A new chapter is up! Please let me know your thoughts by reviewing or sending me a PM. What did you guys think of Edward?
Hanniemango: Hey! Yes, Arthur can be a bit thick at times haha! Hopefully my OC is a bit smarter! I think to PM you should just have to click on my profile and there should be an option to Private Message, let me know how you go
"Isn't it a beautiful day?" Juliana asked as she opened the curtains in Amara's room.
"No," Amara scowled. "It most certainly is not."
"Oh," Juliana said confused. "But the sun is shining."
"I am not concerned with the sun," Amara scowled as she got out of bed. "Lord Bayard arrives today."
"But is this not a good thing?" Juliana asked. "Mercia and Camelot have been waring for some time. This will put an end to the war."
"Which is, of course, a good thing," Amara nodded as she looked out her window. "However his son Edward is also coming."
"And you do not like Edward?"
"I have never met Edward, but I have heard enough about him from Princess Mithian to have already formed my opinion of him. Princess Mithian is a very fair girl, and she describes him as the most deplorable man she has ever met."
"Are you able to avoid him while he is in Camelot?"
"If only," she sighed. "Father has asked me to keep him entertained. He is only coming here to try and court me. They're here to sign a peace treaty, but Bayard has always coveted Camelot. He wants to tie his son to it."
"Will the king make you marry him?"
"No," Amara said shaking her head. "Of course not, my father is very good to me. We are fortunate enough that Camelot does not want anything in the way of wealth. He has promised Morgana and I both that we won't have marriage forced on us, we chose our own husband so long as father approves of him."
"So then why do you not tell Prince Edward that you will not court him?"
"They're here to sign a peace treaty, it's best to humour them until it is signed. I promised father I would be civil, but from what Princess Mithian has told me it will be a struggle," she sighed as she saw blue banners enter Camelot, they had arrived. "I must get dressed. I'm going riding with Sir Leon." Juliana nodded as she pulled out the dress for the day. "No," Amara interrupted with a smirk. "I think I might wear my tunic and leggings." If she was dressed this way she wouldn't be able to greet Prince Edward before her ride.
Amara walked through the halls, avoiding the entrance of the castle in order to sneak to the stables to meet Sir Leon. As she turned the corner, she froze. Her father was standing right there, "how did I know you were going to do this?" he asked.
Amara groaned and turned around to go back to her room, "I'll go change."
"That you will," he said as he walked with her. "Dress nicely. Lord Bayard asked after your whereabouts and I told him you were going riding. Prince Edward is to accompany you."
"Father," Amara protested.
"Please, Amara. I don't want to argue this with you. You may not like the boy but you know why you must be polite."
"I do," she grumbled. "Are you sure he isn't tired from the journey?"
"That he is not. He is going to meet you at the stables. You best hurry," he said as he turned away.
Amara walked through the doors of her chambers and Juliana sprung up from cleaning the floors. "Is everything ok my lady?"
"I need to change into a nice dress," she groaned. "Prince Edward is to accompany my ride."
As soon as Amara arrived at the stables she saw Arthur, her father, Sir Leon, Lord Bayard and his son Edward waiting for her. Arthur walked towards her quickly with a smirk, he leant down to whisper to her, "trust me, you'll enjoy today much more if you look at it as a joke." Amara looked at him curiously and he smiled as he took her hand and placed it in the crook of his elbow, "he's utterly ridiculous."
"Lord Bayard," Uther smiled as Arthur and Amara got closer, "this is my daughter, Princess Amara. Amara, Lord Bayard, King of Mercia."
"My lord," Amara said with a smile as she curtseyed.
"Princess Amara," he greeted as he took her hand and kissed it. "May I introduce you to my son, Prince Edward."
"Princess," Edward smirked as he kissed her hand.
"Prince Edward," Amara she said, curtseying without a smile.
"I hear your favourite path for riding is one of the most beautiful in the whole of Albion. I cannot wait to see it."
"Well Sir Leon and I do ride quite quickly, I hope you can keep up," she snarked, making Arthur snigger from behind her.
"I assure you I am quite a proficient rider."
"Shall we go then?" Amara asked, wanting the ride to be over as quickly as possible. "Are you joining us brother?" Amara asked, turning to Arthur, her eyes wide, begging him to stay.
"I'm afraid not," he smiled, making her glare. "I have some last-minute things preparations for the banquet tonight."
"Traitor," she whispered.
"Well, we'll leave you to it," Uther said, catching his daughters eye, instructing with his stare for her to behave herself.
"Yes, we will see you at the banquet tonight," Bayard smiled before he, Uther and Arthur left.
"Would you like help…" Edward went to ask.
"Sir Leon," Amara interrupted. "Could you please help me onto my horse?"
"Certainly, your highness," Leon said, walking with her over to her horse. "It's only a couple days Amara."
"I know," she huffed as she got onto her horse. She took a deep breath and smiled at Edward, "are you ready?"
