chapter twenty!
020. the gates of avalon

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    MERLIN UNDERSTOOD Arthur was going to be angry as soon as he followed him back to his chambers. He stood anxiously by the wide-open door, peering inside to see him furiously pacing around his room, shoving clothes and provisions into saddle bags. He grabbed the chainmail Merlin hadn't even polished yet and threw it into a canvas wrap that he pulled tightly shut by the strings at the top, throwing it to the side with a furious grunt. His manservant pursed his lips, not sure what he was going to say. But he had to make Arthur see sense▬he had to before Sophia would toy him until he'd willingly face his own death.

But when Arthur was angry, he was angry▬he became a furious storm that lashed out at anything and everything. He shut himself off, ordered Merlin to leave and then snapped at him if he didn't, turning all the blame onto someone else whenever his father embarrassed him, or frustrated him, or somebody else ignited the raging fire inside his chest. He didn't know him well▬he was just a servant, and he was the Prince ... it wasn't Merlin's place to ask anything; but despite his anger, Arthur was different ... he told Merlin he would consider him a friend for life for the things he did for him ... that must mean he thought kindly of him? That he truly was considering him a friend?

Merlin swallowed back the hurt he felt that as soon as Arthur noticed him at the door, he growled, "Get out."

He didn't mean it▬the young servant told himself. He wasn't in his right mind. Merlin took a brave breath and stepped further into the chambers, "I thought the King was a bit harsh..." he mumbled carefully, eyeing the Prince's angry packing.

"I don't need sympathy, Merlin," grumbled Arthur, "especially not from you."

The servant surged forward to his bed post, not backing down no matter how much he begged to, "But I did think he had a point▬"

Arthur's gaze snapped up to him, fuming, "I ordered you to get out now leave me!"

Merlin shook his head, setting his jaw and leaning forward, "I know what you think you're doing and I know you think you're in love with Sophia▬"

The Prince threw aside his armour, "Who are you to tell me what I'm thinking?!"

The young warlock swallowed back the lump in his throat at the way Arthur raised his voice. His nostrils flared, but he kept his own anger down for the Prince's sake▬he's enchanted, he told himself. Softly, Merlin told him: "I'm your friend."

Arthur scoffed at his words, "No, Merlin," he grabbed his riding bags from his bed, "you're my servant."

He stormed away to his weapon wrack, leaving Merlin with that aching lump rising up his throat all over again. He tried not to feel hurt▬to not let his words strike him like a heavy blow, but they did. Because he was right. Merlin was not his friend. He could never be his friend. He was his servant. He was always going to be his servant▬that was how the world worked. And while Arthur might say it in a fit of anger, enchanted under the gaze of a pretty Sidhe, he was right.

But even if he wasn't considered his friend. Even if he was just a servant. Even if Arthur angered him and made him want to let him be tricked into his own death, Merlin couldn't. Not just because of his destiny the Great Dragon deemed so important, not just because of the world he was told they would create▬but because somehow, Merlin started to believe it all. In the small things: the way Arthur fought, tried to do the right thing, whispered things he wished were different. The way he risked his life for him to get that flower, the way he listened to him about Valiant, the way he hadn't cared of Lancelot's birth as long as he was noble at heart▬the way he was different than his father. The way that underneath it all, Arthur truly was a good man, and he will grow into a good King.

Which was why Merlin ignored it▬it was why that while many would walk out and leave him here, his young manservant didn't. Maybe it was duty, maybe it was loyalty, maybe it was Fate and Destiny. But always, deep down, Merlin knew it was because while Arthur considered him far from his friend, the young warlock already started considering him one.

So, he did not give up. "You don't know what you're doing," he followed his master around the room. He caught him by his desk. "She's cast a spell on you. You're enchanted!"

Arthur frowned at him, and for a moment, the anger dissipated and what replaced it was confusion▬like there was a part of him still in there that held enough rationality, enough of him to know that this wasn't quite right.

But before Merlin could try and persuade that side any more, the dainty voice of Sophia echoed behind them. "I told you people would try to keep us apart."

The warlock spun around, and his blood boiled to find she and her father enter the chambers. Sophia tilted her head, gentile and sweet▬but it was all coy; it was all a play. Once could see it just by the slight smirk on her lips.

At the very sight of her, Arthur's eyes seemed to glaze over. He stopped doing what he was doing, standing attentive like a soldier waiting orders, "I know," he said quickly, eager to please her. "I won't let that happen."

"Don't listen to her!" Merlin was starting to grow desperate. He gestured wildly at Arthur, trying to grab his attention. It wavered, and his brows knitted together▬he looked lost; far off in another world. "She's controlling you!"

Sophia stepped forward, her silk, golden cloak flowing beautifully behind her, "We can elope together," her voice was like that of the Greek Muses. (Or a siren, thought Merlin bitterly). "Get away from this place, these people."

