Chapter 45 [Physician's Chambers—Right After Chapter 43]

Mithian led Merlin and Britomart down the passage. She knew that the castellans and servants prepared a meal for them. Her focus however lay with a certain body in the Physician's Chambers. Lament and Sorrow rained down on her resolve. Effort and the Mask of State restraint Emotions' display across her face. She greeted each person as he or she passed her. Dignity would not allow her to do any less.

Royal Standard…her Forebearers' Standard demanded no less.

Tradition demanded no less.

"Right this way, Milady." Wyngate glanced back at the trio. Weariness weighed down on the newly-returned royals. He noticed Merlin keeping her hand firmly in his own. He saw Mithian's eyes meeting Merlin's in reply. Their bond was unmistakable. Doubt dissipated despite Bernard's and Aethelwald's objections.

Merlin shone brighter than Diamond in Camelot's and now Nemeth's coal laden rough. He shook off Servile weakness. Confidence guided his strides. Wisdom modulated his responses to Courtesy's minimum. Respect greeted each new subject in turn. Inspection and Assessment discerned Need for future action. He followed her pace. "Let me know if I can do anything."

Mithian smiled. "You are doing everything I need right now. Thank you." She leaned close to him. Her lips whispered Amor's gratitude across his cheek. "You are doing everything possible for our people and me."

Wyngate unlocked his chamber door. "You both can take as long as you need to. Would you like to be alone?" He lingered by the entrance.

"I would appreciate that, Master Wyngate. Thank you." Mithian cleared her throat. "Britomart, perhaps you might give us some time?"

"As you wish, Milady." Britomart curtseyed. "I will be right out here if you need me." She stepped back away from the door.

"Thank you." Mithian motioned Merlin into the chambers after herself. "Please get the door?"

"Sure." Merlin closed it. Surprise raised an eyebrow. Wyngate's library barely filled half of a bookshelf. He only had a few bottles, a wooden bowl and pestle. Only one cot sat next to the chipped oak table. Focus on that later. King Kay needs us. He forced himself to walk past the minimal set up and to her side. He saw her fingering the shroud over the body. "I can do it."

A whisper passed through her lips, "Please, Merlin. I would appreciate it." She took a step back. Mourning drained her. She already missed Rodor. Reality crashed into her. Disbelief struggled to cope with the view unfolding before her eyes. She trembled.

Kay's body laid on the table. Wyngate had dressed him in his robes of state. He seemed to sleep. Elixirs and chemicals preserved the King's body. Peace softened his last suffering.

"Kay…Oh, Kay…Why?" She forced herself forward toward the table. Tears streaked her cheeks. Salt stung her eyes. Sobs choked off Plea. Outrage crashed into her psyche over their opposing views. Anger echoed in her ears akin to a deep cave. Her knees and legs staggered and buckled…

…until a pair of strong arms caught her….

He eased her up against himself. His arms embraced her. "I have you. You are strong for me. It is my turn to be strong for you."

"Merlin, I…I…." She buried her face in his chest. Raw Emotion wailed and screamed into him. Tears soaked his shirt. His arms buoyed her up. "This is…so pathetic! Kay and Father are…counting on…me! I…I'm acting…like…child. I…"

"You are facing your brother's death. You cry. I am not a royal prat. You do what you have to do. I am here." Merlin kissed her forehead. "I have you. I do have one problem." He looked her right in the eye.

She trembled. "Merlin…I'm sorry…I upset you."

"You are not an orphan! You have Mother and me. We are your family now. Some day our kids will count on us." He raised an expectant eyebrow. "Please! No more talk of being an orphan. All right? Promise me."

Warmth and Strength flowed back into her limbs. Her lungs sucked in several calming breaths. "I think I can stand on my own. Thank you, my Prince." She eased away from him and toward Kay once more. "I just need to say a few words." She cleared her throat.

Merlin stepped back from the late ruler's body. He didn't say a word. He only offered a simple nod. Respect maintained Reverence for this woman…no his Princess…soon to be his Queen… Amor's bud opened within his heart. Giddiness raced up and down his spine. Still Determination held him firm. He would not interfere.

A heavy sigh escaped her lips. "Kay, it is me. I returned to take up Father's mantle and throne. I returned to serve our people. I will serve everyone. I wish we had agreed on policy and outlook. You listened too closely to Uther rather than Father. Now I must restore Father's policies. I will establish a new haven for magic and the old religion here in Nemeth. It is the right thing to do. We should all co-exist. Peace not Persecution is the way. I am sorry that your planned marriage for me did not work out. Still, you enabled me to meet my true love." Her eyes met Merlin's. "Merlin was a peasant and a servant. He was and is a knight of Nemeth by birth and deed. He is my Chosen. He is my Continuity and Bedrock. We will be married soon. We will turn back Meleagant and Cenred. Then we will confront Arthur. He has to understand. If he will now, we shall conduct our affairs as we must." She sucked in another breath. "No matter what, Merlin and I will miss you. But know that we will serve our people. Despite our disagreements, you are my brother. I love you." Her lips pressed Lament's whisper across Kay's forehead. "Farewell, Kay. May you be at peace with Mother and Father." She bowed her head. Prayer left her lips.

Merlin watched her step back. "Are you all right?" Panic flared within him for a few heartbeats.

"I am fine now. Thanks to you, my Prince." She squeezed his hand. "No more talk of you being unqualified. Now come. We have our guests to attend to." She eased the sheet back over Kay's head. Then she headed for the door and the passage beyond.

Merlin glanced at the covered body once again. He noticed her renewed strength. Relief saw the old Mithian returning to herself. That was something they were both going to need….