The Secret Kingdom

The Truth Shall Set You Free

Elia stretched as she walked down the corridor the next morning. It was early, but she needed to oversee the breaking down of the elves' camp and lead everyone back to The Willows.

There was a bit of a ride ahead of them, but Fianna reported that there were but a few warriors who would need further healing back in their home. It seemed that they would need to release Faeranduil as he was the most gifted in that field and oversaw their house of healing.

"Queen Elia," Arthur said, causing her to stop in her tracks and turn around.

She saw the king and felt her heart leap slightly as Merlin was just behind him, hurrying to keep up.

"Surely you are not leaving already."

"I fear I must," Elia said. "It is important that we return so that a few of ours can receive further healing. Also, I do not wish to leave The Willows unguarded for long with Morgana still out there."

"I assure you, she is in no shape to launch any sort of attack so soon," Arthur replied. "I've already sent a small patrol of knights out to search for her. I doubt she would get far in her condition."

"Still... there are things I must attend to," Elia said, fighting to keep from looking at Merlin. "We left in a bit of a rush and in the middle of our own... situation."

"Is there anything I can do to help?" Arthur asked, a frown upon his face.

Elia had already decided that for now, it was best not to mention Bridget's betrayal. It was well in hand and a matter for her to handle - not King Arthur.

"No. It is a matter among our kind and there is no need for you to worry," she replied. "Though I promise that I will return in a few weeks' time with a small company to attend the wedding."

Arthur's cheeks started turning slightly pink as his eyebrows rose.

"Gwen told you, then?" he asked, an almost giddy look coming across his face.

"Yes, last night when she brought me something to eat," Elia replied with a chuckle. "Congratulations to the both of you."

"Thank you," he said, a smile filling his face.

It seemed much had changed in the young king from yesterday. The worried creases that usually adorned his face had smoothed out and his smile seemed more genuine. It was as though a great many burdens had been lifted from his mind and body.

This must be what love could do, Elia thought to herself as she glanced at Merlin behind him. Though before she allowed her thoughts to go too far down that path, she bowed, tearing her eyes from the warlock.

"If you'll excuse me, there is much I must do before we can leave," she said, looking up at Arthur.

"Of course. Merlin can assist you," Arthur said.

"Very well," Elia replied, infusing lightness into her voice. "Come with me, Merlin."

She turned and began striding off down the corridor, Merlin scampering to catch up.

"It pleases me to see that you are uninjured."

"Thank you, your highness," Merlin replied, glancing around at some of the other servants around them. "I am happy to see that you are uninjured as well."

"Takes more than a few human soldiers to injure me gravely," Elia replied flippantly, feeling a bit of her old self surfacing.

"I've no doubt," Merlin said. "I just wish that we could have had more time to-"

"Shh," Elia said, cutting him off. "These walls surely have many ears."

Merlin nodded as the two continued walking in silence.