Amelia's POV
A lot of things have changed in the year since Camelot was reclaimed. Uther never truly recovered from what had happened, which resulted in Arthur taking on the role of King unofficially. Amelia had seen all the pressure he was under and had offered to share the responsibilities with him so it won't become too much. She took on the role the Queen would've done if there was one.
While Arthur is busy with the military and financial aspects of Camelot, the army, weapons and taxes, Amelia handles the Castle, the construction work around the Kingdom, the supplies to Gaius, the health of the people, helping to maintain alliances and treaties, entertaining visitors, playing hostess. Thankfully, she's had practice in entertaining visitors, playing hostess, some of the politics and familiarity with what supplies Gaius uses (and also giving a lot of the latter task to Gwen, who happily became an unofficial helper to Gaius).
She often pulls Gwen along with her to the Council meetings and inspections much to the displeasure of the Councillors and the maid herself, but Amelia believes that Gwen should be prepared for the role of Queen before becoming one.
She isn't used to being in front of the Councillors, to being tasked with actual decisions that affect the Kingdom. It is overwhelming and it just makes her more and more stressed to hear about all the things that needed decisions and knowing that one wrong one could damage Camelot or hurt a Village or kill one or make their harvest not as bountiful…
It is good to have Gwen, and sometimes Anne, with her because Amelia doesn't know how she would have survived on her own. The two roles feel incredibly separate so she never has Arthur's more experienced support with her but Gwen and Anne have been there to support her when the Councillors would just stare at her as if she's an idiot or gone mad or a mad idiot when she's made some suggestions.
The greatest support has been from Percival. Their relationship has been going from strength to strength in the year since Morgana and Morgause's defeat and has become much more serious. Whenever she doubted or questioned herself, he'd be there.
Lord Agravaine, Amelia, Morgana and Arthur's uncle, had come to Camelot not long after Uther's fall, as Ygraine and Vivianne's last brother, he'd insisted on helping the young to-be-king in the place of his father. Amelia, despite Agravaine's best efforts, does not like him at all. She doesn't know why, she just knows she doesn't like him and trusts her instincts about that. This results in all of their interactions being awkward and uncomfortable (hopefully it's felt more by her uncle).
—
Amelia is sitting across from Uther, the man by his window, a tray of food beside him as he sits in his chair. A goblet in his hand as he tries to lift it to his lips, but his hands are shaking so badly he quickly puts it down.
"Would you like help, Majesty?" Amelia asks him. He doesn't look at her to see that her sincere words don't match her expression. She may not like the man, and she may think Camelot would be better off with Arthur as the true King instead of stepping in as Regent while his father 'recovers' (more like deteriorates), but he is still her cousin's father, an uncle by marriage, and she is determined to take care of him. Arthur had asked her to keep an eye on him and she couldn't say no despite her feelings towards Uther. That doesn't mean she needs to enjoy it.
Uther doesn't seem to hear her, lost in his misery. She doesn't take it personally; he is just like Arthur and doesn't want to appear weak.
"Will you at least try to eat?" She tries again.
But Uther remains silent. Amelia can now see it is more because he is lost in his thoughts. He is broken hearted to know that his own daughter hates him and betrayed him. During Morgana's reign, he'd not been fed, he'd been beaten, and he'd been left in the coldest Cell in the Dungeons and, given his age, it hadn't helped his health at all. He falls sick easier, he has a terrible cough that doesn't go away, and he is losing his appetite. He just seems... miserable.
Amelia shares a look with Gwen, who'd just walked in, and the woman takes the tray of untouched food.
Amelia waits a moment longer before she stands, placing a small vial on the table. "Gaius says you're to take this." She tells the King. The potion doesn't seem to make any difference but they don't know what else to do. She stands and walks over to Gwen, who had paused to watch.
"It's been a year since Morgana betrayed him." Gwen says, sadly observing the King's sad figure.
Amelia nods. She thought she'd enjoy it more but the King is just too pitiful to enjoy. "His heart is broken and his spirit is gone. You're joining us for the feast tonight?"
