Changing Destiny

Chapter 21 - The Poisoned Brother/King

That night i dined alone due to Mordred being on patrol. i smiled a my hand maiden who was a young girl possible around 15.

"is there anything else you require mistress" she asked in a small voice.

"come sit i could use the company."  i gestured to the chair. she looked hesitant

"please" she sat down and i gave her some food. "now we both can eat."

"thank you my lady but you don't have to do this" she smiled shyly

"you know you've been serving me for a few days and i don't even know your name how rude of me"

"Alaya my lady." she answers

"well thank you Alaya." there was banging on the door.

"your majesty you are needed in the Kings chambers immediately" i looked to Alaya and rushed off. when i stopped in Arthurs chambers Gwen was already there with Gaius.

" oh no Arthur" i sat on his bead and brushed some hair away. i felt tears come to my eyes

"all the evidence suggests that the King has been poisoned" Gaius informed us all.

"are you sure" Guinevere asked

"quite certain the sweating, the corruption of the skin, the traces of tincture around the ear. they all point to the uses of henbane"

"is there hope" i question wiping away my tears

"the poison is a deadly one my lady i can possibly find away to arrest its course but i cannot grantee it" i felt a hand on my shoulder i looked up to see Merlin and Mordred i gave them a watery smiled before holding both their hands with my own.

"there is one thing i know for certain is that whoever did this lives within these walls and whoever did this has betrayed us all. someone who is free to roam the citadel as they please and has access to the kings stables, prison , food. there is only one i know of" Guinevere turns to look at us

"Merlin" she whispers i gasps in shock

"that is preposterous Guinevere i know that Merlin would never do a thing like that" i protest.

"i am sorry Alexandra...arrest him" she orders.

"don't you even think about it. if you wish arrest him you will have to get through me i stand in front of him.

"Alexandra" Merlin says

"no, i Alexandra Queen of Avalon hereby state protection over Merlin Camelot court Sourcer. Mordred take him to the guest chambers on the other side of the castle where he shall remain until the real culprit is found and i have found away to cure my brother."

"of course come on Merlin" Mordred took Merlin away and  there was me with Guinevere, the knights and Gaius

"Alexandra you are protecting a man who is the reason for your brothers state." Gwen says

"no I'm protecting Merlin who's destiny is to protect Arthur not to kill him. now i suggest if you wish to not start a war then find the person who is really behind this."  i  sat back with my brother and took his hand holding it.

"what are you still doing here" i growl the knights leave well except Leon and Gaius. he looks over Arthur one more time.

"i will be on my way to prepare a arrest." he bowed before leaving. looking at my still brother brought a fresh set of tears.

"Arthur i swear to you i will find something to cure you because I'm not letting you miss my wedding do you hear me and will sure find the one who did this because it was not Merlin. he could never be that smart." i joke before kissing his head.

"stay here with him please" i turn to Leon.

"of course your majesty" i leave Arthurs room and walk back to the other side of the castle and to the chambers where Merlin is.

"Gaius is everything alright" i ask seeing him with Merlin.

"I'm afraid not my lady" he replies i look to Merlin.

"we believe that Morgana has done something to Gwen while she was in the Dark Tower and that it's her who actually behind all that has happened." Merlin informs me.

"what?" i was shocked

"we think she's been enchanted the real Gwen would never do something like this unless she was." i sighed "there is a spell that can save Arthur but to make sure it had the best chance of working I'll need your help"

"okay we need to get you out of here under the radar" i began thinking of what to do.