Queen of Camelot ~~~ON HIATUS~~~

Chapter Fourteen (IV)

"Thanks Gaius, but he risked his neck for me and if there is something I can do to help, which I can, I'm not going to hesitate to do it." Artura announced.

Gaius felt so much stress and terror. "You father would never allow it Artura." Gaius reminded.

Artura took a deep shaky breath. "Well he is just going to have to get over it, isn't he." Artura's voice was small as she spoke.

Gaius knew how cruel her father could be at times. Artura was often afraid to confront him. "You care for Merlin don't you."

"Of course I am not some heartless beast like my father." Artura growled, glaring at the wall in front of her. Gaius raised a brow as her face reddened the message he was trying to send finally reaching her. "No!"

Gaius shushed her chuckling. "Fine, but do it all as Arthur, please." Gaius pulling out a handful of bottles.

"Why?" Artura asked stuffing them inside her pockets.

Gaius stared into the distance. "I think this a bit bigger than what we know right now and Arthur needs to be there for it."

"But Alice is so much more inconspicuous Gaius no one can go after the throne if they don't know it's throne." Artura argued. She need freedom otherwise she just might fall apart.

"Not this time Artura, please just trust me." Gaius begged his eyes full of so much care and love. Artura sighed but nodded.

"Take care of his Gaius I'll go as fast as I can." Artura promised pulling him into a hug before racing down the stairs and to her father.

--

Artura did her best to appear confident as she walked down the corridor with her father. The truth was she wanted to run, nothing scared her more than asking him permission to do something she already knew he didn't approve of.

Uther sighed shaking his head slowly. "What's the point of having people to taste for you if you're going to get yourself killed anyway?" Uther inquired glancing over at her.

"I won't fail, no matter what you think." Artura promised. She had to do this one thing for Merlin. She wasn't entirely sure what he did for her but she knew that there would be little chance of repaying him. She would take this opportunity to give him back what he needed to regain, like his life.

Uther stopped placing a caring hand on Artura's shoulder. "Arthur, you are my only dau...son and heir. I can't risk losing you for the sake of some serving boy." Artura's heart skipped a beat as she heard the start of the word daughter came. It was a start she hoped to being free of the nasty potion.

She was quick to get over his mistake processing the last of his words. "Oh, because his life's worthless?" Artura growled loudly taking a step back from him.

"No, because it's worth less than yours." Uther urged stepping towards her.

Artura clenched her jaw her chest tightening. She thought of how many times she had heard her father speak about people being lower than they were and she was fed up with it. "I can save him. Let me take some men." Her voice quiver but was still firm.

"No."

Artura was a little taken aback by the response. She was, yes, use to her father not agreeing but he normally gave a reason or room for argument. This time he was calling it was over and there was nothing left to discuss. He proved by turning on his heels sharply and continuing onward.

Artura groaned her hand drawn into fist almost breaking the skin. "We'll find the antidote and bring it back." Artura explained her eyes darting around for backup.