Hello all :) Sorry this took me forever!
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DISCLAIMER: IDOM
Anyway (finally) chapter 2:
Still Arthur POV- 2 days later:
'And all of the steps that led me to you
And all of the hell I had to walk through'
I walk down the halls, eyes staring absent minded forwards lost in my depression.
I moved almost as if in slow motion as I watch the world go by.
For my world had stopped, the vibrant colours around me had turned black and white as my heart darkened in pain.
I was a ghost of my former self, already thinking I had lost the most precious thing to my heart when really, she still remained near.
My heart could not take talking to her like everything was okay, seeing her everyday like if she was not engaged to marry another.
I knew it was stupid but I avoided her like the plague in a attempt to slow the pain which spread through my body. The heartache I felt was like poison in my veins slowly mixing with my blood, travelling in agonising pain around my body, slowly making its way to my heart.
Two days had been since the day King James came to Camelot and it seemed the thought of Merlyn with another did not become any easier.
In fact every ticking second that passed without her made me yearn for her presence, for it seemed ignoring the woman I loved was breaking my heart further still.
I was walking towards the training grounds, intending to work my anger and sadness out on one of the knights, forget the pain for a little while and concentrate on my training.
I walk to the armoury, grabbing my light armour and Excalibur, my hand gliding along the precious blade as my thoughts turned to her again.
The sword bought with it so many memories of the two of us, of the battles we faced together as two sides of the same coin. It seemed everything I touched bought memories of my sorceress to me.
The flowers of her beauty.
The forest of her free spirit.
The rivers of her blue eyes.
The singing of birds of her angelic voice.
She was everywhere I looked but yet I could not have her. She was like a feather floating in front of me, sinking to my level, close enough to catch, the feel of her skin skimming my fingers before the wind took her away again.
I shake my head, feeling the lone tear which trickled down my cheek fall to the floor.
I wipe the evidence of tears away quickly, it seemed my eyes watered with salty tears, more in the past two days than in my whole life. Even fathers death came no where near to the pain I felt now.
I take my time putting the armour on, not really wanting to face the world without Merlyn by my side.
After all she had been their for nearly a decade, it felt so terribly wrong without her it was as if I had lost a limb, and I suppose I had in some way. But it was not a limb i had lost but my heart for it would follow her anywhere she went, forever loving Emrys.
I carry on down the long hallways, taking the steps from the armoury to the outside corridor, the wind a gentle caress against my skin and I could not help wanting it to be Merlyn.
I round the corner, my mind a million miles away all thoughts on her gentle lips against mine until my eyes landed on the very person.
It was then my world came crashing back to reality, the colours bursting back at the sight of her.
But I did not smile in joy of seeing her again, no. Whatever was left of my heart was crumbling away leaving a empty space behind.
There she was, the woman my heart so desired, kissing another man.
Her lips pressed against someone who was not I.
I was bought out of my hurt, shocked state as Excalibur slips from my hand crashing loudly onto the floor, the sound echoing off the castle walls
'But I wouldn't trade a day for the chance to say
My love, I'm in love with you'
I turn swiftly on my feet, nearly tripping over them in my haste, one thing passing through my brain.
I needed to get away and fast, the dam of tears would soon break and I wanted to be in the comforts of my chambers when they came flooding down.
I wanted to erase the image so desperately out of my mind, the image of her lips on King James forever more stuck in my thoughts haunting me of what could have been mine.
I could feel the walls I built in the last two days quiver and fall, the dam cracking at the edges ready to burst.
"Arthur! Wait!" I hear her voice shout but I dare not face her for I knew I would not be able to hold back the emotions which so wanted to escape.
"Please! Arthur!" Her voice begs the sound so sad and pleading I couldn't help but stop, I would do anything for her.
I feel her small hands grab onto my arm, the touch the first in days sending chills of pleasure down my spine as if I was drinking for the first time after a long drought, her touch replenishing my thirst.
"Its not what it looked like" Her voice says almost begging me to believe her, but how could I when another man's lips were so clearly pressed against hers.
"I know what it was Merlyn" I scoff, feeling utterly betrayed but so heartbroken, my voice betraying me as it cracked.
"You don't understand he fo-" Her voice sounded so quiet as if ashamed.
"I understand Merlyn. He is a handsome man after all and your betrothed, I cannot blame yo-" I start ready to escape but she cut me off.
