Chapter Fourteen, Gwaine is a What?

The Council Chambers were silent after Gwaine's exclamation. When a stunned Arthur broke it, sparing a glance at his injured love.
"What?" Arthur asked, not sure he had heard Gwaine properly.
"You heard me. I'm Gwaine son of Sir Dwayne, which makes me a Nobleman and well within my rights to protect Merlyn. Or any other woman who is being beaten and about to be raped, whether these thugs are Knights or not." Gwaine repeated himself, with a smug smirk on his face. "I have his ring with his crest, and you can check. I have one older sister." He added, as he awkwardly pointed to the ring around his neck with his chained hands.

"Sire," 'Sir Oswald' protested, but Uther raised his hand, silencing him.
"Check it. And bring me Geoffrey." Uther ordered. A Knight quickly bowed and scurried out of the room while one of the guards besides Gwaine lifted the ring for a closer inspection.
"It has the crest, Sire." The guard told him, which only infuriated 'Sir Oswald' and 'Sir Ethan' more.
"Merlyn, what were you doing in Sir Oswald's chamber?" Uther growled, ignoring the glares he got from Gaius, Gwaine, Sir Leon and Arthur.
"Prince Arthur told me to look after them for the duration of their stay. It's a cold night and I was putting warmer blankets on the bed, and was going to start a fire, as that is the coldest room in the castle. When Sir Oswald attacked me and called Sir Ethan to join in." Merlyn replied, as outraged whispers spread around the room.

Although she was lying on her reasons for being in there, it was the truth about the room being the coldest.
"You attacked her for doing her job!" Arthur bellowed, completely blind with rage. "A job I told her to do!? What sort of Knights are you!? You are disgusting -"
"Arthur!" Uther bellowed, ceasing Arthur's enraged shouts. "Ah, Geoffrey." Uther said, as a plump and balding, elderly man shuffled into the Council Chambers. "This man claims he is the son of Sir Dwayne. I need you to confirm this for me. He has the ring with the seal of approval. Whether it was stolen or not remains unclear."
"Father! I do not believe Gwaine would steal the ring. He saved my life, I will vouch for him." Arthur argued, staring at his father as if it was the first time seeing him for who he is.

"Very well, but from now on, what happens next is on your head, Arthur." Uther warned dangerously.
"May I see this ring?" Geoffrey asked politely, once Gwaine nodded the elderly man picked it up and examined it. "It is definitely the ring bearing the Sigil of Sir Dwayne. I shall need to check the records to confirm he is who he says he is." Geoffrey informed the King.
"Very well. Until what you say can be proven or disproven you shall remain in the dungeons. I cannot be seen letting a commoner, supposed or not, attacking two visiting Knights. Guards take him back to the dungeon." Uther ordered.
"What of them? What punishment do they get for attacking my friend!?" Gwaine shouted, not letting the guards take him away.
"She is only a maidservant and the Knights will not be punished." Uther hissed, before he walked off leaving several shocked people in his wake.

When Arthur looked over to the woman he loved he flinched at the anger on her face before she spun on her heal no doubt following after Gwaine, with Gaius behind her. Arthur shared a hopeless look with Sir Leon as they silently communicated with each other. They didn't like the smirks on Sir Oswald's and Sir Ethan's faces, and Sir Oswald was certainly not like how Arthur remembered. Sharing one last look Sir Leon and Arthur nodded to each other as they made a silent vow. They would keep an eye on the two and they would keep them away from Merlyn at all costs. She was never to be put in that position again. If the King would not protect his subjects, then Arthur would. He will be a different King than his father. A better King. Anyone who committed a crime would be punished fairly and justly, no matter their station. Including people of Noble-birth.

***

Merlyn raced down into the dungeons ignoring Gaius who was asking her to come to their chambers so he could check her wounds; she would do that after. But first; she had to see Gwaine. To apologise. It was her fault he was in the dungeon in the first place, and to apologise for him having to reveal who he was. She knew he didn't want to serve Uther and when it was proven he was Sir Dwayne's son, she had a feeling Uther would make Gwaine serve. Whether Gwaine wanted to or not.
"Gwaine." Merlyn said sadly, as she rested her hands on the bars.
"Merlyn, what're you doing here?" He asked not unkindly, as he ceased his pacing and came over to her.
"You need to rest and let Gaius look over you, Merlyn." Gwaine said softly, as he covered her hand and gave it a brotherly squeeze.

"I'm sorry, Gwaine." Merlyn said, sounding heartbroken. "You're in here because of me. What if they don't let you out or worse... Uther doesn't like to admit he's wrong, and -"
"Hey, shush." Gwaine soothed, as he squeezed her hand again. "I'll be fine Merlyn, I promise. What I'm more concerned about is you. Are you okay?" He asked worriedly, as he looked over her many injuries.
"I'm okay. I'll let Gaius look me over though. But I had to see you, to apologise." Merlyn said fretfully.
"You have nothing to be sorry for Merlyn." Gwaine said firmly.
"Arthur won't let anything happen to Gwaine. Don't worry." Gaius said, trying to calm down his Ward. Even though he had anger burning in his veins, he thought Uther was his friend and a fair ruler, evidentially he was wrong. And he'll never forgive him for this.

