Chapter 55 [Sunset—Camelot]

Mithian sighed heavily as her steed cantered into sight of the walled city. She'd so enjoyed the not-so secret afternoon away from the castle. The picnic provided by Gwen and Bors proved exquisite in its simplicity. The view on the ledge into the forested valley below and craggy peaks alongside took her breath away. The weather cooperated. The birds serenaded them.

And her Warlock was there with her….

She never wanted it to end.

She glanced around at the remaining woods before the clearing ahead. How her heart longed to remain there with him. Much as he'd suggested, she understood his desire to surrender the titles and powers—to just live a simple sylvan lifestyle even with the dangers involved. Her heart still danced with each of the daylight fireflies. Her ears craved the simple sounds from that perch.

Above them, the day prepared for its spectacular transition. Sol sank toward his rest in his western bed. Luna hovered just above the eastern horizon. Streaks of crimson, rouge, orange and yellow streaked the skies above. Nocturne deepened the shades from her own place in the east.

Again she sighed. Just as with their interlude, the perfect day was ending. Their prison loomed once more along with the pretending to be mistress and servant. Their magic relegated to secret usage out of self-preservation. Politics and royal intrigue would be nipping at their heels...

…her heart sank at those thoughts….

Hey, what's wrong? Are you okay? Merlin stopped his horse beside hers. He could clearly see her distress and disappointment.

"I'm fine, Merlin. Look at me. We've had a perfect afternoon. I'm behaving like a child wishing it could go on. Everything has an end. We have to be adults about it, right?" she attempted to assure him.

"And what's wrong with wishing it could go on? Mithian, we complete each other. I haven't had an afternoon like this in a long time…if ever. We'll find a way to make this work. Please. Smile for me." He pushed her chin up so they were looking each other in the eye. We can speak to each other no matter *what* they do. They can't stop us.

A smile broke through the clouds of her despair. She chuckled suddenly feeling maddenly warmed by his presence. No they can't. Merlin, thank you.

Never thank me, my Princess, for doing my duty to you. His hand rubbed her arm affectionately.

Merlin, we are in sight of the walls. They'll see. What about Arthur? She pulled back out of self-preservation.

He rolled his eyes at his liege's hang ups with their relationship. For the first time since Freya's passing, he felt tempted to storm into the castle and force Arthur to rescind the old prohibitions. The fires burned within his heart and soul. He knew he had the power…

…much as Morgana had….

She stared at him. Merlin, we can't think that way! Please don't be like that. Father will help us. So will our friends.

I know. I just don't want to be without you, he responded telepathically; her plea over the link dispelling that darkness.

And as you just said, they can't stop us. We just have to do it within the system. Change is coming, Merlin. We have to be better than Morgana or Morgause. You are so humble and kind. We can do this, she reminded him.

Just then Gawain and Britomart rode out of the main gate and toward their position.

"Don't look now. Seems we've been noticed," Merlin noted while shifting back to normal speech.

She shrugged. "At least it's them and not a whole detail, right?" She raised her hand to signal their friends toward them.

"Well look who decided to come back! Figured you two would still be out there," Gawain gibed good-naturedly.

Britomart shook her head. "Did you two have a great afternoon?" She gave a sarcastic glance toward her own companion.

"What?" Gawain queried in exasperation. "I was making a joke. Okay?"

"It's all right, Sir Gawain. We appreciate the sentiment. Trust me—Merlin and I would both love to be still out there with the view." Mithian grinned at him.

"Nice! Merlin's finally impressing a lady. About time you got away from Arthur long enough to do that. Let's get you both back inside before the other knights hear you're out here," Gawain suggested.

"What? Arthur found out that I was gone, didn't he?" Merlin groused.

"Arthur threw a childish fit when he discovered George in his chambers," Britomart reported. "The Queen put him in his place. Besides King Rodor has given you both his blessing so he would approve as well. I know you two maintained propriety, Milady."

"Of course." Mithian sighed. Even if I wish we didn't.

Merlin blushed at that particular thought.

Gawain of course couldn't resist jumping on that reaction. "Yeah well…ol' Merlin's looking like he got caught with his hand in the sugar."

Merlin arched an eyebrow. "You're reaching, Gawain." Seeing the two ladies stiffening, he exhaled sharply. "Looks like someone's got a lot to learn about women, doesn't he? Coming, Princess?"

"I'll lead the way, my Prince," Mithian assured him before galloping toward the city walls.

"Her Prince huh? Sounds like someone had a great afternoon. Merlin, I'm proud of you!" Gawain complimented; his mind assuming a great many things.

"Not yet, Gawain. Come on. We have a feast to get ready for," Merlin disagreed as he followed his lady fair back toward the gates.

When the warlock had ridden out of earshot, Britomart pleaded, "Will you stop being like that!"

"Like what? I was just trying to get them out of their funk. If they're relaxed and in the moment, the less likely it is they'll be asking questions. Just doing what your king asked." He smirked. "Admit it. You would've liked it if they did do it."

"Yes I have never seen Princess Mithian so happy. Fine," she conceded before her eyes turned dark. "Still I don't want anything to ruin that." She rolled her eyes. "You can be such an oaf. Honestly!"

"But you like me being the rouge," he jabbed mischievously; his cheeky smirk lighting up his entire face.