"Would you shut up and let me explain!" She exclaims, her voice just as unstable as mine maybe even worse and for the first time since she shouted my name pleading me to stop, I looked at her face.
She had a tear trailing down her cheek, her eyes blazing with so many emotions.
I nod my head in a silent gesture for her to carry on.
"I was walking down the corridor, I had just been with Morgana and Guinevere and was making my way back to my chambers then..he grabbed me pinning against the wall and his lips were on mine, I didn't even know what was going on until I heard your sword clatter to the floor" She explains eyes pleading with mine to believe her.
I should have known she would not willingly kiss the man not when she made it so clear he was not to touch her in any way.
I felt guilt rise up my chest, how could I think that of her?
"Oh yes..urm.. your sword" She adds as an after thought handing me the said weapon with quivering hands.
Her palm was turned up the sharp blade resting on her usually pale hands.
My eye brows scrunch in confusion, her palm was a shade of bright red. It was not a cold day so it could not be due to frosty weather...Unless...
"You slapped him?" I question taking my precious weapon from her hands, sheathing it before taking her surely stinging hands.
"Ahh..Yes..Felt quite good if I am honest" Was her reply as a smile makes its way across my face.
"Well he deserved it" I snarl, knowing that she would know it was aimed at King James and not her.
"I better get used to it, after all he is my future husband" She comments her voice sounding so sad.
"Merlyn I-" I start wanting to tell her she did not have to go on with the stupid wedding.
"No it's all right Arthur, really. I made my choice. I would do anything to keep you safe and if this is what I have to do I will bare it" Was all she said before walking away, her head bowed and I swore I saw her shoulders trembled slightly almost as if she held in her sobs.
For surely she was, not letting me see her tears as she knew it would only make it harder for I, seeing her so sad, knowing she did not want to marry the slimy git who was King James.
I had forgotten, in my own depression and heartbreak that she may be feeling the same.
Lost and broken not knowing where to go without the other, there but not really existing until the other half was close.
It was later on in the day, when the sun was lowering behind the trees of the endless forest, was when I found myself sat in the hall, Morgana on my right side, Merlyn the other. The Knights, Gwen and Gaius also sat around the round table, all minus Gwaine who was surely, either late or in the tavern.
And at the opposite side of the table sat my nemesis, the slimy git sat smug as he took pleasure in taunting me as his eyes trailed Merlyn's body.
I turn towards Merlyn almost tempted to grab her soft cheeks and lean down and crash our lips together so I could swipe the smug smile away from the clot pole's face, and obviously to satisfy my need of touching her.
Instead though I settle on causally placing my arm on the back of her chair leaning slightly further than necessary so it was as if I was hugging her from the side.
She turns her head towards me, her eyes full of mirth as a smirk takes over her face.
No doubt she had figured out what I was doing, after all she had more brain than most people, I included.
I was surprised when I felt her lean into my side and I had to hide my smirk behind a convenient sip of my wine.
The knights were bickering among themselves, Morgana joining in sometimes while Gaius shook his head in amusement.
"Wonder where Gwaine has gotten to. He said he would be here" I hear Percival say, his voice slightly concerned for the other man.
"I'm sure he's on his way, you know Gwaine. Either late or drunk" Elyan jokes bringing a chuckle from the gentle giant.
And as if the very man could hear our conversation he strode in.
He did not look all too happy, in fact his face was void of his usual charming smile.
He lands in his seat in a massive thump slouching grumpily.
I was about to ask why he was in such a bad mood when the door opened once more.
"Oh here she comes. Joy to the world! Stupid evil old toad!" I hear Gwaine grumble.
"Oh dear" I hear Merlyn giggle as if she knew what was going on.
"Gwaineeeee!" I hear a screechy feminine voice sound through the hall the sound making me cringe.
"Dear God, please rid me of this woman!" I hear him mumble once more leading to another round of adorable giggles from Merlyn.
"Gwaine, my dear little brother! Why don't you introduce me to your handsome friends!" It says again, her voice was so high and annoying I was already wanting to get rid of her, no wonder poor Gwaine wanted her gone.
"Oh what a splendid idea!" Gwaine replied sarcasm dripping from his voice.
"Yes do introduce us!" I hear Elyan say, hiding a smirk as Lancelot who sat by him tried not to laugh at Gwaine's sour looking face.
"Adelaide, this is Merlyn" he says gesturing towards the woman I loved.
Adelaide tried hiding her face of disgust as she looked at Merlyn most likely jealous of Merlyn's natural beauty.
