Chapter 5

Arthur was leaning restlessly against the balcony railing, his eyes unseeing towards the picturesque woodland stretching out to the horizon, far away from the castle grounds. A small crease had appeared on his forehead – a sign that meant he was deep in thought.

He heard faint familiar laughter from the courtyard beneath. Looking down, he saw Lady Avilia in the embrace of one of his knights, Sir Lucien. He had her grasped while she looked like she was trying to escape free of him. Had it not been for her giggling, Arthur would have pulled out his sword and run it through Lucien in a heartbeat. Instead, Arthur felt glued to the spot, but for reasons he could not comprehend.

He thought he had become really close with Avilia lately, despite being aware of her sometimes over-friendliness towards the other knights. Yet clearly Arthur meant zilch to her, he thought as he watched her turn around and plant a light kiss on Lucien's lips. But what struck him the most, paradoxically, was that he only felt a twinge of pain, and even that was only directed at his ego. He expected a wave of betrayal, pain and anger to overcome him and shatter his heart into miniscule segments. But that didn't come.

Arthur didn't know how long he stood there for, contemplating the strange phenomenon of his mind and heart, when he heard a voice behind him that made him tingle unexpectedly.

"Don't you think you should owe the railing an explanation? I mean, you grip it any tighter and it'll turn to dust. Seriously, what did it ever do to you?"

Arthur turned away from the railing (that he'd been unconsciously holding a little too tightly in his reverie) to see Merlin walk up behind him, hands in pockets, corner of the mouth turned upward in a half smile, accentuating the dimple in his right cheek.

Once again, Arthur couldn't explain not control the jolt he felt as his eyes locked on Merlin's twinkling blue ones. Ignoring it, Arthur replied,

"Well you know, being formally recognized as the crown prince means having to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders. Lots to think about," he added quietly, those last words filled with meaning.

"Aye," agreed Merlin, suddenly feeling very nervous. He ran a hand through his hair restlessly and came to lean against the balcony railing beside Arthur.

Arthur noticed the change in Merlin's disposition and was about to question him on it when he saw Merlin somewhat clumsily pull out a flask, mutter something incomprehensible and take a swig.

Not looking at Arthur, but gazing straight ahead, Merlin began,

"Arthur, listen, I've got – "

Arthur, whose heart had practically been ready to thump out of his chest a moment ago at the thought of what Merlin was about to say, flinched slightly as he felt arms around his waist.

Turning abruptly, he came face to face with Lady Avilia, smiling flirtatiously up at him.

"Do you think my Lord could spare a moment?" she asked in a sultry voice that would have otherwise made Arthur's knees turn to jelly. Yet right now he simply responded coldly,

"Your father is looking for you. I don't think he would be thrilled to find out you've been frolicking with knights, even the crown prince." With that he turned harshly away from her, leaving both her and Merlin stunned.

"Do you want to take a walk?" Arthur suddenly asked once Lady Avilia had stalked out.

Unsure if he was addressing him, Merlin answered after a moment. Then, facing Arthur (lighting up his world) Merlin grinned,

"Lead the way, your Highness."