Merlin chuckled lowly at her and her facade fell enough to glower at him. He brandished a finger at she and Aulfric. "I saw you. I followed him. They're planning to sacrifice you."

Aulfric Tír Mòr chuckled, not at all deterred by him. He stepped up to his daughter's side, "You let your servant talk to your guests this way?"

"I know what you're going to do!" said Merlin. "Because I followed you to the lake and I heard everything!" He spun back to Arthur who shook his head, troubled. "You have to believe me!"

"Don't listen to him, Arthur," said Sophia. "Let's go. Let's leave tonight▬"

"She's going to kill you," Merlin cut her off, walking up to Arthur to try and get into his head▬he could see him frown and shake his head. He knew he was trying to fight it. "Sophia plans to sacrifice you to buy a life of immortality. If you go with her, you'll die!"

Arthur looked torn, "I▬I▬It doesn't make sense," he mumbled, at a loss. "We're ... we're in love...?"

"They're magical beings!" cried Merlin. "Look▬look▬" grasping for his last option, the warlock marched towards Aulfric, "▬look at the writing on the staff▬!"

Aulfric Tír Mòr flung it back from Merlin's eager grasp, and he saw the very thing Gaius described▬his eyes, they changed colour. They did not turn gold, they did not flicker bronze ... they flashed a beady, horrible red.

Merlin stumbled back, breath hitched in terror. "L▬look at his eyes. Look at him, Arthur! Do you believe me now?!" When he heard nothing, he glanced back. The Prince was turned away▬he didn't seem to be listening. Merlin's heart pounded, "Arthur!" he let out. "Do you see▬?!"

His words got caught in the back of his throat when Arthur turned around and saw that his eyes were no longer his own. They gleamed the blood red of his captors; now fully, completely under their control, "I see everything!"

Merlin felt trapped. He glanced between him and Aulfric and Sophia▬his heart was pounding louder and louder; rushing blood to his head. He didn't know what to do▬all he thought was that he had to stop them, and so he rushed forward, angry as he tried to take Aulfric's staff from him by force▬

He was ready for him. With a shout, his staff lit up in lightning blue▬Merlin gasped as the blast from it struck his chest in blinding white light. The last thing he remembered was the feeling of his head hitting the stone wall, and then the warlock slumped to the ground, unconscious.

Merlin didn't know how long he had been out for when he finally came to. His vision danced with black dots, blurry as he groaned, feeling somebody's breath hover over him as they checked him over. In a daze, he could barely think▬he heard a terrible buzzing ... what was all that buzzing? There was light ... was it morning? Last thing he remembered, it was the evening?

Golden waves and amber eyes stared back at him, worried. "Merlin?" murmured Odette, brushing the hair away from his eyes. She looked like the sunlight had very much conjured her into being▬groggy, Merlin found it almost funny that the girl who looked for a sunrise and hope, really seemed to be the sight of the dawn herself. With blurred vision, he didn't see how frantic she really was, but he could hear it. "Merlin? Are you all right?"

She and Gaius found him here, sprawled out on the floor of the Prince's chambers in the early hours of the morning just as dawn started to rise. Morgana had woken Odette in a fit of terror, screaming and telling her that it was happening▬that Sophia was going to kill Arthur. She couldn't convince her to stay in her chambers, so she followed her at a run to the Physician's rooms on the other side of the castle where Gaius managed to calm Morgana down enough to take Odette to find someone who could help. Little was the King's Ward to know the person they claimed could help was currently groaning and mumbling incoherently on the ground.

"What happened to you?" Gaius asked, his voice stern with worry. Together, he and Odette helped the warlock to his feet. He stumbled and Odette had to haul him back up, almost stumbling herself at the weight.

Merlin blinked, wondering why he was seeing two of her. "Uh ..." he shook his head; the buzzing was still annoying him. He tried to swat it away. It did not go. "It▬it was Aulfric..." he managed as the chamber around him started to sharpen. He realised there were many people missing▬and it was morning. His stomach jolted. "Where's Arthur? I▬I have to go after him."

Odette clutched onto his arm tight to make sure he wouldn't fall over again. He frowned at her, "What's that buzzing noise?"

He tried to rush forward but she and Gaius stopped him. The physician stared at him, rather absurd, "Careful, Merlin!" he chided. "You can barely stand up."

"I have to go▬"

"You can't," Gaius stopped him once again as he surged forward and almost toppled straight over, "not in this state. You owe it to your powers that you survived this at all!"

Merlin wasn't completely looking at them, "I'll be fine!" he managed his best lopsided grin that did not make him seem at all better. Odette only frowned, not convinced. "He needs me."

Gaius tugged him back yet again, "Has that buzzing stopped?"

"... Yes."

"Liar."

"I have to go, Gaius," said Merlin, he seemed to be starting to regain his surroundings better enough to stand on his own. "He'll die if I don't."

