CHAPTER FIFTY-SIX
SWEET DREAMS ( i. )

"Today is a big day, Cal—my father has orchestrated a truly magnificent event."

Magnificent isn't quite the word Calliope would choose. While all rulers from the Five Kingdoms agreeing to meet in the same place is an impressive accomplishment, actually getting them to reach common ground for peace is an entirely different ordeal. The assassin will be pleasantly surprised if absolute civil war doesn't break out on castle grounds. Not that she'd complain. Bashing royal heads together isn't something she'd pass up. However, Arthur seems hopeful, and she knows this is an important day for Camelot, so she needs to be supportive.

Being in a good mood comes easy to her. The past month has been complete bliss for her and the prince. As long as the King isn't around, they're pretty public about their relationship. While the King gave a half-blessing, Calliope knows he definitely does not care to see it in front of his face. But when it's just them and the knights, there's no pressure to mask anything. She doesn't flinch when he glides his arm around her in the corridors. Or when he steals a kiss before she parts for a morning patrol with Leon. She wakes up in his bed more than her own, and Merlin has finally learned to knock.

Summer has come to end, but no wedding occurred in the palace. Lady Victoria—or Solene, whoever she was, has been completely forgotten. Calliope thinks of the night she saw Sepharin often, and how he slipped through her fingers. He's probably planning another attack, but this time he'll come for her. Because he knows that as long as Calliope is alive, Prince Arthur is basically untouchable. She'd throw herself in front of a blade before she lets Sepharin anywhere near him.

And then there's the mystery of her necklace. She'd put that one at the back of her mind. There's been too much going on for her to have any time for research. She fits in what time she can with Gaius, but they're only hitting dead ends. Instead of dwelling on it, she focuses on Arthur. He always finds a way to make her smile. The light in the darkness. He's always there to ground her, to pull her back from the edge she lives on.

She feels his arms snake around her back as she stares out the window at the distant trail of multi-colored banners.

"How long before you think someone starts throwing punches?"

Calliope scoffs, "I'd be shocked if everyone makes it into the palace without a scratch."

"I don't think anyone will cause too much trouble," he replies, his mouth close to her ear. "Word has spread about the King's new ruthless guard. They say that even though she's absolutely terrifying, she's also breathtakingly beautiful."

Warmth spreads on Calliope's cheeks and Arthur smirks. He's always loved making her blush.

He presses a kiss against her head, letting her go to put on his ceremonial crown.

"Then again, I hear she can be a real pain in the ass."

"Hey," Calliope turns around, arms crossed over her chest. "Someone has to be around to knock you off your high horse."

The Prince rolls his eyes before giving her a quick kiss, "I must go greet our new arrivals with my father. I'll see you later at the feast."

They exit his room, heading in opposite directions. In the corridors, everyone is busier than ever with last minute preparations. Having all five kings in the same place for several days requires the servants to work longer hours, and the guards to add extra patrols and be ready for a fight to break out at any given moment. With the aged rivalries and egos of these kings, Calliope has all of her weapons attached to her belt, even a few extra knives just in case.

She spots Sir Leon as she enters the armory, which is filled with knights and even the most recent recruits. They need everyone they can get for this event.

Calliope receives many greeting nods as men step out of her way. Leon stops his conversation with a fellow knight and turns to her.

"The King has informed me that he wishes for you to set up the guard schedule for the Lady Vivian's room, and for you to greet her to ensure her of her safety in the palace."

"Great," Calliope has no idea who Lady Vivian is, but setting up the guard duty should be easy enough. She reaches to a shelf to grab a piece of parchment and a quill with some ink to scribble down a few names. "Frederick, John, and Henry can take the first rotation. Then, William, George, and Edgar will relieve them—and tell me, why do I have to be the one to speak with this Lady Vivian?"

Sir Leon shrugs, "I'm sure the other kingdoms are simple looking to relieve some curiosity about you."

From behind them, someone snickers, and Calliope flashes her eyes to one of the guards—Edgar, "What's so funny?"

"Oh, just some talk I've overheard in the courtyard from the other kingdoms' guards," Edgar answers. "A few of them were placing bets."

"On what?"

"Well, they were discussing which one of them has the best chance to...seduce you."

The entire room bursts into a chorus of laughter, Calliope along with them.

By the time she stops, she's wiping tears from her eyes, hand on her stomach as she shakes her head, "Oh, that just made my fucking day."

While the knights and guards make last minute preparations for this festering pot of inflated, rich egos, Calliope sets off to greet Lady Vivian.

