cheek and went to her jaw, before trailing down towards her neck. He could hear her heavy breathing and saw the effect that he was having on her. She was completely at his mercy.
"I want you more than anything," Merlin admitted with a low voice. "But we need to stop here before we lose all control. I really want to show you how much I love you, but not now."
Lyanna looked at him with a sad look in her eyes as she ran her fingers through his hair. "I know. I know," she said breathlessly. "I want you too, but thank you for stopping. We would've never forgiven ourself if we had continued."
He lowered his head to kiss her again and pulled back after a few moments. "You've no idea how hard it was," he said, laughing. "You're so beautiful." He tenderly stroke her now swollen lips. "And I want you to be mine."
"But I am yours," Lyanna made clear.
Merlin gave her an adoring look. "You know how I mean that, Lyanna." She nodded sadly because she knew it well.
"Dance with me," Lyanna suddenly said, surprising him.
He frowned. "Dance with you? We're out in the middle of nowhere and there is no music here," Merlin said in awe as he helped her back onto her feet.
"I know that there isn't any music, but we don't need any. Just dance with me." There wasn't any time for Merlin to say anything as Lyanna took his left hand in her right and put his other around her waist. Her left hand came to rest on his shoulder. "There's no need to be so tensed, Merlin. We've done this before."
"Yes, but that was three years ago," he sputtered as Lyanna took a step back with her right foot and he nervously took one forward with his left. Then she took a step to her right and closed her left foot which he also followed.
"See, you're doing incredibly well," she cried out in happiness. They set off slowly across the flower field. She noticed that he was looking less tensed than he had done the last time they had danced, but was still was very concentrated. After a few minutes Merlin had figured out how to put his feet in the right way and everything went much smoother. They were almost swaying now.
She quickly removed her hand from his shoulder and grabbed Merlin's chin and gently pulled up his head so that he was now looking into her eyes. "Please, just look at me," she almost pleaded before placing her hand back onto his shoulder.
They continued to sway around for a bit longer until Merlin suddenly became bold enough to twirl her around before pulling her back against his chest. Before she could say anything he had pressed his lips against hers. It was a brief kiss because he pulled away seconds later and they picked up where they had left off.
"You have some real talent for dancing," Lyanna proudly said.
"Maybe that's because I have the finest teacher anyone could ever imagine," Merlin retorted happily, smiling at her.
"I honestly don't think that you needed me for this," Lyanna replied.
"I always need you," Merlin seriously responded. "Not just for dancing, but for everything else. You're the air that I breathe and I'm not whole when I'm not with you -"
She claimed his mouth with hers again to silence him. "Don't talk," was all that she said and she heard him laughing before he happily kissed her back and that was all that they needed. They parted again when they both gasped for air. "We should continue our walk."
"Grand idea," Merlin agreed with her before taking her hand in his and intertwining their fingers again. Lyanna beamed up at him before they began their walk back to Camelot. Their shoulders were touching as they walked, and both of them were blushing slightly. They talked together about ordinary things like this always did.
Before they came closer to Camelot they sat down under a tree for a while, just looking at the scenery around them. They were able to see the castle in the distance and they both knew that his place was their home. For both of them. As they sat there they slowly laid down next to each other, clutching onto each other.
It was around noon that they had made their way back to Camelot. Now that they were amongst people again they weren't longer holding hands. They made a short stop at a small alcove to share a brief kiss before going further. When they walked down the corridor they noticed how many guards were standing in front of the prince his chambers. They walked past them and into the chamber where they found Arthur staring out of the window, looking rather distressed about something.
"Arthur, what's wrong? How did your date with Gwen go?" Lyanna immediately asked, approaching him.
He turned his head to meet her gaze. "Everything went well and we really had a lovely time, until father and Morgana found us making out," Arthur explained. Lyanna gasped. "At first he was like; there is no harm done. I know about the temptation of servant girls. But when I told her that I loved her he said that he had no other choice than to banish Gwen from Camelot."
"No, he can't do that!" Lyanna protested. She can't lose her dearest friend.
"How did Uther know where to find you?" Merlin wondered.
Arthur frowned. "I don't know. You two were the only people who knew where we were," the prince retorted.
"I didn't," Merlin paused raising his finger. "...tell him."
"Oh, maybe something you said," Arthur said. "...gave it away."
"I didn't say anything," Merlin firmly replied. Lyanna wanted to interfere, but she couldn't come between there bantering and sighed, feeling a headache setting in and rubbed her temples.
"You know Merlin, you couldn't keep a secret if your life depended on it!" Arthur shouted at his manservant.
"You'd be surprised!" Merlin retorted.
Arthur gave him a questioning look. "What's that supposed to mean?"
Lyanna met Merlin's gaze and bit her lip, knowing what he meant. "Nothing," Merlin responded, giving up. Arthur backed off. "What are you going to do?"
"I don't know," Arthur responded, sounding rather hopeless. At that moment Morgana entered the room. "Leave us, Merlin."