"If my lady commands me to be so," he smiled. Amara grimaced as she tried to maintain her smile as they set off.
"One cannot imagine the honour," Edward said as they rode. "To be considered beautiful enough a woman to be bestowed the privilege of birthing princes. It's the highest honour any woman could achieve," he said with a smile. Amara's face was blank as she tried her best not to snipe back at him. Leon was riding behind them trying his hardest not to laugh.
"Yes, what an honour indeed," Amara said.
"It is so hard to find a woman of high enough nobility who has all the desirable attributes. Appropriate hips for a start," he said and Amara snapped her head to him, he was completely oblivious to her anger. "The woman must have hips that would be appropriate for birthing many children. It would hardly be enough to just have one child of course."
"Oh, of course."
"But also you don't want her to be too wide in the hips because that is just unflattering."
"That is quite a conundrum."
"You, of course, my lady," he said turning to her with a smile. "You have all the physical attributes to qualify yourself for the role. It is such an honour. And no doubt you also have the emotional qualities. Despite not knowing your mother yourself, I understand the instincts come naturally," he said dismissively, but the mention of her mother made her freeze.
"Shall we stop for a moment?" Leon called out, seeing her tense.
"Yes, good idea," Amara snapped. Leon quickly got off his horse and over to Amara before Edward.
"Are you alright?" he asked, helping her off her horse.
"Why did he have to bring mention my mother?" she hissed quietly. "The fool is a disrespectful pratt!"
"Amara, shh," he said quickly. They couldn't afford to give any offence, it could jeopardise the treaty. Amara looked over Leon's shoulder to see Edward's servant talking to him before he started to make his way back over to Amara.
"I hear there is a river nearby?" he asked.
Amara smiled kindly, they needed this treaty. "Yes, just through here," she said pointing, only for him to grab her hand and hold it as they began walking.
"I feel I should inform you that I have met with many other potential matches," he said as they walked.
"Yes, I heard you visited my dear friend Princess Mithian of Nemeth. Tell me, was she well? It has been so long since I have seen her."
"She was as well as can be expected," he shrugged. "She is not what one would call an intellectual." Amara's eyes widened. Mithian was one of the smartest people she knew. "It is so hard to think of any other woman, I must say when such loveliness is before me."
"You flatter me," Amara replied with a false giggle.
"I do so look forward to spending more time with you."
"And I with you, of course," she said, looking behind her to signal Sir Leon.
"My lady, my lord," Leon said coming up to them. "Shall we return to Camelot?" he asked. "You both must prepare for the banquet."
"Indeed we shall, what a splendid idea," Amara said, finally smiling a genuine smile to Leon as they returned to the horses.
Amara burst through the doors of Arthur's chambers, "you cockroach of a brother," she hissed. "You left me!"
"I had no choice," he laughed. "That bad was it?"
"Whatever you're thinking, worse."
"Worse?"
"Much worse. Hello Merlin," Amara said, greeting the boy as she took a seat.
"What happened?" Merlin asked.
"Amara went riding with Lord Bayard's son today," Arthur explained. "Prince Edward wishes to court her."
"Don't smirk," Amara snapped. "If you had come he probably would have kept his mouth shut."
"Well go on then. What did he say?" Arthur asked.
"Are either of you aware of the great honour that is bestowed upon the woman who is privileged enough to birth a prince?" she asked and Arthur nearly choked on the water he was drinking. "It gets worse. I have all the physical attributes to be a prime candidate for such an honour. Something about my hips being wide enough to give birth but not wide enough to be unattractive."
"He can't say that to you," Arthur said angrily. "You're a princess, that demands respect."
"One would imagine you couldn't say that to any woman, no matter her station," Amara pointed out. "That's not even the worst bit."
"It's worse than that?" Merlin asked.
"Oh indeed, he believes that despite me not knowing my mother my maternal instincts will kick in naturally upon having a child."
"He talked about our mother?" Arthur asked.
"He did."
Arthur was fuming. "That is unacceptable. He disrespecting you and our mother is disrespecting this kingdom. I'm going to father," he said standing up.
"No, don't," Amara panicked. "Arthur, be reasonable. We cannot tell father anything. If he hears that mother was mentioned he'll throw the treaty out. Camelot needs this treaty."
Arthur nodded and sat back down, "did he seem as though he'd pursue courting you further?"
"Of course," Amara nodded. "Bayard's always wanted access to Camelot."
"Well, I'm not leaving you alone with him again. Hopefully, he'll get the message that way and we won't have to anger Mercia."
"I swear, if Leon wasn't there I might have hit him," Amara smiled.
"Thank god for Leon then."
"Indeed," Amara smiled standing up. "Ok, well now that I've filled you in. I have a banquet to dress for," she said as she left his chambers.
Arthur escorted Amara into the hall for the banquet. On their way in, Amara caught sight of Merlin. "You didn't!" she gasped.
