Don't You • Merthur ✔️

V: Treacherous

"There's something troubling you.", Gaius said as he pulled his seat back and ate breakfast with Merlin.

"Sorry, she's still on my mind. The sorceress.", Merlin worried, picking at his food.

"Maybe I've met her somewhere before, maybe its something that ties me to her? She's against me in some way, she's enchanted Arthur and we're about to fall right under her trap."

"Frankly, we're both terrified, Gaius."

"If she knows you then she must be aware of your power. If anything, she should be the one wary to face you.",

"The kingdom is so far, what did Uther think of you venturing over there?"

"Uther doesn't know yet but what I'm sure of is that Arthur will never sit by and do nothing. He will convince him somehow. Lillian's Sir Aaron's daughter. He saved Uther's life."

"Did you tell Arthur about the stone?"

"Yes. Of course, he was against it. But, you're right. Him remembering our friendship is the least of our worries. He could've died in the woods but he didn't."

It wasn't the least of Merlin's worries. It began as a lingering inconvenience, then grew to haunt him, especially at night when he was left alone in his thoughts. The young warlock has fought many battles, but none had barbs quite like this. Merlin knew he was strong, but for how long?

"And you got him to trust you?"
"He really didn't at first but, I showed him the sigil he gave me."
Gaius looked up and flashed a soft grin. "It was Ygraine's, wasn't it?"

"It was. And I told him about that unicorn he shot. And the poisoned goblet."

"You'll get him back. If he gave you his mother's sigil once then there will always be hope. He is your destiny after all.", Gaius chuckled.

"Merlin!", the familiar voice bellowed throughout the hallways.

"Speak of the devil, your destiny's looking for you.", the physician teased.

Merlin sighed heavily as he saw the young prince barge in.

"Sire.", Gaius nodded, taking his empty bowl from the table.

"Hello, Gaius. You don't mind if I borrow Merlin this fine morning?"

"Of course, Sire."

"What? Why?", Merlin grumbled, gaping at Arthur.

"You're gonna help me train, remember?", he gazed at him with that troublesome gleam Merlin was all too familiar with.

"Right now?", Merlin complained, gesturing at the table with their food.

"Yes.", Arthur pulled his arm up and dragged his servant from his chair. Gaius smiled over at them as Merlin reached for his bread and held it in his mouth before he was completely hauled away.

"I apologize but he's mine for the day.", Arthur looked back and gave a tight-lipped grin at the physician.

---

"Woah!", Merlin practically feared for his life at the training grounds, clasping the shield with all his strength.

Arthur swung his sword repeatedly, producing loud clanging sounds. It made Merlin flinch, trying not to tumble unto the grass.

"Why so shy, Merlin?", Arthur teased, a provoking smirk on his face.

"I know you won't go easy on me.", Merlin trembled, peeking over cautiously from behind the shield.

The prince began to strike his sword, this time, more forceful.

'Now he's just doing it on purpose.'