Beauty and the Beast Part Two

In a land of Myth and a time of magic,
The destiny of a great kingdom rests on the shoulders of two young people,
Their names,
Merlin and Mira-Liana

There was trouble in Camelot. Uther was still under Lady Katrina's power and was obeying her every whim. The night of their wedding, Lady Katrina told Uther that her family's Royal Seal was missing and that Merlin and Mira-Liana had stolen it.

Outraged, Uther ordered a search for the twins and demanded they be arrested the minute they were found. Arthur, of course, was in charge of the search but deliberately misled the guards and knights and then ran to warn his wife and brother-in-law.

He burst into his and Mira-Liana's room, where they were waiting. "Merlin, Ana, you need to get out of here. My father's ordered me to arrest you."

"What? Why?" said Mira-Liana.

"That troll's accused you two of taking the Royal Seal," he said. "I don't have time to explain. But I am not losing my family. Get out of here before they find you! Frik, go with them! Keep them safe!"

"I will," said Frik. "You have my word."

Mira-Liana kissed Arthur. "I love you."

"I love you too," said Arthur. "Now, go. Go!"

The three of them fled from the room and disappeared.

XXX

When the search proved fruitless, Arthur reported to Uther. "There's been no sign of them anywhere. I fear they may have already slipped through our net," he said.

"You seem very quick to give up the chase," said Lady Katrina.

"That is because I know my family is long gone," said Arthur.

"How can you be so certain?" said Uther.

"Well, despite what some may think, Merlin and Mira-Liana are very clever. They must've gotten wind that we were after them and left," said Arthur.

"Outwitting your army in the process," said Lady Katrina.

"It appears so," said Arthur.

"I thought your men aspired to the same standards of my father, didn't you?" said Lady Katrina.

"When I lead the army, they did," said Uther.

"We don't even know if they're still in Camelot," said Arthur. "They could be anywhere."

"And that's a good enough reason to give up?" said Lady Katrina, glaring at him.

"No, I'm not," said Arthur. "It's just that I believe our resources may be—"

"Enough!" said Uther. "I've heard enough of your excuses. We both have. I want those two found."

"Of course," Arthur lied. "Sire, my lady."

Merlin, Ana, wherever you are, please be safe, he thought.

XXX

Under Uther's order, the search continued. With Lancelot and Mordred's help, the guards found two small scraps of clothing and recently put out fire. They'd found a bit of Merlin's shirt and a piece of one Mira-Liana's skirts, making them think the twins were headed for the Northern border.

Lancelot met with Gaius in the marketplace. "It worked," he said. "They think Merlin and Mira-Liana's trail leads up to the Northern border."

"The guards won't find them now," said Mordred.

"Good," said Gaius. "You've done an excellent job, both of you."

XXX

In fact, Merlin and Mira-Liana hadn't left Camelot at all. Frik had managed to use a spell to conceal them both in Gaius's chambers.

Gaius entered his chambers and gently tapped on three barrels that turned into Merlin, Mira-Liana and Frik.

"Well, that was lovely," said Merlin, as he stretched. "How did you do that, Frik?"

"When one learns how to disguise oneself, one can learn to disguise others, Master Merlin," said Frik.

"Let's just be glad it worked," said Mira-Liana, as she stroked her stomach. "Did they pick up the trail?"

"Yes, but it won't fool them for long," said Gaius. "I thought it best if Arthur didn't know where you were just yet. Katrina already suspects him of having a part in your escape."

"Then we shouldn't tell him just yet," said Mira-Liana. "He's already worried sick. I don't want him to worry even more."

"Well, then I'd better get to work," said Merlin, as he was about to leave. "Frik, stay with Mir."

"Merlin!" said Mira-Liana, before he left. "Please be careful. The guards are still searching for us."

"I will, I promise," he said.

XXX

Merlin followed Lady Katrina. He watched as she complained about how much she hated being human wanted to undo her disguise.

But Janos insisted she be patient by reminding her of all the riches and power she would possess if she continued the ruse and became the Queen of Camelot.

Lady Katrina grunted that he had a point and with some reluctance, quickly drank her potion before heading out of the room, causing Merlin to hide.

The potions. That's it! he thought.

XXX

Meanwhile, Arthur was in another meeting with Uther and Lady Katrina.

"There's something important we wish you to address," said Uther. "or too long the people have had it easy. They have grown fat and indulgent."

"How so?" Arthur asked, confused.

"We provide peace, protection and food. We get little in return."

"Most of our people are poor, they survive on the few crops that they manage to grow," said Arthur.

"That is what they have us believe," said Lady Katrina.

