Chapter Text
The first time Arthur saw her was completely on accident.
He was known to occasionally escape the clutches of nobility and Camelot to trod along worn paths by himself in the middle of the night. Not often, mind you. Merlin made sure of that. Sometimes the life of a prince was simply too loud and required a stroll away from people who needed and wanted and expected something from you all at once – especially since he took over as regent. The birds and deer never held such contempt for him.
It had been on one of these leisurely strolls where his slow descent into madness began.
"You're Arthur Pendragon."
Sometimes he really was tempted to say he wasn't. Just to see if anyone would believe him after babbling his name so confidently. This time though... It was said so softly and curiously that Arthur forced himself to look away from the lake in front of him to greet the figure in the shadows. He couldn't see the person clearly, the form hidden behind a tree but he could have sworn for a moment that there was a yellow gleam. Like cat eyes in the blackest of nights.
"And who might you be?" He asked, hand moving towards his sword. Cloaked figures in the night weren't generally pleasant nor did they mean well.
"I'm...It doesn't matter." The figure said. Arthur frowned. It absolutely mattered because the answer determined whether this person was going to be stabbed. There was a moment of silence and a girl stepped a bit away from the trees. "What are you doing here?" She asked. Arthur stared. He could ask her the same thing. She didn't look like the type who should be wandering around the forest late at night by a lake. Much too frail and weak.
"I...Am thinking." He said for lack of a more impressive answer. The girl smiled.
"About what?"
"My servant." He said and immediately flinched. He hadn't meant to say that. The girl stared and Arthur found himself a little at loss at what should follow. "He's been acting strange," He finally admitted. "Others have noticed too but I think it is mostly around me."
"Strange?"
It was a little ridiculous that he was conversing with this random girl in the dark but also...Well, it wasn't like he could talk about this with anyone else.
"He's normally so mouthy and argues about pretty much everything. He's not supposed to be that way but I don't think he can help it. He always has opinions about everything and if you don't listen he looks like a wounded stoat." Arthur told her and at this she seemed to creep out a bit more. "And recently he's just been so quiet. Quiet." He repeated with a snort. "I always thought it would be a blessing but it feels strange. I think he's upset but I'm not sure by what." He mused.
"My husband is like that." The girl informed him. Arthur glanced over. She was almost next to him now so he could see her a bit more. He was reminded a bit of a doe. The big eyes and cautious demeanor could easily have been mistaken as a docile animal. Her hair was braided over her shoulder, flowers woven in that she picked at as she shuffled towards him. "He talks a lot." She informed him. "It is strange when he doesn't."
Arthur wanted to ask why the Hell she was at a lake instead of with her husband but decided against it.
"How do you get him to talk then?"
"It depends," She shrugged and sat down on the bank. Arthur noted she put a considerable distance between them. Her hand touched something around her neck - some sort of pendant that she twirled her finger around before letting go "Sometimes I just annoy him until he breaks." She grinned and Arthur grinned back. That he could do. "Sometimes...There's nothing I can do." She added, voice going soft "And I'm left to just be silent with him."
Arthur nodded. He wasn't sure he liked that answer as much as the first one...but then again, knowing Merlin...Well. Things never went as he liked.
"What are you doing here?" He decided to ask before turning to her. The question ended up being asked to air though. The spot the girl had been in sat empty leaving Arthur to gape in slight horror. "Are you alright?" He spluttered, standing up. How could anyone disappear so quickly? He narrowed his eyes at the lake. She hadn't drowned, had she? From somewhere in the forest, he swore he heard a laugh.
"Where were you last night?" Merlin muttered with a glare the next morning. Arthur shrugged. "If Camelot is ever invaded in the middle of the night it's good to know that nobody will know where the prince is." He grumbled under his breath. Apparently, his silence had morphed into just a bad mood.
"I was meeting a girl next to a lake." Arthur drawled out, certain Merlin would be annoyed by a story that seemed so fictitious. On the contrary though, the man stopped working to look at him.
"A...Girl next to a lake?" He repeated. Arthur shrugged, deciding to leave it at that. Let Merlin believe he had a mysterious life with a beautiful woman who lived by a lake. Perhaps the knowledge would fascinate him enough to stop this weird act he was pulling. On the contrary though...Merlin only blinked a few times before carefully folding his trousers with a nod.
Arthur should have known the lack of reaction meant trouble.
"Your highness!" Gwaine crowed as he danced away from the end of Arthur's blade "You seem so distracted. Something on your mind?" He asked. Merlin snorted as he walked by, handing out water. His eyes flicked to the prince with a look far too precarious to be comforting.
"Oh, haven't you heard?" The servant asked "He was with a woman near a lake all last night." He explained and from where the rest of his knights were sparring, there was a childlike 'ooh' that fell over the field. "Tell us more about her, your majesty." Came the final blow. Arthur scowled. He was such a rat. At least he was kind of being himself again.
"Please," Gwaine snorted "A woman by a lake in the middle of the night came to speak to our lovely princess? I'm sure." He said and looked at where Percival was smirking. "Go on, then. Was her hair the color of the moonlight?" He asked, placing a hand over his heart.
"And her eyes gold as the sun?" Percival chimed in. Elyan beamed at them all as he shuffled towards his friends, eyes bright as he tapped his chin thoughtfully.
"Let me guess...She wore a gown of silk? And obviously, she was singing."
"Oh, but of course. They always sing in the middle of the night near lakes, don't they?"
Now this was a little unfair. While Arthur knew it sounded a bit out there it really had happened. He was just about to point this out when Leon, bless him, cleared his throat. He fixed them all with a stern look. Really, while Arthur never regretted knighting the others - for they were as loyal and brave as they came - Leon was probably the only one who had his back during these kinds of things...Thus, his favorite.
