Forbidden Love (Rewritten) | Arthur Pendragon

33 • TO VINDENS LAND

The throne room was full. It felt like ages since the last time Uther had called upon the knights and the court. The last time, it did not exactly end well and Merlin could still feel the tension in the air. Uther was not as shaken since who appeared to be Arno's sudden appearance, but he still seemed troubled. Anyone would be if the person you killed showed up out of nowhere. Merlin had to admit, it had been a genius move.

"As you are all aware, Camelot's claim to the lands of Gedref has long been in dispute," Uther said. "Today I can announce that, after many months of confidential negotiations, the kingdoms of Nemeth and Camelot have reached an agreement."

Murmurs and whispers arose from the court. The lands of Gedref would be a great strategic point to acquire to boost their economy, though Nemeth shared the same thought. For years, Nemeth and Camelot both claimed it and recently, it had grown so fervent some feared an armed conflict to break in.

Besides, since East Usad was currently at war, battling against Nemeth would be too dangerous. The court feared that Cenred would manage to claim Usad and then attack Camelot again. Even Merlin was quite worried. He did not doubt his sister's victory, but he wished he was with her to fight. Staying in Camelot while she was surely on the battlefield was more than frustrating. But she had been clear, she did not want him to partake in this war in any kind of way.

It was part of her plan to protect him. She did not want to give Uther reasons to view him as a traitor. Merlin had already spent two whole days and nights in jail because Uther believed he knew about Eowyn's magic but was told nothing. He was right, though he could not say so. If it was not for Gaius and Arthur vouching for him, he could have been exiled, or worse, killed.

"There's nothing to fear," Uther continued. "It is a fair and honorable agreement that benefits two great kingdoms. The unofficial alliance that has been linking our two nations will be cemented by a union that cannot be broken. The prince's hand in marriage to Her Royal Highness, Princess Mithian."

As the court began to applaud, Merlin stood still, staring eyes wide at an expressionless Arthur who stood beside his father. Merlin then looked at Gwen for confirmation that he had heard wrong. However, seeing her being as equally bewildered and confused, he knew that it was all real.

Seeing the lack of movement from his protégé, Gaius said, "Smile."

Merlin shook his head. "He can't mean that."

"And clap," Gaius added. "Smile and clap."

Immediately, Merlin put on a fake smile and clapped too vigorously to be genuine. For now, he would let it go, but just for now.

When the gathering began to scatter around, Merlin rapidly followed after Arthur when he saw him leaving.

"How come I didn't know any of this?" he asked as soon as he caught up to him. "How come you didn't say anything?"

"That's what "confidential" means, Merlin," Arthur replied. "Keeping it from blabbermouths like you."

"You can't do this."

Arthur stopped and finally faced Merlin. "No, you're right, I can't. Oh, wait a second... I'm the prince, so I can."

"Surely it's a little bit—"

"A bit what?" Arthur sharply asked, his entire demeanor going from exasperated to cold.

"Soon?"

Arthur feigned ignorance, a thing he had been doing quite a lot the last few weeks, but he was clearly upset. "What do you mean?"

"Erm, well—"

"You mean Eowyn. I told you not to mention her name again."

"Which is why I didn't."