Queen of Camelot ~~~ON HIATUS~~~

Chapter Eight (II)

As she loosened the string that held the cuffs of her shirt together she could hear footsteps approaching her. The were light but determined. Footsteps she could never forget. "I thought I told you to get out of my sight." she said turning to face Merlin.

Merlin ignored her request taking another step towards her. He held his hands up as he spoke convincingly, "Don't fight Valiant in the tournament tomorrow. He'll use the shield against you."

"I know." Artura said nodding. She wouldn't dare back especially after all of what her father had done.

Merlin didn't get it though he continued on. "Then withdraw. You have to withdraw."

For a split second Merlin could've sworn he had just seen Artura smile for a quick second. It, however, was replaced by a frown in an instant. " Don't you understand? I can't withdraw. The people expect their prince to fight. How can I lead men into battle if they think I'm a coward?" she explained. Merlin had to understand that she was not the fortunate one she had one of the biggest responsibilities in the whole kingdom. She wanted a friend and it meant a lot that he was still trying to keep her safe even after she had sacked him.

"Valiant will kill you. If you fight, you die." Merlin pleaded placing a hand on her shoulder.

Artura sighed shrugging off the arm. "Then I die." She didn't know how she was so calm about this. It must have something to do with training as knight. They all learning knowing that they are probably going to die just so that she could live.

Knowingly fighting to one's death was one of the biggest things Merlin could not understand. All knights signed up for it and yet even then they didn't appear noble. Artura herself often came across as cocky however now she seem seldom and calm. Merlin couldn't phantom such emotions. "How can you go out there and fight like that?"

She stared him right in the eyes. This was an important message. She spoke sternly, "Because I have to. It's my duty."

Merlin sighed feeling he had fail turned and left. He too needed sleep to perform at his best as well.
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Merlin was hoping to get some sleep but found none continued on practicing his spells. He must have fallen asleep at one point because he woke up sitting in a chair with his book resting in his lap.

Merlin's drowsy eyes lift up eyeing the dog statue. He took a deep breath before slurring out the spell. "Bebay odothay... arisan quickum."
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One hour until judgement day. Artura found herself standing on the grounds eyes locked on her father's throne.

Valiant was close by sharpening his sword. Each run down on the sword made Artura's heart race a little faster.

'Deep breaths,' Artura reminds herself sighing. She gives a small bow to her where her father would be sitting. She was his to command and she would be obedient to the end even if it meant dying just to prove a point. She wondered if he would mourn for her or would he turn to the next best knight.

Raising her head high she leaves the arena walking to her room for what could be her last time.

Morris was there waiting for her. He worked quickly and quietly. There was no banter or teasing. There was only respect and solemness to comforter her.

He was just about to tighten her armour when he stopped stepping away from her. Artura turned to ask him what he was doing only to find Morgana there.

"Let me." Morgana offers turning Artura to face the window. Morgana expertly fixes the strap to Artura's gorget and then went over to her vambrace tightening so it would stay on but still be comfortable.