Part two -
Mithian noticed how Merlin's knuckles turned white as he gripped the chair's handles, how the merriment that shone brightly in his eyes faded, and how his mouth was drawn in a tight, grim line. She took his hand, lacing her fingers through his while a knight read a parchment, which pronounced Camelot's peril and declaration of war, to the surrounding council. Her heart grew heavy with fear and despair the moment the name Morgana Pendragon tumbled from the knight's lips.
A ripple of whispers sounded throughout the council chambers and King Rodor rose from his chair to address the court.
"Camelot has always proven to be our most honorable ally. They supported us in our darkest hour and set this kingdom back on its proper path, and now, the time has come to lend our strength and steel to our most worthy friends. Send word and rally the troops for we shall depart as quickly as possible."
Knights and council men alike applauded the king. The princess and the young court physician, however, they were too numbed with worry to be moved by the passionate speech or the echoing applauses. When the council meeting came to an end, the members hurried down the corridor in haste to make preparations.
The princess followed her lover down the narrow hallway, struggling to keep up with his long strides as he headed toward his chambers. He flung the door open and scurried about like a mad man tossing various items into a small sack. Mithian grasped his hands to still him.
"I have to go," he said earnestly. "You know first hand what she is capable of."
"I wasn't going to try and stop you," she answered. "I wouldn't have succeeded anyway. But I want to come with you."
"No, Mithian," he said, slipping out of her grasp. "It's too dangerous."
She stepped closer to him, sticking out her chin defiantly,
"I'll be fine. Just give me a crossbow, and I'll handle the rest."
"I don't question your skills. But I …"he began.
"I'm coming with you," she interrupted.
Merlin sighed and gave in. Every moment was precious and couldn't be wasted with arguments.
"I suppose it's useless to argue with you."
"I'm glad you see things my way."
Later, Mithian stood beside Merlin with one arm around his waist while holding a crossbow. His eyes flashed gold, and then they were teleported out of the palace, leaving a swirling cloud of dust in their wake.
Mithian and Merlin reappeared in the heart of a forest. They trekked through the shrubbery, following the sounds of clanging swords and battle cries. The pair reached a clearing that led to a valley. Their hearts sank when they saw a field littered with knights lying lifelessly while their crimson capes billowed in the breeze. Up ahead they saw Arthur sprawled out on the ground as Morgana loomed over him with the glistening Excalibur in her hand. With the use of his magic and her arrows to stop anyone who blocked their path, they charged forward. As they drew nearer, Merlin's eyes changed from blue to gold, and Morgana spiraled backward before the blade could pierce Arthur's chest.
"You came back?" the king breathed with surprise and an underlining fondness in his tone.
"How could I do anything else?" Merlin said, reaching out to help him up.
"Mithian?" Arthur exclaimed, noticing that she stood behind his friend. "What on earth are you doing here?"
"A crossbow is meant for more than hunting, my lord," she said, watching him bend down to pick up Excalibur.
From nearby, Morgana groaned as she sat up and clutched her throbbing head. She turned to see Merlin, Arthur, and Mithian standing together. Despite the pain filled haze, she remembered the brief golden flicker in Merlin's eyes before she soared through the air to land in a thick cluster of bushes. A deep, terrible rage coursed through the witch, causing her to tremble. She rose from the bushes with angry, red cuts marring her pale skin that could be glimpsed through cobwebbed designed lace of her sleeves.
"Traitor," she screamed, seething like a wild beast.
Merlin stood in front of Arthur and Mithian with outstretched arms.
"Run," he ordered without looking back. And they fled, joining the remaining knights.
"You're not worthy of your gifts," she spat. "How could such a lowly coward be among my kind? For years you stood by and watched me suffer and live in fear of whom and what I was while you cowered in Arthur's shadow. I should rip off your head and feed it to the buzzards."
"You abused your gifts the moment you decided to join Morgause," he retorted. "Now you use your magic to slaughter the innocent and destroy everything in your path. I did try to help you, but it just wasn't enough."
