Arthur was no fool he knew his father didn't always tell him everything and he also knew how he hated to be wrong about anything and had been known to let others take the blame for things he had ordered. But this seemed almost too much. Arthur loved his father even if he was a hard man and not always supportive, it was hard to imagine that he would do such a thing. But then again Merlin had seemed to be so sure. But it made sense that the magic community would have a different view on things. Determined to seek out the truth he needed a plan. No point in asking his father, if Merlin was in any way right Uther would clam up anyway. If the story was untrue he would have antagonised the King for no reason. Deciding to try a different route he decided he would seek his answers elsewhere after he had met with the Kings.
Going to collect Mithian he did his best to put the matter from his mind. Mithian was waiting for him and they walked together to the council room. The two Kings were waiting. After sitting down it was King Rodor who spoke first. Looking at his daughter he smiled.
"My dear I am glad to see you are enjoying your stay here. It's a wonderful place is it not?"
Mithian smiled at her father "It is Father and I have had an excellent guide in its crown Prince."
Uther looked pleased and smiled at his son. "We are glad you like it here. In fact delighted. We hoped that you would also find the Prince pleasing."
Mithian took the opening she was given "Indeed he is like a brother to me."
King Rodor looked disappointed "A brother? Is that all my dear."
Mithian looked innocently at her father "Oh yes, Prince Arthur is very supportive of me. I have talked to him about the pressures I feel as your heir and he has given me so much advice. I know I will always be able to turn to him. Camelot is a very good ally."
"It's no job for a Princess" Uther told her after looking with disappointment at his son. "Far better surely for you to find a good and supportive husband to take the stress from your beautiful shoulders."
Before Uther could say more Mithian spoke once more "But King Uther my father had bought me up to rule, I would be negligent in my duty to my people to hand over to someone not of his blood." She smiled at her father "Is that not right father?" not even waiting for her father to answer she continued "I explained this to Arthur and he agreed that duty is very important. It helped me realise I could rule and even marry later if I wished but still hold the crown myself"
"Very progressive I am sure" Uther said patronisingly "But surely if you married a Prince and joined Kingdoms you could trust your husband to run Nemeth?"
"It wouldn't be about trust but duty." Mithian said. "Were you hoping by chance to arrange a marriage between Arthur and myself?"
Uther looked most put out that a Princess was questioning him! He turned to his son "I know you find the Princess a fitting Queen by what she has said so I am sure between you could rule."
Arthur looked at his father "As you know I will always do my duty by Camelot, the Princess wants to marry for love as do I as you know, I do love Mithian but like a sister, much like my relationship with Morgana."
Arthur noted the uncomfortable look that crossed his father's face and wondered on it but the reaction was forgotten when Uther spoke next. "King Rodor and I wish for Camelot and Nemeth to be joined by your union. I am sure as you are both close it will be no problem, to find love. Neither of you are commoners that you can choose your spouse. We have a treaty written up already"
Mithian looked at her father "You told me you had confidence I could rule under my own name. Have I disappointed you in some way?"
The hurt on his beloved daughters face made King Rodor sad "No my dear you would make an excellent Queen but I fear that the nobles might resist having a single Queen. I can see you and Prince Arthur are comfortable with each other and you could rule together. No one would question that. I am thinking of you."
Arthur looked at the visiting King. "I agree your daughter is an astute and able heir, we have talked about her plans for your kingdom. She has also spoken about her wish not to wed for several years to establish her position. Her strategy is a good one. Much that I am honoured you feel I am an acceptable match." He looked at his father "I am more than willing to allow the Princess her wish and that we revisit this issue when the Princess feels ready. She will be an excellent match for the man lucky enough to capture her heart. I have no doubt that King Rodor would still be willing to sign a new treaty regardless."
King Rodor looked at Arthur with gratitude. But Uther was less enthusiastic "And what will happen if. The gods decide that the time for the Princess to rule happens before she is ready."
Rodor looked offended "Trying to kill me off already Uther? Our Kingdom is at peace and has been for many years." Turning to his daughter "Is this what you want my dear? I have no wish to force you, I but wanted you to be safe and happy."
"It is father, who knows in time we may both feel differently it may be good for us to spend some time together each year. Prince Arthur is an honourable man and I am sure both the King and Crown Prince would find this an acceptable compromise. After all compromise is the basis of all negotiations for treaties is it not."
