This vial officially erases the Arthur they know and love. Darkside is in the driver's seat now, and Merlynn is informed the assault she lost everything for was only the beginning.
"Apparently there was a meeting, and neither I or Arthur were invited. The group knows now Arthur assaulted Merlynn. They've convinced him to leave her alone until everyone has their memories back, believing their history will be enough for her to forgive him."
All three priestesses are outside, relaxing in the temple's courtyard, basking in the noon day sun. The contrast of the warm beams with the November fall chill create the perfect balance for loafing and ease.
"They're right. You have to push them together, Morgana."
"I know, Nimueh, I know. I just don't know how. They persuaded him to go to a conference out of town, and he'll be gone for two weeks."
That has the eldest witch abruptly rising from her previous lounging. "That can't happen. We can't lose those two weeks. You either need to convince him to stay or come back early."
"He's going to miss Lance and Gwen's wedding. Maybe I can sway him to come back for that."
"You have to make him think he can't leave her alone. Increase the jealousy and possessiveness." Nimueh's already thinking of her next chemical composite.
"I'm going to need another vial. I only had five."
"I hate to say it, but we are going to have to increase the lust and desire. He needs to feel driven and incapable of abstaining until their birthday."
"I'm going to go prepare the new mixture and make an even more potent seventh dose." The powerful high priestess disappears to inside her temporary abode.
"He ruined her, Morgause. I didn't know she would lose Ambrosia too."
"We all knew what happened. Well, magic users don't know exactly what happened, and word hasn't spread yet that the savior and Magic have united. But it was felt worldwide when Emrys basically erupted. They don't realize why, but there was a magic block for everyone for about twenty seconds. That has never occurred in all of magical history, so they know something significant went down. The point is her reaction proved the gravity of what had been done to her, so we are definitely going to have to escalate our methods. If that wasn't enough to convince her, then we have to push her harder. I hate it, Morgana. I do, but if the choice is magic continuation or magic extinction what would you choose? More importantly, what would Emrys herself choose?"
Morgana understands, but it nauseates her using these means to accomplish their goal. But she has to admit she can't think of a better way. Even convincing Merlynn to leave of her own volition would be painful. How difficult would it be to abandon all you know and love? At least this way she wants to leave and it's an escape instead of a sacrifice, and her departure will bring relief instead of suffering.
"All right ladies, I have your new vials, Morgana. I also brought us some tea. I don't know about you, but this whole process is stressful, and a good cuppa helps me decompress."
The high priestesses spend the rest of the afternoon serene and at peace in nature, gifted by the Triple Goddess. The tranquil atmosphere is sufficient to calm the sisters and strengthen their resolve to proceed with their current course of action.
"Well, my witches. I have a sixth dose to provide. Let's see how inclined the prince is to guzzle this one. Have a good evening. I will now take my leave."
After her sister fades away Morgause ruminates on their strategy. Is there any other way? "How much worse do you think it's going to get?"
"I guess we're going to find out."
--
"Merlynn, can you come in here, please?" Leon has to orchestrate this event and be as sensitive as he can to Merlynn's needs.
The witch has just finished a warm shower after a rigorous day of training. Will's visit helped, but she still has a lot of pent up... well, many emotions that need release. Merlynn knows she pushed herself beyond her limits. Of course her magic repaired any damage. Have to be in tip-top shape to protect the bloody fucking savior. But she's not bitter. She isn't. She's on her way to the conference room to discuss tonight's event when she hears her name and peeks into her boss' office. He signals for her to enter.
What should he do?! Should he tell her to close the door? Will she feel trapped? But if she leaves the door open, there's a chance one of the other Guard will overhear. Shit! Uh... okay, he'll ask her. Ask her and try not to be weird. "It's private, so I don't know if you want to close the door or not." Merlynn shuts it and Leon's relieved that crisis was averted. "Why don't you have a seat for a moment."
Merlynn has a good idea of what this is about, and poor Leon doesn't know what to do with himself. Maybe she can help. "Uh, actually I wanted to talk to you too. I was wanting to know if I could do this assignment glamoured," she requests without pausing. Nervously she twiddles her thumbs and keeps her gaze on her knees as she specifies, "In fact, all my assignments. I will always let you know who I am, because it may change throughout the evening, but... yeah, that's what I uh... I wanted to know." She's not making eye contact.
The first knight can see his little sister is struggling. Well, he will be the big brother he needs to be, someone to protect her for a change. "Of course, Merlynn. Whatever you need. I was actually going to ask you about your placement. I have two positions that would be ideal. One is about as far from the prince as it gets and still have him within sight." Her face is blank, so he can't discern if she's interested or not. "Ahem... uh, the other is actually a member of the audience. You have the ability to protect from extended distances with your ma..." Leon realizes what he was about to say and has to backpedal. "Shit Merlynn, I'm sorry. You know you are invaluable to us even without... that, don't you?"
The raven appreciates the consideration, but she needs to face facts. "You're sweet, Leon, but no I'm not. This is what I was born for. Keeping Magic from fulfilling its purpose is taking its very existence in vain. Now, you mentioned an audience placement?"
The Guard leader is hurting on behalf of his comrade. Somehow he has to show Merlynn her worth or he'll die trying. "Uh, yes. Yes. I thought you might enjoy actually seeing the production yourself. It's a popular one, so it must be good. Phantom of the Opera."
Merlynn's face immediately brightens. "Yes, I would love that! I saw Wicked when Mor..." The witch's face falls as fast as it rose. Her eyes fill with tear, but she quickly composes herself, brushing them away, straightening her posture, and ascending to her feet. "Ahem... I would like to accept the audience placement, as I believe I would enjoy the opera."
She's so cold and all business. Oh, Merlynn. What has he done to you?
"Now if that will be all..." Without saying a word, Leon nods. "Thank you, sir. Please excuse me, but Emrys..." she sneers. "...has a job to do." She marches out of the room.
