The Secret Kingdom

The Dinner

With Arthur otherwise preoccupied with his bath - and ordering Merlin out of his presence so he could think without constant exclamations - Merlin found himself wandering around the large halls of the palace.

He attempted to keep his bearings so he could return to Arthur's room later, but found himself easily distracted by the beauty and grandeur of his surroundings.

At the end of the hallway, he saw large, double doors, one open slightly, with voices coming from within. Merlin looked around and then edged towards the doors.

"For once will you stop and think about something before you do it?" a man said.

Merlin recognized it as Trevor. It was followed by soft laughter.

"Would you stop worrying so much, Trevor," Elia said. "I highly doubt there is much trouble that four knights, a king, and a servant could get into in one night. Besides - they have no idea how to get in or how to get out."

"Our kind do not trust mortals. Especially the son of Uther Pendragon. What do you think the people will say now that you've paraded them through the city?" Trevor nearly shouted.

"I think they will say, 'Oh, look. Our queen seems to be making alliances that will take us forward,'" she replied.

There was the sound of splashing water.

"Would you stop acting like a child?" Trevor said. "You're lucky Elidren is visiting the far villages. He would put a stop to this at once."

"You're sounding far too much like my cousin," Elia replied, her voice dry yet firm. "There was a time when you thought me passionate about my people."

"I'm beginning to wonder just where your passion lies. You brought an enemy into our midsts," Trevor countered. "Perhaps it's time one of us started using Elidren's good sense."

There was a heavy sense of silence in the air, until Merlin heard a soft sigh.

"One thing you will never have to doubt is my dedication to our people. I take my vow to not only protect them, but to see them thrive, very seriously," Elia finally said. "Arthur is no enemy. I know my methods may seem unconventional, but we do not have the time our elders have so foolishly squandered. Or have you parted ways on that opinion as well?"

More silence.

"I have not. You know I support you and that I would die for you, Lia. But we both know that the Council will not like this," he said softly. "I just... I do not wish to see all your work be in vain."

"Then support me. Stand at my side in all things, Trevor," Elia said. "Now, if you are finished with your lecture, will you please see to our guests and make sure they are comfortable."

"Yes, my lady."

Merlin stepped to the side and hid in an alcove while Trevor stepped out of the room. Once his footsteps had faded away, the young warlock cautiously stepped out from his hiding place and moved towards the door. He then stopped, questioning just what he was doing.

"You might as well come in, Merlin," Elia called out. "I can hear you lingering."

His eyes widened as he walked to the door and pushed it open fully. He stepped into the large, open room. One side of it was solid, open balconies, while a large, canopied bed was against one wall. A large fireplace was on the other with a table and chairs. In the center of the room was a large pool of crystal clear water.

The elf was smiling softly as she propped her chin on her arms along the side of the pool, her hair floating behind her. Merlin immediately looked away, his cheeks flaming hot.