Uther found himself out manoeuvred but couldn't be sure his son had deliberately chosen to stop his plans or had not choice. He was gallant and true to the knight's code so he could have been honest in his actions, although Uther was well aware of his sons wish to marry for love and not duty.
"Looking at his son "I understand you have duties to attend to, we will see you at the feast tonight to mark the treaty." His eyes clearly added the words 'it should have been your betrothal' "We will speak later come to my chambers after we have finalised the details."
King Rodor smiled at his daughter "No need to stay my dear, you helped enough to prepare the work at Nemeth. I am sure you would like to explore some more. Didn't you mention you were seeing Lady Morgana?"
"I did father" she curtsied to the two kings and Arthur bowed and they left together.
Once the door was shut they hugged each other.
"We did it!" Mithian said once they were far enough away.
"You know your father well Mithian. Although I am sure my father will voice his disappointment later. At least we can keep in touch. If ever you need Camelot's help I will be there for you."
"I know, I am sorry in a way we aren't in love, you will make someone a great husband." Mithian looked towards the council chamber "Yours fathers comments on my father passing sealed it for us."
"I think Morgana's input helped, but don't tell her that or she will be unbearable." Arthur admitted "She understands how to play him better than I. I hate to disappoint him. A weakness I guess."
"No weakness we all want to please those we love. Lady Morgana is a lady who likes her own way. One day it might not work for her, but I am glad it did today." Mithian looked at the Prince. "Will you father be severe with you?"
Arthur replied honesty "It will be no different than whenever he doesn't get his way. But do not worry there is little he can do about it. After all we did keep the door open, or he thinks we did."
"I will leave you to your duties and go and seek out Lady Morgana." Mithian left the Prince who himself had hoped to be able to speak to Morgana alone but that would now have to wait. Expecting to have a good hour before he needed to see his father Arthur headed to the library and Geoffrey.
He found the librarian and court record keeper sitting at his desk. The old man looked up and seeing who it was went to stand.
Arthur waved his hand "Remain seated Geoffrey, you have no need to stand."
"How can I help you my Lord?" Geoffrey was puzzled, normally if the Prince needed access to anything it was taken to him.
"I will be candid with you, I want to see the records of the time in Camelot immediately before the great Purge and the documents that relate to those laws"
Geoffrey's eyebrow went higher than even Gaius's was known to. "I am sorry Sire those records are to be released at the Kings orders only."
It was Arthur's turn to be surprised "The King is always keen for me to study the laws and the law making process."
"That he is Sire, but he has left specific orders on the documents you seek." Geoffrey looked apologetic.
Arthur sat down in the chair opposite the librarian "So in that case can you speak of them?"
"I am sorry to say no Sire." Geoffrey admitted.
Arthur decided to take a risk, the librarian had always been keen to help Arthur in the past. "Lets me put it another way if I ask you questions will you confirm if what I am saying is true. I will not inform the King of any such comments. I am not asking you to break your word to my father but there are things that I have been made aware of that I feel I have the right to know."
"I cannot do that Sire, I can confirm nothing of matters the King deems not to be discussed." Geoffrey had a slight twinkle in his eye, enough for Arthur to continue.
"Was magic freely practiced prior to the purge?"
The librarian looked at Arthur and gave the slightest of nods.
"Did the King ever instruct it to be used? Arthur asked softly
Again a slight nod.
"Was magic used in my conception?"
This time there was no nod but Geoffrey was clearly uncomfortable about the question. Arthur sat and thought. "A life for a life" was all he said as he watched the old man's face pale. Arthur took a deep breath "So it's true!" Somehow he wasn't surprised but it hurt al the same. Looking at Geoffrey once more he said kindly "Nothing of this will ever reach his majesty. But I needed to know."
"What will you do Sire" a shaky voice asked.
"I have no idea. I deserve the truth from the King, but know him well enough not to expect it if he feels pressured." Arthur admitted. "But I will wait until after our guests have left."
Morgana did her best to pressurise Merlin but was told firmly to ask Arthur if she wanted to know anything. Arthur was also tight lipped. But before she had chance to do anything more Arthur was sent out on patrol and of course Merlin went with him. The King of Nemeth and his daughter departed the treaty signed and Uther was disappointed yet again.
As was normal with these patrols they hit trouble. Once again Merlin did his normal thing of keeping to the shadows and saving the day. He knew Arthur was aware but no one else was. They got back and had hardly settled when during a session of listening to petitions a knight burst into the room and through a gauntlet at Arthur's feet. After accepting the challenge Arthur demanded that the knight remove his helmet and show his face. Imagine the surprise of everyone on the room when once the helmet was removed the long hair of a blond woman was exposed.