Leon can hear her sniffling down the corridor and can't help his bitterness. Goddam, Arthur. Well, apparently the spirit of an immortal Goddess can die. The only question is, is resurrection possible?
--
Knock. Knock. Knock.
That must be Merlynn. Remember, keep it professional, Arthur. She needs space and time. Tonight, you are only prince and bodyguard. Yes, you can do this. You've taken enough from her. But god, the memory of that night... he's sorry, but that incredible night... He wishes he could regret it. He truly does. He knows not regretting it makes him the worst kind of arsehole, but at the very least he has to be honest with himself, right? And the cold, hard truth is that it was the best night of his life, and holy fuck does he want more! You can't have more, Pendragon. She'll come to you when the memories return. You can be celibate for a few more weeks. He did kind of forget with the ritual that the commitment goes both ways. He can only have intimacy with Merlynn for the rest of his life. That's nothing, Arthur. You tied her to you for all eternity. You can abstain for a little while. It will be good for you. Think of it as a sexual cleansing. So when they are together again it will be a reset. Yes, that's it. He can do this. The prince swings open the door. "Hello Mer..." He does a double take. That is not his witch. "What are you doing here?"
"Well hello to you too, brother." The princess sashays inside, followed by the first knight.
"Leon?"
"Arthur, you didn't seriously think we'd send Merlynn to pick you up, did you?"
"Well, I assumed she'd at least be doing her job."
"And she will be. She's actually already there. And Arthur, you will have no contact with her. You will not go near her. Do you understand me?"
He feels like a scolded child. Fucking hell, he's the bloody prince! For argument sake, however, and to save time, he nods.
"Good. Let's get going. Your Highnesses." Leon gestures for the royals to exit the open door. They comply.
--
Merlynn scans the crowd and has located her seat. She's already determined who are the magic users, their level of power, and if they have any hostility or malice directed towards the prince. There are also no planted bombs, hidden snipers, or any weapons of any kind. Merlynn never realized how inconsequential she really was until now. She had no desire to learn any of those things. She hoped she could let the fucker explode and call it a night, but Magic thought differently. No, she simply sauntered into the auditorium to find her seat and it was like she had this innate sense and already knew everything. If Merlynn thinks about it, it's actually liberating as she can sit and enjoy the opera and let Magic do all the work. It's like at Club Avalon. Only this time Emrys can do the protecting, while Merlynn enjoys the performance.
Leon has already seen her glamoured form. She's currently a senior, portly gentleman that matches the class of the other patrons around the seat her boss procured for her. Merlynn couldn't be anymore contrary to her true form if she tried, and there's no possible way Arthur will recognize her. Yes, this is set to be a pleasant evening, indeed.
"Do you come to the opera often?"
An elderly woman sitting next to her is apparently of the chatty sort. "No, actually. I'm planning to more often, though... in my retirement. I saw Wicked in New York..."
--
The prince and princess are enthroning themselves in the royal box. Of course spectators are fascinated with the imperials in attendance, but for once all the ogling doesn't bother him. His sister slipped him another one of those tube things in the car, and he already feels better. Arthur's talk with the knights hit him hard, and he needed the relief. Now he can disregard all the crown's fans with no remorse. There's only one person he's interested in tonight, and he's already started his hunt to find her. However, regrettably the lead Guard notices his searching.
"You'll never find her, Arthur," he whispers in his ear. "She's glamoured. She could be Morgana, and you wouldn't know it." Leon grins smugly. If he didn't know any better he'd say Arthur is taking the whole 'stay away' command rather loosely. By his behavior, Leon has no doubt that if Arthur found the witch, he'd approach her. Well, not on his watch, bruv.
Leon thinks he's got him with the whole glamour thing, but what he doesn't know is that the bond between the King and Emrys is like a homing device. Yes, he now has Merlynn radar, and he will find her, even if she were amongst the crowd as a child. If she thinks she can hide from him she can think again. Arthur believes she might need a reminder of who's the dom in their relationship. He's grateful Morgana gave him another ampoule. The guilt was eating him up, but now he feels free. He will give his angel space and time as everyone insisted and for good reason, but he can't let her think the group has him plodding away with his tail between his legs. No, he's only doing so out of the kindness of his heart because he loves her, and she needs to get used to her new role as his queen. Oh yes, he has full intentions of appropriating his Goddess once more when the time is right, and she needs to remember that.
--
The Goddess can't decide which one she loves more. They are both two completely different genres of productions, so it might be comparing apples to oranges. She knows she enjoyed the company of Wicked more, that's for certain. Although her discussions with Marjorie of all the different performances she's seen are fascinating. The old woman is quite the aficionado when it comes to operas, and Merlynn thinks she might just become a theater enthusiast. Wicked was more lively and humorous, but Phantom is more serious and dramatic. It's really a draw, she loves them both. Merlynn's excited for act two, but is grateful for the intermission. She's been having such a good time she almost forgot she's on the job. Oh well, Emrys can protect the arse. Merlynn is going to watch Phantom. It didn't escape her attention that the storyline is about a man obsessed with a woman, but she's trying not to think about any parallels to her own situation. No, this night is about one of Andrew Lloyd Webber's finest, and she refuses to think otherwise.
--
Arthur knows the section, but with all the seats so bunched together it's hard to identify his soulmate. He's trying to think of it logically. She doesn't want him to find her, so she's probably chosen a glamour far removed from her natural self. That would make her either really old or... she could be a man! She also will be alone. So someone who doesn't seem to be connecting with anyone. Hmm.