"Don`t you dare speak of her," she snapped. "Unlike you, I know the meaning of loyalty. But the time for talk is over."
"That is one thing we can agree on," he said, positioning into a defensive stance .
Their eyes flashed gold at the same moment, and then surging magic collided into an explosion of heat as Merlin countered her small, crackling fireballs. Morgana dived to the ground, nearly missing the flames. She lay in the grass, watching him carefully and breathing heavily. He approached her, eyes filled with distain.
"So this is the end?" she asked, gasping. " You've finally come to finish the job?"
He steeled himself, not falling prey to her words.
"Trying to poison me wasn't good enough?"
He flinched, and she smiled.
"I had no choice," he answered darkly. "It was the only way to break the enchantment you and Morgause placed on the castle."
"I did no such thing."
"And you expect me to believe you?"
"I speak the truth," she said, cowering under his outstretched hand. "Please, I only want what is rightfully mine."
He knew it was all an act. " No more games, Morgana."
Her eyes became gold once more before Merlin could act an abandoned dagger rose from the grass, soaring through the air. The blade hurled toward its intended target – Arthur.
Mithian turned to see it, racing toward his back. She rushed forward to push him out of harm's way, taking the blow.
Morgana raised her hand, conjuring another fireball which he blasted back. This time she didn't escape its path, and she writhed in pain. Merlin heard Arthur shout his name, and he turned around to see Mithian laying on the ground with the dagger protruding from her side while the king hovered over her. He ran toward her, tears forming as he knelt beside her. She trembled, gasping while blood seeped through her cream colored dress.
"Do what you can to save her," the king said grimly, cradling her head in his hand.
Merlin took off his neckerchief and placed it beside him before carefully removing the blade, wincing when she cried out. Then he quickly pressed the neckerchief against the wound. His eyes blazed gold, tears falling from his lashes as ancient words of healing flowed from his lips. Relief flooded through both men when he wiped away the blood to reveal mended flesh through the torn garment and the wound closed. Merlin reached out, pulling Mithian into his arms. She weakly returned his embrace. Over Mithian's shoulder, Merlin caught Arthur's eye, his expression of fondness and fierce protectiveness mirroring his own.
Standing together and smiling knowingly, Merlin and Arthur plunged back into the battle and helped the remaining knights take out the rest of the rogue warriors and fledging sorcerers. The princess stood nearby, watching from a safe distance. Both king and warlock refused to let her linger anywhere near the battlefield.
The battle was already in hand when King Rodor and his troops arrived. They rooted out deserters and small enemy camps concealed in the forest's depths and outlining countryside. They aided King Arthur in the grim task of accounting for all the fallen warriors.
"They were young, untested and eager to prove themselves," Arthur explained with sadness, riding beside Rodor, Merlin, and Mithian as the knights followed closely behind. "Morgana held the group of young knights hostage, only to slaughter them in the end."
"I know her cruelty," Rodor replied with grave eyes. "The witch has no regard for any life.
I am sorry for your loss."
Arthur gave a curt nod. "I'm grateful for your help. "
"No thanks is needed," he said. "We are allies and friends after all."
The journey back to Camelot was a quiet one. When they returned, Gwen gathered up her skirts and hurried down the stone steps, leading to the courtyard. She greeted her husband with a kiss when he dismounted and then ran to Merlin with open arms. Happy tears were shed as the two friends embraced one another. Mithian stood beside her father while he spoke with Arthur, watching Merlin and Gwen. She was pleased to see him reunited with old friends, but the selfish part of her didn't want to lose him again and she feared that she just might.
Shortly afterward, Gwaine emerged from the castle, having been chosen to remain behind for added protection for the queen. He grinned broadly when he saw his raven haired friend beside the queen. He hugged Merlin, giving him a friendly slap on the back.
"It's been boring without you," he admitted, still smiling. "The princess really regretted sending you way."
"Yes," Gwen agreed. "And you're here to stay."
"Yes," Merlin answered, looking over to see Arthur speaking with Mithian and Rodor. "If he will..."
"Nonsense, of course he will," she interrupted. "If he knows what's good for him."