"Oh I did," he smiled.
Amara let out a chuckle, "you're cruel," Merlin was wearing Camelot's ceremonial servant's costume. No servant had worn that in years. It was a red outfit, with a red cape and a hat with feathers on top. Arthur led Amara to her seat before he walked back into the middle of the hall to stand beside their father as he and Bayard signed the treaty.
Amara caught the eye of Prince Edward and he smiled widely at her, Amara groaned so only Morgana could hear her and gave him a small smile back. "So I take it Mithian's account of the boy was accurate?" Morgana asked.
"More accurate than you can imagine," Amara replied as the hall erupted into applause as the treaty was completed. Bayard signalled he wanted to make a speech so Uther and Arthur returned to their seats at the Pendragon table.
"People of Camelot," he began. "For a great many years we have been mortal enemies. The blood of our men stains the ground from the walls of Camelot to the gates of Mercia, and though we remember those that died, we must not allow any more to join them. As a symbol of our goodwill and of our newfound friendship, I present these ceremonial goblets," he said as a servant walked up to him holding a case. "To you, Uther, and your children, Arthur and Amara," he said as he raised two goblets, with Edward raising the third. "In the hope that our friendship may last. Tonight we toast a new beginning for our peoples. We look towards a future free from the toils of war." He then handed the two goblets he was holding to the servant who walked forward and handed the larger one to Uther and the smaller one to Arthur. Edward smiled and walked up and handed Amara hers. "I hope that our friendship will only grow in time," Bayard declared and Amara looked at Morgana who smirked. "And may the differences from our past, remain there." Servants came from behind and filled the new goblets with wine. Edward stepped back to his father, grabbing their own two goblets off the table and handed one to his father. Bayard raised his goblets and everyone in the hall stood to raise their own. "To your health Uther, Arthur," he took a pause and Amara began to raise the goblet to her mouth, thinking he had finished before he continued, "Princess Amara, the Lady Morgana, the people of Camelot," he said turning to face everyone gathered in the hall.
Amara raised her goblet to drink, only for Uther to start talking, causing Amara to lower her goblet yet again, she looked to the side to see Arthur was doing the exact same as her and they both smiled at each other. "And to fallen warriors on both sides," Uther added. Bayard lifted his goblet, they were finally done.
Amara raised her goblet to her mouth and was just about to take a sip when a voice yelled out, "stop! It's poison! Don't drink it!" Amara quickly lowered her goblet, looking around to see it was Merlin who had burst into the hall yelling. He ran into the hall and snatched Arthur's goblet out of his hand before he raced over to Amara and threw the goblet from her hands, sending it flying, throwing wine all over the floor.
"Merlin!" Amara yelled in shock.
"What?" Uther asked angrily.
"Merlin, what are you doing?" Arthur asked his eyes darting around, this could offend Bayard and jeopardise the treaty.
"Bayard laced Arthur and Amara's goblets with poison," Merlin explained and Amara's eyes widened. She looked over at Bayard who looked furious.
"This is an outrage!" Bayard yelling, drawing his sword. In response, every knight in the room from both Camelot and Mercia drew their own weapon, making Amara jump. What a great way to seal a peace treaty.
"Order your men to put down their swords," Uther demanded as Camelot guards swarmed. "You're outnumbered."
"My lady," Gaius whispered, coming to Amara's side, "you didn't drink it did you?"
"No," Amara whispered back shaking her head.
Bayard looked around nervously, "I will not allow this insult to go unchallenged."
Uther turned to Merlin, "on what grounds do you base this accusation?" he asked.
"I'll handle this," Arthur snapped, storming around the table and towards his servant. "Merlin, you idiot," he yelled. "Have we been at the sloe gin again?" he asked, he was desperate to diffuse the situation while keeping his servant out of trouble.
Uther wouldn't allow it to pass though, "unless you want to be strung up, you will tell me why you think they're poisoned now."
Merlin looked at the king with conviction, "he was seen lacing it."
"By whom?"
"I can't say," Merlin denied.
"I won't listen to this anymore," Bayard spoke angrily.
Uther couldn't just dismiss the concern though, he walked around to Arthur's side, "pass me the goblet," he asked and Arthur took his goblet from Merlin's hands and gave it to their father.
Uther looked at it suspiciously as he walked towards Bayard, "If you're telling the truth…"
"I am," Bayard assured.
"Then you have nothing to fear, do you?" Uther challenged.
Bayard nodded and put his sword away, making Amara frown. If he was guilty, he wouldn't have put away his weapon. Everyone in the hall seemed to notice, even Arthur looked back at Amara confused. Merlin wouldn't have burst in here unless something was wrong, but Bayard wouldn't submit if he'd actually tried to kill the prince and princess. Bayard leaned towards Uther and held his hand out for the goblet. He was willing to drink from it.