Arthur continues to scrutinize the area all throughout the first act, examining closely peoples interactions. Unfortunately, it seems everyone is conversing with at least one person. It shouldn't be surprising really. His Merlynn is friendly and likeable, so it's no wonder she'd befriend another patron. Alas, the woman's natural genial disposition makes his search all the more difficult. Intermission is almost upon them, and Arthur's hoping he'll finally be able to match the glamour to his queen. As the lights brighten he watches the region intently. A couple leaves hand-in-hand. Okay, not his Merlynn. An elderly man is being aided by someone who might be a grandson. That could be his girl. She's always ready to assist. Except they're leaving and the bond is still directing him to that same section of seating. That narrows the choices as the only ones left appear to be a man in his fifty's he would gather, and a woman about twenty years his senior. It looks like the gentleman is leaving... and along with him Arthur's bond. "Gotcha." That he is his she. Behold his Goddess. Arthur grins self-satisfied at his brilliance. "Leon, I need to use the loo."
"Arthur, what are you doing?" The first knight has been observing the prince through all of the first act. He doesn't know how, but he's positive Arthur has located Merlynn, and he knows the royal is planning to stumble upon the witch, by 'happenstance' naturally.
"Well Leon there comes a time when a toddler-"
The lead Guard blocks the future king's exit. "Don't bullshit me, Arthur. You know what I'm talking about."
The blonde peers down at the hand on his chest. He's tired of being spoken to like he's four in need of a time-out. He is the crown prince and he will do as he damn well pleases. "You forget yourself, Guard. Now step out of the way, or I will have you restrained..." He leans to whisper in the taller man's ear. "...and not another word about Merlynn. Are we clear?"
Leon is shocked at his friend pulling the royal card... on him! The Camelot 'Nine' unquestionably need another meeting. Threatening his long time friend is not a good sign. Insisting he not speak of their witch, even worse. He steps away from the prince and allows his exit. "Your Highness." He bows sardonically.
Arthur smirks and struts down the corridor. There, now that that obstacle is out of the way... "Soon, my queen. I'm on my way."
Leon taps his ear com, "Merlynn? Merlynn? Can you hear me? Merlynn!" Shit! Wherever she is, she can't hear him through the device. He's the only one that knows her glamour, so he can't send help. He has no way to warn her. "I'm sorry, Merlynn." The knight bangs his head against the door. If Arthur touches her then his highness will have him to deal with. Fuck royalty!
--‐--
"Leon? Hello Leon?" She can't hear over the crowd in the gift shop. Oh well. Merlynn will call him when she gets out. She purchases Marjorie a phantom mask, a nice memento of the evening. The old woman said she used to buy souvenirs from each production she saw, but stopped when the lines became too much for her 'old bones'. The witch thought she'd revisit the tradition and give the opera connoisseur something to remember her by. She really likes the woman, and it saddens her she'll only ever know Merlynn as Harold.
She finally maneuvers her way away from the circus of the crowd and is returning to her seat through a quiet corridor. Now she can contact the first knight. "Leon? Over."
"Merlynn! Oh thank god! I've been trying to reach you. I think Arthur is looking for you. Over."
"Oh, is that all? Don't worry there's no way he'll find me through this glamour. Over."
"Merlynn you don't understand. I think..."
Merlynn glances up and sure enough her nightmare is walking right towards her. Play it cool, Merlynn. Act casual. Your disguise is fool proof. "Gotta go, Leon. Over." And she turns the com off. She can't have Arthur accidentally hearing the lead Guard's voice.
"Fuck! Merlynn?! Merlynn?!" God, she didn't hear! She doesn't know! "He knows who you are."
Goddess, the last time she saw him she was scrambling to find her clothes and get the hell away from him. And here he is, her tormenter, her rapist in the flesh. Come on, Merlynn. Just walk. That's all you need to do.
Ha! There she is! He found her! He's gotta hand it to her. Without the bond, he never would have suspected this man to be his Goddess, but he can almost see it in his eyes... his queen. Now Arthur. Nothing untoward or inappropriate. Just enough to remind her who truly has the power between them. She thinks she's going to walk right past him. Think again, sweets. He snatches her arm as she passes him. "Excuse me?"
Goddess! Stay calm, Merlynn. Focus. Breathe. "Hmm? Can I help you?"
Ooooh, American accent. Nice touch. He's impressed. "Yes, thank you. I'm hoping you can. Perchance, have you seen a woman about yay tall?" He gestures a few inches shorter than him. "Black hair, pale, wearing black trousers and a white button-down?"
"Can't say that I have, no." Merlynn tries to leave but he still has a hold on her forearm.
"Really? You haven't? Well, you couldn't have missed her if you wanted to. She's gorgeous! Long ebony locks, snow white skin, ethereal blue eyes, radiant smile."
"Yeah, sorry. Haven't seen her." She moves to pull away but he tightens his grip.
"No, no, no. Hold on, maybe you just need more details." He steps slightly closer than the previous arm length distance. "She's fit. Tight, tone muscle. And god, is she flexible. Have plans for that later, you know what I mean?" He wraps her in a one armed hug like they're mates from school. He can feel her tensing.
Ugh! He seriously talks like this to a stranger. "No. No, I don't. If you'll excuse me." She twists out from under his arm but he grabs her wrist. Merlynn freezes flashing back to all the times he had her pinned.
"Now hang on. I'm not done. Maybe I should be more specific."
"That's really not necessary. I'm sure I haven't seen her." She tries to yank her wrist away, but he adjusts his grasp to her bicep.
"Her skin is as smooth as silk."
How is he/she supposed to know what she feels like? "I'd really like to go now." She tugs to wrest her arm free.
"She's got quite the scream on her, which is enticing in itself, I don't really like them quiet. And although her face glistens when soaked in tears, not so much in to the crying. But I have to admit the little whimpers are adorable."
This fuses her in place. What? Is he referencing... He can't be talking about... "I... I wouldn't know." She attempts to turn out of his hold, but he forcefully spins her towards him. "Let go of me!"