Not only Merlin, but Lyanna also left the room but not before glaring at the King's ward. She was in no mood to talk with Morgana or to pretend that they were on good terms.
"Lyanna, where are you going?" Merlin asked her, trying to keep up with her because she was practically running down the corridor.
She peered over her shoulder. "To see Gwen. She must be losing her sanity right now. I can't phantom what she must be feeling. The poor thing. This isn't what they deserved."
"Please, be reasonable," Merlin pleaded when he had pulled her behind a pillar so that they could talk in private. "There is nothing that you can do to change your father's mind. You know how he feels about love."
"I know that," she sulked. "But it could've been us who my father could have found in the forest and you who he would be banishing from Camelot. Only I would've come with you. Arthur can't do that. He's the rightful heir to the throne after all."
"You would honestly come with me?" Merlin asked, sounding a bit blown away.
Lyanna nodded. "Of course, I would. There's nothing left for me here then anyway when you're not here. We could go to Ealdor and try to be happy there," she replied and Merlin smiled brightly at her. "But it's not us and Gwen is being send away and she needs me."
Merlin placed a soft kiss between her eyebrows. "I'll come with you if you want me."
"I always want you to come with me," Lyanna admitted.
They stepped from behind the pillar together before walking further. Lyanna's pace increased, but Merlin easily kept up with her this time. It didn't take long until they had made it to the small house where the maidservant lived by herself. Lyanna didn't knock on the door and simply barged in before pulling Gwen in for a hug.
"Arthur just told me what happened and we came here straight away," Lyanna said. "I'm so sorry, Gwen. Honestly I don't know what to say that could make this better."
"It's alright," Gwen replied, smiling meekly. She let go off Lyanna and walked to where her bed stood, on which she had placed a suitcase which she was filling with all her belongings. "There is so much to do. I'll have to sell everything I can't take with me. And of course I need to find a new maid for you and Morgana."
"Gwen," Merlin called, his voice placidly.
"Do you know anyone suitable?" Gwen asked them.
"Gwen, stop it," Merlin insisted and she looked at him. "Where will you go?"
Gwen slumped onto her bed and shook her head, holding back her tears. Lyanna sat down beside her and Gwen immediately wrapped her arms around her friend again and clung onto her as if she was some sort of lifesaver to her. "I don't know. I've spend my whole life in Camelot, it's all I know. Everything I care about is here. I have nothing else."
"We'll figure something out, Gwen. Why don't you come and stay with me tonight so you won't have to be alone," Lyanna offered kindly.
"I'd love that. Thank you. Both of you," Gwen said gratefully to have her friends who were always there for her. It was all that they could do for her and it was saddening Lyanna immensely because she knew that her friend would have to leave Camelot within a few days. It wasn't something that she wanted to think about.
Merlin left them shortly after that because he needed to go back to Arthur while Lyanna stayed there with Gwen and helped her pack in case they wouldn't find a solution to solve all of this.
It was late in the afternoon that the two of them made their way back into the castle. Lyanna could tell how uncomfortable Gwen felt now that she was banished from Camelot and how badly she didn't want to be here because people would talk. Lyanna hooked her arm through that of Gwen to comfort her and it seemed to work.
They made their way back to Lyanna's chambers and the princess ordered some other servants to bring them something to eat now that Gwen wasn't working as her maidservant. Right now she was her friend, which was more than enough and Lyanna hoped that it could always be like that. She couldn't lose her.
Dinner was brought in just before nightfall and they ate it together while talking about other things to keep Gwen distracted with the entire situation going on. They had just finished when a few guards stormed into the room.
"What is the meaning of this?" Lyanna demanded, standing up and crossing her arms.
"We're following orders from the King, Milady. He asked us to get the maidservant and bring her to him," one of the guards explained as they roughly grabbed Gwen by her arm and took her out of the room.
Lyanna blinked a few times, unsure about what was going on before she hurried after them because she demanded an answer from her father. He couldn't be so hostile with her friend like that.
She watched in horror how the guards dropped Gwen to her knees in front of the King who was holding a strange poultice out in front of her. "You recognize this?" Uther asked her.
"I've never seen it before in my life," Gwen admitted, being completely honest.
"Really? I believe you planted it in Arthur's chambers to enchant him." Uther handed the poultice back to a guard.
Gwen shook her head. "That's not true," she protested.
"Why else would Arthur fall in love with someone like you?" the King questioned her.
"I don't expect someone like you to understand that," Gwen replied, showing pity in her voice. Uther slapped Gwen across the face with the back of his hand.
That moment Lyanna had enough and she stepped between them, pulling Gwen behind her. "If you lay so much as a finger onto her her again you will regret it," Lyanna threatened him, her voice low and and filled with anger. "You have no right to treat her like this. Gwen has been my trusted servant for years now and is my only friend. Just because you have no idea what love means doesn't mean that you can hurt Gwen like this and blame her for using magic. You're insane!" Lyanna noticed that her hands were trembling and her heart was beating fast because she was so upset.