"The queen always has the last word," Gwaine said. "And you know the lads and I will stand by you."
Merlin was deeply touched as he entered the castle with his two friends followed by Arthur, Rodor, and Mithian and company. Gaius greeted Merlin in the corridor, pulling his ward into a warm embrace. And he received a round of friendly pats on the back by the senior knights. Later, Gwen remained with the company, leaving Merlin and Arthur to talk in the throne room.
"Whatever I kept secret from you was with good reason," Merlin said, looking world weary all of a sudden. "I didn't protect you all these years just because of destiny or a prophecy although it may have been that way at the start. I did it because you're my friend. I have denied magic and my own kind to keep you safe, and I would gladly do it all over again if it meant saving you from harm."
"If there is to be a bond of trust between us than there can be no secrets," Arthur replied, pacing then stopped to look at him.
"You can trust me," he said earnestly, meeting his king's gaze. "But I can't promise you that I'll always be able to tell you everything."
"But it isn't just that," the king said, looking slightly hurt. "You were afraid. Did you honestly think I would kill you?"
"I had hoped that if the time came you could come to accept me for who I am," he answered carefully.
"Well, it seems there is trust to be built from both sides."
"It would seem so, Sire."
"And I suppose I can't have you polishing my boots after this."
Merlin smiled, and Arthur smiled in return.
"What is it you want?" he asked. "Name it, and it's yours."
Merlin's eyes were down cast and he was reluctant to answer, "I don't think its something you could give."
"Let me be the judge of that."
Many days later Mithian sat by a window, overlooking a courtyard in her guest chambers at Camelot. A knock at the door disrupted her thoughts of Merlin and what would become of them. Her father spent a great deal of time in the council chamber with Arthur and Gwen, discussing treaties and her lover's intentions toward her.
And Merlin still visited her. However he seemed to have an extra spring in his step, but he didn't speak of the happenings between her father and his king. She opened the door to find her heart's desire standing in the hallway.
"You've been quite cheerful lately," she commented lightly.
"Well, there's peace, and it's a lovely morning," he said. "What's not to be cheerful about?"
"Please tell me what's going on?" she asked.
"What do you mean?"
"Merlin, I know you're up to something."
"Well, I wanted to wait to make sure everything went well with the treaty first," he said, taking her hand, leading her to sit beside him at a table.
"Have you heard any news?" she asked.
"Not yet," he answered softly, eyes bright. "I have asked your father for your hand."
Hope blossomed in her breast, and she reached out to gently grasp his hands.
Encouraged by her response he continued, "And if you will have me, I …."
"Of course, I will," she interrupted, becoming teary eyed.
Merlin beamed at her, and softly kissed her hands.
"I'm sure being the wife of the new court sorcerer will have its perks," he teased, embracing Mithian when she rose from the table.
"Oh, that's wonderful news," she cried in delight. "I am pleased for you, but you must know that I would have married you even if you were still a servant."
"You're a true princess," he said, kissing her brow.
"It's only a title."
They were married in the spring, in the throne room of Camelot, surrounded by fragrant lilacs and honeysuckles. Mithian`s favorite flowers. She was clad in a lacy, white flowing gown embellished with tiny pearls. When her father led her down the aisle, past the crowds, and toward Merlin, all nervousness was forgotten the moment he lifted her thin veil and her dark eyes met his gentle, blue ones. Then he offered her one of his most breathtaking smiles. The ceremony went without a hitch, and Eilise – Nemeth`s new healer – Gwen, and Hunith cried. Arthur couldn't hide his pleased smile as he watched them.
During the banquet, Merlin surprised his friends with his ability to dance, especially Arthur who was convinced that the warlock didn't understand the meaning of rhythm. When he twirled Mithian around on the open floor, she smiled at him knowingly. They exchanged loving, secretive smiles, silently sharing the memories of when he came to her chambers for dance lessons. It all seemed so long ago. The princess admired the candle light's glow against his skin and the dark belted coat he wore over a white tunic and brown trousers. Beautiful, she thought. As he pulled her close, she whispered this in his ear. Then she laughed at his bashful smile. She found his inability to recognize his own appeal endearing.
