The Poison of Life - Merlin

Prologue

I stare out my window, unable to sleep. I look up at the sky, staring in amazement at the clusters of stars speckling the dark abyss of the night. I would never admit it to anyone, but I could stargaze for hours and never get bored at the slightest.

I sigh, knowing I should at least try to sleep. I collapse into my bed, pulling the sheets over me and closing my eyes.

I think of Guinevere, how happy she must be living in a small village with her grandmother. I never really felt in love with anyone; I thought I loved Guinevere for a while, but soon realized that what I felt was true friendship, not love. I wonder what life would be like if I really did love her; we would be married, she would be queen... How strange it would be to have someone to rule by.

"Sire?" I open my eyes in confusion to see Merlin standing by my bed. I must have fallen asleep while fantasizing.

"What do I have planned today?" I ask groggily, rubbing my eyes.

"You have two training sessions with the knights after lunch, but that's all, sire," Merlin responds, far too normal than usual.

"Are you feeling okay?" I ask as I get up from my bed drowsily.

He looks at me in surprise. "Yes, I'm fine, sire."

"No, you're not," I state simply. I give him a moment to deny it. He doesn't. "What's wrong then?"

Merlin sighs. "It was just a nightmare."

"What was it about?"

"I'm sure it was nothing-"

"Merlin, the last time you had a nightmare it came true. If this becomes a pattern, we can be prepared for future events," I say as I get changed behind the screen.

My servant hesitates before finally giving in. "I dreamt that Morgana broke into Camelot undetected. She terrorized villages and-"

"That's not going to happen, Merlin." I dismiss it. "The guards are smart enough to realize if Morgana is strolling in through the gates,"

He nods, still looking troubled. "Yes, sire." I sigh.

This is going to be a long day.

I breathe a sigh of relief when I see my bed, having had a long day of training. I barely bother to change into my night clothes as I fall into my bed, not caring enough to pull the sheets over myself. I close my eyes and immediately start dozing off.

I notice Merlin placing the sheets quietly over me, making me warm and comfortable. He lingers over me for a few moments before leaving me to sleep.

I rush over to Merlin's side, holding him up. "No, Merlin, stay awake,"

"I can't..." he winces and glances down at the arrow embedded in his chest. "I'm not going to make it,"

"Don't say that, I'll get you to Gaius and you'll recover, just like you always do-"

"Watch out!" he shouts, jumping in front of me to receive another arrow in his lower stomach. Merlin collapses and I hold his small figure.

"Merlin, no, look at me!" I beg, but his eyes are already closing. He lets out his last breath and I shake his shoulders.

"Merlin!" I yell, to no response. I sob into his shoulder, voice shaking. "It's all my fault.

All my fault."

I wake up suddenly, heart pounding. After a few moments I realize it was only a dream and take deep breaths, trying to calm myself.

If Merlin predicted the future with a past nightmare, what if I'm doing that too?

No. There's no way.

Besides, Merlin isn't dying anytime soon. Not if I can help it.