Fireheart (A Merlin Love Story)

Chapter 29, Part 3

Songs used:

Gift of a Friend by Demi Lovato

Ariella's P. O. V:

The next morning, I was helping Naomi find out my clothes for tonight's feast. When Naomi lays out a beautiful light blue dress with some jewellery on my side of the bed, I look it over and nod in approval.

I'd also woken up to a box of chocolates tied with a silk red ribbon on my bed side table. Naomi had told me those were from Arthur, who'd had a servant deliver it for me.

About an hour later, Merlin drops by. "Hey, great news!" He says. "I just saw Arthur's present for Morgana."

"Oh?" I ask, trying to find something for Mira to wear. Naomi had gone on to do her regular chores.

"You know that sword with the purple hilt we saw in the Crystal Cave?" This immediately causes me to whirl toward the warlock, but he keeps grinning. "Well, it turns out that we don't need to worry about Morgana using it to kill Uther! Arthur got her this really plain, boring looking dagger, instead." Merlin pauses at the sight of my stunned expression, and he furrows his brows in confusion. "Ari? What's wrong?"

"Oh, um, Merlin, there's something I need to show you," I say, my heart pounding against my rib cage. Merlin comes over to my side of the bed as I get on my knees. I reach under the mattress and pull out a long, thin box, placing it on the bed. "This is my present for Morgana." I lift the lid to reveal the sword with exact same purple hilt from the Crystal Cave, the metal itself having been ordered from Domino.

I look nervously at my husband to see his blue grey eyes wide and his face incredibly pale as he sucks in a sharp breath at the sight of the blade. Merlin takes a step back out of shock as I get to my feet. "No. I-It can't be... you can't be the one who gives the sword to her... no. Not you, Ari," Merlin breathes, shaking his head in denial.

"Merlin." He doesn't pull back when I reach for him and grip his arms, making Merlin look at me, tears pricking his eyes. "I didn't want to believe what I saw in those crystals, either. But, you must remember those crystals never lie."

"Why would you help Morgana like this? I thought you were trying to stop her."

"I am trying to stop her, Merlin. I know she's become evil. I know she's trying to kill the king. I know she hates us. You know that I would never trust Morgana again, right? After everything she's done?" Merlin nods his head. "You know I'd do everything in my power to stop her from winning, don't you?" Another nod. "And, you do trust me, do you not, Merlin? As your wife and your friend?"

"I do trust you, Fireheart. Of course, I do. I trust you with my life!" Merlin promises me. I smile softly at him, cupping his cheek.

"Then, I'm asking you to trust me now. Nothing bad is going to happen tonight, or any other night. I know the feast is for Morgana, but... just try to have fun, okay? I know I will," I tell him.

"You're right. I'm sorry. I should have more faith in you," Merlin says, making me hit his arm playfully.

"You should!" Merlin grips my waist and tugs me toward him. He leans forward and I relax into the kiss. He pulls back but resumes kissing me, deepening it, until there's a knock on the door. Merlin scowls at the interruption. The door opens to reveal Arthur. Seeing me held in Merlin's arms, my face flushed, Arthur pauses and clears his throat uncomfortably.

"S-Sorry! Was I interrupting something?" He asks, and I notice Arthur is holding a small chest like box in his hand.

"Obviously," Merlin mutters pointedly in response. "Where were we...?" He looks back at me with a teasing smirk, making Arthur rolls his eyes as he starts looking a bit sick.