The sun was past its zenith as the two riders neared Camelot, though it had not yet been first light when they left early that morning. The day had dawned bright and clear but now the wind picked up and clouds darkened the sky as they journeyed back from the White Mountains. Merlin found it strange to think what else had changed in those few hours.
"You cheated!" Arthur said.
Merlin felt a stab of annoyance. "I did not, you used your skills and talents and I used mine."
"You can't use magic in a duel with maces." Arthur sniffed. "You're lucky I beat you anyway or you might have been caught."
"You only beat me because Gaius distracted me."
"He probably saved your life. That wasn't particularly bright, using magic in the marketplace like that."
"You were going to kill me."
"I wasn't going to kill you, just teach you a lesson."
"About not interfering with rich, spoiled bullies?"
"I was not a bully!"
"You're lucky I have been willing to use magic even though it could have gotten me killed. It's saved your life more times than I can count."
When Arthur did not snap back, Merlin glanced sideways to see the king staring at him with an odd look on his face. On anybody else Merlin might have thought it was gratitude.
"I suppose that's true, isn't it?" Arthur said. Then the look of revelation was replaced by a familiar teasing grin. "You might want to emphasize that point when you explain all this to Guinevere."
Merlin's gut did a swoop at the thought of Gwen's reaction to his imminent confession. By the time they had ridden through the city gates into the citadel courtyard and turned their horses over to the grooms, his mind had run through every possible outcome of admitting to Gwen he was a sorcerer. He mumbled a response to the usual cheery welcome of Tyr Seward, the round-faced boy so proud to be the king's groom. Merlin found it disconcerting that in all the time he had agonized over when to tell Arthur the truth he had never questioned what Gwen might think. He had always assumed their friendship would be unaffected, but now the moment was at hand he was not so certain.
Gwen met them on the landing before they could get further into the palace than the staircase leading to the royal apartments. Merlin hung back as she threw her arms around Arthur. "You were gone before I was even awake. Did you sleep at all?"
The king shook his head.
She stepped back to survey her husband quizzically. "The message said you left before first light to visit these Disir. Did they tell you what you needed to know?"
Arthur gave Merlin a sideways glance before meeting Gwen's eyes. "Yes and no." He took the queen's arm and led her toward the royal chamber.
She turned her questioning look from Arthur to Merlin but he refused to meet her eyes as he followed them.
"What does that mean?" she asked Arthur.
"You need to know everything but it's a discussion we will hold in private."
"That sounds ominous." She frowned at the look Arthur traded with Merlin.
Once the three of them were alone in the royal chamber, Arthur seated Gwen at the table and took the chair next to her. She turned an expectant gaze on him but he merely looked fixedly at Merlin who stand inside the door as though rooted to the spot. He shifted his weight from one foot to the other.
"What is going on?" Gwen gave Arthur an exasperated look. "First a deranged man gives you a meaningless token, which bothers you so much you're compelled to seek some ancient goddess. Then you come back here all mysterious saying there's something I need to know but you don't seem about to share it with me."
"I'm a sorcerer," Merlin blurted.
Gwen's brow puckered. "What?"
"I have magic," Merlin said more steadily.
"But that's ridiculous." Gwen grinned but her smile faded at Merlin's anxious expression. She turned to Arthur. "That can't be."
When Arthur did not refute the admission, Gwen turned a horrified look on Merlin.
"No," she whispered. "You saw what magic did to Morgana, you can't let that happen to you! Please." Gwen leapt from her chair to stand in front of Merlin, staring at him as though he was about to sprout horns. "She changed."
Holding Gwen's gaze, Merlin said forcefully, "It was not having magic that changed Morgana. And it won't change me because I was born with it."
Gwen gasped. "You mean it isn't something you just discovered?"
Merlin shook his head. "I've always had magic, it's who I am."
"But you … all this time …"
"I'm still the same person, I swear."
He waited with baited breath while Gwen stared at him for an endless moment. Then she wrapped him in a hug. "Promise you won't ever change."
Relief swept through him as he hugged her back. "I won't change."
When Gwen let go and stepped back she tipped her head. "Then, those strange things that have happened, I – we all – owe you thanks, don't we?"
Merlin felt a flush creep up his neck at her intense scrutiny.
Arthur was looking back and forth between them, anticipation fading from his expression. "Aren't you going to get mad at him? He's lied to us, you know."
"I understand why he felt that was necessary, at least at the beginning," Gwen said. She narrowed her gaze at Arthur. "How is it you found out? Was this what the Disir told you?"
"No." Arthur shifted in his seat. "I realized when that earthquake shook the tomb as Odin was about to execute me and Merlin was just there. Again."
Gwen frowned. "You've known for a fortnight and you didn't confide in me?"
Arthur looked at her, wide-eyed. "You're angry at me? He's been lying for years!"
Gwen led Merlin to the table and he shot Arthur a gloating look behind her back as he sat.
The queen took her seat again, folded her hands on the table, then looked at Arthur. "Now what? What does all this have to do with that coin thing and the Disir?"
Arthur glanced at Merlin but he merely crossed his arms without speaking, intending to let Arthur do the explaining now.
The king faced Guinevere. "Apparently it's my job to end the persecution of magic and unite all the kingdoms in peace."
"That's going to be a lot of work." Gwen thought a moment. "This will entail a set of royal edicts sent to every corner of Camelot, and we should inform the other monarchs beginning with the rulers of the Five Kingdoms. It would be politic to advise the Round Table Council before making any public announcements."
Merlin gave Arthur an amused look, thinking how much the king disliked speeches and paperwork. Then Merlin remembered they had left before daybreak and Gaius had no idea of all that had transpired that day. The sorcerer jumped to his feet.
"Where do you think you're going?" Arthur snapped, looking more and more appalled as Gwen began ticking off items on her fingers, listing imminent recipients of all the necessary correspondence. "You have speeches and stuff to write."
"I have to let Gaius know what's going on." Merlin's bright smile at the thought of sharing this news with his guardian dimmed. "He's going to think I'm to blame for your finding out about my magic. Who would believe you figured it out for yourself?"
"You should make more of an effort to stay on my good side," Arthur said. "As of now I can still have you executed as a sorcerer."
"Then who would do all your paperwork?" Merlin responded with an unapologetic grin.
