A/N: Italics = flashbacks
TW: references to suicide.
—
Vivienne's POV
Vivienne, nee de Bois and wife of Gorlois, smiles sadly as she strokes her heavily pregnant stomach as she sits at her desk in her Chambers, gazing out of the window. A piece of parchment lies out on the table in front of her, pen hanging listlessly in her left hand. Her mind is blank as she tries to think of the right words to say.
"Vivienne?" Vivienne looks up to see it was her brother Agravaine who had called her name.
She smiles softly at the sight of him.
"I betrayed him again, Agravaine." Vivienne begins to sob. "How could I do this?"
She had been on her way to visit her brother, but she had wanted to stop at Dumnonia, Odin's Kingdom to visit his wife, Rhiannon. Vivienne, who was deeply in love with her husband Gorlois, had not wanted to betray him again and had not planned to develop feelings for Odin nor to have an affair with him. They soon had to separate from each other when Vivienne had to continue her journey to Agravaine's.
A few months into her stay, Vivienne learnt that there was a consequence to her actions as she found herself pregnant for the third time. Vivienne, knowing she could not even try to pass this child off as Gorlois' like she had with Morgana, decided to extend her stay with her brother, arguing that she missed her family home.
Agravaine frowns in concern and strides over to his sister, crouching down and placing a reassuring hand on her knee. "Do not blame yourself."
"How could I not?" Vivienne remarks. "I suppose it is only to be expected, I have always been seen as the rebellious child."
"That is not true!"
Vivienne scoffs, her cheeks wet. "Do you really believe that? I'm sure you did when I got pregnant by some blacksmith while unmarried and losing the advantageous marriage mother and father had organised for me. Or maybe it was when you learnt that I had an affair with my own brother-in-law."
"You know Samuel was not some blacksmith."
Vivienne sighs. "No, no he wasn't."
Samuel had been learning the trade when she had met him. She had loved him since she first saw him and whilst she was a lady of high standard and betrothed, that did not stop her from becoming too close to him which ended up costing her everything. She was pregnant and betrothed to someone else who was not the father. Vivienne's father had flown into a rage, beating poor Samuel black and blue and banishing him. Vivienne's betrothed learnt of the news and refused to marry her. Then she met Gorlois, sweet Gorlois who did not care that his wife was carrying a child that was not his, and Vivienne knows that he would have loved Morgause like his own if he was given the chance. But life is cruel and Morgause was taken away.
"Ygraine has written to me. She says her and Uther are now expecting a child." Agravaine tells her softly, almost fearful. "Tristan has gone to visit her."
Of course, he has. Tristan and Ygraine have always been close. Sickenly so. Her sister has always radiated loveliness, loveliness Vivienne has envied since she was a little girl. Everyone always preferred her younger sister. The girl who was and always will be perfect in every way, a good child who did everything she was told and even married a King. Vivienne's raging words would reduce Ygraine to tears as a child when she had aggressively shouted at her little sister for going into her room and messing up her things. But she doesn't hate her sister and would forgive her just as often but there will always be that divide between them. Maybe that's why Vivienne betrayed her sister in the cruellest way.
Her mother could never be proud of her, for sleeping around and bearing children left, right and centre, betraying her husband and living a lie while Ygraine is as pure as winter snow, and as innocent as its white blanket.
Agravaine, realising she is not going to bother to give his news a reply, moves on, "Have you found a family to care for the child?"
Vivienne sniffles as she nods. "Yes, Sir George's wife, Helen, miscarried her child but she despairs the idea of telling her husband, so I offered my own."
"I am sure she will be well loved."
"Yes..."
—
Amelia's POV
The attack on Nemeth had gone extremely well and now it's time for the next step of the plan. Amelia strides into the Throne room of the Castle along with Odin and Morgana to find King Rodor and Princess Mithian on their knees in the centre of the room with Odin's men guarding them. A Guard shoves Mithian forward causing her to catch herself by her arms and hands.