Uther looked at her with disgust in his eyes for speaking to him in public like that. "I have no doubt she's feigned loyalty while using her position to get close to my son," he said to her.
At that moment the door opened and Arthur stormed in, followed by Merlin. The warlock caught sight of Lyanna who was doing her absolute best to hold in her tears, and how she was shaking with rage. It was very unsettling for him to see her in that state. "What is the meaning of this!?" Arthur demanded to know.
"This poultice was found under your pillow. Some kind of love charm. You are under its spell," Uther clarified as if it was such a logical explanation for why his son was in love with a maidservant. Lyanna was tempted to tell her about her feelings for the manservant, but knew that would mean that Merlin would be in the same pickle as Gwen was right now and she couldn't stand by and let that happen.
"That's ridiculous," Arthur protested. "I know how I feel. I'm not enchanted."
"So can you tell me how it came to be in your room?" Uther asked him.
Gwen gasped in anxiety as Lyanna knelt down beside her and wrapped her arm around her shoulder to comfort her in this horrid situation. "I don't know, but I don't believe Guinevere put it there," Arthur said unsure.
"Until its spell is broken, I can't take anything you say as the truth. Her father consorted with sorcerers," Uther made him remember.
Gwen let out a sob. "My father was a good and innocent man and you executed him!" she cried out.
Uther looked down at her. "So you would seek your revenge by enchanting my son?!"
"Father, stop this nonsense! You're not being reasonable. You just need an excuse to why two people could be in love. You can't stand the fact that your son has fallen in love with a maid who is more honourable and loyal than any noble person I've ever came across!" Lyanna shouted at him. "I don't care that you're the King, you're acting like a total fool right now!"
"My Lord, whatever this poultice is, I don't believe that Gwen is responsible for magic," Gaius tried to reason with the King, but it was pointless. He didn't want to see sense and it was frightening.
"I don't care what you believe, Gaius," Uther snapped. "Arthur is under her spell. It's the only rational explanation for his behaviour!"
"Father, you have to see reason. Guinevere has done nothing wrong," Arthur objected.
"She has been found guilty of using magic and enchantments. She will be burnt at the stake," Uther made clear.
Lyanna looked at the man that was her father and felt her anger increasing. "You can't burn her! You can't!" she yelled at him.
Arthur moved towards Uther. "Restrain him," he ordered. Guards immediately grabbed Arthur as he bolted forwards.
"You can't do this!" Arthur shouted at his father.
Lyanna meanwhile let her tears roam freely down her cheek, not being able to hold them in any longer. "My Lord!" Gaius called. "At least give Gwen a fair trial!"
"I have all the evidence I need," the King said.
"I'm begging you!" Arthur pleaded once more. "W-we will leave Camelot and never return! Just - just let us go! I relinquish my entitlement to the throne!"
Shock went through Lyanna as she heard him say that. He would much rather give up his right to the throne so that he could be together with Gwen and she couldn't fell more prouder because of that. Even though that meant that she was the next heir to the throne if he would truly leave and she didn't want that. She would much rather leave with them.
Uther stepped closer to Arthur. "My son would never do that. It is proof beyond doubt that you are enchanted," he said to him.
"I will never forgive you for this," Arthur made clear, his voice threatening.
"She will die. The enchantment will be broken. You'll see I was right. Take her away," the King ordered before he left the room himself.
Lyanna watched the scene before her in horror. "No! Guinevere!" Arthur cried out. He struggled to break free of the guards. Gwen began to panic as the guards picked her up from the floor and dragged her with them.
"Arthur! No! Arthur, please," Gwen shouted for him in return. Lyanna could only tell that this was heartbreaking to watch.
The guards dragged Gwen backwards towards the door. Arthur broke away from the guards. He ran to Gwen and grabbed her from the guards that were holding her. He kissed her in public until the other guards pulled him away. "I will always love you!" Arthur vowed to her.
They continued to drag Gwen out backwards as Arthur struggled against the guards in vain. Lyanna's eyes went to Morgana for a moment and saw that the King's ward was smirking behind Arthur and she thought that she had imagined it.
She sat there on her knees in front of the throne and watched how the room emptied and everyone left. The council chamber was completely abandoned as Merlin knelt down in front of her. She felt how his arms went under her back and the back of her knees and picked her up in bridal carry. "What are you doing?" Lyanna asked him softly. "They'll see us."
"No, they won't," he promised her."I've used a spell which makes it impossible for others to detect us." She cradled closer against him as she listened to his heartbeat and made herself comfortable in his warmth.
She felt how he gently placed her down onto a bed without letting go of her. One of his hands moved to the small of her back as the other went into her hair, while his head rested against hers. "I know that you want to see Gwen badly, but I need you to calm down first. You're upset."