Gwen shakes her head. "I don't think so. I need to stay with the King." She speaks softly.
"Are you sure? I could—"
"Yes, Amelia." Gwen interrupts her with a small smile. "You shouldn't overtax yourself, you have enough on your plate with the Council."
Amelia always eats at least one meal with the King in between her meetings just to see if she can get him to eat something, checks on him at least 3 times a day, and speaks to him for at least an hour of it. That on top of all her workload is a bit much.
"I don't do it for Uther." Amelia whispers. "But for Arthur. He's his father, the last parent he has left."
—
Leon and Elyan return and report to Arthur, Amelia and the Council in the Council Chambers in an emergency Council meeting.
"The reports are true, sire. We caught up with Morgana on the Plains of Denaria." Leon reports.
Amelia listens with rapt attention. For months she hasn't heard hide nor hair of her sisters but knows that they're alive. Anne had questioned her on how she knows but Amelia can't explain it, it's like she would feel it, sense it if they died.
"Was she alone?" Arthur asks solemnly as he hears news of their elder half sister.
Elyan shakes his head. "There was someone else."
"Morgause?" Amelia wonders hesitantly. She feels almost fearful to know what has happened to her other half sister since she last saw her. Playing a part in her getting her neck to collide with a column will do that.
"Couldn't be sure."
Agravaine speaks from the shadows, "Where was Morgana heading?"
Amelia glances in her uncle's direction with a suspicious look. Honestly, why does he need to stand in the dark as if he's a villain? It doesn't exactly help Amelia's feelings about him.
"To the Seas of Meredor." Leon informs them.
Amelia's eyes widen and she glances at where Gaius, Anne and Merlin stand in alarm.
"Isle of the Blessed." Gaius tells everyone else that wouldn't've known.
Agravaine steps into the light. "I'll send out patrols at first light."
"Thank you, Agravaine." Arthur says.
"Sire, you should know her powers have grown. Sir Bertrand and Sir Montague are both dead." Leon warns.
Amelia closes her eyes briefly in sorrow for the lost Knights. She isn't surprised Morgana's powers have grown. Amelia had been suspicious for a while but she's now beginning to realise how her and Morgana's magic are almost connected. It had always seemed that their magic grew and developed in sync.
"Keep me informed of any developments." Arthur tells them. The Councilmen, Knights and everyone all bow and exit leaving Arthur, Amelia and Agravaine remaining. The three As.
"For months, nothing. Why now?" Arthur asks the two of them.
"We knew she couldn't stay hidden forever." Agravaine remarks. "Today, tomorrow, what does it matter? Mustn't live in fear, Arthur. Camelot is strong. If Morgana were to act, we'd be ready for her."
Amelia supposes he's right but something tells her the timing is too suspicious. To act now on today of all days doesn't sit right with her.
"You're right, of course. I don't know how I'd've got through these last few months without you." Arthur turns to Amelia with a smile which she returns. "Without either of you. Thank you, Uncle," Arthur and Amelia share an amused look, "Cousin." Yep, still strange.
Honestly, Amelia had forgotten Agravaine is there until he speaks, breaking up the cousin bonding, "I made a promise to your mother and I'm sure yours would've said the same thing Amelia if she had the chance. I'll always be there for you both."
Arthur nods with a smile and exits. Amelia gives Agravaine a tight brief one before following.
—
Everyone gathers in the Banquet Hall for the feast. Amelia sits beside Arthur on one side of the King's empty chair while Agravaine sits on the other. The Court spreads from there and into more tables lining the sides of the room. Amelia is saddened to not be sitting by Percival but is pleased to see him joking and smiling with the Knights as well as trading brief glances with him help ease the pain.
Arthur stands and the laughter dies down. "Samhain. It is the time of year when we feel closest to the spirits of our ancestors. It is a time to remember those we have lost to celebrate their passing." Arthur raises his glass in a toast. "To the King."
Everyone stands to toast as the bell tolls.
