Kahlan crept through the druid camp that night, cringing as her foot broke a twig in two, hoping no one had been alerted to her presence. She breathed a sigh of relief when she made it to her tent, taking a quick look behind her as she entered the tent. Her feet faltered when she turned back around, only to find herself face to face with Iseldir, who had his arms crossed over his chest, an unamused look on his face.
"I trust your hunt was fruitful…seeing as you've been gone all day?" Iseldir questioned.
"It was. I, uh…must have lost track of the time" Kahlan shrugged, watching Iseldir purse his lips.
"Where is it then?" Iseldir pushed.
"Where's what?" Kahlan replied, faking ignorance.
"The food you caught" Iseldir insisted, as Kahlan began scratching at her head.
"Right. I…I dropped it. Down a…ravine. A really deep one. It's a shame—" Kahlan began, but Iseldir soon cut her off.
"You saw the Prince again, didn't you?" Iseldir accused.
"…The Kingdom was starving! What was I supposed to do?" Kahlan complained as Iseldir rubbed a hand over his face.
"You lied to me" Iseldir pointed out, as Kahlan had the good graces to appear guilty.
"You're the one who always taught me to help those in need. Camelot was falling apart. I was just trying to do something good" Kahlan explained.
"I don't doubt your intentions, but I fear for the consequences. Did you see the witch?" Iseldir asked, as Kahlan shook her head quickly.
"Morgana. And no, I stayed away from her just like I said I would. But you're wrong, Iseldir. She's a good person. The prophecy is wrong" Kahlan told him.
"I hope it is. Truly I do" Iseldir sighed, as the tent flaps were ripped open and a familiar face came barging in.
"You went to Camelot again without me" Mordred pouted, with accusing eyes.
"Did anyone actually believe I was just going out for a hunt?" Kahlan frowned, as the pair shook their heads.
"You've been spending more time with the Prince than me recently" Mordred muttered.
"Well, he gets in a lot of trouble" Kahlan shrugged, as an idea formed in Mordred's mind.
"So, if I get in trouble will you stay here more?" Mordred asked, a hopeful look on his face.
"No" Kahlan and Iseldir both stated, at the same time, their tone firm.
"But I promise to spend more time with you, okay? How about we go for a real hunt tomorrow?" Kahlan suggested, as Mordred nodded excitedly.
"I can show you my new trick! It's where I use…" Mordred trailed off, when he saw how Kahlan's eyes had snapped to something behind him.
Kahlan's jaw dropped open as she watched none other than Anhora walking into her tent, a weary expression on his face. She was quick to grab Mordred by the shoulder, hauling him behind her. She had a feeling Anhora was not there to bring them good news.
"Anhora. It is an honour" Iseldir spoke up, giving a quick bow to the powerful sorcerer.
"The honour is mine, Iseldir. I know the Druid's have never been in safer hands" Anhora stated, his eyes then flickering over to Kahlan.
"Is the curse on Camelot lifted?" Kahlan inquired, as Anhora slowly shook his head.
"Arthur has failed his third test. His pride has clouded his heart" Anhora informed her, watching Kahlan's face fall.
"No. Whatever he did, whatever mistake he made…he can do better. I know he can, if you just give him a chance—" Kahlan began, but Anhora was quick to stop her.
"That is what I am here to do. You told me earlier this evening, you were willing to bet your life on Arthur's ability to pass the tests, is that still the case?" Anhora questioned.
"It is" Kahlan nodded.
"Then I require your assistance for his final test" Anhora announced, as a look of horror washed over Iseldir's face.
"Kahlan you cannot do this. I will not allow you to put your life on the line for a man you don't even know" Iseldir insisted, coming to stand in front of her.
"That's not your choice to make" Kahlan replied.
"Please, Anhora. I beg you; she is only a child, she does not know what she is saying!" Iseldir pleaded with the older man.
"She appears to have great faith in Arthur Pendragon. Perhaps you need to have faith in her" Anhora pointed out, as Iseldir lowered his gaze.