Amelia winces before quickly rearranging her face into a hard and blank mask. She can't let any of them see any weakness.
"King Rodor." Odin gleefully greets as they reach them. "Princess Mithian. You are as beautiful as they say." He leans forward and grasps Mithian chin, so she looks at him.
Mithian wretches her chin away from him, glaring. "You, Odin, are a cold-blooded murderer."
Rodor stands. "Why have you done this?"
Amelia juts her chin out, trying to project confidence. "You should choose your allies more carefully. Any friend of Camelot is an enemy of my sister and I."
Morgana smirks, nodding to the Guards to take father and daughter away.
Mithian protests, turning to Amelia desperately. "Please, Amelia. You can stop this. This is not like you!"
Amelia clenches her fist, trying to stay in control. "You don't know me." She snaps.
Amelia doesn't watch as Mithian and Rodor get dragged out of the room. Morgana moves to the throne, pacing around it.
"So, we divide the spoils as agreed." Odin says to them.
"Take whatever you wish." Amelia says. "We couldn't have done it without you after all."
Odin looks at her, almost longingly, before glancing between the two. "Then, what is your business here?"
Morgana shrugs, walking towards him. "I seek what's rightfully mine. I seek the throne of Camelot. And for that we need an army."
"My army."
Amelia raises an eyebrow. "I believe they've showed their mettle today." She remarks.
"And what do I receive in return for this service?" Odin questions.
"Arthur, to do with as you wish." Morgana replies tightly.
Amelia and Morgana turn to leave.
"Amelia." Odin calls.
She turns to him. "What?" She asks curtly.
Odin finds himself unable to say anything. Amelia frowns at him before turning away. He's always been strange towards her every time they've met, giving her strange looks. Though granted she hasn't been around him often, particularly after Arthur killed his son but Amelia has recently been spending a lot of time with him and it's allowed her to really notice.
Amelia is so deep in her thoughts as she walks away that she doesn't see Morgana giving Odin a sharp look before following her.
—
The plan had been decided way in advance. Rodor will stay with Odin as insurance that Mithian will behave as she travels to Camelot with Morgana and Amelia who are under ageing spells as Hilda and Freya, two faithful servants who had supposedly escaped Odin's invasion with her.
They gallop into the Main Square and dismount. Amelia swallows thickly. She looks around at a Castle she has not seen in over 3 years. The memories here– No. She can't be weak, she can't mess up this plan, she can't let Morgana down. She has to stay firm.
Amelia's breath does not catch at the sight of Leon running out of the Castle, followed by a couple of Guards.
"Show yourselves!" He cries.
Mithian steps around her horse to face him. "Sir Leon. It gladdens my heart to see you." Suddenly, Mithian staggers back and seemingly fainting.
"Princess Mithian." Leon gasps, rushing forward to lift in his arms.
"My Lady!" Morgana (Hilda) cries fearfully. Amelia (Freya) reaches forward in concern. Fake concern, of course, she can't break.
Leon quickly carries Mithian up the Castle steps. "Quickly! We must get her to Gaius!"
—
Leon rushes into a Guest Chambers with Mithian in his arms with Morgana and Amelia slinking along behind him. Amelia is admittedly out of breath by the time they get there. She is totally and completely unaffected by the appearance of Gaius, another person she hasn't seen in so long, who was also nowhere to be seen during her imprisonment.
"Merlin, bring blankets and build a fire. Hurry now! We must keep her warm at all costs." Gaius instructs as Leon places Mithian on the bed.
"Is she gonna be alright?" Leon asks worriedly.
"I fear it's too early to say." Gaius replies. "Thank you, Leon. You've done all you can."
"Of course." Leon responds. He leaves but not before throwing worried glances towards Mithian's immobile form. The old Amelia would definitely start plotting to get them together, just as she had with Anne when it came to Gwen and Arthur—
Merlin touches Amelia's arm gently, who startles at the touch. "I'll have someone show you to your room." He says softly.
He can't— he can't be kind, she—
"We will not leave our mistress." Amelia manages to get out.
