In a land of myth and a time of magic, the destiny of a great kingdom rests on the shoulders of a young girl, her name… Merlynn.

ʕ*ʔ

Merlynn walked behind Arthur and the two knights. They were hunting again. Merlynn was bored again. She hated hunting. Hours in the cold, wet forest trying to kill something which most of the time didn't even show up.

She watched as Arthur motioned something to the other knights and they moved away from her and the Prince.

"Merlynn." The Prince motioned her over.
"What is it?"

Arthur shook his head. "I don't know. We will surround it. I want you to go in there and flush it out."

Merlynn looked at him in shock. "You want me to go in there? You just said you don't know what it is. It could be dangerous," she hissed at him.

Arthur smirked at her. "Let's hope so. Now go." He gave her a pat on the shoulder.

Merlynn glared at him before walking forward. Her relationship with Arthur had been strained the last few weeks. Will's death had hit her hard and Arthurs words at his funeral hadn't helped.

Once she was out of sight, she paused reaching up, under her dress and pulled one of her daggers from the sheath on her thigh. Despite tensions, her lessons with Arthur had been going well and now she kept her daggers on her wherever she went. As she entered the clearing, the blade dropped from her hands. Stood before her was a Unicorn.

Pure white and utterly beautiful. Merlynn couldn't stop the smile that stretched on her face. She slowly approached it, keeping her hands high so it wouldn't spook. To her surprise, the unicorn trotted forward and nudged her hands. She smiled at the creature giving him a gentle rub on the snout.

"Hello," she whispered in awe. The unicorn pushed against her more making her giggle slightly. It was then that she heard a twig snap.

Arthur and the others were coming.

"Go. Go! Please, go. Shh. They're gonna kill you. Please, go!" The unicorn wouldn't move. She looked up and spotted Arthur with his crossbow up. "Arthur! No!"

The arrow came loose and flew straight at the unicorn. The pure white being rose up on its back hoofs as it let out a pained noise that Merlynn just knew would stay with her forever. It then fell to the ground. Merlynn quickly ran up to it and stroked its head, trying to offer it what little comfort she could, even as a tear slid down her cheek.

"I'm sorry. Sorry," she whispered.

Arthur ran up to her and let out a laugh of delight. "Ha-ha! A unicorn!"

"What have you done?" Merlynn whispered looking up at him in despair.

Arthur looked at her in confusion before rolling his eyes. "Don't be such a girl, Merlynn."

Merlynn was about to rebuff him when she caught sight of a figure stood behind him. It was an old man wearing a long white cloak that reached the floor and a great staff in his hand. He looked down at the unicorn with sadness before his eyes rested on Merlynn's.

I am sorry Emrys.

Merlynn flinched slightly at the name. She hadn't heard it since Mordred.

Arthur noticed her gaze and looked behind him. "What are you looking at?"

But by the time he and the other knights had turned, the man was gone.

ʕ*ʔ

Merlynn was still seething when they entered the Kings Council chambers. Being the servant, she had to carry the horn on a red velvet cushion.

"Father," Arthur called as they entered. "A unicorn's horn to grace the walls of Camelot."

Uther waved away the man he had been speaking to as his attention moved to his son. "Magnificent." He picked up the horn and examined it. "It's the first one I've seen."

He then turned to Gaius, "Gaius, look at this."

"It is very impressive, My Lord," Gaius said, but Merlynn could tell that like her he wasn't happy about the horn.

The king rolled his eyes. "What is it, Gaius? Speak your mind."

"Unicorns are rare and mystical creatures. There is a legend that says that bad fortune will come to anyone who slays one."

Uther shook his head, placing the horn back onto the cushion. "Nonsense. We will be the envy of every kingdom."

Arthur smiled at his father. "I'm pleased you like it."

ʕ*ʔ
Merlynn and Gaius were walking through the square, the girl was complaining about Arthur.

"I don't understand how Arthur could have taken any pleasure from killing the unicorn."

Gaius nodded his head in understanding. "Arthur is a hunter. It's in his blood. Whereas you are something entirely different."

"It was the most beautiful creature I have ever seen." She looked at her uncle. "I wish you'd been there."

Gaius smiled at his niece fondly. "It's a rare privilege. Alas, there are few unicorns still alive."

"You try telling that to Arthur," Merlynn snorted.

Gaius chuckled slightly. "I can imagine it would be difficult."

ʕ*ʔ

"My horse threw a shoe," Arthur said. "Take it to the blacksmith. Make sure he does a good job. And when you've done that, you can polish my s..." he trailed off as he noticed Merlynn stood by the window. She didn't seem to be listening.