"I'll be fine. You'll see" Kahlan insisted, reaching out to clutch Iseldir's shoulder for a moment.
"Don't go" Mordred begged with wide eyes, lunging forward to wrap his arms around her waist.
"Hey, I'll be back before you know it. You need to be strong, Mordred. You can do that, can't you?" Kahlan told him, as the young boy turned to Anhora, his hands still clutching at Kahlan's dress.
"Don't hurt her" Mordred mumbled, with watery eyes.
"Fear not, young warlock. It is not her destiny to die at my hand" Anhora replied, holding his hand out for Kahlan to take.
Taking a deep breath, Kahlan gently pushed Mordred away and reached out to take Anhora's hand. Just as she turned to say her goodbye's, she found that she was no longer in her tent, but somewhere completely different. Waves crashed together by her feet, as the sea breeze blew her hair past her face, as she stared at Anhora in amazement. Her eyes flickered to the sky in disbelief when she saw the sun shining down on them.
"It was night-time" Kahlan stated.
"Yes, it was" Anhora agreed.
"Just how powerful are you?" Kahlan gulped, realising the man had somehow been able to move them through time.
"Not as powerful as you will one day become" Anhora answered, as Kahlan opened her mouth to challenge his words.
In the blink of an eye, Anhora had vanished, only to return moments later with Merlin in tow, who seemed just as disorientated as she felt. A smile quickly grew on his face as he rushed over to her, placing his hands on her shoulders, and appearing to look her over for injuries.
"Are you alright?" Merlin asked, watching her nod.
"So, I'm guessing you bet your life on Arthur's abilities too, huh?" Kahlan guessed.
"A couple of prize prats, aren't we?" Merlin teased, as she gave him a small smile.
"Please, if you would take your seats" Anhora announced, gesturing to a wooden table that had appeared out of nowhere.
Three stools made out of tree bark surrounded the table, leaving one seat left for who they both expected would be Arthur. The pair didn't have to wait long for his arrival, watching him walk down the shore with his brow furrowed. He did a doubletake when he saw Kahlan, his eyes snapping to Anhora, hands edging towards the handle of his sword.
"Let them go. I'll take your test, but not till they are released" Arthur exclaimed, in a firm tone.
"That is not possible. Kahlan and Merlin are part of the test. Please sit. If you refuse the test, you will have failed and Camelot will be destroyed" Anhora advised, as Arthur reluctantly went to sit beside the pair, knowing he had little choice.
"I thought I told you to stay at home" Arthur sighed, looking to Merlin.
"I couldn't let you have all the glory, could I?" Merlin replied, earning a small grin from the blond.
"And you were supposed to go back to your people" Arthur stated, turning to Kahlan.
"Turns out you still needed my help" Kahlan shrugged.
"I'm starting to realise just how much" Arthur mumbled, just loud enough for them to hear.
"There are two goblets before you. One of the goblets contains a deadly poison, the other goblet, a harmless liquid. All the liquid from both goblets must be drunk, but no one person can drink from more than one goblet. In other words, only two of you need to drink" Anhora explained, gesturing to the golden cups on the table.
"What kind of ridiculous test is that? What does that prove?" Arthur huffed.
"What it proves is for you to decide. If you pass the test, the curse will be lifted" Anhora clarified.
"Let's think about this. Only two of us have to risk drinking from the poisoned goblet, so we should decide who won't drink first" Merlin suggested.
"Well, I think that's pretty obvious. Arthur might as well go home now" Kahlan pointed out, as he gave her an indignant look.
"The person who will not be drinking from the goblet will be you" Arthur retorted.
"Right, because that makes sense. You're the future king, Arthur! We're not putting your life in danger!" Kahlan insisted, making him scoff.
"But it's perfectly fine to put yours in danger?" Arthur challenged.
"I'm not important—" Kahlan began, but he was quick to cut her off.
"Perhaps you are to me!" Arthur exclaimed, watching Kahlan's mouth go slack.