"Now men," Leon started, crossing his arms "Don't be ridiculous. Hair the color of moonlight? Eyes like the sun? Please. Enough of your ridiculous games. Obviously, her hair was blacker than night and eyes the color of cherry wood-"
Leon was no longer his favorite.
"Come on! Clearly her hair was red as fire and eyes bluer than the ocean!"
"Don't forget she was near a lake. Perhaps she was emerging from the water with droplets turning to diamonds around her?"
"Alright," Arthur interrupted with a scowl. "You've had your fun. She was just a girl I saw by a lake last night."
"Of course, sire." Percival nodded. Arthur scowled. Well then.
"It's true!"
"We know, Arthur. We would never question your word." Elyan chimed in with a wink "And don't despair. There are plenty of fine ladies that would be simply honored to have caught your eye. This lake lady is no real loss."
"It wasn't like that!" Arthur tried, mouth popping open in alarm "I'm not - It wasn't -" He tried. The other merely laughed like the group of vicious animals they were. Arthur made a note to triple their workload as they went back to hitting each other with swords. Merlin smiled as he walked over and handed him some water.
"She was real." Arthur informed him - because he wasn't a liar! Merlin rose his eyebrows for a moment before giving a slight nod.
"With dark eyes and hair braided with lovely flowers no doubt." He told him with a scoff and took the water back. Arthur rolled his eyes only to immediately pause.
...That was oddly accurate. He tilted his head a little in confusion before shaking his head. No. While normally he would just assume Merlin had followed him (as he had been known to occasionally do) he figured it was merely a coincidence. And hey, he was acting somewhat normal. Maybe he would take that as a win.
Also, Lancelot didn't bully him. He was now the new favorite of his knights.
The second time he saw her was not under the most peaceful conditions.
In fact, Arthur had an arrow in his leg. Naturally. He was running from whoever was chasing them - bandits? Knights of another kingdom? Smugglers? Who even cared at this point? He was being attacked. When some idiot with a lucky shot hit his leg out and sent him tumbling over a hill. He heard Merlin scream his name in alarm right before he collided with a tree and the world went black.
Fun times.
When he awoke...There she was. Along with a random cat who was nudging Arthur with its head.
"You're bleeding." She informed him dryly when he jolted awake. "So, don't move too much."
Arthur wasn't sure if this was a strange dream or an even stranger reality. The cat meowed to perhaps confirm one of the theories...Though he had no idea which one it could be.
"You..." He muttered and winced when he tried to sit up.
"I told you not to move around." She frowned and used her index finger to push him back down. Arthur wasn't sure why, but it somehow worked. He was on his back again. She nodded and looked at his leg. "Um...Give me a second. I can figure out how to wrap this." She said and picked up a piece of cloth and stared at it blankly. Then back at his leg. "Maybe I should put something on it first. Maybe flowers? No. Not flowers." She frowned and looked down at the cat as if it had answers. It mewled in response.
"You don't know what you're doing." He said dryly. The girl sniffed, dropping the cloth to scowl at him.
"I do too! My husband is learning to be a healer." She told him with a fierce nod. Oh boy. Arthur rolled his eyes.
"Well get him over here to do this."
"I would, but you might annoy him being all rude like that." She snapped back. Immediately she went white - eyes widening as she leaned away from Arthur as if he might lash out at her. The cat hissed, raising a paw like it would slap him for such an insult. The prince pursed his lips, guilt ebbing at him. He wasn't sure who this girl was but she seemed to be a little skittish. Perhaps it wasn't best to be taut with her like he would with his knights or Merlin. She was just a girl after all.
"Sorry," He tried lamely "You, uh, seem like a real professional."
For some reason, she didn't look pleased by this.
"Just hold still," She sighed and wrinkled her nose "I have an idea. Let me see your hands."
"But my leg is hurt."
"Really?" She asked, brows raising innocently "You seem like a real professional, your majesty." She smiled innocently. Arthur scowled. Whatever. He rose his hands and the girl took them with a nod. She seemed to hold her breath as she worked, tying the cloth around his hands and...Wait.
"Are you tying me up?" He asked. The girl nodded. "Why?" He complained. "I thought you were helping me!"
A pretty stupid thing to think, really. This was just some random girl he met near a lake one other time. There wasn't any reason to trust her. The girl hummed as she patted his leg and gave an apologetic smile.
"I'm sorry...I just want to help and don't want you to kill me." She explained and put a hand on his leg. Before Arthur could ask for further explanation on that, her eyes flashed gold. The prince froze.
Well...This was not ideal.
"You're a sorceress!" He hissed, jerking against his tied hands and damnit he was such an idiot. He let himself be trapped like a fool. Sure, he could get himself out of the meager knots, but not before she used her witchcraft to make him into a toad or whatever. "Get back!" He tried. The girl sighed.
"I healed your leg." She informed him and stood up, dusting off her dress. Her hand fluttered back to the pendant around her neck as she glared down at him. "You could say thank you."
"No."
"You are rude." She informed him, crossing her arms over her chest. "Well, I'll just be off then after saving your life." She told him and went to turn away. The cat stretched as it got up to follow - fixing Arthur with cold golden eyes before going to prance after her. For a brief second she paused, eyes dancing back to where Arthur was still glaring, ready to fight whatever spell she might send hurtling his way. "You wouldn't have spared me." She said suddenly and turned fully to meet his gaze. Arthur blinked. "You should remember that. If someone treats you well then you should show the same respect, whoever they might be."
Was he being scolded by a sorceress? Who had flowers in her hair no less. She looked like an angry fairy. It was ridiculous.
"You might still kill me." He pointed out. The girl tilted her head.
