The Secret Sin

T w e l v e

It's been two years since I returned to Camelot, and things are going well. Lately, I keep feeling the Captain and Ban getting hurt, which is weird. I haven't told Merlin about it though.

"Addie! Come on, we're leaving! If you don't hurry up, we'll be late!"
Merlin yells from the hall. I groan and hurry to dress. After my return two years ago, I've really taken to wearing dresses in combat. I tie my belt that holds my sacred treasure and sprint out the door.
When I reach the stables to collect Bailey, I'm thoroughly displeased to find her laying down.

"What's up, Bails?"
I coo to the mare. The stable boy approaches me.

"I'm sorry, Lady Adeline, but she's got the flu or something. I tried to put her saddle on and she collapsed. I don't think she'll last long."
He says sadly. The boy's from a poor family but he always dreamed of having his own horse someday. That's why he took the job as stable boy. I offered to give him riding lessons every week, so he could ride when he someday got his horse.

"I understand, thank you Mason."
I ruffle his hair and send him away. I kneel beside my mare and rub her face. Her breathing becomes laboured and I can tell she's about to pass.

"Well, Bails, it looks like our time together has come to an end. You can join your old mistress now."
I say sadly and the light leaves her eyes.

"You didn't let me finish, damn horse. Thank you anyway, Bailey."
I sigh and exit the stables. Mason runs back in after I leave, I hear his sobs as I walk away.
I find Arthur and Merlin in the square. Merlin is riding a bay mare, neither look happy about the journey. Arthur sits atop a white stallion, decorated in his full suit of golden armour.

"Where's Bailey? She not want to come?"
He asks with a smirk. Merlin senses my mood and stays quiet.

"Bailey is dead. I will be accompanying you on foot."
I say stiffly. Arthur's grin falls and regret flashes through his eyes.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to-"
He start but I wave him quiet.

"It's fine, she was old when I got her. Let's leave."
I say dryly. Merlin nods in agreement.

"Wait, climb on. I can't let a maiden in your situation walk to Liones."
Arthur offers. Is he serious? I look at Merlin but she just raises an eyebrow and gestures for me to hurry up.

"Fine, thank you Arthur."
I sigh and climb up to sit behind the red head.

"Hold on, it's going to be a bumpy ride."
Arthur grins and kicks his steed into a canter. Liones, here we come.
Let me explain- apparently when Arthur was a child, King Bartra visited Camelot and inspired him to become a Holy Knight. Now, since Camelot is thriving with him as king, Arthur wishes to visit Bartra to thank him. Merlin being his personal guard and me being the most skilled Holy Knight, we get to accompany him. Also, because we served Liones. So that's the reason why we're traveling without all the fancy escorts and all that jazz. 

I yawn and rest my head on Arthur's shoulder. A second later, I sit up straight, realising my actions.

"If you're tired, sleep."
Arthur says simply. I try to argue but yawn instead.

"Fine, wake me when we stop."
I order, laying my head down and closing my eyes.
~
"Addie, wake up, we're almost at the city walls."
Merlin shakes me awake. When I come to, I'm laying on the ground with Arthur's cape serving as a blanket.

"How long was I out?"
I ask with a yawn and a stretch.

"You slept the whole way, but you kept muttering about the Captain and someone named Elizabeth."
Merlin says. Meliodas and Elizabeth? Does she mean Liz?