Scars

I woke up and screamed. The last thing I remember was the pain of Gaius digging the metal shards from my wrists and forearms. I hadn't been able to move or even open my eyes but I had felt everything. "Merlin! Merlin, it's okay, it's alright. You're going to be fine," Arthur said embracing me and rocking me back and forth. He shushed me and petted my hair soothingly. I just cried hysterically into his chest until they subsided into muffled hiccups. "You okay?" he asked quietly. I nodded, I didn't even want to talk yet. "Gaius says with your magic you'll heal quickly but it will leave some scars, physically and mentally. I swear if I could have taken your place I would have," he said squeezing me.

"Is Mordred?" I asked not wanting to finish.

"He's fine." I sighed in relief. "Gaius said his little body couldn't take the strain of all the exertion from the magic. He passed out from exhaustion." I nodded and felt the trembles rack my body violently, I tried to stop shaking but couldn't. "It's alright Merlin, you and Mordred will be fine. Although you gave me the biggest scare of my life. Everyone who saw you collapse lit a candle in the courtyard at night and they're still going to be lit tonight. I'll show you." Arthur babbled for a while trying to fill the silence but I only half paid attention. "Everyone was worried about you, you're a hero Merlin."

"Anyone would have done the same," I said feeling a bit nauseous as I sat up.

"No they wouldn't have. You really are either extremely stupid or incredibly brave. I like to think the latter."

"Maybe it's a bit of both."

"Yeah, maybe it is," Arthur said pulling back. "You know I don't think even I would have done what you had."

"You would have, I know you would have. You would do anything for the ones you love," I said looking up at him. "Besides, I'm no hero."

"The people of Camelot would beg to differ. My father is even overlooking that you used magic!" Arthur said.

"Can we not talk about this?" I said looking at my hands. "I don't want to talk about what happened with anyone."

"Well that's not going to happen. All the courtiers will want to talk about it, that's all they're talking about," Arthur said clutching y hand in his. "I'm just glad you're safe." I smiled and he gave me a peck on the end of my nose. "Are you really that intent on saving Camelot with your life?"

"If I have to, it's my destiny to protect you and Camelot," I said.

"Well if it's alright with you Miss Save-the-World, and if you're so intent on throwing your life away, I'd like to marry you sooner so that I actually marry you." I sat absorbing what he had said.

"How much sooner?" I asked.

"Two weeks?" Arthur asked.

"Sure," I said smiling. "I'll bet this will agitate Freya."

"Who?"

"My maid, she insisted on making the Lady Emrys's wedding dress," I said rolling my eyes.

"She's a Druid too?"

"Yes, just don't tell your father." I said. I threw my feet over the side of the bed and stood wobbling a bit. One knee started to give out and Arthur caught me by the elbow. "I'm alright." I waved off his help. I wobbled across the floor to the window and peeked out. The sun was starting to set and my strength was slowly returning. "Have we missed dinner?"

"No."

"Well, I'm going to go and get dressed and we can eat dinner in your chambers, if that's alright with you," I said smiling.

"Are you sure, you still look a little pale." I nodded and closed the little window that I had just opened for a whiff of fresh air. I started toward my chambers and stumbled a little. Arthur went forward and I shot him a glare so he backed off. I walked to my chambers with Arthur a safe distance behind me.

I changed while Arthur waited outside and when I walked out e took my arm protectively and walked me toward the banquet hall. "Where are you-"

"Just walk," Arthur said. I walked into the hall to see everyone staring at me. That's when the applause started. Thunderous clapping filled the room and I heard Gwaine whistle. I studied the floor until the noise died down.

"Thanks you," I said just loud enough and then everyone turned their attention to something else. I saw Gwaine approaching us and I turned to greet him. "Hello."

"Hello little bird, you gave everyone a good scare with what you did," he said. I shrugged, "Well, it was still twenty times as brave as Princess over there." He glanced at Arthur. I laughed feeling like I was going to cough. Gwaine bowed and left to talk to a young maid. A knight with curly black hair came up and introduced himself.

"Hello my lady, I'm Sir Lancelot. Gwen has told me a lot about you," he said brushing his lips against my hand. I smiled.

"Hopefully all good," I said. He nodded and we talked until Arthur pulled me away to talk to our fathers.

"Hello Princess Merlin, or should I call you Lady Emrys?" Uther asked amused and stern at the same time.

"Whatever is easier," I said with and edge. He was not going to insult the Druid's name for me without consequence. My father gave me a reproachful look but I ignored it.

"Father, King Balinor. Merlin and I have a request. We wanted to know, since Merlin's intent on getting herself injured, that we could have the wedding sooner." The kings looked at each other.

"How soon?" Father asked.

"Two weeks from tomorrow?" I asked. They looked at me and I looked down, neither of them were very happy with me.

"We'll discuss it later tonight," Uther said. Arthur and I nodded and walked to our seats. He asked me how I was and if I hurt any. I said no and dinner started. We ate and talked about nothing for a while. When the night was over Gaius pulled me aside and we went to his chambers to change the bandages on my wrists.

When he unbandaged my arms I looked in shock, there was so much blood. Blood layered my arms and trickled down my wrists. I looked away and squeezed my eyes shut. I didn't want to look. Gaius made quick work of replacing them and I went to my Father's chambers. He sat alone and was looking out the window wistfully. "Father?"

"Hello daughter," Father said.

"I'm going to need to send for Freya."

"Alright."

"Is everything okay?" I asked. "You seem distant."

"I'm just thinking about your wedding. I didn't think you would be so you and that your engagement would be so short," he said not looking at me. "Your mother and I haven't even spoken about it face to face, just letters and messages."

"I'll be alright, it doesn't matter who I'd get married to I'd be able to fend for myself. You made sure of that," I said laying a hand on his shoulder. He nodded. "good-night Papa." I kissed his cheek and left.

When I woke up the next morning two people watched me intently. Mordred and Freya stood and I ran and hugged both of them tightly.