"She's in safe hands I assure you." Merlin softly reassures.
"She means everything to us." Morgana adds.
"If it were up to me..."
"Please…" Amelia begs, turning to directly face Merlin. They can't leave Mithian on her own.
Merlin turns to the Physician. "Gaius?"
"Very well." Gaius concedes. "Make yourself comfortable. Merlin, give me that blanket."
Suddenly, Anne bursts in at that moment, a baby in her arms. Amelia's breath catches in her throat at the first sight of Anne. Oh God, she can't take this.
Merlin rushes over to her in concern. "Anne, what are doing here? I thought you were putting Euwen down for the night? Where's Faye?"
Amelia knows Anne is replying but she can't hear her, all Amelia can hear is her own thoughts. Anne has a daughter and a son, and she named the daughter a name Amelia had suggested—
Amelia then feels Morgana grab hold of her upper arm, squeezing it. This quickly brings Amelia down to earth again. She looks away when Anne gives them a curious smile but watches when Merlin kisses her before Anne leaves.
Once everyone is gone and the door is locked, Amelia and Morgana can remove their disguise much to Amelia's relief. It's not easy. Amelia gasps in agony, clinging to the table in front of her. She can hear Morgana doing the same as they both turn back to normal. Amelia turns around to look at Mithian, while she rubs her hands, getting rid of the ache in her fingers, to see Mithian watching them both closely.
"Your magic may be strong, but the two of you can't keep this up for long. It's exhausting you." Mithian warns.
Amelia and Morgana look at her sharply.
"Enough!" The latter snaps. "You just concentrate on making sure your friends believe your story."
Mithian swallows shakily.
—
Anne's POV
Anne watches in concern as Merlin assists Mithian in the chair that sits directly opposite Arthur and Gwen's thrones in the Council Chambers. Once she's seated comfortably, Merlin steps off to the side, standing next to Anne amongst members of the Council. Anne glances over to the two elderly women who sit in chairs just behind Mithian. They seem a bit of a mystery, curious companions for Mithian. And strangely familiar…
"They came at night without warning. We were unprepared. We could not hold them." Mithian tells them shakily.
"This was three days ago you say." Arthur prompts softly.
Mithian nods, attempting to hold back tears. "His men, they showed no mercy. Cut us down like corn."
"Odin has no care for the suffering he causes."
"And your father?" Gwen asks.
"He was badly wounded, but we managed to escape." Mithian explains. Okay, some good news.
"Where is he now?" Arthur asks.
"We made it almost as far as the border, but he could not continue any further." Mithian says tearfully, almost choking with emotion. "Odin's men will be searching for us. It's only a matter of time before they find him."
"I see."
Anne watches curiously as Mithian seems to glance at her two companions, before quickly looking away. The two women watch her intently. Strange…
"My father is an old man. He cannot fend for himself. I have no one else to turn to, but you, Arthur. You're my only hope." Mithian pleads.
"Mithian, I understand how you must be feeling, and I will do everything in my power to help you." Arthur promises.
"Thank you, my Lord." Mithian says, tears streaming down her face.
—
Amelia's POV
That evening, Morgana and Amelia, still in their disguises as Hilda and Freya, decide to send a message to Odin, informing him that Arthur has fallen for the bait.
"Cume mec, hræfn wann... bebuge me. Nim bod min þissere nihte." They chant, a raven arrives and sits on the windowsill. Amelia reaches forward and ties the note to the animal's leg. "þinum dryhten. Geðo hit his agendum handum."
Then Amelia sees something move out of the corner of her eye. Mithian.
Morgana and Amelia share a look. They turn the corner to see Mithian bolting towards the door. Morgana raises her hand and yanks it back. Mithian cries out as she flies backwards and lands on the floor, gasping. Amelia walks forward to yank her up when they are interrupted by a knock on the door.
Amelia yanks Mithian up, grasping her arm as if she's helping her stand but she tightens her grip in warning as Morgana opens the door to reveal its Merlin. Amelia tenses. He's the one destined to be her sister's doom.
