A week later Marilyn returns to her duties, although Arthur protested greatly, and is almost back to her old self. Almost. No one can ignore the air of sadness that follows her, or the way her smile never quite reaches her eyes. Marilyn is cleaning Arthur's chambers, trying to ignore the fact that he is watching her closely. After ten more minutes she huffs and throws her rag down "what?" she demands, turning to look at her master. He stares at her blankly "you have been watching me this whole time, what is it?" she fails to keep the frustration out of her voice. Arthur flounders for words, opening and closing his mouth dumbly "come on then, out with it" Marilyn places a delicate hand on her slim hip, eyeing the prince.
"I just want to make sure you're alright" he settles, trying not to flinch under her blue gaze. She nods once and picks up her rag, returning to her chores. When she's finished, she turns down Arthur's bed and leaves his night-clothes out for him, and makes her way back to her chambers, where Gaius is waiting with a bowl of soup she knows she can't avoid. Marilyn sits down across from her uncle, sipping at the broth he's made for her, avoiding eye contact with the old man.
When she's finished, Marilyn walks slowly up to her room, using the wall for balance. She changes into a nightgown and crawls into her small bed, praying sleep finds her in a dreamless state. She tosses and turns for hours, unable to get comfortable long enough to fall asleep. She misses having Arthur beside her, holding her hand, letting her lay on his shoulder. She misses his safety, the way his smell surrounds her and reminds her that he is with her, the soft tickle of his breath as it brushes past her face, the way his warmth flows through her. She misses Arthur in ways she knows she shouldn't, but Marilyn can't bring herself to care about that, all she wants is to be by his side. Sleep finally comes to the young serving girl, and she succumbs to its hellish dreams.
The sun rising wakes Marilyn, who quickly dresses in a Camelot-red dress and brown jacket. She tugs on her boots and rushes past a still sleeping Gaius. On her way to Arthur's chambers, she smiles at everyone she passes, stopping once to chat with another serving girl about how she is feeling. When she gets to her master's room, she walks to the curtains and pulls them back, letting the sunlight illuminate his golden skin and hair. She stares at him for a moment before remembering herself. Marilyn forces a bright smile and gently places a hand on Arthur's shoulder. He flinches slightly and groans, not wanting to wake up yet.
Marilyn giggles and shakes him once "c'mon Arthur, time to wake up" she says softly. Arthur groans again and opens his baby blue eyes that still beg for sleep. Marilyn rattles off his tasks for the day while she pulls together his clothes and places them on the table next to his breakfast tray. Arthur gives his maid a blank stare and rubs a hand down his face "Arthur, are you listening?" Marilyn huffs.
"I..uh...I...yes?" Arthur fumbles. Marilyn quirks an eyebrow and juts out a hip, placing a dainty hand on it.
"Really? Then what did I just say?" she asks doubtfully. Arthur stares at her with his mouth open, trying to think of something to say. Marilyn shakes her head at him and repeats his list of tasks louder than the first time. Arthur tosses a pillow at her playfully and climbs out of bed slowly, groaning while he stretches his back. Marilyn giggles quietly and starts to remake his bed for the day "oh, and your father wants to have breakfast with you" she adds over her shoulder. Arthur groans again and flops backwards onto the bed in frustration. Marilyn whacks him lightly with a pillow "now look what you've done, I'm going to have to do this all over again now" she complains. Arthur chuckles.
"You'll live, Marilyn. Must I go to breakfast?" he asks irritatedly. Marilyn nods and sighs at her master, who reluctantly gets out of bed. Arthur goes about getting ready for his day, leaving Marilyn to her thoughts "Marilyn, are you serving breakfast?" he asks hopefully.
"Not this time, Arthur" she smiles. Arthur groans again, making Marilyn giggle under her breath. She walks Arther to the dining hall before retreating back to her secret corridor. Marilyn enters one of the abandoned rooms and pulls her dagger from its hiding place. She rolls up her sleeves and brings the dagger to her left arm, slicing until her arm is a bloodied mess. She repeats on her right arm and then lifts her dress to repeat on her legs. Dizzy and exhausted, Marilyn collapses on the stone floor, falling into unconsciousness.
Arthur makes it through breakfast with his father mostly successfully, but is excited to return to his maid. His chambers are surprisingly empty, so Arthur checks the kitchens, the laundry room, the infirmary, the stalls, the stables, the training field, and the armory. Marilyn is nowhere to be found, and no one has seen her since this morning. Gwen and Morgana meet Arthur in his chambers once news of Marilyn's disappearance reaches them. Together the three brainstorm where else their friend could possibly be. After another hour, Marilyn comes sneaking into the room, hoping it would be empty. She is met with worried shouts and relieved eyes. Marilyn shrinks back against the door under the attention. Taking notice, the three of them back off confusedly "Marilyn, are you alright?" Arthur asks. The maidservant nods her head meekly, staring at the ground "look me in the eye and promise me you're alright" he insists. Slowly, Marilyn looks up and meets his gaze.
"I'm fine Arthur, promise" she whispers nervously. Arthur nods once, wanting to believe his friend. Morgana and Gwen share a look, making a mental note to ask the younger girl about her disappearance later. Marilyn slowly uncurls herself and moves farther into the room, trying to steady her nerves. Arthur watches her closely and curiously. Something has changed with her, and he is determined to know what.
AN
sorry it took so long to update, I was in the hospital