"…Well, I'm more than happy to not drink poison if we're voting" Merlin spoke up, with a grin.
After a few seconds, the three began laughing at the ridiculousness of the situation. How had they gotten to the point where they were arguing about who should be the one to sacrifice themselves?
"I can't believe I'm saying this but…I'm glad you are here, Merlin" Arthur sighed, watching Merlin's grin grow a little wider.
"…I've got it. Right, we pour all the liquid into one goblet and then we can be sure it is poisoned. Then all the liquid can be drunk, and it will be from a single goblet" Merlin explained.
"You never cease to surprise me. You're a lot smarter than you look" Arthur stated, as Merlin gave him a proud look.
"Is that actually a compliment?" Merlin scoffed, as Kahlan quickly surged forward to begin pouring the contents from one goblet into the other.
"Kahlan, what are you doing?" Merlin gaped, watching her raise the cup towards her lips.
"You have your destiny, Merlin. Maybe this is mine…" Kahlan trailed off, as Arthur's eyes widened.
"You'd really be willing to die for me?" Arthur questioned, as Kahlan nodded without a second thought.
"Because I'm the Prince?" Arthur frowned, watching Kahlan's eyes flicker over to his.
"No, you idiot…because you're my friend, and I don't want to lose you!" Kahlan responded.
Just as she was about to bring the cup to her lips, Arthur sprung forward, his hand wrapping around hers that was still clutching the goblet. A second later, Arthur was leaning forward to press a kiss against her cheek, managing to distract the younger girl as he pulled the goblet from her hand.
"As if I'd let either of you die for me" Arthur mumbled.
"Arthur, don't—" Merlin's cry was cut off by the Prince, who gave him a sad smile.
"You know me, Merlin. I never listen to you" Arthur exclaimed, before bringing the cup to his lips and downing the contents.
"What have you done?" Merlin gasped, as Arthur placed the cup down on the table.
Kahlan watched in horror as Arthur's eyes clouded over, before rolling into the back of his head as he flopped onto the rocks below. She was out of her seat in a second, kneeling beside the fallen Prince, with Merlin following quickly behind. She reached out to touch his cheek, shaking him lightly, a desperate look in her eyes.
"Arthur…Arthur!" Kahlan cried, as Merlin began shaking the blond's shoulders.
"No. No, you can't do this. Wake up. You have to wake up!" Merlin insisted, his voice thick with emotion.
"What have you done?!" Kahlan shouted, whipping around to face Anhora.
"You both begged for Arthur to be given another chance. This is your doing as much as mine" Anhora replied, earning a frantic shake of Kahlan's head.
"Please…please just let me take his place" Merlin begged, tears welling in his eyes.
"This was Arthur's test, not yours" Anhora stated.
"You've killed him, you bastard!" Kahlan yelled, her eyes shining a bright golden colour.
Merlin's mouth went slack as he watched her raise her hand, before making a fist, and slamming her palm against the ground. Merlin flinched as Anhora suddenly went rigid before he dropped to his knees, shaking uncontrollably, as Kahlan's eyes burned brighter. The old man seemed to fight against her invisible grip, clutching onto his wooden staff, his face growing redder with every passing second.
"He…is not…dead…" Anhora stuttered out, causing Kahlan's brow to furrow.
She turned back to Arthur, her eyes widening when she could see the slow rise and fall of his chest. The relief was clear on her face, as she clutched at Arthur's shoulder, dropping her head to his chest for a moment.
"He has consumed a sleeping draft. He will come around shortly" Anhora panted, wiping at his sweaty forehead.
"What?" Merlin gaped.
"Arthur was willing to sacrifice his life to save yours. He has proven what is truly in his heart" Anhora explained, slowly pushing himself to his feet, using his staff to support him.
"The curse will be lifted?" Merlin asked, as Anhora nodded.
"…I…I'm sorry…" Kahlan trailed off, looking up at Anhora with guilty eyes, realising she had taken her anger too far.
"I fear you may have shown what is truly in your heart too, Druid" Anhora warned.
