Chapter Fourteen - He's Just A Boy
“Arthur... swa…” Merlin croaked out.
Gaius held his hand, encouraging his nephew, “Merlin, you must fight it.”
The boy seemed to flinch at being near someone so sickly and quickly handed the letter to Lynette before departing. The girl watched him go with a peculiar gaze, but her mind didn’t rest on the messenger long. Merlin didn’t have that kind of time. She read the letter and was surprised to find its sender to be the King of Camelot. While she knew he would eventually discover Arthur’s escape from the castle, she had hoped she would at least have a few more days. Lynette showed the contents of the message to her father, whose only response was to not keep him waiting. The blonde left hurriedly, casting one last glance toward her cousin, who reached a hand out to her as if in search of her. She wanted to return to him, but she knew better. The longer the servant kept Uther waiting, the worse his wrath would be.
She went toward Morgana’s chambers, flinching when she heard his fury echoing through the halls. She knocked on Morgana’s chambers timidly, hearing Morgana’s voice before entering. Uther stood next to one of the windows, his fist tightening as he shook in apparent fury. He was still dressed in his ceremonial cloak from the feast, and his crown, a symbol of power, sat on his head. It had been days since Arthur’s departure from Camelot, and it looked as if the king had neither slept nor eaten. Lynette looked worriedly over at Morgana, who didn’t appear surprised at her guardian’s reaction. She was in one of her night dresses, having changed herself so she wouldn’t bother Gwen or Lynette as they tended to Merlin.
Lynette had to clear her throat to announce her presence, not trusting her voice to be strong as the king rounded on her, “You knew about this, didn't you?”
Lynette stepped back as his eyes landed on her, “My lord?”
“Don't lie to me.” Uther spat. “He tells you everything.”
“Arthur’s old enough to make decisions for himself.” Morgana intervened, but Uther held up a finger to silence her.
“Arthur, indeed, is more than capable of deciding who is worth saving,” Lynette stated.
“He's just a boy,” Uther countered, " a boy who still does not know what it takes to be king.”
Morgana scoffed, “Have you seen your son recently? You have to let him make his own mind up.”
“Even if it means letting him go to his death?”
Lynette faltered slightly at Uther’s words. She had been prepared to defend Arthur’s choice, yet the blonde had forgotten who stood before her. Uther may be the King of Camelot, but he was also Arthur’s father. He had every right to worry about his son's safety and the kingdom's future. What caused Lynette to not lose her momentum with Uther was that he had no authority to decide who was worth saving. She wouldn’t let him have the final say over whether Merlin lived or died. Arthur had made his choice. Uther must now make a choice on whether or not to support his son.
“Yes,” Lynette answered firmly. Your son chose to put someone else’s needs above his own—a quality that a good king should have. Despite what you may believe, the prince has a mind of his own, and I did nothing to influence his decision to pursue the antidote. If you will excuse me, sire, I must return to my cousin's side.”
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