"Ready?"

"Sure," I groaned. I wore a simple peasant dress. Your typical, cheap white cloth under a green lace-up. My hair just a plain as my outfit, a simple braid to the side. My brother laughed as we left our quarters. Gaius asked us to get more from the market so we left earlier to get better food.

Our stroll was lovely up until a certain blonde-haired prat had to ruin it.

"How's your knee walking coming along?" Prince Arthur joked. We ignored him and continued walking. "Aw, don't run away!" He whined playfully.

Merlin stopped. I grabbed his hand in an attempt to drag him along and not confront Arthur. He didn't need to be arrested again. My influence did nothing to aid him. "From you?" My brother asked, feigning confusion.

Arthur sighed. "Thank God. I thought you were deaf as well as dumb."

"Look, I've told you you're an ass. I just didn't realize you were a royal one," my brother remarked, turning to face Arthur. Though I did not approve of this interaction, I had to admit that was funny. "Oh. What are you going to do? Get your daddy's men to protect you?" Merlin taunted. This, however, is where we disagree. I believe the joke was enough., yet Merlin continued to mock him.

Arthur laughed. "I could take you apart with one blow. "

"I could take you apart with less than that," Merlin boasted.

"Are you sure? Your friend looks like she'd outlast you by ages," Arthur teased.

"Fight then," one knight suggested, followed by several others who agreed the men should settle this with their fists instead of wits. Merlin took off his jacket and Arthur laughed. The Knights continued mocking my brother and I locked my jaw in anger.

"Your brother will be fine." I jumped as Leon suddenly appeared behind me. He continued to whisper into my ear. "Arthur's tough but he's not heartless. He knows what he's doing. He won't really hurt him," he tried to assure me.

A knight handed Arthur two maces and tossed one at Merlin. "Here you go."

Merlin obviously didn't catch it. He picked it up as Arthur began to swing his own with ease. The Knights continued to cheer.

"Come on, then. I warn you, I've been trained to kill since birth."

"Wow, and how long have you been training to be a prat?"

Arthur snorted. "You can't address me like that."

"I'm sorry. H-how long have you been training to be a prat, My Lord?" My brother corrected confidently with a mocking bow.

Arthur grinned and continued to swing his mace threateningly. "Come on then, Merlin! Come on!" Arthur taunted. He continued advancing toward Merlin, backing him into the market stalls. Merlin fell to the ground. Arthur laughed. "You're in trouble now."

"Oh, God," Merlin muttered, scrambling to find something to save himself.

'You're lucky I love you,' I thought to myself as I noticed some large hooks hanging from the ceiling. I take a deep breath and focus my powers. My eyes glow gold as I use my magic to tangle the hooks on Arthur's mace.

Arthur grunted in confusion before untangling his mace. As he made another strike I moved a nearby box to trip him. He grabbed his shin in pain, groaning as his anger grew. He attacked once more and I tightened a rope around his leg, causing him to fall again.

Arthur hit the ground and Merlin picked up his own mace. He taunts, swinging his mace with much less coordination than Arthur. "Do you want to give up?"

"To you?"

"Do you? Do you want to give up?"

Arthur took a step back and I move a bucket. He catches his foot and falls backward.

Merlin was thrilled by his victory until he saw me. No, not me. I turned around, nearly elbowing Leon to find Gaius looking less than pleased. I heard a loud smack and turned to see Arthur holding a broom and Merlin lying on the ground. The guards moved to pick up Merlin but Arthur stopped them.

"Wait. Let him go. He may be an idiot. but he's a brave one. There's something about you, Merlin. I can't quite put my finger on it."

~

"How could you be so foolish?" Gaius yelled at Merlin.

"I have no idea what you are talking about Gaius. I fought with him because he needed to be taught a lesson."

"Magic must be studied, mastered, and used for good! Not idiotic pranks!"

"I didn't use any magic, Gaius," Merlin denied.

"Don't play this game with me, Merlin. I know what it looks like when you use magic. I figured it out the first time and I can do it again."

"But I didn't!"