"Of course I'm upset," Lyanna growled between sobs. "She's my best friend and my own father has just sentenced her to die. I can't believe that he would condemn an innocent person like that only because he doesn't believe that two people can fall in love without the use of an enchantment."
"No, your father has never been the wisest of men. Have you ever wondered if he truly loved your mother?" Merlin asked her to keep the conversation going.
"I don't know. I like to think that he did, but who am I to say? It almost seems as if he's incapable of feelings," Lyanna blurted out, feeling a bit relieved to have spoken those things out loud. "He's so bitter and hateful all the time and it scares me. I can't lose anymore people, Merlin."
Merlin gently kissed the top of her head. "You won't, Lyanna. I'll do whatever is in my power to make sure of that," he vowed.
"Thank you, Merlin," she softly replied. "We were having such a lovely morning and I can't believe by how this day turned out."
He was twirling a lock of her hair around his finger now. "When this is all over we'll go on another date to do this all over."
She giggled quietly. "Are we going to dance?"
"Yeah, that sounds like a wonderful plan. I could still use a couple of lessons," Merlin dryly retorted.
Lyanna slowly backed away to meet his gaze and saw him staring down at her. Merlin wiped her tear-track away. "You could indeed use all the practice that you can get if we want to dance at our wedding day," she said to him as she leaned closer.
"I don't think that anyone would be paying attention to how I dance because all the eyes in the room would be focused on you," Merlin said to her before their lips met. Lyanna felt so comfortable in his embrace as their tongues danced together in synch. Both of them seemed to have forgotten what was going on because they were only thinking about each other. That was all that mattered right now. As they parted Lyanna tenderly stroke his cheekbone with her thumb as they both stared into each other's eyes. "Can you please stay here for the night? Your father probably made sure that no one is allowed to see Gwen now anyway."
She nodded sadly. "You're right. I wish that it was different, but I'll go there tomorrow morning."
"Do you want me to stay here?" Merlin asked her, tugging a lock behind her ear as they smiled at each other.
"No, I'm alright. I'm sure that Arthur needs you right now," she replied. "I don't want him to shout at me again because you're spending most of your time with me."
"But I don't want to spend my time elsewhere," Merlin responded smugly and Lyanna gave him a certain look which made him laugh. "Alright. I'll go to him. Do you want me to come back later?"
Lyanna shook her head. "No, there's no need for that. I'll be fine. I'll see you tomorrow so that we can figure out a way to save Gwen together right?"
"Yes, I'll see you tomorrow then. Goodnight, Milady," he said and placed a light kiss on her lips before extracting himself out of her hold and leaving the room after giving her a sad look. As the door closed more tears escaped from her eyes because all the emotions from the day caught up with her and she felt panic settling inside of her.
There was no maid that woke her up the next morning when the first sunrays crept through the curtains of her chambers. Lyanna was sitting up right in her bed, staring out of the window. That night she had barely slept and her thoughts kept wandering back to her. In the end she had only slept for a couple of hours.
Now that the sun had risen she was wide awake and already out of bed. She decided to wear something comfortable today and ended up picking a rather loose dress, which was easy to move around in. Her long blonde hair was tied together in a bun on the top of her head since she wasn't in the mood to do it in a more delicate way. There were more urgent matters to think about than how she did her hair.
Once she had put on her boots she stepped out of the room and made her way down the corridors. Some of guards seemed to be surprised to see the princess when she entered the the dungeons early in the m
"I came here to speak to my maidservant," Lyanna replied firmly. "I don't know what order the King has given to you, but you're going to let me pass and give us some privacy."
They all knew that they couldn't ignore her order because Lyanna's words meant more than theirs did since she was the Princess of Camelot after all, and they were simple guards. They had no other choice than to step aside and to give her some space.
Lyanna walked past them as one of the guards opened the door of the cell and she stepped inside before pulling Gwen into an embrace. "Gwen, I'm so sorry about everything that you're going through. I know that you're innocent and that what Arthur and you have is love." By now Lyanna was crying again and she cursed herself for being so weak and vulnerable. She wanted to be strong, especially now for her friend because she needed her more than anything.
Gwen only held her tighter as a way to comfort her. "It's alright, Lyanna. There's no need to cry about it," she said to her.
"How can I not cry? My father sentenced you to die. It's the worst possible scenario in the world," Lyanna spluttered.
"No, it's not. It could be you and Merlin who Uther could find making out and who he could be throwing on the pyre for making out with his precious daughter," Gwen said to her.
Lyanna let go to look at her. "I'm not his precious daughter. But that is just as much a horrible scenario as this one is. I can't lose any of you and we're going to find a way to prove your innocence," Lyanna promised hopefully. "You're my best friend, Gwen. I need you. Don't ever forget that."
They sat down on the bed together. "I won't forget that," Gwen assured her, smiling faintly as they were both sniveling quietly. "I've never gotten the chance to tell you how glad that I am to be able to call you my friend, Lyanna."