"That's what I see everyday," said Arthur, angrily.

"We are introducing a new tax," Uther announced.

"The people must pay for the sanctuary that Camelot provides," said Lady Katrina.

"You can't. The majority can barely get by as it is!" Arthur protested

"People who refuse to pay will be arrested and are to be publicly flogged," said Uther.

"We have lived this way for years, you've never suggested anything like this before," said Arthur.

"Maybe not to you, but the King confided in me, that he has been considering this for sometime. Haven't you?" Lady Katrina snapped harshly.

"Yes, I have," said Uther. "Arthur, you are to begin the collections at once."

Arthur glared at them both before leaving the room.

XXX

That night, Merlin snuck into Lady Katrina's room and stole her potion, which he took to Gaius. "I saw Katrina drink some of this and then part of her troll skill disappeared," he said.

"It must be very powerful magic to physically change her like that," said Gaius.

"Could we make a potion that would look and taste the same as this?" asked Mira-Liana.

"I suppose so," said Gaius. "But without the troll magic, it wouldn't work the same."

"Exactly," said Merlin. "If we can replace this potion with one that isn't magical—"

"I think I get it. It's very clever," said Frik. "If it looks same but isn't the same, Katrina will keep taking it and it would no longer work.

"She'd turn into a troll and be exposed," said Mira-Liana. "But can we do it?"

"I don't know," said Gaius.

"We have to do it before morning or Jonas will notice," said Merlin. "Looks like we're in for a long night."

Several hours later, they'd made a potion identical to that of the one Lady Katrina usually took, but without the troll magic.

Merlin then managed to get it into the cupboard before Jonas realized it was missing. All they could do now was wait for Lady Katrina to take it and be exposed.

XXX

Arthur, feeling frustrated by everything that had happened, was taking a walk in the lower town. He stopped when he saw two of the guards harming an old man.

"What do you think you're doing?" Arthur demanded.

"He's refusing the pay the King's tax."

"You ask for too much!" protested the old man. "I've given all I can!"

"It's not enough!" snarled one of the guards.

"Let me see the money," said Arthur. One the guards handed him the pouch of coins, which Arthur glanced over briefly before handing it over to the old man, who looked both surprised and grateful. "Release him."

"But the King said—"

"I said release him," said Arthur, sternly. "And give everyone back their money immediately. All of it."

"Yes, sire."

He stayed to make sure everyone got their money back before he was hauled back to Uther and Lady Katrina who seemed furious with him.

"I gave you a direct order," said Uther.

"The people cannot afford to pay the tax," said Arthur.

"Don't tell me you're naïve enough to take them at their word!" said Lady Katrina.

"We have their loyalty and their good will, do not forsake that by making unreasonable demands," said Arthur.

"Is it so unreasonable for a King to expect his subjects to obey him?" said Lady Katrina, coldly.

"They'll starve!" said Arthur.

"Nonsense!" said Uther, as he stood up. "They've grown too soft. Remember these are your subjects, not your friends."

"Why can't they be both?" said Arthur.

"Because we rule the people, not the other way around!" said Uther, sternly.

"I think you're wrong," said Arthur.

"I beg your pardon?" said Uther.

"I said you're wrong," said Arthur. "Without the people, there is no Camelot. We're as much their servants as they are ours. Mira-Liana and Merlin taught me that."

"And now you're taking on the words of thieves and traitors?" said Lady Katrina. She looked at Uther. "You allow him to address you in this manner?"

"No, I do not," said Uther. "It will not be tolerated. You will take your men down through the city and you will go to every house and collect the payments I demand!"

"I'm sorry, Father," said Arthur. "But I will not do it."

Uther glared at him. "Get out of my sight!"

"With pleasure," said Arthur, angrily, as he stormed out of the hall.

XXX

Arthur sat in his room, fuming and upset about what had happened. His father may have been under the troll's power, but it still hurt to see him to act like that and say those things. And he was also worried about Merlin and Mira-Liana and he was praying there were safe.

There was a knock on the door and Gwen came in.

"Ah, Gwen," said Arthur. "What brings you here?"

"I saw what you did earlier," she said, referring to the taxes. "The people owe you a debt of gratitude."

"The people owe me nothing," said Arthur. "Father's still going to impose the tax."

"So, the enchantment's still working?"

"As far as I can tell," said Arthur. "It's still a bit strange. I didn't think any magic could overcome Merlin and Ana's. They're the most powerful witch and warlock that we know of."

"Magic has its limits, I guess," said Gwen.

"I guess," said Arthur. He sighed. "Under the enchantment or not, I'm beginning to think that my father really does hate me."