"...saddle. Merlynn?" She looked at him. "Have you listened to a word I've said?"

She nodded.

Arthur shook his head. "You've got a face like a wounded bear ever since we got back from that hunting trip. Don't tell me you're still upset about the unicorn."

Merlynn shrugged her shoulders. "I don't think you should have killed it."

"Oh, really? And why is that?"

"It was... It was doing no harm. What purpose did you serve by killing it?" she asked looking at him.

"We were hunting. That's what you do."

"Doesn't make it right. Hunting innocent and defenceless animals."

Arthur rolled his eyes. He was quickly tiring of this conversation. "Would you have me bring it home as a pet?" He glanced around the room before his eyes caught something that made him recoil. "Look at this."

"What?" Merlynn walked over to him.

"Do you know what that is?" he asked pointing to the floor.

"No." Merlynn shrugged.

"Rat droppings," Arthur declared. "My chambers are infested. You need to spend less time worrying about unicorns and more time worrying about rats."

There was a knock on the door, and Arthur called them in.

A guard entered the room. "My Lord, the King requests your service as a matter of urgency."

Arthur nodded and grabbed his jacket from the back of the chair.

"Find that rat," he called as he fled the room.

ʕ*ʔ

Merlynn stared up at her uncle. "Any ideas what caused the crops to die?"

Gaius shook his head. "I'm here to complete all the tests. No disease I have heard of could spread through the entire kingdom in a single night."

"What could kill all the plants other than a disease?"

"It is not killing all the plants," he said shaking his head. "The trees and hedges around the crop fields are unharmed. Unfortunately, you can't eat trees and hedges."

Merlynn's eyes widened. "It's only killing plants we can eat?"

"It appears so."

"If it's not a disease, it must be magic," Merlynn declared.

"We can't assume that, Merlynn. Perhaps there is something in the soil and water that can explain it. I can't tell the King it's caused by sorcery until I'm completely certain."

ʕ*ʔ

Merlynn was walking through the gates of the palace, shaking her head as a few thieves ran past.

"Merlynn." The black-haired woman turned and saw Gwen standing by the towns well. She tried to muster up a smile for her friend but only managed a grimace.

"Is it true what they're saying about the crops? They're all dead?" the servant asked her.

"Afraid so. We may have to start tightening our belts."

"I'm sure Arthur will think of something," Gwen tried to reassure Merlynn. She knew that if there was one thing that Merlynn always seemed to rely on, it was her faith in Arthur.

"Well, if he doesn't, I will," Merlynn said, winking at Gwen. She then moved past her friend and continued walking.

"Merlynn!"

At the shout of her name she quickly ran back, and was shocked to see that instead of water, all that had come from the pump, was sand.

ʕ*ʔ

"Gréot gecymen, lecan. Gecymen gé drýe wæter." Merlynn muttered as she willed the sand to become water once more. She was interrupted as Gaius came through the door and into her room.

"I was... I was just, er..."

"I was hoping you might be trying to turn it back into water."

Merlynn looked up at her uncle in surprise.

"I know I've cautioned against using magic, but if ever there was a time to use your talents, it's now."

"Well, I wish I knew how. I've tried everything. If it is magic, it's more powerful magic than I possess."

And that wasn't a comforting thought at all.

ʕ*ʔ

That stupid rat. Merlynn was tired. As if she didn't have enough to worry about with Camelot's sudden drought and dead crops, but she just knew Arthur would be annoyed that she hadn't caught that damn rat. It was a sneaky bugger.

Merlynn was passing through the square home when she heard her name being called. She turned and saw Arthur heading towards her.

"You do realise there's a curfew?"

"Yeah, I was in your chambers, hunting for the rat," she told him.

"Did you find it?"

Merlynn looked down at her feet and rubbed the back of her neck. "No."

Arthur looked at her incredulous. "So, you have been outwitted by a rat?"

"They do say rats are very intelligent," she informed him, sanding her ground.

"More intelligent than you, it would seem."

She sent him a small glare causing him to grin at her.

"Go home. It'd be embarrassing to have to lock up my own servant for breaking the curfew."

Merlynn moved to pass him but his hand suddenly shot out and grabbed her arm. She looked up at him in surprise but he was looking past her.

"What was that?"

Merlynn looked behind her. "What?"

Arthur suddenly took off and Merlynn followed him. He leaped over the courtyard corridor ledge, Merlynn didn't enjoy that bit very much. They then ran down the stairs until they reached the entrance to the burial vaults.

