Harmony (Merlin)

Chapter 5

Right, sorry this took so long. My granddad had a heart attack and was in hospital for a while, and I was really upset at that, so naturally I was a little wobbly and didn't really feel like uploading a chapter, because any kind of criticism (constructive or not) would probably have sent me into floods of tears. Then we had some home problems and I was so stressed this didn't even cross my mind. So sorry guys, and as a treat as soon as I get the next chapter back I'll upload it.

After these two small chapters, there'll be a few longer ones after it, I promise.

Merlin crouched outside the council chambers. She sniffed resolutely and scrubbed at her eyes.

Arthur had marched in there with Percival, Gwaine, Leon and Elyan, the latter of whom had seen her hiding behind a pillar, but hadn't told Arthur at Merlin's finger on her lips. No doubt he had alerted the other three to her presence, though.

A few moments after that Gwen had trotted in, closing the door behind her with a firm click.

When Merlin had heard the deep drone of Arthur's voice from within, she had crept forward to the position she was in now.

First, he had greeted them all. Now, though Merlin could barely hear what was being said, she could tell it was a serious matter, and she was rather offended that she wasn't being involved.

She made out a few words, dismembered from the conversation: servants...advances...eye...means...all...

They made absolutely no sense. Merlin was about to risk opening the door just a crack when she heard footsteps coming down the corridor.

Cursing, Merlin ran back to the pillar and flattened herself behind it. Even as the king's maid, it was probably best to not be seen prying on private meetings.

It turned out to be Thomas, and as he strolled down the corridor, the doors opened. The knights ambled out first - Thomas halted in his way to let them pass.

They all shot him hard glances, especially Percival, and then carried on. When they reached the pillar they each looked her way - Leon smiled, Elyan nodded, Gwaine (predictably) winked and Percival touched her arm briefly.

"Thomas?" Arthur called from inside.

"Yes, milord?" Thomas said, bowing at the open doorway.

"Come here for a minute?"

"Certainly, milord."

Gwen hurried out as soon as Thomas hurried in and discovered Merlin behind the pillar. "Come on," she hissed, taking her by the arm and dragging her away.

"But I want to know what's going on!" Merlin protested feebly.

Gwen ignored her.

LINE BREAK

"How can we be rid of her?" Celeste said, pacing up and down in frustration.

"Might I make a suggestion?" Dylan spoke up suddenly.

"Go ahead. It's not like your father has any." Celeste shot a venomous glance towards Byrn, who stoically ignored it.

"We use Morgana." His parents looks at him, confused. Dylan elaborated, "We say we saw Morgana in the woods, plotting to kill Arthur. We send her off, ambush her, and kill the king."

Celeste smiled slowly. "Perfect. Now, if you'll excuse me - I have a serving girl to fool."

Reviews would make me feel a lot better. And yes, that was emotional blackmail.

I think. I'm not precisely sure what blackmail really entails, having never been involved in it myself.

Anyway...hope you enjoyed, and thanks to everyone for reading! Hugs and kisses to you all!