Burn
Hello! Sorry about my long absence from this site, I've had a lot going on. However, I have holidays starting in a few days so should hopefully be updating more frequently.
Disclaimer: I don't own 'Merlin' or any characters.
…..
The flames leapt higher, smoke rising from the crackling fire in curling tendrils of grey. The orange flames licked at pale flesh, roasting it, browning it. The dark-haired young man stared emotionlessly through the flames rising before him, his gaze locked on the blonde king. Arthur had turned away from the crackling fire, his shoulders hunched as though the sense of pain and failure he carried was a physical burden. He had failed his people – had failed to protect them. He had allowed sorcery into his kingdom.
Merlin knew what the King was thinking. He understood the agony that Arthur was putting himself through, because nothing was more important to Arthur than protecting his people. Morgana had recently attacked Camelot yet again, strengthening Arthur's distrust of magic and all who used it. Despite the witch's desire to end the persecution of those with magic, Merlin knew that with every attempt she made to gain power, the King was pushed further and further from embracing magic-users.
The manservant stared at the King through the flames, as the rabbit slowly roasted over their campfire.
….
AN: Did you enjoy the twist? What did you think was happening at the beginning? I tried to write it so it seemed as though Arthur was having Merlin burned on the pyre and couldn't bear to watch, but one of my friends read it and said she thought it sounded like the citadel was burning – until she found out that it was actually just the rabbit. Please let me know what you thought, and remember I am open to prompts, so if you want to send me any ideas feel free to do so! Camelotpointe.