"He's telling the truth!" Both men faced me. "It was me. I used magic," I admitted, head hung low. "It wasn't an idiotic prank, Gaius. I saw my brother doing something stupid and I had to help. If he hurt himself and I could have done something to help I could never forgive myself!" I paused, collecting myself. "I thought he would use his magic and I waited until the last second to see if he did but it never happened. I was torn, I didn't know what to do. My instincts took over and I used my magic. I had to protect Merlin," I explained. "Besides, there's not much left to master anyway. I've been moving objects like that since before I could talk. This was just a fluke! I'm getting good at controlling my powers I just got scared!" I rambled.

"It's not controlled then!" Gaius scolded.

"We don't want to control it! If we can't use magic what have we got? I mean, I'm a nobody, and I always will be. If I can't use magic, I might as well die," Merlin objected sadly. He retreated to our chambers and I was hot on his tail, Gaius not far behind. He laid on his bed, lost in thought. Gaius sat beside him, holding a medical basket and I sit on my bed across from Merlin.

Gaius sighed. "Merlin, sit up. Take your shirt off," Gaius ordered softly, unlike the harsh tone he had moments before.

My brother removed his shirt, revealing dark bruises across his back. "You don't know why I was born like this do you?" Merlin slurred depressingly.

"Merlin. . . " I whispered, reaching to hold his hand.

"No. . . " Gaius answered, as he began to tend to Merlin's wounds.

"I'm not a monster, am I?"

Gaius looked Merlin in the eye. "Don't ever think that."

"Why shouldn't I? Ky isn't like this. This was her first incident in the last year. I can't go a day without using magic somehow. I rely on it. She can control herself so much better than I can. She uses her power for the best, she saved me from getting my head smashed in," he glanced up at me. "Thank you by the way."

"Don't worry about it."

"She can hide it too. She makes it look like an accident, moving buckets and ropes so no one notices. I move beds across rooms and stop things midair." He paused, collecting himself before speaking again. "If I'm not a monster, then why am I like this? Please, I need to know why."

"Maybe there's someone with more knowledge than me," Gaius suggested.

"If you can't tell me no one can."

Gaius didn't comfort Merlin, or assure him, or show his sympathy in any way. He only poured a potion into a tiny cup and offered it to him. "Take this. It will help with the pain."

Merlin nodded, accepting the cup and quickly downing its contents. He grimaced and shuddered at the taste before handing the cup back.

Gaius gripped Merlin's shoulder lightly, mindful of the bruises. A small gesture, but still meaningful. It showed that Gaius wished he could help more. I could tell he didn't enjoy seeing Merlin so solemn either.

After Gaius left, Merlin laid back down. He fell straight back, wincing when he landed a little harder than he intended.

I sat down next to him. "You're wrong, Merlin," mumbled as he curled further into his blankets. "I'm not like that at all. You say I have control, but I don't have as much as you. I'm not as strong as you are; my powers aren't as strong. It's only easier for me because I have less to control. You only struggle more than me because you are, and I hate to boost your ego, but you're better than me; greater. I may be able to control my powers but I'll always dream of having abilities like yours," I soothed, playing with his hair to calm him. "You're not a monster, Merlin. You're my idol, my brother, and my best friend. It kills me to see you so insecure." I grabbed his hand and squeezed once.

He smiled through his tears and squeezed back. "Thank you," he whispered, rolling over to face me.

I returned the smile as he played with my fingers, like I would if our roles were reversed. "I love you, big brother," I sighed happily. Usually, I'm the one with problems or stress or anxiety but on occasion, Merlin needs support too. Any other day, he would be the one comforting me, but right now, my brother needed me. May the gods strike me down if I refuse to help him the few times he needs me. After all his done for me over the years, this is the least I can do.

"I love you, too, baby sister."

I managed a small laugh. "I'm less than a year younger than you. You were still a baby when I was."

"To me, you'll always be my baby sister." He smiled and his eyes sparkled for a moment, which excited me until I realized it was only his tears. He continued to smile contently as he played with my fingers. "Sing for me?"

It's a fair request considering he always tells me stories when I'm in a foul mood. I nodded. "What song would you like?"

