Fireheart (A Merlin Love Story)

Chapter 58, Part 2

Ariella's P. O. V:

I walk down the corridor with Mira and Jason, my mind whirring from what I saw in the court room.

I pause when I encounter Mordred, looking upset. "Mordred," I say, causing him to turn to me. "I'm sorry."

"Ari, you're friends with the King. I've tried to convince him to let Kara go, but he wouldn't listen," Mordred tells me.

"You know why he can't—"

"I know, but she's... very dear to me. Like how you are to Merlin," Mordred says, his lip quivering, and my gaze softens. "Please, talk to him. Arthur will listen to you. Please."

I stare into the Druid's pleading eyes, and nod my head. "I'll try." Mordred looks hopeful as the kids and I go to Arthur's chambers. When I get there, Merlin is helping him out of his chain mail, and I tell Arthur what Mordred told me.

"What of the bond between knights?" I demand.

Arthur looks at me as he says, "The law must be applied. It's paramount. You, being a Princess, understand this more than anyone else, Ari."

"You're breaking his heart," I say, voice soft. "He'll lose his trust. Think you can—"

"There's nothing I can do," Arthur says, shaking his head at me. "In time, Mordred will understand that. He'll come to forgive me."

"I fear you're wrong," I say, meeting his servant's gaze.

Arthur says to me lowly as he goes to walk past my husband, "Only time will tell."

I meet Merlin's gaze again before I let out a sigh, and leave the King's chambers to go home to change myself. I meet Mordred outside the door, closing it behind me.

I meet his gaze as I shake my head, face solemn, and that gave Mordred the answer he needs. Mordred gives me a tight lipped smile as he nods, before walking away.