"No," Uther said shaking his head, now doubting Merlin. "If this does prove to be poisoned, I want the pleasure of killing you myself." Uther then turned to Merlin and held out the goblet, "he'll drink it."
"Father," Amara protested as she walked around to stand by Arthur's side. They couldn't sacrifice Merlin.
"But if it is poisoned, he'll die," Arthur argued as he held his arm out, stopping Amara getting too close.
"Then we'll know he was telling the truth," Uther shrugged. He didn't care.
"And what if he lives?" Bayard asked as Merlin took the goblet from Uther.
"Then you have my apologies," Uther promised, "and you can do with him as you will."
"Father, give it to an animal, not a man," Amara pleaded. "The boy has proven himself a true and trusted friend of Camelot. He saved Arthur's life from the witch, he was right about the snakes in Valiant's shield."
"I don't have time to fetch an animal," Uther growled. "If he's right about this his actions will be remembered."
"Uther, please, he's just a boy, he doesn't know what he's saying," Gaius spoke up, begging mercy for his nephew.
"Then you should have schooled him better," Uther snapped, he was angry. He placed his hand on Amara's back and led her back around to the other side of the table. Amara moved back to stand in front of her seat and took Morgana's hand, no matter what happened now, it was not going to end well.
"Merlin, apologise," Arthur ordered. "This is a mistake. I'll drink it," Arthur argued reaching for the goblet
"No, no, no," Merlin said quickly, jerking the goblet away from him. "It's all right." Merlin raised the cup to Bayard and Uther before shakingly raising it to his mouth and drinking the contents. The entire room was silent as they waited to see what would happen. After a moment Merlin turned to look at Bayard who chuckled. Merlin turned back to look at the king, "it's fine."
Amara released a breath she didn't realize she had been holding and muttered, "oh thank god," as Morgana squeezed her hand in comfort.
"He's all yours," Uther said to Bayard. Amara and Arthur both looked ready to argue when they heard Merlin grunt. Amara whipped her head around to see Merlin clawing at his throat.
"Merlin?" Amara asked. He was coughing, unable to get in any air. After a moment of struggling, Merlin collapsed to the ground. Arthur immediately ran to Merlin's side to help.
Amara went to run to Merlin also, but was stopped when Uther grabbed onto her arm, "it's poisoned. Guards!" he yelled. "Seize them!" Bayard had now drawn his sword again, but as Amara saw his face she only saw shock, the goblet being poisoned seemed to shock Bayard. Amara looked to her side to see Morgana looking around wide-eyed, holding up a dinner knife to defend herself.
"Father," Amara protested, trying to pull away. Merlin had saved hers and Arthur's life, she had to check on him. She couldn't see what was going on, Arthur, Gwen and Gaius were surrounding him.
"He tried to poison you," Uther said in shock. "You could have died, both you and Arthur."
"I know, I know, father please! Merlin saved my life I have to check on him." Uther seemed to snap back to reality and he released his hold on his daughter and nodded. Arthur had already carried Merlin out of the hall, no doubt to Gaius' chambers. As Amara went to run out after them she noticed hers and Arthur's goblets lying on the ground and snatched them up before running out.
"You can cure him, can't you, Gaius?" Amara heard Gwen ask as she arrived at the physician's chambers.
"I won't know until I can identify the poison. I need the goblets," Gaius answered.
"I have them," Amara said as she ran through the door. She ran straight up to Gaius and handed him both.
Gaius inspected both for only a moment before he frowned, "there's something stuck on the inside," he said as he walked over to get his tweezers.
"What is it?" Arthur asked, walking towards Amara and Gaius.
"Looks like a flower petal of some kind."
"His brows on fire," Gwen told them.
"Keep him cool," Gaius instructed. "It'll help control his fever."
Amara walked over to Merlin and knelt by his side, grabbing another wet rag and holding it to his cheek, "I'm so sorry," she whispered.
"Ah," Gaius spoke up. "The petal comes from the mortaeus flower. It says here that someone poisoned by the mortaeus can only be saved by a potion made from the leaf of the very same flower. It can only be found in the caves deep beneath the forest of Baloch. The flower grows on the roots of the mortaeus tree."
"That doesn't look particularly friendly," Arthur said and Amara looked up to see him pointing at a book. She quickly jumped up and ran over to see him pointing to an illustration of a monster on the page.
"Dear God, that thing looks terrifying," Amara gasped.
"A cockatrice," Gaius explained. "It guards the forest. This venom is potent. A single drop would mean certain death." Amara's eyes widened and she looked over at her brother.
"My lady," Juliana said as she ran into Gaius' chambers, "I thought you returned to your chambers, I'm sorry."
"It's fine, Juliana," Amara said quickly. She had to get her out of here. If Arthur was going to go look for the antidote they couldn't afford for the details to be known, Bayard might have more assassins nearby. "Go attend to the Lady Morgana tonight," she ordered.