"Sorry, I did knock." Merlin apologises.
"No need to apologise." Morgana reassures him.
"Gaius sent me. I have a draught for the Princess." He shows them the bottle.
"How thoughtful! Thank you, Merlin." Morgana takes it, closing the door.
Merlin looks at her oddly, eyes flickering to Amelia and Mithian. Not good. If there's someone to catch onto their plan, it's Merlin.
"Good night then." Merlin leaves.
Morgana locks the door and turns sharply to Mithian. "I would not test us if I were you. You would not enjoy the consequences."
—
Anne's POV
Merlin is frowning throughout the time they take to get ready for bed. He's blowing out the candles and closing the curtains when Anne broaches asking him.
"What's wrong, Merlin?" She asks as she slips into bed.
Merlin sighs. "I don't know. There's something not quite right with Mithian."
"What do you mean?"
"It's as if she's frightened of something." Merlin explains as he pulls back the covers and climbs in next to her.
"Well, her Kingdom was attacked, and her father waits for rescue and could be caught at any moment." Anne points out.
Merlin shakes his head, wrapping his arm around Anne who leans into his side. "It's more than that. I can see fear in her eyes. It's not the Mithian I know."
"It was a different time then." Anne reminds him.
"But it's not just Mithian, it's Hilda and Freya." Merlin argues. "There's something not right between them."
Anne sighs. "I know what you mean. There's something off about them. Don't you think there's something familiar about them?"
"What makes you say that?" Merlin asks.
"I don't know." Anne admits. "A feeling. Every time I look at them. It's strange."
They're quiet for a moment before Anne pulls away, sitting up to face Merlin.
"Just come back alright?" She pleads. "I don't care if you've broken all your limbs, all I want is you breathing."
Merlin chuckles softly. "Alright."
They kiss and settle down for the night, hoping they're wrong.
—
Odin's POV
Odin stands in the ancient tomb of King Loath, three leagues from the Camelot border. Odin reads the note sent by Morgana and Amelia. Rodor stands next to him looking worse for wear.
Odin grins, pleased with what he finds.
"It seems your daughter is not just a pretty face, Rodor." Odin remarks. "Arthur is preparing to depart Camelot."
"Seems your daughter is more calculating than I realised." Rodor retorts daringly.
Odin glares at Rodor. How could he know? He turns to the Soldier who brought it in. "Tell the men to make ready." The Soldier leaves.
Odin turns his gaze back to Rodor. "A Tomb fit for a King. A fitting end to Arthur's journey, don't you think?"
"You are leading an honourable man to his death, Odin." Rodor snaps. "You're no King, you're a little more than a common criminal. Amelia is lucky she doesn't—"
Odin slaps him. "Arthur is the criminal. He proved that when he murdered my son."
He can't speak of it. He promised.
—
Amelia's POV
Amelia groans slightly as she wakes. She looks around, confused at what had woken her. Morgana sleeps in the seat opposite, slumped on the table like Amelia was and the candle in front of her flickers because of the open door.
Wait.
Amelia leaps from her chair. She frantically looks to where Mithian should be sleeping to find an empty bed. Oh, no.
She needs to find Mithian. Now. Morgana will not forgive her if she doesn't.
Amelia quickly pulls in her Freya disguise and runs out of the Guest Chambers, her eyes flickering anxiously around her. Mithian will be heading to Arthur's (and Gwen's) Chambers to tell them and warn them. That can't happen but thankfully Amelia knows this Castle all too well.
She uses the hidden passageways and is able to find Mithian, stepping out right in front of her.
Mithian startles, careering to a stop. "I-I was just—"
"Looking for Arthur?"
Mirhian panics. "N-no, Amelia, I just—"
"Mithian don't lie." Amelia rebuts sharply.
"Amelia– o-okay, fine, yes. I was going to Arthur but please," Mithian begs, "you know what Morgana and Odin are planning is wrong—"
Amelia swallows tightly. "I can't let you go."