Arthur turned to Merlynn and waved his hands at her. She nodded. When he moved to walk down the corridor, she followed after him.

When Arthur noticed, he turned back to her, and grabbed her shoulder.

"That means you go the other way and cut him off."

Merlynn nodded slightly embarrassed. "Okay."

Merlynn ran down her corridor but didn't see anyone. There was something though. Something she couldn't put her finger on a presence in the air. Eventually she came upon Arthur who was standing in the corridor that she had left him.

"Where is he?" he asked her.

"I didn't see anyone."

Arthur looked at her angrily. "He was right here!" He pointed at her. "Don't tell me you let him get past you."

She shook her head annoyed. "Arthur, no one passed me."

"Are you blind?!" Arthur snarled.

"Are you looking for me?"

Merlynn and Arthur spun around to see a man stood before them. He was cloaked in a long white cloak and had a staff in his hand. It was the same man that Merlynn had seen in the woods.

"I am Anhora, Keeper of the Unicorns."

"Camelot is under curfew. What's your business here?" Arthur asked, subtly placing himself slightly in front of Merlynn.

"I have come to deliver a message."

"And who is this message for?" Arthur asked.

"It is for you, Arthur Pendragon." But Arthur wasn't interested in listening.

"Is it you who's responsible for killing our crops, turning our water into sand?"

Anhora shook his head. "You alone are responsible for the misfortune that has befallen Camelot."

Arthur looked shocked. "Me?! You think I'd bring drought and famine upon my own people?" he asked defensively.

"When you killed the unicorn, you unleashed a curse. For this, Camelot will suffer greatly."
"If you have put a curse on Camelot, you will lift it, or you will pay with your life," Arthur snarled.

"The curse was not my doing."

"Undo the curse or face execution," Arthur said angrily. Merlynn reached forward and gently rested her hand on his back. She felt the muscles in his back go from tense to relaxed.

Anhora smiled slightly. "Only you can do that. You will be tested."

"You're under arrest," he said reaching forward to grab the man. As he did however, Anhora disappeared.

"Until you have proven yourself," Anhora said. Both Merlynn and Arthur spun around. He was now stood on the stairs behind them. "and made amends for killing the unicorn, the curse will not be lifted. If you fail any of these tests, Camelot will be damned for all eternity."

Merlynn and Arthur shared a look. It could only have lasted a second, but when they both turned back, Anhora was nowhere to be found.

ʕ*ʔ

In Gaius' chambers, Merlynn was telling her uncle all she had heard.

"And you believe what this Anhora said about the curse to be true?" he said, placing down a plate in front of his ward.

"Well, you said there's a legend that misfortune comes to anyone who slays a unicorn. It makes sense," she told him.

"Not much for breakfast, I'm afraid. We're down to our last few scraps of food."

Merlynn looked at the measly breakfast in front of her. She glanced at the plate in front of Gaius. He wouldn't survive long on such little food; he was an old man.

She tried to distract herself from her thoughts. "Where did you get the water to make the tea?" she asked taking a sip from her cup.

Gaius winced slightly. "Fortunately, for both of us, you forgot to empty your bath yesterday.

Merlynn promptly spat the water back out. "You're making tea from my bath water?"

"It's not so bad," he said taking a sip. "Perhaps a little... soapy."

Pulling a face, she put her cup back down on the table.

"What does Arthur think about the curse?"

Merlynn scoffed. "He doesn't believe it's his fault. He's convinced Anhora's responsible for it."

"If you do not wish to drink bath water, you better make sure Arthur sees sense."

It was once again all up to her. Of course.

A weight fell on her leg, looking down she saw Will resting his head there. He wasn't begging for scraps; he was too good for that but she could tell he was just as hungry and thirsty as the rest of them. She took some of the food from her plate and picked up her cup before moving over to his bowl. She poured some of her tea in and Will eagerly lapped it up. She placed the scraps on her floor and he quickly guzzled them up.

Finishing quickly, he lifted his head up and gently nuzzled against her, thanking her. She rubbed the back of his head.

"Don't worry boy, I'll sort something out."

She grabbed her bag, ready to leave for the day before pausing, the cup still in her hand. She stared down at it for a second before tipping the left-over liquid into Gaius' cup when he wasn't looking and running out the door.

ʕ*ʔ

Arthur was putting his boots on when he let out a shout of annoyance.

"That... rat! It's eaten through my boot, look at it!" he cried moving over to Merlynn.

