Don't You • Merthur ✔️

IV: Midnight Rain

A/N: I wanted to sprinkle some angst but I've never written any until now soooo idk sorry if its bad- I also included a deleted s4 scene (bc we were so robbed and I just had to put it in) anyways I struggled writing this chapter but I hope you guys will still like it :)   -sophie 🌻

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"Merlin!", Gaius greeted as he saw him enter his chambers.

"What?", Merlin asked, curious about the amount of books Gaius had on the table.

"I think I have an idea on how Arthur can get his memory back.", he informed, pointing at one of the pages.

"You do?!"

"In the kingdom of Daobeth lies a sacred gemstone that can manipulate and restore memories. It was used by the high priestesses against their enemies. Its a very powerful beacon of magic and during the Great Purge that's where it is kept safe. Its stored in one of the caves by the south."

"Daobeth? Its a three days ride from Camelot."

"Merlin, you don't know what dangers lie in that cave. The high priestesses wouldn't just leave the stone unguarded.", Gaius warned.

"I know, of course not. What do I do with the stone?", Merlin urged, a hint of determination flaming in his bright eyes.

"You have to recite this incantation and make sure Arthur gets a hold of it.", he replied, both their eyes scanning through the texts on the page.

"Thanks, Gaius." Merlin didn't waste another second as he paced back to the door, heading to find and inform the prince.

"Merlin, do you even think Uther will allow this?", Gaius cautioned, watching him leave the room.

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Merlin searched around the main square and in the castle, only to find Arthur and the knights gathered with their horses, faces filled with concern. A wave of anxiety grew on Merlin as he approached them.
"Arthur, what's going on?", he asked, looking over at the other knights.

"There was a kidnapping reported at the edge of the lower towns. They said it was a young girl. As soon as I heard, I knew I had to investigate for myself. I couldn't help but be paranoid of Lillian.", he explained.

"I'm coming with you.", Merlin insisted. Arthur nodded and ordered everyone to leave at once.

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So they advanced over to the sight of the reporting. Merlin peeked over at Arthur who looked a little jittery. He couldn't think of anyone else. In the distance, there was a group of residents gathered around when they saw a familiar face who seemed to be sniveling and distraught.

"No.", Arthur swore under his breath and swiftly galloped over to call out Lora's name.

"Lora!", he cried out as he dropped down from his horse. "Majesty! Oh, My Lord! Its all my fault, I've made a big mistake.", she wept, her face flushed with hot tears as Arthur could feel her hands tremble.

Arthur's chest felt heavy and his eyes widened. He talked himself into believing that the worst wouldn't happen this entire time.

"No, no. Where is Lillian?"

Lora didn't reply, she didn't need to when she dipped her head and grabbed Arthur's arms. They were thinking the same thing. "Lora-"

"I'm to blame. I never should've left her alone to play. It wasn't that far but I should've gone with her.", she whimpered. "She's all I have left, Sire. And I threw that all away. Please, please help me."