"Please, Amelia, please. Just let me go." Mithian tearfully begs.
Amelia closes her eyes tightly. "Don't make me."
It's at that moment, Mithian tries to flee again, attempting to dart around her but Amelia quickly enacts the bracelet causing it to burn her skin. Mithian lets out a cry of pain, collapsing onto the floor.
"I can't let you go to Arthur." Amelia reminds her as Mithian whimpers in pain. Amelia tries not to be affected by it.
"You're mistaken. I-I was just…" Mithian sobs.
"If Morgana finds out about this, she'll bury your father alive." Amelia warns. "Don't betray us again. Understand?"
"Yes, yes." Mithian frantically replies. "Please make it stop!"
Amelia stops it and startles when she hears footsteps. She glances over her shoulder to see it's Gwen approaching them.
"Is everything alright?" The ex-maid calls.
Amelia bends down, grasping Mithian by the arms. "Get up. Slowly." She hisses in her ear. Once Mithian is standing, Amelia turns to Gwen, smiling pleasantly. "The Princess was feeling a little faint that's all. We were just getting some air."
"Well, I hope you're feeling better now." Gwen says, concerned.
"Much better. Thank you." Mithian replies softly.
"We won't detain you any further, my lady. Good night." Amelia says, urging Mithian along.
"Good night. Sleep well." Gwen responds.
As they walk back to the Guest Chambers, Amelia tries desperately to ignore the small whimpers Mithian emits. She can't feel guilty. She can't.
—
The next morning, Arthur, the Knights, Gaius, Merlin, Mithian, Morgana and Amelia prepare to leave in the Courtyard. With their Hilda and Freya disguises back on, Morgana and Amelia struggle to get onto their horses. Amelia is startled when Elyan assists her. In a way she's thankful, she doesn't know what she'd have done if it was Gwaine or even Percival.
Once seated, Amelia's gaze lands on Merlin and Anne as they say goodbye. Another mercy is that Anne isn't coming on this trip nor is Gwen. Amelia doesn't know what she would've done if she spends a long period of time with either of them.
The couple kisses. Anne pulls back and catches eyes with Amelia and frowns. Amelia quickly looks away.
They head off but after a while, the group stops for a break. Amelia sighs heavily, thinking of the struggle she'll face getting down again. You have to love being old.
"Would you like some help?" A very familiar voice asks.
Amelia startles. Oh God, Percival. His gentile face gazes at her. She knows she can't say no so she silently nods. He reaches out his arms, offering. Amelia shakily places hers on top and, while she's trying not to think about how this is the first time in over three years that they've had physical contact, lets Percival guide her off her horse.
"You look familiar." Percival remarks.
Her breath catches as she freezes. "I, I do not know what you mean."
Percival frowns. "Are you sure? Your eyes—"
Amelia quickly pulls away. "We do not know each other."
She hurriedly strides away as quickly as she can. It's all getting a bit much. Amelia tries not to cry but she already feels the tears welling up in her eyes and a few escaping down her cheeks. She quickly wipes them away, swallowing thickly as she tries to gather herself.
—
They don't linger long and head out once more, only stopping when they reach the border just as night falls. They set up camp at an abandoned house. Amelia takes the chance to take a seat as everyone settles down, she's been avoiding Percival's gaze all day and she's exhausted, but is startled when she hears Morgana let out a gasp of pain, slumping against the wall.
"Mor– H-Hilda!" Amelia stumbles as she hurries over to Morgana.
"Gaius!" Merlin yells as he joins her, helping Morgana stand while Amelia anxiously hovers. He gives her a suspicious searching look. Amelia worries he caught her slip up.
Gaius appears next to them, looking at Morgana in concern. "It's alright. Just breathe in. That's it." He encourages.
Morgana follows his instructions and is able to get her breathing under control. "I'm fine."
Amelia frowns in concern. "Are you sure? Maybe their Physician should help you?"