At that moment the cell door opened again and Merlin entered, carrying a platter of food. "I thought you might be hungry," he said before his eyes lingered to Lyanna and he noticed how miserable she looked and it pained him to see her like that.
Gwen stood up again. "I can't even think of eating. How is Arthur?" Gwen asked him instead.
Merlin placed the platter on the small table. "He wants me to let you know that he will do everything he can to convince Uther that you're innocent. He won't stop until you're released," he informed her.
"We all know that Uther will not change his mind. When I'm gone, will you two take care of him for me?" Gwen questioned them, sounding incredibly desperate.
Lyanna stood up to face her. "No, you can't give up hope, Gwen. There is still time," Lyanna said positively.
"To do what?"
"We need to find the person who really planted to poultice," Merlin responded. "Do you have any idea who it might have been?" Gwen gave them a dark look as if she knew more than that she was telling them. "What is it?"
Gwen checked to see if any guards are near and then faced her friends. "After I was sentenced to death, I was being led out. I look back. I swear, Morgana was smiling. You probably think I'm mad."
"We don't," Lyanna assured her. "I've seen the same thing."
Footsteps were approaching and a guard opened the cell door. "I can no longer trust her. I've started to wonder if it wasn't an coincidence that Uther and Morgana found us in the woods," Gwen said with a whisper.
The guard cleared his throat. Clearly their time with the prisoner had run out. Lyanna gave Gwen a hopeful smile before she and Merlin strode out of the cell together. They left the dungeons behind them and walked through the corridors. Merlin made sure that no one was watching them before he pulled Lyanna behind a pillar and rubbed the dried up tears from her cheek as he held her face. "I know that you're a strong and independent woman, and that you try to be brave all the time. But you just can't Lyanna. No one can. There's no need to hate yourself whenever you cry, because I know that you do. You're still the bravest person that I know and it's normal to have weak moments now and then. We all have them."
She appreciated what he was trying to do and leaned into his hand. "What do you do whenever you feel so miserable and if the whole world is working against you and those you love?" she asked him.
Merlin bit his lip. "You always make me feel better," he admitted with a low voice and Lyanna felt her heart beat increasing like that. "You always seem to pick on when I'm not feeling great and do whatever you can to cheer me up and it always works. For example a few weeks ago it was the two year anniversary of when my late father died and you gave up all your duties for the day and kidnapped me from Arthur to take me on a ride to visit his grave."
Lyanna giggled. "Well, that plan didn't really work. Arthur wasn't exactly happy when we came back and I got shouted at. If I remember correctly he even let you polish the armour of all the knights."
"Yes, that may be so but I'm still grateful for what you've done for me. You didn't have to do it, but you chose to do so anyway," Merlin retorted, smiling down at her.
"I wanted to do that because I couldn't stand seeing you so gloom, Merlin," Lyanna said to him. Merlin chastely pecked her lips. "You're always doing the exact same thing for me. Whenever you see that I'm in a bad mood you're always there at my side just holding me and kissing the pain away and I'm immensely grateful for your sweet gestures. Thank you for always being there for me."
"Always," he sweetly responded. "We should get going."
Lyanna nodded understandingly as they both stepped from behind the pillar and continued their walk down the corridors. They reached the physician chambers a couple of minutes later and Lyanna told them what Gwen had said to them.
"Morgana?" Gaius asked once she was finished. "Uther will never believe that Morgana's responsible."
"Perhaps Arthur will talk him 'round," Merlin said.
"My father thinks that Arthur is enchanted. Anything that Arthur does is going to strengthen that believe. I fear that's not going to save Gwen," Lyanna sulked sadly.
Merlin gave her a look which made her frown. "If we can't expose the true sorcerer, then we must invent one." He was grinning lightly. "What if a sorcerer was caught planting an identical poultice in Arthur's chambers? Uther would have no choice but to release Gwen," he explained to them as he ran towards his bedroom.
"And do you know of a sorcerer who's stupid enough to get caught doing such a thing?" Gaius called after him, crossing his arms.
Merlin stopped for a few seconds and faced them. "Me." Lyanna was confused and followed him with haste, noticing that Gaius was doing the same. They found Merlin pulling the magic book out from the floor boards under his bed and sitting down. "So, if I disguise myself, it won't matter if I'm caught. I can use magic to escape, and then just change back into myself," he said, fluttering through the book. "They'll think the sorcerer has just vanished into thin air." He rolled over his bed and walked over to the table where he put the book down and looked for ingredients.
"Do you honestly think that's going to work?" Lyanna asked him, being a bit doubtful. "I'm quite convinced that Arthur is going to recognize you if you get caught."
"Not if I'm eighty years old," Merlin clarified, grinning.
"An aging spell?" Gaius questioned. "Merlin, ageing spells are notoriously difficult and unpredictable. If the spell doesn't hold, you'll be exposed."
"If I don't do something, Gwen is going to die, and I'm not going to let that happen," Merlin said and Lyanna smiled at that. "Can you make a poultice identical to the one found in Arthur's chambers?"