"But I will not." She sniffed and picked up a discarded cloak by her feet. She tied it around her neck before lifting the hood. "We will meet again, I think. I do hope you won't murder me for my crimes." She told him and with that, left. He watched her go - the leaves crunching beneath her until she was gone amongst the trees with her stupid cat following behind. Bloody unreal. Only minutes later did he hear a shout of alarm.
"HE'S HERE!" Percival's voice yelled as he slid down the hill. The others joined quickly - all in varying states of injured...But none dead. He should be grateful for that.
"Arthur, are you alright?" Leon asked, pushing himself forward to start untying his hands. "Have they hurt you?"
"Um, no." He said, sitting up to rub his wrists. "A... That girl saved me. The one from the lake. She's a sorceress and... Healed my leg with magic."
Silence.
"Right..." Gwaine said with a click of his tongue "The beautiful lady of the lake who is now a nice sorceress. How...Interesting."
"Of course, she's magical," Elyan sighed "And the only nice magical creature to boot. What other sorceress would heal our prince other than the mysterious lake woman?" He asked and Arthur scowled as he accepted Lancelot's hand up. The man gave small smile that did nothing to hide the amusement in his eyes.
Lancelot was no longer his favorite. Traitor.
"I hope you thanked her." He said instead. Arthur paused.
"What?"
"Your sorceress friend. I hope you thanked her for saving your life. It must have been frightening for her to use magic in front of someone who would kill her for such a thing." He said and clapped him on the shoulder. Arthur spluttered. Okay, she didn't quite save his life. That was an exaggeration now that he thought about it. She just healed his leg and...
"Hey, who said her eyes were the color of the sun? Percival, was that you? Turns out you were right, mate!" Gwaine laughed. "Of course, that's only when she's doing her good magic." He snickered "Are you sure you didn't hit your head, princess?" He asked. Arthur's hand immediately went to his hair. He...Did actually. Except he felt nothing now. Did the girl help with that too?
"You didn't hurt her, did you?"
Oh. Right. Merlin.
He turned to where the man was watching him warily, lips pressed together in a thin line. Merlin would obviously be the biggest critic of the situation. He wasn't a fan of violence as it was. Let alone hurting innocent women - even if they were magic. He shook his head and watched when the other man relaxed. Arthur couldn't help but smile a little at the sight of it.
“You shouldn’t be so pleased. She could take a wimp like you down with a wave of her hand.” He said, pushing past him with a light shove. Merlin laughed, not even throwing back a retort at that. Arthur glanced back at him curiously.
Lancelot was looking at the servant with a small smirk, lightly ruffling his hair as he went passed. Merlin seemed to jolt out of his stupor at this and scowled at the other man, turning bright red. He muttered something under his breath and Lancelot laughed. Strange.
Then again, a sorceress just helped him. Today was simply a strange day.
She was in Camelot.
It was ridiculous. Completely ridiculous. A sorceress in Camelot. A sorceress! That he knew! In Camelot!
Arthur couldn’t believe the nerve of some people.
“…why?” He asked as he placed a hand on her shoulder. The girl jumped, gasping a bit as she jerked away from the corner of the castle she had stumbled in. It was then that he saw the blood. “What’s happened to you?” He frowned a little when she jerked away, hand fluttering to her injured arm.
“A…A bounty hunter…” She said, raising her chin a bit. There were tears in her eyes.
“You escaped a bounty hunter…And came here?” He asked. Surely this was a trick? Some sort of magical illusion to confuse him. He waited for her to launch at him, but she only swallowed and looked down at the ground, refusing to answer. “Can’t you, uh, heal yourself? Like you did me?” He tried instead.
“I’m a bit weak at the moment.” She muttered and gave a sharp intake of pain. Arthur sighed. Whatever. He was confused. Given how his life had gone so far, he might as well get used to it.
“Come on,” He sighed and stepped to the side to give her room. “I’ve healed up battle wounds before. This can’t be much different.”
“I would rather see a physician-”
“Well I’m not letting you near mine!” Arthur objected and crossed his arms. “You might enchant him or something with your…” He gestured up and down vaguely “Flowers and your eyes and your face.” He snipped. Despite being in obvious pain, a hint of a smile played at her lips.
“Isn’t your physician an old man?” She asked, pushing herself off the wall. Arthur paused.
“Well, yes. But he has a ward. He would just dote over you, I know it.” He said, wrinkling his nose. If anyone would fall for this girl’s whimsical evils it would be Merlin. The girl’s smile widened. “He’s my servant. I know him well.” He added to give him claim more validity.
“Ah,” She said and winced as Arthur gestured her into an empty room where he knew some spare supplies would be. “I’ve heard your servant is quite handsome.”
Arthur stopped to stare at her.
“You’re injured worse than I thought.” He told her gravely and shut the door. She flinched at the sound, jumping away from him like an injured animal. Her hand curled around the pendant hanging from her neck. “Didn’t you say you had a husband?” He added, taking a step back. She was very skittish…Especially for a sorceress. He had never seen someone with magic act so…Wary. Like the wind blowing might send her scurrying away.
“I do,” She said and pursed her lips when she saw Arthur grab some items and a bowl of water. “He’s the one who gave me this.” She added, tapping the pendant. Now that he could see it more clearly, he leaned in to examine it. It was definitely pretty. Gold with symbols etched inside a purple stone set in the middle.
“Pretty.” He told her wryly and sat on the ground. “Let me see your arm?”
She stared at him for a moment before taking a long breath. Arthur didn’t think it was that taxing of a task but clearly this was a big deal for her. He supposed he was a prince. His mere presence was a big deal.
“It’s enchanted.” She told him, slowly sitting next to him. Arthur blinked at looked at her bleeding arm. “The necklace.” She scoffed and flinched when he put the wet cloth on her.
