Hello my fabulous readers !
So, first thing first, thank you all here to read my story (and review it, for some of you, you can't imagine how important that is!)!
Second thing is that I am leaving for my long awaited holidays so you won't have any news from me for, say, 3 weeks :). I hope during that time my muse will find me :)! But, you are welcome to write to me anyway (even if I'm always trying to keep my geeky side away and do a virtual pause).
Third, for those who are interested, know that google actually took my stolen fanfiction off google books. This is such a relief!
And finally, I can't leave without talking of my new instant love. I just finished totally binge watching the TV show The Flash. It is totally awesome! I may or may not be in love with Barry Allen because he may or may not reming me of Merlin and I find his akwardness sooo cute!
Well that's it for the (useless) talk about my live !
Enjoy reading and see you soon !
Chapter 16:
Arthur had been impatiently waiting for his wife to return from her dinner with Merlin. He had spent so much time pacing the length of his chambers that he was almost sure he could see a distinct track in the stones.
He hadn't eaten anything himself, feeling far too agitated and had dismissed his servant almost as soon as the poor man had set foot in the room. A voice sounding strangely like his magical friend had automatically called him a prat in his own head so that he had almost immediately felt guilty for his rudeness. If it mattered he had promised himself he would give the servant an afternoon free as a hopefully well-hidden apology.
He almost jumped when the door opened far later than he thought he could deal with and he tuned so fast that he swore he felt something crack in his neck.
"Guinevere!" He exclaimed only managing to stop himself rushing to her and ask questions thanks to a lifetime of training.
She closed the door and walked to him, her face unreadable but her eyes carrying a distinct glint of guilt and sadness.
"How did it go?" Arthur asked, fearing the answer.
"As well as could be expected." Gwen answered cryptically. "I think he understood our thinking and I don't think he will bear a grudge. He just needs some time. That's all."
The words were reassuring in themselves but Arthur could see that Gwen wasn't entirely satisfied with her conversation with Merlin.
"What is it then?" He questioned softly, taking her small hands in his sword-calloused ones.
Gwen sighed softly and stepped closer to Arthur, unconsciously leaning in his strong comforting frame.
"It's nothing…." She said softly. "It's just… I still feel guilty about not telling him. We have been so stupid. I feel as if he should be madder at us but then he was saying that he understood and forgiving me just like that…"
"That's Merlin for you." Arthur answered, his tone far lighter than his heart, as he squeezed her against him, one hand idly playing with her brown locks. "But I understand what you mean. I feel the same. I guess we will just have to make it up to him. Somehow."
He felt Gwen nod against his chest
"Come on, we'd better get to bed, I have a feeling tomorrow will be a very long day." Arthur finally said.
The following morning, the couple were woken by their servants arriving with breakfast. Arthur groaned in a very un-kingly manner. He had spent the majority of the night wondering what the next day would bring. Long after Gwen's breathing had evened out he had still be musing over what he should do and say.
He had finally decided he would go talk to Alice himself to tell her that the position of Court Physician was hers, should she want it and was willing to meet with the council later that day.
When he sat down at the table he suddenly remember that he hadn't eaten anything since the previous day's lunch and was ravenous: he quickly began helping himself from the various plates in front of him.
"You look like you haven't eaten in days." Gwen commented lightly as she also served herself some food.
Arthur could only nod, too busy eating to answer verbally.
It was only once he had satisfied his hunger that he announced his plan to talk to Alice himself.
"That's a good idea." She agreed and Arthur couldn't deny that the proud gaze she sent him helped steady him.
They both prepared for the day and then, after a last kiss to his wife, Arthur left.
It was a relatively quick walk to the physician's rooms. He nodded to the guard on duty before knocking and entering the room.
She obviously hadn't been expected him and bowed slightly with a surprised look on her face. He told her to sit down before settling himself at the well-worn wooden table.
He observed her in silence for a long moment, trying to understand what Merlin and Gaius saw in her and what his own opinion of her actually was. He sighed quietly.
"I have to admit that I don't know what to do with you." He began honestly. "The law dictates I should execute you yet… I don't think you deserve it." He paused, thinking of what to say next. "Merlin thinks that you would be a good replacement for Gaius."
He watched as she struggled not to show her shock too obviously.
"Wh-What?" She finally blurted out, unsteadily.
"Merlin suggested that I give you the job of Court Physician. Don't ask me why, thought. God knows what goes on in his silly head." Arthur repeated, unable to truly hide his annoyance at his friend.
"I… I don't understand."
Arthur almost snorted at that. It looked like they had a common opinion then.
