Chapter 25 [Physicians' Chamber]

Merlin stirred under his covers. He blinked back the sleepers. He grabbed at his blanket. "Wow." He efforted himself into a sitting position. "That was some dream."

I can assure you, Merlin, it was no mere dream, Kilgarrah insisted.

He rubbed his forehead. His thoughts slowly unjumbled themselves. He recalled running into the Nemeth delegation. Princess Mithian asked him for help…with something…her mother. A glowing woman appeared. Then he rode Kilgarrah led Mithian and some others on a flying carpet of all things to the Crystal Cave….

…and that's where everything seared at him…so much energy…his magic surged and poured forth….It threatened to consume him….

…a hand took his grounding him. A face in the midst of flowing chocolate locks. Her eyes glittered. Her smirk egged his heart to nearly pound out of his chest. Support and Belief flowed from her. Strength came from that….

…the woman…Princess Mithian…his Mithian…

"What?" He sucked in a few deep breaths. "She's a Princess. I am a servant. I…."

You are more than just a servant, Balinor's Son. As Kilgarrah has already told you, everything happened. You are a hero in Nemeth this morning. You healed Queen Taene. Your pedigree is known. Time is short. You must prepare. We are but ten leagues from Camelot. We will be there within a turn of the hourglass.

He knew the voice but could not place it. I know you.

Of course. We met yesterday. I am Malodius the Lion. Your father and I fought together for Nemeth a generation ago. We will fight together soon. Now prepare, Merlin. Princess Mithian and King Rodor come to state your case. Be prepared. With that the voice went silent.

A lion who speaks telepathically? I really did have that magic? And Mithian…Princess Mithian…wants to help me? Merlin pulled himself to his feet. He changed into his usual clothes. He tied his kerchief around his throat. Then he walked out the door to find himself still alone. I half expected Gaius to just reappear next. He shook his head. How do I tell him? He broke off a piece of bread from the loaf on the table.

Before he could put it in his mouth, a throat cleared across the chamber.

He jumped. His breath caught in his own throat. His eyes went wide. "Freya? But…but you're…"

"The goddess brought me back to serve her." Freya set a plate with cheese and fruit on the table. "Mithian and I want you to eat something."

"Mithian and you?" He looked at the empty cup.

"Aye. Her and me. She really cares about you, Merlin. Once again you help a woman and sweep her off of her feet. Just part of that irresistible charm." She smiled but looked away. "You should eat that."

"Freya, I wish you did not have to die." He bit his lip.

She sighed. "I wish we could be together, Merlin. We walk parallel but separate paths. You will be Prince of Nemeth and the Greatest Warlock of All. Mithian will be your companion in this life. I am Avalon's High Priestess. Everything else comes together. It does not mean it will be easy. You have to deal with Uther Pendragon." She made a face.

"We have not seen any more bounty hunters since your death. That is something." He poured some water into his cup.

"It is but it is not enough." She frowned. "I am glad that we will see each other from time to time. I know you will do great things." She put her hand on his shoulder. "Just trust in the goddess. It will work out. I can feel your love for her in your heart."

"For both of you, Freya. I know you're a priestess and sworn I guess. It's strange though. It's like these feelings just kicked in." He scratched his head. "The Princess is so beautiful but she's so infuriating. I…." He blushed.

She giggled. "I never thought I'd see you blush, Merlin! She is going to be good for you. Now eat up." She pulled a folded parchment up. "This goes with it. I deliver her notes too." She shrugged. "Good luck later. We will be watching." With that, she vanished in a poof of mist.

Thanks, Freya. He unfolded the parchment and read:

"Dear Merlin,

Father and I wish you a good morning. We will be in Camelot shortly. The plate of cheese and fruit is for you. Please eat. I do not want you hungry before your big morning.

Once again, thank you for saving Queen Taene and Master Wyngate. All of Nemeth celebrates. I also want to thank you for treating me as a woman rather than a stuffed up Princess or the 'Prince in Petticoats'. I felt so alive when I am with you. I cannot wait to help you become the knight that you deserve to be. We can work with Prince Arthur on an alliance. I would not dream of having you at odds.

Freya and Gwen told me a great deal. The more I hear, the more impressed I am.

It's a great starting point…rough edges and all…

Take care, my Prince.

Mithian"

She signed it as 'Mithian' not 'Princess Mithian'. He smiled. Father was at that court. Maybe I can give Mother a better life. Maybe Arthur can find another servant other than George.

That observation brought out a laugh. He bit into the cheese.

"She called me 'her Prince'?" He read the note again. "She really did." He bit into an apple piece. His heart jumped and skipped a beat. "Mother is never going to believe this."

With that, he got back to his breakfast.

It was never good to keep your Princess waiting after all….