Arthur's Sons (Book 1)

The Labyrinth of Gedref (Part 2)

That morning Merlyn had gone to attend her usual duties for the Prince, her mind distracted by Anhora's words from the previous night, she was startled out of this when Arthur suddenly snarled in frustration and Merlyn turned to him eyebrow raised.

"That... rat! It's eaten through my boot, look at it!" Arthur growls holding up the boot in question.

"I guess the rat must be as hungry as the rest of us." Merlyn murmured turning away and placing a hand on her growling stomach.

"You think this is funny?" Arthur glared at her.

"Moderately." 

Merlyn was suddenly struck in the back as Arthur threw the boots at her."Get it mended. Find that rat." Arthur said going to find another pair of boots while Merlyn scowled at him and rubbed the sore spot on her back.

"Have you given any more thought to what Anhora said last night?" Merlyn asked picking up the boots and putting them with the laundry.

"Ah, well, he may have escaped last night, but at least we now know who we're looking for. I told my father I'll find this Anhora and put an end to it." Arthur stated and Merlyn raised her brow at him.

"Arthur, he was telling the truth about the curse." Merlyn told him seriously.

"You think I'm responsible for bringing suffering upon my own people?"

Merlyn shook her head sympathetically and walked over to place a hand in his shoulder."No, not deliberately. When you killed the unicorn, I felt the magical backlash so did Rowen and I saw Anhora in the forest."

"Why didn't you say anything?" Arthur asked clearly annoyed.

"It was just for a second, and then he disappeared. I didn't even...well, I-I thought I was seeing things. But he was definitely there. Besides I was more focused on slapping some sense into that thick skull of yours." Merlyn finished knocking on his skull gently with her knuckles. 

"Yes you did slap me, quite hard might I add and in front of the knights." He grumbled and Merlyn crossed her arms fixing him with a glare.

"Well, you deserved it. I tried to stop you from killing it cause I knew there would be repercussions and you killed it anyway, look where we are now because, once again, you didn't listen to me." Arthur turned his head in annoyance and Merlyn sighed. "Listen, you heard what Anhora said. You will be tested, pass the test and the curse will be lifted." Arthur looked at her and she could see the guilt creeping into his eyes so she pulled him in for a kiss and felt the tension slowly seep from his shoulders as he kissed her back.

She pulled away and rubbed her hands up his arms comfortingly. "It'll be okay just follow your heart and you will pass these tests, I believe in you." Arthur smiled shyly at that having rarely received such devotion and trust from another.

"Thank you, Merlyn, I'm truly grateful for your support." He said while he blushed like a teen and Merlyn laughed and gave him a kiss on the cheek.

"Any time, my love." Merlyn replied and Arthur's grin was like the sun on a bright summers day, stealing Merlyn's breath at the sheer beauty of it.

"My father has asked that the grain stores be guarded tonight and I want you to come with me." Arthur told her seriously after a moment.

"Why?" Merlyn asked confused.

"Other than the company, I would rather have you there in case Anhora comes back." Arthur said truthfully and Merlyn smirked.

"Is the Prince of Camelot scared of the big bad unicorn guardian?" Merlyn teased and Arthur rolled his eyes.