Lost in Albion 3 (Merlin) - Completed

Chapter 31: Candle Fires

Chapter 31

Merlin filled me in with the events of the Fisher King, showing me the water from the Lake of Avalon. It didn't seem all that special looking to me, but I know better than to judge by the looks of things.

I avoided Castor for the time being, more out of fear that I would shout at him in the middle of the castle than anything. Luckily, he seems the be avoiding me as well, though I'm not sure his reasoning.

I'm spending the afternoon with Gwen who is finally teaching me that recipe I promised to learn from her. I kneel, bending over the hearth with a spoon, mixing the cooking pot. I dip the curved part in, bringing it to my lips.

"Oh, this is so good," I moan, digging the spoon back in for more. Gwen laughs, taking the spoon from my hand.

"It'll be even better if you leave some to be fully cooked," she retorts and I smile coyly back, sitting down by the pot, waiting for it to cook.

Xx

I head back to my room with a heavy stomach, the late evening approaching. I smile in content as I sit on the edge of my bed, pulling my hair from its tight bun. All I have to do is sort out Castor and things will finally be right again. Somewhat.

I feel him coming before I see him and I'm not surprised when my door opens with a knock, Merlin's cheeky face poking through.

"Yes, come in Merlin," I say with a heavy sarcastic accent. Merlin grins wider, overly happy about something.

"What are you doing tomorrow?" he questions, closing the door behind him. I pout my lips in thought and confusion, not sure why since I know he doesn't have any plans himself.

"Working. Why?"

Merlin shifts his weight to the front of his feet then back to his heels, causing him to sway slightly. "Arthur wants to invite you out for a romantic picnic," he says. My heart soars for a brief moment but I don't let it get out of hand.

"Oh," I murmur. "That...tell him thank you but I can't."

Merlin's face drops completely, definitely not expecting my answer. "What? Why not?"

I sigh, hating the explanation since it is not something I want as a reason, but sadly, it does exist. "Merlin, I don't think it's smart. Sure, going out with him when you're there to save his life is one thing, but we've been lucky that nobody knows anything already. I don't want to risk anything, not like this."

Merlin's hand raises in protest as he walks forward, sitting next to me on the bed. "But nobody will find you, it'll be out in the forest and only I will know."

"I still don't think it's a good idea." I bring a knee up, resting my arm and chin on it as my eyes drop. "Besides, I'm a serving girl, Uther would have my head if he ever found out." I almost laugh at the irony. A tragic love story. "What Arthur and I have...it can't last, and I know that."

"Then you should spend as much time with him as possible them," Merlin protests, trying to act a voice of reason but I just can't myself agreeing with his logic. I stand back up, moving over to my desk to work.

"Tell Arthur I'm sorry, but I'm caught up in work and can't spare the day," I declare, sitting down in the chair.

"Why can't you just spend some time with him?"

The words are harsh, meant to catch my attention and they do. I flip my head over my shoulder, matching Merlin's glare.

"Because I'm realistic, Merlin." My words are also harsh, but I do not want somebody to question my choices which are personal to me. Merlin doesn't understand. "I don't even know how long I'll be in Camelot for." I hear Merlin stand behind me as my head turns back around, but no more words of argument leave his lips as the door closes behind him. My own hurt is matched by Merlin's thanks to the damn bond. "Why is Merlin even upset?"