Gaius didn't want to let him go. He was reluctant▬but he knew, they all knew, that there was little choice. He pursed his lips, still holding on tight. "The Sidhe are a vicious people. You must be careful."

"Don't worry," said Merlin, breathless. "I know what I'm doing." He started off. Odette made a face, concerned as he began to stride towards the window.

"Merlin?" she spoke up sheepishly.

He spun back to her, "Yeah?"

She pointed to the hallway, "The door is that way."

Merlin held up a finger, "Just testing▬" and he rushed off into the hallway. Odette watched him go, desperate to follow. But she knew she'd be useless against the Sidhe; she was without magic, without a fighting sword ... all she could do was just hope that Merlin would come back alive▬and Arthur alive with him.

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    SHE WAITED UNTIL the afternoon. Odette tried to busy herself▬she tried to console Morgana and tidy her bedsheets. But she often found herself at the window, gazing out towards where she knew the lake resided, hidden in the trees of the Darkling Woods▬or to even see Merlin return with the Prince at his side, safe and okay. Time fell away as the sun drifted further and further in its journey across the open sky. Odette couldn't waste anymore of her day sitting and waiting in Morgana's chambers. She had to move around the castle, she had to wash sheets and mend clothes, she had to tend to other jobs she had throughout the day. Odette had to make it seem like she knew nothing, like there was nothing bothering her▬that she was just a simple servant who was going about her chores without worry. She was often great at this, but she couldn't concentrate. Even her work did not distract her.

She remembered a time when she was younger. She had been freshly appointed within the castle as a kitchen maid, trying to learn how to wash plates and fill goblets▬she was only eleven, as most young girls were when they were brought into the castle to serve. Her first day, she had dropped her platter of food right onto the lap of Lord Umber, an old, cranky man. She had been terrified▬her hands shaking and her grip nimble at the way he had watched her move around with beady eyes. And when his hand brushed her skirts, it jolted her. Odette dropped everything. The meat, the vegetables, even his goblet of wine onto his pants. He had been furious▬striking her cheek into a welting bruise that would not go away for the rest of the week.

Odette had hid away from her mother▬she didn't even go to Gaius. She ran to hide herself from everyone, sobbing at what had happened, and how much his backhand had hurt. She was scared he would find her; she was scared she would be punished. She was scared that she would have to go back. She had wanted to run away forever; run into the woods away from Camelot and never return.

She had ran to hide all the way up into the older chambers in the tallest towers▬one of them was so tall, she could see everything; even outside the citadel. Odette had ran up there. For not even guards would position themselves so far if they had to. She would be safe, and she would be far away from Lord Umber for the rest of her life. No one would find her up there.

But somehow Arthur had.

He was fifteen at the time▬he was competing in tournaments, attending hunts, council and court sessions; he was now old enough to head off to war. And he was showing every promise with exceptional sword skills, jousting aim and was even handy with a bow and arrow. He was exceptional at everything he thought would make his father give him a second glance and a small, proud smile.

He had found Odette, hunched up outside in the fierce wind with her back pressed against the stone tower wall and her head in her arms. Still small, still frail, her skirts still dirty with mud and her slippers scuffed. But never so upset and so lost▬so terrified and defeated; she was always the happiest of them all.

Arthur hadn't spoken to her for weeks▬he hadn't had the chance. He stood there, unsure on what to say or what to do, feeling as though he was standing in front of a stranger.

But the fifteen-year-old couldn't just stand there and watch her cry, "Odette?"

Her cries hitched. Odette didn't raise her head, she kept it hidden in her arms. "I want to be alone," she said in a small, pained and miserable voice.

"What are you doing up here?" Arthur instead demanded of her, holding his hand to shield himself from the winds that were growing being up this high above the citadel.

She still didn't show him her gaze, "I wanted to be alone," she hiccuped.

He frowned at her, incredulous. "Why aren't you even looking at me?"

Arthur's eyes widened when as soon as he said those words, Odette's body shuddered as she started to cry all over again into her knees. She hugged her arms tighter, hiding herself even more. He almost couldn't hear what she was saying in the wind, "I▬I didn't mean to! I swear, I did not mean to▬but he▬but he▬but he▬"

The young Prince was confused, but he found himself crouching down in front of the girl he's known since he was merely eight-years-old. She was younger than him; annoying, childish and frustratingly great at cards, but while there were many things Arthur Pendragon could list alphabetically that he did not like about Odette Mason ... he has grown fond of her over the years; protective of the happy girl who did not care about where she had come from, only where she went, living each sunrise with a bright and happy smile.

This was not that Odette.

"Hey," he said gently, reaching out to clasp Odette's shoulder. His frown deepened when he felt her flinch. "It's okay."

"I didn't mean to!" she continued to cry. "But he▬but he▬he▬his hand▬and I just▬I jumped and I spilt it all and I am sorry!"

"Odette," Arthur squeezed her shoulder, "it's okay. Just look at me."

