Was it Worth It?

8. Far Too Late

I think I have a small crush on a friends friend but he's not gay so that's cool, also prepare for heartbreak in this chapter. 

POSSIBLY TRIGGERING SCENE: semi graphic descriptions of blood, you have been warned. It's not that bad but I felt the need to mention it anyways. Stay safe everyone <3

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Guinevere was awoken at the crack of dawn by their servant, George, placing their food platters on the table. She sat up and rubbed the sleep from her eyes, waking Arthur up in the process. They quickly got dressed and sat down to eat, Gwen could see that Arthur didn't get a very good nights rest but she didn't bring it up. Once they were done with breakfast Arthur excused himself from his duties, giving the more important ones to Gwen. He then started his decent to the castle dungeons.

Merlin woke up by the clanking of keys in the cell door. He opened his eyes and watched as a serving girl he didn't know placed food on the ground in front of him before rushing out of the dungeons, he flinched as the cell door slammed shut behind her. He shoved himself off the wall and shuffled over to the food, there was an apple, a slice of bread, and two slices of cheese. This was fairly nice food for a prisoner, Merlin thought. He ignored that and shoved the food into his mouth, not caring about proper manners. He finished it quicker than he would've liked but he didn't complain, he simply leaned back against the wall and closed his eyes. He had used his magic to take his shackles off during the night, they weren't very comfortable to sleep in. 

Shortly after he relaxed Merlin heard the door be opened again. He kept his eyes closed, assuming that it was a guard here to bring him to his execution.

"Can you put off my execution for a moment longer, I was just getting comfortable." He said snarkily. Keeping his eyes closed he braced himself for the rough pairs of hands to grab him, but none came. Instead, he heard the last voice he thought he would.

"I'm not going to execute you." Arthur said. Merlin's eyes opened briefly to look him up and down before closing once again. Arthur sighed and sat on the floor, across from Merlin.

"These floors really aren't comfortable, you had to sleep on this?" Arthur said, slightly surprised. Merlin just scoffed. 

"They don't exactly give prisoners comfortable beds." Arthur could hear the malice in his tone but he chose to ignore it. He understood why Merlin would be so angry at him. It took him a while, but he finally understood.

"What kind of person do you think I am?" Arthur asked passively. He was curious, and although this kind of question could come across as rude Merlin knew that that was not how he meant it. Merlin took some time before replying.

"I think you're lost. After the Battle of Camlann when I revealed my magic to you, you were blinded by your rage so you banished me and I accepted it, not fully understanding the consequences. Then you call me back here and banish me once more after helping you." Merlin paused, studying Arthur cautiously, he wanted to make sure that he wasn't overstepping any boundaries before continuing, "I think you were so confused and angry, at what I don't quite know, that you got lost in everything, not realizing what you were doing before it's too late. I also think that you talked with Gwen last night and that's how you found your way back onto the path." Arthur smiled, Merlin hit it right on the nose. 

"You're absolutely correct, about everything. I was being an awful king, and an even worse friend. Yet somehow you continued to save my unforgiving behind more times than I would like to admit." Arthur sighed and rubbed his temples, struggling with his words, "No matter how often I joked, I always thought you to be the most courageous man I've ever met. From the first day we met to the first time I banished you, you had no fear in speaking your mind against me. I always admired that about you." Merlin smiled and decided to cut Arthur off, he had to apologize for one more thing before this continued.