“Does it make you look young and beautiful when you’re actually old and ugly?” He asked. That seemed like something a witch might be into. She looked at him for a long time and sighed.
“I understand why he complains so much now,” She muttered. Before Arthur could ask what that meant, she kept going. “No. A long time ago I was cursed.” She said with a small shrug using her good arm. “A man attacked me when I was young. I defended myself and he…He…died. I didn’t mean to hurt him but…” She trailed off and shuddered. “But his mother cursed me to be a monster.” She said and touched the pendant fondly “This keeps me human.” She told him with a small smile.
Arthur wiped the blood away.
“I hurt people before.” She announced. Arthur wasn’t sure why she was condemning herself, but alright. “Not because I wanted to but because I couldn’t go to anyone to help me. My curse could only be fought with magic but no fool would be willing to use magic in this kingdom.” She sighed. Arthur grabbed some ointment.
“It seems like you found one,” He said dryly “What’s he like then?”
“My husband?” She asked and her smile widened “Oh, he is so sweet. He has the best laugh and his smile is so pretty and can always make me laugh-”
“I was thinking more along the lines of his skills and accomplishments, but I suppose it’s good that I know he has a nice laugh.” Arthur rolled his eyes. Girls. They never discussed the important things.
“I don’t think he likes to speak much of his accomplishments,” She threw back, sounding just as annoyed Arthur didn’t want to speak about this random man’s smile. “He’s the guardian of some great future king and is said to rescue my kind from persecution.” She told him flatly. “Does that impress his majesty?” She asked.
“…not really. I don’t think your kind need to be rescued.”
“And yet here you are wrapping my arm.” She pointed out “Nor have you killed me…Even after I admitted hurting people.”
“You were cursed.”
“I have magic.”
“Probably because someone cursed you!” Arthur pointed out. She laughed.
“No…Besides, magic also saved me.” She added, tapping her pendant again. “I can’t decide if I like you or not.” She mused and looked at her arm. “Do you even remember trying to kill me?” She asked, brows furrowing together. Arthur stared. What?
“No, I didn’t.” He objected. He would definitely remember trying to kill some foolish girl prancing about using magic to heal knights. For whatever reason his objection hardened her.
“Of course, you don’t,” She sighed and stood up, fingers roaming over the bandages “You kill so many of us…I’m sure it blends together.” She whispered and clenched her hands into fists. “Thank you for your help, your majesty. Though perhaps refrain from aiding me in the future.” She informed him and Arthur opened his mouth, a little offended.
“You came here! Who else were you trying to see if not me?” He demanded. This damn girl was too confusing. Was this some sort of mind game? Was he winning? He felt like he was losing.
“A wise king might know that his kingdom consists of more than just him.” She said and marched towards the door “Good day, Prince Arthur.”
…What?
“Now wait a minute!” He said, turning the corner to follow her. “You come into my kingdom injured and a witch and have the nerve to be rude after I decide not to arrest you and help-” He said and froze. “Ah…Hello.” He frowned, looking around. His knights (plus Merlin, because when wasn’t Merlin lurking around?) were all standing in a group – brows collectively raised.
“…hey, princess.” Gwaine greeted “Who are you yelling at?”
“I…” Arthur started and spun around “Where did she go?” He demanded and pushed Leon to the side to see better. “Where did she go? I was making a point!” He objected. “You can’t just leave when I’m making a point! I should have arrested you!” He growled.
“Merlin, what did you put in his wine?”
“If I were to put anything in his wine…It would be to make him talk less.”
“The damned witch used her damned magic to get away!” He groaned. Immediately the group collectively groaned.
“This again? My lord, it was funny at first but…” Percival started but went silent when Elyan elbowed him. “You don’t need to make up some beautiful sorceress is all I’m saying! There’s no need to-”
"I'm not lying!" Arthur yelled and while his knights all nodded, he could see the slight roll of their eyes. "She's real. I swear on my life she is!" He tried again. Gwaine outright laughed. Arthur really should just behead him. That would solve everything.
"What's her name then?" Leon asked reasonably. Arthur stared. "My lord, is it...At all possible she might have just been in your head?" He asked, gently. Arthur felt his mouth drop.
"I am not crazy!"
"Well..." Merlin began and the king turned to glare at him. "I've watched you try to put on a shirt, sire."
"He said crazy. Not incapable." Elyan murmured and immediately winced when Arthur gaped at him. "Sorry, I... Sorry." He offered weakly. "You're not crazy."
"Just incapable!" Merlin smiled. Arthur hated everyone and swore on his life he would find this damn lake lady even if it was the last thing he ever did. “And if she was real, I don’t think it would be a good idea to call her a witch.” He added. From where he had been silent, Lancelot nodded.
“But she is a witch!”
“A sorceress. Witch isn’t a nice word.”
“She isn’t a nice person!” Arthur started, but Merlin’s eyes narrowed precariously.
“Really? She isn’t? I’ve seen you throw knives at people for fun, Arthur.” He said. The prince blinked. Usually when Merlin dropped the formality in front of people he was either pissed, incredibly giddy, or overworked. He tried to figure out which it was. Something told him he wasn’t giddy. “Also, you murdered a unicorn.”
“I…That was a long time ago and I passed the trials-”
“You don’t know how to be polite. You also fired me that one time.”
“That was forever ago! Why are you so upset? Merlin-”
“I have so much more. I don’t call you names-”
“Yes, you do. All the time!” Arthur objected, but Merlin seemed to be done with the conversation at any rate. He gave a huff and shoved a plate of food in Arthur’s arms, spinning around to march away. The others stared in bewilderment, though Lancelot grimaced in sympathy. Typical. Lancelot always seemed to know what was going on when it came to Merlin. He wasn’t sure if it was a blessing or a curse.