She shrugged, resisting the urge to laugh. She couldn't help it. With everything going on, that was what put such a look of outrage on Arthur's face. "I guess the rat must be as hungry as the rest of us."

"You think this is funny?"

Merlynn allowed a small smile to crack on her lips. "Moderately."

"Get it mended." He threw the boot at her. "Find that rat."

Merlynn nodded. She considered it a moment before looking up at the Prince.

"Have you given any more thought to what Anhora said last night?"

"Ah, well, he may have escaped last night, but at least we now know who we're looking for. I told my father I'll find this Anhora and put an end to it."

"What if he was telling the truth about the curse?" she asked.

"You think I'm responsible for bringing suffering upon my own people?"

Merlynn shook her head immediately. "No, not deliberately." She paused. Would he believe her? "When you killed the unicorn, I saw Anhora in the forest."

Arthur looked at her in shock. "Why didn't you say anything?" he muttered angrily.

"It was just for a second, and then he disappeared," she defended herself. "I didn't even...well, I-I thought I was seeing things. But he was definitely there."

"That doesn't actually prove anything," Arthur pointed out.

"Doesn't it make you think he might be telling the truth?"

He scoffed. "Because he was skulking about in the forest? That makes me trust him even less."

The servant rolled her eyes. "Why would Anhora appear in Camelot, and then lie to you?" she questioned.

"We had him cornered. He was trying to talk his way out of it by blaming me."

Merlynn's hands flapped at her sides frustratingly. "Arthur, he can disappear into thin air. He didn't have to talk his way out of anything."

"My father has warned me about sorcerers like him," he told her, pointing at her. "They will not rest until our kingdom is destroyed."

"Well, I believe he's telling the truth," she declared crossing her arms in defiance.

"Then you're a fool. You cannot trust a single word a sorcerer says. You'd do well to remember that. Now, I think I've figured out what Anhora's next move is going to be, and when he makes it, we're going to be waiting."

Merlynn looked down at her feet. She felt like she'd been chastised by her mother.

She heard Arthur sigh before a hand rested on her shoulder. "If this is something to do with your friend Will then…"

Her head shot up in shock. That had been the last thing she was expecting him to say. She pushed his hand away from her shoulder sharply.

"Don't you dare bring him into this!" she snarled. "Don't ever mention his name to me! Ever!"

With that she stormed from the room leaving a stuttering prince behind her.

Well done Arthur, he thought to himself. All he had wanted to do was offer her some comfort and instead he had made it worse. He picked up the shoe she had left on the table and threw it across the room in anger.

He was such a prat.

ʕ*ʔ

Merlynn shifted slightly in her sleep. No matter how she moved, her bed felt like a rock on her back. Her lips were smacking together.

Something hit her leg, waking her up with a start.

She opened her bleary eyes to see Arthur stood above her with a broom.

"Don't you worry about keeping watch, Merlynn. You just make yourself comfortable."

She lifted a hand and rubbed her head. The lack of water was making her head hurt.

"Stop smacking your lips. It's annoying," the prince ordered her.

"I'm thirsty."

"We're all thirsty, Merlynn."

"Except you have water brought to you on a silver platter, I have to share mine with an old man and a dog," Merlynn said in a sigh.

Arthur looked down at her in surprise. He hadn't thought about that. He opened his mouth to say something, unsure of what exactly, when he heard something.

"Shhh! Someone's coming." He quickly drew his sword and headed into the grain store. Merlynn followed behind him, slow and staggering slightly. Not drinking anything all day was starting to take its toll on her body.

They both hovered by the doorway and Merlynn could see a silhouette being cast on the wall from the fire light.

Arthur waved, getting her attention. "You go over there and come in," he whispered to her.

She nodded and did as told.

Arthur moved into the room and held up his sword. "Show yourself, before I run you through."

Merlynn pulled out her daggers, ready for anything.

A man edged around the corner with a shovel in one hand and a sack of grain in the other. He wore the garb of a regular man from town.

"Who are you?" Arthur demanded not lowering his blade.

"My name is... My name is..." the man was obviously flustered.

"Speak up!"

"My name is Evan, My Lord."

Merlynn came out of her hiding place, she didn't think he was much of a threat.

"I see you think you can help yourself to our grain reserves. My father has ordered that looters be executed."

Merlynn winced at that.

"Please, My Lord. I- I do not steal for myself. I have three children they have not eaten for two days. They are hungry."

"It's the same for everyone," Arthur remarked slightly, stopping himself from turning to look at Merlynn.