Her room is located just off the courtyard, the first door to her left as she exits a narrow, winding staircase. Before Calliope can even take one step towards the door, it swings open and a flustered Gwen storms out, her cheeks red as she tries to hold onto her anger and composure.

Calliope raises her eyebrows, "You alright?"

"No, that girl is..." Gwen releases a heavy breath, replacing her scowl with a forced smile. "Difficult." Great, just what I need. It appears the universe loves to test Calliope's patience, like it just wants her to snap and plunge off the deep end. Gwen shakes her head, stepping towards the assassin to speak in a quiet tone. "You should do your thing."

"What thing?"

"You know, when you scare people," Gwen laces her hands together. "I usually wouldn't wish harm or fear on anyone, but that girl is vile."

"Say no more," Calliope grins widely. "Your wish is granted."

Gwen places a hand on Calliope's arm, "Find me later and tell me everything."

"You got it."

As Gwen disappears down the staircase, Calliope quirks an eyebrow, turning towards the door that holds this apparently vile girl. She contemplates what she will do, strategizing as her footsteps echo against stone. With three, low knocks on the door, a very high-pitched voice orders her to enter.

The assassin reaches for where her favorite dagger would usually be, but her hand balls into a fist. Sepharin still has it, so instead, she settles for another large blade, twiddling it between her fingers as she pushes the door open to find a petite, blonde girl looking in the mirror, adjusting the hem of her sunshine-colored dress. She has a natural beauty and large, blue eyes, but she holds her chin too high and turns her nose up at the sight of Calliope standing in the doorway.

Lady Vivian assesses her. The black leather and lethal array of weapons within reach. Calliope always carries an aura of shadows reaching out for those in her presence, and she notices the subtle stiffen of Lady Vivian's muscles. The way her throat bobs and her pupils widen. Calliope only smirks, gripping her dagger.

"Who are you?"

"My name is Calliope. I'm here on behalf of the King to assure you of your safety in the palace."

Calliope walks closer to where the Lady stands her footsteps slow and loud, "Oh yes. I think I've heard of you."

"You have?" She asks.

Lady Vivian grips the top of the chair by her vanity and nods, "I do not require your presence at the moment. You can leave. If I need you, I will send that servant, Brynn."

"Gwen," Calliope corrected, pointing at her. "You should learn her actual name."

"I don't really care what her name is."

Narrowing her eyes, Calliope stops a few feet away from Lady Vivian, "You know, insulting my friends isn't a great way to get on my good side." The Lady's eyes move to where Calliope holds her dagger. "Just a fun tip."

"Okay," Lady Vivian said through a shaky breath.

"Wonderful, see you later then?"

Lady Vivian's face is ghost white as Calliope smiles wickedly.

She's sure Gwen will be pleased.

♛ ♛ ♛

The feast is a grand display of wealth and indulgence.

Mossy vines weaved with vibrant flowers adorn the edges of the white tablecloths. Imported fruits and wine sit in front of each and every esteemed guest with the honor being seated at the main table. Nothing less than gold is satisfactory for the plates and silverware, and the banners of all five kingdoms hang above the head of the table, each sitting behind its King. The thrones were specifically crafted to be the same size as well as the appropriate color for each kingdom. Calliope laughs to herself. No, they couldn't have the kings insecure about the size of their thrones.

While the jester breathes fire and woos the crowd, Calliope stands with Leon. Merlin is forced to serve wine and attend the need of the important guests. He catches Calliope's eye and huffs.

Moving around the servants standing behind their seated masters, Merlin finds his way to Calliope and Leon. The assassin grabs his pitcher of wine.

"Hey—"

"Shh," Calliope hushes him as she refills her glass. "It's our secret."

"Don't keep it all to yourself," Leon holds out his goblet.

Merlin tries to grab the pitcher, but Calliope maneuvers it out of his way, laughing as she pours some into Leon's glass.

"That's for the guests guys."

"I doubt they'll notice," Calliope gives it back to him. "It looks like King Olaf is about to fall out of his chair he's so drunk." The assassin is feeling it herself—her insides are warm and fuzzy from too much ale. She suddenly is craving a snack. "Hey, do you guys want to hear a funny story?"

Merlin sighs, "Cal, are you drunk?"

"That is not important, Merlin!" Calliope says, and Merlin raises his eyebrows, his lips turning up into a smile. "Anyway, as I was saying, I kind of scared the living piss out of Lady Vivian earlier because she was a total bitch to Gwen."

