King of Camelot (Book 2)

Not A Prince

Aredian was on his way. Merlin knew, Arthur told her that he was waiting for the tournament to end before he arrived. Something about wanting Uthers full attention.

And as much as she did not want for him to come, she was excited about that. It seemed that every time her and Uther were in the same room, he was the only thing she could look at. It got so bad that other people had started to notice.

The tournament was to celebrate the anniversary of King Uthers coronation. Arthur, as always, was fighting in the tournament.

At the moment however their entire group was practicing.

Leon and Ewan were in the middle of a one on one, while Arthur and Lancelot were jousting.

Merlin, Morgana, and Gwen sitting on the side lines cheering their boys on, and mostly talking.

"I can't sit with you two. I have to help Arthur get ready." Merlin explained as the other girls shook their heads.

"Screw Arthur. We're much better. Wouldn't you say so Gwen?" Morgana looked to her best friend.

"Definitely. Maybe get George to do it. He'd be happy too." Gwen suggested.

"You could even tell Arthur it's because you want to watch him play." Morgana said loving the idea.

Merlin smiled but shook her head. "As crazy as it sounds. I like to help Arthur get ready. It's when I wish him luck."

The other two girls shared a look. Then Gwen flung her arm around Merlin's shoulder. "Fine. But don't be sad when during the tournament you are all alone."

"Why didn't you take the shot? It was wide open?" The girls turned to see Arthur walk up to Lance.

Lance looked to the other two knights for help. Leon and Ewan only shrugged. "You're the prince. I could have severely hurt you."

Arthur's jaw dropped. "How long has that been going on?"

He turned to Ewan and Leon. "Who made that rule?"

"It's sort of an unspoken rule. Don't harm the prince. If we hurt you your father would be furious." Leon explained and Arthur turned red.

"That should not matter. When I am on this feild I am not your prince, I am a knight. Just as we all are. If you see an opening do not hesitate to take it. My father be damned." Arthur yelled. The three knights just looked to the floor. Angry with his friends Arthur stormed towards the castle.

"I should follow him." Merlin said waving to her friends running to catch up.

——

"I can't believe it! This entire time I thought I was truly a good knight. To be told that everyone's been going easy on me!" Arthur ranted as he tore off his armor.

Merlin poked her head out the door and called for a maid passing by. "Could you get some water for the prince, he's request a bath."

Merlin then hurried back inside and started getting the room ready.

"Think of all the tournaments I've won. Every melle. How do I know that any of that was real?" He watched from a chair as Merlin pulled out the screen for him to bathe behind.

Merlin walked over to where the tub was kept but Arthur got up. "I can carry that." He said softly knowing it was a little too heavy for her.

"Maybe I shouldn't compete this time. I'd hate to take away someone else's glory." He said as he placed the tub down behind the screen.

"But you've been so excited for the tournament." Merlin said as the two of them took a seat at his table, waiting for the water to arrive.

"Well, think of every time they let me win. Someone else should have won. Should have been honored at the banquets. Won the money, that I certainly don't need. It's not fair." He said and looked up at Merlin with a sad smile. "Maybe we should just watch it this year, if you'd watch t with me?"