"The creepy one. The Siren Song."

"Jolly Sailor Bold?" I clarified.

He nodded and looked up at me with a small smile, feeling better already. "It's my favorite."

I took a deep breath.

"Upon one summer's morning, I carefully did stray.

Down by the Walls of Wapping, where I met a sailor gay.

Conversing with a young lass, who seem'd to be in pain.

Saying, 'William, when you go I fear you'll ne'er return again.

My heart is pierced by Cupid, I disdain all glittering gold.

There is nothing can console me but my jolly sailor bold.

His hair, it hangs in ringlets, his eyes as black as coal.

My happiness attend him, wherever he may go.

From Tower Hill to Blackwall, I'll wander, weep and moan.

All for my jolly sailor, until he sails home.

My heart is pierced by Cupid, I disdain all glittering gold.

There is nothing can console me but my jolly sailor bold.

My father is a merchant, the truth I now will tell,

And in great London City, his opulence doth dwell.

His fortune doth exceed 300,000 gold

And he frowns upon his daughter who loves a sailor bold.

A fig for his riches, his merchandise and gold.

True love has grafted my heart, give me my sailor bold.

My heart is pierced by Cupid, I disdain all glittering gold.

There is nothing can console me but my jolly sailor bold.

Should he return in pov'rty, from o'er the ocean far,

To my tender bosom, I'll press my jolly tar.

My sailor is as smiling as the pleasant month of May.

And often we have wandered through Ratcliffe Highway.

Many a pretty blooming young girl did we behold.

Reclining on the bosom of her jolly sailor bold.

My heart is pierced by Cupid, I disdain all glittering gold.

There is nothing can console me but my jolly sailor bold.

My name, it is Maria; A merchant's daughter fair.

And I have left my parents and 3000 pounds a year.

Come all you pretty fair maids, whoever you may be.

Who love a jolly sailor that pows the raging sea.

While up aloft in storm, from me his absence mourn.

And firmly pray arrive the day, he's never more to roam.

My heart is pierced by Cupid, I disdain all glittering gold.

There is nothing can console but my jolly sailor bold."

I finished the song to ensure Merlin was truly asleep. I gently pulled my hand from his, careful not to wake him.

I changed into a nightgown and laid down. Instead of listening to Merlin tell me a story, I imagine the story in my head. I'm not quite sure how long it took to fall asleep, but I knew it took longer than when Merlin does it. Nonetheless, I eventually fell asleep.

~

"Merlin. . . Kyleighra. . . Merlin. . . "

Again with the whispering. Though the voice was whispering, it echoed loudly in my skull. I turned my head to see if Merlin also heard the voice again. Unlike myself, Merlin was sitting up, intently listening to the voice.

"I'm sick of this," I groaned, placing a pillow over my head and fighting the urge to scream in frustration.

"I'm going to find out what it is. . . " Merlin decided, pulling on his shoes.

"Well, there's no chance of me sleeping now so I may as well join you," I sighed, stretching my arms and shaking away as much of the drowsiness as I could.

We snuck out of the physician's chambers and through the square. No matter where we went, the voice still echoed in our heads.

Merlin. . .

Now I understood why Merlin was staring at the floor while he was jailed, he was considering bashing in his skull, which I relate to. But the voice also seemed to be coming from underground. It was as if we could sense the voice.

We descended a stairway but stopped when we saw two guards. Merlin raised his hand to use his magic but I quickly swatted his hand down. The voice continued pounding in my head and I refused to let it go on any longer than it had to. I quickly forced the dice the knights were using to fly through the air and down the hall, continuing to throw them further every time they got closer until we could no longer see them.

Kyleighra. . .

I resisted the urge to groan and grabbed Merlin's hand, dragging him to another stairway. The staircase was extremely dark and ominous but the desire to get this voice out of my head was stronger than my fear. I grabbed a nearby torch and used my magic to light it. I wasn't worried about being caught for using magic because there was no one up at this hour, and even if there was, I wouldn't care, the voice was becoming overwhelming.

Merlin. . . Kyleighra. . .

We reached the bottom of the stairs to find a cave.