"That's not true. He loves you."

"Well, it doesn't seem that way right now."

"Well, he may be angry but you're still his son," said Gwen. "Everyone appreciates what you did. They know you tried and they won't forget that. I know Mira-Liana would've been proud if she'd seen what had happened."

"She would've," Arthur agreed. "Speaking of which, have you had any form of contact from her or Merlin? I'm worried."

"None," said Gwen. "But Gaius assures me that they're safe."

"Good," said Arthur, sighing in relief. "That's something at least."

There was a knock on the door and Sir Leon came in. "The King requests your presence, immediately."

Arthur sighed and walked back to the hall with his arms folded across his chest. "You wanted me, Father?"

"I'm relaxing your duties. I'm revoking your title," said Uther.

"What?" Arthur asked outraged.

"We live in a dangerous time, I cannot allow you to undermine my authority," Uther hissed.

"You always welcomed my counsel in the past," said Arthur.

"That was before you stood against me for all the people to see," Uther said angrily.

"I'm sorry. Any future grievance I have will be held in private—" he began, but Uther cut him off.

"It's too late for that."

"Father, this is—"

"You are to be disinherited, with immediate effect," Uther said. "You are no longer Crown Prince of Camelot. And I hope I never again see your wife or your unborn child."

"Sire, Arthur is your son, your natural heir," Gaius protested.

"Gaius," Arthur whispered softly.

Gaius nodded and stepped back.

"You always taught me to be true to my heart and that's all I ever try to do," Arthur told Uther. "To be the man you wanted me to be, someone you were proud to call your son."

"My decision is final," Uther said firmly. "Queen Katrina is to be named as the rightful heir of Camelot. The ceremony will begin forthwith."

Arthur looked down before walking out the room.

XXX

Gaius returned to his chambers, his heart heavy with the news he had yet to tell. His emotion did not go unnoticed.

"Gaius, what's wrong?" asked Mira-Liana.

"Uther has disinherited Arthur and named Katrina as his rightful heir," said Gaius. "He also said he never wanted to see Mira-Liana or their child again."

"So if Uther dies, Katrina will rule Camelot," said Merlin.

"We cannot let it happen," said Frik.

Emrys, you must watch the ceremony and do what you can, said Mordred.

"Oh, don't worry, I will," said Merlin, as he ran down to the ceremony and Mira-Liana used the mirror to watch the event unfold.

XXX

The ceremony of naming Katrina as heir to the throne of Camelot took place that afternoon. No one seemed very pleased by this, least of all Arthur and Morgana who were attending out of duty.

"We are gathered here today to the naming of Queen Katrina, as rightful heir of Camelot," the priest said.

"Are you willing to take the oath?" Geoffry asked her.

"I am," she smiled.

"Do you solemnly swear to govern the people of Camelot, to uphold the law and customs of the lands?" Sir Geoffry announced.

"I do," she stuttered, as she started scratching her arm.

"Will you, to your power, cause law and justice in mercy, to be executed in all your judgments?"

"I will," she agreed scratching more.

Arthur drowned out the rest of the words as Katrina's behavior started to be ruder. She answered one of the questions with an impatient, "Yes, yes, yes!"

"I'm sorry, but you must let me finish. The wording must be exactly right. It's binding," he apologized.

"Well get on with it then!" she snapped. "I mean really, where did you dig up this old crone from?"

"She's right, get on with it," Uther agreed, making everyone gasp.

Geoffery went on, but then Katrina shouted, "Oh, just shut it and give me the crown!"

Her request was fulfilled, but then she fled from the room. She would've gone straight to her room, had she not almost run into the guards and had to run back to the hall. She would've left the hall, had Merlin not locked the main doors with a spell.

"Katrina, what's the matter?" asked Uther.

"Oh, I'm so sorry!" she said. "I don't know what came over me. I just thought it felt so hot and I-I-I-I think I need to, uh, get out on my own for a while."

"Are you alright?" asked Morgana, obviously faking concern.

"Yes, yes, I'm fine," said Katrina, as she tried to open the doors. She kept trying, but to no avail. "Open!" she growled, in her troll voice.

"No, please, allow me," said Arthur, with false politeness. But then he backed up when he saw her troll skin. Pretending he didn't know, he asked, "What's that?"

Then to their horror, Queen Katrina turned from a human into a troll.

"You're a troll!" said Arthur.

"How dare you speak about her like that!" said Uther.

"What is wrong with you? Look at the state of her!" said Arthur.

But Uther just at her like a young man in love. Had the circumstances been different, it would've been quite funny. Katrina, looking desperate, yanked one of the doors off its hinges and ran from the room.

