Queen of Camelot ~~~ON HIATUS~~~

Chapter Five (II)

"What would you do?" The concept of dying made Merlin curious.

Gaius sighed again -- he noticed he had been doing that more often since Merlin had come-- replying, "Well, you just make sure it doesn't happen, for both our sakes."

Gaius had gotten fought up in the moment forgetting to massage Merlin's shoulders. He finally noticed as Merlin continues to whine. "Ah! I save Arthur from being killed and I end up as a servant. How is that fair?"

"I'm not sure fairness comes into it. You never know, it might be fun." Gaius suggested trying to bring Merlin's spirits up.

However, it did not seem to get through his thick skull. Scoffing Merlin argues back, "You think mucking out Arthur's horses is going to be fun? You should hear my list of duties." Merlin raised an eyebrow unimpressed.

"We all have our duties. Even Arthur." Gaius reminded thinking of the plate Arthur had to fill.

Merlin nodded not getting the new age speaking with phony sympathy, "It must be so tough for him with all the girls and the glory."

Gaius want to explain so much more of what Arthur had to go through Merlin didn't even know the youth of it. Trying to being this to Merlin attention he recalled, "He is a future king. People expect so much of him. He's under a lot of pressure." Gaius pressed hard to bring empathizes.

Merlin gasped in pain adding, "Ah! That makes two of us."

Arthur walked in right at that moment. "Excuse me, Gaius," He apologized his respect for Gaius going a long way.

Gaius turns to Arthur giving him a sad smile. "Merlin why don't you go get Gwen to teach you about armor. Her father is a blacksmith it would help you greatly." Gaius said, glancing at Merlin.

Merlin glanced between the two before nodding and scurrying out of the room. He chose to listen to Gaius this time searching for Gwen.
                  ~~~~~~~~~~
Artura watched Merlin leave checking the hall to make sure the idiot wasn't trying to eavesdrop.

"How can I be of service, Artura?" Gaius asked pulling Artura back into the room.

She sighed, it was a bit refreshing to be called by her given name. Nobody did it. She was constantly acting, constantly hiding.

"I need more of the potions and possibly an excuse for having it for know on," Artura said taking a seat on his bench. Artura was always been graceful, she did her best to downgrade it when she played Arthur feeling that he wouldn't have the grace that some may have.

"Why?" Gaius asked walking over to the cabinet grabbing a couple more bottles.

Artura leaned back closing her eyes. "My father expects me to keep up this act twenty-four seven. I can't do that I-I need time to be me, but with Merlin breathing down my back In never going to get that chance again am I?" Artura asked not answering his question directly.

Gaius didn't answer so she continued, "Gaius when will this nightmare, story, play end. I'm done playing the princely character. I don't want chains that keep my tied to the ground never letting allowing anyone to see the true beauty of my wings."

Artura was struggling normally the stress of playing prince was fine but tournament always got on her nerves a bit more than usual. It may have something to so with her fathers constant eye one her. She had to prove herself every time some sort of competition came around. Otherwise she is disgraceful and not worthy of being his son. It also makes Uther believe she isn't ready for the throne even more.

Not to mention as an actual girl she had to work twice as hard to get her father's approval. "Why-why can't he love me for me." she asked after having a long discussion in her head.