"Merlin. . . " the voice laughed.

We looked around for the man who spoke.

"Where are you?" Merlin called.

I jumped and yelped when a dragon landed in front of us.

"I'm here," the dragon assured us. "How small you both are for such great destinies."

"Why? What do you mean? What destiny?" My brother pestered. 'Merlin, it would not be wise to anger the terrifying dragon so shut it,' I thought to myself. I might have said something out loud, but I was in awe of the magnificent creature in front of us.

"Your gift, children, was given to you for a reason."

"So there is a reason."

"Arthur is the Once and Future King who will unite the land of Albion."

"Right," Merlin said skeptically.

"If he's this arrogant as a prince, I can't imagine what kind of world it would be if he were king," I remarked.

"He faces many threats from friend and foe alike."

"What does this have to do with us?" I asked in frustration.

"Everything. Without you, Arthur will never succeed. Without you, there will be no Albion. Without you, Arthur would have no queen."

"Are you saying I marry that prat?"

"No. No, you've got this wrong!"

"There is no right or wrong, only what is and what isn't."

"That is extremely vague and unhelpful!" I complained angrily.

"I'm serious! If anyone wants to go and kill him, they can go ahead. In fact, I'll give him a hand."

"I don't know about that. He isn't worth being jailed or beheaded."

"You say that now," the dragon laughed. "None of us can choose our destinies, and none of us can escape it."

"No. No way. No, there must be another Arthur because this one's an idiot." I nodded in agreement with Merlin.

"Perhaps it's your destiny to change that," the dragon hinted then flew away.

"Wait! Wait! Wait, stop!" Merlin called after the dragon. "No, I-I need to know more!" He cried helplessly.

"Well, I believe that's enough disappointment for one night. I vote we go back to bed and pretend this never happened. How about you?"

"No! I want more answers!"

"Well, maybe you do, but I personally believe that that dragon is screwing with our heads and has given us enough mysterious things to ponder over. And it's not as if we can't come back. The dragon is trapped here, Merlin, it isn't going anywhere," I reasoned.

"Fine. . . " He grumbled and followed me back up the staircase.

~

"Hoy!" I heard Gaius exclaim as he looked around our room. "Have you seen the state of this room?" He cried, holding up some of Merlin's clothes that I assumed had previously been on the floor. "You allow this?" He asked shocked, noticing that my side of the room was much tidier.

I simply shrugged my shoulders. "I stopped ordering to pick up after himself about the time we turned ten. I've learned that it's pointless because it never stays that way for more than a day." They both rolled their eyes at me. "As long as it stays on his side of the room, I let it slide," I confessed.

"How is such a mess made so quickly?"

"It just happens," Merlin sighed.

"By magic?" Gaius guessed sarcastically.

"Yeah," Merlin admitted.

"Yes. Well, you can clean it up without magic. And then I want you to get some herbs: henbane, wormwood, and sorrel. And deliver this to Morgana," he instructed, handing me a vial. "Poor girl is suffering from nightmares," he added, tossing Merlin more of his scattered clothing as he left.

Merlin hummed in agreement. "I know the feeling."

"We're living nightmares," I commented. "Mine being slightly worse."

He scoffed. "How? You'll get to be a queen!

"And my king is an arrogant prat that hates my brother!"

"What was that, Your Majesty?" He joked. I rolled my eyes and chucked one of his shirts at him.

~

Merlin and I agreed that we needed to finish the chores Gaius gave us but Merlin also needed to clean his side of the room. We decided that he would clean the room while I went out and gathered the herbs. We would meet in the square and deliver Morgana's medicine together. After retrieving the herbs, I waited impatiently for Merlin.

"You just couldn't wait to see me again, could you?" I turned around to see Leon and two other knights.

"Yes, Leon. You're just far too irresistible to avoid for long," I answered sarcastically.

"I knew it," he sighed. "But really, you should go explore the rest of Camelot, make other friends. That shouldn't be too hard. Maybe you'll even meet another knight," he encouraged.

"As if they could top your introduction," I argued with a smile, which he returned. "I'm actually not here for you, I'm waiting for my brother."