Arthur turned and retraced his footsteps across his chamber, then turned and traced them back again. In the years since he had become king he could not recall being this nervous prior to a Round Table meeting. Last night he had lain awake rehearsing what he intended to say today, running over and over the reasons he, Guinevere, and Merlin had enumerated as to why the sudden change in laws. A moment ago when Guinevere held his hand and looked at him with compete faith he had been full of self-assurance, but she had stepped away to don her jewellery and his confidence had left with her.
Merlin walked in, without knocking, and the king immediately ceased pacing and tried to look relaxed. He had probably not succeeded in his appearance of calm because Merlin gave him one glance before executing an uncharacteristically deferential bow.
"Sire, they are all assembled."
Arthur tried not to gape at the unaccustomed use of his proper title.
Then Merlin gave him a familiar grin. "You'll do fine, Arthur. This is your destiny."
The king straightened where he stood. At the same time Guinevere appeared beside him and took his right arm. She looked up at him with utter trust in his ability to convince a room full of people who had spent a lifetime being taught the evils of magic that it had been a lie and they were going to change it. She gave his arm a squeeze and he laid his left hand on top of hers. "Let's go."
Arthur escorted Guinevere to her chair at his left before sitting at the Round Table himself. As soon as he had done so, the knights and his other most trusted advisors took their own seats. The king looked around at their faces as the usual reports were given and questions were asked and answered, voices blurring together. He and Guinevere were more silent than usual, but it did not appear that any of the others had noticed.
He was also aware in a way he had never been before of Merlin standing behind him. He had a sudden urge to have his friend sitting beside him, as it had been at the first round table. But it would not do. Outside of the citadel with only knights as company, none would have thought twice about Merlin joining them, but here it would be questioned. There would be enough disruption today without casting further suspicion on the king's judgement.
Leon finished his recitation and sat down.
"Thank you," Arthur said although he had only half listened. "There is a matter I want to discuss now." A note in his voice or Guinevere's sudden stiffness must have alerted the others around the table because there was a silence more complete than usual in such a large group. All eyes turned to the king. "I am repealing all of the laws against sorcery and sorcerers. The edicts are signed and will go out at the end of our meeting today."
Gwaine had just picked up his goblet which he set back down with a clunk. The sound echoed through the chamber as loudly as a bell. Arthur met the looks of astonishment calmly.
"But … why?" Leon finally asked.
"Morgana is out there and no doubt planning her next assault. As long as we continue to persecute those with magic we create sympathizers for her cause. We must stop making enemies within our own citizenry when it is important that we band together against the greater threat. And we know Morgana will use her power against us, we must be able to fight magic with magic."
"But, Sire, it would be better if magic were destroyed and no one could use it," Sir Aldric croaked hoarsely, his one good eye fixed on the king. Aldric had served Arthur as loyally as he had served Uther and the loss of one eye was not the only disfigurement he bore as testimony to his many years fighting for Camelot.
"Magic cannot be destroyed, it's part of the world and always will be." Arthur managed not to turn to Merlin for support as he said the words; they sounded foreign to his own ears. "My father tried and failed. All we have accomplished is to make powerful enemies and drive away those who could help us."
"This will tear apart the Five Kingdoms, we will be plunged back into war after generations of peace."
Sir Ector had spoken in the measured tones Arthur remembered well from his childhood. He highly respected the man who had fostered and trained him as a boy, and the king was not surprised that it was Ector who voiced the possible outcome Arthur feared most.
He met the grey-haired man's eyes. "I hope it won't come to that, but it may be inevitable regardless. King Urien has been testing the strength of our alliances as he has been testing the defenses along our border since my father fell ill after Morgana's betrayal. Urien believes Camelot to be weak under its 'boy king' as he calls me. I do not want a war, but if he uses my actions today as an excuse to declare one, I am prepared to defend my kingdom and my convictions." There was muttering and a few glances were exchanged. "I believe that King Olaf and King Gwynllyw will support me, or at least they will not challenge Camelot's acceptance of sorcery. King Alined is the wild card, no one knows his loyalties."
"He has none," Ector said flatly.
"Odin has no prejudice against magic although the terms of our treaty forbid him from allying again with Morgana, and so far he has kept the terms of my truce to the letter," Arthur continued.
"As far as we know," Leon said.
"I plan to journey to Nemeth and confirm for myself that Deorham's troops are gone from Rodor's kingdom."
"But King Rodor banned all forms of magic within his kingdom, how will he receive your new edicts?" Ector asked, watching the king closely.
"That is the second purpose for my visit: to convince Rodor to remain our ally. Lord Bayard has pledged to renew with me the treaty he struck with my father. Neither he nor Queen Annis have any quarrel with magic, so I don't expect either of them to withdraw their support on the basis of Camelot's new laws. And Lord Godwyn has long been our ally, I believe he can be convinced to overlook any difference of philosophy."
"Are we to forget the times that sorcerers have attacked us? The times magic has been used to strike at the heart of this kingdom?" Aldric demanded in his gravelly voice.
Arthur knew no logic would remove the deep-seated belief in the evils of magic held by some of his people. All he intended to do was express his own conviction and hope their trust in him held their prejudice in check. "Magic has also saved us many times. We all know of occasions when more than luck was on our side: the sudden end of Cornelius Sigan's assault, the collapse of the army of skeletons attacking us from within while Cenred's troops assaulted our walls, the defeat of Morgause's immortal army. I'm certain many of us can recall a moment when we felt as if someone was watching over us, keeping us from harm. If we cannot yet acknowledge our shadow guardians, at least we can ensure they are not hunted as criminals." Arthur did not miss certain speculative glances sent his way. At least a few of those around the table already suspected their king knew more about the use of sorcery in his kingdom than he would share with them today.
"You are not asking for our input or counsel are you?" Ector said.
"I am asking for your endorsement and your support," Arthur said.
"But you intend to proceed anyway?" Aldric muttered, his one good eye fixed on the king.
King Arthur met the challenging stare in the disfigured face. "Yes." Arthur moved his gaze around the table, meeting the eyes of each of his most trusted advisors. Elyan was looking directly at Guinevere and seemed to be content with her endorsement. Neither Gwaine nor Percival seemed particularly concerned although the king thought he saw Percival's glance flick briefly toward Merlin. Gaius looked proud as well as delighted, and old Geoffrey appeared pleased himself.
Arthur held Ector's gaze longer than the others. It was only because Arthur knew the senior knight so well that he recognized the glint of approval in his otherwise stern countenance. Inwardly the king breathed a sigh of relief. Ector's nodded slightly in response to the look of silent gratitude Arthur gave him.