Kahlan and Merlin sat in tense silence, waiting for Arthur to wake up, neither quite believing he would. Kahlan's thoughts had quickly strayed to what Anhora had said, terrified of what they could mean. She had seen red when she thought Arthur had been killed…would she really have used her magic to kill Anhora too? Would she have been able to?
"I know we haven't known each other for very long but Anhora was wrong" Merlin announced, bringing Kahlan out of her thoughts.
"You're a good person. I've always seen that" Merlin told her, as she gave him a sad smile.
Just as she was about to reply, Arthur's eyes suddenly snapped open, as he took a sharp inhale of breath. Kahlan was by his side in an instant, her hands touching his shoulders, clutching onto his chainmail as if she was afraid he was about to disappear.
"What…what happened?" Arthur stuttered, slowly pushing himself into a sitting position.
"You stupid, narrow-minded, self-sacrificing moron!" Kahlan cried, slapping his arm with each insult.
"Ow! Stop that—" Arthur exclaimed, when Kahlan lunged forward to pull him into a hug, her arms wrapping around his shoulders.
A smile soon grew on Merlin's face as he watched the pair melt into the embrace, as Arthur rested his chin on Kahlan's shoulder, his arms going around her waist. They were all alive, and at that moment, nothing else mattered.
"I'm glad you're alright" Kahlan murmured, gripping him a little tighter.
"Well, I remembered someone didn't want to lose me" Arthur replied with a cheeky grin, as they pulled apart.
"Don't start" Kahlan scoffed, slapping his arm once again.
"I hope you've learnt your lesson now. Next time, how about you listen to me?" Merlin complained, as Arthur stood up with unsteady legs.
"Were you worried about me, Merlin?" Arthur teased, as the younger boy pursed his lips.
"Worried about finding a new job, that's all" Merlin shrugged, as Arthur leant forward to ruffle his hair lightly.
"Right, any idea how we get back home?" Arthur questioned, his eyes darting around the beach.
"Well, I'm sure the first knight of Camelot will have no trouble with such a simple task" Kahlan smiled sweetly at him.
With an irritated click of his jaw, Arthur picked up his sword and began marching aimlessly away, clearly having no idea where he was headed.
"How long until he ends up walking into the sea?" Merlin whispered, in a teasing tone, as Kahlan nudged him with her elbow.
The two slowly started to follow behind the blond, as Kahlan reached into a pocket hidden in her dress, pulling out a small book, which she placed into Merlin's hands. The boy's brow furrowed as he looked at the leather cover of the book, becoming light-headed the longer he stared.
"This book was blessed by generations of warlock's, it holds great power inside it. A message written on a page can be seen instantly in the book's twin back at the druid camp. I want you to have it" Kahlan explained, as Merlin gave her a questioning look.
"I'm not sure I can accept such a gift, Kahlan" Merlin murmured.
"I wasn't asking. You're having it" Kahlan shrugged, making Merlin huff out a laugh.
"You know, I don't think I've ever met someone quite like you" Merlin shook his head, fondly.
"I'll take that as a compliment" Kahlan grinned.
A full moon had passed when Kahlan received the first message from Merlin in the druid's book, and it was vaguer than she had been expecting. Merlin was clearly desperate, stating in the book that her presence was required for a matter of life or death. Kahlan wasted no time in sneaking out of her camp that night, hoping that she would be back before the others in her camp awoke. Luckily, the cave they had been dwelling in was close to Camelot's borders, meaning Kahlan reached the lower tunnels before the sun rose. Merlin was pacing when she arrived, chewing at his nails anxiously. He flinched when he heard a twig snap, whipping around with wild eyes. She had never seen him in such a way.
"Merlin, what's wrong?" Kahlan frowned.
"There is a plot to kill Uther. If I do nothing then Arthur will become king, but he may not be ready and if I save Uther then I will be continuing the persecution of our kind, but I may be saving Arthur from himself, not to mention Morgana—" Merlin blurted out in a matter of seconds, only to be stopped by Kahlan.