"But my Lady…"
"Guinevere is here, she can attend to me, the Lady Morgana will need someone now please," she said as kindly as she could. Juliana nodded before scurrying out of the room.
"Few who have crossed the mountains of Isgard in search of the mortaeus flows have made it back alive," Gaius said, reading from his book.
"But it's possible. Somebody made the trip in order to put petals in Arthur and I's goblets. It can be done."
"You're right," Arthur nodded. "Sounds like fun."
"Arthur, it's too dangerous," Gaius protested.
"If I don't get the antidote what happens to Merlin?" he asked.
Gaius sighed, looking over at his nephew before answering, "the mortaeus induces a slow and painful death. He may hold out for four, maybe five days, but not for much longer. Eventually, he will die."
"That's plenty of time," Amara nodded.
"I'll go talk to father," Arthur said, leaning forward to kiss Amara on the head before running out.
"Guinevere, could you please do me a favour?" Amara asked and Gwen nodded. "Run and check on Morgana for me please? Juliana's helping her so she'll be fine, I just need to know she's ok. I'll wait with Merlin until you're back."
Gwen nodded and stood up, "I'll be right back," she said racing out of the room.
"I'm so sorry Gaius," Amara said to the physician. "The poison wasn't meant for him."
"He did the right thing Amara," Gaius said, sitting down in a seat next to Merlin as Amara pressed the rag to his forehead. "I love the boy, but you and Arthur must be protected."
"Not at the expense of another's life," Amara argued. "I can't accept that."
"But you must. Many more people will die for both you and Arthur's sake. It's unfortunate, but it's the truth. It's the curse of the position you're born with."
"Gwen?" Amara asked as she arrived back.
"Morgana is fine. She said I can stay with Merlin until he's healed. Juliana can attend to you both. Thank you," Gwen answered.
"I'm going to go check in with Arthur," Amara said standing up. "Hopefully he can leave tonight," she said leaving the room and heading straight for Arthur's chambers. Amara walked in to see he was still not back yet, so she let herself in and sat down at the table. She'd only been sitting a few minutes when Arthur flung the door open and slammed his sword down on the table before standing over the fire. "What are you doing? Shouldn't you be preparing to leave?" she asked only to see Arthur hang his head. "He said no, didn't he," Amara realised.
"Say what you like about the food," Morgana's voice spoke up from the doorway. "But you can't beat our feasts for entertainment."
"Morgana, I'm sorry," Arthur apologised. "I should have made sure you were alright."
"Disappointed actually," Morgana replied as she walked into the room. "I was looking forward to clumping a couple around the head with a ladle."
"The ladle is the most threatening weapon," Amara smiled as Morgana came to stand behind her chair. "We could've worked together, destroyed their whole army with utensils."
Arthur smirked at the image before replying, "I'm sure the guards could have handled Bayard and his men."
"Yeah," Morgana groaned. "But why let the boys have all the fun? Am I right?" she asked, tapping Amara's shoulder.
"Sure are. I reckon we can handle a sword better than half the knights," Amara smirked.
"Amara," Arthur groaned shaking his head, "Morgana. You shouldn't get involved. It's dangerous."
"We thrive off danger," Amara remarked unhelpfully.
"Spare me the lecture," Morgana snapped. "I've already had it from Uther."
Amara moaned before looking up at Morgana, "have I got a lecture coming? I best start avoiding him now then."
"If it's any consolation, you weren't the only one Morgana," Arthur said turning away from them. "There's no way he won't lecture you as well Amara."
"We don't listen to him," Morgana retorted as she realised from Arthur's tone that he must've been forbidden from looking for the antidote for Merlin. "Sometimes you've got to do what you think is right. And damn the consequences."
Arthur turned to look at both girls and realised what Morgana meant, "you think I should go?"
"It doesn't matter what we think, it matters what you think," Amara shrugged.
"If I don't make it back, who will be the next king of Camelot?" Arthur asked.
"She can have a queen," Morgana suggested.
Amara's mouth dropped open in shock and she turned to her adopted sister, "no," she said firmly.
"That's not fair on Amara," Arthur argued. "You know she doesn't want that, I couldn't do that to her. There's a lot more than just my life at stake."
"Fine," Morgana submitted. "But what kind of king would Camelot want? One that would risk his life to save that of a lowly servant," she said as she picked up Arthur's sword from the table and handing it to him. "Or one who does what his father tells him to?"
Arthur sighed and took the sword before turning to Amara, "what do you think?"
"I think Merlin knew exactly what he was doing when he drank from that goblet. He knew it was poisoned and I think he knew the king wouldn't let you risk your life to save his."
"You don't think I should go?" he asked confused.
"I think you definitely should go," Amara said as she stood up and walked up to him. "I don't think it matters, what his station is. I think servant or nobility, if someone shows you enough loyalty where they can weigh up the risk and still decide to die for you... you need to show the same loyalty back. Father will disagree, he is different from you, but I don't think you'll be a good king unless you do this. It's what's right Arthur."