"Oh, but you haven't heard the best part. You want to know what I love the most?"
Merlynn shakes her head trying to hold back the tears before she gives herself away, desperately wanting the whole encounter to be over. But of course he ignores it.
"Now, don't get me wrong. The sight of her is breathtaking, especially in... all her glory..." he says lasciviously.
Merlynn's going to be sick.
"...and then god, the feel of her. That supple flesh when it lies beneath me skin to skin, magnifique mate, absolute perfection." He kisses his finger tips.
Ugh! Goddess, get her out of there!
"But the best, the creme de la creme of my queen..." He leans in to stage whisper. "...is the taste of her. She's delicious. I could drink her everyday."
Merlynn is startled at the familiar words, the words he said when he... when... She pulls back to look him in the eye. He knows. Goddess, she's got to get away! Why did she take an isolated corridor?! And how did he find it? Don't cry, Merlynn. Don't cry. "Nope. Never saw. Never heard. No idea. Need to get back to my mum." With a violent jerk, she breaks free. In truth, though, he just finally let her go.
"Mum? Trying out that British accent, huh?"
"Uh yep, when in Rome, you know?" Merlynn is seconds from breakdown. She wants to run, but that would definitely give her away. Not that she hasn't already, but nonetheless.
"Oh, well if you do see her, give her a message for me."
The witch is still backing away but facing him. Just give her the message already so she can get out of there.
"Tell her... Arthur will always find her. His word is his bond."
His word is...? What the? The bond! He knew where she was through the link! Goddess, there's really no where she can hide. It doesn't matter any glamour she comes up with. He's right. He will always find her. Merlynn doesn't care anymore. He already knows. She runs.
Arthur looks on as his witch scrambles away as fast as her legs will carry her. He was partly indifferent and partly pitying as she realized how helpless she is to fate. Unfortunate, but mission accomplished. She's now fully aware who holds the power, and it isn't the Goddess.
Merlynn leans into the wall and slides to the floor. She can never run, never escape. Even without the summoning stone he could find her. He only has to tap into the bond and he has the GPS coordinates of 'Magic'. She can't contain it anymore. There's barely enough time before she reaches the closest bin and loses the night's dinner. When she's finished the raven swipes her mouth with the sleeve of her shirt. Catching her breath, she taps her com. "Leon?"
"Merlynn?! Thank the fuck... Are you okay? Over."
"No, uh. I uh... I don't really feel all that well. Would it be okay if I... if I went home? Over."
There's a momentary pause. "Sure Merlynn. I think we're good for the night anyway. Over."
"Thanks." Merlynn hangs up with her boss and sits there unfocused, unthinking, in a haze of the night's progression. The crown prince strikes again. Arthur Pendragon - five. Merlynn - zero. The witch disappears without ever seeing the second act.
Leon watches his friend return from the 'loo' with a smug grin he wants to wipe from his face. He glares at him like he's never dared to before. He may not be allowed to mention Merlynn, but he's going to guarantee the prince knows he didn't get away with anything. Leon knows and everyone else will too. He draws his phone from his pocket and sends a group text. "Mine tomorrow night, half six. No excuses." Within seconds he has eight replies. They're coming.
--
Later that night, at the final scene, an old woman glances over and sees a phantom mask and a rose resting in the empty seat, and laying between them a card with a single word. "Harold."
--
Knock. Knock. Knock.
"That's got to be him. I'll get it."
"Thanks Elyan."
"No problem, mate. It's not often we come to yours, now, is it? Not used to playing host."
"I know. We just needed to meet, and I don't want to invite people to others' flats."
"It's fine, Leon. Now that my Gwainie stud is here, we can finally find out what this is all about."
"Hello to you too, cookie cutter." The duke gives his girlfriend a chaste kiss, then plops down next to her on the floor.
"All right, Leon. Tell us what's going on? I had to reschedule a meeting for this."
"Yes. Well. I appreciate that, Mithian. I do. I find this to be urgent."
"All right, first knight. You've left us in suspense long enough."
"You just got here. Some of us have been waiting an hour already."
"Ooooh, Lance impatient. That's new. And maybe I just got here, but I got the text last night at the same time you did. I've been thinking about it ever since. I would have been here sooner except I got trapped with dukey duties."
"What duties? You don't do anything."
"Oh, you wound me, Perce." He motions dramatically. "...and you'll never know," he says with a wink.
"Sorry. I didn't mean to be snappy. Just wedding stuff getting to me."
"Sorry love. Why don't you get some help? That's why I have all the girls to help me."
"Yeah, mate. I'm your best man. Give me a chance to be one."
"Thanks Percy. I might just take you up on that." The giant nods.
"Okay, can we get back on track please? Mith's getting cranky, and you don't have to live with her."
"Hey!"
"Okay, let's move on. You all know last night was the opera. Merlynn and I, both, were on Guard duty." Leon eyes the present members of the Camelot Twelve, making sure he has everyone's attention. "Well, I don't think Arthur is going to follow our 'advice'. I don't think he can stay away from her."
"Is that why she's been sick? She came home and went right to bed. She hasn't left her room since. What'd that fucker do, now?"
"I'm not sure exactly. I don't even know how he could have done anything. She was glamoured. There's no way he could have recognized her. The only thing I can figure is Magic directed him to her. Anyway, he found her. I don't know what happened, but the next thing I know I'm getting a call from her saying she isn't feeling well and wants to go home. Then he returns five minutes later with a nasty smirk across his face. He also pulled the prince card and ordered me not to say anything else about her."
"Fuck!"
"Exactly."
"Well, he's still not coming to our wedding, right? I don't want him there. And he's going to that conference or something for a couple weeks?"
"That's the plan. I have all the Guards assignments for the trip already set."
"Well then. We just have to keep them away from each other in other ways if Arthur isn't going to back off on his own."