At first, she had been terrified to▬but with a few more coaxing words from the Prince, Odette had lifted her head. When he saw the bruising welt from Lord Umber's hand and rings, she watched something set over his features▬as if he wasn't sure whether to be shocked, angry, upset for her or even sick. "I'm sorry," Odette sobbed. "I'm sorry. I just▬I just wanted to see the sunrise. I just wanted▬"

Arthur had just pulled her into him. He sat down with her and hugged her close as she cried▬holding the young servant tight, prepared to keep her safe against whatever had happened to her. To keep her safe against the horrors that plagued her even when she was determined to ignore them all and smile. Somehow, Arthur had always been there for her as a child whenever Odette seemed to lose faith and hope▬to not want to search for the sunrise, or somehow couldn't find it. They had argued, and butted heads with their difference in age and personalities, but when Odette had needed hope and faith in the world the most, the sunrise didn't beam down towards her. Instead, the one who chastised her hopeful nature the most had always been there to somehow manage to restore it.

And now, even after years have passed, Odette knew she still saw Arthur in that same light when she was younger. Yet, in a way she couldn't quite describe anymore. She used to admire him, and copy him like she copied everyone else she liked; she saw him and tried to impress him, following him around everywhere and trying to show him all the pretty stones she managed to scavenge▬did every dare he and Ronyn taunted her in order to show to him that she was brave, and she was strong. As every young girl sought to do when around a boy a few years her senior.

She still admired him, and she still tried to impress him▬but she also saw everything good that he could do so easily perhaps because she had seen it all before. And now, it had somehow turned into this feeling in her chest that wouldn't let her breathe without knowing he was safe▬that the thought of not having him around, despite all he's said and done, made her lost. Like the constant sunrise will stop, and it will not emerge over the tree tops and seep through the cracks of the castle walls to meet her with its warmth every morning.

Maybe perhaps this was why what he said had hurt her so much.

But when she saw Merlin stand in the doorway of the kitchens, some breath seemed to return to her. Her shoulders lifted, her heart with it▬and when he slowly broke out into a grin and nodded, Odette slumped with so much relief she almost cried.

The court was brought forth for the afternoon, addressing Arthur who seemed far better▬he even looked better now that he was safe, and free from Sophia's enchantment. Odette watched him stand still before his father, not quite looking anyone in the eye over what had happened, healthy and without any harm come to him, as if Merlin hadn't saved him from almost drowning.

Morgana was bewildered by it. Sitting in her chair in a simple woollen green dress, and adorned with little jewellery, having been so terrified and yet relieved to see Arthur okay, she frowned. She briefly glanced at Odette and Guinevere who listened beside her, attentively and quietly▬though all three of them shared a similar expression. Though neither one of them knew what Odette had learnt. She kept a soft glance on Morgana even once she had looked away, remembering all that Gaius had said about her friend▬and how her dream very much did come true.

Until she felt someone else's gaze on her and Odette glanced up, curious. Her brows lifted when blue eyes settled on her and did not look away. Arthur pursed his lips and crossed his arms tighter over his chest, hesitant as if there was something he wished he could say to her, but knew he couldn't.

When his father spoke, he forced himself to look away from Morgana's handmaiden. "When you failed to show up for patrol this morning I feared you'd eloped with Sophia in a fit of passion."

Arthur nodded. Awkwardly, under the stares of the court, he cleared his throat and jutted his chin towards Merlin. His manservant's eyes widened, his jaw slacking as he was suddenly forced to come up with another lie to the King!

The Prince subtly bounced his brows, urgently darting his gaze back to his father and Merlin wanted to slouch in his exasperation. But with a frustrated sigh, he stepped forward and slowly, Uther's eyes fixed onto him. "I▬I wish he had," started Merlin. "Because then I wouldn't be standing in front of you feeling like an idiot again."

The King propped his hands on his hips, closing his eyes in a brief frustration. "This is becoming a near daily occurrence for you," he told the manservant.

Merlin quickly shot Arthur a scowl when the King wasn't looking, blaming him for everything that he knew was about to occur. "There ... was a mistake," he quickly went on, turning back to the King. "A▬and I would not say it was anyone's fault▬" Arthur sent him a wild glance, "N▬not really ... um ..." Merlin cursed God in his mind as he set his jaw and admitted with every reluctance, "You ... could say it was mine ..."

Uther sighed, "Could somebody tell me what happened?"

"Well▬"

"Someone with a brain."

Merlin sealed his lips shut.

Arthur rolled his eyes at his servant before deciding to tell his own lie▬smoothly, and without fail: "After Sophia left, I wanted to take my mind off her, so I went for a hunt."

Morgana's brows furrowed. She grew even more confused. Slowly, she said, "... And killing things mends a broken heart?"

Arthur sent her a flat look. "No," he stated, "But it is good fun."