Despite his shocked expression, Leon was the first to publically declare his support. "You know you have our loyalty, Sire."
"Then if any of you have doubts about the wisdom of this course of action, all I ask is that you keep those doubts to yourself for now. In time we will see an era of peace which will long be remembered."
A fortnight later King Rodor and his son, Meliant, received King Arthur's party in the throne room of Nemeth's citadel. It was a mark of respect that although the king and prince were enthroned and the hall was decorated ostentatiously with all the pageantry of Nemeth's colours, Arthur was being received in the citadel itself rather than on the palace steps. All were conscious that despite its former strength, Nemeth's forces had been decimated by Odin's surprise attack and it was solely through Arthur's generosity that Rodor ruled his kingdom once again.
"King Arthur, we are pleased to receive you and your attendants." King Rodor stood.
The elderly monarch was healthier than he had been when they rescued him from Odin but Arthur suspected at least some of the tired, careworn lines on the older monarch's face had been put there during his time as Odin's prisoner. Arthur had not met Rodor prior to his capture by Morgana and Odin, but he had gotten to know the aging ruler well as Rodor and his daughter, Mithian, accompanied Arthur and his party back to Camelot. The two of them had remained while the truce between Arthur and Odin was finalized. It was only once Odin withdrew his troops from Nemeth and released Meliant that they judged it safe for King Rodor to return to his own kingdom.
The evidence of Meliant's mistreatment was more obvious that his father's; Arthur had never seen the prince but he doubted the otherwise handsome, dark-haired young man's face had borne those scars before. Odin had apparently left no instructions with his occupying forces in Nemeth's palace to take any particular care of their royal prisoner while Odin himself held Rodor captive in that tomb near Camelot's border and Morgana escorted the princess to Camelot to lay the trap for Arthur. The blond king felt his blood boil anew at Odin's complete disregard for the courtesies normally afforded royal hostages.
At his father's greeting, Prince Meliant likewise stood in front of his own throne on his father's right. He drew himself up to his full height and appraised Arthur with a shrewd look while Mithian rose gracefully from her smaller throne set back and to the left of the king. All three royals gave a respectful nod to Arthur which he returned with equal courtesy, sending a warmer glance toward Mithian. She smiled in return, but her eyes assessed him closely and as he looked back at Rodor, Arthur saw Mithian turn her appraising look on Merlin.
"I hope our visit will end with a formal agreement between our two kingdoms to stand as allies," Arthur said.
"I wish the same. I will give you time to inspect your chambers and wash and we can meet before the evening meal. We have much to discuss."
Their meeting took place in a large, airy chamber with tall, coloured windows that turned the afternoon sunlight green and blue. The four royals were seated with their men-at-arms standing to the side. Each chair was wood stained dark to throw into relief the intricate carvings of Nemeth's sigil and coat of arms. Banners and tapestries displaying scenes of past battles covered most of the walls.
Arthur reassured Rodor regarding the removal of Odin's troops from Nemeth. They agreed how many of Camelot's soldiers would remain in Nemeth to strengthen the kingdom's reduced numbers and for how long, but so far Arthur had no reason to doubt Odin's intention to honour the treaty they had struck.
"I am relieved beyond measure to hear Odin has honoured his commitment to withdraw from Nemeth," Rodor said.
That part of the agreement settled, Arthur braced himself for Rodor's reaction to Camelot's abolishment of laws against the use of magic. Rodor's kingdom had not tolerated sorcerers any more than the Five Kingdoms and Morgana's use of her power to aid Odin's recent conquest of Nemeth had done little to endear magic users to the other king.
"Now perhaps we can discuss these terrible rumours that have reached me about Camelot ending its decades of championing the fight against the evils of black magic and sorcery."
Arthur held Rodor's gaze steadily even while he was aware of Mithian's sudden, sharp interest. Arthur did not allow himself to glance Merlin's way where he stood quietly with the others of Arthur's entourage. So far only Gwen was aware of what Merlin was.
"Camelot will never tolerate evil but it is true I have repealed all laws banning magic."
Arthur waited while Rodor regarded him in silence, not betraying how anxious Arthur was to keep Nemeth as an ally. Even with firm truces with both Odin and Annis, Arthur knew he would need all his allies if the Five Kingdoms were to split apart as he feared may happen.
Rodor would be aware of the delicate situation Camelot was in. It was common knowledge that Alined favoured war over peace and Urien had made public his disparaging comments about someone as young as Arthur ruling a kingdom as powerful as Camelot. Either or both of them could use the new acceptance of magic as a reason to become more hostile. Nemeth's continued support in the face of their differing attitudes to magic would go a long way toward making Urien or Alined appear unreasonable if they tried to sway Olaf or Gwynllyw to openly oppose Arthur on the basis of his change in law.
In Arthur's favour was the debt Rodor and Nemeth owed him and their need of Camelot's strength while their own forces were weakened. Both rulers knew Odin still coveted Nemeth and the truce between him and Arthur was the only barrier to another invasion. That or Nemeth's alliance with another kingdom, potentially one hostile to Camelot, which Arthur hoped to prevent.
When Rodor spoke, his tone was much less reserved than during the formal council they had held up until now. "You're an honourable man and a good king, Arthur Pendragon. I admire and respect you, as much for your mercy to Odin and the commitment to peace you displayed in sparing his life as for your generosity to me in restoring Nemeth rather than claiming it. But I fear you are making a grave error in relaxing the yoke on sorcerers. You even more than I know what destruction Morgana has wrought and those like her."
"I do know," Arthur said with the same frank honesty. "But I also know that others who practice magic serve their kingdoms with as much honour and loyalty as the truest knight."
Merlin tried not to gawk in amazement at Arthur's praise, even if he was the only one who recognized it. He had successfully concealed the conflicting feelings of hope and dread which had buffeted him at their talk of Arthur's new edicts. Merlin knew how much depended on Arthur's ability to maintain peaceful relations with all the kingdoms in order to eventually unite them in an acceptance of magic.
Merlin tamped down his trepidation at Rodor's words along with his elation at Arthur's response and went back to watching Meliant. The prince had said little, allowing his father to do most of the talking, but Merlin was certain this was not due to a lack of either intelligence or conviction. He merely afforded his father courtesy due his rank as king, watching and learning all he could until his own time came to rule.
Merlin suddenly wondered what Mithian's attitude to magic was. He found himself hoping fervently that she, like Arthur, was able to set aside the prejudices she had been raised with.