"I have to leave now," he said. "Father forbid me from leaving."
"Go to my stables," Amara suggested. "He'll have guards stationed in yours. If you go to mine, you can take one of my horses."
"That's a good idea," Arthur nodded. "Look after things for me would you?" he asked nervously and she nodded. "I'll see you both when I get back," he smiled, squeezing their shoulders before walking out of his room.
"He can do it," Morgana said.
"I know he can."
"How is he?" Amara asked as she walked in Gaius' chambers the next day.
"He's getting hotter," Gwen told her. Amara sighed and walked up to his side, grabbing a new cloth and ran it over his neck.
Merlin began mumbling gibberish and Gwen asked Gaius, "what language is that?"
"None," he answered. "The fever's taken hold. None of those words are his own."
"Poor Merlin," Amara said sadly as she watched the boy.
"His pulse is weaker," Gaius noted.
Amara moved to quickly grab a seat to sit on when she noticed something red on Merlin's arm. "Gaius, what's that on his arm?"
Gaius picked up Merlin's arm and pushed the sleeve up, making Gwen gasp and ask, "what is it?"
"That can't be right," Gaius muttered confused. "The rash is not supposed to appear until the final stage."
"Final stage? He only drank the poison last night!" Amara said shaking her head.
"What does that mean?" Gwen asked as she looked between Amara and Gaius. Gaius moved over to his book Amara took over nursing Merlin's forehead so Gwen could go over to see what Gaius was reading.
"It says here that once a rash appears death will follow within two days," Gaius read in despair.
"You said he had 4 days," Gwen said beginning to panic.
"Something's increased the flower's potency," Gaius guessed before he dove back into his book.
"Arthur thinks he has 4 days to return," Amara realised. He might not make it back in time.
"It warns that the effect of the mortaeus will be more rapid if an enchantment is used during the flower's preparation," Gaius said as he read the next passage.
Amara froze and raised her head, "magic," she breathed as Gaius turned to look at her. "But that doesn't make any sense," she said shaking her head.
"Why not?" Gaius asked.
"Half the reason my father and Bayard were able to tolerate each other long enough to form a treaty is because they both despise magic. No matter what Bayard is after, he'll use a sword to get it, never magic."
"I fear you're right," Gaius said frowning.
"Then who did this?" Gwen asked.
Gaius' eyes widened as he came up with an idea, "it can't have been," he whispered before looking up to Amara. "She wouldn't dare come here."
"Who?" Amara asked.
"Unless…" Gaius said looking at Gwen.
"Unless what?" Gwen pressed.
"What happened to that girl?" he asked.
"Which girl?"
"Just before Merlin burst into the hall, one of Bayard's serving girls took him outside."
Gwen nodded, she knew exactly who Gaius was talking about, "she had dark hair, very beautiful."
"Find her," Gaius instructed. "Quickly."
"Do you think she's a sorceress? And she's in Camelot?" Amara asked panicked.
"I fear that may be the case."
"Gaius, take over please," Amara said quickly standing up to give Gaius the damp cloth. "Gwen, we will go together. You know what she looks like but I'll be able to help if you run into any trouble getting into the dungeon."
Gwen nodded, "let's go," she said as the girls hurried out of the room.
They were walking down the hall around the corner from the dungeon when a voice boomed out "Amara!" making them both freeze. It was the king.
"Go, quickly, find her," Amara instructed and Gwen ran away as Amara turned around to sweetly smile at her approaching father. "Father, how are you today?"
"Come with me," he growled, forcing Amara to follow him. "I know you had something to do with this."
"With what?" Amara asked innocently.
"The innocent act doesn't work with me, Amara. I'm your father! Arthur would never dare to disobey me unless you encouraged it."
"I would never disobey you father."
"Yes, you would. You've done it on many occasions. You know I forbade Arthur from going on this quest."
Amara sighed, there was no point lying, "the boy saved my life father, Arthur's as well. Why is it fair that he dies when there's a chance he can live?"
"It's too dangerous."
"Arthur didn't think so," Amara retorted.
"Morgana!" Uther called out, knocking on the door to her room.
"Uther," she greeted, opening the door. "Amara, come in," she said. Uther stormed through the door and Amara caught Morgana's eye and grimaced to let her know Uther was angry.
"Arthur has left Camelot," Uther told her as she and Amara walked to stand near the window.
"Oh dear, whatever for?" Morgana asked.
"To find a cure for the poison."
"And you disapprove?" she asked with a smirk.
"I expressly ordered Arthur not to go!"
"I'd say it worked like a charm too," Morgana replied sarcastically, getting an elbow from Amara in warning.
"Not another word!" Uther ordered, pointing his finger in their direction.
"My lips are sealed," she sniped back with an eye roll.