"I... I know that it is wrong to steal. I couldn't bear to see them starve," the man said looking down at the floor in pain.

"And could you bear for your children to see you be executed?"

Evan shook his head; the poor man was close to tears.

"Then you should go home. If you're caught stealing again, I will not spare you."

Evan looked up in shock before a grateful smile spread across his face. "Yes, My Lord. Thank you."

He put down the sack of grain and the shovel he had been holding and moved to leave the room, but Arthur called him back.

Merlynn let a small smile spread across her face as Arthur bent down and picked up a sack of grain and tossed it to Evan.

"Use it sparingly. It might be the last food you and your family get for some time." Arthur told him warningly.

Evan nodded before a strange smile spread across his face. "You have shown yourself to be merciful and kind, My Lord. This will bring its own reward."

Arthur looked at the man strangely but nodded in gratitude. He then turned to Merlynn, he wanted to see if she was happy with his decision. He knew she was a good person and despite her being a servant, he found himself craving her approval. The sight that he met with filled him with a sense of dread.

Merlynn was leaning heavily against the wall, her head sagging against her chest, she looked so tired. He sheathed his sword and moved over to her. He gently took her arm and proceeded to walk her back to her chambers. She needed the rest.

ʕ*ʔ

The next day Merlynn was sat at the table in Arthur's chambers. Her hands were clasped around a mug as she drained the water from within. Water had returned to the kingdom over-night and the people couldn't be happier, finally able to sate their thirst.

The moment she had tiredly entered the chambers, Arthur had insisted that Merlynn sit down and not move until she had drunk at least three cups of water in front of him.

After they had finished their second cups both servant and prince came up for air.

"Never knew water could taste so good," Arthur said, panting slightly.

"My throat was so dry, I thought I wouldn't be able to talk," Merlynn whispered, using her sleeve to wipe her mouth.

Arthur smiled at her. "Well, at least some good would've come from the drought, then."

She laughed slightly, knowing that he was joking. She leant forward ready to pour some more for him but he took the jug and filled up her mug before filling up his own. He motioned for her to drink up, which she happily did.

"The sand's disappeared. The water returned to the well. It doesn't make any sense," Arthur muttered to himself as he filled up his own mug. He must have seen the look on Merlynn's face as he rolled his eyes before motioning to her. "I suppose you have some explanation for this, Merlynn? Let's hear it."

Merlynn stared down at the mug in her hand. "Anhora said you would be tested. And last night, in the grain store, you let that villager go. And he said it would bring its own reward."

Arthur shrugged. "He was merely grateful, and so he should have been."

"Maybe that was your first test," she told him. "You passed it, so the curse has begun to lift. Perhaps this is your reward. I know you don't have to listen to me."

"Glad we agree on something."

"If you're tested again, you have a chance to end your people's suffering."

Arthur looked down at the table in thought.

"I know you want that more than anything. Perhaps we should seek Anhora out."

The prince immediately shook his head. "I cannot negotiate with sorcerers. My father wouldn't hear of it."

"Then it's probably best you don't tell him."

He shook his head at her again, but this time she could have sworn there was a small grin on his face. He stood from the table and pulled his jacket on.

"I must go check on the guard. See if you can find me some food." With that he left the room.

Merlynn rolled her eyes. "Find some food," she muttered mockingly. She took one more gulp of the water before standing up. She was stretching her back when she heard a strange squeaking noise. She looked over to the bed and saw that stupid rat climbing from Arthurs boot. Thinking quickly her eyes flashed and the rat let out one more squeak.

ʕ*ʔ

That night Merlynn poured Arthurs dinner into a bowl and set it in front of him.

Arthur shook his head. "Lost my appetite."

Merlynn sighed. "You have to eat something," she insisted.

"I can't. Not while my people are starving." He sat staring at the bowl. She moved to place a mug beside him when his hand suddenly shot out grabbing her wrist. She looked up at him in surprise, his face was full of an almost desperate earnestness. "Do you really believe I'm responsible for the curse?"

Merlynn didn't want to lie to him, but she hated that look on his face. She gently rested her free hand on top of his as it rested on hers, giving it a comforting squeeze. "I'm afraid so."

Arthur nodded releasing her hand. "We're going to the forest, first thing in the morning. Maybe we can pick up Anhora's trail. Whatever it takes," he declared.

"Okay, but you have to eat. You won't be able to help anyone if you're too weak to pass the test."

Arthur relented and took a spoonful of the stew. He chewed for a second before pulling a face. "What kind of meat is this? It has a very strange texture."