"Wait, what does Morgana have to do with this?" Kahlan asked.
"It is Morgana who plots for Uther's demise. The King had Gwen's father killed and now…I have never seen Morgana so angry. She is working with a dangerous sorcerer, and won't be stopped" Merlin explained, watching Kahlan's frown deepen.
"You must be mistaken, she's Uther's ward…I can't believe she would see him harmed" Kahlan shook her head.
"She's changing Kahlan. I'm…I'm scared of what she might do" Merlin admitted.
"…We have to stop her" Kahlan replied, a few seconds later, surprising the older boy.
"And save the King's life? After everything he's done?" Merlin questioned, as Kahlan pursed her lips.
"We can't let Morgana go down this road" Kahlan insisted, her mind drifting to the prophecy.
Was this what Iseldir had warned her about? Was Morgana truly becoming a dark influence that would one day lead Mordred astray? Kahlan wouldn't allow that to happen. She would save Morgana, even if she didn't want her help.
"I need to speak with her" Kahlan murmured, as Merlin nodded.
"Perhaps you'll be able to talk some sense to her" Merlin agreed, as they turned towards the tunnel.
"I'm guessing Arthur knows nothing about this?" Kahlan inquired.
"If there's one thing Prince Arthur is good at…it's being oblivious to everything around him" Merlin scoffed.
Kahlan was worried she was already too late when she discovered Morgana was not in her chambers, but the King's ward was not as sneaky as she thought she was, making it easy for Kahlan to follow her flowing cape as she made her way through the castle in the dark. It was clear that Morgana did not want to be seen from the way she was hiding from the guards, but Kahlan would be harder to shake off. Just as Morgana was nearing her chambers, Kahlan crept out of the shadows, pulling the dark-haired woman behind a nearby pillar, earning a yelp of panic in return.
"K-kahlan? What are you doing—" Morgana began, but she was quickly cut off.
"I should be asking you the same thing, Morgana. I know what you are plotting to do, and it needs to stop" Kahlan explained, watching the older woman's eyes widen.
"I don't know what you're talking about" Morgana retorted, trying to pull away from Kahlan, who suddenly grabbed her by the shoulders.
"Don't treat me like I'm stupid. I know your plans for Uther. It's treason, Morgana! People have been executed for just thinking of the like" Kahlan insisted, in a pleading tone.
"He killed Tom, Gwen's father! He was innocent…how many more good people will die by his hand before someone does something?!" Morgana exclaimed, a little too loudly.
"And why does that someone have to be you?" Kahlan stated.
"Why not me? I too have suffered…" Morgana trailed off, holding her wrists out, showing the painful red marks that scarred her skin.
"He did that?" Kahlan frowned, her hands dropping from Morgana's shoulders.
"You of all people should understand why I want to do this, Kahlan. Don't you want to be free? To not be scared anymore?" Morgana pushed.
"Is that the real reason you're doing this? You're scared Uther will found out the truth about you?" Kahlan questioned, watching terror flash across Morgana's face.
"I…I have dreams, that's all. It's not…I'm not like you…" Morgana stuttered.
"Perhaps not, but you can't let your fear set you down this path, Morgana. Please" Kahlan begged, reaching out to take the older woman's hand in her own.
"It's too late" Morgana shook her head.
"It's never too late. You have a choice. Don't make the wrong one" Kahlan sighed, giving her hand a squeeze before turning away, hoping her words would have an impact.
Instead of returning to her camp like she knew she should have, Kahlan chose to stay in Camelot, joining Merlin in following Morgana and the King. It seemed that Merlin had a sudden change of heart after speaking to Gwen, realising he would lose a part of himself if he allowed Uther to be killed in cold blood. The pair kept close to the King as they neared Morgana's father's grave, which appeared to be the place the attack would happen. However, events did not run as smoothly as they had hoped. Tauren, the sorcerer Morgana was working with, had more men than they had been expecting. Merlin was able to kill two with a magical staff he had somehow acquired, but when up against Tauren, the older sorcerer had turned the magic of the staff against him. Merlin ended up flying onto his back, his head hitting the ground with a loud thump, leaving Kahlan as the last line of defence.
