The Royal Scandal *Book Two*

The Suffering Ends S2 E13

On our return to Camelot, we were immediately summoned to meet with father in the "planning room". Literally, this rooms only purpose was for when our father made plans that were surely going to fail. And now, here we were to deliver the news that we had failed. How ironic, right?

We followed Arthur into the room, deciding that it would be better for him to deliver the news as he would have less chance of being throttled. But from the way we walked in alone, everyone already knew that we hadn't succeeded.

"I'm sorry, father, I have failed you," Arthur apologised but before I could interrupt him and take some of the blame on myself, Arthur continued. "The last Dragonlord is dead."

I noticed Gaius look just over my right shoulder where Merlin was standing and it took everything in me to not reach back and grab his hand as I heard a quiet sniff. Looking over at me with sorrow in his eyes, Gaius then bowed his head for his fallen friend, an act that surprisingly quite a few people were doing but I seriously doubted it was with the same meaning.

"There were many years when I might've wished for that news," father admitted.

"A man has just been killed on his way to help save Camelot, show some compassion," I snapped at him before I could stop myself, knowing how Merlin's heart was already shattering and it needn't any more pain from my father's insensitive comments.

Father went to say something back but Arthur was quick to take a step forward and interrupt him.

"All is not lost, father," Arthur said. "We have to fight the monster ourselves. So let us ride out and fight on our own terms. On open ground, on horseback, where we can manoeuvre better."

"There is no point," father muttered in defeat.

"So what? We stand here and watch Camelot fall? Arthur's right, we can't just give up," I said.

Father was silent for a moment as he looked between us.

"You have my blessing," father eventually nodded.

Sighing to myself, I moved over to the side of the room beside Merlin as Arthur went to address the rest of the men. But now that I was out of view, I subtly held onto Merlin's hand and gave it a tight squeeze. He responded with his own as I kept my eye out for anyone that might look over; father was too deep in his own sorrows to raise his eyes and all the other knights were watching Arthur to see what he had to say.

"I need a dozen knights. Those who do not wish to fight can do so without stain on their character. For those brave enough to volunteer, you should know, that the chances of returning are slim," Arthur said and just like that I could see the determination to fight leave many of the men's faces.

Nobody stepped forward.

"We want to fight," the small voice of someone said as the doors opened.

Everyone turned to see Aria and Leo running into the room. My eyes widened as I looked over at Arthur, who was also staring back at me.

"Prince Arthur, we want to fight," Leo said, going up to Arthur.

"Leo, sweetheart, come here," I said, crouching down and holding out my hand.

"Please let us fight, sir," Aria requested calmly as Leo looked over at me. "You and the princess have given us a lot, we want to give something back."

"Not with your life," Arthur shook his head with a small smile. "You are both very brave but I cannot allow that."

"Chelsea?" Aria said, turning to me with wide eyes.

"My brother is right, Aria, Leo. You are both too young to go out there. It's dangerous, very dangerous," I reminded her.

"But you can't go alone," Leo told us. "No one else is going to fight. We can help. Who else was going to help you defeat the dragon?"