"She just ripped a door off its hinges, doesn't that tell you something?" said Arthur.

"Enough!" said Uther.

"She's a troll!" said Arthur. "A giant, grey—"

"Stinking," Morgana put in.

"—stinking troll!" said Arthur.

"Stop it!" said Uther, as he picked up her fallen shoes and crown. "Haven't your hurt her feelings enough? Insult my wife again and it'll be the last thing you ever do."

Uther stormed off, leaving the group on their own.

"Well that went well!" said Arthur, sarcastically.

"Now what do we do?" asked Morgana.

"Pray that somehow they find a way to stop her," said Arthur.

XXX

Things did not improve in the slightest.

Gaius and the Council tried to tell Uther, yet again, that he'd married a troll, but under the enchantment, Uther refused to listen and said that anyone who insulted Queen Katrina again would be charged with treason and beheaded.

Gaius returned to the others who were pouring over books and scrolls.

"This enchantment must be terribly strong," said Gaius. "Uther's seen his wife's form and he thinks he still cares for her."

"Which is why we need to find a way to break the enchantment," said Mira-Liana.

"You won't find anything in your magic books, I'm afraid," said Frik. "Troll magic is too strong."

"Then what're we going to do?" asked Merlin.

"You must speak to the Dragon," said Gaius. "If there's a way to break Katrina's hold on Uther, he'll know about it. But be careful. Dragons and trolls have close been allies in the past."

"We'll be careful, we promise," said Mira-Liana.

"Should I escort you?" asked Frik.

"No, thank you. I'll keep them safe," said Merlin.

Can I come? I want to see the Dragon, said Mordred.

"It would be best if you didn't come," said Mira-Liana. "The Great Dragon doesn't like you and I doubt he'll be pleased if he find out you're here."

"But you can watch from the mirror," said Merlin. "How does that sound?"

It'll do. But why does the Dragon not like me?

"We'll explain another time," said Mira-Liana, not wanting to upset the boy with the Dragon's prophecy regarding his future. "Come on, Merlin.

When they snuck down to the Dragon's lair and told the Dragon of what had happened, the Dragon found the whole thing hilarious and kept laughing uproariously about it. For a few moments, the twins allowed him to laugh but then it became a bit much.

"Stop it!" said Merlin. "This isn't funny!"

"Oh, it is!" laughed the Dragon. "It is! The thought of Uther marrying a troll! Was it a very public affair?"

"It was public enough! Now will you stop laughing, you fire-breathing winged nuisance!" said Mira-Liana, irritably. Ordinarily, she wouldn't have insulted him like that, but being five months along and gaining a troll for a stepmother-in-law was making her short of temper. "This troll cannot be stopped. And if we don't do something and fast, Arthur won't become King, Albion won't be born!"

The Dragon ceased laughing and looked apologetic. "I'm sorry. You are right of course."

"How can we break the enchantment?" Merlin asked.

"These are not trifling tricks. Troll magic is very powerful. The only way to break this enchantment is if Uther were to cry tears of true remorse."

"How do we make him do that?" asked Merlin.

"That I cannot answer," said the Dragon. "Uther's heart is as cold as stone. He's never been sorry for anything in his life."

"Thank you," said Mira-Liana, stiffly. "I think."

"Young witch and warlock!" said the Dragon. "Do not forget the promise you made to me. The help I give is not unconditional."

"Rest assured, we won't forget," said Merlin.

XXX

They went back to Gaius's chambers.

"So, Uther must shed tears of true remorse," said Frik.

"You were watching the mirror, weren't you?" said Merlin.

I showed him, said Mordred. How're we going to make Uther cry and mean it?

"Well, it's not going to be easy," said Gaius. "Uther's heart is closed to everyone."

"Wait, not everyone," said Mira-Liana. "His heart isn't closed off to Arthur."

"Then there's only one cause of action we can take," said Gaius. "Uther must see his son die."

XXX

After they devised a plan, Merlin and Mira-Liana snuck into Arthur's chambers. He was asleep on his bed, but he woke up when Mira-Liana knelt by him and gently kissed him.

"Ana?" he said. "Merlin?"

"We're here," said Merlin.

"Oh, thank heavens," said Arthur. "I've been worried sick. Are you both alright?"

"Yes, we're all fine," said Mira-Liana.

"I'm glad you're back."

"Actually, we never left," said Merlin. "We hid with Gaius and Frik."

"You mean to say you've been here all this time and you didn't tell me?" he said.

"I wanted to tell you, but I couldn't. You were already under a lot of pressure from Katrina and Uther. We didn't want to add to that until we were sure we could come out of hiding," said Mira-Liana.