Merlynn turned away from him and distractedly fiddled with the pot. "It's pork."

Arthur shot her a disbelieving look. "This isn't pork. It's far too stringy. What is it? It's, erm..."

The spoon fell into the stew with a splatter.

"It's rat, isn't it?"

Merlynn nodded timidly. "Try not to think about it," she told him.

Arthur suddenly got a look on his face. A look Merlynn wasn't sure she liked. "Look at me. I'm being rude. Here I am, stuffing my face with this delicious stew when you're hungry, too. Come on. Take a seat."

He got up and pulled her over to take his seat. He then leaned down to her ear.

"Eat."

Merlynn picked up the spoon and without further ado put the stew in her mouth. She chewed for a few moments before shrugging and going in for another bite. "It's not so bad."

Arthur looked down at her in shock.

She chuckled slightly at the look on his face.

"Sire, I grew up in a village where food was scarce, do you really think this is the first time I have eaten rat?"

He was still looking down at her in shock when there was a knock on the door. After being called, the Lady Morgana poked her head in.

"Morgana?" Arthur said in surprise. He then looked down and moved away from Merlynn hastily.

Morgana had a sheepish look on her face. "I hate to ask, but I was wondering if you had anything to eat..."

Arthur paused before looking down at the stew with a contemplative look on his face. Merlynn rolled her eyes getting up and grabbing the pot.

"Here you are My Lady. Just don't ask what's in it."

Morgana looked puzzled but heeded Merlynn's advice. She shot the servant a grateful smile before leaving again.

Arthur stared at her for a moment with an odd stare that she didn't recognise. He seemed to be doing that a lot recently. He seemed to shake himself out of it before moving to the table once more.

"Are you going to eat the rest of that?" he asked motioning to the bowl.

"No. but if it's alright with you, I'll take it home."

Arthur shot her a confused look.

"I need to feed my dog."

ʕ*ʔ

True to his word Arthur took Merlynn to the woods the next day and they began their search for Anhora.

"I'm not entirely sure what I'm looking for," Merlynn told Arthur.

The prince was stood a little way to the side of her. "You're looking for footprints or broken branches. Anything that would indicate someone passed that..."

His voice trailed off before he suddenly took off into the trees. "Merlynn! Merlynn! He's here!"

Merlynn quickly ran after him but the prince was too fast and before she knew it, she lost sight of him.

"Arthur?!" she called out. She pulled out her daggers before running through the trees. It took a few minutes but eventually she saw him and Anhora stood in a clearing.

"Your people's suffering is not my doing. It is yours." Anhora was saying to Arthur who was lying on the ground. The guardian then disappeared.

"Arthur?! Arthur?!" she cried crashing down next to him. He just stared at the place where Anhora had been stood.

"Arthur. What happened?" she asked him, gently resting her hand on his shoulder. His head snapped to her and his face made her want to cry. The only word that could possibly describe it was devastation. Pure devastation.

"I failed." With that said he allowed his head to fall onto her shoulder. She froze up at the contact but didn't move away. Her prince needed the comfort.

ʕ*ʔ

Merlynn didn't know what Arthur was going to do. He was in a wreak and things were only going to get worse. Merlynn had begun her day thinking that the worst thing that would happen would be her having to eat beetles that for the record tasted nothing like chicken. But standing on the battlements and being told by Arthur that the King was going to stop distributing rations to the people had been the last straw for Merlynn. Which was how she found herself stumbling around the woods calling out for Anhora.

"Anhora! Show yourself! Anhora!"

"You wanted to talk with me Emrys?"

Merlynn jumped and spun around at the voice. The man was standing calmly in front of her now.

Merlynn took a breath, praying that this would work. "I've come to seek your help. The people are starving. They will soon be dead."

"You must believe me when I say it gives me no pleasure to see your people suffering," he said, in such a voice that it made Merlynn believe him.

"If it pains you, put an end to it," she begged.

"It is not in my power to lift the curse."

"Then give Arthur another chance. He has accepted it is his responsibility, and he will prove himself worthy and lift the curse if you give him one more chance."

Anhora looked at her with a small smile. "You have faith in Arthur?"

"I trust him with my life."

"That may not be wise Emrys," he warned her.

Merlynn shrugged. "He hasn't proven me wrong yet."

Anhora was quiet for a moment, before speaking in a commanding voice. "Arthur must go to the Labyrinth of Gedref. There, he will face a final test. If he fails, there is no hope. The curse will destroy Camelot." He then promptly disappeared.