She scoffed lightly under her breath, shaking her head in disbelief. Gwen bit back an amused smile, looking to the bottom of her skirts.

"Merlin▬" the Prince gestured back to his servant, "▬was meant to inform you that I wouldn't be back until later today..." he made a face, wincing loudly with little remorse or sympathy as he passed all the blame right onto Merlin standing innocently behind him.

The King was silent for a moment; met with utter disbelief as Merlin twiddled his thumbs. "Have ... have you some kind of mental affliction?"

Merlin considered it for a moment before deciding: "Probably."

"I'm looking into it, Sire," added Gaius and the warlock glanced at him, a little shocked.

"Well, I hope for our sake you find a cure," said the King, "or we'll find ourselves with a food shortage on our hands."

As he turned away, Merlin started to chuckle. He didn't realise, "Heh▬food shortage ...?" He finally understood▬Odette watched the fall of his face. "Oh, no."

With Merlin being escorted to the pillory for the third time in three days, Arthur was dismissed and the council was adjourned▬everyone else had other matters to attend to. Grain shortages in the outlying villages must be recorded, a wedding needed a blessing, and Odette had a feeling there were two drunkards in the cells below that would be following Merlin's performance in the stocks this afternoon.

Odette had to be with Morgana, to which she knew▬especially when she held that pale look upon her face; quite confused after what she had seen late last night. Her young second handmaiden didn't know what to do after what Gaius had said▬whether she should say anything to Morgana. She felt as if she should, that it was the right thing to do; seeing her so confused and scared at every nightmare and every moment they came true. Odette felt as if she deserved to know what was happening to her, and yet, as she glanced over to where the King muttered to Sir Gareth in passing about another magical suspect to placed on unknowing watch ... it was painful to realise that Morgana would be in more danger if she knew about her premonitions being exactly that. Right now, how heart aching it was to see her pale cheeks, and hear her screams ... ignorance was bliss for the King's Ward. Odette hated it, but she knew that to be true.

Leaving the chambers, Morgana led Odette and Guinevere down the hall▬discussing what she would like for a late afternoon lunch. They passed a group of knights waiting outside, and Odette adverted her gaze immediately when Sir Owain was amongst them. She didn't escape him as quickly as she wished, for as soon as he noticed her, that same grin broadened on his face as it always did when she was around▬she was his favourite to torment, she knew.

"You▬girl!"

Odette stopped immediately, cursing softly to herself as Owain approached. She glanced up and saw Guinevere send her a glance over her shoulder, stopping in the corridor. Odette just shook her head, telling her it was okay. She could deal with Owain. Gwen pursed her lips. For a moment, she didn't move at all, but at a final look from Odette she sighed and reluctantly continued down the corridor.

Taking a deep breath, Odette gently turned around, bowing her head respectfully in front of so many knights. "Sir," she greeted pleasantly to Owain, eyeing him cautiously as she stood back up.

He grinned at her▬youthful, boisterous and arrogant. He was going well with his sword, but not so much with his manners and humble pleasantries. "Tell me, are you still spilling wine on floors? I'm sure I haven't seen you staring out windows recently, at least." He chuckled, shaking his head at her. Odette set her jaw, keeping her head down as she let him speak, even if she clenched her hands within her skirts. When she didn't answer, he frowned, "Go on, girl▬tell me."

Swallowing down bile, Odette muttered, "No, I have not, Sir."

Owain nodded, holding his scarlet cloak with dignity under his arm▬but there was little dignity about him. "Wonderful," he praised her, as if she was a hound. "Good thing I taught you a thing or two, eh?" he nudged her and Odette tried very hard not to flinch.

"Yes," she managed, strained.

"Well," the knight glanced back at his friends who were chuckling, "I suppose you still have time to fetch us some food?"

She stared at him, and perhaps it was wrong to say it, but she did anyway, "I▬I have to get a meal for the Lady Morgana."

"Brilliant!" grinned Owain. "You're already on your way then. What shall we eat, lads?" he gestured back to his friends. "Some stuffed swan? I believe we deserve a luxury after today's training!"

His friends all agreed. They started listing food they wanted and Odette listened, starting to grow overwhelmed at all of their many voices and laughter▬toying with her like she was some game to switch up their everyday. And she had to listen, she had to obey, and she had to remember everything.

"And perhaps you can polish our boots, while you are at it?" added another knight. There was a burst of laughter.

"And mend my tunic▬"

"I believe my socks are in need of a wash▬"

"▬When have you ever washed your socks, Galahad?"

"I bloody well have, Florian, and you know it!"

"I▬" Odette glanced between them, growing distressed at all of the errands and jobs thrown on top of her already busy afternoon. "I▬I▬I'm sorry, I don't▬I do not think I can▬"

"You!"