"The one who got arrested and tried to fight Arthur?"

I nodded. "The very same. Very memorable, isn't he?"

"Indeed. But not as much as you." I blushed and looked to the ground. The conversation reached a low-point after that so Leon said his goodbyes and left.

"Who was that?" I jumped at Merlin's question, not realizing he was behind me.

"Holy Heavens, Merlin. You scared the hell out of me."

"So, who was that? Looks like a Knight," Merlin teased with a mischievous grin.

"He is a Knight. And his name is Ser Leon."

"Well, all right. But don't let him distract you. Remember, you're saving yourself for a prince."

"Oh, shut it," I scolded, slapping his arm roughly. "We have to bring Morgana her medicine."

"Right, and afterward, we'll talk about the Prince of Prats or Ser Leon, lady's choice."

"Oh, thank you, that is so considerate."

"What can I say? I was raised to be a gentleman."

"And you just now decided to embrace it?" I asked as we reached the top of the stairwell. Just before we could enter the room, I held out my arm. "Ladies first," I smiled.

"Why, thank you," Merlin replied, taking the first step into the room.

As we enter, Morgana goes behind her changing screen.

"You know, I've been thinking about Arthur. I wouldn't touch him with a lance pole," she vented.

"Preach," I mumbled.

"Pass me that dress, will you, Gwen?" Morgana requested, gesturing to a nearby gown.

Merlin's eyes widened and he backed away, letting me do it. I grabbed the dress. Once she began undressing, Merlin's eyes darted to the floor and he quickly and quietly left the room.

"I mean, the man's a total jouster. And just because I'm the king's ward that doesn't mean I have to accompany him to the feast does it?"

I laid the gown over the screen, careful not to look at her.

"Well, does it?" She repeated.

I tried to remember Gwen's voice and attitude so I could mimic a response. "Of course not, My Lady," I forced out. It was difficult to adjust my voice to sound like Gwen. Her voice was much smoother and silkier than mine, and higher too.

"If he wants me to go, then he should invite me and he hasn't."

I realized that now that Merlin was gone I was completely alone. And if I got caught pretending to be Lady Morgana's handmaid, I wouldn't live to see tomorrow.

"So, do you know what that means?" I need to get out of here immediately?

"No, My Lady," I answered, disguising my voice again.

"Where are you?" Morgana asked, looking around the screen.

I lifted a cloak above my head to hide my face, and not reveal any pale features. "Here," I replied.

"It means I'm going by myself," she finished, going back behind the screen.

I put the cloak back and start to leave.

"I need some help with this fastening," Morgana requested.

I turned back to the screen fearfully and stopped, unsure of what to so next. I could keep helping her but risk getting caught and punished or I could leave and Gwen could be punished.

"Gwen?"

I prepare myself to speak again but was surprised to hear Gwen's real voice instead. "I'm here."

I spun around quickly, almost sighing with relief.

Gwen glances between me and the screen. "What are you doing here?"

"I just needed to deliver her medicine for her nightmares. When we walked in, she assumed it was you. I didn't want to get into trouble for walking in at a terrible time, I'm so sorry."

She nodded understandingly.

"She needs help with fastening," I informed her before hastily exiting.

As Merlin and I walked through the square we passed Lady Helen. Once she was out of range, I turned to Merlin. "I need to tell you something about Lady Helen," I whispered.

~

Once we were back to our room I made sure no one could eavesdrop by closing the door and locking the windows. I told him what I saw when I delivered Lady Helen's mixture last night.

"You're sure it was the old witch?"

"Yes, Merlin. I know what I saw. It was her, I'm sure of it. I think she's disguising herself in order to get closer to the king."

"How though?"

"Magic, obviously. She clearly doesn't care about the law after what happened to her son. She wants to get Arthur, remember?"

"I'm sure someone will figure it out."

"Who?"

"I don't know. The king, Gaius, maybe Morgana? Whoever it is, it won't be us. We can't do anything. We can't tell anyone. Lady Helen is too far above us. No one will ever believe a word we say."

"But what if this is one of those dangers the dragon was talking about? What if Arthur really is in danger? What if we are the only ones who can do something to save him? You wanted more answers, maybe this is how we get them."

~

I changed into a nicer dress for the feast, not wanting to look too out of place. Gaius, Merlin, and I entered the banquet hall. The first thing I noticed was Arthur laughing with some other well-dressed men. Though some were dressed in armor worn by the Knights. Arthur pretended to punch one of them in the stomach, sparking another round of laughs. They all suddenly stopped laughing as Lady Morgana walked in. Even Merlin stared as she passed by.

"Merlin. . . " I warned.

"Remember, you're here to work," Gaius scolded.

"Oh, yeah," my brother replied unfocused. He continued to stare as Arthur approached her.

I noticed Gwen making her way over to us. "She looks great, doesn't she?"

"Yeah," Merlin replied, still focused on Morgana.

"She looks terrific. You did a wonderful job, Gwen," I praised.

"Thank you." She paused. "Some people are just born to be queen," she commented, finally gaining Merlin's attention.

"No," he argued.

"I hope so. One day. Not that I'd want to be her. Who'd want to marry Arthur?"

"I know. They'd have to have lost their mind," I chimed, placing a hand on her shoulder before leaving them alone to talk. At least, to give the illusion that I left them alone. After all, I know my brother and it's my job to ensure that he doesn't do stupid things.

"Oh, come on, Gwen. I thought you liked those real, rough, tough, save-the-world kind of men," Merlin recalled.

"No, I like much more ordinary men like you."

"Gwen, believe me, I'm not ordinary."

"No, I didn't mean you, obviously. Not you. But just, you know, men like you."

I rolled my eyes. For the love of all that is holy. . . How do they not realize they are flirting with each other?

"Thanks. . . " Merlin answered awkwardly. They shared an awkward silence before slowly separating.

I made my way over to Merlin and slapped him on the back of the head.

He whined and rubbed his noggin. "What was that for?"

"For being an awkward dolt. Next time you see her, don't be such an idiot."

"Impossible."

"I'm sure if you tried hard enough-"

"No, I mean you. You're impossible to please."

I gasped and smacked his head again, earning another whine.

~

Soon, King Uther entered and the feast officially began. Even if you had never seen him, you'd know who he was. He was the only guest who received fanfare upon entry.

Merlin and I stood off to the side with Gaius as Uther gave a short introduction for Lady Helen.

"We have enjoyed twenty years of peace and prosperity. It has brought the kingdom and myself many pleasures, but few can compare with the honor of introducing Lady Helen of Mora."

The music began and Uther and the rest of the court take their seats. Merlin and I glanced at each other as we noticed guests falling asleep as Lady Helen sang, and not out of boredom. Merlin covered his ears and motioned me to do the same. We watched as cobwebs formed over the tables and patrons. We noticed Lady Helen glaring at Arthur as she walked forward.

She raised her arm to throw the dagger, but Merlin quickly used his magic to drop the chandelier on her head. I almost applauded him for making it seem like such an accident.

Members of the court slowly began to awaken and began to pull the cobwebs off themselves. Uther and Arthur stood up to find the witch lying on the floor.

Suddenly, Mary pulled herself up enough to throw the dagger at Arthur. I slow down time as much as I can to grab a tray and stand in front of Arthur, shielding him from the dagger. Merlin used that time to tackle Arthur to the floor and out of the way.

Using the last of her strength to throw the dagger, the witch fell lifelessly to the floor.

Uther and Arthur stared at us in shock. Feeling all eyes on us, I slowly placed the tray, now pierced by the dagger, on the table where no one could reach it.

"You saved my boy's life. A debt must be repaid," Uther declared.

"Oh, well. . . " Merlin muttered, pulling himself and Arthur off of the ground.

"Don't be so modest, you shall be rewarded."

"No, honestly, you don't have to," I denied.

"Your Highness," my brother added.

"No, absolutely. This merits something quite special."

"Well. . . "

"You shall be rewarded positions in the royal household. You shall be Prince Arthur's servants." The court applauded his decision, but like us, Arthur was less than pleased.

"Father!" Arthur cried in shock. He was obviously as against this as we were, though Merlin seemed the most disturbed.

I looked into the crowd and found Gwen clapping and wearing a pitiful smile. I avoided looking at Merlin and Arthur, but out of the corner of my eye, I saw them lock eyes then turn away angrily. I found another pitiful smile in the crowd: Leon. he was also clapping. But as soon as our eyes met, his expression changed. He went from a normal smile to raising his brows teasingly. I shook my head in annoyance.

That's when I realized what was actually happening. We will be the new Morrises. We have no choice. it would be insane to speak against the king's judgment. We would have to be there when he needed a target for practice. We would have to be there to wake him up in the morning and feed him breakfast. We would be the ones to tuck him in at night like a child. This is a reward? In what sense?

~

"We're going to die."

"We're not going to die."

"Okay, then. I'd rather die."

"Ky!"

"What?"

"You don't want to die, not really."

"You're a sorcerer, not a psychic."

"You don't know that."

"Yes, I do. You can't keep a secret from me. Occasionally, you manage to keep a secret from other people, but I am your sister, and sadly, your only friend. You're a terrible liar as it is and you need to vent to someone or you just might explode. I am that someone because you have no one else."

"You're mean."

"I prefer the term brutally honest."

"Nope. Still mean."

"Honest."

"Mean."

"Honest."

"Mean."

"Honest!"

"You're mean and you know it!"

A loud knock interrupted our argument. Gaius didn't wait for an answer before walking in. "You two haven't even been here a week and I already want to strangle you both."

"I can only tolerate her for so long."

"Well, I can only keep my insults to myself for so long."

"It's shocking to believe that you are the ones who saved the prince."

"Hard to believe, isn't it?"

"No, I knew it from the moment I met you. When you saved my life, remember?"

"But. . . that was magic."

"And now, it seems we finally found a use for your magic."

"What do you mean?"

"I saw how you saved Arthur's life. Dropping a chandelier. . . " He looked at me. "And I doubt you grabbed that platter and perfectly placed it to catch that knife with pure luck."

"If the king bought it, so can you," I retorted.

"Perhaps that's its purpose."

Merlin sighed. "My destiny."

"Indeed. This book was given to me when I was your age, but I have a feeling it will be of more use to you than it was to me." Gaius handed Merlin a book wrapped in a cloth. Merlin unwrapped it excitedly and looked inside. I peered over his shoulder.

"But this is a book of magic."

"Merlin, he is giving us this tool for free. Don't argue with him. Just accept it and say 'thank you'."

"You must keep it hidden."

"We will study every word." I waited for him to continue. He never did. I sighed.

"And thank you, Gaius," I added for him. "Also, I didn't help save you when we first arrived. How did you know I was good?"

"I didn't at first."

"Oh, lovely, how kind of you."

"At first glance, you were rude and defensive. Now, I understand why. I've seen how you react and behave based on a situation. You deliver mercy and kindness when it is deserved. In our discussion with Merlin yesterday, you allowed yourself to forget your own insomnia to help Merlin with his. Because he had no true reason to feel this way, you sacrificed your sleep and health in order to console him.

"You deliver punishment when it is necessary as well, but behind it is care and passion. When Merlin was in the stocks, you helped children throw fruit at him to teach him a lesson but shared your food with him and did one of his chores to balance the scale. you made sure he still knew you cared about him but helped him understand he made a bad choice.

"When we first met, you stepped forward and defended him. You were ready to suffer punishment with him even though, at the time, I didn't know you also had magic."

I smiled in remembrance and blushed.

"Perhaps saving Arthur today was part of your destiny to keep Arthur in line too."

Aaaaaaannnnndd. . . we're done. "I was with you until that last part."

"I think it's horrid, but as your brother, I must constantly pester you and remind you of this tragedy."

I was about to respond but was once again interrupted by a knock at the door. A guard entered and stood tall at attention.

"Prince Arthur needs his servants right away."

I nodded and grabbed the book, careful not to reveal the cover, and laid it under my pillow. As I moved, Gaius spoke.

"Your destiny's calling. You'd better find out what he wants."