Crossing the largest puddles

by renaetay123

Arthur was happy. He had put aside his feelings for Merlin when he married Guinevere. It was the right thing to do, he needed an heir and she made a wonderful queen. He did love her, she had been a perfect wife, and soon to be mother of his child.. Gwen is pregnant, everything is falling into place! He just hadn't really expected Merlin to move on as well.

2. Chapter 2

Chapter 2

The guards dragged the girl out in front of Arthur and the court as he sat on the throne. She was not putting up a fight, but instead, looked exhausted. Her straight brown hair was unbelievably tangled, and her dark eyes looked sunken. When she was forced to kneel, she looked down at the ground instead of meeting the eyes of the king.

"Lavinia Hailyire, you stand before your king accused of sorcery and treason. What say you?" Arthur said in his best kingly voice. The girl's head sunk further.

"I used magic to make the lake water dance, but I have never conspired against the throne, your highness," she said, quietly.

"Are you aware that sorcery is outlawed in Camelot?" Arthur asked. She nodded.

"Yes, sire."

"Yet you practice it regardless?"

Lavinia looked up at the king. "Magic is not something you choose to bare. I was born with it, as was my father, and his parents before him." her voice was weak, almost a whimper.

Arthur ignored her point. "Your father was Arnold Hailyire, the man executed for sorcery last week, correct?"

"Yes, sire." She looked back at the ground.

"Perhaps you were seeking revenge? To avenge Arnold's death?"

"No, I have never sought to betray Camelot."

"Yet you continue to break our laws right under our noses."

Lavinia closed her eyes. She said nothing. Arthur nodded, evidently disappointed with the outcome.

"You admit to using sorcery within our borders. By the laws of Camelot, set by my father, you are sentenced to death. You will be hanged tomorrow at dawn."

The girl made a strangled sound as tears began streaming down her face, but she still didn't look up. Arthur flicked his wrist and looked away, the guards grabbing the girl by the shoulders and pulling her out of the throne room. Her sobs could be heard for a few seconds as she was forced down the hall.

As the girl was dragged away, Arthur was the only thing Merlin could focus on. It was visible in Arthur's features that he did not wish to condemn Lavinia, but Arthur would never admit that to anyone. Uther had taught him to be strong and stick to the laws of the land. Arthur may have been a different man than his father, but he was still new to the whole king thing.

Arthur looked up and met Merlin's gaze. He cleared his throat and faced the court again. "You're all dismissed," he said absently, and then he stood and walked out the two large doors, Merlin trailing behind with his head down.