The Destiny of a Druid

Chapter 48

Mordred gently rubbed the back of Mercedes's hand with his thumb as they approached the throne room. Mordred's turned his head to gaze at Mercedes. She seemed peaceful and definitely unaware of what was about to happen. He smiled at her sweet demeanor. 

"I love you."

Mercedes stopped walking to turn to Mordred. Her smile was bright and loving.

"I love you more."

Mercedes stood on her tiptoes slightly to kiss his cheek. Mordred took a deep breath when they continued walking. Mercedes paused when they made it to the open throne room doors. Everyone instantly turned their heads. Arthur sat up straighter. 

"Ah, there they are." 

Mercedes looked at Mordred confused. 

"What's going on? Why is everyone here as if there's a meeting about something?"

Mordred took another deep breath and spoke calmly. 

"Merlin and I told Arthur what happened..."

Mercedes quickly let go of Mordred's hand and stepped back. The volume in her voice elevated slightly. 

"What?! I didn't give either of you permission to do that!"

 Mordred sighed. 

"Arthur wants to talk to you about it..."

"No!"

Mercedes quickly walked around Mordred and started back down the hallway. Merlin sighed and shrugged his shoulders at Arthur. 

"I'll go see what's wrong."

Mordred quickly ran in front of Mercedes. He turned around to stop her in place gently. 

"Mercedes..."

tears had instantly started falling down her cheeks. She shook her head.

"I don't want to do this! I don't want to talk about it! Please! Please, don't make me! I don't want to! Please! I'll do anything else you want! Anything else I swear! Just please don't make me talk about it in there with all those people!"

Merlin stepped into the hallway. 

"Mordred? What's going on?"

Mordred turned to Merlin with a heavy sigh. 

"I got this. We will be in there in a few minutes..."

Merlin sighed sadly as he walked back into the throne room. Mordred slowly shook his head and gently held Mercedes's arm and wiped her tears with his other hand. 

"Mercedes you need to tell Arthur what happened to you."

Mercedes tried to walk around Mordred shaking her head.

"Please! I can't! I don't want to deal with this! Please Mordred, don't make me!"

Mordred was trying to be gentle in stopping Mercedes from running away, but she was about to get away. His grip started to tighten. He quickly moved her back in front of him and his voice became stern. 

"Mercedes!"

Mercedes froze. Her demeanor was breaking his heart. Mercedes shook her head. Her voice was small and sounded heartbroken.

"I just want to move on..."

Mordred kept his firm stance but was more gentle with his words.

"You cannot just move on. I understand that you do not want to talk about this. I understand this is difficult. I never want to force you to do anything, but I fully believe that in your best interest I have to be a typical man in this situation. I have to make you do this. You asked me to help you, protect you, and stand by your side yet; you want me to step aside and let five men get away with hurting you. They could have done worse or tried to kill you. They could still try."