"Well, we have been here long enough today," the grey-haired king announced. "I am certain you wish to retire to your apartments. I trust you found your accommodations comfortable?"
In spite of the shortages Merlin knew Nemeth must be experiencing following Odin's occupation, the chambers Arthur had been given were lavishly appointed and Merlin had been pleased enough with his own quarters. They had agreed Merlin would continue to act as Arthur's manservant to explain his constant presence at Arthur's side because, as Arthur pointed out with a smirk, no one was going to believe the clumsy peasant was either a knight or a nobleman.
"Our accommodations are more than satisfactory and you have my gracious thanks," Arthur said.
The royals acknowledged each other with nods of respect to formally end the meeting and Arthur left the chamber followed by Merlin and the Camelot knights.
"We'll see you in the morning," Arthur said before Gwaine could ask for leave.
Without delay the knights left to secure the pleasures of drink and women available in Nemeth's main city. Merlin began to follow Arthur down the corridor toward their rooms when Gwaine hailed him.
"Merlin, my friend, join us for a drink?"
Knowing an evening in the tavern with Gwaine and Percival would inevitably lead to recovering from a brawl and a hangover, Merlin rolled his eyes and shook his head. "Please keep in mind we're here to negotiate a formal peace treaty."
"Of course we will, you know me." Gwaine gave a wicked grin and tossed his hair back as he took his leave.
"Percival," Merlin said. "Keep him in line?"
"I'll do what I can," the big knight called over his shoulder as he followed Gwaine down the corridor.
Chuckling to himself, Merlin had taken only a few steps down the hall when he heard someone else call his name. He looked around in surprise at the feminine voice and his eyes widened to see Princess Mithian standing at the entrance to a smaller chamber off the corridor.
"Could I speak to you?"
"Of course, Your Highness." Hiding his curiosity, he immediately obeyed her invitation to enter the chamber.
The carved wood of the chairs was not as intricate as the seats in other room but the walls were also hung conspicuously with banners in Nemeth's colours. One had been repaired and bare spots on the wall showed where more pennants had hung before being destroyed by the occupying forces so recently ousted. It must be an antechamber for those waiting to be admitted to the Council Chamber or the Great Hall but now the room was empty except for himself and the princess.
He waited patiently for her to say whatever she had called him aside for, intrigued when she closed the chamber door to ensure they were not interrupted or overheard.
Mithian pinned him with a look. "Arthur would never have changed his kingdom's laws on magic without your approval."
Merlin had a momentary flash at panic at what she might be leading up to but he forced his expression to remain tranquil. He shook his head in denial. "You overestimate my influence."
"No, I don't," she said. "Not before and not now, but something has changed." She advanced a few steps, not taking her eyes off him. "He didn't know before but he does now, is that it?"
Merlin found it harder to maintain his outward calm. He put on his most innocent expression. "Know what?"
"That you're a sorcerer," Mithian replied calmly.
As had happened the last time she cornered him, when she called him out about his objection to Arthur marrying her even though Merlin thought he had been so discreet, his mind went blank. All his quick-witted lies deserted him. He shook his head weakly but his shock and guilt must have been obvious because Mithian smiled triumphantly.
"I should have realized sooner," she said. "Every step we took fleeing that tomb, every second, I expected Morgana to grab me and yank me back." Mithian absently rubbed her right forearm. "But she never followed after us. When you took that horrid bracelet off you said it could be removed now that Morgana was gone but that wasn't the truth, was it? I tried so hard so many times to take it off. When Morgana noticed she laughed and said it would take magic to remove it, yet you could do it." Mithian's widened. "That tremor! It wasn't a lucky coincidence at all, it happened exactly when you got there to rescue us."
Merlin was afraid his expression was giving him away as he grew more astonished with every revelation about how much she had guessed. He must have looked frightened as well because Mithian took pity on him.
She held his eyes steadily. "A hatred of magic was the only thing my father and Uther had in common. Having seen the destruction Odin wrought here with Morgana's assistance, I completely understand my father's hatred of her. But I spent many days – more than a week – in close company with Morgana. I was out of her sight for barely more than a minute in all that time and I believe I know her better than anyone outside of Camelot does. And I know you are nothing like her."
Merlin blinked at that last heartfelt declaration, hoping it meant the princess had no intention of allowing the truth about him to disrupt the relationship Arthur was working hard to establish with Nemeth.
"What is best for our kingdom is to maintain a strong alliance with Camelot, and I will do whatever I can to encourage that. I will certainly not jeopardize it."
Mithian smiled at him then and Merlin's heart ceased its rapid pounding in his chest even as it quickened again at the open friendliness in her expression. "Umm … thank you," he mumbled.
"How did you know?" She tilted her head to the side as she looked at him quizzically. "What made you suspicious of Hilda? Was it your magic?"
He regarded her solemnly for a moment. "No," he said. "Until I got your message at the stream I had no idea who we were dealing with. I just knew there was something off between you two. You had fear in your eyes and anything that scared someone as intelligent and brave as you had to be bad. You weren't behaving at all like the confident, good-humoured woman I remembered."
Mithian appeared to be as dumbfounded as he had been a few minutes ago and he wondered if his honesty had struck her as too forward.
"Well," she said eventually. "I think I should be flattered by that appraisal considering I thought you were plotting to be rid of me the entirety of my initial visit to Camelot."
He could not hold back a lopsided grin. "Well I was, but not because I wasn't aware of your wit or your beauty or the fact you would have made an admirable queen. I just knew Arthur and Gwen belonged with each other."
"And you were right," Mithian said. "I've seen them together."
Merlin berated himself for bringing up what might be a hurtful memory for the princess of Arthur's rejection of her. The sorcerer regarded her worriedly but there was no trace of resentment in her expression.
"I understand completely," she said tranquilly. "I know why it worked out the way it did, even though Arthur would have been wiser to marry me and take Gwen as his mistress."
She smiled at the shocked expression Merlin knew he wore.
"You probably think nobles are mad for treating marriage like a political tool but frankly it is not about love or happiness for us, it is about which children inherit the property or the title."
Embarrassed at how easily she deduced what he was thinking, Merlin tried not to appear quite so naïve but his curiosity got the better of him. "Would you have been content to marry Arthur and watch … I mean, to know they …."
"No, I wouldn't," Mithian said with a small smile. "But I would have accepted it, and more so if he allowed me the same freedom after our children were born."