"I know Geoffrey. He's a friend of mine and he will work all night if has to, knowing what is at stake. Come let me check you over, my dear girl. I'm sorry you could not get the justice you deserve." Gaius apologised.
"It's not your fault Gaius." Merlyn said, as she kissed his cheek. "And I'm used to it. Uther looks at me, at any servant, and sees us as dispensable, as nothing. He talks of fairness and a fair Kingdom but it's anything but. He only cares for those who have wealth and nobility." Merlyn ranted, though quietly so the guards didn't hear.
"It's not right though, Merlyn. You shouldn't be used to it and I hate that you are. That you're treated the way you are. But I will always be at your side, Merlyn.

If I'm forced to serve him, then it won't be for him. Nor will it be for Arthur or for Camelot. It will be for you, Merlyn. My brave warrior Mage of a sister. My first friend, who I know will be an amazing Queen." Gwaine said passionately, whispering more quietly towards the end so there would be no chance that anyone other than the three of them would hear. As Gwaine spoke, tears filled Merlyn's eyes as a happy, beautiful smile spread across her face. She has never had someone proclaim themselves as her brother before, she liked it and she was glad she had someone she would be herself around other than Gaius, and Arthur when they were alone.
"You're like a big brother to me Gwaine and I'll make sure nothing happens to you. Even if I have to curse everyone, Arthur won't let it happen either. I swear." Merlyn swore.
"I know but don't curse anyone. Go on Merlyn bird. I'll see you in the morning." Gwaine said, as they bid each other goodnight.

***

The following morning, just after dawn another meeting was called in the Council Chambers. One everyone from the night before had to attend, including Gwaine who was brought up from the dungeon. As he entered he sent Merlyn a reassuring smile and Arthur a look that promised pain if he didn't protect Merlyn who nodded his head. Then he ignored the smirking faces of Sir Oswald and Sir Ethan, even though his blood boiled. Merlyn looked a little better now that she's been cleaned up and had some rest. There was more colour to her cheeks and she no longer showed signs of shock, however, the bruises stood out in stark contrast to her pale skin, looking far worse than the night before.

Every time someone looked at them, those who cared deeply for her at least, felt their blood boil with rage. Especially as Uther has done nothing and the two Knights in question stood there looking smug with smirks on their faces.
"What is it you've found?" Uther asked, staring unblinkingly at Geoffrey.
"He is indeed who he says he is." Geoffrey said. "He is the youngest child, and only son between Sir Dwayne Lotsson and Lady Adelaide." He explained, as he showed Uther the Seal and the copy of Gwaine's parentage and heritage, his date of birth, his description and his age. 

"And this is authentic?" Uther asked wearily.
"Yes, Sire." Geoffrey agreed, with a bow of his head as Uther let out an aggravated sigh as it was now proven he was wrong. He hated being proven wrong.
"Very well." Uther sighed, before he turned to the awaiting court. "It has been proven by Geoffrey of Monmouth, the Court genealogist and keeper of the royal library, that the man we see before us, Gwaine, is in fact the one and only son of Sir Dwayne Lotsson and Lady Adelaide. He is of Noble-birth and therefore within his rights to protect Merlyn, her position does not negate this. He is free to go. However, after the Mele he is to become a Knight of Camelot. Court dismissed." Uther ordered, and left soon after with Morgana following after him.

While Sir Oswald and Sir Ethan looked outraged. As soon as Gwaine was unbound Merlyn almost jumped into his arms hugging him tightly, completely ignoring the room still full of people as they slowly left. No doubt they would be the gossip of the castle tonight. Once they pulled back Merlyn gave Gwaine a soft kiss to the cheek smiling happily at him.
"I-I just wanted to apologise to the both of you." Arthur said, after clearing his throat, just looking at his love caused anger, guilt and sadness to war within him. "What my father is doing is wrong. They should be punished for what they did, visiting Knights or not.

And I'm so sorry Merlyn. I never should've made you work for them on top of working for me, and now you've got hurt because of it. It could have been so much worse if Gwaine hadn't stepped in and for that I'll never forgive myself for the part I played in this. You're a true friend and the woman I love and I failed to protect you. I'm so sorry. You can take off, as long as you need." He said, showing Gwaine what Merlyn has been telling him and how much he cared for his friend.
"Thank you, Arthur." Merlyn said, smiling softly at the man she loved, resting a hand on his cheek now that they were alone. "I don't need to take time off. I love you too, but Arthur -"

"I insist Merlyn." Arthur said firmly, but his eyes were filled with love, concern and sadness making him look like a puppy. "That's not something you hear me say often." He joked, making them laugh. "Seriously, though. You're hurt and you need to rest."
"Thank you. Dollophead." Merlyn teased.
"Clotpole." Arthur jested.
"Hey, that's my word!" Merlyn exclaimed, a smile on her face which made Gwaine, and Arthur smile, who besides Gaius and Sir Leon were the only ones left in the room. Leon knew about the relationship between his friends, Arthur and Merlyn, and knew without a shadow of a doubt that she would make a wonderful Queen. She's already changed Arthur for the better and he wondered what else she could do.

"Yes, and it suits you perfectly." Arthur teased.
"Now, that is where you are wrong." Merlyn said dramatically, as she pointed at Arthur.
"It suits you perfectly, as you are very unobservant for a Prince and even more so for a Knight." Arthur glared at her before they both descended into laughter making everyone else laugh and smile at them as Arthur looked around and pulled Merlyn into his arms and gave her a sweet tender kiss. They were glad to see Merlyn laugh after the horrors of last night, although they had a feeling the horrors hadn't completely gone away and that something was coming.