Morgana gives her a small, reassuring smile. "I'm fine, Freya."
"Hilda, if you're unwell you must let Gaius help you." Arthur urges. Everyone has gathered behind him.
Morgana realises she can't get out of this and reluctantly nods. "Well, if you insist."
—
Amelia sits next to Morgana, holding her hand anxiously as Gaius inspects Morgana.
"Well, no obvious problems that I can find. You're in excellent health Hilda." Gaius concludes.
"Thank you, Gaius."
"Better shape than me at any rate." Gaius mutters to himself as he leaves.
"You had me worried there." Amelia says to her sister.
Morgana pats her hand that holds Morgana's other one. "There's no need."
"Are you sure you'll be alright?" Amelia questions again.
"It'll be over soon. I'll be fine." Morgana declares.
Amelia doesn't feel reassured. If anything, her throat feels tight. But why? This is what she wants. Isn't it?
—
The next morning, Amelia catches Mithian walking away from the others.
"Going somewhere?" She speaks.
Mithian startles before calmly replying, "I need to wash."
"Do not do anything stupid, Mithian." Amelia warns. "Remember the consequences."
"I need to wash. That's all." Mithian insists.
"Don't be long." Amelia says. She watches suspiciously as the Princess walks away.
—
Had Amelia not caught Mithian earlier, she would've never been suspicious when she watches Mithian asking Merlin to refill her water-skin. Why would she need Merlin to refill her water-skin when she had just been at the river?
Amelia watches as Merlin leaves. She quickly follows, knowing she doesn't have time to discuss with Morgana on what to do. Merlin is a threat and needs to be dealt with.
At first, nothing happens. Merlin just walks over to the river and begins filling Mithian's waterskin but then he glances down the river and freezes. He leaps up and starts to run back to warn the others. Amelia acts by flying him into a tree.
Merlin gasps, turning on his back. He looks at her wide eyed as Amelia strides over to him. She knows she can't give him a chance to use his magic, so she stretches out her hand towards him. "Gesweorc, hine beclyppe!" She brings her fingers closer and closer together causing Merlin to choke and gasp for air just like Uther had, bringing up his hands to his throat.
She begins to think that maybe she should stop, that this could kill him if she doesn't stop. There are two voices in her head. One sounds like Morgana, demanding she finish off their enemy, the thorn in their side but there's another one sounding like Anne, who pleads for Amelia not to kill her husband and that she would never forgive if she does.
But then, thankfully, a voice breaks through. Arthur.
"Merlin?!"
Amelia snaps out of it, quickly dropping her hand. Merlin slumps, blacking out.
She turns to the voice and yells, "Here! He's here."
—
Percival carries Merlin back to the camp. Morgana gives Amelia a searching look as Percival lies Merlin down. Amelia nods and Morgana smirks slightly.
Arthur hurries over, worriedly asking, "What happened?"
"Freya found him." Percival explains.
Everyone turns to Amelia, who nods. "He was down by the river. He must have fallen."
"Gaius?" Arthur calls to the Physician leaning over Merlin, checking him over.
"He's taken a heavy blow to the head." Gaius reports.
"But he'll be alright?"
"He should be fine sire but there is no telling when he will regain consciousness."
"We can't wait for him. Not if we're to stand a chance at reaching Rodor before Odin's men." Arthur decides. "Gwaine stay here with Merlin and Gaius. The rest of us make for Nemeth."
Amelia sighs in relief. She did it, she stopped Merlin.
Everyone moves out. Morgana slides up to Amelia. "Well done, Sister." She murmurs before moving to grab Mithian, murmuring threats into her ear. Amelia preens slightly, happy she's made her sister proud.
She then glances down to where Merlin lies with Gaius and Gwaine by his side, feeling sorry towards him. Wait, no, she can't, she doesn't.
Then why haven't you told Morgana that Merlin is Emrys or that Anne is Tarian? A voice in her head asks. Because Amelia worries about her reaction when she finds out she has known this whole time. She can't lose her sister.