By the amused look she gave him, Merlin was afraid he was blushing again.
"Well, I won't offend your tender sensibilities further with our noble ways. Just know how grateful I am that you forgive me for leading Arthur into a trap and nearly getting you killed." Mithain's eyes rested on his forehead where he had sported a nasty bruise the last time they had been face to face.
"I told you there is no reason for you to carry around undue guilt," Merlin said emphatically. "Your father's life was at stake as well as your own. I know you tried repeatedly to escape Morgana and warn us."
"I did," she said. "I almost made it to your quarters once before Morgana caught me. If only I had known for certain where the physician's chamber was I might have been able to warn you before we left Camelot."
Merlin noticed her rubbing her arm again and wondered if she was aware she did it.
"But still," she continued, "even though I knew you were the one that could help, I should never have put you in such danger there at the stream knowing how cunning Morgana is."
The remorse in her voice clutched at his heart. "Please believe me when I say your brave attempt to warn us did not make Morgana want to kill me any more than she did before."
"She knows then?" the princess asked curiously.
"Not that I have magic, no, she just knows how often I get in her way. A thorn in her side she called me," Merlin said with a modest grin.
"I'm glad we have a kind and loyal sorcerer on our side to fight her evil," Mithian said with an answering smile.
Merlin sobered. "You might not think that if you knew I'm to blame for Morgana being the way she is."
A look of incredulity came over Mithian.
He dropped his gaze to the floor. "I abandoned her when she needed help and tried to kill her when she reached out to someone else in her fear."
Mithian regarded his downcast expression solemnly. "I don't believe you are responsible for the choices she makes."
His eyes lifted to meet hers.
"You may have played a part but she has to take the blame for her own actions."
Merlin was as gratified by the princess' declaration of faith in him as he was unnerved by the way she was looking at him. It was like she saw right through the falsehoods he told himself as easily as the lies he hid his true identity behind.
"Tell me," Mithian said. "Tell me why you feel responsible for her deeds."
Her voice had a note of command but Merlin thought she sincerely wanted to know, to form her own judgement. "I would be ashamed to tell you."
"I led King Arthur to an assassination attempt, certain he would die, you and his men with him, using his honest desire to aid me to lead him into the trap when he had done me no wrong. I am not in any position to sit in judgement on others' actions."
"You made the best choices you could to save your father."
"And I know you had good reasons for whatever wrongs you think you have done. So tell me."
It was not something he had discussed with anyone except Gaius, and she seemed ready to listen, prepared to give him the benefit of the doubt. Before he was aware of any conscious decision he found himself speaking aloud. "When Morgana first suspected she had magic, I knew exactly how frightened and alone she felt, but I didn't help her by admitting what I was."
"Why?"
Merlin sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "Gaius told me not to and I was afraid of being discovered. She was Uther's ward and he wouldn't have hesitated to execute me for my magic or even for hers if he decided I had corrupted her. Then when she turned against him it would have made me a target and I had already been warned not to trust her." He closed his eyes briefly. "I don't know exactly why I didn't tell her but I should have taken the risk. Then when Morgause used her as the vessel for a spell that left Camelot vulnerable to the Knights of Medhir I was told the only way to break the enchantment was to kill Morgana."
Mithian drew in an audible breath. "You had to choose between taking a life and standing by to watch other lives taken?"
Merlin nodded.
"But … royalty are raised to make decisions that affect people's lives and even with training and advisers it's so hard to know what is right." Mithian stared at him in astonishment. "You were forced to make a decision like that? On your own?"
"I couldn't tell Arthur without revealing, well, certain truths and Gaius was affected by the spell – he was sound asleep – and there wasn't much time. I'm making excuses, aren't I?"
"No, you are merely giving reasons. I have no idea what I would do in that situation and I won't pretend to know what the right decision was. You did the best you could in the circumstances and you live with the consequences. But," Mithian's brow wrinkled, "Morgana is not dead nor did Camelot fall, so what happened?"
"I bargained Morgana's life with Morgause and she called off the attack to save her sister."
"Well I can see why Morgana would hate you," Mithian said slowly as though she was trying to imagine Merlin being forced to make life-and-death decisions on his own, barely more than a boy himself. "But it isn't you Morgana's campaign of vengeance is aimed at."
"Once she discovered Uther was her father, her fear of him turned into hate."
"I suppose that was your fault, too?" Mithian asked laughingly, trying to lighten the somber mood.
He rubbed the back of his head. "It sort of was."
Mithian regarded him in stunned amazement. Then she narrowed her gaze thoughtfully. "When Arthur chose to spare Odin's life and forge a truce instead, was it really his decision?"
"Yes," Merlin said. "I only suggested it, he chose to offer peace."
"So that's how it was," she murmured.
Merlin suspected she had read into his answer more about his supposed influence than he had intended. She was still regarding him thoughtfully.
"You must have many remarkable stories to tell."
He only shrugged in response, not sure what to say.
"How much does Arthur know about what's been going on?"
Merlin gave the princess an admiring smile. "He's not nearly so quick to figure things out as you are."
She laughed and he smiled at the sound. They regarded each other in silence for a moment before Merlin realized he should not be thinking about how prettily her brown eyes sparkled when she laughed.
He cleared his throat. "I should go, I told Arthur I would bring him food."
"Wait." Mithian held out a hand to stop him from leaving. "Would you join me for supper? I 've arranged for food and wine to be brought to me in my chambers. There would be more than enough for two and you can tell me stories about saving the kingdom."
She had not given a direct order, in fact Merlin thought her tone lacked her usual self-assurance. He hesitated, unsure of the wisdom of being alone with her before his sense of reason caught up with the drift of his thoughts and he called himself ten kinds of a fool for thinking she might fancy him. She was Princess Mithian, there could not possibly be any harm in spending time in her company, and she would be a valuable ally in convincing her father to forge formal ties with Camelot.
As soon as Merlin relaxed and gave her a grateful smile she visibly relaxed herself.
"I better get Arthur his food first – you don't want to have him anywhere near when he's hungry."
"Fine. My chamber is in the west wing, directly above the apartments Arthur is using."
"Then I look forward to more of your delightful company, Your Highness," Merlin said with a respectful bow.
"I can't believe you'd never ridden a horse before," Mithian said as she used a hunk of bread to sop up the last of the gravy on her plate.
"You underestimate how small Ealdor is. The one horse was not for transporting people, at least not village boys." Merlin pushed aside his own now-empty plate.