"What do you suggest, Mith?" Elyan asks.
"I'm thinking since the wedding is this weekend we just keep everyone doing wedding things. Also, maybe go ahead with the stag and hen parties. I know you didn't want them, but they would be a perfect way to keep the men separate from the ladies. They don't have to be drunken free-for-alls with strippers."
"I think that's a good idea. We could go dancing! Merlynn loves to dance, and a night out with the girls could be exactly what she needs. Oo, oo, oo, Gwennie! You could wear a veil and we'll all wear bridesmaid's t-shirts!"
"Okay, we know Elena likes the idea. What about you boys? How're you going to keep his royal arse busy?" Sefa asks.
"I don't think too much alcohol is a good idea. We need the princess to have some self-control."
"Woah, the duke's turning down pints, it must be serious."
"Yes Elyan, we all must make sacrifices for our friends."
"Well, he's going to get suspicious if there's no alcohol. What could we do that has some, but you can't really get drunk?"
Percy is scrolling through his phone. As the best man it's his responsibility to organize the do. He finds a possibility, and as he reads more about it, it sounds like a real contender. "I think I found something that would be perfect. It's normally a daytime activity, but if we tell them his highness is attending they might make an exception."
"Arthur leaves on Thursday, so we'd have to do it tomorrow night. If it's typically only a daytime activity that would mean they would have the evenings available. We just throw Arthur's name out there, we should be a shoo-in."
"Leon's right. I can give them a call now if you want, Lance. It's called the 'Mini Cooper Italian Job Challenge'. We split up into teams of two and get picked up by a driver. We have to complete challenges and games all over London. Whoever finishes first wins. They give us jumpsuits and caps, just like on the Italian Job."
"That sounds brilliant! We could have dinner first, and we'll be forced to stay semi sober since we'll have this to do afterwards."
"Exactly Elyan. The winning team gets a bottle of bubbly. All of us can come back to ours afterwards and share it. It's only one bottle and we have Gwaine. We'll count on him to have half and share the rest between the five of us. No way we'll get drunk off that."
"That does sound good, Lance. It will definitely keep Arthur busy, and more importantly, he'll never be alone to harass Merlynn. We girls can actually relax for a night, hopefully keep the prince off her mind to enjoy herself."
"Okay. Make the call, Perce."
The giant nods and exits the room to organize the following evening.
"That's all well and good, but I'm not partnering with the princess, especially without alcohol. I will not be held responsible for my actions."
"I don't think it's a good idea for me, either. We did not part on good terms last night."
"That's fine. You could partner with me old man."
"Old man! I'm twenty-eight, not eighty-five!"
"Still older than me."
"Everyone's older than you, Elyan. Well, the guys anyway."
"Thank you, Sefa. I'm well aware."
"Oh, don't be like that. You young whippersnappers need guidance from your elders. I'll be happy to partner with you."
Elyan bestows Leon a two fingered salute.
"That's fine. I'll partner with Arthur."
"Oh, now I feel bad. Shouldn't be sticking the groom with the royal dick."
"Don't worry about it, Gwaine. I want to see how much of our Arthur is still in there anyway. What better way to do it than the Cooper Challenge?"
"All right everyone." Percival reenters the room. "We were right. All they needed was to hear Arthur's name and we were in."
"Perfect. Now someone just needs to text the princess, and the night is set."
"And Gwen and I will talk to Merlynn tonight. So the day is covered with work and classes, the evening with the parties, and the next day he leaves for two weeks, right Leon?"
"That's what's scheduled, yes. I don't foresee any problems."
"Good. Then let's get out of here. I have a hen do to prepare."
"Right behind you my bubbly beanie baby."
"Oooh, love the alliteration, my baby bugga-boo."
"Uh, uh. Can't use B. Come up with your own."
The rest of the group listens as the nauseating couple continues to argue pet names out the door, shaking their heads fondly.
"Twenty pounds, he's the next one we're organizing one of these for." Leon says as people are leaving.
"I don't know, mate. They're gonna have serious competition once the memories are back. Hard to challenge a fifteen hundred year romance."
"That's if Arthur doesn't fuck up anymore."
"That's what we're there for, Mithian. Elyan's correct. If we handle this right, we'll likely be planning a royal wedding next spring."
"Well then, Lance. We better not fuck up."
"I couldn't have said it better myself."
--
Elena is passing out t-shirts to all the girls. "Okay, Gwen you obviously have the bride one, and I got you this veil and tiara to wear. Morgana, yours says wedding planner and mine says maid of honor." She pulls the last three tops from the bag. "And the rest of you ladies are bridesmaids." She finishes distributing shirts, then realizes she missed something. "Oh! I forgot I had these." She withdraws six rose hair clips. "They're to separate us from other hen dos. Other groups may have the t-shirts, so I figured we'd be more distinctly the rose party. What'd ya think?"
The bride goes to embrace her blonde friend. "It's brilliant, Elena, really. Thank you."
Merlynn is trying to relax and enjoy the evening, but she's struggling, specifically with the sister of her tormenter only a few meters away.
Mithian notices the anxious witch. "Hey? You okay?"
"Uh, yeah. I'll be fine... I just... Yeah, I'll be fine." She doesn't want to get into it. She doesn't want to think about it. Simply focus on the now, Merlynn, and you'll get through this. "I better go get this on, eh?" The raven collects her shirt and rose clip and retreats to her room.
Gwen spots Merlynn making a hasty exit and sidles up to the newly deemed fearless queen. "What happened?"
"I think she's uncomfortable with Morgana," Mithian says quietly.
"Mmm, I was concerned about that. Maybe the princess should talk to her."
The woman in question overhears her title. "Talk to whom about what?" she interrupts.
"Maybe you should talk to Merlynn. We think she might be a little uneasy about you since you're... you know... Arthur's sister."