Amelia then stiffens suddenly, holding her cup in a daze as she listens to the echoing of the bells tolling midnight, and looks around as time seems to slow around her. She glances over to where Anne and Merlin stand in the room and see that they too are experiencing it.
The cheers slow, and everyone's voices and toasts start to distort. Amelia stares at the centre of the room with wide eyes. A dead looking woman in a black, hooded cloak with a staff standing in the middle of the Banquet Hall.
She is staring at them. Her eyes are sad—so much pain within them.
"Emyrs…" Amelia hears whispered in her head, her voice sounds as though it comes from the depths of the earth, "Tarian... Amelia…" Then she points at them all.
The moment is broken when Amelia screams. The Hall falls silent as they turn to where Amelia is staring to see Anne had collapsed to the ground. Lancelot is already bolting over when Merlin drops his empty serving pitcher making a clanging noise and swoons before Amelia herself feels herself begin to go. Her breath is taken from her. It's as if someone's died.
"Amelia!" She faintly hears Percival's voice as she collides with the ground, her entire body freezing up and shivering. Amelia feels like someone has dumped a bucket of ice-cold water over her head, but she feels a pair of warm hands on her as Percival lifts her up. Amelia struggles to stay awake, but she eventually falls unconscious.
—
Morgana's POV
At the Isle of the Blessed's Altar, Morgana is just coming around after being thrown back due to the spell she had enacted to open the veil. The High Priestess has greatly changed since she lost the Camelot throne. Her once beautiful hair has lost its shine and is now a bedraggled mess. She has dark bags underneath her eyes, and her glowing skin has paled.
She's roused further when she feels a hand stroke her cheek and she opens her eyes. Morgana sits up and sees a cloaked woman standing in front of the rift. She stares at it with tears in her eyes now knowing that Morgause is truly gone.
"Who are you?" Morgana hesitantly asks.
"I am the Cailleach, the gatekeeper to the spirit world." The woman explains. "You have torn the veil between the worlds." Eerie screams echo from the rift. "The Dorocha. They are the voices of the dead, my child. And, like the dead, they are numberless."
Morgana looks around fearfully. She struggles to understand what's happening. If Amelia were here… No.
"You are right to be afraid, Morgana. Your enemies will rue this day and all the destruction it brings, but you must beware. Tearing the veil between the worlds has created a new world, and you will not walk through it alone. The ones they call Emrys and Tarian will walk in your shadow. As long as Tarian lives, you will never get what you want. While Emrys is your destiny, and he is your doom. But this doesn't mean you are on your own; your sister Amelia sits at a crossroad where she may still yet turn against those she betrayed you for."
—
Anne's POV
"Please don't tell me..." Anne groans as she slowly comes around to feel herself in her and Merlin's Chambers, "That I fainted."
Amelia, who is sitting beside her, chuckles. "You did. But don't worry, all three of us did."
Anne blinks a bit and opens her eyes. "Are you both alright?"
"We're fine." Amelia reassures her. "Merlin and I after some treatment came round quite quickly. It was you we were more concerned about, you took longer."
Anne squeezes her hand as it holds hers. "You're cold…"
"So are you." Amelia tells her. "Gaius said he'd never felt anyone so cold before till he checked us three. He gave us all Hawthorne to improve the blood flow. And blankets," she gestures to the one around her shoulders, "lots of blankets."
She nods, seeing more blankets on her than normal, the fire going in the fireplace. "Where's Merlin?"
"He's with Gaius." Amelia tells her. "I said I wanted to be with you for a moment."
Anne sits up abruptly causing her to scrunch up her face in discomfort as she had gone dizzy. She waves off Amelia's concern. "You didn't tell him about—"
Amelia sighs. "About the baby?" Anne nods. "No."
Anne sighs in relief, lying back down in the bed.
"When are you going to tell him?" Amelia asks her.
"Soon." Anne reassures. "What was that?"
"Gaius said she was the Cailleach, the um... the gatekeeper to the spirit world." Amelia explains.
"And she just happened to show up at midnight on Samhain's Eve?" Anne shakes her head. "It was Morgana, wasn't it? She's torn the veil between the worlds."
