A Warlocks' Disguise {ArthurxFem!Merlin}

Chapter 10 - Merilyn

Merilyn stood quietly near the edge of the tournament grounds, just outside the arena where the knights entered and exited. The sun was high in the sky, casting long shadows over the bustling stands filled with spectators. From her position, she had a clear view of the grandeur before her—Camelot's finest knights gathered to showcase their strength and skill in a battle for honor, and at the center of it all was Arthur.

As she waited, her thoughts drifted. Her role as Arthur's manservant had already proven more complicated than she had anticipated. Watching from the sidelines was a small blessing, a moment of peace before the inevitable chaos of tending to his armor and sword after each fight. The clamor of the crowd and the distant clang of metal weapons echoed in her ears as she turned her attention to the tournament arena, where Uther Pendragon was preparing to speak.

Uther, standing tall and regal on a platform overlooking the arena, addressed the crowd. His booming voice commanded attention as the anticipation thickened in the air.

"Knights of the realm," Uther began, his voice carrying across the expanse, "it is a great honor to welcome you to a tournament at Camelot. Over the next three days, you will come to put your bravery to the test, your skills as warriors, and, of course, to challenge the reigning champion, my son, Prince Arthur." Uther paused, letting the weight of his words settle over the crowd.

Merilyn glanced toward Arthur, standing at the ready, his eyes focused on the arena. He looked every bit the noble knight, confident and prepared for whatever challenges lay ahead.

Uther continued, his voice unwavering, "Only one can have the honor of being crowned champion, and he will receive a prize of one thousand gold pieces."

At that, a box was opened before the crowd, revealing the gleaming gold coins that awaited the victor. A murmur of excitement rippled through the onlookers, their eyes fixed on the treasure.

"It is in combat that we learn a knight's true nature," Uther declared, his gaze sweeping across the knights gathered below, "whether he is indeed a warrior or a coward. The tournament begins!"

The crowd erupted into cheers as the knights, their faces set with determination, exited the arena to prepare for their matches. Uther made his way to the stands, stopping by Arthur on the way. Merilyn watched as the king leaned in close to his son, his voice low, but the words carrying clearly to her ears.

"I trust you will make me proud," Uther said, his hand clapping Arthur on the back in a gesture that was equal parts fatherly and commanding.

Arthur nodded, his expression unreadable as Uther moved away. The guards stepped forward, removing the knights' capes and helping them don their helmets. As Arthur's armor was adjusted, Merilyn found herself holding her breath. The crowd, eager for the spectacle to begin, erupted once again as Arthur stepped into the arena.

"Yeah! Come on!" Merilyn called out, her voice blending with the others cheering for the prince. Despite her attempts to remain impartial, a small part of her couldn't help but feel a spark of pride seeing him prepare to fight.

The first bout began, Arthur's opponent standing ready with his sword in hand. The clang of steel meeting steel filled the arena as the two knights clashed, their movements quick and powerful. Arthur was swift and calculated, his sword strikes precise, his footwork flawless. In a matter of minutes, he had bested his opponent, sending him sprawling to the ground. The crowd erupted into cheers, and Merilyn found herself joining them.

"Yeah!" she shouted again, her fist pumping in the air. Despite his arrogance, Arthur was a skilled fighter—there was no denying that.

As Arthur exited the arena, Valiant stepped in for his match. Merilyn watched with interest as the knight easily dispatched his opponent, his movements fluid and lethal. There was something unsettling about the way Valiant fought, something that made her skin crawl.