DEMIGOD

five

After the druid boy, Mordred was returned to his people Camelot was quiet and peaceful as the people went about their daily lives. Morgana's steps felt lighter after hearing the news that the druid boy made it out safely, Merlin seems tenser, and I fear that might take a toll on him, and Arthur has been continuing on his princely duties and hasn't given that day much thought. I had to convince my brother to not go after the druid boy. Instead, we should focus on helping the people of Camelot so that we can earn our place among its people. Paris tried to be at Morgana's side whenever he could to assist her, and the rest of my time was with Merlin answering his many questions.

--

a couple of nights after Mordred was freed

I sip from the tankard silent as I wait for Merlin to say something, but he doesn't make any move.

"Is something wrong?" I finally ask. "You've been awfully quite since you've found out that Arthur wanted to help Mordred."

"I'm fine." He deflects my question.

"Merlin, you can trust me." I place a hand on his shoulder. He gets up abruptly and brushes me off. I put a couple of coins on the table to pay the barkeep for the drinks before running after Merlin. "Hey!" I quickly catch up to him and pull him to a stop. "What is going on with you? This isn't the Merlin I know. This isn't the Merlin who is compassionate and kind towards other. Please let me help you." He turns to face me anger written across his blue eyes.

"You know nothing of what it's like to have the weight of the world on your shoulders. To have a destiny so big you can't even begin to know what to do." He takes a step back from me and walks off. I take a deep breath before pushing. I stop him once more.

"You know nothing of my life, Merlin. I was taken away from my parents by a cult who believe my family's blood was a gift from the gods. My siblings and my cousin were taken with me, and then the cult complete a ritual that made us immortal at the cost of their lives. You can't say I don't know what it's like to not have the weight of the world on my shoulder because Merlin I have fought many wars, and have killed many people for the name of all kinds of things; religion, power, money, and hate. When you're ready to talk come find me."

--

A week later, he finally talked to me. I slip into a simple dress as Paris, and I get ready for a ceremony for Arthur.

"Do you think Morgana will be there?" My brother asks from the other side of the divider.

"I'm sure she will be. I mean she is the king's ward after all." After finishing lacing my dress, I step out and give a little twirl for my brother.

"Radiant." He says in our native tongue. "Sister, shall we?" He holds out his arm to me and slips my arm through his.

"We shall." Moments later, we are in the grand hall for Arthur's ceremony. We greet Uther, Arthur, and Morgana.

"We are pleased you could be here." Uther stats.

"It'a our pleasure to be here celebrating our crown prince." I curtsy while Paris bows.

"Thank you for coming." Arthur's attention is on us. "Please enjoy yourselves." I smile at Arthur before moving further into the room. After conversing with some of the guests, the ceremony is about to begin. Arthur kneels in front of his father.

"Do you solemnly swear to govern the people of this kingdom and its dominions according to the statutes, customs, and laws laid down by your forebears?" Uther recites, looking down at his son. Pride swelling in his chest.

"I do, sire."

"Do you promise to exercise mercy and justice in your deeds and judgments?"

"I do, sire." Uther extends his scepter in front of his son.