The Love That Binds Us ||Mordred Fanfic

[7.] Goodbye Uther Pendragon

(s4e3)

//Scarlet//

My brother and I sit next to our father like we do everyday. He hasn't been well since Morgana's betrayal, it's taking a toll on all of us.

"The court discussed the annual levy this morning. The council suggested we raise it, but Scarlet and I feel that the people are already overburdened."

"We should not talk about matters of court today." Father's voice is soft and strained, unlike his usual stern voice.

"Do you think I would forget the anniversary of your birth?" A smile tugs at Arthur's lips. He looks over at me. "There's a feast tonight, and entertainment, if you'd like to join us father." I tell him. He smiles. "I'd love to."

~

As the entertainment does their thing, I find myself playing with the necklace Mordred gave me for my birthday last year. I'm sixteen now and I can't help but to think about him everyday.

"For the next act, I'll need a volunteer, Prince Arthur, Princess Scarlet, would either of you like to be it?" The ringmaster asks, smiling a devilish grin at the two of us. Arthur looks over at me. "It's your birthday, you do it." I smile. He nods and stands up. "I will."

Arthur is strapped onto a spinning wheel and an apple is shoved into his mouth. As he starts to spin I look over at father who seems very amused at the man throwing the knives. I glance over at Merlin and see that he's already looking at me. I nod, signalling he can use magic if things go wrong. The last knife is thrown and it lands in the apple on Arthur's mouth giving me a partial heart attack. Arthur reclaims his seat next to me and I clap. He offers me a bite of his apple but I shake my head. "I believe I've had enough apples over the past year." I tell him, remembering all the apples Mordred and I shared. Gwaine always gave us one at the tavern as well.

After the celebration was over, I went to escort father back to his chambers. "Did you enjoy yourself tonight father?" I ask, sitting him down in his chair. He smiles a lazy smile. "I did, I'm glad you both were there to experience it with me." I smile and place my hand on his, sitting in the chair next to him as a stumbling, and possibly drunk, Arthur walks in and plops down in the chair next to mine.

Arthur lays his head back and smiles. "This was fun." I go to respond until the reflection on the bowl on the table catches my eye. "ARTHUR LOOK OUT!" I yell as the ringmaster goes to strike at my brother. "Invedo." the man's sword flies out of his hand and he lunges forward, knocking me down.

Arthur pulls out his sword and stumbles to fight back. "GUARDS!" I yell as the man goes to stab my brother, but someone jumps in blocking the blade from touching him. Father.

Everything after that was a blur, there was a gash on my forehead from where I hit the corner of the table, I couldn't focus on anything.

Before I knew it I saw my father fall to the ground in Arthur's arms. I let out a gasp. "F-Father?" I whisper, slowly raising up and crawling over to my brother. "GUARDS!" Arthur yells, but it wasn't loud enough. "I'll go get help." I offer but as I go to stand up father grabs my arm. "No, both of you, stay here with me." Father's voice was a hoarse whisper. "You can't die." Arthur whispers. "Arthur, you're ready. Take care of your sister for me. I've always loved the both of you. Arthur-Arthur if your sister gives you insight on something, heed her words. I love you both so much and I know you will both make me proud." With that father's breathing slows and he's asleep. Not dead, yet.

~

"It's only a matter of time." Gaius says. Arthur nods. "Thank you." 

Arthur and I meet our uncle, Agravaine, in the throne room. He tells us that he traced the assassi to Odin's land.