Now it was her turn to blush. "You wish! Now let's go before they start gossip about us!" She spurred her horse back toward the gate.

Seems our two sorcerers ain't the only ones in the snit! I must be nuts but I'm glad of this. Gotcha now, Brit! He rode on hard himself toward the gate.

A feast awaited with surprises galore…..

[An hour later—Mithian's Chambers]

Mithian sat in front of her mirror and fussed with her hair. While she realized that royal tradition normally dictated that a servant twist her locks into its normal coiffure, frankly she preferred to do it for herself.

Her fingers fussed with the smooth strands pretending they were Merlin's.

She sighed while brushing it down and beginning the braiding process. Some day we won't have to pretend any more. I hate propriety.

At that moment, a knock came from the door.

"Yes? Enter please," she bade.

Rodor eased his way inside and shut it behind himself. "I wanted to see how you were doing. You make excellent time in your preparations."

"Thank you, Father. I trust you had a wonderful afternoon?" she queried politely while continuing the braiding process.

"I did actually. Arthur and I negotiated an important tie between our respective kingdoms," he reported not bothering to hide the proud smile on his face for her benefit.

"Oh?" She quirked an eyebrow. "And whatever would that be?" Her heart pretzeled itself with worry. Arthur, you'd better not have pressured him into marrying me off! So help me!

"Patience, Mithian. He and I will announce it at the feast," he indicated. "And don't worry, it does not involve forcing you into a marriage." He rubbed her shoulder caringly. "Still you are going to make some man very fortunate one day."

"I am lucky, Father. I have a man who loves me…if the world can see that," she declared proudly while finishing the braid and knotting her hair. She set a couple of pins into it to hold it in place.

"I know. Have faith. Things can take time." He grinned in admiration. "You look splendid! You make an old man proud to escort you, my Daughter."

"This girl's proud to be with such a gallant ruler, Sire," she replied warmly before kissing his cheek. "Thank you, Father."

"You're welcome," he noted while helping her from the chair. He escorted her from the chamber and toward the banquet hall….

[Physician's Chambers]

Merlin fussed with his formal servant's robes. He hated the fabric's heaviness. While the silk inlay was very nice, it embarrassed him with its ostentatiousness.

But worst of all, it marked him as a lower man. It asserted that he had no place with his Princess Fair.

He glowered while peering into the looking glass. "I have my duty tonight. Remember that. You are serving Mithian…that is expressing my love. I should content myself with that."

"You are actually serving the entire hall with everyone else, Merlin," Gaius reminded him from his bench. Despite being already dressed in his own ritualized attire, he poured over notes for a remedy. "You had your afternoon. Make sure you keep appearances."

The younger man turned toward his mentor; his eyebrow doing a serious impersonation of the latter's. "Excuse me?"

Gaius shook his head while offering a smile. "I can't believe you're thinking this way, Merlin. Frankly it could endanger everything you've built here. It could endanger the future of Albion itself. However, I do have faith in you. If anyone can, you will find a way to bridge your heart and duty."

"That's all I want to do, Gaius. I want to serve still but…."

"But you're in love and things are changing. Yes, Merlin, that too is a part of being a man." His eyes sparkled proudly. "Just be careful. The gossips were already carrying on today about you two."

"Whatever," Merlin dismissed. Just then a knock came from the door. "Now who?" He answered it to find Hunith standing there. "Mother?"

"King Arthur and Queen Guinevere requested I be at the banquet. Talesin and Kilgarrah arranged for me to be here. I can't believe all of this!" she explained as they embraced. "I'm so glad everyone's safe! I know time's short but can I come in?"

"Of course! I have to go in a couple of minutes." Merlin allowed her into the chamber. "Perhaps Gaius might escort you down there? Sorry I have to be with the other servants."

"That would be fine." She shook her head at the fine lavender gown she wore. The shoes felt confining to her feet. She wasn't used to her hair being the way it was. "It's too much really."

"That looks like Queen Guinevere's and Mithian's handiwork, knowing them," Merlin acknowledged. "Mother, you deserve a great night."

"Every night's a great night when you're with me, my Son," she assured him. "I'm sure the Princess feels the same way. Just be careful, Merlin."

"As I was just advising him, Hunith," Gaius cut in. "You do look splendid I have to say!"

"Thank you, Gaius. You look nice as well." She admired the chambers. "It seems bigger to me for some reason."

"It is the same size," Merlin observed. "Perhaps because there are more books?"

"More than likely, she's used to smaller places," Gaius deduced. "It is all right, Hunith. You're welcome no matter what. Now, as Merlin said, we should be going. We shall see you at the feast, Merlin."

"We'll be there soon, Merlin. You do look very nice. Even if you're a servant, remember, Arthur does value you," she reminded him. "And so does the Princess."

"I know. Thanks," Merlin flashed a grin before slipping away for his duties.

"You shouldn't encourage him," Gaius chided.

"I trust Merlin's judgment. Still, as Kilgarrah explained, this is not simply a passing crush. He and Princess Mithian are linked. Somehow, Destiny will bring them together. Patience is the key. One thing we peasants have is patience," she replied earnestly. "Now come, we do need to get down there."

"As you wish, Milady," he relented while blowing out the candle and escorting her from the room toward the scene developing below….