Summary: After rescuing Gwaine the roguish man who had helped them in the tavern fight. Merlyn suddenly finds herself falling for him when she thought she'd never love again after Frey. And it seems the roughish man, Gwaine returns her feelings. Now...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
Chapter Twenty-Four, Dragra the Great
The next day Merlyn could barely stand to look or go out into the square as a pyre was being built for Gwen's execution. Despite George tending to Arthur that morning Merlyn headed straight to Arthur's chambers with little Hope in her arms. "We need to find a way to smuggle Gwen out of Camelot." Merlyn said with no preamble, striding to Arthur, who stood on the far side of the chamber, with purpose. "My father has me under constant watch. And I will not endanger yours or Hope's lives like that." Arthur said sternly but sadly. "Besides, there are guards outside and below in the square. But, I can't watch her die, Merlyn. Why is Morgana doing this?" His voice broke as tears filled his eyes.
Despite her magic warning her against it, Merlyn carefully and hesitantly handed Hope to Arthur who carefully brought her to his chest as a smile adorned his features as he allowed Hope to play with his fingers. "Thank you, Merlyn." Arthur said gratefully, knowing the effort and the trust she had just installed in him after what had happened a few days ago.
***
While Hope was with Gwaine having some Daddy-Daughter time Merlyn went to visit Gwen in the dungeons, taking her some food. "I thought you might be hungry." Merlyn said, as she was allowed into Gwen's cell. "I can't even think of eating." Gwen sighed. "How is Arthur? How's Hope? Will you - I mean you don't have to - but could you remember me and tell Hope how much I love my niece." Gwen rambled tearfully, bringing tears to Merlyn's eyes. "She's good and with Gwaine, you will get to tell her yourself as she grows, Gwen." Merlyn said firmly, her voice breaking a little. "Arthur wants me to let you know that he will do everything he can to convince Uther that you're innocent, and that he won't stop until you're released." Merlyn assured, as Gwen turned away to hide her tears.
"You and I both know that Uther will not change his mind, Merlyn." Gwen said resigned. "When I am gone, will you take care of him for me, Merlyn?" She choked with tears. "You can't give up hope. There is still time." Merlyn said, trying to remain optimistic. "To do what?" Gwen demanded. "We need to find the person who really planted the poultice. Do you have any idea who it might have been?" Merlyn asked desperately, she knew who it was along with her husband, uncle and Arthur, but she wanted to know if Gwen had noticed something that they'd missed. "What is it?" Merlyn asked, when realisation crossed Gwen's face.
