Six; I Saw You Watching
"Knight Valiant of the Western Isles, My Lord," Lynette internally groaned as she watched the creep kiss up to the king.
Lynette had hoped to avoid that night's opening feast, but it seemed luck was not on her side. Gwen had asked her to go to the recession in her stead as she was needed by her father in their forge. They were being bombarded with requests from the knights staying for the tournament and Lynette knew that Gwen was needed to help keep up with the workload. The blonde agreed to do it, but as she watched Valiant say something evidently making the king laugh she scoffed mentally.
Lynette stood diligently and silently and watched as Valiant moved onto her friend beside her. She wanted nothing more than to run for the hills as his eyes flickered briefly to hers as Valiant bowed and kissed Morgana's hand. Lynette looked away in slight disgust and found Arthur waiting patiently down the line of knights. When her eyes locked with his she knew he was reading her like an open book. He sent her a lopsided grin in an attempt to cheer her up, but turned into a scowl when he realized who was near her.
"My lady." Valiant said allowing a smirk to slither its way upon his features.
Lynette waited anxiously for him to leave, but of course, Morgana had to take an interest in him, "I saw you competing today."
Valiant's eyes lit up and not in a good way, "I saw you watching. I understand the tournament champion has the honor of escorting my lady to the feast."
"That's correct," Morgana replied, giving him a smile.
"Then I will give everything to win the tournament." Morgana looked delighted at this news and nodded.
Valiant bowed to her once more as he said, "My lady."
Valiant walked past and over to a group of knights gathering on the other side, but it didn't escape Lynette's notice when his eyes raked up and down her body. She shuddered under his gaze as a feeling of dread filled in the pit of her stomach. Something wasn't right with Sir Valiant. He acts as if he has already one the tournament and had not only set his sights on Morgana, but every eligible lady in the room. Lynette found this thought disturbing.
However, her suspicions and worries were interrupted as Arthur bowed to his father before proceeding to greet her and Morgana. He bowed in mockery to Morgana and sent a charming smile in Lynette's direction. Arthur's sweetness on Lynette did not go unnoticed by Morgana as she sent her friend a teasing smile. The king's ward was one of their biggest supporters, even if they didn't know it themselves.
Morgana, being her usual self-tease, decided to target Arthur, "They all seem rather impressed by Knight Valiant."
Arthur just rolled his eyes, "They're not the only ones."
"You're not jealous, are you?" Morgana asked with a smirk.
Arthur just mocked right back, "I don't see there's anything to be jealous of. "
Lynette tried to contain her laughter at Arthur's victory as Morgana's teasing smile faded from her lips. Arthur smirked in triumph as he let out a small laugh. Lynette just shook her head at the two and mentally added to the small bet she had with Merlin over who won the sass debate between the prince and ward. It turns out Arthur was in the lead.
Arthur turned to Lynette and gave her a warm smile, "Good evening Lynette."
"My prince."
Lynette bowed and sent him a warm smile in return before watching him walk away. In her head Lynette knew she shouldn't worry about Arthur's well being, but her heart couldn't help it. From across the way Valiant was watching Arthur with great interest and part of her hoped it was in admiration, but she couldn't bring herself to commit to the idea fully.
Morgana glared at Arthur's head before turning to her friend and whispered, "Could Arthur be any more annoying? I hope Knight Valiant wins the tournament."
Lynette's eyes widened in shock, "You don't really mean that. Arthur is like a brother to you."
Morgana just scoffed, "Yes, I do."
Lynette sighed and mentally shook her head. Lynette followed Morgana as she went to greet some of the noble ladies after the procession. Morgana was welcomed into their small circle and they greeted Lynette warmly. However, Lynette only listened to half the conversation as she kept an eye on the knight that everyone was talking about. Could Valiant's arrival possibly flip anything else upside down?
"Lynette, did you hear me?"
Lynette looked over to find Morgana staring at her skeptically, "I'm sorry I did not. What can I do for you?"
"We were just wondering if you could tell us more about Merlin." One of the ladies asked. "He's Arthur's manservant, yes?"
Lynette nodded, "Yes. He came to study under my father in medicine for a short while, but it turns out fate had other plans."
"Well I thought he was rather dashing in the way he stood up for the young boy in the courtyard."
"You were there?"
The aristocrat nodded, "Even after Arthur had revealed himself it seemed Merlin wouldn't back down. It's nice to know that there are still men out there like that. Even if he is a servant."
Lynette let out a laugh, "Stubborn is one word for Merlin."
"And another?"
"Loyal." Lynette said. "Merlin is extremely loyal to those who have a good heart. It's what drives him to protect people. It's an instinct that can't be learned or taught."
Morgana nodded, "I could see that. Even though Arthur had humiliated him earlier he was still willing to save his life against Mary's dagger. He could have been killed, and yet that fear didn't seem to phase him."