Arthur's voice made her jump; hunching up with her breath hitched▬spinning around so fast her neck jolted and ached. He marched up to her, glancing her up and down▬he briefly eyed Owain before stating: "Considering my manservant is in the stocks▬yet again ... I need my boots polishing▬" her brows shot up, not expecting it (and rather miffed), "▬my chainmail needs cleaning, my tunic is need of a mend, my dogs need feeding, oh, and someone needs to bring me a meal for the night."

Odette stared, not sure what to say. The Prince just arched a brow at her, "Was that too complicated for you?"

She resisted the urge to scowl at him (and wanting to kick him in the shins). "No, My Lord," she stated.

"Good," Arthur spun to his knights, "I believe the Lady Morgana's maid has found herself too busy, perhaps you can ask your own servant, Sir Owain, to prepare your meal?" The young knight was speechless. Before he could stammer out an answer, Arthur turned to a few more of the knights, making a face as he said, "And Galahad, from the stink of your socks after each day of training I do believe you never wash them. What is another day without doing so again?"

When they shared glances and quickly shook their heads, not wanting to displease the Prince, Arthur nodded, satisfied. He then continued his way down the hallway. Odette stood there, just as surprised and shocked until he glanced back and shook his head, annoyed at her. "Come on, Odette," he said loudly.

The young servant jolted her legs to walk and she rushed after the Prince, scuttling along silently behind him with a quick glance over her shoulder. She pursed her lips, not sure what just happened, but she wasn't complaining.

They walked in silence for a long time. Odette fiddled with her fingers, watching her feet walk along the stone floor a little behind him▬finding it strange, very strange to be seen beside him, even if she was following like a servant. As she glanced up to peer at him, he had the same idea▬and as soon as their gazes locked, they immediately looked away. Odette suddenly found the tapestry they passed rather interesting: a depiction of ... a hunt ... how original ...

"Owain is arrogant," Arthur then said, making Odette snap her gaze back onto him. He wasn't looking at her, politely nodding to a Lord in passing. The young maid quickly looked forward, not liking the way the Lord watched her curiously. "I won't stand by him terrorising servants."

"He just terrorises me," mumbled Odette, still avoiding the Prince's glance. She knew he had fixed it upon her when she said it, and it made her feel as if her limbs were on fire. She flushed, not sure why she even told him that. "I don't▬well, I mean ... it is not▬you do not need to worry about it."

"He will terrorise you no longer," said Arthur sternly.

She continued to fiddle with her fingers. It was tense between them. She wanted to be angry for what he had said; to want to argue about how it had hurt▬that he should like a woman for more than her beauty, but after what had happened this morning, she held no energy for it, and she had a feeling he was the same. "You cannot stop it. It is all right. He is not the first. I can handle myself."

"I mean it," the Prince frowned at her, incredulous as to why she was so accepting of terrible things. "I do not care that he is a knight and you are a servant you do not deserve to be treated as such. You never have. Ever since▬" he stopped, thinking back to the day he had found Odette crying after she had been struck by abominable old Lord Umber.

They stopped walking when a party of guards passed and Odette realised she should not be talking to Arthur such. She cleared her throat, dusting her skirt and bowing her head, "What you ask, My Lord▬is that all you wish for me to do?"

Arthur stared at her, confused, "What?"

She grew exasperated. She didn't want to deal with this. After everything, Odette was happy he was okay, but she just wanted to rest▬she hasn't slept; at all. The Prince frowned at her, until he realised why she had gone so stiff and with a quick glance around them, he decided to grasp her elbow and tug her into the empty alcove beside them.

Odette grew annoyed, "My Lord▬"

He waited until it was sure they were alone for the time being, cutting her off with a finger raised. She glowered at it. "Arthur▬" she grumbled but he turned to her with a sharp, "Just wait a moment."

Odette huffed, shaking her head▬until she focused on his hand around her elbow. Her frustration always seemed to dissipate when he did that.

When a final pair of servants passed did Arthur finally glance at her, his grip softening around her elbow to frown. She became confused by it, tilting her head at the way his brows knitted together, "What are you doing?" she asked him carefully.

"Nothing, just," Arthur pursed his lips, still frowning at her. "I just ..." he grew a little sheepish and it surprised her. "I should▬what it is I mean to say▬well, other than what I have already said, of course▬"

"You're starting to sound like me▬"

"▬Odette, you do not make anything easy," he said, frustrated all over again. "Just▬be quiet, will you? For just a moment?"

She was always quiet, though she decided it best not to point that out. Instead, she pressed her lips together and stood there, strangely close to him in the alcove▬so close she could feel his breath hover above her. His hand was still wrapped gently around her elbow, and his thumb brushed against the skin of her arm▬she did not believe he even realised he had done it, but it burned.

Arthur set his jaw and looked down, finding it hard to meet her gaze, "I ... I would like to say ..." he trailed off, rethinking his choice of words. "Well▬it has come to my attention ... rather, actually, I believe it is in order ..."

