Two days later, Gaius gave Melanie permission to attend round table meetings again. She sat next to Gwain as knights gave their reports of what has been happening in the kingdom.
Gaius burst through the doors with a young, beaten girl. Melanie knew who she was the moment she stepped into the room. Gwain put his hand on her shoulder, stopping her from attacking her right away.
"What's going on?" Arthur asked.
"This girl was attacked." Gaius explained.
"Saxons." She gasped out. The king stood and walked over to the girl.
"What happened?" He asked.
"They attacked my family." She cried. "I alone survived."
"What is your name?"
"Eira."
"Find her a room." He told Merlin. The servant looked worriedly at Melanie. She only nodded. He led the girl away from the council chambers.
"May I have a word with you My King?" Melanie asked. "In private?"
"Of course." He dismissed the rest of the knights, leaving the two alone.
"That woman is not who she says she is." She said bluntly.
"What do you mean?"
"I've studied the actions of liars and such people and I can see everything sign with her. Her mannerisms do not match those of a woman attacked by Saxons."
"How can you be certain of this?"
"Trust me. After an attack such as the one she claims she's had, one would be come paranoid, refusing to speak to anyone. Watching a Saxon kill her entire family would leave her too terrified to even make her way to this castle."
"We have no proof of this."
"You want proof Sire? I'll get you proof." She turned on her heels and went to find the girl.
Gwain and Merlin waited for her when she walked out.
"Merlin." She said. "That young girl, where is she?"
"Is that her, from the vision?" Merlin asked. Melanie nodded and the men sighed. "Follow me." He led her down a long corridor to one of the room. "This is where she's staying."
"Thank you."
"Be careful Melanie." Gwain warned.
"I will. Stay out here, I need witnesses." She knocked on the door. She heard a muffled voice call for her to enter. She did.
"Are you hear to ask me more questions?" She asked meekly. She was curled up on her bed, knees to her chest.
"Drop the act." Melanie spat. "I can see right through it."
"What are you talking about?" She stammered.
"I know who you are. You're a spy for Morgana." Eira sat straighter and her gaze darkened.
"What a smart young woman you are." She complemented. "It's a shame no one will ever find out."
"I wouldn't be so sure about that." Melanie replied.
"You think the king will believe you?" She stood from the bed, her act gone. "You're the only one who knows the truth."
"Why has Morgana sent you here?" Melanie questioned, her hand going to the sword at her side.
"You'll see soon enough." She smirked. "Maybe I'll go for that young knight. You know the one. Scruffy beard, long brown hair. It won't be hard to sever his affection for you."
"Go anywhere near Gwain and I will end you." Melanie spat.
"Fiery aren't we? Now we wouldn't want that." The nasty grin never left her face.
"What does Morgana have over you?"
"Nothing. Can't I just want something?"
"What is it you want exactly?"
"Respect. I may not have magic, but my mother does. She could be burned for her abilities. Morgana can change all of that."
"You try anything with any of the knights I will end you." Melanie threatened.
"You still haven't gotten the proof you need."
"Haven't I?" She raised an eyebrow. "I've got two waiting for me outside the door. They can hear everything you've said. Two of the logs most trusted men. They wouldn't lie to the king."
"You think that scares me?"
"Denying it will only make your punishment more severe." Melanie warned. "You come with us now you may only get time in the dungeons."
Eira stood speechless in front of her. "Nothing to say? Good. Come on then." She grabbed her arm and pulled her out of the room.
"You actually did it." Gwain said. "You've gotten a confession."
"We're not through yet." Melanie said, tightening her grip on Eira as she began to struggle. "Help me get her to the king." Gwain grabbed her other arm an led her back to the council chambers where the king waited.
"Where is this proof Melanie?" Arthur asked.
"Right here Your Majesty." Gwain said. "Melanie got a confession. Merlin and I heard everything."
"Is this true Eira?" Arthur stepped closer to her. "What is your purpose here?"
"To end your pitiful reign. For my mother." She spat. The king's eyes darkened.
"Take her to the dungeons." He said. "I'll deal with her later." The two knights nodded and led Eira to the dungeons.
"You've done it." Gwain said. "You got her to confess."
"We're not safe yet." Melanie replied solemnly. "We have more work to do."
"I know we do." He nodded. "But we have one less problem to worry about." He took her hand an led her from the dungeons. "Now, it's time for you to relax."