"I would turn back while you can, child" Tauren exclaimed, holding the stone out in front of him.
Kahlan balled her hands into fists as she desperately tried to think of a spell that Tauren would not be able to repel. Any attack on the sorcerer wouldn't work…but perhaps another spell would. Tauren seemed surprised when Kahlan's hand suddenly shot out, her eyes burning gold.
"Onbregdan!" Kahlan cried, making her hand into a fist.
Tauren's eyes widened as the stone was immediately pulled from his palms, flying through the air towards Kahlan's waiting hand. She gave him a smirk, as he stumbled backwards in shock, not having expected her to outwit him.
"Fine. Let us finish this the old-fashioned way" Tauren muttered, grabbing a sword that lay next to one of his dead friends.
"Uh…let's not?" Kahlan gulped, looking around for a weapon to defend herself with.
Before she even had time to think, Tauren was racing towards her, his sword raised. She managed to duck his first blow, sending a hard punch to his stomach, which only winded him for a moment before he was lunging at her again. Kahlan tried to mutter a spell, but Tauren's sword came slicing through the air, almost reaching her before she could finish the words. When the sharp blade was only inches from her face, Tauren suddenly stumbled backwards, something having tied around his ankle. Kahlan's eyes snapped down to see a tree root had wrapped around his boot, pulling his leg into he ground. She looked to see Merlin sitting upright, his eyes gold, controlling the tree root with his magic. She gave him a grateful nod before she turned on her heel and raced towards the grave, knowing she needed to warn the King of the oncoming danger.
"Run! You need to run!" Kahlan yelled, when she spotted the pair sitting on the grass a few metres away.
Uther turned to her with a frown, not understanding why there was a strange woman screaming at him. Morgana had a tear rolling down her cheek, as she pushed herself to her feet, the guilt clear on her face. Just as Kahlan had almost made it to the pair, she heard an angry cry behind her, seeing Tauren pulling himself towards her, the tree root still wrapped tightly around his foot. Her eyes widened as he pulled a dagger out of his belt, the assassin's eyes snapping towards Uther. The King seemed to shocked to move, fear taking hold of him. As Kahlan's eyes darted between the pair, her thoughts turned to Arthur, imagining the pain on his face if he found his father had been killed. It would destroy him. Lunging forward, she grabbed the King's sword which was lying on the floor and raised it in the air. At that very second, Tauren sent the dagger flying through the air, his aim perfect. Whispering a spell under her breath, everything around them slowed down, as the knife continued its course. With a cry, Kahlan swiped at the dagger with the sword, hitting the weapon and sending it flying towards the ground, as time returned to normal. She dropped to her knees with a pant, the adrenaline of the last few minutes slowly fading from her. Kahlan's eyes shot up as they heard a loud thump, watching as Merlin smacked Tauren in the back of the head with a tree branch, knocking him out cold.
"You…you saved me" Uther gaped at the pair, who shared a knowing look.
You're welcome.
Kahlan's words were heard by Morgana alone, her lips not having moved. The message was clear. Kahlan believed she had saved Morgana from the dark, she certainly hadn't done it for Uther.
It quickly spread around the Kingdom that Merlin and Kahlan had saved the King's life, as it seemed to be all anyone wanted to talk about. Kahlan knew it wouldn't be long until the Druid's heard the rumours, and was desperate to get back, to explain her side of the story, but she knew how it would look if she disappeared all of a sudden. Besides, she knew she had to talk to Morgana before she left, she needed to know if they had any friendship left to salvage. Before she could, Kahlan all but bumped into Gwen who was rushing around with some sheets in her arms.
"I, uh…I'm sorry about your father. He shouldn't have died" Kahlan exclaimed, awkwardly.
"Thank you" Gwen nodded, curtly.
"I know we don't really know each other but…I know what it's like to lose your family. If you want to talk…" Kahlan trailed off.
