Merlin's magic (Oneshots) 1

Regent (9)

A.N.://

These chapters are getting harder and harder to combine.
And I am SO FRUSTRATED with my writing style right now. ARGH.
Anyway. I have figured out a way to get the spacing of the lines more under control. I don't know how well it worked, so let me know how hard it was for you to read.
Thank you so much for supporting me through this story. I know it's taking a long time and I am not very consistent in writing on it, but I'm really trying.
Also they are so many characters. It's really difficult to keep track of them all.

ATTENTION, TRIGGER WARNING:
THIS CHAPTER DISCUSSES RAPE AND MURDER in I'd say rather graphic detail. Just so you've been warned.

I think I'm slowly overcoming some of my discomforts in writing. That's good. If it's an improvement remains to be seen.
Let me know what you think.
:)

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The blood rushed in Arthur's ears. He could feel his heart hammer against his ribcage, felt words choking him that he never said. Yet, his mind cleared. And it cleared as violently as the unexpected memory had hit.
Arthur stared into Morgana's eyes, expecting everything from torture to death welcoming him any second now.

"Arthur, breathe." There was pity in Morgana's eyes.
Was it memory or present? Arthur was no longer sure. Perhaps it was both. After all, history tended to repeat itself.
Even if Arthur was living it for the first time. It took him a moment to realise that he should defend himself. Shaking hands grabbed for the pummel of his sword once more. He drew the blade slightly, but it never fully unsheathed.
Before he could stop her, Morgana put a calm hand on his and pushed the sword back in. It sheathed shut without complaint, and Arthur wasn't strong enough to stop her.
Instead, Arthur closed his eyes, hoping against hope that she would disappear once he opened his eyes. But she didn't do him that favor.
However, she didn't move to attack him either. She didn't even insult him or snarl or laugh. She was just there. A riddle, a mystery.

"I didn't know you had a brother. Isn't he... a bit young?"

Arthur had forgotten that Gorlois was there. He had almost forgotten that Merlin was, too. Morgana's features were still soft and young. Arthur had no clue how long she had been here. But after meeting Leon, he could guess what made her so. The thought was terrifying. The question, however remained:
How did she get here? What was she planning?
Arthur felt pitiful, kneeling there on the ground, practically in his sisters arms.
"Don't kill them. Let them go.", Arthur finally managed to say, barely above a whisper. He didn't need to point at anyone to let her know who he was trying to protect.
Perhaps it was a mistake. Morgana would love to murder the people he wanted to protect. It was her nature. Or was it?
"It's just a woman and a child. Let them go.", he clarified despite himself. He didn't care about Gorlois. Or rather, he wasn't worried about him.
He didn't seem surprised to see her. He had called her 'Marleen." Whatever game she was playing, he was either deceived or in on it.
More importantly, Morgana always had a soft spot for the man she used to think was her father. She wouldn't hurt him. That, at least, Arthur was sure of.

"I'm not killing anyone.", Morgana answered sternly.
Arthur looked up, eyes wide in surprise. His fingers were still shaking and his pulse hammered against his chest. Sweat had gathered uncomfortably on his skin, making him freeze in an otherwise warm castle. He didn't believe her. And she must have been able to read that from his face, because her features softened.

"We're in Camelot, Arthur. I've been here for years. Uther is still alive, despite the purge.
So are you. Do you really think I wouldn't have made my move already, if I so wished?"