Adelaide was not ugly but yet I would not consider her any where near as beautiful as Merlyn.
She had a plain face, not pale, but not tanned like her younger sibling.
Her eyes where a lighter brown and if I was honest looked rather boring compared to Gwaine's darker, richer ones.
She had a round face and a rather big nose.
All in all, Gwaine obviously gained the better genes.
"Ah, the sorceress" She says, her voice sounding almost like a sneer as she looked down at Merlyn as if thinking she the better woman.
"Indeed I am" Merlyn replies her voice calm as if the tone of the plainer looking woman had no effect.
I tuned out when Gwaine introduced the rest of us, not interested in the way she threw herself at every man, giggling and flirting at every available man, turning her nose away from Lance when he showed her his ring.
That was until King James was introduced.
"And this is King James of York" Gwaine grumbled. The said King stood and bowed lowly, taking her hand and kissing it, his eyes never leaving the other woman's.
From then on Gwaines older sibling was quite literally all over the man.
She might aswell have been sat on his lap with the way she leant towards him, and the man seemed to not care. Infact he had his arm wrapped around the woman's waist, laughing loudly as she whispered in his ears.
I glare at the man. If he was acting like this now, how unfaithful would he be when he was married to my love? It was not fair on Merlyn, she deserved so much more than the scum who sat opposite me. She deserved a man who would cherish her, love her forever, have children with, grow old with.
My heart clenches at the thought, I wanted all of those things. I loved her with all my heart and I would forever more. My heart was craving to have her for my own, to wake up every morning to her beautiful face, her flowing black locks tickling my chest and her vibrant blue eyes sluggishly opening, the gorgeous orbs full of love as she gazed at me. I wanted to feel her stomach full with child, to place my hands on her full stomach and feel my child kick against my palms, to see a mix of her and I running around the castle. I wanted to grow old with her, spend the rest of my years in her presence, die together, knowing the kingdom would be in good hands as our children grew into adults.
A high pitch giggle, which sounded more like a pig being strangled, bought me from my thoughts. I cringe once more at the sound, the noise going right through me as I look up, Gwaine's so called sister was giggling at something King James had said, her hand resting on his shoulders as she leant on him. I pick up my wine, taking a long gulp, downing the red liquid as anger bubbled to the surface.
How dare he flirt with another woman when he was betrothed say opposite him. How dare he fli shamelessly to a woman ten times more ugly than the one sat next too me? It wasn't like I wanted the man to flirt with Merlyn, but what he was doing was so wrong. It was dishonorable and unbelievable, a man should show respect to their future brides, it disgusted me. Was he doing it to rub the fact that he had Merlyn and could still have other woman, in my face? Was it to anger me?
Because if it was, it was working.
The man was embarrassing my Merlyn and I would not let him get away with it. He would not use Merlyn as a pawn in his game. I started to stand, ready to punch some sense into the man when I felt small hands wrapping around my wrist, pulling me back down to my chair. I feel one of those hands entwine with mine, Merlyn's dainty and feminine hands slotting into my bigger, callused hands, almost like a jigsaw piece fitting with another.
"Arthur, leave it, it's not worth it" Merlyn voice whispers into my ear, her warm breath gliding across my skin making me shiver.
"He is dishonouring you name. Mocking you!" I protest wanting to defend the honor of the woman I loved.
"He is punishing me, I think. I wounded his pride when I rejected him. He is doing this to anger both of us, thinks it will make me jealous. It won't go on much longer just let me handle this." Her voice whispers, the sound strong and confident and I instantly knew she would handle the situation. I feel her small hand clench around mine before she stood, the deep blue dress she wore swaying at the movement.
She cough's loudly to gain the slimy gits attention and as his head turns towards her, she does something surprising. She grabs her chalice, which she had hardly touched and walked calmly to the other side of the table.
My eyes where glued on her, trying to decipher what she was going to do and just as if she heard my thoughts her arm swung backwards and as if in slow motion, she brings her arm forth and the rest of her wine flies from the chalice, landing all over King James.
I sat shocked for a second, eyes wide as I replay the scene in my head a couple of times, before my brain registered what she had done. It was then, after my brain caught up, I had to stop myself from bursting out laughing.
