I stood frozen, feeling the tickled rush of something new between us.
He opened a small box and at its center was a ring which held a glittering emerald. “Merlin, I promise I’ll be by your side forever. Will you marry me?”
Breathless, I looked down on him, carefully weighing my emotions against the clash of my thoughts. For the first time in my life, I was truly afraid.
“Yes,” I said, unknowingly sealing my fate and his.
41
Young
King Ruban’s words ran through my mind in an endless loop for the next few months. “Our spies tell us that Camelot is well into their war preparations. Even with your baby dragon, you cannot win this war. Your kingdom will fall and everyone in it killed if you do not surrender.”
The warning was meant as a kindness, but it was a vale of doom that hung over Sumin’s funeral, making it feel less of a celebration of his life and more like a waste of precious time. I was grateful that Charlotte had kept her distance since we arrived home. The war was fast approaching and all my time and effort needed to be devoted to that. Minseo, too, was always in war preparations while Charlotte split her time between training Garix and spending time with Morgana.
During those few months, we’d taken Garix to four other kingdoms to attempt to win an alliance, and each time we were turned away.
But after a few months, we saw significant progress in our own war preparations. They were extremely successful with both Minseo and me, overseeing the training and recruitment. If it had been an ordinary war, Vires would have been a formidable force, but this was Camelot, and even with our successful recruitment, they had us outnumbered as well as the seemingly indestructible Merlin fighting on their side.
Our one glimmer of hope was Morgana. If Charlotte and I were to blame for getting Vires into this, our daughter could save us. Almost five days per week, under the guise of hiking, I took her to train. Because of her young age, I disguised it as a game, and she delighted in the fun of the destruction and obvious improvement, but I knew something no one else knew; she was a prodigy. A near-endless pool of magical energy. I was certain she could roast hundreds of men before her stamina waned, and she may even be the key to defeating Merlin.
I knew that if I trained her well enough and could demonstrate just how incredible her skills were, my father would find a way to utilize her safely.
One afternoon, I took Morgana to the mountains to the west of Vires’ capital city. They were a steep, rocky set of mountains that didn’t get much foot traffic and was barren of greenery that could catch fire.
“Here?” Morgana asked, bouncing on the balls of her feet.
“Let’s go a little farther.”
“Ugh,” she said, putting her hands on her hips. “Why so far?”
I refrained from laughing as she looked so much like Charlotte. “So no one will see your fire,” I said, waving her over.
She dragged her feet as she came and turned away from me, knowing exactly why I’d summoned her. I gathered her hair into a high ponytail and wrapped a tight ribbon around it. “We don’t want your hair to catch,” I said routinely.
“Why can’t we show anyone?” she asked with a pout.
I took her hand. “I told you, it’s going to be a big surprise.”
“For the war?” she asked.
I squatted in front of her to even our heights. “You know about the war?”
She grinned with her whole face. “I know everything.”
I chuckled. “Yes. Well, your power is important. You’re strong and maybe you’ll help us win.” I brushed a stray curl out of her eyes. “You can protect the people you love, like your mommy or Gabriel.”
“Or Minnow?” she said. I poked her nose. “Exactly. Now, let’s hike to the other side of this ridge and we’ll get started.”
An hour later, we stood at the center of a rocky area that was leveled on one side. There were black streaks of burnt stone that fanned out in stripes in every direction, one stripe still burning red from Morgana’s last attack.
I watched proudly as she lifted her hand for another.
“This time, I want you to pretend you’re very very angry.”
She took a deep breath and focused her eyes on a strip of gray stones that hadn’t yet been marred by fire. She pushed her little face into a pout.
“Good. Now angrier.”
She breathed harder, working up the emotion until she screamed, a bright red burst of fire shooting from her right hand. The burst scorched the stones in one concentrated line, like the fireball of a trebuchet.
She jumped up and down and clapped. “Did you see how far that one was?”
A voice sounded behind me. “What is this?”
I spun to see Minseo with gritted teeth.
“I was just helping Morgana with self-defense,” I muttered. Guilt poured into me, but I couldn’t place why.
“Surprise!” Morgana shouted as she ran to Minseo.
He picked her up. “That’s amazing, Morgana, but I think you’re too young to do something so dangerous. How about we go get some candy in town?”
Her eyes bulged. “The pink kind?” she said.
“Of course,” Minseo said.
“Wait, I—” Minseo shot me a glare that froze me where I stood.
He turned and carried Morgana away without another word.
42
Arthur
I held the breastplate of my new armor in my hands, running my fingers across the ridges of the gold pattern embedded with colored jewels. It reminded me of my stained-glass window, and it was the finest piece of armor I’d ever seen. Despite my embarrassing victory, my Uncle Roger had kept his word and completed the set in time. I’d resisted the urge over the last few months to check its progress so I could better appreciate the finished result, and it didn’t disappoint. He’d even had time to grant me an additional request, a sword modeled after Excalibur—a wedding present for my most trusted knight, Lancelot.
