The Secret Sin

T w o

It's been five years since Merlin and I came here. The King isn't very well, but he's holding strong. I'm now a Holy Knight. Merlin is still the King's guard.
The Queen passed a year ago, her heart finally gave out. The King hasn't been doing so well since then really, stress is bad for a ruler.
We just got back from capturing some bandits, all the men are pissed off because I'm a better fighter than them. It's not my fault, I've just had a lot more experience. Camelot is a pretty peaceful kingdom so they don't go to war much, meaning no battle experience for the Knights. I'm slowly training them though.

"Adeline, come quick! His highness is requesting your presence."
A maid calls me. I sigh and walk to his chamber still in armour. When I arrive I discard the suit, leaving me in shorts and a shirt.

"Sir, how can I be of service?"
I say, slightly bored.

"You must protect this kingdom. I won't survive for much longer, so I must find a successor. If I die now, the minister will take over. I can't let that happen. Please, help me accomplish that."
He begs. I nod and place my hand over his heart.

"You have about six months left. The most I can give you is a month. But I'm sure we can find someone worthy before the minister takes over."
I say sadly. He nods slowly.

"We can't let the minister take over. This kingdom must be ruled by a King."
The King states. He must not like his minister too much.

"I can hold off any ministers."
Merlin's voice says from the doorway. I snap my head around and glare at her. How rude of her, coming in here without knocking.
Her laugh stops my glare.

"Don't look so serious all the time, you two. We'll be fine, your majesty. We have a whole army of Holy Knights under our control."
She says. Did I mention Merlin's turned into an even bigger arrogant bitch this past year? No? Well, she has. She pisses me off but amuses me at the same time.

"I'll let you two have a moment. I'll come back later tonight."
I say and leave, grabbing my armour as I go.
As I walk through the castle, I receive many wolf whistles and pick up lines. I roll my eyes and ignore them all. Sexist bastards, why should I treat them? I keep their King, and their whole kingdom safe. I'll probably look after the next king. Plus I'm training them. Those ungrateful bastards, expecting me to drop between their legs just because I'm a woman.
I arrive at the armoury and throw my suit in its corner. I'll clean it tomorrow.
Maybe I should go speak to Merlin, it has been a while since I left them.
I knock on her door and walk in. She's reading some magic book.

"Hey."
I call. She waves slightly, not really paying attention.

"I came to-"
I cut myself off and collapse to the floor with a shrill and short scream.

"Addie? Shit, Adeline? What's happening?"
She yells and shakes me.
I catch glimpses of Ban being captured, allowing himself to be captured. He keeps saying that he deserves it.

"No! Ban, no!"
I scream at the image.
The guards of his cell start torturing him. I flinch every time a dagger or sword is stabbed into him. He certainly lacks any response.
The scene goes black as they behead him and I fall against the floor. Not that he can die, but still.
Merlin rests my head on her lap, wiping my hair from my sweaty forehead.

"What was that?"
She whispers. I shake my head.

"Ban let himself be captured and tortured. Why? Why would he do that?"
I cry and start shaking.