With You, Always (ArthurxReader)

Chapter 5: The "Off" One

During that night, everything happened so fast. You never knew or wondered how far you would go in order to seek out the truth. Turns out, it's pretty far. Like 'going all the way out of your kingdom following some random stranger and getting caught with the king of your enemies' far. Far enough to have the King of Camelot trapped underneath you at dagger-point. He wasn't wearing his shining golden armor which you found quite odd. He was adorned in regal clothes of magenta-based colors.

He laid beneath you, chest heaving from struggling against the dagger you held to his throat.

Violet eyes and natural ginger hair. Where had you seen that before?

You were breathing in ragged breaths. The king's eyes moved in swift, scattered motions across your hidden face, looking for anything he could recognize, but found nothing.

"Who are you?" King Arthur asked gently. The way his eyebrows furrowed in such desperation made you wonder if maybe he already had the answer. That, maybe, he just held it behind bated breath, waiting for you to fill it in for him and give him the confirmation he so hoped for.

How dare he look at you so soft and gentle when he was your enemy? Such kind eyes had no right to hold so many wounded secrets behind them.

You noticed your hand was shaking when Merlin appeared behind you both. King Arthur lit up when she arrived. You immediately stood up while placing your dagger back in its sheath.

"Allow me to introduce you to the Beast of Treasluhan." With a deep breath, you turned back towards the two Camelot royals. Carefully, you removed your hood to allow the king to see you with your mask properly. His eyes widened for only a split second before he was seemingly grasping at words to speak, but then stopped each time he tried to say something. Merlin stood there, watching with an amused smirk as King Arthur tried to talk to you.

"How about we go check on your horse, Your Majesty. I'm sure Llamrei was rather surprised by your encounter just now." The king nodded, his gaze lingering on you as he turned around. Merlin and the king then walked up to his horse and out of hearing distance from you.

You kneeled next to your things and packed up the food you didn't get to finish eating. As you stuffed your things into your bag you heard the sound of rushing water nearby. Drawing closer to the sound, the small orb of light Merlin created for you hovered by your shoulder. You peered through bushes and shrubs and found a stream.

The water rushing over the stones had a strange calming effect in the dead of night. Little fish swam away as you leaned in close to its surface, the light following behind. You watched as your reflection came to meet you in the stream. The shadows under your hood were so dark that you could see them swirling around your masked face. It was mystifying-- entrancing even. Was that what the king saw when you attacked him? Was he met with a monster, a beast like you?

You gently grabbed the edges of your cloak and flipped your hood back. You were met with your mother's beautiful mask in the dim light. But, you noticed a slight film of magic that danced away when you pulled the hood down. It was hard to see, but it was there. Curious, you put the hood back on. Again, the shadows collected over your face. And again, they dispersed when off. On and off and on and off. You chuckled as you watched the spell try to keep up as you flicked the hood back and forth.

"Beast?" The king's gentle voice called over to you. Turning around, you locked eyes with him, Your hood was pulled down and the light illuminated you perfectly. He seemed to gasp when you reacted so quickly to his call. There was a strange air of silence. Merlin gestured you over, and you rose to your feet and walked closer.

"Yes, Your Majesty?" You tried to stay monotone in your response. He probably couldn't see, but you weren't looking at him. Staring at his face made your chest flare up with a painful heat that made you beyond uncomfortable to deal with right now.