"What?" Odette asked, her voice becoming soft and gentle.

He sighed and met her gaze once more, "I am sorry."

Her confused frown lifted to one of ginger surprise, "What▬what for?"

Arthur huffed, scowling at her, "Do not make me say it."

"Say what?"

"You know exactly what."

"I'm afraid, My Lord, I do not▬"

"▬You make this impossible," grumbled the Prince and Odette had to bite back her want to suddenly grin, amused at his disgruntlement from her questions. She quickly tried to play innocence when he eyed her, but he knew exactly what she was doing. "You are infuriating."

She giggled. She could not help it. "That is not an apology."

Arthur threw his head, "Oh, for the love of▬" he tugged her closer, "▬I have had a terrible day, I do not need you giggling▬" she let out a few more chuckles and the Prince scoffed, unable to believe her. "Odette," he stressed, growing annoyed at her ... and yet, he found himself smiling.

"Fine," she relented, pursing her lips tight to stop herself from letting out anymore chuckles, "What is you wish to apologise for, Sire?"

He narrowed his gaze at her, as if waiting for her to laugh all over again. But when she didn't, he sighed and admitted, "The other night▬when you came. You were worried for me, I can see that now. And perhaps ... perhaps you were right about Sophia, and I did not listen. Instead ... Instead I taunted you ... it was wrong of me, and I apologise."

Odette's stifled amusement started to fall away as he spoke. Her gaze became soft and sweet; her chest filling up with a strange warmth to hear him say it▬to apologise to her about what he had said. Perhaps it wasn't what she wanted to hear ... though she didn't know what she wanted to hear, and maybe it was best to leave it at that. She sent him a small smile, "It is all right," she said to him, "It is in the past."

Arthur stared at her for a moment, taken by how easily she forgave him, too. "I am sorry," he told her again. "I ... I do listen to you, Odette."

Odette forgot there was a hallway standing outside the alcove they stood in, achingly close with the space between them so hot for a moment, she forgot what it was like to breathe, staring up at Arthur Pendragon and starting to see exactly why she saw him so similar, and yet so different to as she did as a young child. He was undeniably handsome▬she could not lie. They say flaxen hair was a sign of weakness on a Prince, and blue eyes were too gentle▬but he was kissed by sunlight; basked in the warmth of the morning with a sharp jaw and nose. He was rigid, and he was strong, and he was tall▬his grip was tight but it was gentle, and his gaze, it made her almost speechless each time it set upon her with such intensity.

Before now, none of that would matter more than an observation she'd make or she'd hear. But perhaps his taunts did more harm than good ... they made her think and consider▬they made her take a moment to stop and admire him, despite how much he may infuriate her half the time.

Though he did not infuriate her now. In fact, he made her feel quite the opposite.

When she left this alcove, she knew she could not feel anything for Arthur Pendragon; she knew she could not let her thoughts wonder. But right now, here in this alcove, Odette started to feel something more▬something dangerous and something breathtaking. And she didn't want it to end.

"You listen to me?" she whispered.

"Yes," said Arthur. He nodded. "Yes, I do."

Odette started to smile again, "You listen to me."

He rolled his eyes, chuckling▬the sound vibrated in her chest. "I will not say it again. You heard me▬and now I suppose you will relish it as you always must."

"No, I just ..." the young handmaiden shook her head, the smile not joking, but sweet and genuine ... happy. So many didn't listen to her. They did not hear her. And yet, Arthur did. Odette couldn't tell him how much that meant to her. To be heard. To be seen ... to not just be a spec of dust on a forgotten desk in a forgotten dark and lonely chamber. "Thank you. For▬for Owain and ... and for listening to me now."

Slowly, Odette started to see a smile tug at Arthur's lips. A sweet, caring, gentle smile that seemed just for her and no one else. It softened his features, opened up the walls he had built, and there, standing before her, was the boy she always knew. "I'll always listen to you," he promised her, then and there. And Odette knew he meant it. "And if I do not▬then I have you to remind me."

She chuckled lightly, "I'm glad you made it back okay."

And like that, Odette knew that their moment was starting to end. And she'll have to step back, and she would have to bow her head, and they'll go back to as they've always been▬strangers that were also friends, two people standing on opposite ends of the world and yet at each other's side. A servant and a Prince.

And when she left this alcove, she knew they were even less than that.

But she had to.

Odette slipped her arm from his grip and stepped back, "Good day, My Lord."

She curtsied and swept past Prince Arthur, stepping back into the hallway and pushing forward onto her afternoon, forcing herself to forget all the childish feelings she felt and instead focusing on what was real. For once, Odette knew she could not hope for anything, not for herself.

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MERLIN WAS NOT at ease. Even with Arthur safe, Sophia and Aulfric gone, and everything seemingly back to normal, he was not at ease. He ate his dinner in the Physician's chambers across from Gaius in a tense silence with himself, his mind wandering to Morgana and her dream. Everything played out▬she had been right about Sophia, she had been right about Arthur nearly drowning; she had seen everything right before Merlin would save him.