"Indeed."
"Quite right."
"I am surprised he's lasted as long as he has." Morgana piped up. "From what Gwen has told me, Merlin seems to be more soft hearted than any of Arthur's previous servants. I thought he might have left the position to work for Gaius in order to not have to endure Arthur's constant ego."
"Perhaps that is why he is succeeding where others have failed," Lynette pointed out. "He isn't trying to beat Arthur at a game that the prince has mastered. Instead he is trying to level the playing field by using something that Arthur rarely uses."
"And what's that?"
Lynette laughed, "Common sense."
The ladies around her laughed at Lynette's truthful statement. It was no secret that Arthur was a brilliant man, but he let his pride and his vanity lead him astray. It was Lynette's hope that Merlin would help him to see past that, just as Arthur will help Merlin to use his bare hands and not always have to resort to magic.
The next morning Lynette woke up early to help Merlin with Arthur's armor again. Merlin had protested profusely that he could manage on his own, but Lynette would hear nothing of it. It was a lot to carry and she secretly wanted to check on Arthur before his matches for that day. The two were greeted by Gaius as he packed some more medical supplies for the wounded soldiers that would come to his tent after each match.
"Ready for another round of matches?"
Lynette shook her head, "I could barely stomach yesterday's rounds."
Merlin scoffed, "That's because you were worried about a certain prince."
Lynette blushed at Merlin's truthful statement. Ever since the dragon's blatant statement of her fated future, Lynette couldn't look at Arthur the same way. She had hoped that with time things would return back to normal, but after her moment with him yesterday she rather doubted it. A part of her had felt that perhaps he could feel it, but she wouldn't let herself continue to think such nonsense.
"I worry about everyone's well-being Merlin."
"Sure you do." Merlin laughed, "But no one makes you redder than the future king of Camelot."
Lynette chucked a soiled bandage at Merlin's head, but he dodged the attack easily. Lynette had yet to tell her father about the dragon's prophecy. She was worried that either he would want to strangle the prince or congratulate him. She couldn't help but feel like Merlin was having way too much fun with this.
"Arthur makes Lynette flush in embarrassment all the time," Gaius said. "I'm sure this time was no different."
"Well that's not what-"
"You know we should really get going."
Merlin raised his eyebrow at Lynette, "In a hurry to see your prince?"
Lynette lightly wacked the back of his head, "Hush you."
Gaius laughed at the two's sibling bickering, "Okay kids. Go fetch Arthur's armor and I'll meet you at the arena when you're done."
Together the two headed down to the armory to fetch what they needed. The armory was quiet as they entered and together the cousins made quick work of the large load of metal. However, as they were about to leave to help Arthur get ready for the tournament, they both stopped dead in their tracks. Both servants could hear a hissing sound coming from a yellow shield with green snakes painted on top, it was Valiant's shield.
Merlin squatted down to get a better look at the shield in question as Lynette backed away in fear. Snakes were one of her greatest fears and she hoped that her mind was playing tricks on her. The last thing she needed was to deal with a snake with a pile of armor in her hands. Lynette had to cover her mouth to keep from screaming when one of the snake eyes winked at Merlin.
"Merlin, we should get out of here." She said, shaking uncontrollably.
Merlin shook his head, oblivious to his cousin's reaction, "It feels like magic."
Lynette couldn't feel the magic that flowed from the shield, but was curious as to why Merlin could. Was it something he was born with as well? She watched as Merlin proceeded to try and touch the shield, but he didn't get very far as a sword tip came into view. The sharp blade was pointed directly at his chest and the owner was none other than knight Valiant. Merlin quickly stood and placed himself in between Lynette and the man as he stalked towards them.
"Can I help you with something?" Valiant sneered, not lowering his sword.
"Nope. We're good. We, I was just... I was, erm, gathering my master's armor." Merlin stuttered out the words.
Valiant slowly lowered the sword and gestured towards the door, "Then you'd best be on your way."
"Right, yeah," Merlin answered.
"No problem," Lynette added as she moved to grab Arthur's helmet and sword.
Together, Merlin and Lynette pick up the armor and stumble on their way out. Lynette could feel herself shake at the idea of the snakes on that shield being alive. If it were to strike somebody it would leave her and her father at a disadvantage. A bite from that snake could kill someone. Lynette followed closely behind Merlin, terrified at what they had witnessed and knew that the knight was not what he appeared to be.
It didn't take the pair long for them to reach the prince's quarters where Arthur was sitting at his desk, signing important documents for an upcoming treaty. Once they both were inside, Lynette could no longer contain herself as she shut the door to the chamber and collapsed in a heap of terror and armor. The loud noise startled the prince from his paperwork as he glanced up, only to moments later be at Lynette's side in concern.
"What happened?!" Arthur shouted, taking the girl into his arms.
"I don't know." Merlin cried as he looked at the pair in both concern and bewilderment. "One moment she was fine and the next she wasn't."
"Lynette, what happened?" Arthur called to her as he held her steady.
Lynette just shook her head and took a deep breath trying to steady herself. She couldn't even bring herself to say what had happened for fear of it being true. She could feel Arthur's eyes upon her as he held her close and whispered sweet words to calm her. The two sat there for a moment as Merlin watched, still confused as to what set Lynette off.
Merlin tried to think of what could have been, but nothing came to mind. He thought it might have been Valiant's advances on her, but she held her own the previous times she was in his company. Merlin then began to assume that something might have happened at the banquet for Lynette to act this way. In the end, Merlin was surprised at what had set her off, but also felt guilty for not knowing more about her.
It took her over a minute before she was calm enough to stand and face her cousin and best friend, "There was a snake in the courtyard while I was helping Merlin carry some of the armor."
Her voice still shook with each word as she wrapped her arms around herself, making herself small. Arthur furrowed his brows knowing that it was a habit of Lynette's to make herself small when she felt scared. He felt helpless as he tried to comfort the girl he's known since childhood. The only thought racing through his mind and heart is what he could do to make her feel safe.
"It's gone, Nanet." Arthur murmured as he kissed the crown of her head. "It won't get anywhere near you."
Merlin looked at them with both confusion and amusement, "Why would she react that way?"
"She is terrified of snakes, rats, and spiders," Arthur replied, looking at the boy. "She has been since childhood."
Arthur looked to the right to see the pile of armor lying, freshly polished, that fell from Lynette's arms. It was his fault that she had experienced one of her greatest fears. He should have guessed that Lynette's kind heart would lead her to help others such as her cousin. Arthur realized that he would need to be more careful with the chores he gave to his manservant because whatever he gave to Merlin would also fall on Lynette.
Arthur looked over at Merlin, "You did all this on your own?"
The dazed warlock seemed to snap out of whatever thoughts seemed to occupy his mind as he looked over at the prince, "Yes, Sire."
"Arthur," Lynette added. "You should start getting ready for the tournament. The last thing you need is to be late to your own victory."
"Are you sure you're okay?" Arthur asked.
Lynette sent him a small, but strong smile, "I will be just fine."
Lynette didn't want to make him any more late than he probably already was. She had already felt terrible when she had collapsed in front of him, but she also felt guilt at having broken his focus. Lynette knew that Arthur wasn't one to voluntarily do paperwork in the morning before a tournament. He preferred to do those things after he had finished all of his matches.
Arthur nodded before crossing his arms over his chest and looking pointedly at Merlin, "Now let's see if you can get me into it without forgetting anything."
Merlin looked to the blonde girl for some sign that it was okay for him to proceed. Lynette smiled and gestured to the pile of armor as if to say, 'show him what you got.' Merlin smirked at the small challenge before turning and beginning to dress Arthur in layer after layer of protective armor.
The manservant started by putting on Arthur's hauberk and surcoat, followed by the gorget, vambraces, pauldron, and couter. Next came the mail coif, belt, sword belt, dagger, and finally the sword. Merlin ended his little dress up game by handing Arthur his helmet. Lynette smiled as he looked at his work proudly. He had improved immensely and Lynette knew it was because he had practiced all night.
Arthur stared at himself in shock, "That was much better."
Lynette let out a giggle, "I say he set a new record, Artie."
Arthur shot her look, "Not that it could have got any worse."
Arthur was glad to hear the small giggle come out of Lynette. He had seen first hand what one of Lynette's terror episodes looked like and he dreaded each one. He was more than thankful that this one happened to be a minor one as she sat on his desk with her hands folded in her lap. To Arthur, he would have missed the entire tournament just to make sure he could see her smile again. It was what kept him motivated to be the best prince he could be.
"I'm a fast learner." Merlin shrugged, although both he and his cousin knew he may have used magic to speed up the process.
Arthur looked between the two servants before him, "I hope, for your sake, that's true."
Arthur walked over toward Lynette and held out his arm and she proceeded to adorn him with the same favor she had done yesterday. Once it was fastened securely to his arm the prince placed a quick kiss on her cheek before leaving toward the arena, leaving a blushing Lynette behind. Normally he would just smile at her before heading off to humiliate some poor unfortunate soul, but this time it was different. It was his last moment with her and instead of priding himself on his upcoming victory Arthur had used it to comfort her.
"Be safe." Lynette whispered, although no one heard her.
Merlin sent her a knowing look as he called out, "Good luck."
Arthur didn't seem to hear nor care about Merlin's statement as he continued forward. Lynette rolled her eyes at his behavior, but expected nothing less from him. He had once again gone into tournament mode. Merlin offered Lynette his arm, which she gladly accepted as the two followed behind him. However, as they left Lynette felt unsure of whether her cousin's words were meant for Arthur or herself.