"Wait!" she cried. "What kind of test will he face?"

"That is for Arthur alone to discover," his voice echoed through her mind, much like Mordred's had.

ʕ*ʔ

As soon as Merlynn had finished explaining to Arthur that he now had a second chance, the prince had begun packing his bag.

"Let me come with you," she begged. "You don't know what form of test will take. I might be able to help."

Arthur shook his head. "You're not coming. I brought this curse upon Camelot. I'm gonna be the one to lift it or die trying."

"Alright, how does you dying help anyone?" she cried in exasperation.

"I'll die knowing I did everything I can," he declared.

Merlynn shook her head and tried to follow him as he headed for the door. "I'm coming with you."

Arthur turned and grabbed both her shoulders holding her still, forcing her to look at him. "Merlynn, you are to stay here, and help the people as best you can. Is that understood?"

She tried to look away from him but his hand came up and gently rested on her chin, forcing her to look at him.

"Is that understood?" he reiterated.

She reluctantly nodded at him. He nodded back.

She waited for him to let her go but he didn't, instead he leant down and pressed a soft kiss to her cheek. Her breath hitched at the contact and she could feel the warmth in her cheeks.

He pulled away after a second and looked at her earnestly. "Thank you Merlynn."

He then quickly departed not so much as sparing her a glance back.

Arthur galloped out of Camelot and of course unknown to him, Merlynn followed.

She kept far enough away so he wouldn't see her but she soon regretted that decision when they had entered the maze. She couldn't find him anywhere. She turned every corner hoping he'd be there but he was nowhere to be found.

She finally came to a sort of clearing and couldn't hold in her outrage.
"You said Arthur would face a test. And here you are, preparing a trap for him!"

Anhora turned to her, in his hand he clasped a large sword.

Arthur had been right; she shouldn't have trusted him.
"The trap isn't for Arthur. It is for you."

Merlynn didn't have a chance to react before he pointed his sword at her.

"Gehæftan."

Vines shot out from the hedges either side of her, wrapping her body in a tight bundle. There was no escape.

ʕ*ʔ

Anhora had taken her from the maze and onto a beach which had a table and two seats set up. She sat down in one and waited to find out what would happen next. She wasn't waiting long as soon Arthur came through the entrance.

Seeing her his eyes bulged. "Merlynn?"

She shook her head. "I'm sorry."

"Let her go," he said to Anhora pointing at her. "I'll take your test, but not till she's released."

"That is not possible," the wizard told him. "Merlynn is part of the test. Please sit. If you refuse the test, you will have failed and Camelot will be destroyed."

Arthur hesitated for a second before sitting down in front of her. "I thought I told you to stay at home."

She offered nothing in response but a shrug.

"Let's get on with it," he told Anhora.

"There are two goblets before you. One of the goblets contains a deadly poison, the other goblet, a harmless liquid. All the liquid from both goblets must be drunk, but each of you may only drink from a single goblet."

"What kind of ridiculous test is that? What does that prove?" Arthur demanded. He seemed angry, Merlynn could understand that, only one of them would be leaving alive.

"What it proves is for you to decide. If you pass the test, the curse will be lifted," he then took a step back and allowed the two to think.

Merlynn stared down at the cups. "Let's think about this. What if I drink from my goblet first?"

Arthur immediately shook his head. "If it's poisoned, you'll die."

"And if it's not, then you'll have to drink from yours, and you'll die," she shook her head in frustration. "There must be a way around it."

"It is perfectly simple. One of us has to die. We have to find a way to determine which goblet has the poison. And then I'll drink it."

Merlynn scoffed. "I will be the one to drink it."

Arthur shook his head. "This is my doing. I'm drinking it."

"It is more important that you live," Merlynn insisted leaning closer to him. "You're the future king. I'm just a servant."

Arthur rolled his eyes. "This is no time to be a hero, Merlynn. It really doesn't suit you."

Merlynn sighed before looking down at the cups again. "What if I drink from mine first, and if that's not poisoned, I will then drink yours?"

"He said each of us is only allowed to drink from a single goblet." He stared at her for a moment before smiling bemusedly. "I had no idea you were so keen to die for me."

"Trust me, I can hardly believe it myself."

Arthur snorted, before his face softened slightly. "I'm glad you are here, Merlynn."

She smiled at him. Their eyes stayed locked for a moment. She couldn't help but think how handsome he was. With his golden hair and skin. She tore her eyes from his and looked back at the cups before there was a sudden spark in her mind.