—
Amelia, Morgana, Arthur, Mithian and the Knights walk in the forest towards the tomb.
"The Tomb lies just east of the river." Mithian reports when they reach a ledge, looking across the rest of the forest.
"We're about to cross the Camelot border into Nemeth." Arthur calls to them all. "This is Odin's land now. Stay alert."
They continue on and after a while, they finally reach the tomb.
"Is that it?" Arthur questions as they stop outside.
"Yes. We should find my father inside." Mithian replies.
"Let's go then." Arthur turns to the group. "Leon, Elyan stand watch with the others. Percival you're with me."
Arthur leaves Leon, Elyan, and the other Knights to stand guard outside the Tomb while Mithian leads him and Percival to where her injured father is hidden. Morgana and Amelia follow them into the dark passages of the cavernous Tomb. It is colder than it had been in the sunlit forest outside, but adrenaline keeps Amelia warm. They are so close.
Mithian pauses, looking back. She hesitates for a moment, but Morgana stares her down. Mithian nods to the opening next to her. "The Burial Chamber lies just ahead. At the end of that tunnel." She tells them.
Arthur walks forward, leading the way. Amelia feels her throat constrict as she and Morgana hover near the entrance, not entering the Chamber as Arthur, Percival and Mithian move inside.
Arthur pauses, frowning when he notices Rodor is nowhere to be seen. "I don't understand. Where's your father?"
"He's not here." Mithian replies shakily.
"Then where is he?"
Mithian's expression is guilt-ridden. "Arthur, I ..."
The sound of several armed men approaching from every direction fills the crypt. Arthur draws his sword, but a score of Odin's men file in through the entrances in all four corners of the Chamber.
Arthur and Percival engage the enemy Soldiers, holding their own for several minutes until they are overpowered by sheer numbers. Both men have been disarmed and are being forcibly held by several of Odin's men. Percival is pinned to the crypt, his arms wrenched behind his back.
Forced to his knees, helpless to break free of the three men holding him, Arthur turns his fury on Mithian. "What wrong have I done you?"
Mithian only shakes her head in response, unable to speak, her eyes anguished. She runs to embrace her grey-haired father who has been turned loose by his captors. He has served his purpose as the assurance of Mithian's cooperation.
"Arthur Pendragon. At last." Comes King Odin's vitriolic voice. "I have waited many years for this moment. You killed my son. You took what was most precious from me and now you will pay the forfeit." The depth of his hatred is evident both in his voice and his eyes.
"And not a moment too soon." Morgana speaks as she and Amelia enter, drawing everyone's attention. "You are not alone in having waited for this moment Odin. Appearances can be deceiving, dear brother."
"Morgana." Arthur whispers brokenly.
Morgana smirks, linking hands with Amelia, who watches the scene with a blank look on her face, which causes Arthur to focus on her. His face slacks in shock as he gazes upon Amelia as she stands next to Morgana. His eyes flicker between the two as it finally dawns on him who Mithian's other faithful maid is.
"Amelia..."
Percival isn't looking at them as he's being pressed down on the table in the middle of the Chamber, but he tenses when Arthur says Amelia's name and tries to fight those holding him down to turn. Amelia is thankful that he doesn't succeed, she doesn't think she could survive him looking at her.
"And now, you will pay the forfeit." Odin declares.
"My father's life. That wasn't enough?"
"No."
"So be it. But understand this Odin, you kill me, and you will have all of Camelot to answer to." Arthur warns.
"Camelot is nothing without it's King." Odin retorts.
Arthur almost scoffs. "Then you don't know my Knights. They will hunt you. And they will find you. And they will not rest until they're done."
"I will deal with your Knights soon enough but now your time has come." Odin declares.
—
Amelia and Morgana have taken off their disguises as they watch and wait. Arthur has been placed in the centre of the Chamber.
