Fireheart (A Merlin Love Story)

Chapter 3, Part 1

Ariella's P. O. V:

I walk down the corridor while reading a book with Arthur and Eric. I look up as we reach the door to the Physician's Quarters, and Arthur calls for Merlin. The door opens, revealing Merlin, a small purple flower in his scarf.

"Ah. I'm on my way. Sorry I'm late," Merlin apologises.

Arthur says in a strained voice, "Don't worry. I'm getting used to it."

We then flick our gazes down upon spotting the flower.

"Nice accessory, Merlin," Eric teases.

Merlin flicks his right eyebrow up in question before following our gazes. He holds the flower as he says, "Oh, um, Gwen. She gave it to me."

"Looks like someone's in love," Eric teases, smirking at Arthur and I. I feel sadness tug at my heart when my brother said that for some reason.

"N-No, that's not it!" Merlin tried to deny as I feel sadness tug at my heart.

"Tell Gaius my father wants to see him now," Arthur says before he and a grinning Eric turn and walk away.

Merlin gives an exasperated sigh before his blue grey eyes land on me. He tells me, "Really, Ari, I'm not in love with Gwen!"

I give the ravenette a teasing smile as I say, "Oh, come on, Merlin! Even a blind man could see it!"

"But, I'm not!"

"Sure!" I say sarcastically before I turn away to follow after the men, resuming my book. That tug of sadness still wouldn't go away.

                            🗡🗡🗡

I'm wearing a sleeveless black dress with a necklace as I stand beside Arthur and Eric in the throne room, while Gaius examines the dead body of a man, a goblet of wine on the floor next to his hand. He looks incredibly pale—as pale as a ghost, and his eyes are still open. He looks to be a member of the court.

Uther demands to know, "What's happened to him?"

"I don't know, Sire. It's the second case I've seen today," Gaius answers truthfully.

"Why didn't you report it to me?"

"I intended to find the cause," Gaius responds smoothly as he straightens up.

"And what did you conclude?"

"I don't think it's time to hurry to conclusions. The scientific process is a long one," Gaius answers.

"What are you concealing from me?" Uther questions.

"Sire, I have seen nothing like it. The victims are dying in 24 hours, and it's spreading fast," Gaius says.

"What is the cause?" Uther asks.

"I should say the cause—the most likely cause—is sorcery." Murmurs ripple through the room as Arthur and I glance at Uther.

Uther takes Arthur to the side as he tells him, "You must find out who did this."

"I will, father."

"Conduct all the searches, increase your presence in the town, double the guards at all the gates," He says as I go to help Merlin and Gaius cover the man's body with a blanket. All while I try not to vomit. Sure, I've worked with Gaius before, and can stand the sight of blood, but I've never seen anything like this in my life. "And learn the physician your servant."

Merlin notices my expression and asks in concern, "Are you alright, Princess?"

I nod as I reply, "Y-Yeah. I'm just trying not to vomit. A-Although, I think I'm about to lose my breakfast."