"I've got it. Right, we pour all the liquid into one goblet and then we can be sure it is poisoned. Then all the liquid can be drunk, and it will be from a single goblet."

She looked at him triumphantly. She worked it out!

The prince was looking at her with a small fond smile. "You never cease to surprise me. You're a lot smarter than you look."

Merlynn looked at him in surprise, a grin pulling at her lips. "Is that actually a compliment?"

He smiled at her before looking over her shoulder with a look of horror. "Look out!" he called, pointing.

She whirled around but there was nothing there. She turned back, only to see Arthur with one of the cups in his hand, the other discarded and empty on the table.

"No!" she cried leaning forward. "I will drink it."

The prince scoffed. "As if I'd let you."

"You can't die. This isn't your destiny," she begged him.

"It seems you're wrong again."

"Listen to me!" she cried desperately tears filling her eyes.

He laughed. "You know me, Merlynn. I never listen to you." With that he toasted her before downing the drink.

"Arthur!" She dove from her seat and moved to catch him as he fell from his. She gently brought him down and cradled him in her lap.

"No! What have you done?" She tapped his cheek. His eyes were still open and were staring up at her.

"You…" he muttered, struggling to get the words out.

"Don't try and talk," she shushed him.

"You are… so beautiful." His eyes fell closed and his body limp in her arms.

"Arthur! No!" He didn't wake up no matter how much she shook him.

"Arthur. Arthur. Come on! Arthur, come on. Come on. Come on! No... Come on," she whispered, her voice getting quieter as pain rose in her chest. Tears fell freely from her eyes now and her chest felt tight.

She turned to Anhora in desperation. "Please. Please! Just... let me take his place!"

"This was Arthur's test, not yours," the man told her.

"You've killed him! I was meant to protect him!" she spat angrily.

"He is not dead. He's merely consumed a sleeping draught. He will come around shortly."

"What?" she whispered in shock.

He stared down at the prince. "A unicorn is pure of heart. If you kill one, you must make amends by proving that you also are pure of heart. Arthur was willing to sacrifice his life to save yours. He has proven what is truly in his heart. The curse will be lifted." He then turned to Merlynn.

"I am sorry for the pain I have caused you Emerys." He then disappeared leaving a young witch and her prince alone on a beach.

Merlynn could hardly believe that he was alive, she placed her fingers under his nose, checking for breath, and there is was. Small puffs warming her fingers.

She laughed deliriously before leaning down and resting her head against his. Her dark hair falling around them.

ʕ*ʔ

It wasn't long before Arthur woke up from the sleeping potion and when he had Merlynn was more than happy to inform him that he had passed the test. They both had raced back to Camelot and were greeted with the people walking around with great platters of food. All were laughing and merry.

"Merlynn, Arthur, there is good news!" Gaius announced, walking past them with a large vegetable in his arms. "The crops are growing once again! They are bringing in the harvest!"

Merlynn smiled over at Arthur. "You did it," she whispered. The prince shared her smile brightly.

"Is this your doing?" the king said interrupting the moment. Both prince and servant turned to the king, Arthur clearing his throat slightly as Merlynn blushed.

"Is the sorcerer dead?"

Arthur hesitated for a moment before honestly saying, "He won't be troubling us anymore."

Uther smiled. "Good, make sure the grain reserves are re-stocked."

Arthur nodded. "I'll see to it. There's something we must do first."

This was how Merlynn found herself back in the forest. Arthur collected stones and piled them into small grave which he gently lay the unicorn horn in.

"I should never have ended your life. I'm sorry."

Merlynn smiled at the prince and knelt beside him. She helped him pile the stones, sealing the grave.

She glanced up before letting out a large gasp and grabbing Arthur's hand. "Arthur..." she whispered.

From the gasp he let out Merlynn assumed that he had seen the unicorn who was alive again stood ahead of them.

When he who kills a unicorn proves himself to be pure of heart, the unicorn will live again.

Arthur let out a shocked chuckle before Merlynn felt a pair of arms wrap around her waist and spin her into the air.

She let out a surprised screech that quickly became a laugh of delight. He set her down but didn't pull his arms from her. She looked up into his blue eyes as he leant down and rested his forehead against hers. Both of them allowed their eyes to close and basked in each other's presence for a moment before they both separated once more.

As they rode back to Camelot neither said anything and neither realised that their relationship had shifted into something that neither would ever be able to shake.

Nor would they ever want to.

A.N. I'm sorry for how long it has been since the last update. But I hope you like this new chapter. Thank you for all sticking with this story, you make writing this possible.