CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
Summary: Finding herself one thousand years back in the past and in the legendary Kingdom of Camelot was something Hermione had never seen coming. But with no possible way back to the future and being stuck in the past, Hermione had no option but to form a new life for herself, and hopefully without changing the timeline. Unfortunately, matters of the heart cannot be controlled and she finds herself entwined in the lives of Prince Arthur and the great and powerful sorcerer, Merlin. Hermione x Arthur pairing.
Disclaimer: I do not own canon events and characters, they belong to J.K Rowling and the creators of Merlin, and the BBC. I am not making a profit from writing and posting this fanfic. I'm also making some big changes to the Merlin plotline so don't be surprised that nothing matches with canon. If I'm being honest, it's been years since I last saw the series, so I'm mostly going off what I remember and episode reviews and notes. And I've decided Arthur won't be dying.
AN
Another lengthy chapter!
Are we ready for some more Hermione/Arthur fluffiness and bonding? I don't know why and I'm not going to lie, I teared up a little whilst writing this chapter but I've been a bit of a soppy mess these last few days but I'm a very emotional person. I cried the other day because I accidentally killed a spider and I'm bloody terrified of them!
I've received mixed reviews regarding Elena's characters. Some say she's more annoying that Bella Swan (who we all know I hate) some say she's gets worse and others only slightly better. If that's the case, God help me! I might just have to read the summaries and reviews for each episode, which I suppose wouldn't matter if I'm changing the plot to how I see fit anyway and I only need to know the basics.
Anyway, let's get back to Arthur and Hermione.
Q&A
ChipzGrMione – I'm not sure about the legends, but I do know in the series that Gwen falls for Lancelot and at once time Arthur banishes her because of that fact. But Hermione is stubborn as we all know, we'll see a change soon, I promise. From what I remember, Mordred is the one that killed Arthur (the boy Merlin was told to kill for he was destined to kill Arthur when he was grown, but he couldn't do it,) and Merlin killed Morgana. Though I've said from the beginning Arthur won't be dying.
Page count: 12
Arthur could practically feel Hermione's confusion as they reached the gates that would lead from Camelot and into the woods and rather than passing through, they took a left and followed the length of the large wall for a quarter of an hour before he took a right and they passed through a small wooded area of thick trees.
Once they stepped out, a little gasp fell from Hermione at the sight of the field of wildflowers and a small stream, a beam of sun breaking through the clouds and reflecting off the water. Arthur smiled, being glad that Hermione appreciated the simple and quiet beauty of the area. This had always been a favourite of his as a child, a place he could hide away from the many servants and guards in the castle and have some time for himself. The stream actually led back to the castle grounds but Arthur had wanted to spend a little time with Hermione before they arrived and so had taken the scenic route through the city.
"It's beautiful," Hermione commented softly. "I didn't know this was here."
"Not many do," Arthur replied. "I found it when I was a child, I remember your disappointment at the castle not having a garden and thought you would appreciate this. This has always been a place of solace for me and now it can be for you, too."
"Thank you, Arthur,"
"There is no thanks necessary, but I would like for you to close your eyes."
"Why?"
"Please, Hermione, close your eyes."
"Fine, but only because I trust you," she replied.
Gods, did he love hearing those words from her.
"Don't move, I'll only be gone a moment and keep hold of the reins but don't pull on them. As long as you are calm, the horse will not move," he instructed, before he passed the reins into her hands and quickly dismounted the horse.
He collected the blanket from the saddlebag and set it on the ground by the stream, not too far from the edge but not so close they might fall in. After doing so, he returned to collect the food items and plates and set them down, too, before pulling the stack of books free and placing them on the blanket, too.
"You're not peaking are you?" He asked, letting her know he was still nearby.
"No, I would never," she laughed.
"I'm not sure I believe you," he replied amused, making his way back to the horse and holding his hand out. "Give me your hand but keep your eyes closed," he instructed.
She released the reins and held her hand out, him reaching for it and gently guiding it towards his shoulder and once it rested against it, he asked for her other hand which she held out and he repeated the process. With her bent over, his body being the only thing keeping her from falling, he reached out and settled his hands on her waist, lifting her from the horse until her feet hit the ground. She stepped back from him and smoothed out her cloak and dress but her eyes remained closed and he retrieved the last item from his saddlebag before taking her hand in his and guiding her forward towards the blanket.