"I appreciate that. And your friendship with Morgana. I'm glad she has you" Gwen smiled at her.
"She's lucky to have us both" Kahlan replied, as Gwen's smile got a little brighter before she excused herself.
Taking a deep breath, Kahlan knocked on the door to Morgana's chambers, surprised to see Arthur was inside. Their eyes lingered on each other for a moment, as Kahlan walked through the doorway, pulling her gaze away, focusing on Morgana who was standing beside him.
"I was just coming to check if you were alright" Kahlan announced, as the older woman quickly rushed over to her.
"I am. Thanks to you" Morgana exclaimed, before pulling Kahlan into a tight hug, her hands clutching at the girl's shoulders.
"I won't forget what you did for me" Morgana whispered; her voice thick with emotion.
"The truth is…I didn't just do it for you" Kahlan replied, her eyes flickering back to Arthur's again.
"I will leave you two to…talk" Morgan said, with a teasing smirk, as she pulled away.
"You're sure you're not angry with me?" Kahlan questioned, as Morgana quickly shook her head.
"You're a loyal friend, Kahlan" Morgana smiled at her, before placing her hand on her shoulder, giving a quick squeeze, and walking away.
Silence followed for a few moments once the door closed behind Morgana, as neither Kahlan nor Arthur seemed to know what to say. For some reason, being alone in the same room seemed strangely intimate to them both now.
"I don't think any words will suffice apart from…thank you. I know it could not have been easy saving my father's life considering what he has done in the past" Arthur explained, as they edged closer to each other.
"I was just in the right place at the right time" Kahlan shrugged.
"Strange how that seems to be a common occurrence for you" Arthur pointed out, his brow furrowed.
"Maybe it's fate" Kahlan suggested, earning a small chuckle from the Prince.
"You think all of this…was destined?" Arthur inquired, stepping closer still.
"Perhaps" Kahlan grinned, innocently.
"…If this was all supposed to be, I think fate would have given me a better manservant" Arthur scoffed, making Kahlan giggle this time.
"You know, Merlin is probably expecting a reward for stopping Tauren" Kahlan stated, as Arthur pursed his lips.
"I suppose I could give him the afternoon off" Arthur agreed, as the two shared a knowing look.
"All joking aside, Merlin saved my life. Your father, and probably Morgana would be dead without him" Kahlan insisted, as Arthur's lips twitched into a smile.
"Well, I'd expect nothing less from one of my closest friends" Arthur shrugged, making Kahlan's face light up.
"Did you just call Merlin your friend?" Kahlan gaped, in a teasing tone.
"That comment doesn't leave this room, understand?" Arthur exclaimed, as Kahlan made a gesture of zipping her lips shut.
"I, uh…I should be going. Iseldir is probably arranging a search party as we speak" Kahlan scoffed, as Arthur nodded.
"I hope to see you again soon, Kahlan" Arthur smiled, as her smile grew a little wider.
All of a sudden, the Prince was leaning closer, his lips brushing against her forehead. Kahlan held her breath, her heart fluttering in her chest as he slowly pulled away, their blue eyes connecting. Kahlan opened her mouth to speak, but words appeared to fail her. It seemed as though Arthur was leaning in once again, when the door was suddenly pulled open, and Morgana entered.
"Oh, I didn't realise you were still…saying goodbye" Morgana mumbled, biting her lip to stop herself from laughing at the way the two sprung apart.
"I'm sure you didn't, Morgana" Arthur all but pouted, the irritation clear in his voice.
Kahlan couldn't stop the laugh that left her lips, running a hand through her hair as her blush slowly subsided. Her cheeks were starting to hurt from how much she had been smiling.
Author's Notes: I hope you all enjoyed this chapter! I plan to delve into the darker aspects of Merlin in this story, so I expect that more in the future. Please leave a review:)
juliet678: Thanks for the review! I hope you like this new update:)
LapisLazuliRose: Aw, thank you! I'm really glad you're enjoying the story more and more:)