Gaius nodded. "Well, I believe so." With that the old physician left the room.
Lyanna approached the table. "Let me help you with this," she kindly offered, taking over the ingredients from his hands. "I know the spell is far too strong for me to master so I'm really appreciating what you're trying to do here, Merlin. But it's also very dangerous."
"I know it is," Merlin said as he handed her the next ingredient on the list. "You shouldn't be worried about me. This is the only way that we can save Gwen."
"You're right. I wish that there was another way," Lyanna said as she began to grind everything to dust. "Are you ready for this?"
He nodded and she took a step back as he grabbed the dust in his hands and held them over the bowl. "Miht dagan, beþecce me. Adeadaþ þisne gast min freondum ond min feondum." Merlin's eyes changed to gold and dropped the dust into the bowl and set it on fire.
Lyanna looked at him in bewilderment as the contours of his face began to change slightly. His skin got filled with plenty of wrinkles, and ageing marks. His raven hair got white and longer and fell bellow his chest. He looked old, and tired. Merlin's gaze focused on her. "What do you think?" he asked her. His voice was even lower than his usual one was. "Do I still look familiar to you?"
She took a step closer to him and gently cupped his cheek. "You're still the same Merlin as the one that I love, only eighty years old. You look different in a way," Lyanna said to him. She leaned forwards to softly kiss him. As she pulled back she chuckled. "That felt incredibly weird."
"Yeah, it did," Merlin agreed with her.
They chortled together. "You can't wear this," she then protested, taking in his usual outfit. "Wait here," she said to him before leaving the room and searching for where Gaius was keeping his clothes. The physician even helped her with it. When she came back she handed Merlin the robe that she had borrowed. "Wear this." She placed a kiss on his cheek. "No, it still feels odd. As if I'm kissing my grandfather." She heard him laugh behind her as she left the room again to join Gaius who had finished tying a poultice.
She stood there next to him as they waited for Merlin's arrival. Several minutes had gone by as old Merlin exited his chamber and made grunting noises. "You and Lyanna know me better than anyone. Do you recognize me?"
Gaius took a close look at him. "There's something of you in the eyes. But perhaps that's just because I know it's you," he said and Lyanna nodded in agreement.
Merlin looked at his reflection in the mirror. "I can't believe that one day I will actually look like this," he supplied grimly. He then stretched himself and grunted again. "I ache, all over," he cried out.
Lyanna was giggling quietly which earned a glare from the old man. "Ah. Well, now you know how I feel," Gaius said to him before handing him the poultice. "You'll be needing this."
"Be careful, Merlin," Lyanna pleaded. "I need you back in one piece." He kissed her forehead and Lyanna began to laugh. "Go now, grandfather." Old Merlin chuckled before walking out of the room. Lyanna sighed tiresome before walking to the kitchen. "Some tea?"
"Yes, I could use some," Gaius retorted as he sat down at the table. "Do you think that this will work, Lyanna?"
"I don't know, but we can only hope that Arthur is going to fall for it," Lyanna replied as she began to brew some tea for the two of them. "I'm sure that he'll be fine."
They drank their tea as they talked together about other things to distract Lyanna from worrying too much about everyone. When they had finished that they went to the council chamber where several important people were gathered to discuss some delicate matters. Lyanna listened to what they discussed absentmindely as she stared out of the window.
While the King went over some documents with council members the door opened and Arthur stepped inside as a few guards escorted Old Merlin into the chamber. Arthur greeted his father before Uther got aware of the presence of the old man. "Who is this?" he asked.
"He is the sorcerer," Arthur informed as he handed him the poultice that Gaius had made. "I found him placing this under my pillow."
Merlin's eyes went to Lyanna who gave him a small smile without blowing their cover. They couldn't know who he was for his safety or he would surely lose his head and she preferred to keep that attached to his neck.
"Is it true?" Uther asked him.
Old Merlin looked at the King. "Yes," he confessed. Lyanna felt her breath gone raspy and she hoped that no one would notice that she was panicking a little. It wasn't very easy to watch the man that you love do something like this to help others.
"What did you hope to achieve with this enchantment?" Arthur enquired.
"If Arthur were to fall in love with a lowly serving girl, it would bring shame on Camelot," Merlin answered and Lyanna could tell that sentence had a double meaning.
"Have I wronged you in some way, old man?" the King wondered.
"You have wronged so many people in so many ways. You're blinded by your hatred of magic. You have tortured and executed innocent people. You, Uther Pendragon, are a stupid, arrogant old tyrant!" Merlin ranted.
Arthur clearly wasn't pleased by the way that the sorcerer was speaking to the King of Camelot. "You will hold your tongue!" he warned him.