"I should have put him under lock and key."
"You can't chain him up every time he disagrees with you."
"Morgana," Amara hissed. She was going to get herself in a lot of trouble if she didn't hold her tongue.
"Just you watch me. I will not be disobeyed, especially by my own children."
"No, of course, you won't," Morgana muttered as she sat down.
Uther froze at this and Amara closed her eyes, she'd really done it now. Uther turned around and leant on the table, "you knew about this as well, didn't you? Morgana? Don't lie to me."
"Arthur's old enough to make decisions for himself," she reasoned.
"He's going to be king one day," Amara added in, trying not to get herself into any more trouble. "Isn't it best he starts making decisions now?"
"He's just a boy," Uther contradicted.
"Have you seen your son recently?" Morgana challenged. "You have to let him make his own mind up."
"Even if it means letting him go to his death?" Uther asked.
"He won't die, father. Arthur's the best warrior in the kingdom. He can do this," Amara pleaded.
"It's not worth the risk."
"He's showing loyalty to his subjects, surely you can't think that the wrong thing to do?"
"I do when it's just a servant!" he yelled.
"That servant risked his life for both Arthur and me," Amara argued, walking up to her father. "Surely it doesn't matter whether he is a servant or not. He drank from the goblet knowing full well what would happen to him. If our family doesn't show that kind of loyalty back why should we expect it in the first place?"
"Because I am the king!" he yelled. "Arthur is the prince and the heir to the throne and you are the princess. That demands that level of loyalty," he said before his face fell as Amara flinched when being yelled at. "I understand you feel responsible for the boy because it was your goblets that were poisoned, but do you understand the risks in Arthur going to do this alone? He may die, Amara."
"He won't, he promised. He'll be back."
"Well he'll be in trouble when he does," Uther growled before turning and leaving Morgana's chambers.
"Father," Amara sighed and followed him out. "Please don't be too mad at him. You know he did the right thing."
"It is not the right thing. He disobeyed me. Maybe a week in the dungeon will teach him some manners when he gets back."
"A week?" Amara gasped and went after him.
"Do you want to be put in there too?" he yelled and Amara shook her head as she fell silent. "I will not be disobeyed, by you or by Arthur. Perhaps the death of this serving boy will teach you both the value of your own lives over others," he hissed before he stormed away.
"Arthur's back," Amara said as she came into Gaius' chambers the next day. "I can't see him. My father has forbidden anyone from seeing him, including me."
"Yes, Gwen was just telling me," Gaius said sadly.
"If he's back it means he has the flower though. We have to find a way to get to him. How is Merlin?"
"He hasn't got much longer. His breath is leaving him."
"Is there nothing we can do to help?" Gwen asked.
"Only the leaf of the mortaeus flower can save him," Gaius explained in anguish.
"Then we have to find out if Arthur has it," Gwen said as she began to pace. "I could sneak into the dungeon?"
"That would be very dangerous," Gaius discouraged.
"I've got to," she argued. "Merlin will die if I don't."
Amara stood up straight, "and the prince will die if he does not eat. He's due to get his food in half an hour, Gwen, if you can get in first, you could talk to him. You won't have to sneak in that way, they'll let you straight past."
"That's a good idea, that'll work," Gaius nodded. "Be careful," he warned and Gwen ran out.
"You're taking a big risk encouraging Gwen to do this. If she is caught and Uther finds out it was your idea."
"He's already told me if I disobeyed him again I'd end up in the cell opposite Arthur for a week," she said with a false smile. "It doesn't matter though. It's about doing what's right."
"How is he?" Gwen asked as she ran in.
"Have you got the mortaeus?" Gaius asked as he stopped pacing.
"Here," she said handing it to him, making Amara smile. She knew Arthur could do it.
"His breathing is much worse. We have to hurry," he said taking the flower from Gwen.
Gwen came and took a seat on the other side of Merlin, "his breathing," Amara whispered. "It's so slow, he can't long left," she said as Gaius began making the remedy.
"Why have you stopped?" Gwen asked when she saw Gaius freeze.
"The poison was created using magic," Gaius said. "We may need magic to make an antidote."
"No," Amara said shaking her head. "Magic only makes everything worse."
"We couldn't even if we wanted to, none of us knows magic," Gwen sighed sadly.
"Is there any other option Gaius?" Amara asked.
"I'll try and make it work without," he nodded. "Oh, I need some freshwater," he said handing the bucket to Gwen. "I'm sorry your highness," he said to Amara, "but I'll need more yarrow and I'm afraid Merlin doesn't have enough time to wait for Gwen to fetch both."
"You want me to get it?" Amara asked.
"I'm sorry," Gaius nodded.
"Ok," Amara said standing up. "I can do that. Where do I get it?"
"The kitchen."
"Ok, the kitchen…" Amara nodded. "That's around the corner from the great hall right?" she asked. She'd never had to go to the kitchen herself before.