"And you'd never even seen a sword? You seem to handle one all right now."
Merlin grinned. "Arthur would be appalled to hear you say that."
"He would have trained with weapons since boyhood," Mithian said. "It is hardly a skill one acquires overnight."
"Will and I played at sword-fighting which he taught me from the little he learned from his father, but we didn't have real swords. They're heavier than they look. Arthur has seen to it I've had plenty of practice since then, mostly as the target."
"Yet you could read and write."
"My mother taught me. You should have seen the look on Arthur's face when he made that discovery – that I would have spent the few precious moments I had away from my labours to learn letters instead of weapons." Merlin chuckled.
The princess smiled in response. "How did your mother learn?"
Merlin was momentarily taken aback. "I don't know," he admitted. "I never asked her, just took it for granted."
Mithian leaned forward, her elbow almost touching his where it rested on the corner of the small table. "You've told me all about yourself but you haven't asked me anything about myself."
"I already know all about you," Merlin said.
Mithian raised her brows. "Like what?"
"Your mother died when you were seven years old, you had a series of nannies you terrorized, refusing their company to spend most of your time with your brother and his tutors, your favourite horse was a black stallion with a white star on his forehead, your favourite hunting dogs are siblings named Fang and Fluffy, and you always regretted having dark hair instead of blonde like your mother." He looked up to see Mithian staring at him in open-mouthed astonishment. Perhaps he had revealed too much. What did she think about how he had hung on her every word?
"How would you know those things?" Mithian asked.
"You told Arthur."
"But that was over three years ago, how would you remember all that? I'm sure Arthur himself couldn't recall a word I said then."
Embarrassed, Merlin stared at his hands. "Don't be too sure, it's not like he was completely uninterested. He was quite smitten with you." In response to her doubtful look Merlin hastened to add, "He was speechless the first time he laid eyes on you. You lifted that long veil and even after the rest of us were done ogling you, he still had a gobsmacked expression on his face at the sight of your beauty."
"All of you were ogling me? Even you, Merlin?" Mithian gave him a teasing smile. "That's hard to imagine with all the sour, disapproving looks you sent my way."
He could feel the red creep up his neck. "I never disapproved of you. I just didn't want you to marry Arthur." As soon as he said it he realized his words could be taken the wrong way. He certainly did not intend to give the impression that he considered she would marry … someone else. "I mean … not that I wanted you to marry …" He stopped mid-sentence when Mithian's brows went up and tried again. "I just meant that I knew Arthur should marry Gwen." Merlin glanced at her, wondering how she felt about that now, but all he could see was amusement at his discomfiture. "Not that I could blame Arthur for appreciating how beautiful and intelligent and charming you were, perfect for him actually, though he didn't deserve you any more than he deserves Gwen, even if he is handsome and strong and powerful and noble." Merlin decided he was babbling and stopped talking to stare at his hands again.
"So are you."
Merlin's startled gaze jumped up to meet the sincere look on her face. He gave a lopsided grin. "I am beautiful and intelligent and charming?"
"Yes, and handsome and strong and powerful and noble."
She sounded as though she meant it, that it was more than her natural gracious kindness.
He gave a nervous laugh. "I am not handsome," he argued, jokingly implying he possessed the other qualities.
Mithian had an odd look on her face and he could not look away.
"Not in the same way as Arthur," she said slowly. "But you do have adorable ears and the most beautiful blue eyes."
Mithian leaned closer and laid her hand on his where it rested on the table. When he looked down she snatched her hand back as though she had just realized what she was doing.
"Thank you for keeping me company," the princess said, sitting upright in her chair and wiping all expression from her face. "But you would probably like to return to your quarters. I won't detain you any longer."
His eyes searched her face for any indication that he had given offence but her expression remained carefully guarded. "Good night, Mithian," he said finally as he rose to leave.
"Good night," she called softly after him.
The next morning Mithian only half listened as her father and brother debated their imminent decision with regard to the written treaty Arthur had asked them to sign. Her eyes wandered around the otherwise empty Council chamber along with her drifting thoughts. Normally she would be as vocal as her brother in such a serious matter, instead she allowed her mind to be clouded by images of dark hair and smiling blue eyes.
Last evening as she and Merlin had talked, a sudden unbidden memory of the feel of his shoulders under her hands had intruded on her thoughts and she had felt an irresistible urge to touch him. She could not help thinking about him helping her down from her horse and asking about the burn marks on her wrist with such a look of concern that she wanted to blurt out the truth. Except a disguised Morgana had been standing right next to them, her threatening stare boring holes into Mithian. She also remembered their flight through the woods, Odin's men coming at them from all directions, and her clinging to Merlin in fear. And she remembered putting her hand on his last evening.
She gave herself a mental shake. It would not do to dwell on such ideas when nothing could come of it. When she forced her concentration back to the present discussion, she found herself the subject of that conversation.
"For all your praise of him, Father, Arthur did insult us when he rejected Mithian's hand the way he did."
"I admit, that did anger me," Rodor said. "But I was also impressed with his gracious offer of Gedref as compensation. In the end Nemeth had all it could have asked for. I was more upset to see Mithian angry than I was offended."
"I wasn't angry," Mithian said.
Her brother gave her an arch look. "That's not what it seemed at the time."
"Well, perhaps I felt insulted then." On her arrival in Camelot she had been pleasantly surprised to find Arthur was not as arrogant and cold-hearted as some had described him despite being every bit as handsome as they had said. She made every effort to make a success of their arrangement. She thought it was, and then without warning or explanation she was sent packing. There had been only one possible explanation she could deduce, although she had not personally experienced or even witnessed an emotion so strong. "I think in the end it turned out as it should."
"I'm not certain it has," the prince said.
Rodor and Mithian both looked questioningly at Meliant.
"No suitor was ever good enough until King Arthur's offer and now more years have passed and Mithian is still unwed. With Arthur's marriage there are no other suitable matches; Odin's only son is dead and Godwyn never had the sense to marry again after Elena's mother died."
"It's unfortunate he was not thinking of his duty to provide potential mates for other royalty," Mithian said.
Meliant ignored his sister. "Most of the other sons of royalty are married or mere children themselves. Mercia is too far to the north and the east to be a strategic ally for Nemeth."
Rodor looked guiltily at Mithian. "Perhaps I was too hasty in rejecting some of the offers, but I will not permit an intelligent, loyal, beautiful daughter to make a match not worthy of her."