Silence followed.
“So,” Gwaine finally said “Does this not-witch friend of yours have a sister?” He asked. Arthur closed his eyes. “No? A brother, maybe?”
“Leave me alone.”
Arthur was blaming Lancelot for this. Completely. Utterly. This whole thing wouldn’t have happened if Lancelot didn’t insist on dragging him to the goddamn lake.
“They’re gaining on us!” He yelled, trying not to sound panicked as he ducked under a strange branch. He hoped the others had gotten away… Him and Lancelot had managed to stick together during the ambush, but he wasn’t sure where everyone else had gone. He hoped Merlin was okay. It was usually them who ended up stranded together.
One would think that him ending up with Lancelot this time would be a blessing. Alas. His knight was leading him to death apparently.
“We don’t have time to send a letter!” Lancelot shouted as if that made any sense. “But she lives around here!”
“What are you talking about?” Arthur demanded as an arrow zipped past him. To his horror, Lancelot stopped running altogether, leaving Arthur to run into his back with a string of curses. Lancelot muttered a few choice words himself as he dug into his satchel before pulling out a glass vial. He sighed. “Lancelot, what the Hell?” Arthur demanded and the knight smashed it on the ground.
“It’s a magical potion that will let her know where we are.” Lancelot said. Arthur blinked.
“It’s a what?” He shrieked, but another arrow whizzing by cut the prince short. “Lancelot, if we live through this we have a lot to talk about!” He hissed, jumping over a fallen tree trunk. Before the other man could answer there was a loud growling nose. Arthur froze. Oh no. Oh God no. He wasn’t going to have to face a wild animal and a bunch of people trying to kill him, right? That would to be the cherry on top of his bloody luck.
At least Lancelot looked pleased. Bloody traitor.
“That was quick!” He beamed. Arthur just decided he had gone insane. Of course, this was precisely when the bloody cat came from nowhere.
No. Not a cat. Cats were small. This thing was the size of a horse. It vaguely reminded him of a bastet he had once fought many years ago – except this one didn’t have any wings. Arthur scrambled away, desperately trying to grab at his sword, but the thing didn’t pay them much mind as he pounced off towards where their enemies had been rapidly progressing on them. Lancelot sagged against the tree in relief.
“That should keep them.”
Come. On.
“You,” He spat, spinning around to find the bloody sorceress sitting on a branch above them. She was wearing a dress that felt strangely…Familiar. It definitely was made of the same material noble women wore. He wondered how she came to acquire it. “Why are you here?” He demanded. She ignored him and hopped down – bare feet sinking into the ground as she beamed at Lancelot and launched herself at him.
…wait a moment.
“You two…Know one another?” He asked with a frown, brows crinkling together. Lancelot bit his lip as he looked between her and the prince nervously. “You…You’re her husband?!” Arthur gasped, taking a step back. No wonder Lancelot had never teased him! The man was courting the woman in question. It was so obvious now. And when she was hurt…She must have been going to see him and, yes. Yes. It all made so much sense now! He had been such a fool to have missed it.
Then the girl laughed.
“Um, no.” She said and patted Lancelot’s arm “Though he is a dear friend. I’m glad you remembered the potion I gave you.” She informed him with a smile “Delphi will keep your friends occupied for now.” She promised. Arthur opened and closed his mouth.
“…Delphi? You know that beast?”
Obviously. She was a damned witch – er, enchantress. Whatever.
“I have a way with most feline creatures.” She smiled, eyes sparkling in amusement. “For whatever reason, most are quite taken with me.” She said and brushed some hair out of her eyes. “Tell me. How is my husband?”
This just kept getting weirder. Of course, Lancelot answered…. Because clearly he knew her husband. Why wouldn’t he? Why wouldn’t a knight of Camelot consort with a sorceress and her mystery husband? How silly of him.
“He misses you greatly. I have no doubt he will be very cross that I’ve gotten to see you before he did.”
“He’ll see me tomorrow.” She dismissed, but there was no hiding the smile hinting at her lips. “And remind him not to bring me anything!” She added, walking away. Lancelot followed. Arthur still wasn’t really sure what was going on so he muttered under his breath as he stomped after him.
“Too late for that,” Lancelot snorted “He spent all last week finding you the perfect gift.”
Gross. Nobody spent that long looking for a gift…Except for maybe Merlin. Merlin got so picky with gifts, it was ridiculous. Granted, he was good at getting them, but still. In fact, it was just last week that he had ditched his duties to spend hours in the market to get something or another for his mother.
“He never listens.” The girl sighed. Arthur cleared his throat.
“Not that I don’t love talking about your husband, but also. Treason.” He pointed out. Because yeah. Treason. That was what was happening here. Lancelot looked down, eyes dimming in shame. “And how do you know her?”
“Freya.”
“What?”
“My name is Freya. Not that you ever asked.” She said, crossing her arms. “You can also call me ‘the druid who saved your life’.” She suggested. Arthur faltered a bit at that.
“You’re a druid?”
“Does it matter?” Freya frowned, head tilting. “Lancelot has done nothing wrong-”
“He’s talking to a sorceress-”
“You’ve spoken to me!” She pointed out and Arthur threw his hands in the air. Immediately, Freya stepped back, fists clenching slightly. Right. He forgot how easily she was startled. Lancelot’s eyes drifted between the two before edging forward.
“Your majesty,” He began softly “I’m sorry… I…” He started and went quiet. “She’s a good person.” He decided, lips pressing together. “I was afraid you may not see it that way.”
Ugh.
“And her husband?” Arthur sighed. Lancelot blinked for a moment before smiling at the ground.