"Open your eyes," he spoke.
The moment her eyes fluttered open and she blinked until her vision cleared, a gasp of surprise fell from her mouth, her eyes darted about the blanket and the food items and then she turned to look at him with wide eyes and parted lips.
"I don't understand," she said quietly.
He smiled down at her with that smile he reserved for her. "Happy birthday, Hermione," he said, bringing his other arm from behind his back and revealing the bouquet of flowers he held. Her eyes widened further. "I remember your reaction to Tobyn having brought you flowers and thought you would appreciate the gesture."
He'd crossed paths with Guinevere on his way back to his chambers after his visit to the kitchens and with what he already had planned, he'd been reminded of the expression she'd worn on her face when the little boy had gifted her a handful of wildflowers and he remembered what she'd said about having a love for being in a garden surrounded by flowers. With that in mind, he'd recruited Guinevere who had been more than happy to make a quick trip to the market place before closing and purchase the largest, brightest and most beautiful flowers they had available.
"Arthur..." She breathed out, blinking slowly and then giving her head a shake. "They are beautiful, thank you," she said, reaching for the flowers and taking them from him, her nose burying against the soft petals as she inhaled their scent with a smile on her face. "You didn't have to do all this for me. How did you know it was my birthday, I never told anyone?"
"Merlin," he responded.
"And how did he know?" She grumbled beneath her breath and his mouth twitched in amusement, thinking that his manservant had likely given her his gift earlier in the day.
"This is your first birthday in Camelot, I would never forgive myself if we did not celebrate the day, a woman such as yourself, was born to this world."
She blushed furiously and his mouth pulled into a smile before he guided her forward a little more with the hand that still held hers and he helped her to sit. She folded her legs beneath her and readjusted the skirt of her dress before carefully putting the flowers onto the ground and then resting her hands in her lap as he removed his cape and then took a seat opposite her.
He handed her a plate and removed the coverings on the dishes, revealing a meat pie, some bread and cheese, some lemon cakes, an apple pie and a handful of apples, bananas and some berries.
She blinked in surprise. "Are they..." She trailed off, unable to finish her sentence.
"Your favourite foods? Yes, they are," he smiled. "And I should warn you to proceed with caution, this afternoon is the first time I have ever prepared a meal myself."
"You...You made all of this yourself?" She questioned, astounded by the news.
"Yes, Guinevere told me it is much more impressive and appreciated if one is to prepare the food and not have others do it for them. Though I must admit, I did have some help from the kitchens so I can't imagine the food being too bad for our health."
She let out a breathless laugh, her eyes tearing up and causing them to sparkle. "What a way to die," she replied and he chuckled at her. "And Gwen is correct, it is much more appreciated as it shows you took the time to personally prepare the food and it requires more effort than simply sending an order to the kitchens. Whether or not the food is good or bad, I truly appreciate the gesture and it is one I have never before experienced, so thank you, Arthur."
He smiled at her and mentally patted himself on the back, being glad that he'd made the right decision and so far, everything seemed to be going to plan. He allowed Hermione to choose her own helpings of the food first, noting with a smile that her food portions were increasing by the day and she already appeared to have put on a little weight so she no longer looked malnourished or underfed. After he chose his own helpings and they ate with conversation flowing between them comfortably and Arthur was surprised to find the food he'd prepared didn't actually taste that bad and he certainly could've done worse for a first attempt.
They then moved onto the apple pie, lemon cakes and Hermione nibbled at the berries before she'd eaten her fill and she put her plate aside and then she did something he hadn't seen anyone do before. She shifted until she was laid on her back, her legs crossed at the ankles delicately and her hands resting against her stomach as she stared up at the sky.
"What are you doing?" He asked with a raised eyebrow.
"My mother and I used to do this when I was a child," she said, patting the space beside her in invitation.
His curiosity getting the better of him, he put his own plate aside and laid down beside her, mimicking her position and staring up at the clouds, his shoulder brushing hers they were so close.
She raised her arm and gestured to the sky, "Do you see that cloud?" She questioned.
He looked to her pointed finger and squinted his eyes until he found the cloud she meant. "Yes?"
"It looks like a horse."
Arthur frowned slightly and tilted his head, his eyes narrowing in concentration until he saw it. She was right, it did look like a horse and he blinked in surprise.
