Fireheart (A Merlin Love Story)

Chapter 17, Part 1

Ariella's P. O. V:

Early that morning, I wear a sleeveless purple dress as I stand with Uther, Arthur and Eric as Gwen explains what had happened last night and Merlin removes the broken screen.

An accident had occurred in Morgana's chambers last night. The candle had set fire to the curtain near the window and the window had exploded.

Thankfully Morgana was unharmed herself.

"I came back in with some extra blankets. There was a candle, but I put it out," Gwen explains.

Uther asks, "Are you sure?"

"I blew it out, I swear!"

Arthur says, his arms crossed, "Gwen's been Morgana's servant for years, as well as Ariella's whenever she visits Camelot. If she says she blew it out, I believe her."

Uther murmurs as he steps over to the damaged curtain, "She could've been burnt alive."

"Lightning struck the roof last night. That could've started the fire," Eric says.

"Perhaps."

"What other explanation is there?"

Uther states, his tone hard, "Someone started the fire deliberately."

Merlin, Gwen and I exchange puzzled looks.

I was helping Merlin deliver some herbs to Gaius's chambers, when we hear voices from within. "What I don't understand, Morgana, is how the fire started in the first place."

"It has happened so quickly," Morgana responds. "It was terrifying."

"It's alright. You're safe, now," Gaius murmurs back. Curious, Merlin and I step closer and peer through the ajar door. We see Morgana sitting in the Physician's Quarters, Gaius rubbing soothing circles in her back.

"You're the only person I've told about my dreams," She says in a trembling voice. "I know I can trust you, Gaius."

"Yes, of course you can."

"It was me," Morgana says, startling Gaius. "I set the room alight. I started the fire."

My and Merlin's eyes widen in disbelief.

"I don't understand. Did you knock a candle over...?" Gaius questions.

"No, that's not what happened," She says, shaking her head. "I did it just by looking at it. The flames suddenly leapt high."

"It could've been a gust of wind," Says Gaius.

"It wasn't. It was me," Morgana tells him firmly. "... It was magic!"

Merlin and I gasp softly at this.

Leaning down, Gaius murmurs gently, "My child—"

"I am not a child!" The green eyed woman interrupts.

"—last night was an accident. It had nothing to do with you! How could it have? I am going to draw you up a fresh remedy that will make you feel better," Gaius was saying, even as she shakes her head in defiance.

"No—!"

"I promise! You must trust me!" Gaius says firmly.

Merlin's P. O. V:

After Ari leaves to go talk to Eric, I wait until Morgana leaves until I enter the Physician's Quarters and start preparing the herbs Ari had helped me collect, while Gaius makes up a new potion for Morgana.

I gaze at him as I say, "I was helping clear out Morgana's chambers earlier."

"Hm?" He says without looking at me, swirling the contents around in the vial.