"Oh, don't let King Olaf hear about that. He's very protective of her, especially when it comes to men, apparently."

Leon nods, "Yeah, he'll run a man through who even looks at her too long."

Their attention strays from the conversation as the Jester breathes more fire, earning a chorus of claps from every onlooker. He proceeds to stumble around, making a fool of himself for the enjoyment of others, before he stops in front of the kings.

He inhales a long breath, and the fire that comes out of his mouth almost reaches the kings. Uther jumps back in his chair, but then bursts out into laughter.

Even Calliope has a wide smile, mostly due to her drunkenness, and it only grows as she makes eye contact with Prince Arthur from across the room. His ceremonial crown sits atop his blonde hair, his Camelot red cape tied around his blue shirt. His fingers rest on his chin, but she can see the quirk of the corner of his lips.

Later? He mouths the question, smirking with a glint in his eyes.

Calliope feels her heart surge, her skin aflame. She nods with a sly smile.

"Ugh, could you two be anymore obvious?" She turns to Merlin as the young warlock shakes his head. "Well, at least now I know to steer clear of Arthur's room later."

Her eyes move away from the Prince as the Jester holds out his hands to the crowd, "But it is not enough to please just the gentlemen of the court. Now, I have a spectacle for the ladies."

With the attention of Lady Vivian and Morgana, the Jester throws out his arms, and tiny, blue butterflies flutter out from his sleeves. If Calliope wasn't drunk, she would have noted how impossible it was for that trick to be anything but magic. Instead, she just claps with everyone else, happy as ever.

"But what is this?" the Jester asks. "Lady Vivian?"

He approaches her, reaching behind her ear to pull out another butterfly.

Lady Vivian is enchanted by the trick as she gasps with wide eyes at the small creature.

"It has mistaken you for a beautiful flower."

As everyone cheers for the Jester, Calliope finishes her goblet of wine. Then, she finds Merlin and steals even more for her and Leon. Why shouldn't they be able to drink the good stuff too? They bust their asses for this place, and they can only drink the cheap ale? No, that's not right.

And by the time the feast is winding down, it is very late into the night, and Calliope is having trouble standing on two feet. Leon is passed out on a bench in the hallway, his snoring echoing off the walls, goblet still in his hands. She chuckles as she leans over him, bopping his nose with her pointer finger.

"Man down," she mutters as she stumbles away. "I always knew you were a lightweight, Leon."

She hasn't been this drunk in a while—she's been to busy helping Camelot, which is so odd now that she really thinks about it. If someone had told her two years ago that she would be instrumental in the defense of Camelot, she would pass out on the spot. So much has changed, in this palace—in her. Now, she actually cares about what happens to this place and these people. She can't ever imagine leaving it behind.

Her vision starts to grow blurry as she leans against the wall across from Leon, still sipping from her cup. Most people have gone off to bed. Only servants still linger in the hall to clean up the mess.

"And I always knew you were a bloody drunk."

The teasing voice drifts to her, and she grins.

Calliope looks over her should to see Prince Arthur with his arms crossed as he watches her sway to catch her balance.

"I will have you know, Pendragon, that I am perfectly fine."

"Are you?"

"Yep," she says, popping the 'p' as she walks over to him, stumbling into his arms.

"Easy there," he steadies her, and she looks into his blue eyes.

Calliope sighs, "You are one beautiful man."

"You are completely wasted."

She runs her hands through his hair, "I want you to know that I probably am about to pass out."

"I got you, Cal."

"Wonderful," she replies with a slurry voice.

And then, she does indeed, pass out.

She has a fading recollection of him picking her up. Her head falling onto his chest, listening to his steady heartbeat as he carries her through the hallways.

The next part is more vivid. She wakes up just enough to feel him tucking her into bed and stroking her ice-kissed hair. Her half-lidded eyes look up at him through flickering candlelight as he leans down to place a delicate kiss on her forehead.

"Sleep well," he whispers fondly.

And as he turns to go, her fingers lace through his to stop him, "Hey, Arthur," she says through a haze of sleep. "I think you're my favorite person in the whole world."

She doesn't see his smile, but she does hear him reply—

"You're my favorite too."

♛ ♛ ♛

Merlin doesn't arrive at his usual time to Prince Arthur's chambers. He picked up enough last night between Calliope and Arthur to know that he does not want to go into that room until he's certain she has started her morning patrol.

