The Destiny of a Druid

Chapter 16

The sunlight gently flowed through the small window of Mercedes' room. Mercedes groaned while shuffling. Her foot colliding into something caused her to sit up quickly. She paused as soon as her eyes landed on a sleeping Mordred who was sitting at the foot of her bed propped against her wall. She suddenly found herself smiling.

"You really didn't leave..."

 Mercedes gently scooted to the end of her bed. She kneeled next to Mordred. Her eyes were fixed on him. His shaggy hair gently draped over his forehead. Despite his eyes being closed tight, she still recognized the green in their midst as clearly as if they were open. The quirky shape of his nose rested above his relaxed lips. A light pink blush brushed across his cheeks. There was a calmness to his breathing. The light of her smile reflected her adoration for her best friend. A gentle touch of her fingers went across his cheek. She thought to herself. 

"What a handsome man you are."

As her gaze traveled to his lips, she felt her heart race. Suddenly, her mind was taunting her. 

"Kiss him. You've got to kiss him."

Mercedes backed off immediately. Shaking her head against it, she protested.

"What is wrong with me? I can't do that..."

Her gaze returned to Mordred. So peaceful and handsome. In such a relaxed and calm state of sleep that showed he trusted his surroundings. She gently ran her fingers through his hair. Suddenly she noticed the brightness of the sun. She jumped off the bed in a panic.

"Oh no!"

She turned to Mordred and gently started to shake him.

"Mordred! Get up!"

Mordred groaned and repositioned himself against the wall. Mercedes shook him again.

"Mordred! We're late! Wake up!"

Mordred sprung from her bed. He rubbed his eyes and he smiled at Mercedes.

"I will see you in a bit." 

Mercedes gently grabbed his wrist and smiled. 

"Go. Hurry!"

Mordred ran down the stairs and out the front door. Sophia was heading towards Mercedes to apologize when she froze. She had just witnessed Mordred running out the front door. He was still in the same clothes from the night before, definitely suggesting that he stayed the night. Sophia finally realized that she had stood there long enough for Mercedes to run out the front door. Gaius came out behind her. 

"Mercedes! Wait!"

She tried to catch her breath as she turned around. Gaius smiled and handed her a pair. 

"You still need breakfast child."

Mercedes laughed as grabbed the pear and turned to run towards the castle. Sophia watched as she ran away.

"Sophia...? Sophia..."

Sophia finally snapped out of her trance and turned to Gaius walking towards her. 

"Good morning... Sophia."

Sophia gave Gaius a small smile.

"Good morning Gaius."

Gaius sighed. 

"Sophia... You do know that you cannot just stand outside our home... I do not wish to be forced to move back into our castle chambers but we will."