Amelia nods solemnly. "That's exactly what Gaius thinks."
Anne frowns when she sees Amelia's face isn't just solemn but there are tear tracks on her cheeks and water in her eyes. "What is it? What else is wrong?"
"I…" Amelia's voice cracks and she clears it. "When the Cailleach appeared, I felt the same coldness you and Merlin felt but I also felt something else… as if someone has been torn from me."
"Like who?"
"Morgause."
"How do you know it's her and that she's dead?" Anne questions.
"I just know. She's gone."
—
Amelia's POV
The next morning, they're all called to an emergency Council meeting. The Council is gathered around a weeping woman when Amelia and Arthur walk into the Council Chambers with Merlin following them. Anne is still on bed rest.
"What's happened to her?" Arthur whispers to Agravaine as he steps away from the crowd to greet them.
"Her Village was attacked." Agravaine answers.
"By who?"
Agravaine shakes his head. "Not entirely clear, sire."
Arthur and Amelia approach the crying woman.
"What's your name?" Arthur asks.
She whimpers, but answers, "Drea."
Arthur steps closer and the girl tenses. Arthur puts a comforting hand on her shoulder and speaks tenderly. "Drea," She uncertainly makes eye contact. "I'm Arthur. Don't be frightened. Tell me what happened."
"My mother, my father, my litter sister, they're…" She cuts herself off with a sob.
"It's all right. It's all right." Amelia reassures her, cautiously reaching out to rub her back.
She nods and doesn't flinch away from Amelia's touch, so Arthur takes that as a sign to keep going. "Someone attacked them." At Drea's nod, Arthur asks, "Who?"
"There was no one. Just...shapes." Drea explains.
"You didn't see their faces?" Amelia asks.
Drea hesitates, but answers, "They had no faces."
Arthur exchanges a look of uncertainty with Amelia. She doesn't miss Merlin turning around as if hearing the sound of something behind him.
Amelia's attention is brought back to Drea as she speaks, "I- I keep telling you. They were there, but... they weren't there. They moved so quickly. It was as if they weren't real, but... they must've been. I could hear the people screaming. And then...silence. They were all...dead."
Drea then breaks down, and Arthur pats her shoulder comfortingly, "Hey. Thank you." He looks up at Amelia and nods down at Drea, and Amelia nods in understanding as she turns Drea to her to let her cry on her shoulder. Amelia rubs Drea's arms comfortingly.
"Where is this Village?" Amelia hears him ask Agravaine.
"Howden. It's to the east of the White Mountains, no more than half a day's hard ride." He responds as he, Arthur, Leon and Merlin walk out of the room.
—
Arthur, Merlin, Leon, Gwaine, Percival, Lancelot and Elyan leave soon after to head for Howden. Everything is calm in Camelot until nightfall. Because at night, the Castle is attacked by the same faceless shapes that had attacked Drea's Village. These...things are just passing through people, freezing them to death.
Hundreds of thousands of people ran for the Castle, Amelia ordered the gates be open to take the refugees in and try to protect them. Anne, who'd thankfully warmed up to a normal temperature, and Gwen quickly rush to help Gaius tend to the wounded as they poured in.
Amelia quickly learns two things, the wisps, which have skulls on the ends of them, are afraid of fire and her magic is utterly useless against them. She'd tried to summon fire to her hands but hadn't been able to. So, she'd grabbed a torch off a sconce and brandished it at the wisp as it came after her, not about to go down without a fight, and sent it flying off.
It is useful to know not to waste her efforts on her magic and to carry a torch with her, but she is more worried about Percival, Merlin and Arthur. She can feel it inside her, what the wisp had made her feel, an emptiness, a powerlessness, a pressure on her chest like she couldn't breathe, and she hoped it wasn't the same for Merlin if he encounters one. It is not a nice feeling.
Amelia clutches a torch in her hand as she shifts the blankets in her arms. Amelia is rushing down a corridor when she hears Agravaine call out to her, "Amelia! Warn Gaius there are more victims by the western gate!"