"Urien's son is unwed though he is of age," Meliant said. "In fact, King Urien himself is recently widowed."
Mithian stared at her brother in shock, wondering if he was truly suggesting an alliance with Rheged.
"Urien is no friend of Arthur's," Rodor said, holding his son's gaze.
"No, and I'm fairly certain he will oppose this new tolerance for sorcery."
"An alliance with Urien will mean the end of peaceful relations with Arthur," the king said.
"Rheged is strong enough to face Camelot, we would be adequately protected from both Arthur and Odin if we allied with Urien. We don't want to be on the wrong side if war breaks out."
"Do you believe Arthur is on the wrong side?" Mithian demanded. "We owe him much, remember? When Arthur struck his truce with Odin the two of them could have carved up Nemeth between them to cement that truce. Instead, Arthur returned Father to the throne despite my betrayal. That is a powerful endorsement for his proposed alliance."
Meliant met his sister's glare with a defiant look, though he did not contradict her.
At that moment a guard announced that King Arthur and his party were ready to join them. Rodor glanced between his two children who were currently staring each other down. He waited until both had turned their attention back to him and erased any outward trace of hostility before the grey-haired king indicated the guard should escort Camelot's entourage into the room.
Merlin tried to avoid gazing at Princess Mithian, but he could not rid himself of a heightened consciousness that she was in the room.
"Arthur," Rodor was saying, "You are a good king despite your youth and an honourable man. I am indebted to you for my very kingdom, and possibly my life and my daughter's life as well. But I fear your attempt to pacify the witch Morgana by repealing the ban on sorcery is misguided. She will not be stopped by such a gesture."
"I fear you are correct, Rodor, and I am grateful for the benefit of your wisdom."
Merlin was impressed at how much of a statesman Arthur had become.
"I do not expect Morgana to cease her quest for Camelot's throne at any price; she is obsessed with obtaining the Crown she believes is owed to her," Arthur continued. "My repeal of those odious laws was an apology to all my loyal and otherwise law-abiding subjects. They need not live in fear in Camelot and they will not be persecuted for possessing a special gift."
Rodor shook his head. "Magic is a curse, not a gift, that eats away at a person's soul until there is nought but evil; I have seen it time and again and Morgana is the living proof. Power corrupts."
"You cannot judge all those who practice magic by Morgana's deeds any more than you can judge all kings by Odin's actions, Father," Mithian said.
Merlin saw Arthur look at her with the same grateful surprise Merlin felt rush through him.
Rodor appeared taken aback by his daughter's assertion, at a loss to contradict her point. "Perhaps not, but I have yet to meet an honourable and loyal subject who practices magic."
"How would you know?" said Mithian. "Sorcery has been banned in Nemeth since before my birth, anyone with intelligence would keep their talents well hidden. In fact, our laws are preventing any such person from using magic to serve the kingdom."
"If there were a sorcerer with a desire to serve anyone other than himself. Or herself," Rodor said.
"I'm sure there is at least one." Mithian's eyes flicked in Merlin's direction but he thought no one else noticed. A warm feeling spread through him.
"I wish only to allow any such citizens of Camelot to live peaceably within our borders. I also want to ensure that otherwise loyal citizens are not driven to aid Morgana out of fear for themselves," Arthur said.
"Any who ally with Morgana do so at risk of their lives," Rodor said bitterly. "You did Odin a favour by severing his ties to her."
"Perhaps. Be assured, Rodor, that Camelot's continued alliance with Nemeth is not contingent on you following our laws. I ask only that we maintain our mutual peace and support despite our difference on this matter."
Merlin was aware of the delicate balance Arthur was attempting to maintain. Nemeth was weakened and bordered on two sides by Camelot's allies, Queen Annis and King Odin, on the third side by the seas of Meredor, and on the fourth by Camelot itself. Camelot was under constant threat of another assault by Morgana and two of the Five Kingdoms had expressed open hostility at Arthur's new decrees, and it would be to Arthur's advantage to have his entire southwestern border secure. Plus Nemeth's loyalty was an incentive for Odin to hold to the truce with Camelot.
So far it appeared to Merlin that Rodor would sign the formal agreement with Arthur despite having failed to cement that alliance through Mithian's marriage, and it seemed Meliant was not as committed to the treaty as his father was.
Arthur did not say anything more, having stated his case as eloquently as he could. It was up to Rodor now to decide Nemeth's future. Merlin watched closely as the elderly king exchanged meaningful looks with both the prince and princess. Finally he turned back to Arthur.
"Well, my boy, I am certain we can agree to set our personal differences on this issue aside in order to formalize that treaty you have proposed."
Merlin let out a breath he had not known he was holding.
Arthur's expression did not betray either relief or gratitude, only calm acceptance. "As I said before, Camelot is nothing without the strength and loyalty of her allies."
"Then if you would make those minor changes we agreed earlier, we will finalize our agreement tomorrow by our signatures."
"Until tomorrow, and thank you for your gracious hospitality."
Both kings stood and the younger royals followed suit, all of them exchanging properly deferential nods.
Merlin followed Arthur back to his quarters, forced to admire how the king gave the impression to any who saw him that he had not been concerned with whether or not Nemeth accepted his proposal. He carried himself as if he had fully expected the outcome of the negotiation to be successful.
The moment they were behind closed doors, however, Arthur slumped into a chair. He gave Merlin a sidelong glance.
"I'm glad that's over."
"You're doing well, Arthur. I am impressed you've learned to use words almost as well as a sword."
The king sighed. "This is only a practice run. It will be much harder to convince the rulers of the Five Kingdoms that I am right in taking us down this road."
"But you will do it, Arthur. It's your destiny."
As usual when Merlin spoke about destiny or prophecies Arthur gave him a look of doubtful awe. "Right, Merlin. Gibberish as usual."
Merlin merely gave him an indulgent and knowing smile, certain Arthur would take his words to heart.
"Stop grinning at me and make yourself useful. There must be something you have to do."
"There is, Sire. Thank you, Sire. I will leave you to your rest." Merlin accompanied the excessive formality with a respectful bow which made Arthur roll his eyes.
Merlin made a hasty exit before the king could locate something in the unfamiliar room to throw at him, pleased at having distracted Arthur from his concerns.
Once in the corridor, Merlin directed his footsteps toward the nearest staircase which would take him up to the next floor. As he neared the princess's door, his pace slowed. As much as he wanted to thank her for her assistance in convincing Rodor to sign the treaty, he was oddly nervous and conscious as he almost never was at the impropriety of approaching her in her quarters when she had not expressly invited him.