"I'll point the direction to you," Gwen said grabbing the bucket. "We have to hurry." Gwen and Amara raced out of the room and Gwen quickly gave Amara instructions on where to go, "when you get to the hall make a left and then the second corridor turn right and it'll be the door at the end," she said before they split up.
"Got it," Amara yelled. She reached the door of the kitchen and knocked, not quite sure what to do.
"What!" a voice snapped opening the door. "Oh," she said quickly. "Your highness, I apologise," she said curtsying.
"It's fine, I don't have time," Amara interrupted. "I need some yarrow for Gaius. Urgently."
"Of course," the cook nodded before yelling, "I need yarrow for the princess! Here you are," she said quickly handing it to Amara. Before she could say anything else, Amara was already running away back to Gaius' chambers.
As she entered she saw Gwen and Gaius embracing as Gwen cried. "Oh no," Amara gasped.
"That's disgusting," Merlin's voice croaked. "You should be ashamed of yourself. You're old enough to be her grandfather."
"Merlin!" Gaius laughed, "you're alive."
"No, I'm a ghost come back to haunt you," Merlin joked.
Amara smiled widely, they'd made it in time. She walked further into the room to come stand by Merlin's bed. As she reached the bed she saw Gwen kissing Merlin on the lips and had to raise her eyebrows in surprise. "I'm sorry," Gwen stuttered. "I'm just… I thought you were dead."
"It's fine, it's more than fine," Merlin nodded before he saw Amara, "your highness," he said quickly nodding his head to her.
"I'm so glad you're alright," Amara laughed before she knelt down beside his bed. "Merlin, I must thank you. What you did was the bravest thing I've ever seen a man do. If it wasn't for your actions my brother and I would both be dead. I am indebted to you."
"What happened?" Merlin asked. "The last thing I remember is drinking the wine.
"Arthur saved you," Amara smiled. "He disobeyed father and rode out to get you the antidote. He's currently in the dungeon," she smirked.
"He did that for me?" he asked shocked.
"The loyalty you've shown our family cannot be brushed aside. No matter what my father thinks."
"I am not sad to see them gone," Amara smirked as she watched Bayard and the rest of his people depart Camelot. Uther had released them all when Gaius told him it wasn't Bayard but a sorceress who had tried to poison her and Arthur.
"Won't you miss Edward?" Morgana smirked.
"You know I won't," Amara laughed. "He tried to bring me flowers before, I had Juliana pretend I was in the stables, so he probably spent his last moments here running around looking for me."
"He was so sad that you didn't see him off, he still had the flowers in his hand," Morgana giggled.
"I'm sure he'll get over it," Arthur said smiling at the two girls. Uther had decided to release Arthur early so they could properly negotiate with Bayard to maintain the treaty.
"Ok, let the bragging begin. How'd you manage it?" Morgana asked Arthur.
"I'm not sure," he said shaking his head. "All I do know is I had help. Someone knew I was in trouble and sent a light to guide the way."
"Who?" Morgana asked.
"I don't know."
"A light?" Amara asked. "Like magic? But sorcerers are evil Arthur."
"Well whoever it was, I'm only here because of them," he shrugged. "So I guess they can't all be evil."
"I'm glad you're back," Morgana smiled before she walked away.
"I'm not," Amara teased. "The castle was much more pleasant with you gone," she said and Arthur laughed.
"Arthur," Uther said as he walked over to them. Both siblings tensed, expecting another lecture when he asked, "the woman you met in the forest, what did she tell you?"
"Not much," Arthur answered.
"Woman?" Amara asked. She hadn't had a chance to talk to Arthur properly since his return.
"I met a woman in the forest," Arthur explained. "She tried to trap me in the cave, she had magic. She was too busy trying to get me killed to talk to me," he said, and Amara saw her father visibly relax and frowned slightly. "It was strange though."
"In what way?" Uther asked.
"I was at her mercy. She could have finished me off, but she chose not to. She said it wasn't my destiny to die at her hand."
"That is strange," Amara agreed. "Although she practised magic, perhaps she was arrogant enough to think her magic tricks would be your doom."
"Perhaps," Uther considered. "Magic is a great evil, you must have been scared."
"It had its moments," Arthur shrugged.
"Those who practice magic know only evil," Uther explained. "They despise and seek to destroy goodness wherever they find it, which is why she wanted you dead. She is evil."
"Sounds as if you know her," Arthur suggested. Amara had noticed the same thing.
"I do," Uther admitted and both siblings turned to look at him. "To know the heart of one sorcerer is to know them all. You did the right thing. Even though you were disobeying me," Uther admitted. "Your sister's moral compass is rarely wrong, it is always good as king to think both morally and practically. I'm afraid I only think practically. I always enjoyed watching you two work as a team, ever since you were children," he smiled at her. "I'm proud of you both. Never forget that."