I was hesitant at first when Jeremy told me he no longer intended to kill Merlin, but over the last few months, she’d been instrumental in preparing our troops for war. I’d looked in her eyes as she reswore her allegiance. I believed her, but even more, I saw the love in her eyes when she looked at Lancelot. He’d mended the burned bridge between Merlin and me and consequently cemented our victory. With my prized battle mage protecting me, I could join the front lines without the fear of death.
The only concern we had was the dragon. Not a person alive had the experience of battling one, and we weren’t sure how difficult the task would prove to be. But our strategy was to kill Charlotte first, to break her control over it before it could attack. I was going to be the one to do it. A hero. A legend in the making.
My castle was draped in white fabric as the staff prepared for the wedding. It was a bit thrown together as most of our resources were devoted to preparing for the battle our troops would embark on in the morning, but it was common for kings to throw a celebration before a battle. It motivated and rewarded those in attendance, started the battle off on a positive foot. It was even believed to bring luck.
The cheerful nature of the event seemed to have a positive effect on everyone. The energy was much different than my own wedding, as if the guests as they arrived could detect the genuine love of the couple, a love that had not been present in either party on my wedding day.
But I couldn’t tell if I was giddy because I was happy for Lance or if I was excited to take my place in history in Vires as the greatest king who ever lived.
As the guests filed into the throne room, I admired their opulence. The women were jeweled with full gowns and expensive wigs in curled towers on their heads, the men in fine silk robes and feathered hats. All of this was highlighted by the sheer white fabric draped around the room and the crystal chandeliers that I’d ordered specifically for the event.
I’d certainly made an impact on Bullhorn, and all who lived here enjoyed the prosperity of my reign.
>
Lance entered the throne room, his nerves on full display. He chewed his cheek and shifted his weight from one foot to the other, like a small child in need of liquid relief.
Out of the corner of my eye, a man drew my attention, my Uncle Roger. He stuck out of the crowd with his untrimmed beard and a worn suit that had its edges frayed. It was a sandy brown color that had likely gone out of fashion before my birth. In my excitement to receive my armor in time, I’d extended him an invitation to the wedding, but I never imagined he’d accept. I was glad he could see up close the wealth that, as king, I was responsible for, but I felt guilty I hadn’t thought to invite him to my own wedding.
Roger stood and waved a dirty hand in the air to get Lance’s attention. Lance’s jaw dropped at the sight of him, drawing the attention of the other attendees. Lance turned and looked up at me, suspecting I’d orchestrated his arrival as a wedding gift. I waved proudly as if I had, but my real gift was the sword that waited for him in his chamber, the one he’d carry into battle when we arrived in Vires. The orchestra who sat at the base of the throne began to play an ethereal but muddled mess of notes, distorted by the strong echo. The doors swung open and Merlin stepped through, sending an audible gasp through the room.
She was a vision, in a simple uncorseted white dress that flowed freely as she walked. Her green braids were curled and half pinned up. She looked angelic, a goddess among mortals. But, as if her appearance alone wasn’t enough to strike awe into everyone in the room, several flickering candles floated weightlessly around her, moving forward down the aisle with each sandaled step she took. The softness of her peaceful expression clashed delightfully with the obvious display of otherworldly power, and no one could look away. That is, until the sniffles of Lancelot sounded, throwing many of the onlooking guests into tearful revery. Friends and strangers alike broke under the emotional weight of the ceremony.
For the first time, I wondered what it might be like to care for someone that way and why I hadn’t wanted it before.
43
Charlotte
The fall leaves had yielded a radiant display of oranges, reds, and yellows and had already begun to surrender to the wind. It was the season between life and death, and we were as prepared as we could be for the looming war. With Sumin’s death a few months behind us, I knew it was time to tell Young about my decision to be with Minseo, but he always seemed too busy. He had volunteered to take Morgana hiking nearly every day and, when he wasn’t with her, he was prepping more troops for the war. He had taken her that morning and I had to commend him on how much effort he put in to be a good father. Morgana always returned with a confidence and strength that I liked to see in her.
The crackle of thunder echoed through the mountains, the dark gray clouds threatening to give way to rain. I wrapped myself in my jacket outside of Gabriel’s house and looked out towards the west, where Young said he was hiking with Morgana, hoping they’d make it back before the rain. I rubbed my hands together to warm them but soon retreated to the warmth of Gabriel’s home.
The fireplace crackled and Gabriel hummed a familiar tune as he sipped his tea. We’d settled easily into living together again, with Morgana, over the last few months. It felt natural—a slice of normal in our otherwise foreign surroundings.
“So,” I said, as I took a warm gulp of tea. “You haven’t mentioned Junho in a few weeks. What’s going on there?” I asked. The tea slid to my chest, giving me goosebumps.
He raised an eyebrow. “I don’t want to jinx anything.”
“Does that mean you guys are a thing now?”
He sipped his tea, the playful glint in his eyes framed by his dark eyelashes. He teased, “Are you and Minseo a thing?”
I ran my finger around the rim of my teacup and shook my head.
“What’s stopping you? Did you change your mind?”
“Of course not,” I said. “I just don’t know what I’m going to say to Young.”
“How about, ‘Sorry, Young, your brother is hotter and more fun than you.’”
