The Dragon Prince (Merlin AU)

Chapter 16: Hope of Heart

"Everything is prepared, correct?"

"Yes, sire. All is set."

"Titles, Godfrey."

"Sorry, Si— Merlin. I'm sorry Merlin." Sir Godfrey's attention stance eased and he gave apologetic eyes to his prince.

"That's quite alright, Godfrey. You aren't used to my ideals quite yet. Honestly, no one truly is. Except, of course, those that only ever knew me as Merlin. If you do not wish to refer to me as Merlin, the Dragon Prince is always open." Merlin smiled jokingly and winked. "Though, that is a bit strange at times."

"Strange, indeed..." Godfrey muttered.

"What was that?" Merlin asked.

"N-nothing, Si— Merlin."

"Alright, get along now, Godfrey. You have a post to attend to just as everyone else, and I have to check on every other garrison's preparations still." Godfrey nodded and ran off. Merlin sighed.

"Still so young." He ran a hand through his hair.

"He's 17, the same age as the Hatchlings. That's not that young. If I recall correctly, you tried to fight alongside your father when the kingdom was attacked. You were 13 then." Adam spoke up behind him.

"Yes, and they are too young to be fighting! I tried to tell them, but they would not listen to me, insisted on leading the Dragon Riders... If they get hurt I will never forgive myself."

"Merls, they are going to be high in the air on dragonback. They are in much less danger than most of us." Adam tried to reason with his prince. Merlin ignored him.

"And I tried to fight because I had been training since I could walk! I could defeat a foe in less than a minute!"

"Could?"

"Still can." Merlin growled. " Actually less time now."

"Want to test that theory?" Adam challenged. Unsheathing his sword.

"What? No! Adam, we need to stay rested and ready for battle!"

"Oh, come on, Merlin. I'm just trying to get you to loosen up. We all know the best way for you to unwind is training."

"Well, you wouldn't be much training."

"O-ho, now I really do want to fight you." Merlin laughed, and then sighed.

"I'm sorry, Adam, but I do have duties to attend to. Otherwise, I would most likely agree to a quick duel."

Adam sighed and finally gave up. "Okay, Merls. Finish up your princely responsibilities. Oh, um, by the way, you should give that whole speech thing about staying rested to Arthur. He's tiring out some of our soldiers." With that Adam ran away.

"Wait! Adam— He what!?" Merlin growled, Adam was already long gone. He went in search of Arthur and soon found him in a circle of knights and soldiers alike in the middle of a duel. That stupid prat, Merlin thought. Merlin pulled his sword and jumped into the fight, parring the blow Arthur had aimed towards the soldier with ease. "What, exactly, do you think you're doing, Arthur?" Merlin snapped. Arthur smirked.

"Dueling, of course. What does it look like to you, Merlin, dust-batting petticoats?" Merlin twisted his sword and caused Arthur to lose the grip on his.

"Now isn't the time, Arthur."

"Merlin, are you alright?"

"Fine." Merlin growled.

"Well, if that wasn't the biggest lie in all the Kingdoms, then I don't know what is."

Merlin sighed, sheathed his sword and placed his hands to his face. "I'm fine, Arthur. Honestly. Just... stressed, and worried, and scared..." Merlin lowered his hands and glared at Arthur. "And now frustrated, thanks to you."

Arthur frown, leaned down to pick up his sword and quickly sheathed it. He then placed a hand on the slightly younger man's shoulder and guided him away from the crowd. He sighed.

"Be careful what you say around them, Merlin. If you act uncertain, they will as well. They need hope, not fear."

"I know." Merlin swallowed. "Last time I had to lead anyone I had my father by my side. This is much bigger and he isn't here now."

"But he is here, Merlin." Merlin let out a sort of strangled snort at that,

"He's dead, Arthur." Merlin croaked.

"That doesn't mean he isn't here."

"What, Arthur, yes it does!"

"Merlin, will you just let me talk for one moment. Please? For god's sake!" Merlin nodded. "Alright, good. Look, what I was trying to say is that he may not be here, in this world, on this battlefield, next to you. But he is still here, right here."

Arthur pointed to Merlin's heart. "My mother is here," Arthur points to his own chest. "And your father is there." He points to Merlin's again.

"They live on through us. They stay with us, in heart. They will never be gone. I did not know my mother. But I still feel as if I do, in my heart. You knew your father well, you know exactly how he would guide you, or better yet, that he would have extreme faith in your decisions. He would be proud of you, Merlin. I am proud to call you my friend, so he must be overjoyed to call you his son, as I know your mother is. Everything will be fine, Merlin. You are not alone."

"Thank you, Arthur. I think that is the... kindest... and smartest... and also absurdest thing you've ever said. I mean, in our hearts? Honestly, that's rich!"

Arthur hit Merlin upside the head and Merlin smiled. "But It's also exactly what I needed to hear."

Arthur shoved Merlin away. Merlin shoved him back. Arthur pulled Merlin into a noogie and Merlin tripped him up. Arthur growled.

"Merlin!" He shouted, Merlin ran off and Arthur quickly ran off after him.

It was a strange sight to those around them, the two laughing royals chasing each other like children. It also brought a smile to their faces, however. It was exactly the kind of thing they needed, for they marched off for battle in the morning. Everything was ready. Tensions were high, but so was hope. They were ready to take back their kingdom. They were ready to go home. They were scared too; but they were ready.

AN:// Holy Sheetz, a fourth update. Sorry, If this is actually annoying. I just felt like writing a lot today, and I already had the first two updates mostly ready, so the next two were a cinch. Soon, the battle will begin. ;) Love y'all. Keep Reading, Keep interacting, keep hoping. —EmzyyIrenexx

P.s. This was mostly dialogue... oh my gaaawshh.