"I may hate being betrothed to the likes of you, but if you are forcing my hand into a love less marriage then I expect you to have honor! You are the one who is making me marry you, not the other way around! If I had the choice I would never, in a million years would have agreed, but since I don't you will be miserable too. You have no right to use me as a part of your sick little game. You marry me and there will be no other women! I do not care for your need for heir's! You have chosen to force my hand into a marriage so you will have to suffer the consequences." Merlyn's voice rang through the hall and I smirk at her words, the feeling of proudness seeping from me as she walks away.
I had almost forgotten how fearless and, as Gwaine would say, 'badass' she was. But as she strode away leaving a gaping King James in her wake I remembered how much I loved that side of her.
'And I know,
The scariest part is letting go'
The clang of my sword echoed through the air, making my ears ring slightly as I swing again, relentlessly attacking my opponent which, unfortunately for him, was Leon. Anger was coursing through my veins, making my attacks violent and strong but also uncoordinated and reckless. I didn't think and plan my actions, I just swung. It wasn't Leon I swung at but King James, his face I was imaging as I swung Excalibur towards him. My anger was overpowering, making me growl like a predetor after it pray as I used all my strength to lunge forwards and using my momentum to thrust my swords forth towards my target. However, I wasn't planning or prepared for what happened next. As my weapon got close to Leon, the man blocked it in its path, pushing it away as he spun around, his sword sailing in the air before I could react, slicing tender skin as it made its mark.
"Arthur!" I hear a voice shout, sounding distant over the pain which burnt my arm, shoulder and chest. I could feel sticky liquid seep from the sobbing wound, leaking down my arms in a crimson river, dripping to the floor and tainting green luscious grass as I followed it down sinking too my knee's.
I felt small hands on me before the pain reacted as someone pressed down on the wound, the agony almost too much as I sway dangerously on my feet, struggling to stay conscious.
"Please Arthur, stay with me" I hear her say, the sound choked as I leant more on the warm body that knelt near me, taking in as much of her heat before I buried my pain creased face into her neck.
"Don't go...please dont leave me" I hear her sweet flawless voice buzz in my ear, the familiar sound soothing me as my eyes drooped, closing slowly as I felt my world go blank.
'cause love is a ghost you can't control,'
I was drifting. One moment in darkness the next in the light, struggling to fight off the black fog which wrapped around my brain
The light was distant almost as if it was getting further away, the dark abyss, wrapping around me dragging me further into the blackness.
I struggle to stay in the light, thrashing away from darkness's tight grip, desperate to get away.
I try to think of something other than pain and darkness, something to lead me to the light.
But it seemed I could not escape for I sunk deeper into the darkness.
'I promise you the truth can't hurt us now,'
I could hear a voice. Distant and angelic.
My body seemed to react to her for my struggle against the dark, once more had started.
Her voice was closer, stronger as I fought the dark, as if I was geting nearer to the light and to her, away from deaths clutches.
I felt a hand, small and feminine, rest on my chest, the touch bringing me comfort and safety, making me feel protected.
I feel a tingling beneath her palms before it travelled through my body, giving me strength as I sigh, the feeling utter bliss as her magic swept through me.
I could feel all her emotions swimming through me as her magic spread from head to toe.
Scared.
Sad.
Heartbroken.
Everything I could feel was her, her magic, her warmth, her touch.
It comforted me, and I let myself give in to sleep, knowing she was keeping away the dark void which was death.
'So let the words slip out of your mouth'
"Arth.. Have..wake up" I hear an angel say, my ears catching bits of what she said.
"Pl..ase..don't leave me" it adds and I feel my heart melt at the sound, her voice sounding as if she was crying.
"I love you" She says again, the confession making my heart sore.
"So much" She adds as I feel her hands slip into mine, before a slight weight rested on my chest.
I feel my eyes flutter as they try to open, almost as if they were a butterfly, taking flight for the first time, before they succeeded, blinded temporarily by bright lights.
I blink away the light until my vision returned, surprised as I found myself in Merlyn's chambers rather than mine.
I look down towards the weight on my chest to find long black locks sprawled across my skin.
Her face was in my direction but I dare not speak as her eyes were closed in sleep.
I lay there for a couple more minutes before I move my hand to her face cupping pale cheeks before tangling my fingers in ebony.
"I love you too" I mummble as sleep once more crept towards me and I joined her into the land of slumber, pale skin and blue eyes filling my dreams.
Well there we go! Chapter 2! Sorry this took me so damn long!
Anyway...tell me what you thought and follow and favorite.
Until next time,
-Leggomygreggo x