"Me neither. But… I am willing to trust him. He usually is a good judge of character and I spent enough time doubting him and regretting it later… He brought the matter to the council's attention yesterday and they wish to talk to you before authorizing it." He announced and watched as the words made their way in, letting silence fall on them for a long time.
"I don't know what to say." She said.
"For the moment you don't have to say anything. Just think about it. If you don't want the job you will be free to go wherever you want. There is no obligation. The council session will be this afternoon. I'll send a guard for you if you wish to attend." Arthur answered, not unkindly, before pushing himself up and making his way to the door only to stop there, feeling that he had to say more. "You know, for a long time I was sure that magic is evil and corrupts even the kindest souls. I lived in my father's beliefs and was afraid of it. Merlin, despite his flaws and his lies, showed me the truth. He suffered more than anyone should, living in the shadows with the constant threat of death and the weight of a heavy destiny on his shoulders, and yet he is still there. He is a good man. A better man that I could probably ever be. I just hope you will come to see that one day."
He nodded to himself, satisfied that he had managed to express his feelings about Merlin and magic. Part of him prayed that said man would never hear a word of that or he might never hear the end of it.
He once more nodded to the guard and made his way back to his chambers. Hopefully Gwen would be there and they could prepare for the council together.
The rest of the day passed like a blur to Arthur and before he knew it, it was time to go the Council chamber. Of course, he wouldn't admit that he felt terribly nervous about what would happen.
He was grateful for Gwen's hand in his as they walked through the castle's halls and they didn't part even as they sat down in their respective chairs.
Slowly Lords began trickling in, sitting down and organizing scrap of papers in front of them before chatting in a low voice with their neighbors. At each new footsteps echoing in the corridor Arthur would look up, hopeful to see Merlin, only to be disappointed.
Gwen squeezed his hand as if she could read his mind.
Once every seat, save for the one at his right was occupied everyone turned towards him expectantly. The king stayed silent for a few more minutes, hoping that Merlin would just barge in, late and flustered, but here.
"Well, gentlemen, I guess we're going to begin." He finally resigned himself to announce.
"Shouldn't we wait for Merlin?" The only partially veiled sarcastic voice of Lord Jacobs commented.
Arthur's fist clenched beneath the table. This attitude was at least partially to blame for Merlin's lack of confidence in the council.
"No. He must be busy with other matters." He answered, more sharply than he intended. Not that he felt any guilt for it. "And I think it's safe to assume his opinion on Alice as he was the one to propose her for the position. Guards. Go and fetch her."
The next minutes were spent in trepidation as the lords once more began chatting among them, some commenting on Merlin's absence none too discreetly and other sharing their questions on the perhaps future court physician. Silence settled once more only when the door reopened to let the two guards and Alice enter. She bowed then went to stand at the end of the table in front of Arthur and Gwen.
"Please, sit down." Arthur instructed her, nodding to a servant to bring her a chair. "Now I will let the lords ask any question they deem necessary and I ask you to answer them sincerely and honestly."
"Of course my Lord." She answered and Arthur saw that it was with more respect that he had seen from her since her arrival.
"I recognize you. You were there before the Purge. Your name was on the list of the magic practitioners but you disappeared before being arrested."
Alice nodded. "Indeed I was. I won't lie. I have magic and I practice the healing arts. And I will not hesitate to use it if it can save a life or ease suffering."
Some Lords looked outraged at her announcement and Arthur lifted his hand in peace.
"May I remind you that magic is free in this land. Therefore I can only see benefits to having a court physician that is well versed in those arts. It would also be a sign to the people that we do trust magic users and that the times of fear and condemnations are well behind us." He said, his mind wandering towards Merlin and his still-hidden magic.
Quiet came back to the room until another lord questioned Alice about her previous works.
And on and on it went. Arthur had to admit he tuned out part of the conversation as he wondered where Merlin was and if he should go and find him. Would Merlin accept him or would he still be mad at him? He sighed quietly and Gwen elbowed him. He noticed that the conversation was finished and that everyone was once more looking to him. He cleared his throat.
"Well, if that's all, let's vote. Who agrees to take Alice as our new court physician?"
He waited anxiously for a few seconds and then, thankfully, a majority of hand lifted.
"Very well. That's settled then. Thank you. Alice, if you are willing we offer you the position of court physician."
"I am my Lord."
"Very well. Adjustments will be made for you to settle in. The council is dismissed."
Everyone got up and bowed to Arthur before leaving, some lords stopping to congratulate Alice.
Gwen herself went to the newly appointed court physician, leaving Arthur alone, his mind back on his previous musing. Where are you Merlin? He thought.
Well, how did you like it? I can't wait to find out :)