I nearly spat out my tea but instead forcefully swallowed and nearly choked. Gabriel’s bright smile eased me. “Gabe?” I said, pulling his gaze from the fireplace. “Thank you for coming with me and Morgana. Thank you for always being here.”
“We’re family,” he said.
I nodded. “If something happens to me in the battle, I want you to be Morgana’s guardian.”
He reached out and touched my arm. “Promise me nothing will happen. She needs us both.”
I turned my gaze to the fire, taking a mouthful of tea before I spoke again. “Just in case.”
The door swung open and a rain-soaked Minseo stepped in with Morgana in his arms. Young followed closely behind.
Gabriel stood. “Looks like you didn’t make it back in time.”
“Minseo,” I said, feeling a flutter in my stomach. I hadn’t expected to see him today, let alone with my daughter in hand. “What are you doing here?” I said.
“Mommmmmm!” Morgana yelled, dripping water onto the floor as she ran to me. Minseo’s cold gaze cut into Young. “Outside,” he said, pushing the door open. He followed Young out without another word, closing the door behind them.
Gabriel’s mouth was agape, his eyebrows raised. He’d clearly heard the venom in Minseo’s simple command. “I,” I mouthed, pointing to the door.
“Yeah, I think you should,” he said, then he turned to Morgana. “Let’s get you out of these wet clothes.”
I hurried over to the door, pushed it open, and stepped into the icy rain.
Minseo swung, his fist colliding with Young’s face. “Tell her. Tell her now.”
Young swung at Minseo and missed. He turned and kicked Minseo in the stomach, knocking him onto the ground. “Is this your plan to win her over?” Young asked.
I ran toward them and shouted, “What are you doing?”
Minseo barked, “Tell her. She deserves to know.”
Young drew his sword as Minseo got to his feet. My heart raced as I sprinted toward them.
“Stop!” I screamed.
“Draw your sword,” Young spat, holding his sword to Minseo.
Minseo held his hands up. “I won’t.”
Young yelled, “You coward! You owe me this much.” Blood slid down his nose. “You went after Charlotte. She’s my wife. Draw your sword, you coward!”
“I won’t,” Minseo said softly.
I threw myself between the tip of Young’s sword and Minseo as the rain slapped against my skin. “Stop!”
Young froze in place and I heard Minseo’s voice behind me. “Tell her.”
Lightning cracked through the sky shortly followed by a clap of thunder that shook the earth. It sounded like a rockslide, stone scraping stone growing fainter until the next large blast. Young breathed heavily in silence, his gaze past me to Minseo as he slowly lowered his sword.
“Charlotte,” he said, “I can explain.”
I shook my head. “I don’t understand.”
Minseo said, “He’s been training Morgana for the war. He’s going to toss his own daughter into battle.”
I blinked in disbelief. “What?” I stared into Young’s eyes, waiting for him to contradict Minseo, but he remained silent. I spoke again. “No. He wouldn’t. She’s only five years old. It’s—”
“He did,” Minseo said. “Tell her! Tell her that hiking is your code for war training. Tell her that you asked Morgana to lie.”
Young took a deep breath. “I can explain.”
Minseo said, “Charlotte.”
My heart raced.
Minseo’s voice blurred with a crack of thunder. “Charlotte, what are you—”
I gripped my dagger.
“No!”
I leapt toward Young, slashing at him with my dagger. He slipped each cut, moving backward out of my range. “You monster!” I screamed with a new wave of attacks. A high kick clipped his chin, briefly disorienting him. “I’ll kill you!!” With a swee
p of my leg, I brought him to the ground, his sword landing on the stones with a clang. I knelt on top of him and he didn’t resist. I held the dagger over my head, ready to strike, Young’s expressionless eyes peering into mine. “I should have killed you from the start.”
I brought the dagger down. My wrist stopped short as Minseo took hold of it, knocking the dagger from my hand.
Minseo’s arms wrapped around me, pulling me off Young and holding me to his warm body.
My knees buckled and I felt the warmth of fresh tears on my cheeks as I buried my face in Minseo’s chest.
44
Merlin
I felt the shake of Lance’s hands in mine as I spoke, “I promise to protect you all the days of my life.”
His hazel eyes were more brown than green in the light of my candles, and they were wet with joy. He smiled genially as he blinked away the tears. I was sure no one had ever looked at me that way before, with such pleasurable satisfaction. With pure love.
“I promise,” he said, “to be your family always, and to never leave your side.”
I squeezed his hands in mine as my thoughts raced. We’d been friends since I’d convinced Arthur to allow me to join Lance on his quest. We’d been lovers since his second proposal, and although tonight would not be our first time together, it would be our first night as husband and wife. We were bound, forever. His capacity to love as strong as I’d always known, and finally for me.
I felt fear ring inside me, reminding me he’d wake up one day with a new heart and leave me behind the way he’d done with Gwen, but fear had made a liar of me all my life and I wanted nothing more than to leave it behind with the girl who was certain she’d be alone forever. The same girl who believed magic was the reason she’d lost her family and that it was the currency she’d use to buy a new one.
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