Arthur pulled himself together quickly and demanded "The terms of your challenge?"
"If you lose you come with me and in a place of my choosing do what is asked of you without question." The reply was immediate.
"And when I win?" Arthur demanded.
"If you win, then you my ask me whatever you wish and I will tell you." Came the reply. The woman "First light tomorrow at your training grounds" with that she walked out.
"You will not take up the challenge" Uther ordered his son.
"I have no choice challenge was legally given and accepted if I had not I would no longer be able to lead my men. I must follow the knight's code."
Uther could understand the reasoning but wasn't finished. "And what on earth made you accept such conditions, she could ask you to do anything"
"She has to win first." Arthur pointed out. "I am the best swordsman in the five Kingdoms"
"She's a woman" Merlin muttered, unfortunately, not quiet enough not to be heard.
Uther glared at the apprentice "What did you say boy!" he snarled
"She's a woman, the Prince may be the best swordsman but she is a woman." Merlin defiantly told the King. "He will be at a disadvantage as he won't want to hurt her."
Uther looked at his son "Forget that the challenge was accepted and you will win." Conveniently forgetting just seconds ago he had banned his son from fighting.
There was something inevitable about the outcome of the fight, Arthur lost, whether the fact that he was fighting a woman held him back or not he didn't know. The outcome was the same.
The woman looked at Arthur "A good fight, come to the edge of Darkling Woods at first light and follow the signs." With that she walked off.
Arthur did as he promised although Uther made him take Merlin with him "She will think him your servant, but if you need his services he will be there. There is no argument the terms did not expensively say you were to go alone."
Arthur went to his rooms and after George helped him take of his armour and have a bath he dismissed the man, wondering what would happen in the morning. But at the same time pleased Merlin would be with him. Useful to have a magic user as he was more than a little convinced his female assailant had was contemplating having an early night when Morgana burst into the room.
"Will you never knock" he asked her, thinking too himself much for an early night.
"I have to speak to you" a breathless and upset Morgana explained, "For two reasons!"
"Sit down Morgana" Arthur knew he would have no peace until he heard her out. "Calm down and tell me what is so important."
The brunette sat down and composed herself before speaking. "The lady you fought is a Priestess of the Old Religion, she is dangerous and you shouldn't go with her.
That wasn't what the prince was expecting. "And you know this because?" he asked
Morgana squirmed in her seat. "She came to visit me last night after challenging you, she says she is my half-sister. Her name is Morgause she is my mother's oldest child."
Once more Arthur was shocked "Last night! You didn't think to tell me before I fought her!" he paused then added "Are you sure of who she is?"
"As sure as I can be, she gave me this" she showed Arthur a bracelet "It has my mother's crest on it. Morgause knew I had magic and said it would help me with my dreams. She also said she would be back to see me."
Arthur looked at the bracelet it was heavy and did indeed carry a crest. "Why now? Did she say why she hadn't been to see you before?"
"No, I asked her but she didn't answer. We talked for a while she seemed to know I had difficulties with Uther, she asked if I had ever thought of what would happen if he found out about my magic! She suggested that I would burn and you would back Uther. I nearly told her you knew but something stopped me. She then asked me to think about it and she would be back."
"Good better she doesn't know. You do know I would protect you with my life. You may not be my blood sister but you are still my sister come what may." Arthur looked at the woman in front of him with sympathy. "To know you have more family must have been a shock. You said two things what is the other?"
"I didn't wear the bracelet last night. I am glad I didn't as I had a dream, Morgause was in it. You were lying with your head on a block and she was stood over you with an axe. You mustn't go with her." Panic clear in her voice she grasped Arthur's arm "Please promise me"
Arthur took her hand "I have said I will so I must, if it helps you Father has ordered Merlin to come with me. Will he be able to sense magic if it's used"
A fleeting change in Morgana's eyes gave Arthur the answer. "I wish you would both be honest with me, it would make things easier to plan. What do I have to do to gain your trust?"
"It's not my story to tell" she told the Prince. "I will ask him to speak to you. But I am glad he is going. Please listen to him."
Arthur stood up abruptly and went to the door asking the guard at the end of the corridor to ask the apprentice physician to attend him immediately. Going back into the room he sat down "This has gone on long enough."