"Of course. She doesn't think I condone my brother's behavior, does she? I'm just as disgusted, if not more so, than the rest of you. I'm the one making sure his schedule is packed during this conference. He won't even have time to think about her."
"We know, Morgana. We just think maybe Merlynn doesn't."
"Say no more, I'll go talk to her." The priestess pats the bride's arm and makes her way to the Goddess.
"Do you think she's going to be all right?" Mithian asks.
"I think... those memories really couldn't come fast enough."
"Yeah."
--
"So I thought you weren't going to have one of these, Lance?" Arthur asks as he plants himself in a seat across from the groom. The king and knights are all situated around a round dinner table in one of London's leading restaurants.
"Yes, well, Perce here found out about this stag idea and it sounded brilliant, so we all decided to go ahead with it."
"Does that mean Gwen is having a hen party?"
They all look between each other. They know the prince is just fishing for information on the witch.
"Uh, yes. Yes, she is."
"Really? What are they up to?" Arthur tries to inquire casually.
"Why do you care, princess? Tonight's about us boys. Perce, tell him about the Mini Cooper Challenge."
"Well...
--
"So where are we?" Sefa's never heard of the place.
"This is the Enchanted Mist. I read about it. They call it that because there is a mist in the atmosphere that sort of acts like a sedative. Not to put you to sleep or anything. More to relax you. I know Merlynn doesn't drink, so I thought this place might be a good alternative. Is that okay, Merlynn?"
"Hmm? Oh, yeah. I mean I appreciate the thought, El, but isn't tonight about Gwen?"
"Merlynn, I'm only going to enjoy the night if I know all my friends are having fun. We all know you love to dance. We don't want any tension holding you back. If some enchanted mist can help you... forget... about things, then that's what I want to do."
Merlynn loves her friends. All so considerate. Even Morgana. Her talk with the princess earlier really helped. She now knows everyone is supporting her, and Morgana is going to intervene in anyway she can against her brother. Merlynn's not alone. "Thank you. Yes, I think some enchanted mist might be just what the doctor ordered."
"Brilliant! All right, ladies. The club awaits."
--
"Check me out in my tweed cap! Ha!" The rogue eyes his reflection. "Fuck, if I had a pipe I'd be my grandfather."
"We're all supposed to wear blue jumpsuits? I thought each team would be their own color," Elyan says while donning the provided garment.
"No, blue is what they wore in the film. We'll have to differentiate our teams another way," Percival says.
"Ooooh, how about cool names?! Like Percy and I can be..." The duke pinches his chin in thought. "Oh I know, it's perfect. Brace yourselves... The Green Giant... See, cause I'm Gwaine Green and he's the Giant, get it?"
"Very clever, Green."
"Yes, I thought so, Leon. Thank you."
The first knight rolls his eyes. "Well, what do you want to be, young padawan?"
"I don't know, Yoda. What says 'us'?"
"Jedi Knights?"
"Perfect, it is."
"And I thought I was supposed to be Yoda."
"What about the groom and princess? You boys have to pick a name, now."
"What'd you say, Lance?"
"Uh... I don't know. What'd you think?"
"I've got it. You'll love it. What about 'Royal Pains'? You know cause Arthur's the royal and doctor Lance is the pain."
"Tell me why we're doing this and not going clubbing, again?" Arthur's been struggling with the celibacy. Wanking isn't cutting it. Maybe if he had a warm body to dance with it would help with the urges.
"Gwen's hen party is clubbing. We wanted to do something different."
"Elyan!"
"What? Oh..."
"What's this now? The girls all went clubbing?" They better not be. The only warm body his witch should be with is his.
"What does it matter? We're doing this, Arthur." Lance needs to draw Arthur's focus.
"You don't mind that your future bride is out dancing with a bunch of blokes?!" Or his future bride.
"She's not dancing with blokes, Arthur. Can we please get back to this?"
"If they are at a club you know all our girls are attracting attention." Especially his Merlynn. With her moves she's probably got half the club salivating. Arthur's clenching his fists at the thought.
"Yeah, so what? Gwen is faithful. I trust Elena implicitly. And you made damn sure Merlynn couldn't go near another man, so what are you afraid of, princess?"
What is he afraid of? No one can touch her except him. "Just... They are ours, and no one has any right to ogle them." Arthur winces. His words are weak even to his own ears.
"Jesus, do you hear yourself? Hate to break it to you, but all of our women are attractive and they are going to be ogled no matter where they go. The girls wanted to go dancing, so let them fucking dance."
"Can we please get back to this?"
"They should only be going dancing with us! We can protect them!" His Merlynn belongs with him. Her moves are his. The only person she should be dancing for is her King!
"Fucking hell! Protect them from what Arthur? Your girl is literally the most powerful being on the planet, and turns out the only one she needed protection from was you! So, yeah we could go in there, knights in shining armor and all that shit, shielding them from any would be rapists. But who's gonna shield Merlynn there, Arthur? Who's gonna shield her from the dickwad prince she lost everything for?"
"Hey, let's all calm down and enjoy the evening please? Come on, guys. This is my stag do."
With one last glare at the blonde royal, Gwaine's pursed lips morph into a wide smile for the groom. "Right you are, Lancey. Come, gentle giant. Let's get our driver and get out of here. I don't know about you, but that bottle at the end has my name on it."
"I thought all bottles had your name on them."
"Too true, young friend. But this bottle I'm claiming."
"Well come on, team Jedi. May the force be with us."
"You're going to be making Star Wars references all night, aren't you?"
"Win, we will, Yoda. Win, we will."
"Arthur, are you ready? We need to go too if we are going to stand a chance."
"Yeah, fine. Let's go." He'll check on his Goddess later. See you soon, sweetheart.