Old Merlin now faced him. "And you. Oh, I have heard how you... Mistreat your servants! They do everything for you, but do they ever get any thanks? No!" Merlin continued his rant, clearly enjoying himself at the moment. Lyanna and Gaius both rolled with their eyes. "You're a spoilt arrogant brat with the brains of of a donkey and the face..." Merlin hiccuped and coughed at the same time. "...of a toad. Only the fair Princess Lyanna is the one with her heart at the right place."
Guards pulled Merlin away from Arthur as Lyanna took a deep breath. Of course Merlin would say such a thing. She knew that he only said that for a reason. Merlin believed in Arthur as well, but it was far to fun for him to be able to shout at him like that without any consequences.
"This serving girl. She is your accomplice?" Uther asked him.
Old Merlin shook his head. "I enchanted her too. The girl is entirely innocent," he lied, but they all seemed to believe his words.
"My Lord, he has confessed," Arthur said.
Uther sulked and picked up the poultice. "Release the girl. Tomorrow at dawn you will take your place on the pyre. Take him away."
Lyanna watched with a heavy heart how the guards dragged Merlin out of the room. So far his plan had worked and Gwen would be freed because she was innocent after all. All that was left now was for Merlin to escape from the dungeons and everyone would be safe. She could hardly wait for this all to be behind her.
As time dreaded on there was no sign that a prisoner had escaped from the cells and it was making Lyanna feel rather uncomfortable. It was after nightfall that she had taken Gaius with her and they were walking down the corridor to look for the young warlock.
"Lee? Gaius?" a familiar voice called. They both turned their heads to see Arthur approaching them. "Have you seen Merlin? I can't find him anywhere."
Lyanna was thinking of a good excuse for Merlin's absence, but Gaius was clearly faster than she was. "I-I think he said he was going to spend the day in the tavern," the physician lied.
"Oh, did he? Well, we'll see about that," Arthur retorted displeased before he walked away.
Lyanna eyed Gaius. "The tavern? That was the best that you could think of? Merlin isn't going to be pleased about that because Arthur is never going to let him hear the end of it. Besides Merlin rarely drinks and you've now made him sound like a drunkard."
"Don't worry, Lyanna. Arthur will forget about that sooner or later and it was the first thing that popped into my head," Gaius said to her as they walked further. "What did you want me to say?"
"I don't know. The herb picking reason always seems to work," Lyanna replied as they both laughed.
They visited the dungeons where Lyanna told the guards to give them some privacy and they left the princess and the physician alone with the prisoner. They stepped towards the cells and held onto the bar where Merlin was standing and was still old which didn't seem right.
"Merlin!" Lyanna cried out. "What happened?"
Merlin was sniveling quietly. "I can't break the spell, Lyanna. It's too powerful." Lyanna reached her arm through the bars and grabbed his hand to squeeze it gently. She couldn't stand to see him so hopeless like that.
"You have to try again," Gaius said to him.
"I have tried, it's no good. I'm stuck like this," Merlin responded grimly.
"Not for long I'm afraid. My father will have you burnt at the stake," Lyanna stated sadly, feeling her eyes water.
"There must be another way to break the spell," Merlin said.
They looked at the old physician. "There's only one thing I can think of," he retorted. "In the book of Gala there's an antidote that undo such aging spells."
"How long will it take to make this antidote?" Merlin asked him.
"Longer than I fear you have," Gaius supplied before he walked out to give them some privacy.
Lyanna squeezed into his hand again. "I don't know how, but you have to buy as much time as you possibly can. We'll make the antidote," she assured him. "I know that you think that you failed, but you didn't, alright? You've saved Gwen and now we're going to do the same for you. I'm still incredibly proud of you."
A tear escaped from his eye as he took a step closer towards the bar. "Are you?" he asked, almost to make sure that she wasn't lying to him.
"Of course, I am," she promised him before cupping his face. Her thumb rubbed away the tear from his wrinkly cheek. "Remember when I told you that you were my hero? I meant that. But do know that even the best hero's fail sometimes. You're the most amazing man that I have ever met and I love you with all my heart, even your gangly old version. Don't ever forget that."
It was impossible for them to share a kiss because of the bars between them and Merlin smiled warmly at her. "And I love you, Lyanna Pendragon," he said to her. "I won't forget that."
"Good, because we still have a dance practice to go to when this is all over," Lyanna kidded and he laughed. "Just buy some time. We'll make the antidote."
With that she let go off him and left him there by himself in his cell, which saddened her greatly. She just wanted to hold him now more than ever because he was feeling so grim and he had told her that she was his remedy when he was having a bad day.
Gaius was waiting for her just outside of the dungeons and gave her an encouraging smile. "You don't have to help me, Lyanna," he said to her as they walked through the corridors.
Lyanna gave him a questioning look. "No, I want to, Gaius," she said determined. "I owe it to Merlin to help him. He would do the same for me, besides I can't sit by and do nothing while he might be thrown on the pyre tomorrow morning. I can't let that happen. He means too much to me to lose."
"I know that he does, my child. We'll figure this out together," he promised her and Lyanna felt slightly better because of it.