Arthur sighed. "As long as you're safe, that's all I care about," he said, as he sat down. "So, I assume you have a plan?"

"We do," said Merlin. "The only way to break the enchantment is if your father sheds tears of true remorse."

"And the only way to do that is if he thinks something happened to you. We need your help," said Mira-Liana.

Gaius came in and held up a little bottle as he explained their plan. Needless to say, Arthur was less than thrilled.

"So, your great plan is to kill me," said Arthur.

"Not exactly," said Merlin. "Gaius has come up with a potion that gives off the appearance of death without the actual dying bit."

"It's fine," said Mira-Liana, as she squeezed his shoulder. "The potion will fake your death and then we'll use a spell to reverse the effects."

"I don't like this," said Arthur. "What if it doesn't work? What if he genuinely doesn't care about me anymore?"

"Nonsense, that is Katrina's influence. I've known your father for many, many years. And there's never been anyone or anything he treasured more than you," said Gaius.

"It's our only chance, Arthur," said Mira-Liana. "Just trust us."

"Always have, always will," said Arthur, as he took the potion. "Here goes nothing."

He quickly swallowed the potion and then collapsed just as Merlin and Gaius caught him and placed him gently on the floor.

"Time to break the bad news to Uther," said Gaius. "Mira-Liana, Merlin, hide yourselves."

They nodded and quickly hid in Arthur's wardrobe.

XXX

They watched as Uther burst into the room and then knelt by Arthur's body.

"My boy," he sobbed, as he hugged Arthur close to him. "It was my fault. I pushed you away. My son!"

Then Katrina came into the room and tried to pull him away from Arthur. "Come away. Leave him. There's nothing you can do for him now."

"I killed him!" said Uther. "I killed my only son!"

"Oh, no, no, no, you didn't!" said Katrina, as she yanked on him.

Suddenly as tears streamed down Uther's cheeks, he looked at Katrina and truly looked for the first time since her arrival. "K-Katrina?" he said, in disbelief.

Katrina looked surprised as Uther stood up and pulled away from her.

"What kind of trickery is this?" he demanded.

Katrina looked furious. "How I've suffered these past weeks. Being with you, a human! I am thoroughly repulsed by you!"

"I know the feeling," said Uther. "Guards, seize it!"

"I think that's our cue," said Merlin, as he burst out of the wardrobe.

Katrina began attacking the guards with enormous strength. Mira-Liana took advantage of the confusion to go to Arthur's side and whisper the spell that revived him.

He was still a bit dazed, but he managed to attack Katrina. "Is that anyway to treat your stepmother?" she snarled, before flinging him into the wall. Mira-Liana ran to his side while Uther flung his sword at Katrina.

"Arthur, love, wake up," she whispered, worried.

Arthur blinked open his eyes. "Ana?"

"Mir, look out!" said Merlin, as he barely stopped Jonas from hurt her with a knife.

Arthur grabbed Mira-Liana and pushed her aside before grabbing his sword and helping Merlin. With a clever flick of his wrist, Jonas was no more.

Katrina tried to attack Arthur from behind, but a quick spell from Mira-Liana caused her to trip before Arthur destroyed her forever.

"That," he said, "Was for my family."

It was all over.

XXX

With Katrina and Jonas dead and Uther no longer under the enchantment, Mira-Liana and Merlin were cleared of the charges against them, Arthur was given back his title as Crown Prince, and things went back to normal.

However, Uther was greatly distressed and regretful of his actions while under Katrina's power and held a private feast for his extended family and their three close friends as a way of an apology.

Gaius, Gwen, Merlin, Morgana, Frik, Mordred, Lancelot, Arthur and Mira-Liana all found the dinner very delicious and were ready to accept Uther's apology.

They spent some time talking before Uther cleared his throat and they all fell silent. "I'd like to thank you all, for exposing this attack on our state," he said. "Once again magic was used to strike at the heart of Camelot."

"You mean your heart, Father," said Arthur, making them all stifle a laugh.

"Yes, well, obviously I was under its spell," said Uther. "However, regardless of that, I still did and said things that I regret. And I hope you all will accept my apology."

"I think I speak for all of us when I said, apology accepted, Sire," said Merlin.

They all nodded.

"Thank you," said Uther.

XXX

That night, Mira-Liana was snuggled up to Arthur in their bed for the first time in days. Arthur had his arms around her and was gently stroking her swollen stomach. They both smiled when they felt their baby kick.

"I've missed you both," he said.

"We've missed you too," said Mira-Liana. "I love you."

"I love you too," he said, as he gently kissed her.