Amelia holds her breath as Odin raises his sword, ready to strike when suddenly, without warning, the ground begins to shake. Huge chunks of stone fall as the Tomb disintegrates from the forces rocking it to and fro. Amelia is knocked off her feet like everyone else who is standing. There is only one thought in Amelia's mind. Merlin. He shouldn't have woken this quickly.
Arthur jumps up, wasting no time in divesting Odin of his sword and landing a hard blow to his jaw. Arthur uses the blade to strike at one of the Soldiers before tossing the weapon to Percival who has shaken off his own captors. Amelia squints, trying to see the action but she finds it difficult to see with all the dust falling.
Suddenly, she hears Merlin's voice yell, "Hurry this way!"
Amelia realises that it had come from the entrance they had originally walked through into the Burial Chamber. She moves towards the entrance, ready to catch them when Amelia suddenly feels herself flying backwards. Her back hits the wall and everything goes dark.
—
"Amelia? Amelia? Amelia?!"
Amelia gasps awake. "Wha—"
Crouches in front of her is Morgana, forehead furrowed in concern. She looks around to see that they're in the forest, the Tomb looks mostly destroyed and their band of Saxons lingering nearby.
Morgana sighs in relief. "You're alright, I was worried for a moment."
Amelia smiles softly though lets out a slight groan as Morgana helps her stand. "I'm well Morgana, you need not worry."
Morgana scoffs. "It's not you I worry about. It was Emrys and Tarian. I'm sure of it."
Great, guilt is forming. "Oh? What makes you say that?
"It must have been them that causes the earthquake and flew us into the wall." Morgana reaches out and softly strokes Amelia's cheek. "They could've hurt you."
Oh, God, Amelia feels even worse for lying to her sister now.
"My Lady's, it's time to go." Beroun speaks up.
Amelia is thankful for his interruption. She wants to go back to see her daughter again, it's been too long.
—
(A/N: Trigger warning for suicide from this point onwards)
Vivienne's POV
Vivienne unties her horse, climbing on and kicking its ribs, before the creature sets off in a gallop towards the forest, wanting to get away from Gorlois before he can stop her from rushing out in the pouring rain.
The rain soaks her, soaks her to her bones but she need not care, not now. Not as tears soak her cheeks and sobs engulf her. Sorrow becomes the only sore emotion she can feel.
She is leaving everything behind, nothing can change it. The letter will soon reach her sister; the news will soon reach her husband. She will rid herself of the mess she has made, and the moment she is gone the mess will clear itself up, nothing bad will happen and Morgause, Morgana and Amelia will be safe; that is all that matters.
Vivienne runs in the direction of the rain. Not caring that it is chilling her. Not caring that the droplets are battling against her face, soaking her long hair, as well as her horse's mane. Soon it will all be over.
The daylight simmers away, Vivienne has been riding for hours and that's when she decides to stop. Vivienne clambers down from her horse, slapping its hide causing it to trot off and Vivienne moves to place herself into the shrubbery. This is it.
A dagger swung by her belt, and she withdrew it slowly. Vivienne closes her eyes, shuddering at the thought of the pain she will now bring upon herself.
—
Amelia's POV
One month old Amelia, who lies on a blanket outside her home, looks up as a flock of crows fly across the sky. Odd.
A messenger comes riding up, handing a letter to Helen (her supposed mother), who has leaped up out of her chair. She hears Helen screaming her husband's name. Sobbing and crying over Queen Ygraine's early labour induced by the shock of hearing of her sister, Vivienne's, death which led to her own untimely demise.
She doesn't know what she's just lost.
—
A/N: There it is! Odin is Amelia's father which means the son Arthur killed is Amelia's half-brother!
I haven't written a scene like the one at the end before. I hope it wasn't too much for anyone.
I don't know whether you noticed the fact that I made Vivienne left-handed like Amelia is. I haven't made loads of references to Amelia being left-handed (like I am) but the odd few so I think it's nice that she and her mother have that similarity other than their magic.
Also, the ending is a call back to the opening of chapter 3.
Please leave comments on how you're enjoying this story and what you think.