Agravaine continues down another corridor and Amelia rushes on until a window behind her smashes in right behind a Knight. The skull wisp rushes in and goes through the Knight as he lets out a scream. Amelia takes cover behind a column and brandishes her torch at the skull wisp. The skull wisp leaves and she crouches to check on the Knight, hoping against hope that he hadn't ended up like the others, but he's frozen solid. Just like the others.
—
They had to set up a Morgue in the Council Chambers. The list of the dead keeps growing as more and more bodies are brought in.
Amelia looks behind her at Gaius and Anne, who have the same sombre looks on their faces. Two Guards exit with a stretcher after having delivered the latest victim and Amelia pulls a cloth over their face.
Amelia hears someone enter the room and she turns, already wondering how to make more room for another body when she recognises the person to be Merlin.
"Merlin…" Gaius murmurs in relief.
This catches the attention of Anne, who snaps her head up. "Merlin!" She squeaks as she runs over to him. Anne jumps into his waiting arms and hugs him tightly. "Thank God you are all right."
Merlin is hugging Anne, but he doesn't say anything and has a freaked out look on his face.
Anne pulls away slowly, registering the look on his face. "You saw them." She says, not a question. He nods.
"Here, help us. Grab some more sheets." Amelia tells Merlin, hoping that having a task will calm him a bit. Merlin does it, but he still acts strangely. Amelia pauses. "You tried using your magic against them, didn't you?"
Merlin lets out a shaky breath. "I have never felt so powerless. Something deep inside. And when it came for me, I felt this emptiness. I couldn't breathe. I'm scared."
"Oh Merlin." Anne sighs. She cups his face gently and makes sure he is looking at her. "Merlin, it's okay. It's not your fault. Do you understand me?"
He doesn't respond, so Anne just wraps her arms around him as if to hold him together.
—
"We've suffered fifty dead, maybe more. Mainly in the Lower Town." Agravaine reports as he, Arthur, Amelia, Merlin, Anne and Gaius gather in his Chambers the next morning.
"And there's no way of fighting them?" Arthur asks.
"No, our only weapons are torches. And the light doesn't kill them, it only repels them."
"What are they?" Arthur asks, turning to Gaius.
"They're Dorocha, sire. The spirits of the dead. On Samhain's Eve in the time of the Old Religion, the High Priestesses would perform a blood sacrifice and release them." Gaius explains.
Amelia feels a shiver go through her at the mention of a blood sacrifice. That's how Morgause must've died, she offered herself to be the sacrifice.
"But who'd do such a thing now?" Agravaine questions.
"Morgana." Amelia quietly murmurs. They all turn to her at her words.
"You see her hand in this?" Arthur asks.
"We know she was travelling to the Isle of the Blessed." Amelia replies.
"How do we defeat these creatures?" Arthur asks.
"I don't know, sire. No mortal has ever survived their touch." Gaius admits.
—
After spending another terrifying night with the Dorocha, Amelia is determined that they need to defeat them, especially after she hears Percival would've got killed saving some young children if it hadn't been for Elyan. She clung to him when she heard.
The same group from the day before gather in the Council Chambers watching Villagers crowd into Camelot with the belongings they can carry.
"They're coming from across the Kingdom. They're looking to Camelot for protection." Gaius says.
"And we will give it to them." Arthur declares.
"We cannot house them all." Agravaine argues.
"We have to try!" Amelia angrily counters.
"How? We cannot live like this forever. We must find a way to vanquish these creatures." Agravaine persists. Amelia internally rolls her eyes. Okay, so he has a point.
"Somewhere in all your books, Gaius, there must be something. All I'm asking for is a way to fight them." Arthur pleads with the Physician.
"I fear the Dorocha cannot be defeated by swords and arrows, sire." Gaius admits. "If I am right, and the veil between the worlds is torn, then there's only one path open to us. To travel to the Isle of the Blessed and repair it."
"And how do I do that?"
If it's torn one way, it's likely to be repaired another way.
"I'm not sure. But for the tear to be created would've required a blood sacrifice. To seal will require another." Gaius suggests.
