Twin Brothers

13

It's now officially been a week since I've been back, and today is the day a neighboring king is coming in to make peace with Camelot. How exciting! Notice my sarcasm? Why would anyone want to make peace with Camelot in its current condition? 

Arthurs had me running around with chores all day. It's exhausting, but it does help me keep my mind off things. Its been a week since I've been back... and I still haven't placed the pouch Morgana gave me. Lately, I've been getting a weird feeling just thinking about it. Strangely enough, it was the morning after Gaius came to check on me that this feeling started happening. The only good thing that comes from this is that I haven't heard that voice in my head at all since that night. That voice was starting to make me nauseous. 

Despite that feeling, I haven't found the right time to do what was asked of me. Uther's spies still linger. I can't seem to catch a break really. I constantly have to pretend to be the oblivious Merlin everyone seems to think of me just to keep suspicion away. I'm going to say it again: it's exhausting.

There are times, however, where I find myself not thinking about the spies or the plan. These are the moments I tend to appreciate the most. It usually happens when I'm doing chores, but also when I'm around Arthur or Gwen or even one of the knights. In these times, my hatred for them doesn't overcome me. I talk with them, joke with them, and even laugh with them. In these moments, I'm genuinely happy. I don't think about wanting to kill or hurt anyone until the time is over, and I'm left alone to my thoughts even if just for a second. Then, the feeling appears again, twisting my stomach and causing a lump in my throat. It makes me want to cower away from everyone around me as if they were already judging me in that moment. That feeling doesn't just go away either. It follows me all day, and I can't seem to shake it off of me.

"Merlin! Where's my belt?" Arthur yelled from the other side of the room. 

"Here!" I lifted it up before throwing it to Arthur as I finished polishing his boots, "and your boots, sire." I forced myself to smile at him. He was ready to go. I had nothing left for him. "Now, if you no longer need me, I believe I'm needed somewhere else before the feast begins."

"Very well," he shrugged me off as he put his last shoe on. 

I ran out the door and down to the kitchens to make sure everything was in order just like Arthur asked. The kitchen was busy as they prepared food for hundreds of men. I searched and searched until I found Arthurs plate. I placed one more roll of bread on his plate before moving to take the plate out. The feast was sure to begin shortly. The other servants were carrying out trays of food to the tables, so I ought to be on my way as well. 

As I was picking up Arthurs plate, I glance over at the plate next to it. It was assigned to Uther. I stared at it thinking of how I could curse it or poison it with a simple spell and no one may ever find out. My tongue tickled for the satisfaction to spell his food, but I held myself back. I had to. Poisoning Uthers food was not part of the plan.

"Oi! What are you doing in my kitchen?" a loud voice rang in my ear. I jumped away to find Audrey, the head chef. I coughed and shook my head to clear my thoughts.

"Just getting Prince Arthurs dinner," I stated calmly. "The feast should be starting soon."

I didn't wait for a reply. I honestly didn't have time for this woman. So instead, I found myself following after the other servants into the dining area. As I walked in, I caught one of the knights of Camelot chugging down a cup of mead while his friends egged him on. I couldn't help but laugh. 'So this is where the night is heading?' I thought to myself.

I walked over to the head table and dropped off Arthurs meal while he was looking the other way. He seemed to be in a deep conversation with another knight talking hunting strategies. I couldn't help but roll my eyes. I filled his wine before standing off to the side. 

I glanced around and saw every knight and nobleman drinking some kind of alcoholic beverage. This included many of those who were keeping on eye on me for Uthers sake. I looked around some more and could only find one other servant of Uthers standing off to the side. If the night was going the way I think its going, then I may have a chance to move the plan forward. 

The night was long. Standing to the side and waiting to fill the royal prats wine was the most boring time one could have. However, for me, I was coming up with a plan to get rid of the servant. She stood still waiting to fill any cup with mead. On occasion, she'd glance my way. Uthers spies really aren't very subtle, are they? Anyway, it took some time, but eventually a plan came to me. I'm going to have to play this perfectly. Otherwise, I'm going to be in some serious trouble. 

After filling the princes cup with wine, I started walking towards the woman. There wasn't much wine left in the pitcher in my hands, but there was enough for my plan. Once I got close enough, I forced myself to trip. There was a loud bang as the pitcher dropped to the floor. Me right behind it. The wine spilt between the girl and the table she was serving. A little splattered on her dress. Some noblemen turned their heads, but since every man in the room was getting drunk and talking with one another, no one really paid attention. 

"Oh! I'm so sorry about that!" I exclaimed to the serving girl as I stumbled up. As I got up, I knocked my side into the table. With a little help of my magic, a candle fell to the floor, nearly hitting the table itself. The candle magically rolled towards the girl and flames erupted. She screamed. Everyone turned around to see what was going on. Another servant ran into action and threw water all over the floor and the girl. Thankfully, no one was drinking any water.

A ping in my stomach started to grow as I looked at the damage. There was no doubt that the flames had touched her legs. What is becoming of me? Harming an innocent just so I could murder a king? Murder. Since when did I want to murder someone? In that moment, I didn't even recognize myself, however, I had to keep the facade going or else I'll be in trouble with the king.

"I'm so sorry. Here. Let's get you to Gaius," I led her out of the dining room. Everyone resumed with their drinking and eating. She limped the whole way with one arm around my shoulders. I tried my best to keep her steady. Hearing her winces of pain only made me feel worse. I did this to her. I caused her pain and on purpose, too. 

Gaius was surprised to see me practically carrying a servant girl through the door, but sprung into action right away. He asked questions of course. I answered the first few before she took over. As Gaius was taking a look at her legs, I announced that I should probably be getting back to the feast as Arthur would be waiting for his wine. I could tell the girl didn't like that I was leaving, but she couldn't say anything against it. That would bring suspicion to fall on her, even though I already know, but she doesn't know that.

Once the door was shut, I ran all the way to the Kings chambers. There was not a servant or anybody else in sight. I couldn't even sense a presence around me. I was alone. The plan is coming together smoothly. 

The room was dark, but I didn't need light to show me where things were. I've been in here quite a few times over the years, and I know that Uther doesn't like to change his room around. So, it was pretty easy for me to subconsciously map out his chambers for a time where I may need it. It looks like that time was now. I couldn't waste anymore time. I ran over to his bed and knelt down. I took the pouch out from the top of my pants. I've been hiding it on me waiting for the perfect time to place it. Worked out perfectly in the end. I tucked the pouch underneath his mattress before making myself scarce. 

I headed back to the feast with a full pitcher of wine that evening. I stood to the side waiting to fill any cup that needed it. Once everything died down, I helped carry Arthur up to bed. I left him on his bed, passed out with all his evening clothes on. I was too tired to deal with him anymore. 

Once I reached my own chambers and said good night to Gaius who was helping the servant out the door, I reached into my secret spot on the floor. My hand pulled out the letter Morgana gave me and without a second thought, I said a spell that made the piece of paper disappear from my hand. Now, all I needed to do was wait. I sat on the floor and took a deep breath.

It's done. I've completed my task. 

What the hell did I do?