They reached the physician chambers together. Gaius pulled out the book where the receipt was written down as Lyanna collected all the right ingredients which they were going to need. They sat down at the table together. Lyanna handed him the ingredients as she watched him brewing the potion to make it the right colour. If they had gotten it wrong than the antidote wouldn't work.
As time dreaded on Gaius eventually fell asleep and Lyanna took over, brewing the potion in his place. It was incredibly difficult to make, because every time she that she made a new one she completely got the colour wrong and had to start anew. That wasn't very helpful and costed her a lot of time.
Eventually Lyanna managed to get it right and fell asleep shortly after that due to the fact that she had stayed up for almost the entire night and hadn't slept much the night before that and was quite exhausted.
Dawn was already here by the time that Gaius woke up Lyanna by gently shaking her shoulders. "Did you finish it?" he asked her.
"Yes, I did," she replied, rubbing the sleep out of her hazel eyes. "We should really get going. We're going to be too late."
She quickly weaved her hair into a simple braid before picking up the potion as she and Gaius left the physician chambers. As they reached the main corridor they saw how Old Merlin was being escorted by the guards to the square. Lyanna felt a pit of anxiety grow inside her stomach as she watched them. The man that she loved could die if they didn't act soon.
Both she and Gaius hurried towards the main square which was swarmed with many people. As they reached that they heard the sound of a drum rolling as Merlin was being guided towards the pyre.
"You have been found guilty of using magic and enchantments," Uther said from the balcony where he was standing with Morgana at his side. "In accordance with our law, you will be burned at the stake. Let this serve as a lesson to all those who seek to destroy Camelot."
Merlin now got aware of Lyanna who was standing in the middle of the crowd and showed him the antidote bottle. She gave him a sad smile as Merlin turned and lunged at Lyanna. "A curse upon you all!" Merlin threatened. He grabbed the bottle from her hands without anyone noticing. "I will have my revenge!"
Guards pulled Merlin towards the pyre as Arthur turned to Lyanna. "Are you alright, Lee?" he asked concerned.
"I'm fine, Archie," she assured him, her gaze fixed upon the old sorcerer.
"Intent lig, intent lig," Merlin chanted. His eyes changed colour and the pyre burst into huge flames. Everyone pulled back as Merlin pushed his way through the crowd and got away.
"After him!" Arthur ordered. A group of guards immediately began to follow him.
Lyanna was convinced that Merlin was going to be alright and left the square to pay a visit to Gwen who was currently staying at her house. The princess told her maidservant everything that had happened during the last couple of days and how everything was turning out for them.
By the time Lyanna was walking through the palace corridors again it was after noon and there weren't any guards or servants that passed her. She was close to her chamber before she felt how someone pulled her between a small alcove. Her green eyes met blue eyes and she felt her heart swell. Before she could ask him anything he kissed her fiercely and she didn't mind at all.
They parted for air a few minutes later. "Thank you for saving my life," he said gratefully. "Is there any way that I can make it up to you?"
Lyanna scrunched her nose. "You could take a bath," she teased him. "You smell horribly. I can only assume that Arthur has send you to muck out his horses because he thought that you were at the tavern, which was Gaius his fault because he told him."
He laughed. "The bath can wait," Merlin said before kissing her again and she smiled against his lips.
Charles Chuku: Thank you.
HPuni101: Awh that's sweet of you to say. Thank you so much :*
Mrbummet1993: Gaius is such a fascinating character. You just want to hug him haha :) Gaius is also such a badass :P Oh yes I've noticed. Good that you've made yourself and account now. Watching Merlin for the first time is the best thing ever. Have lots of fun and thank you for the review!
Guest: I'm glad that you liked it :)) Emotional chapters are always my favorite to write haha. Lyanna was indeed bonding with her future mother-in-law. She and Hunith are already getting along splendidly ^^ Merlin and Lyanna indeed love each other a lot. There will be wedding bells but I cannot tell you when that will happen because I want you all to be surprised. All I can say is that it isn't that far away :P Oh of course there are gonna be grandchildren one day I just don't want to rush things :P I really love the way you described their child. Of course they're child would use magic to annoy Arthur xD Thank you so much for your review!
hottieanimegurl: I hope you liked old Merlin in this chapter :)) Thank you!
Lady Ravanna: You've just put a very beautiful imagine in my head haha. Well they're definitely going to do 'it' when they're married ;)) so children will happen eventually. Oh yes I'm convinced Merlin will be very protective over Lyanna when she gets pregnant. I already feel a bit sorry for her haha. No those two are going to be happy and will be amazing parents. I'm just thinking of a name for boy or a girl ;P Thanks for the review!
Lbunny: Awh thank you :D I also wished Alice would've come back to Camelot, but just because Uther had died that didn't mean she was welcome to come back. Arthur still knows she tried to kill his father so he's not exactly forgiving :o its sad though. She and Gaius were amazing together I loved it :)) but was there enough Myanna for you? haha