“The bravest and most noble man I know…And a strong ally of Camelot.” He promised and pulled his shoulders back “He would never see any harm to you or this kingdom. I would stake my life on that.”
Great. Arthur tried not to seem frustrated. Sure, he trusted Lancelot’s word. The man was one of honor. But also, like… Arthur was supposed to be the bravest and most noble man Lancelot knew and now this random guy who was married to a cat-whispering sorceress got the title? That wasn’t cool.
“He also picks the best strawberries!” Freya added… Because that was important.
“And he’s a sorcerer?” Arthur asked – just clarify that. Lancelot paused but nodded. “I don’t suppose I could order you to tell me his name?” He asked. The knight considered for a moment before turning back to Freya. She grinned.
“His name is Emrys.” Lancelot said slowly, turning back to him. Huh. That was a stupid name. “My lord, do you think it would be alright if Freya led us to the others?” He asked cautiously. Arthur rolled his eyes.
“As long as she doesn’t lead us into a trap.” He said dryly. Freya stuck his tongue out at him. Lancelot smiled and the druid immediately grabbed at the knight’s hand, whispering lowly. The two continued their hushed conversation as they walked. Arthur wondered how they had met. The two seemed…Strangely close. He leaned in a bit.
“…and I told him it was a bad idea. Freya, he does such nonsense when you aren’t around. And wouldn’t you know it? He fell right into the well. Like I said he would.” Lancelot was telling her. Freya scoffed.
“He does such nonsense when I am around. You know, last time he came by he brought me a cow. I don’t even know where he got the cow – but, oh! Lancelot! You must try some of this cake I made when you come by. I’ve used some magic to sweeten the milk and-”
Arthur shook his head. He wasn’t sure he was really ready to handle magic cake yet.
The worst part of all of this was when she led them to the others…She freaking disappeared. Again… At least Lancelot would tell them he wasn’t lying.
“Lancelot! Is it true?” Gwaine shouted as he raced down the stairwell. “Arthur says you were there when he met his beautiful sorceress! Tell us, is she ever so lovely with her skin made of silk and eyes full of stars?” He crowed, draping himself over the stone railing. Arthur frowned. Whatever, at least they would finally believe him now. If Lancelot said something then it must be true.
“…what sorceress?” Lancelot frowned “We ran away from those men and until we got to Camelot.”
That sneaky, lying, manipulative, dishonorable, sorceress-empathizing son of a motherfuc-
“Don’t worry, sire.” Merlin interrupted his furious train of thought. “I’m sure Lancelot is just protecting her identity. I know you aren’t crazy.” He soothed. Arthur scowled. “Also, can I have tomorrow off? I have a gift to deliver.”
“You and Lancelot both enrage me.”
She came to the funeral.
Arthur didn’t say a word to her at first. He saw her though. Eyes reflecting the awful flames of the fire from underneath the hood of her cloak. She clutched at her pendant silently, chin jutted out as she stared long enough for the cloak and wood to turn into ash while the sword on top burned orange at the heat. Finally, when most of the crowd dispersed, he walked over to her.
“Freya.”
“Prince Arthur.” She replied hollowly. There was a pause. “I’m not here to comfort you.”
“I didn’t think you were.” He said quietly, looking to where Gwen and Merlin had retreated to the stairs, both drifting away from the funeral pyre – but not far enough to where they couldn’t continue watching it. “I got the feeling he was a friend. I’m so sorry.” He whispered and swallowed “It should have been me.”
It would have been better. Deep down, he wondered if Gwen would have preferred it that way. Maybe even Merlin would have preferred it that way. Arthur tried to keep the feeling locked down and chained under practiced restraint but… Part of him had so desperately resented Lancelot. The way he had captured Gwen’s heart before him. The way Merlin trusted him with something he had never entrusted Arthur with. A sort of nobility that had been earned rather than handed to him through birth. Jealousy was foreign for Arthur. He had so much as a prince…And yet…
Maybe the world would have been better if Arthur had been the sacrifice to close the veil.
“No,” Freya frowned, turning to him completely “It should not have been you.”
Arthur stared. She stared back and after a couple moments closed her eyes and looked at the sky – eyes glossed over with tears. She didn’t shed them as she took a long breath.
“It was supposed to be…” She trailed off and gave a dry laugh “My husband was going to be the sacrifice. He had been planning to take your place. He told me as such after I healed him.” She tried, voice breaking. Arthur didn’t know what to say. Anger rose a little.
“Why did he not?” He asked. It was a little unfair. But damnit. If this sorcerer had given his life then Lancelot could still be with them. Freya must have caught the frustration because her jaw clenched slightly.
“I’m sure he tried,” She said and looked at the ground “Lancelot was just quicker. I asked him…I asked him to look after…” She tried, but didn’t finish. Arthur didn’t need her to. The same words had left Gwen’s lips. “He must be so upset.” She said instead, eyes flickering up a bit. Arthur didn’t say anything.
Had Lancelot died for Arthur or this mystery sorcerer? He supposed it didn’t matter. His life was gone and the pain was raw and throbbing. Still…Lancelot’s loyalty was so unfaltering. So profound and dedicated… It could only bring him to one conclusion.
“Your husband has my protection. So, do you.”
Freya froze.
“What did you just say?”
“I’m not saying I agree with magic…Or that I won’t banish either of you if you dare to use it within my kingdom.” He told her firmly and turned back towards the pyre “But if Lancelot really laid down his life for him…Then I will honor that. I promise to never harm either of you.” He swore.
He hoped it would be enough to honor his knight.
Freya looked at him, brows furrowed together. For a moment he thought he had broken her. Instead, she merely reached out and touched his arm…It was the first time she had done so too, he realized. Aside from injuries, she had always shied away and never reached for him. He turned to look at her.