There's a moment of silence as the five of them watch Arthur before the Prince declares, "We ride before nightfall." He walks away from them. The others watch him in shock.
"And who will be the sacrifice?" Gaius asks the question the others had daren't ask.
"If laying down my life will spare the people of Camelot, then that is what I must do." Arthur decides.
Amelia shares a look of horror with Anne. If Arthur is going to try and sacrifice himself then there is one person who'd try to take his place without question. Merlin.
—
Agravaine's POV
Agravaine rides through the woods before reaching his destination. He gets off his horse and enters a Hovel hidden away among the trees and rocks without knocking. He looks around and sees no one there but then a dagger is put to his back.
He tenses. "My lady?" He speaks hesitantly.
"My lord." Agravaine sighs in relief as Morgana releases the pressure on his back. "I trust you bring me good news." She lowers the dagger and walks further into her home. "Tell me."
"The Kingdom is on its knees." Agravaine reports.
"How terrible." She mock pouts.
Agravaine chuckles. "Indeed."
"What of the poor people?" Morgana wonders though it is clear she's not asking from a place of care.
"More fall every night." Agravaine confirms.
"Such a shame." She says sarcastically. "And of my dear sister?"
"As of yet, she doesn't suspect me." Agravaine reassures her. He admits he had been curious to meet his other niece after all he had heard from Morgana and Morgause. He is still unsure what to make of her.
"You need to be careful around her." Morgana warns.
Agravaine nods though he needs to move on to the other things he needs to warn Morgana of. "You should know that Arthur intends to vanquish these creatures."
Morgana scoffs. "Impossible."
"He makes ready to go to the Isle of the Blessed as we speak." Agravaine says. "If the Dorocha don't kill him on the way, our brave little lamb intends to sacrifice himself to repair the veil."
Morgana seems to think it over and turns away suddenly. Her mind clearly is distracted, gaining Agravaine's attention. "Something's troubling you. Morgana."
"Something the Cailleach said," Morgana explains. "She spoke of someone called Emrys. Called him my doom and another known as Tarian and that as long as Tarian lives, I will never get what I want."
"Your doom? Tarian? What did she mean?" Agravaine asks.
"I don't know." Morgana says through gritted teeth. "But she—"
"What?"
"The Cailleach said that Amelia may join me one day." Morgana admits.
Agravaine frowns in contemplation. "Perhaps that time is now?" He suggests.
"Perhaps."
Agravaine can see her distress and walks over to her. "Morgana, we should be celebrating. Arthur will be dead within the week, leaving the throne open for Camelot's rightful heir."
Morgana smirks.
—
Amelia's POV
Amelia is anxiously pacing in her Chambers. Anne had gone to talk to Merlin though Amelia isn't sure what good it'll do.
She startles and quickly spins around, facing the door after hearing a knock. "Come in!"
It opens to emit Arthur.
Amelia sighs. "Tell me you've found a way to heal the veil without sacrificing yourself."
He gives her a rueful smile and shakes his head. "Unfortunately, that's not why I'm here." He holds out a ring to her, and it takes a second to register that the image on it is the Pendragon seal.
Amelia furrows her eyebrows as Arthur places it in her hand. She looks back up at him. "What's that for?" Amelia asks.
"You have to take this. It bears the royal seal. In my absence, responsibility to the Kingdom rests with you." Arthur tells her.
Amelia stares at him in shock. She knows she's been helping him run the Kingdom but this… "Arthur… I couldn't possibly…" She presses the ring back into Arthur's hand.
"You already do so much for the Kingdom, why not make it official?" Arthur argues earnestly.
"But wait-what about your father?" Amelia asks.
Arthur swallows his emotions as he says, "Should he die, you're to assume the throne."
Amelia gapes at him. Become Queen— "What? Arthur—"
Arthur puts the seal back into Amelia's hand and pushes it back to her. "You're one of the only people I trust, Amelia. After everything that transpired last year, you have shown nothing but loyalty, care, and love towards Camelot." He smiles at her. "I can go to the Isle of the Blessed knowing that Camelot could not be in better care."