--
The girls are all out on the dance floor laughing at Elena, who has fallen for the fifth time. They are doing dance challenges, which of course Merlynn is winning. She's the only real dancer. She's drawing a lot of attention, but surrounded by all the girls, no one can come close. The mist has done wonders for her mood. She's been able to relax and let loose, her mind not drifting once to the future king.
"Okay, spins are definitely not a skill of mine."
"Oh, darling. Walking isn't a skill of yours," Morgana jokes.
"True. All right, Merlynn. Show us how many you can do."
"Hang on. What's the score?" Mithian asks.
"Let's see. The bride has eight. The princess has five."
"Hey, I'm lucky I pulled that five out after six shots."
"It was a glorious five, Morgana. Best five ever," Gwen compliments.
"Elena has two..."
"And proud of it!"
"Mith, you have twelve..."
"And how I did that, I'll never know."
"...and I have four."
"Okay, Merlynn. You heard Sefa. Top score is Mithian's twelve. Can you beat it?"
"It's really not a fair challenge. You all have been drinking."
"Oh come on, roomie. You could be totally pissed and still beat us all put together. Just show everyone what ya got. You've already drawn quite the audience."
Sure enough, people have cleared space for Merlynn to meet the challenge, and are cheering her on.
"Okay, okay. Here we go." And she begins twirling in perfect fouettes.
"Go Merlynn! Go Merlynn! Go Merlynn! ...
Everyone is chanting encouragement. "Seven... eight... nine...
--
Arthur can't stand it anymore. He needs to see Merlynn. Just picturing her performing even half the moves she's capable of in front of others that aren't him, has the prince bristling with anger. He doesn't mind her entertaining people. He just better be there as well. He needs to make damn sure that other blokes know she's taken and is explicitly his. He has to separate from Lance though. He surveys the area for ideas. They currently have to befriend a police officer. It was decided earlier that he would skip the tasks involving people as they don't want delays from unwanted admirers. This actually should be easy. "Lance, you handle this one. I need to find a loo, hopefully a private one."
"Yeah, alright. I still haven't spotted a copper, but we can stay in touch through text."
"Okay. Let's go Galahad." Arthur can never escape his Guard. He could have only had Leon if they would have teamed up, but he knows they had kind of a falling out at the opera. That's all right. He can still set things up with some privacy. He walks about a block away. "Stay here," he instructs his security, and then struts further down an isolated alley distinctly behind a couple large skips. He smirks to himself. "Come to me, my Goddess." He clutches the rock against his chest. "Emrys, Emrys, Emrys."
--
"What the fuck?!"
"...twenty-six... twenty-seven...
"Are we sure she's not using magic?" Sefa asks.
"Her eyes are still blue. This is all her. Go Merlynn!" Mithian yells over the din of the club.
"...thirty-one... thirty..."
The witch stops short with wide eyes and... fear? The crowd is now regarding the raven beauty, confused. She clearly wasn't tiring, so why'd she stop? Then she disappears.
What the hell? Oh no.
All the women stare between each other. "Arthur." They practically say in unison.
"Call the guys! Hurry!" Everyone has their mobiles out. "Wait! He partnered with Lance. Call him!" Mithian screams over the crowd who have resumed dancing, unaware of what is happening to their entertainer.
Who are they kidding? The Camelot women don't know either, and that's what they're worried about.
--
Oh Goddess, please let this be a rescue! She pleads to her deity and Mother, the Mother who abandoned her.
Arthur sees his queen shimmering into view. As soon as she's solid he snatches her wrist and whips her into his chest.
No such luck. She screams instinctively at the unwanted attention.
He can't resist. He needs this so badly, physically aching for his soulmate. He muffles her cry with a deep kiss. She tries to squirm away, but right now her mouth and tongue are vital for his survival.
Merlynn's eyes are filling with tears. Goddess, not again! She practically chokes with how far Arthur's plunging his tongue down her throat. Mustering all the strength she has she manages to finally shove him away. In reflex, the witch takes a swing at him, which indubitably Magic stops, and he seizes her hovering limb.
"Uh, uh, uh. You know you can't hurt me."
"Arthur, what are you doing? That stone was meant for saving your life in dire emergency situations." Goddess, she has to make him understand. Where is the hero? The man of honor she was always told about?
"Let's just say. It has an additional purpose now." He doesn't revel in her look of defeat, but he does take pleasure in knowing she understands where she belongs and to whom she belongs. "I'm just making sure you're behaving yourself."
--
Minutes earlier...
"Lance?"
"Gwen, what's wrong?"
"Lance, is Arthur with you?"
"Not currently. He had to find a loo. I'm in the middle of a challenge."
"Lance, Merlynn disappeared. Like, literally. One minute she was dancing and the next she just... vanished."
"Shit!"
"Exactly! Lance, she looked terrified." The bride is now tearing up. The rest of the girls are huddled together concerned for their friend.
"Yeah, okay. I'll go find him." Click.
"What'd he say?"
"He said Arthur went to go find a loo a few minutes ago."
"Fuck!" Sefa doesn't know what they can do. No one knows how he's summoning her against her will.
"Morgana, can you call him? Maybe he'll listen to you."
"Course." The priestess is dialing her brother in seconds. It goes to voice-mail immediately. "I'll keep trying, but I think Lance might be calling at the same time."
--
"Behaving myself? Arthur, no other man can even touch me! How is it even possible for me to not 'behave myself'?!"
Arthur's phone starts buzzing. He ignores it, not sparing it a second glance. "You're right, no other man can touch you, Merlynn. But I know your type of dancing, and I don't appreciate my girlfriend giving a free show to a bunch of spectators!"
"I'm not your girlfriend, Arthur! I'm not even your friend. You know what I am, Arthur? Your fucking doll to use and abuse as you see fit!" The witch has silent tears rolling down her cheeks. "You've taken everything from me. Why do you think it's acceptable to hurt and harass me so much? Why do you hate me?!"