And she didn't even know, truly, what she dreamt could quite possibly be the future of tomorrow. The dreams Odette said she heard more than once that had come true, and the ones that haven't ... yet ... Merlin didn't know what they had been, and what they were▬but they still made him nervous, expecting something at almost every turn.

Was it magic? He started to wonder. Could premonition be magic? Merlin had come to Camelot alone▬told that no one would be like him, and already, he was starting to see that perhaps that might not just be the case. First the Lady Adelynn, and now Morgana? He felt a lump in his throat▬he didn't know what to do, what any of it meant. But he knew what it was like, to be ignorant and scared of what he could do ... he couldn't just sit and watch someone else go through that▬let alone someone he knew he cared about.

But when Morgana pulled him aside about Sophia ... Merlin didn't feel what he felt when Adelynn did the same▬that burning, overwhelming feeling that filled his veins as if he was casting a spell made him feel like he was about to burst with magic and smash the nearest window to shatters.

He played with his dinner, picking at the stewed tomatoes and meat. (He believes he's had quite enough of tomatoes for the time being). He wanted to tell Gaius what had happened▬what he had felt the moment he caught Adelynn in Edwin's chambers ... and yet he couldn't. Some part of him wouldn't let him. Not yet, it told him. Like it was trying to protect her. He knew it must be that▬a natural reaction he must feel when met with another magical kin. And yet, it was absurd, for Gaius knew his secret and protected him. Helped him. Couldn't he do the same for not just the Lady Adelynn, but the Lady Morgana as well?

The knock on the door made both of them glance up. Merlin set his spoon down when carefully and hesitantly, the Lady Morgana slowly peered her head through; dark, black waves, snowy white cheeks and pristine red lips▬she was beautiful, and yet she looked almost like a ghost: scared and unsure.

"Morgana," greeted Gaius, a little surprised to see her here at this time of evening.

She stepped inside, clutching something little tight in her palm. Unsure, she wandered over to them▬her eyes kept glancing down at Merlin, focusing on him with something that was almost wary. "I ... I've had some troubled nights ..."

Gaius stood up to meet her, giving her a small nod of understanding, "I have prepared another draught for you."

He left for his shelf of remedies, leaving Merlin and the Lady Morgana alone by the table. They shared what felt like a tense silence.

"Have the dreams stopped?" asked Gaius as he returned and Morgana's gaze darted away from the young warlock.

She pursed her lips, fiddling with the draught in her palm. She glanced at Merlin once more, "A▬Arthur told me what actually happened ..." a slight, tired smile graced her features, "You must have hit him round the head really hard?"

It took him a moment to realise what she meant and he managed a stiff nod. "Yeah," he mumbled, picking at his stew a little more. He sent her a small, shy smile, "I feel really bad about that."

She frowned at him for a moment, but said nothing more as Gaius passed over a new sleeping draught. "Here you are," he said gently and she took it with ginger fingers. "Remember▬every night just before you go to sleep."

Morgana nodded. She smiled, "Thank you, Gaius."

He rubbed her shoulder and she left them. Merlin watched her go, feeling like there was so much he wished he could say, and yet found his mouth dry.

As soon as the door closed, Gaius rounded onto Merlin, "She must never find out the truth," he told him.

He sat up at this, a little startled by the gravity to his tone, "Why not? She had a premonition that helped save Arthur's life?"

"And it could've cost her own," Gaius sat back down at the table, looking at him with that stern gaze that told Merlin this was a very serious matter. "If Uther ever found out, things would never be the same again. It must remain a secret."

Merlin twisted his feet underneath the table. Glancing briefly at the closed door, he chewed on the inside of his cheek before leaning forward and muttering softly, "Is she like me? Can she use magic?"

Gaius's stern gaze fell, and he sighed softly. "No one's like you, Merlin," he said gently.

He chuckled lightly at this, but his heart wasn't fully in it. As they continued to eat, his gaze wandered to the window above, and yet again his mind fretted over a young girl in her chambers in the Upper Town▬he thought of the Great Dragon's words, and wondered how true Gaius's own really were.

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a/n: this is such a filler but at the same time like ... odette and arthur are being cute 🥰

getting our first adelynn-centred chapter next so I'm super excited for that.

also merlin is so torn like someone tell mah boi he can go talk to them because it would definitely save half of the shit that happens in the later seasons from every coming to be. but it won't be me that tells him oh no cos morgana's vigilante shit era is gonna be amazing and interesting shit to write

also of course my most favourite edit I've ever done on Instagram flops <<<<

Instagram hates me. it is true.

while tiktok is loving me (touch on wood)

anyway any odette and arthur specific headcannons? odethur? arthette? ardette? anyway odette and arthur headcannons! get carried away seriously i love them!: