CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST PART TWO ( i. )

Calliope has a new obsession—Arthur Pendragon's body, and the things he does to her with it.

His fingers and tongue exploring her skin until she feels dizzy in the head; him kissing her every scar with such gentleness, his lips ghosting down the tattoo on her back. Tangling between the silky sheets with him, and the sound of her name on his lips as she moves her hips on top of him. It's all one heated frenzy that overtakes her senses in waves of pleasure. Once they had finally fallen asleep, limbs tangled together, the red quilt was on the floor, and most of the pillows were thrown across the room. The bowl of fruit usually sitting on his table has been knocked over, grapes scattered about. They had gotten up to eat something, but one look at Arthur leaning back in the chair, shirtless and popping grapes into his mouth, had her practically pouncing on him...and he had swiped everything off the table to lay her onto it.

Calliope grins to herself as sunlight trickles into the disheveled space. She feels as if her bones are made of liquid honey, every muscle is completely relaxed as her head lays against Arthur's bare chest which rises and falls slowly. There are a few dark love marks on her chest, but the Prince has one of his own right underneath his collarbone. Hopefully, he has a shirt that can cover it up. Although, Uther is too enchanted by a troll to notice anything else at the moment.

He sleeps soundly, but his lips twitch as Calliope begins pressing light kisses against his throat, her hand caressing his side.

"If you keep doing that," Arthur says, his eyes still closed. "we'll never leave this room."

She leans up to take his earlobe between her teeth, replying in a quiet, sultry tone, "Maybe that's exactly what I want."

Calliope giggles—she actually giggles, as Arthur flips their position, peppering her face and neck with quick kisses. She puts her hands on his cheeks, bringing his head back up so she can look into his electric blue gaze.

The Prince rests an elbow by her head, his fingers brushing soft hair away from her face, "Good morning."

"Good morning," the assassin says with a wide smile. The necklace he always wears dangles near her face, and she reaches up to take the ruby red gem between her fingers, "Who gave this to you?"

"The gem is from a necklace my mother used to wear every day," Arthur answers. "My father had it made for me, as something to always remember her by." Calliope examines the gem for a few more moments before she releases it, her eyes wandering back to his. "You know, we actually do have to get out of bed eventually." Huffing, she brings her hands up to tangle in his hair, "Unless you want Merlin to walk in on this."

"Can you imagine the look on his face?" Calliope laughs just thinking about it, already missing the warmth of his body the second he sits up, sheets pooling around his bare thighs. She turns to lay on her stomach as he gets dressed, resting her head on his pillow.

Last night awoke something in her chest; something that was already there, but guarded and locked away. Every feeling she's always tried to fight came bursting forth, and now, as she watches the Prince get dressed, she can't ever imagine letting him go.

Arthur pulls his shirt over his head, glancing back to the bed, "You really need to put some clothes on."

"Why? Am I distracting you?" She says, quirking her lips.

"Yes," Arthur walks back over to the bed, placing his hands on the mattress and leaning his face close to hers. "You're extremely distracting," he kisses her longingly, "especially like that."

Her clothes are still drenched from the rain, so the Prince digs through his drawer for a moment. He tosses her one of his loose, red shirts, and seeing it fall around her body, reaching all the way down to her mid-thigh, is almost enough for him to throw her back into his bed.

He also manages to find a pair of trousers that he hasn't worn in years at the bottom of his dresser, and with the help of a belt, they stay on her waist, just enough for the walk back to her room. Calliope moves away from the bed, her hands clasped behind her back as Arthur leans his side against the door, propping an elbow by his head.

"I guess I'll see you later."

She looks up into his gaze, wishing that they could stay in this room forever and ignore all the other troubles surrounding them; all the obstacles standing in the way of their happiness. If Calliope did have magic, she'd pause this moment and cherish it just a while longer under the stillness of the early morning haze before the rest of the castle has awoken.

The assassin nods, her eyes darting to his lips, and he just can't let her go without stealing one more kiss because all of this feels too good to be true—like a dream he could be snatched away from at any fleeting moment—but as she returns his kiss tenderly, the Prince knows this is real.

But the sound of someone tripping and dropping a metal tray causes them to break away from each other.

Merlin just stares, his mouth agape. Calliope watches as he takes in everything before him—the assassin in Arthur's clothes while her own lay on the floor, the crumpled sheets, the pillows and quilt strung across the room, and everything that had been hurriedly pushed off the table—and a horrified expression covers his face when he puts the pieces together.

"Merlin!" Prince Arthur exclaims.

"S-Sorry, Sire, I was not aware you had...company..." Merlin looks at the blonde. "Morning, Cal."

She raises a hand, "Morning, Merlin." Then, she scratches her head awkwardly, motioning to the door. "I should go."

And as she steps into the hallway, she hears the Prince say one last thing to his servant, "You really need to learn how to knock."

♛ ♛ ♛

King Uther has married a troll, and he is completely under its spell. To Merlin and Gaius, this is a serious life or death problem. To Calliope, it's the best entertainment she's had in months.

Knowing that the King is sharing a bed with the disgusting creature she saw under the castle...it brings a bright smile to her lips as she walks down the hallways. There's no doubt that Merlin will go to every extent to ensure the safety of Camelot, but Calliope is simply going to sit back and enjoy the show. At least, that's what she assumed.

Her eyebrows pinch on the walk to the training grounds. Guards are running through the courtyard, spears in hand, as they point in different directions and search through hidden alcoves. Thinking there's a dangerous person on the loose, Calliope draws her blade. When she spots Sir Leon speaking lowly to other knights, the assassin trots to him.

He stops his conversation as she approaches, throwing out her arms, "What's going on?"

"The King has ordered for Merlin to be found and arrested."

"Merlin?" Shit, what did the idiot do this time? "Why?"

Leon sighs, "Apparently, the Lady Catrina has accused him of stealing something from her."

She must have known Merlin was onto her. Calliope curses under her breath, hoping the sorcerer was smart enough to flee. She ducks her head close to the knight, speaking in a quiet tone "If anyone finds him before me, let me know."

Nodding, he turns to the others around him, and Calliope walks across the courtyard. The first place she checks is with Gaius, but he was long gone from the physician's chambers by the time the guards pillaged through. Where would he have went?

He wouldn't go far, not while the troll problem hasn't been solved. He'd be hiding in the castle somewhere; somewhere so obvious it's just plain stupid. Calliope stops in the middle of the hallway, turning fast on her heel, "Arthur," she says under her breath.

Yes, Arthur would have given him a heads up, advising Merlin to get out of the city as quickly as possible, but Merlin wouldn't have listened to him. She begins scouring castle grounds for the Prince, but as soon as she finds someone who has seen him, they point her in a different direction. He's trying to make this search for Merlin appear real, and it's really sending Calliope all over the place.

Once she finally catches him, he's on his way to the council chambers. His face lifts as he sees her coming towards him from across the hallway.

"Ah, Calliope, you're just in time."

"Where's Merlin?"

"He should be long gone by now," Arthur answers, glancing over her, stepping a bit closer. "I'm about to inform the King of our failed search."

Calliope breathes out a long sigh, "No, he's still around here somewhere. He's stupid like that."

"Well, hopefully he'll stay put for a while," His hands are on her waist, surprising her as he pulls her close. Calliope raises her eyebrows at him as he leans near her ear. He shouldn't be doing this with the council chambers one hallway over; where anyone could step out and see them. "I'm finding it very hard to concentrate today."

The Prince is not alone in his struggles, but Calliope only smirks, "One night with me, and you're already falling to pieces."

His mouth is still close to her ear, his breath fanning the side of her face, "Only for you."

Calliope feels tinges of red creeping up her neck, fanning out over her cheeks, tiny sparks prickling her skin, but as soon as the Prince notices her reaction, he steps away.

She narrows her eyes at his smug grin and hits his chest, but Arthur only laughs. Taking a moment to gather herself, Calliope breathes in deeply, and then follows the Prince to the council chambers. The King awaits them with Lady Catrina seated at his side.

Her head snaps to them as the King stands to greet his son. Calliope stands a few paces back, but she doesn't miss the once over the disguised troll gives her. When the assassin looks upon Catrina, all she can picture is that horrid creature rolling around in filth. She coughs to stifle a gag as the images flood her brain.

"I fear he may have slipped through our net," Arthur explains.

Catrina doesn't even give the King a chance to speak, "You're very quick to give up the chase."

"That is because I know my quarry is long gone."

"How can you be so certain?" Uther asks.

"Well, despite appearances, Merlin isn't stupid. He must have got wind that we were looking for him and left."

The troll raises her eyes, "Outwitting your army and this esteemed warrior in the process," her eyes are on Calliope, but Arthur only nods.

"It appears so."

"You're awfully quiet back there—what was your name again?"

"Calliope," she looks at Catrina, withholding a grimace.

Catrina turns her head to Uther, "Forgive me, My Lord, I know I may not be as forward thinking as some, but why is this woman working so closely with your son and the knights?"

"Well, Calliope has proven herself to be a true ally of the kingdom several times," Uther says, "She has saved Arthur and countless others. I wanted to put her skills to good use."

"Skills not good enough to find a serving boy," she says through a scoff. "Perhaps, it is not such a good thing for these two to be so...close. It doesn't offer the best image to the people."

A moment passes, and Calliope can pinpoint the moment Catrina's enchantment takes hold in the King's gaze, "You're right. Calliope you are no longer to be involved with the knights."

"Father, you can't be serious—"

The King's eyes blaze, "This is my decision, and you will respect it, and you will continue your search for the boy!"

Calliope would be more upset if she didn't know about Catrina's power over the King, "It's fine, Arthur," she says, and the Prince glances over his shoulder at her, but she's already walking out of the council chambers.

She has to find Merlin. Without him, there may be no chance of stopping Catrina from overtaking all of Camelot.

♛ ♛ ♛

The assassin is finally able to track Merlin down while he is sneaking his way around the castle, intending to go to Gaius's chambers with a new clue about how to stop Catrina. Calliope falls into step with him, noticing a small vile of ugly, brown liquid in his right hand. She tells him about Catrina's hold over Uther growing stronger, and about what happened in the Council Chamber. But, of course, Merlin has to mention barging in on her and the Prince this morning. His grin is wide, and Calliope tries not to let her face flush with heat.

She sends him a pointed stare as they turn a corner, only a few paces away from the door to Gaius's chambers. Merlin won't stop poking for answers.

Calliope gives in with a heavy sigh, "Look, I don't know what will happen between us now," they stop right outside the door, facing each other. "Uther would lose his shit if he ever found out, so it's not like we can just magically be together."

"Uther doesn't have to find out," Merlin says.

The assassin scoffs, "It's complicated, Merlin. There's other factors involved too."

"Like what?"

"Like..." Calliope throws her arms up. "Can you honestly imagine me as Queen of Camelot one day? It's just...ridiculous."

Merlin furrows his eyebrows, "Why?"

"Because I'm a wanted criminal, for starters."

"Well, actually, everyone thinks the Red Dragon is dead—"

Calliope cuts him off, "That doesn't erase everything that's happened. I mean, I've never even considered marriage, and I don't even know if I want children. A future with me is uncertain, and Arthur deserves better than that."

Merlin leans his head to the side, "Isn't that up for Arthur to decide?"

A huff lifts her shoulders, "I guess it is."

As she pushes the door open, Calliope chews on her lip. She doesn't regret sleeping with Arthur, but she can't deny that things between them will be different now.

They'll either have to agree it was a one time thing, or find a way to keep their relationship secret. With so many people already having suspicions and how fast gossip travels between corridors with the servants, Calliope has no idea how they could ever get away with it.

She brushes off the thought for now as Merlin hands the vial to Gaius, "I saw her drink some of this potion, and a patch of troll skin on her arm disappeared."

"Must be pretty powerful magic to physically change her like that," Gaius pops off the lid and smells the mysterious liquid.

"Could you make a potion that looks and tastes the same as this?"

"I don't know—Yes, I suppose so, but without the troll magic, it wouldn't have the same effect."

Gaius turns to his workbench, and Merlin nods, "Exactly."

"Replacing the potion with one that isn't magical will cause her true form to be revealed," Calliope says, looking to the young warlock. "Merlin, there are rare moments like this when I actually think you may be smart."

His face begins to rise in a smile, but then her words sink in, "Thanks, Cal," he says in sarcastic voice before turning back to Gaius. "Think you can do it?"

"We have to make the switch before morning or Jonas will notice."

The physician sighs, "Then it's going to be a long night."

It is indeed, a long night. Calliope doesn't return to her room. She sits with Merlin as Gaius mixes various ingredients and flips through several old books covered in dust. To entertain herself, she folds up pieces of parchment and chunks them at the back of Merlin's head. Eventually, he gets fed up with her form of entertainment and uses a spell to make all the parchment fizzle up and burn. She shoots him a small glare and folds her arms together against her chest. What will keep her occupied now?

She ends up falling asleep with her head resting on her arm, which is extended across the table. When she wakes up, the harsh, morning sun infiltrating the window above, her back aches, and her neck feels stiff. Calliope groans as she stands up to stretch her muscles, her eyes still heavy and half-open, craving the soft sheets and pillows of her bed.

Merlin and Gaius as sitting across from her. Gaius has two vials in his hands, and they look identical. She shuffles her feet across the room and leans against the wall as Gaius inspects both of them one last time.

The sorcerer squints his eyes suspiciously at the liquids, "What's in it?"

"Nothing too potent. Rat's guts."

Merlin nods, "Nice."

"Toad paste."

Calliope whips her head to him, "Gaius, did you say toad paste?"

"Take two toads, grind them up—"

"Okay, I just realized I actually don't want to know," Calliope says.

Gaius continues the list of ingredients, "Horse dung, crushed sheep's eyeball."

"Oh, lovely."

"Pond scum, three wolf spiders, and what potion isn't complete without a dash of sheep's brain?"

Merlin's face scrunches up, "Sounds...delicious."

"Good, because one of you has to taste it."

Calliope gasps and shakes her head, "No fucking way. You do it, wizard boy."

"What? Why me?"

"Because you're the one with magic."

"That's not a valid argument."

The assassin steps away, "Fine. If you don't do it willingly, I'll hold you down and force it down your throat. Is that more convincing?"

Merlin opens his mouth to answer, but then clamps it shut before sighing, "Whatever, just give it to me."

As Gaius holds out the vial, Merlin turns up his nose and reluctantly presses a fingertip into the disgusting brew. Calliope watches in disgust as Merlin sticks out his tongue, closes his eyes, and tastes the potion.

He immediately gags and shakes his head violently, eyes watering as he coughs, "That is—that is disgusting."

"To you, yes, but not to a troll," Gaius says.

"I can't even believe you let me put that in my mouth!"

"Yes, now," Gaius turns to grab something else behind him. Calliope leans against the wall, and she watches in amusement as Gaius grabs another vial. "Try the original."

The sorcerer leans back, shaking his head in protest, "No, no—"

"Just a small amount. Be sure to spit it out."

This time, Merlin dips his finger in the potion as quick as he can and gets it over with, and Calliope can't help the laughter that passes her lips as he almost throws up.

"Does it taste roughly the same?"

Merlin's eyes are wide as he turns to Gaius, "Yes, it's horrible!"

"Are you sure? Because if there's too big of a difference Catrina will notice—"

"It tastes exactly the same. If you don't believe me, let Cal have a taste."

The assassin steps back, holding up her hands, "I'm not putting that in my mouth."

"Well, let's just hope it tastes the same to Catrina," Gaius hands Merlin the vial, "and that Uther will finally see her for what she really is."

While Merlin leaves Gaius's chambers to swap out the potion, Calliope decides to go on a nice afternoon stroll since she's been banned from her usual duties. More guards are patrolling the streets than necessary, and the people seem wary of them. Their faces are downcast, their shoulders slumped as Calliope passes. All of their eyes linger on her, and she isn't sure why. Not with inklings of fear or caution, but perhaps a cry for help.

The sounds of of struggle catch her attention. Calliope's body moves into action like a natural reflex, and without much thought to it, she's storming through the streets until she spots two guards forcing an elderly man to his knees outside a small shop.

His legs buckle as his knees meet the hard dirt. One guard holds him in place while the other grabs both his arms and forces them behind his back. He pulls at a painful angle, and the man's eyes close in discomfort as he cries out. Behind them, another guard stands with a chest adorned with the seal of Camelot. It dawns on Calliope that this is about the new tax Catrina persuaded the King to enforce, even though the people are already giving as much as they can.

The idea of royals exploiting the people of the city makes Calliope angrier than she expects. While they sit in comfort, indulging in expensive wines and feasts and tournaments, the common people struggle to put food on the table for their families.

Calliope bites on the inside of her cheek. Her hand hovers over the handle of her sword, eyes narrowing on the two guards.

"Hey!" A sudden hush overcomes the crowd that has gathered around the guards and the older man. Calliope walks up to them, raising her eyebrows. "Ease up on him, will you?"

The guards swallow nervously, "The King has ordered us to enforce the tax."

They refuse to let up their pressure on the man, and Calliope places her hand on her sword. The guards' eyes follow her every motion, "I think it's time to let him go."

With almost a shaking hand, one of the guards pulls out his sword, "This doesn't concern you, Cal. It's the King's orders. You have no power here."

Calliope walks forward until the tip of his sword is pressed against her chest. Her eyes drill into the guard's, and before she can either disarm him or spit out vile, poisonous words, another voice rings out.

"What do you think you're doing?"

The guard lowers his sword, and motions to the old man, "He's refusing to pay the King's tax, and she's interfering."

"You ask for too much," the old man says in a pleading voice. "I've given all I can."

"Its not enough!" The guard yells.

Calliope clenches her fists. She moves to step forward, but Arthur holds out his arm to stop her. His gaze glances over all the people watching—wondering if their Prince will save them or simply be another sword for the King.

"Let me see," he tells the guards, and they hand him the man's small pouch of coins. Everyone holds their breath as Arthur examines the contents, and then, he gives the old man his money. "Release him," Arthur orders.

"The King said—"

"Release him," Arthur repeats. "Give them back their money. All of it."

Without anymore protests, the guards let the old man go, and begin handing out all the money they collected. Calliope watches with a warm heart as the people smile and exchange joyous looks, all because of Arthur. All because he always proves he's better than his father.

And it gives them hope—hope for a bright future. Not just for those in the King's favor, but for every citizen of Camelot.

Calliope catches up with Arthur as they walk back to the castle, "They'll never forget this, Arthur," she says, looking over to him, "and neither will I."

He shoots her a quick glance, "My father will still enforce the tax."

"But you gave the people hope. You stood up for them, even though it went against the King's orders."

"I wasn't the only one they were paying attention to," Arthur stops just outside the courtyard, and he places his hands on his hips as he turns to Calliope. "You showed them your courage. They won't forget that either."

The idea that the people of Camelot may be growing to like her, puzzles Calliope. She never imagined having a positive public image, or instilling emotions other than fear or caution or distrust. It almost makes her feel like a fraud.

Calliope takes a deep breath, "Maybe everyone is starting to hope for a different time."

Arthur takes a small step forward, just close enough that she knows he's focused only on her and his words are sincere, "When I become King," his gaze dances with her own, "things will be different."

♛ ♛ ♛

hey everyone! sorry for the wait for this chapter, but life has been crazy recently!

between work and school, it can be so hard to find time to sit down and write, but i promise this story is not going on a hiatus. i am so anxious to finish season two, because everything about cal and the dragon's warning will be revealed towards the end of part two, and i don't think you guys are prepared for it. basically, enjoy the happy times between cal and arthur while it lasts, LOL.

aaaaand...i've written the bonus scene! the reason it hasn't come out yet is because i have a major surprise for you guys in the works! probably in the next week or two, i will publish the 100k celebration, including the surprise. i'm so excited for you all to see it, hehe.

anyways, i hope everyone enjoyed this chapter! remember to vote and leave your thoughts in the comments <3 :)