Arthur pushes off the wall he was leaning against and approaches the witch.
Merlynn backs away, flashing a memory of a similar situation from the worst night of her life. "Oh goddess. Ar ar thur, pl ease, j just, stay, a way from me." She struggles with speaking, stuttering in fear and sobs. Raising her arms as a weak attempt to keep them separated.
Arthur continues advancing and she just cries harder. "I don't hate you, Merlynn. I love you. It's because I love you I want you so much..." She keeps stepping backwards with arms extended in front of her, but in one swift move he pins them to her hips and grabs her around the waist.
"Noooo! St op, please j ust stop. Some one h help me." Her forehead drops to the prince's shoulder dejected. "Let me go, I beg you." She's barely audible.
Arthur's phone continues to ring, which he disregards along with her pleas. "...why I need you so much." The prince starts to kiss her neck, and she screams. He cups her mouth, muting her cries and drags her behind the skip. He holds her fast while she twists and wrestles, trying to get free. "This is what I'm going to do for you, my queen." The prince imprisons her behind his body, against the building. She continues to squirm until the fight dies out of her. "I'm going to give you space and time... for now. I know you need to get used to your new circumstances. But only if you behave yourself. If I find out you've been whoring yourself out..." She protests through his palm trying to remind him of the impossibility, but he clarifies. "...meaning visually. I know no other man can touch you, but there are things that are only meant for my eyes. I've seen plenty of your... moves before. This isn't Ambrosia, where you're trying to seduce every bloke. The majority of what you do is for the bedroom, Merlynn. And trust me, you will get your chance to... perform, but the audience will be for one. Clear?" Defeated and restrained she can only nod. "If I find out you have been 'entertaining' anyone that's not me, then I am going to fuck you, Merlynn, whether you are ready or not. I'm going to fuck you over and over and over, maybe even publicly, show everyone that you are fully claimed..." Her eyes widen in shock at his words. "...until you finally get it through your head..." He leans in to whisper, "...you're mine." He lowers his lips to her neck to leave his mark, a love bite in full view, his brand. She whimpers into his palm and pathetically thrashes with her limited mobility.
It's hopeless. She's his, and there's nothing... she can do about it.
"See, I don't know if it occurred to you or not, but that ritual not only ties you to me, but it ties me to you. For you, because I love you, I'm abstaining. You're the only woman I can be with now, Merlynn, so there is no satisfying my urges elsewhere. It is only you. I'm not on suppresants, love. I haven't been celibate from the moment I started having sex ten years ago. But I will for you. I'll wait for you to get used to things."
"Arthur!"
--
Minutes earlier...
"Come on Arthur, answer your phone. 'You've reached the voice...' Shit!" Fuck! Where is he?
Lance had to abandon their driver, clueless as to why his passengers were fleeing. He doesn't care. His friend is more important. Merlynn, not Arthur. He's really struggling with anger towards the prince. Forget the soulmate magic. If he hurts her he's going to have one noble knight acting not so noble. He's also sure they won't be able to restrain the duke or even if they'd want to. Lance spots the Guard standing between two buildings. "Hey!" He races up to him. "Did the prince go down here?"
"Yes sir. He told me to stay here."
"That's fine. I'm going to go fetch him." He passes the bewildered Guard. "Maybe we still have a shot at winning this thing. Don't want to lose to Gwaine at least. We'll never hear the end of it." Lance winks, trying to play it cool.
The Guard laughs. "No, of course not. I don't know what is taking so long."
Lance has an idea, unfortunately. Merlynn works with this man. He's pretty sure she doesn't want him knowing anything. "Me either, but if he doesn't hurry, we're definitely out."
"Go ahead."
"Thanks."
Lance tries to unsuspiciously sprint down the alley. About three quarters down he spots the skips and hears what could be Arthur's voice. He rounds them and is disgusted by what he sees. The prince has a firm hold around their witch with one arm and has her mouth covered with the other hand. Her face is soaked with tears. "Arthur!"
The prince hears his partner's call and finally removes his hand from over his Goddess' mouth. "Do you understand, sweetheart?"
Merlynn wishes a hole could swallow her right there. She's humiliated with the sight of her friend. She's grateful for the rescue, but now someone else has seen her in such a vulnerable, powerless state. Arthur owns her. She was always told she was his. Merlynn just didn't know that meant slavery, or more expressly, sex slavery. She nods hoping that she'll at last have permission to leave.
"Leave her alone, Arthur!"
He ignores Lance. Just one more thing to drive his point home. "Good." He gives her a tender, chaste kiss on the cheek and finally let's her go.
"You can leave now, Merlynn. Go on home. I'll let Gwen know."
The witch doesn't have to be told twice. Instantly her eyes glow, then she's gone.
"Arthur, what the hell is a matter with you?!"
"She shouldn't be dancing for other men," Arthur says plainly with no remorse, strolling back towards the street.
"She wasn't giving them lap dances, for fuck sakes! It wasn't like she was doing a strip tease! The girls have been with her the whole time!"
"She shouldn't be dancing for other men," he repeats.
"Arthur... I'm telling your Guard to take you home. You don't want to be around Gwaine right now. Shit, I don't know if you should be around anyone."
Arthur steps up to his knight, right in his face. "Listen, you can tell him or anyone else that if anyone comes near me... well, I have a Goddess at my disposal, now, don't I?" And he saunters off like he didn't just threaten one of his closest friends.
Lance is astonished. If he wasn't convinced before, he is now. Something is seriously wrong with the prince. And if they don't figure it out soon, if they can't get him under control, there is going to be no coming back, memories or not.
The couple's fifteen hundred year love affair will officially be over, replaced with two broken souls... for eternity.
Fun fact: the stag do is a real activity in London. Mini-cooper Challenge. I was so jealous, I had to use it. All you Londoners need to do it so I can live vicariously through you. ;)