So, when he arrives with a breakfast tray full of food, he is absolutely shocked to see the room in a perfect, clean state. The bed is made, and Arthur is fully dressed, staring out the window at something below. Merlin furrows his eyebrows, unsure of what to think, because even after an eventful night with Calliope, Arthur is never ever dressed. Has he entered into some strange, alternate world?

"Good morning, Sire," he finally says after shaking himself out of shock.

He walks to the table and sets the tray down, "It is the sunniest, the most fragrant," fragrant? "the most beautiful morning I've ever seen in my whole life."

"You're dressed," Merlin notes.

Arthur sighs, "I am the future King of Camelot. I do have some skills, you know."

Merlin scoffs as he turns to smooth out some wrinkles in the bed. Arthur didn't do a great job making it, "Indeed, you are very skilled—at getting people to do things for you."

"It is your job," he hears the Prince respond. "Today, my job is...to woo."

"To what?"

"To woo," Arthur says as he turns around and walks over to his servant. "I wish to make a proclamation of love!"

A proclamation of love? For Calliope? They're already together, but Merlin supposes Arthur wishes to show the depth of his affections.

"Really? I thought you wanted to keep your feelings more...subtle." His father certainly will not like Arthur parading around proclaiming his love for Calliope.

"Why would I want to do that?" Um, okay? "By the end of today, I will have won my lady."

Is he still drunk from last night? Merlin only chuckles, "Right. Well, what will you tell your father?"

Arthur shrugs, "What does my father matter?"

"Well, that's one way of approaching things."

"So, I need your help," the Prince says, his mood light and full of spirit, "in....expressing my...feelings."

Merlin rolls his eyes, "Of course."

As he bounces on his heels, snapping his fingers with a strange look in his eyes, he motions for Merlin to say something, "How do I express my feelings?"

"Oh, I see. Um, feelings..."

"Feelings."

Merlin raises his eyebrows, "Girls."

"Girls."

His eyes light up with an idea, "Flowers?"

"Excellent! Find some, and perhaps you should also send a note."

When Merlin remembers that this is Calliope they are talking about, he wants to laugh. A romantic note will probably make her say something like, 'what kind of wanker would write this shit?'

"Are you positive your lady will like this idea?"

"Don't be an idiot, Merlin, just do it."

Arthur's strange behavior is sending him through a loop, but he just goes with it and sets off to find flowers.

Maybe the Prince got into a fight with Calliope last night and wants to apologize. If that's the case, knowing Calliope, she'll probably toss the flowers out the window and talk to Arthur when she's cooled down.

Merlin just knows that he is not about to get himself in the middle of their relationship problems.

♛ ♛ ♛

Calliope is surprised to find flowers in her room when she gets back from morning patrol. Her first thought is that Arthur left them for her because he wasn't able to stay with her last night. For the first time in a while, she woke up alone, in her own bed.

A bouquet of wild daisies and lavender sits on the table with a small note propped up beside it. With a curious gaze, she sets down her satchel and walks over to it, reading the note carefully inscribed.

The barriers that keep us apart are nothing compared to the power of true love
                                                                              —Arthur

Calliope snickers, "What kind of wanker would write this shit?"

The flowers are nice though. She grabs the bouquet and smells the fresh lavender. It's a calming scent that makes her want a warm bath and a long nap. She's about to partake in both until the door to her room bursts open. Calliope is ready to reach for her daggers until she sees Merlin with a bewildered look in his eyes.

Her shoulders relax, "Merlin, what the hell?"

"Rats!"

Calliope's eyebrows furrow, "What?"

"Big, hairy, sharp teeth—yeah definitely over here."

She isn't really sure what has got into Merlin as he drops to his knees and looks under her bed. Calliope leans down, "Lost something, wizard boy? Perhaps, your sanity?"

"Me? No! I'm great." He rises to his feet. "How are you, Cal?"

"I'm...surprised," she answers as she motions to the flowers. "I didn't think Arthur was one for big romantic gestures."

"Wow, that's just great, isn't it?"

Sweaty, red face, wild expression, fidgeting fingers...Calliope narrows her eyes, and as she steps towards Merlin, he backs away.

"What are you trying to hide, Merlin?"

"N—nothing."

"You're the worst liar ever. Come on, spit it out—"

"I've got to go!" He runs to the door. "More rats to find!"

As Merlin leaves her room, Calliope turns back to the flowers.

What an odd morning.

♛ ♛ ♛

hey everyone, i'm back! life has been super chaotic recently, but i finally finished this chapter!
remember to vote and leave your thoughts in the comments :)
also this was written at 3 am, but I really wanted to give you guys an update since it's been a month. sorry for any typos!