He raised his hand to knock and then paused, uncertain if he was really here to thank her as he had told himself or if he was making an excuse to see her.
Before he could decide if he was going to rap on the door, it opened from the inside and a young woman nearly walked into him as she exited the chamber. Her exclamation of surprise attracted Mithian's attention to Merlin standing in the hall.
The young blonde woman, obviously a maidservant, looked back at the princess who indicated the maid should continue with her task. Merlin stepped aside as she sidled past him with a curious backward glance.
"Merlin, please come in," Mithian said.
Left with no other choice, Merlin stepped into the chamber as the maid closed the door behind him. Mithian waited patiently for him to speak but now he was here he felt tongue-tied.
Finally he found his voice. "Thank you." She appeared to be puzzled so he hastened to add, "For your words today, what you said to your father."
Her confusion cleared. "I merely spoke the truth. Father made the right decision. This is what's best for Nemeth, to have Arthur and you on our side."
She came closer and Merlin forced himself to keep his eyes fixed on hers when they displayed an inappropriate determination to focus on her lips.
"I admire Arthur the more for having the good sense to respect your opinion. Besides which it is you we all owe our lives to; without you I shudder to think what Odin's plan for my family was. I should be thanking you."
Merlin stood transfixed as she lifted one hand and stroked his hair back behind his ear, then before he knew what was happening she leaned closer and kissed him. After an instant of shocked amazement, all thought left his mind and he was kissing her back as though a wish he had not dared to make was coming true.
Abruptly the kiss ended. He opened his eyes to see her staring at him with the same utterly stunned expression he knew must be on his face.
"I'm sorry."
She was sorry?
"I don't know what I was thinking." She stepped back hurriedly, remorse staining her cheeks.
He could feel a deep flush spread over his face. "I know you would never … could never fancy me."
"Merlin, don't misunderstand me. There are any number of reasons why I like you, I just know that nothing can come of it."
Had she just said she liked him? "But if …"
"Arthur and Guinevere were exceedingly fortunate. By all rights they never should have stood a chance of being wed; if he wasn't sovereign, if his father hadn't died so early, nothing could have come of their relationship." Merlin opened his mouth to protest but Mithian held up a hand. "If Uther were still king, would Arthur have been able to openly court Guinevere?"
As much as Merlin wanted to argue, he was forced to answer honestly. "No."
"I will never be in the position Arthur is in to flout tradition or ignore the politics of my own marriage. I'm sorry I took advantage. I never planned it, I promise. I wasn't thinking."
Well, he could relate to that. "Yesterday I wouldn't have dared to hope that you might want to be with me. But if you do, there must be a way."
She regarded him solemnly. "Are you planning to stay in Nemeth?"
The question surprised him, and he realized he had never considered the possibility of not returning to Camelot. "No."
"Even if you stayed here, my father is not about to condone my courting a peasant with no land or estate, regardless of how highly esteemed he is. And it is only a matter of time until everyone knows what you are – it will come out sooner or later – which will not endear you to my family, either."
The unfairness of that surged through Merlin but before he could voice any protest Mithian continued.
"Unless you are proposing to run away with me? Elope to some other kingdom?"
It hit him then how close he and Arthur were to fulfilling the destiny that had been hanging over him since he first arrived in Camelot all those years ago. He could not walk away from that, and the look in Mithian's eyes told him she was aware of his commitment. "There was a time when I might have," he said softly.
"She must have been special," Mithian said, quickly masking what may have been a flash of jealousy. "But things are different now, aren't they?"
Silently Merlin nodded.
"I think Uther's unexpected death and Arthur's sudden acceptance of magic have sent shock waves through the land and we will experience a time of unrest, even war, before there is peace again. Nemeth is vulnerable right now. If any action of mine causes ill will between my father and Camelot then I fear Nemeth will be crushed between her enemies. I said I would give up my own kingdom to be so loved but I won't abandon it for my own desires. Just like you would not abandon your destiny."
Merlin regarded her solemnly. "You are convinced there's no hope for us ever to be together."
"I wish it were otherwise, really I do."
For the first time Merlin truly appreciated what Gwen had experienced, what she had felt knowing Arthur returned her love yet aware how little chance there was for them to ever express it. Except there had always been a possibility for them, a chance that things would change once Arthur was king, and Gwen was free to wait. Merlin wondered how long it would be until Mithian's father arranged her marriage and what Merlin would do if the arrangement involved some appropriate noble in Camelot. He tried to mirror the resigned acceptance he saw in Mithian's face, but inside he was seething at the injustice of it all.
Despondently, he stared into the beautiful brown eyes fixed on his face as if she was memorizing it, then he executed a respectful bow. "Good evening, Your Highness."
She politely acknowledged the salutation before he turned and left.
Both kings were bedecked in their royal finery, as were Prince Meliant and Princess Mithian, for the official signing ceremony. Camelot's knights sported their red capes and stood straight and proud as did Nemeth's green-cloaked soldiers.
Merlin caught Gwaine's eye and wondered how the man managed to look well rested and sober when Merlin knew without a doubt the dark-haired knight had arrived back at the citadel at daybreak. Gwaine gave him a wink. Shaking his head, Merlin turned his attention back to the royals, carefully avoiding looking at Mithian.
He had seen her when she arrived with her father, dressed as splendidly as she had to impress them in Camelot, and she looked beautiful. Although, he thought, she had also looked beautiful in the traveling clothes she had worn on their journey to the tomb to "rescue" her father. And yesterday when they were speaking in her chambers. And when she kissed him. And he was not going to think about that.
There was a burst of enthusiastic applause as the kings put down their quills, but Rodor regarded Arthur sombrely. "I fear we are heading for dark times."
Merlin was certain that the elder monarch was not referring to the winter season which had begun a short time ago with Samhain.
"Then we will take strength from each other," Arthur said.
"That we will, my boy, that we will."
The Camelot entourage was mounted and ready to depart. Astride his own horse, Merlin saw how anxious Arthur obviously was to get back home. To Guinevere. Unbidden, Merlin's gaze fixed on Mithian, standing on the citadel steps behind her father, watching him. When his eyes met hers she gave him a sad smile and raised her hand slightly. He returned the farewell gesture but he could not bring himself to smile.
The royals exchanged their regal nods and then Arthur wheeled his horse to lead his party to the city gate. Merlin followed.