“I think I finally see it.” She told him. Arthur wasn’t sure what that meant nor did he get a chance to ask since someone shouted his name. He turned to find Leon striding towards them. Immediately, he went to tell Freya not to worry only to find her already gone.
Magic. How typical.
“Sire,” Leon greeted with a low bow “The council is requesting an audience.” He sighed, sounding truly apologetic by the lack of manners his peers showed him. Arthur grimaced and looked back to the staircase in hopes of finding Merlin. Perhaps then he wouldn’t have to deal with them alone.
But just like Freya…He too had disappeared.
Arthur went searching for her.
Yes, he would admit it was foolish. So very foolish. Him seeking the aid of a sorceress? It was laughable really. Nobody would ever believe him…Or believe him less than they already did. But this was his father. Surely, he was entitled to such recklessness.
“Freya!” He shouted into the woods “I know you can hear me-”
“This isn’t helping you not look crazy.”
Arthur jumped. Spinning around, he turned to find Merlin standing behind him, brows raised in concern. He swore.
“No wonder I can’t find her!” He growled. Merlin tilted his head. “Go away!”
“Why are you looking for her?” He asked instead of leaving…Like he was told to do. Like he was supposed to do. The damn rat.
“She can heal my father.” Arthur said before he could think better of it. He closed his eyes. Luckily, Merlin didn’t react much to hearing such treasonous words. “I…I know it is wrong-”
“That’s a lot of pressure to put on someone.” Merlin interrupted dryly “What if she can’t do it?”
Arthur paused. He hadn’t considered that. He thought she might not want to do it. Not that she couldn’t.
“…but she can talk to cats.”
Hearing the argument out loud…Yeah. He regretted that. Merlin rolled his eyes.
“So?”
“Well…” He tried to recover “That means she’s powerful, right?”
“No,” Freya’s voice answered from behind him “It does not necessarily mean that at all… Just that I’m more of a cat person.” She informed him dryly and smiled over Arthur’s shoulder. “Hello there. I don’t think we’ve met before.”
Really? Now?
“Hi. I’m Merlin. Arthur didn’t mention how lovely you were.”
His father was dying.
“You’re very lovely too. If only I weren’t married.” Freya sighed, though there was a gleam in her eye that was a little suspicious. It made Arthur think this Emrys guy should probably keep better tabs on his wife before she ran off with his servant.
“If only you weren’t a sorceress.” Merlin quipped back with an equally concerning smirk.
Gross.
“Stop flirting. The king is on his deathbed.” He snapped and the pair looked at him innocently. “Can you save him?” He asked, a little desperately. Merlin and Freya looked at one another…As if they were silently discussing the matter. They literally just met. Why? Just why?
“I…Might. I can’t promise though.” Freya told him slowly, wringing her hands together. “I’ll need to work in privacy though…Merlin can stay behind to make sure I don’t try anything.” She suggested. Arthur froze.
On one hand… He liked that someone he trusted would be with her.
On the other hand…Did it have to be Merlin? They looked at each other weirdly.
However, he was short on time. He shouldn’t negotiate. Despite his better judgement…He nodded. Freya beamed and skipped over, bumping Merlin a little with a grin. Arthur tried not to be annoyed. This was a very dark time for him, thank you very much. He did not need this playfulness in his life.
“That’s a beautiful pendant.” Merlin said as he politely took her hand to help her over a fallen log. Freya grinned at him.
“It was given to me by a beautiful man.” She told him. Merlin tripped at that like the fool he was. Arthur swore if anything went down while they were supposed to be saving his father’s life…
“Oh yeah?!” Merlin asked, almost aggressively “Well, I bet you’re even more beautiful!”
…honestly, what Hell was this?
His father was definitely going to die.
The shocking news was that his father didn’t die.
Merlin, however, looked like he might.
“There was a pendant, Arthur.” He said that night as he stared at the fire in Arthur’s room. “Around your father’s neck. It would have reversed the spell if we didn’t take it off. He would have died.” He said, voice shaking a little.
Freya had already told him this, of course. Apparently, she had seen it in her youth when she lived amongst the druids. It was a terrifying thing to hear, but Arthur wasn’t sure why Merlin looked so shaken by it. Uther lived. Arthur was mostly upset that she had left before he had time to bring his knights up and show them that she was real. Gwaine was only to pleased to have opened the door only for Uther to be peacefully sleeping alone while Merlin cleaned up.
"Where is she?!" Arthur had choked "She was just here - Merlin!" He added, voice rising. Leon sighed from behind.
"Oh, she said she had to go." Merlin shrugged and put a cloth on the king's head "Something about attending a druidic festival, I think?"
"Merlin, you don't have to play along." Elyan had groaned and walked over to pat the servant on the shoulder "This game is getting old anyhow-"
"I'm not lying!"
"We're just happy you saved the king, Merlin." Gwaine interrupted "I knew Gaius taught you well. Don't let Arthur's lying keep you from getting the credit." He said with a smile. Arthur had watched in horror as the rest of the knights then continued to congratulate Merlin on his medical miracle while their prince spluttered indignantly for the next hour. He hated them all.
“I wouldn’t have noticed it if she didn’t.” Merlin whispered, bringing Arthur back to their current conversation “I would have just…” He trailed off, swallowing a little as he bit his lip. Arthur didn’t know how to respond.
Except. Yes, he did.
“You didn’t sleep with her, right?”
“What?”
“In the process of healing my father, you didn’t sleep with her right? She’s married and the king was in the room…It would just be so wrong.” Arthur informed him “I might consider banishing you for it.” He added on. “I know you don’t have much luck with women so maybe the temptation was strong…Or she enchanted you-”
“Goodbye, Arthur.”
“Not happy that you didn’t answer my question. Kind of concerned, actually.”
