The Secret Kingdom

A Snake in the Grass

Merlin walked into Arthur's chambers and stopped, not expecting to see the king there. Usually he was out on the training fields or meeting with the council about this time of day. What's more, he wore a grave look on his face as he read a letter in his hand.

"What's this?" Merlin asked.

Arthur looked up at him, placing the letter on the table in front of him.

"News from The Willows," he said.

Merlin felt his heart constrict, his mind instantly going to Elia. Arthur's look could only mean this was bad news.

"What says the queen?" Merlin asked, attempting to keep his face void of emotion, though Arthur knew him well and likely could sense his worry.

"She was contacted by Morgana," Arthur replied. "An enchantment of sorts in the woods outside their borders..."

"Is she safe?" Merlin asked before he could catch himself. Arthur nodded.

"Morgana did not harm her, but... she attempted to... negotiate with Queen Elia," he replied.

"Negotiate?" Merlin asked.

"Sway her to her side. The queen refused. But then Morgana threatened to find a way to force her hand," Arthur said. "She sent the letter against the judgment of some of her council, but felt I should know."

"Queen Elia would never join Morgana," Merlin said immediately. "She would never turn her back on a promise."

"I know, but... what if Morgana does find something? Ultimately, Queen Elia will do what is best for her kingdom - it is what any good ruler would do. I worry what that could mean," Arthur said.

"Elia ultimately wants peace," Merlin said. "She would not betray us."

The king didn't say anything, only stared at him. Merlin wondered what was going through his mind, though worried perhaps he had spoken too openly. Bother. He shouldn't have forgotten to use her title.

"Is this what Fianna has told you?" Arthur asked.

Merlin swallowed and nodded nervously.

"They are close. She knows the queen better than most," Merlin replied. "And she has shared things with me."

He found it surprisingly easy to continue the ruse with Arthur, likely because he was beginning to finally accept that whatever had been between him and Elia, there was no future there.

Granted, he was not sure how long he could feign attraction for Fianna. He should probably send some word to Elia or Fianna - in case something should come up the next time they were in each other's presence.

Arthur sighed heavily, looking back down at the letter.

"I trust the queen. I know that she does not wish to go back on our alliance. But I do worry about Morgana. She found a way to reach the queen near their borders. What else could she be capable of?" he said.

"What precautions are they taking?" Merlin asked, stepping closer to the table as fear began to settle into his stomach.

"They are putting in safeguards," Arthur said. "For the time being, the queen will remain within the boundaries of The Willows. There are wards and protections they have that keep out unwanted forces. She is safe as long as she is there."

"Good," Merlin said. "Is there anything else you require of me?"

Arthur shook his head.

"There is nothing," he said, clearly dismissing his servant.