Arthur did not slept much that night, he had lost count of the number of times he wanted to take everything back.
''You know you can't hide here forever,'' Merlin said in the morning and looked at Arthur that was still in bed, staring at the roof.
''I know,'' Arthur said in an exhale and felt how heavy his body was. He had never felt this type of pain before and decided there and then that he preferred physical wounds better.
''I know this is hard for you, but I'm just scared that this will make things worse,'' Merlin said after a while and Arthur now tilted his head towards him.
''What do you mean? How could it possible be worse?'' Arthur frowned.
''Well, I think that you will feel emptier when she's not here. And also angry,'' Merlin said, making Arthur raise his brows.
''Oh, yes thank you Merlin, I feel much better now,'' Arthur said irritated.
''I tried to say it yesterday, but you would not listen. You will not solve anything by ignoring your feelings,'' Merlin said and stood his ground. Arthur looked at him for a while before sighing.
''This has to be done, Merlin, regardless my outcome,'' he replied as silence followed.
The hours passed and Arthur remained in his bed, staring at the roof, as Merlin cleaned his wardrobe. A knock was heard and both Arthur and Merlin turned their heads towards the entrance.
''Come,'' Arthur yelled and the door opened before Leon stepped in.
''Arthur, your father calls you to the courtyard,'' Leon said and Arthur immediately understood what it was about. Arthur felt sick as he now walked down the stairs to the courtyard and stopped when he saw Elena sitting on a horse.
''Ah, Arthur, there you are. I'm afraid princess Elena is feeling very homesick and will unfortunately leave us sooner than expected,'' Uther said and Arthur looked over at his father before he turned to look at Elena.
''I see, that was unfortunate indeed,'' Arthur said with an empty voice, he had rehearsed that reply during the entire walk to the courtyard. Elena met his eyes for a few seconds but her attention quickly shifted towards the other families that also were there to bid her goodbye.
''It has been a delight having you here, my dear. Take care and hope to see you soon,'' Uther said at last to rap things up and Elena thanked him with a nod.
''Arthur, won't you say some words,'' Uther added and looked over at his son. A quick gaze of hatred was thrown towards his father before Arthur forced himself to look at Elena again.
''Yes, of course. Well, it was nice meeting you,'' he said awkwardly and she placed a smile across her face.
''Careful, Arthur. It almost sounds like you will actually miss me,'' she said with a soft voice, joking, before she gave him a compassionate look. He just looked at her, trying his best not to yell at her to stay.
''That would be something, wouldn't it,'' he replied instead.
''It would indeed,'' she said and knew that she now had to break the eye contact that the two of them had shared during the entire conversation. She looked over at her father.
''Safe travel sweetheart, I'll see you soon,'' he said and put a hand on her leg. She placed her hand on top of his and with a nod, she rode off. Arthur looked after her until she disappeared.
''I'm glad you found your sense,'' Uther said just loud enough for only Arthur to hear. Arthur looked over at his father before turning his head back towards the gate.
''Thank you for letting Henry out,'' Arthur replied, deciding not to comment on his father's attempt to provoke him. Uther nodded.
''It was not a favor, rather a good bargaining from your side to avoid a more ruthless path. I'm proud of how you planned it all,'' Uther said. That his father was proud of him made Arthur sick to his stomach, but again he decided not to give him the reaction he was out for.
''I'm glad you're pleased, father,'' he said instead and with that, he left the courtyard.
Almost a week passed since Elena had left and Arthur mainly stayed to himself. Merlin had noticed that Arthur had lost a little weight, but he did not find the courage to confront him about it. He had seen Arthur train late at night, mostly hitting and screaming at a pole, but he let him do as he wanted to be sure he coped with this the way he needed to.
''Arthur?'' by the mention of his name, he looked up to see most of the council looking at him, together with his father and his knights. He understood that they had been talking to him, but he had not paid attention. All he thought about day and night was her.
''Yes, uhm, I think...'' he began and looked at Leon for some help. Leon picked up Arthur's signal and cleared his throat before speaking.
''Really, my view is that we only have to decide if we want to strike from the east or the west of the mountain since the village is more or less in the middle,'' Leon said and illustrating his sayings on the map in front of them. Arthur listened carefully before nodding.
''Agreed, I was thinking the same, and I also think it depends on the time we would like to strike to make sure we use the sun to our advantage,'' Arthur said and everyone started to nod.
''Good idea, Arthur. Perhaps...'' king James took over and Arthur exhaled before looking at Leon, nodding gratefully towards him.
When the meeting was over, Arthur walked straight towards his chamber and climbed in to bed. Just like yesterday, and the day before that, and the day before that.
Finally came the day when the other kings were to return home. Arthur hoped and prayed that it would make things go back to normal.
''I was nice meeting you, Arthur,'' prince William said and Arthur smiled.
''Likewise,'' he said truthfully. He turned towards Sebastian and they both smirked, knowing damn well that they would not give each other any compliments.
''If you are looking for someone to beat you at comeback, you know where to look,'' Arthur said and Sebastian started to laugh.
''Till next time, Pendragon,'' Sebastian said and with that, the families of the north and east road away.
''Farewell, Arthur. You exceeded all my expectations,'' Anthony said and smiled.
''Farewell, sire. I hope to see you again soon,' Arthur smiled back, he liked Anthony and respected him.
''I hope so too,'' Anthony said as he climbed up his horse.
''Oh, and who knows, perhaps it will be sooner than expected if the arrangement goes according to plan,'' Anthony chuckled as Arthur smile disappeared within seconds.
''Ar... arrangement, sire?'' Arthur asked and tried his best not to stutter.
''Yes, your father has put me in touch with an old friend of his that apparently has a son that possibly could be a good suitor for my daughter,'' Anthony said with a big smile across his face. Arthur stood frozen to his spot.
''Isn't that exciting news, Arthur?'' Uther said and joined in as Anthony waved goodbye.
''Ah, weddings. To see one's child get married is truly a happiness that every parent looks forward to. Perhaps we should begin looking for someone for you too?'' Uther continued with a smirk after Anthony had disappeared and Arthur now turned towards him.
''You... you... why?'' was the only thing that came out. The smile on Uther's face disappeared slowly before he exhaled.
''I take no pleasure in this, Arthur. But you will thank me one day. It's for everyone's good, besides there's plenty of woman out there for you,'' he said.
''You're a bad father,'' Arthur let out as silence followed, Uther just stared at him.