“Goodbye, your majesty.”
They were captured. Again.
Arthur wasn’t great at keeping track of days, but he figured it was probably a Thursday if the people who were surrounding them were bandits. Maybe a Tuesday if they were knights of a neighboring kingdom.
As it was, Arthur was tired and didn’t really care enough to figure it out. No matter who they were he was going to have to figure out a way to escape anyways. Rolling his eyes at the thought, he allowed himself to be manhandled next to Merlin, who currently had a sword at this throat.
The good news was that this only lasted about ten minutes because Percival caused a distraction…Again. Because as he mentioned before, this happened all the freaking time. His knights were probably professional escape artists at this point.
So now they were running from people in a forest. Perhaps it was Wednesday. They tended to run away from people on Wednesdays.
“This way!” Merlin yelled, yanking Gwaine with him as he made a sharp corner. Arthur swore as he swerved, bringing Leon down for a moment before yanking him back up. What way? Why? Merlin had no sense of direction. He once got lost tying his shoe.
“Merlin!” Elyan yelped as he followed behind “We don’t have time to run in whatever direction we fancy!”
“I know where we are,” Merlin shouted and ducked under a branch. Percival swatted it to the side as he pulled the other along, making sure nobody got left behind. “It’s protected – they won’t get us here!” He said. Arthur groaned. He had heard that before.
“Should I just stab myself now to save us some time?” He asked. Merlin scowled at him as he made another sharp turn. Elyan ran into a tree.
“You’re leading us nowhere!” Leon tried desperately when Merlin slid down a rock and splashed through a small creek that led to a small, tunnel-like structure. Leon continued cursing as he ducked down to enter. “Even if they don’t find us we’ll still be horribly lost and…”
The words were lost for a moment as Merlin slowed to a walk, pushing aside a curtain of vines to clear the way out of the tunnel. Arthur stared.
“Huh.” Gwaine announced as he nodded. “Not what I was expecting.”
For once, Arthur had to agree.
It was a…A field of some sort. Filled with flowers of all colors that rolled around them, looking small and quaint next to the high mountains that loomed behind them. A small lake sat in front of that, the water calm as a couple of cows drank from it. One of them mooed at their appearance before going back to the water.
Most importantly though, there was a small house. Everyone turned to Merlin.
“They won’t find us here.” His servant said and smiled when the door open “Try to be good guests though.”
“And you know about this place…How exactly?” Leon asked. Merlin considered for a moment before smiling and giving a bashful shrug as he walked backwards towards the house.
“Um, I guess you should probably know now…My wife lives here.” He explained. Elyan choked.
“His what?” He asked and Percival opened and closed his mouth a few times. Gwaine frowned and looked out over the field.
“I guess that means I’m not allowed to steal the cows then.” He said. Arthur, despite his own shock at Merlin's words, vaguely wondered what the Hell he would have planned on doing with those cows.
“His fucking what?” Elyan repeated, voice rising a little hysterically. Arthur was about to have a reaction of his own when saw who exited the house.
“No.” He decided and held up his hands. Freya waved before running up to Merlin and launching herself at him. “No.” He said again. He looked at his knights. “No.” He laughed. “No!”
“You’re not happy to see me?” Freya frowned, tilting her head as a cat raced up to Merlin and purred as it brushed up against his leg in greeting “After Merlin and I saved your father’s life?”
“No.” Arthur responded. It was all he had the strength to say, really.
“You know Merlin’s wife?” Percival frowned “Why didn’t you tell us?”
“Because she’s the sorceress I’ve been talking about!” Arthur yelled, suddenly finding his words again. Silence followed. The knights all slowly turned to the pair. Merlin nervously put his arm around Freya while Leon put a hand on his sword, looking uncertain.
Then, like the asshole he was, Gwaine started laughing.
“Wait, wait, wait!” He gasped “Are you…Are you telling me that the beautiful, mysterious sorceress who has the eyes of a thousand rose petals and skin of a cloud and lips of spring meadow that you’ve been randomly running into…Is Merlin’s wife?” He cackled and put a hand over his chest “Oh…Oh my God…I couldn’t dream of a better prank!”
“Eyes of what?” Freya blinked and looked at Merlin who shrugged.
“Sometimes they say things I don’t understand.” He told her. Freya seemed to accept this and merely pecked him on the cheek. This did not help Arthur’s anxiety.
“But you…You married Emrys!” He shrieked. Merlin winced.
“Yeah…That’s what the druids call me.”
“You’re a sorcerer then?!”
“Yes.”
“No!” Arthur shouted at him. Merlin blinked.
“…Yes?”
“No!”
“Yes.”
“No!” Arthur argued resolutely and ran a hand over his face “No.” He whispered a bit quieter. Leon looked between them all before clearing his throat. “Don’t…Don’t do anything.” He instructed weakly “I promised I wouldn’t harm them.” He sighed and looked at the sky. Damn Lancelot. That made sense now.
“Look on the bright side,” Merlin tried weakly “Nobody thinks you’re crazy anymore.” He said. Arthur opened and closed his mouth a few times. Finally, he turned to Freya. He got a feeling when all of this was said and done…He was going to be seeing a lot more of her.
Whether he liked it or not.
“Would you like some cake?” She asked. Arthur stared. From beside him, Percival had found a black cat and picked it up with a small coo at how small it was. Freya glanced over at the pair.
“His name is Cody. He likes you too…Be careful though, he breathes fire. We don’t really know why.” She added. Percival slowly put the cat back down.
“Yeah,” Arthur finally said. If this was to be his life…Then fine. This was his life. He felt as though he had accepted far more perilous and dramatic things…Though somehow this was the most upsetting of them all. No matter. “I’ll have some cake.”
He definitely deserved some cake.