"Arthur," Amelia starts, feeling herself choke up. "You cannot do this. Please. This isn't about the fate of Camelot being in my hands, this is about the fact that you are marching to your death. For my sake, for your father's sake, and for the sake of the Kingdom, you have to find another way."
Arthur closes her hand over the seal. "My mind's made up. I'm just grateful that you're here."
Amelia stares at him with wide tearful eyes before pulling him into a hug. She clings to him tightly as this could be the last time they see each other.
—
Anne's POV
Anne hides in one of the rooms, and as Merlin walks down the corridor with a backpack strapped over his shoulder, she grabs his arm and pulls him into the room.
He makes a noise of surprise but stops when he sees that it is just his wife. "Anne!"
"I know what you're planning and you cannot do it, Merlin." Anne tells him outright.
He sighs, knowing that he can't deny it to her face. "It is my destiny to protect Arthur, you know that." He says simply.
Anne feels tears in her eyes as she crosses her arms over her chest. "Yeah? Well, it's also your destiny to be my husband. Besides, you said it yourself, your magic is powerless against the Dorocha. How can you protect Arthur?"
He is quiet then he says, "Then I must sacrifice myself in his place."
Anne knows tears are streaming down her face as she looks at her husband in desperation. "Merlin, please, you can't..."
"Hey." He says, reaching up and wiping at her tears. "You cannot cry. I don't want the last image of you in my mind of your crying face."
"Merlin, you can't sacrifice yourself." Anne insists. Why did this all have to happen now? Just as she had found out—
"Camelot needs Arthur." Merlin argues.
"Well, I need you!" Anne retorts. "Please. Don't make me live without you." She grabs a hold of his trusty scarf. "Please. Figure out another way."
Merlin draws a deep breath, then leans down and kisses her harder than he ever has. When he pulls back, he says, "I promise I'll try to figure out another way."
"I'm coming with you." Anne declares.
He shakes his head. "No, Camelot and Amelia need you here." Merlin says.
Knowing she isn't going to win this fight, Anne nods. "Fine. But you have to come back because I have something very important to tell you."
He frowns inquisitively at her. "What is that?" He asks.
Anne leans forward. "You'll only find that out by coming back."
Merlin smiles down at her, but the smile doesn't reach his eyes. He leans down and kisses her again. Almost as if he is committing this kiss to memory.
But he has to come home.
He has to.
—
Amelia's POV
Amelia enters the Training Grounds as that is where all the Knights are gearing up before heading off. She spots Gwen talking with Lancelot as she makes her way along the line to Percival but suddenly Gwaine steps in front of her. Amelia chews her lip anxiously; she usually tries to avoid him because—
"Amelia I—" He tries to say.
But Amelia shakes her head and steps away from him. "Stop Gwaine, we've talked about this."
"I know. But I still have feelings for you and I know you're with Percival now—"
"Exactly. I'm with Percival, Gwaine." Amelia snaps, cutting him off. "We have something together and he doesn't deserve to have his heart broken. So please."
She walks away to— well, her boyfriend she supposes, her suitor. He turns and gives her a soft smile.
"Amelia…"
Amelia sighs and gives him a tight hug. She stands on her toes as he bends down. "Just come back safe, that's all I ask."
"Of course." Percival pulls away and brings his hand to her cheek, stroking it. "I'll return to you." He leans forward and presses his lips to hers. Amelia savours their kiss before she has to pull back.
—
Anne's POV
Anne sits up screaming, clutching her chest as if she had felt something icy cold go through her. She begins to feel cold all over and shivers as she breathes heavily.
"Anne? Anne!" Anne is startled by Amelia's voice as she hurries into the Antechamber next to her room. Anne had moved in there while Merlin is away as she can't bare sleeping in their Chambers until she knows he's okay. But now he might not be.
"Anne!" Amelia calls, grabbing her arms and turning her so she faces Amelia. "What's wrong?"
"Something's wrong." Anne murmurs in a daze. "Something's wrong with Merlin."