Later in the evening, Mithian sat on a small stool in front of her vanity in the spacious, elegantly detailed chambers she shared with her husband. She hummed softly while braiding her hair in the gentle candlelight. The light caught the ring on her finger, and she felt she'd never tire of watching it glisten. The simple, silver band matched his.
"That's a lovely tune," he said, when he entered the room and stood beside her. "What is it?"
"It's a lullaby, my druid nursemaid sang to help me sleep," she answered, continuing to braid her hair until he rested his hand on top of hers.
"I like it better when you let your hair hang loose," he said, idly running his fingers through it.
Mithian smiled and shook her head slightly, letting her dark, long hair unravel. She stood up and turned to face him. He brushed her stray locks away from her face and she chastely kissed his palm before he pulled away, to place his hands on her shoulders. She felt a faint shiver of anticipation and a bit of nervousness as well but mostly desire upon feeling the warmth of his hands through her thin, white night gown. Then he bowed his head to capture her lips in a heated kiss, and she wrapped her arms around his neck while he encircled her small waist in his arms. They pulled apart for air, breathing heavily, and their eyes mirrored the desire each felt for one another.
"Mithian," he whispered hoarsely.
"I know," she breathed.
He swept her up into his arms, carrying her toward the bed. He laid her down then leaned forward to kiss her again. She gently pushed him away, sitting up to untie the draw strings of her night gown, letting the white cloth slip from her shoulders and fall away from her body. Then she wiggled out of it completely, watching the night gown fall to the floor. Her pale, lithe body was shrouded in shadow, bared and offered to her husband. Merlin's breath hitched, and Mithian lay still watching as his eyes devoured her.
"You're so beautiful," he said in a breathy, awe-filled whisper.
A contented sigh escaped her lips when his callused fingers caressed her soft, warm breasts. And her heart beat quickened as his hand trailed down her smooth, flat belly.
She reached out, slipping her slender fingers underneath his flimsy tunic, smiling when he gasped and pushed her hands away to pull his tunic over his head and toss it aside carelessly. He released a shuddering breath as she ran her fingertips through the fine, dark hair along his chest. She relished the feel of wiry muscle under her hands, roaming skin marred by faint battle scars. When the desire growing between them became too much, he removed his trousers, taking her slowly. She was grateful for the shadows because he couldn't see that her eyes were shut tightly or that she bit her lip to hold back a pained cry. With time she began to grow used to him and started to feel stirrings of pleasure. Then she was one with him, every movement, sigh, and heartbeat was in sync with his. They were lost in a pleasure- filled haze.
Afterward he collapsed onto her, gently kissing her neck, and she encircled him in her arms. She loved the feel of his warm body pressing her into the mattress. The thought of finally obtaining the love she craved brought tears to her eyes. She couldn't stop the tears that flowed and coursed down her cheeks. When he felt the wetness of her tears against his cheek, he rolled off of her, and his eyes blazed a brilliant gold, lighting the dying candles around them. He hovered over her, staring at her in concern.
"What's wrong?" he asked.
Her words came out in a choked whisper that he couldn't understand.
Merlin wrapped the sheets around Mithian`s frame and then pulled her into his lap, cradling her against him.
"Please don`t cry," he whispered, kissing the top of her head.
She pulled away from him, momentarily wiping tears from her face with the back of her hand.
"I'm sorry," she said breathlessly. "You must think me fickle."
"Never," he answered softly.
"I never thought I would know such love," she confessed. "How does it feel to have everything you ever wanted?"
"Overwhelming," he said, eyes alight with wonder. "I had almost lost hope that there would be a place for magic in Camelot or that Arthur would know me for who I truly am. I still can't believe it. And I never thought that I could have a life with you. This is far more than I ever dared to hope for."
"What will you do with this new freedom?" she asked.
"I have a few ideas," he said, smiling impishly.
His eyes flashed briefly, and then the candles went out. Mithian laughed as he pulled her back into bed with him.
The end.