"It does," he agreed and she laughed lightly at his surprised response.
"Depending on the weather, my mother and I would eat lunch outside in the garden and afterwards we'd lay on the ground and look up at the sky, seeing what shapes, forms or animals we could see in the clouds."
"You seem to have been close with your mother," he commented softly, not wanting to upset her as he knew of the death of her parents. "That one looks like a chair," he said, raising his own hand and gesturing to the cloud.
"And that one a shield," she replied, gesturing to another. "I was with both my parents, I was their only child and I never wanted for anything, especially attention. I would watch my mother in the garden and we'd watch the clouds together, and my father, he taught me to read and every night, he'd tuck me into bed and tell me a story, he'd call me his 'Little Princess' and kiss me on the forehead and he'd stay with me until I fell asleep. He was the last thing I saw and my mother was always the first as she woke me for breakfast with her singing. She wasn't brilliant but that didn't matter, it was comforting and calming. My father taught me to dance, he used to stand me on his feet and dance around the room or garden whilst my mother sang a song. My mother taught me to cook and my father would always be in the kitchen, sitting at the table as he watched the mess we made as we prepared the food," she said with a fond sadness to her tone.
"Do you miss them?"
"Every single day," she said quietly. "Despite how long may have passed, I miss them and I think of them every day, wondering if they would be proud of me, of everything I strive to achieve."
"I am certain they are, Hermione," he replied. "You are an incredible woman and it would be impossible for any parent to not be proud of a child with the same morals, intentions and kindness as you."
"Thank you, Arthur," she responded quietly. "That is something I needed to hear, especially on this day. And you? Where you close to your parents?"
"My mother died in childbirth, I never knew her. I used to ask my father about her but he'd always change the subject, it being too painful for him. I do not know much about my mother, only what the servants would tell me and I learned to stop asking. When I was a child, I used to sneak into my father's chambers as he has a portrait of my mother on the wall. Whenever I missed her, I would just sit and stare at the painting but I was caught once by my father and I stopped going to see her. It seems stupid, to miss someone you never knew."
"It's not stupid, Arthur," she said softly. "It's understandable. You wanted to know who your mother was and the only way for you to feel close to her was to sit before her portrait."
He could feel her eyes on him and he turned his head, seeing that she'd done the same and their gazes locked instantly.
"I love my father, but I cannot help but wonder about the kind of person my mother was. The kind of mother she would've been. The advice she would give, the comfort she would offer if I were upset, the words she would use to calm me if I were anxious or angry. Even the person my father would've been if my mother were still here."
"It is not stupid," she echoed. "I have my mother's locket and my father's sword, items I will always cherish and I will never give up. All you had was the portrait to keep your mother's memory alive."
He felt something inside of him settle. He wasn't certain what it was but it was as if a weight had been lifted off his shoulders and he suddenly felt lighter, freer. He'd never spoken of his mother to another before but doing so with Hermione had felt right, natural, freeing.
"I may not be as close to my father as I have seen some of the nobles and their sons, but I understand that a part of my father died the day he lost my mother. He was suffering the loss of the woman he loved and he did the best he could to be the father I needed. He did not teach me to read, to fight or to ride a horse, but I know he cared and I know that he would give his life for mine without thought."
"He loves you. From the impression I got on our first meeting, he struggles to show his emotions as he has spent years holding them back and hiding them from others. He always has a blank expression on his face and it is not often he shows emotion, so when he does, it is unexpected but meaningful. I grew up surrounded by teenage boys that tried to hide their emotions from me and as a result, I grew to be very good at reading people and seeing the emotions they try to hide. Because of that, I know he loves you. I believe he has made mistakes in the past but he did what he thought was right for Camelot and that is all I can ask of a King who truly cares for his people."
"Thank you, that is something I needed to hear," he said.
She gave him a soft smile before turning her eyes back to the clouds above them. "That one is a tree."
He let his eyes wander back to the sky, too. "That's a wolf."
"Where?"
"Right there," he pointed to the cloud he meant.
"I don't see it," she frowned, tilting her head slightly.
"What do you mean you don't see it? That is clearly a wolf."
"How is that a wolf?"
"There's the ears, the nose and the tail," he replied, gesturing to each part with a wiggle of his finger.
She laughed at him and shook her head. "Akela would not be impressed, that is clearly not a wolf. If he were here, I believe he would take offence to your words and bite you."
"It is a wolf," he argued. "It's not my fault you don't have the imagination to see it."
"Or your mind is over-exaggerating what you actually see. That's a sign of insanity."
He laughed at her. "I'm not sure if I should be offended or not."
"Well, there is a fine line between insanity and brilliance," she shrugged.
He chuckled and turned his attention back to the clouds. They fell silent for a few moments before he spoke.
"What do you fear the most?" He asked.
He felt her surprise in the way her shoulder brushed his as she moved, her hand fell from her stomach and to the ground in-between them and he heard the slight noise that fell from her mouth.
"That is a highly personal question and one I most certainly wasn't expecting."
"It is not often we are able to speak as candidly as we are now without others being present or nearby. I am taking the opportunity to ask the questions I wish to and that will allow me to understand and know you in a way I don't yet, to know you more personally than any other might."
He turned to look at her, seeing the frown on her face and the way she nibbled at her lip thoughtfully and when she turned her eyes to him, he quickly looked away, almost being caught staring at her. Silence surrounded them for a little while longer and he thought she'd chosen not to answer his question, until her quiet voice drew him from his thoughts.
"William used to say I was fearless," she started. "He used to say he worried for me because I had no regard for my own life and I didn't hesitate to risk my life for the safety and protection of others. The truth is, I am afraid of many things but I do not fear death. The last ten years of my life have been stressful and exhausting and frightening. I have faced far too many near-death experiences to fear death. When it is my time, I shall not be afraid and I will go quietly, so whilst I don't fear death as most do, I fear many other things."
What did she mean by near-death experiences? He wanted to ask her to elaborate further but he knew she wouldn't, there were secrets in her past and memories she was determined to keep hidden and buried. He just hoped that one day she would trust him enough to tell him.
"Spiders, I hate spiders. It might seem silly as they are known to be fairly harmless and it is generally something that might be seen as a natural fear for a Princess or noblewoman, but I have my reasons and they are legitimate. Firstly, I believe that anything with more than four legs and two eyes is unnatural and frightening, and secondly, in Hogwarts, our spiders are different."
"How so?" He asked curiously.
"They are magical creatures which stand taller than any man, possibly double my height and they will eat anything, especially humans. They are huge and terrifying and dark."
He felt his stomach roll at the thought of a spider such a size that ate humans. A part of him didn't believe her, didn't want to, was hoping that she was jesting to get a reaction from him but the genuine fear in her voice when she spoke was enough to convince him she was telling the truth. In which, he was thankful they had no such creatures in or around Camelot.
"Spiders are terrifying," he agreed, seeing her mouth twitch from the corner of his eye.
"It's not quite a fear but I am highly uncomfortable when in large crowds or being the centre of attention. Sometimes I am frightened by thunder and lightning storms, too."
"But what do you fear most?" He questioned, turning his head to look at her, seeing that she looked highly uncomfortable at revealing such a personal thing. "I'll tell you mine if you tell me yours."
She took a deep breath. "Okay, but you first," she said quietly.
"I am most afraid of not being good enough. Of not being the King Camelot deserves. I am afraid of failing my Kingdom and people, that I will never be ready to rule and protect my people," he admitted, something he'd never told anyone before, let alone spoke aloud.
"Oh, Arthur," she said softly, her head turning and their gazes locking. "That is completely understandable and if you weren't afraid of such a thing I'd be concerned. You protect your people every time you pick up your sword and ride out into the woods to deal with the criminals and creatures that reside there, and just because you are a King sitting on a throne does not mean you will not continue to do the same. You are one of the kindest and bravest men I have ever met. There are few people I have truly believed in in my life and you are right at the top of that list. You are worried but I assure you, you have no reason to be. You will be the greatest King Camelot has ever seen."
"How do you know that?"
She smiled at him. "I just know things, Arthur. I can't explain how or why, but I do, and I know you are destined for greatness, I have never been more certain of anything in my life. You are not alone, Arthur. There are people in your life that will do whatever they can to help you succeed and you can depend on them in every aspect of your life."
"I hope you are right."
"I am," she said confidently, her gaze holding his for a moment longer before her eyes fluttered closed and she took a breath. "What I fear most is love."
Despite her eyes being closed, he kept his gaze on her, waiting for them to flutter open so they could look at one another.
"I fear love. Everyone I have ever loved I have lost; my parents, my family, my friends, my home, William. I loved them all and I lost them all. And now I fear meeting new people and growing to love them, only to lose them. I fear falling in love. I fear that I have lost so many, that I won't be able to love him with the same intensity and he will grow to hate me. I fear that I no longer have the ability to love."
Arthur's heart broke for her, at her words, at the sadness in her tone, at her fear. How could she believe she was no longer capable of love? She was the most loving person he'd met.
"I am alone, Arthur. I have lost everyone," she whispered.
A tear fell from her closed eyes and down her cheeks and his hand automatically reached down to find hers, wrapping his larger hand around her smaller one and giving her a gentle squeeze. Her eyes fluttered open at the gesture and her eyes shone with her tears, sadness and fear.
"I am afraid of forever being alone. There are things that have I faced that no one will ever be able to understand or I won't ever be able to explain, and I fear that will push people away and I will become bitter and unloving."
"You are the most loving person I have ever met," he said truthfully. "You have a big heart, Hermione, and a lot of love to give. I understand the pain of losing those you love and I understand the fear it can bring, but you cannot live your life in fear. Is a life without love a life worth living?" He paused, taking a moment to compose himself as he prepared to speak his next words. "There is a man out there, Hermione. One that will not believe himself worthy of you or your love, but he will do everything in his power to prove to you that he will love and cherish you with every part of himself. You are not alone. You have Akela, you have Merlin and Guinevere and you have me. I promise you will always have me."
"I can't allow myself to fall in love, Arthur. If he is taken from me, if he does not love me the way I love him or vice versa, if we cannot be together, it will break me and I don't think I will survive such a blow."
"You will, but I think this is something you need not worry yourself over. I promise, there is a man that will love and protect you with every fibre of his being."
"How do you know that?" She whispered.
"I just know things," he shrugged, a smile pulling at his mouth when she laughed and she reached up to wipe her face with the sleeve of her cloak. "Now, no more tears, this a day for celebrating and I have yet to give you your gift."
"Gift?" She questioned confused.
He sat up but didn't release his hold on her hand and he reached for the stack of books that were off to the side and Hermione had yet to notice. Frowning slightly, Hermione pushed herself up into a sitting position and readjusted the skirt of her dress. With the books in hand, Arthur turned to face Hermione and he held them out to her, her eyes darting down to the offerings and widening at the sight of them.
"Happy birthday, Hermione.".
"You got me books?" She questioned in surprise, but the way her eyes lit up like sparkling stars at night had him believing he'd made the right decision.
"You mentioned that you loved to read and I know you are interested in the history of Camelot. These books contain information from the very founding of the city to the neighbouring Kingdoms and alliances and wars over the years, far more information than I would ever be able to tell you."
"Thank you, Arthur," she said, taking the books from him as delicately as she could as though they were a newborn baby and her fingers gently skimmed the cover of the first book. "Most would laugh at me but I much prefer books to jewellery and clothing, and I cannot wait until I have the opportunity to read them, thank you, it was very thoughtful of you."
"You're welcome," he smiled, pleased with her reaction and proud of himself. "The sun is setting," he commented, pulling her attention from the books and to the sky as oranges and yellows were slowly being replaced by blues and purples.
"It truly is beautiful here," she observed.
"I can honestly say I have seen more beautiful sights," he replied, her eyes darting to him and colour flooding her cheeks at seeing the gaze he pinned her with. "I should warn you, my father knows of your birthday and he is planning a feast in your honour for tomorrow evening."
"Oh fantastic," she grumbled, a scowl settling on her face and he chuckled at her.
As the evening grew darker, they continued to converse comfortably until Arthur could see Hermione struggling to keep her eyes open as exhaustion began to set in and she'd had a long day. Knowing it was getting late and his father would likely send someone in search of them if they didn't return to the castle soon, Arthur refastened his cape around his neck and quickly and quietly packed everything away into the saddlebags including Hermione's books, before he helped her onto his horse and climbed on behind her, grabbing the reins and settling her between his arms to prevent her from falling off in her tired state.
"Thank you for this evening, Arthur," she said tiredly as they made their way back to the castle. "I kept my birthday quiet as I didn't wish to celebrate it without my friends and family, but thanks to you, I have enjoyed myself and I haven't had a birthday quite like it."
"You deserve only the best, Hermione," he replied.
By the time they reached the castle and stepped through the gates into the entrance courtyard, Hermione had fallen asleep, the bouquet of flowers he'd gifted her clutched tightly in her hands.
A guard stepped forward to take the reins and steady his mare as he dismounted and then reached up to pull Hermione from the saddle, cradling her sleeping form in his arms.
"I take it everything went to plan," Merlin spoke, stepping out of the shadows and into the firelight, startling Arthur.
Arthur did his best to glare at his manservant in annoyance but couldn't stop his mouth from twitching at the corners, giving Merlin his answer. His manservant grinned knowingly and all but skipped to the saddlebags when Arthur gestured to them with a tip of his head, Merlin pulling free the stack of books and silently following Arthur as he made his way through the castle and to Hermione's chambers with the sleeping Princess in his arms.
When they arrived, Merlin opened the door for him before stepping back and giving him enough room to enter through the door, Arthur noting that someone had been there previously as the fireplace was lit with dancing flames, Hermione's bed had been turned down and Akela was sprawled on a blanket by the fireplace, his eyes closed but his ears perked up at the sound of him entering.
Arthur crossed over to the bed, settling Hermione down on the mattress and carefully removing the flowers from her grasp and placing them on the bedside table and then he removed her cloak and boots, leaving her in her dress and socks, knowing anything else he might do would be considered highly inappropriate and he didn't wish to take advantage of Hermione, not that her wolf would let him; he'd spied the wild creature watching him with one eye peeked open and the other closed.
Arthur reached for the edge of the blanket and pulled it to cover Hermione's sleeping form, taking a moment to watch her sleep peacefully and he gently pulled the pins from her hair, pushing her curls back from her face and trailing a finger down the soft skin of her cheek before he stepped back, placed the pins on the bedside table with the flowers and books, and he turned and left the room, nodding to the wolf on his departure.
The moment the door closed behind him, Arthur turned to Merlin with a thoughtful frown on his face and Merlin raised an eyebrow.
"How much do you know?"
"Know?" He replied innocently.
"Merlin," Arthur's voice deepened in warning.
"I am able to read between the lines," Merlin said. "In Ealdor I could see you had an interest in her and I have witnessed how protective you are of her, firstly, when we found her in the woods, and ever since she came to Camelot. I know that you are having private talks with your father more frequently, that you are spending more of your time in the city and you are ensuring Hermione's comfort and safety. All of this has led me to believe that you truly care for Hermione and that you wish to ask for her hand in marriage, which is why you had a meltdown when discovering it was Hermione's birthday."
Arthur eyed Merlin, partially surprised, partially impressed, partially annoyed.
"You are more observant than I gave you credit for," Arthur replied. "A missive has been sent to the Kingdom of Hogwarts and until we receive a reply, I cannot make my intentions towards Hermione known. For the time being, I am doing everything possible to prove that I am worthy of her and that I am the man she believes me to be."
"You are," Merlin said confidently, which surprised the young Prince.
"This evening, Hermione divulged a secret that has worried me and as such, I must increase my attempts at..."
"Wooing her?" Merlin interrupted with a grin.
Arthur sent him a baleful look but otherwise nodded. "Essentially, yes. You are her friend..."
"Not to worry, both myself and Gwen have been speaking in your favour."
"Excuse me?" The Prince questioned, blinking slowly.
Merlin sniggered at him. "It is no secret, those in the castle that have witnessed your interactions with Hermione are able to see that you care for her, Gwen is one of them and we have both been doing our best to give Hermione a nudge into letting down her barriers. Should I inform Gwen to continue doing so?"
Arthur cleared his throat and straightened his posture, sending Merlin a glare as it was obvious he was very much enjoying himself at his predicament.
"Hermione is stubborn and things have been progressing slowly, but this evening I was able to break down some of her barriers, still, having a woman on my side will be beneficial."
"I shall inform Gwen first thing in the morning," his manservant grinned. "I know she has expressed interest in learning from Hermione in her free time, I imagine Gwen will use that as her opportunity to speak with her. Do not worry, Prince Arthur, leave it to the servants and we'll have you married to the pretty Princess in no time."
Arthur contemplated stabbing Merlin with the pointy end of his sword as the manservant spun on his heel and all but skipped down the corridor.
