𝕭𝖔𝖔𝖐 𝕿𝖜𝖔
𝔖𝔲𝔪𝔪𝔞𝔯𝔶: From trolls to dragons to foreign princesses, Astraea Aphelion grows stronger as she
continues to navigate medieval Britain using her wit and heart, standing unshaken beside Merlin and Arthur as they face every threa...
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📍 Camelot
⏳April, 505 AD
My stomach was once again twisted into knots and my mouth retained a faint taste of blood as I plopped down beside Arthur at the grand hall, my shoulders instantly slumping and my back hunching just a little bit as I tried to make myself as small as possible; the ravaging guilt and fear for what was coming taking up most of my energy.
I glanced at the Prince's handsome face from time to time. I haven't had the guts to face him since my conversations with Elena and his father.
He must have noticed my deflated state because he once again placed a hand on my knee under the table, giving it a gentle squeeze that made it really hard to restrain my impulses to acquire further proximity.
"Are you all right?" he asked in a whisper.
"Never better," I responded while faking a smile. He grinned in return, and I dropped the act as soon as he looked away.
Finally, Lord Godwyn and the Princess entered the room. She took a seat on the Prince's other side, and her father sat right next to her.
My eyes connected with Elena's and she gave me a small reassuring smile, which made my lips curve upwards again, this time genuinely, and I felt myself relax a little. No matter how this goes, she's on my side. And if Uther realises what I did and banishes me, perhaps her father could adopt me...
Speaking of Uther, he stood up as soon as everyone in the room was seated, sporting a proud grin on his lips.
My heart slammed against my chest as it blasted off while I watched him intently. This is it.
"I am honoured to be standing before you today in the presence of our dear friend, Lord Godwyn, and his wonderful daughter, Elena," Uther said in a clear and joyous voice. "The people of this kingdom are very dear to me. This place is my life. And I hope that one day, when I am no longer here, my son will carry on my good work with the support of a great woman."
Arthur tensed up beside me and his grip on my knee tightened, though not enough to hurt me. I placed a hand over his and laced my fingers with his in an attempt to ease him up.
"Arthur – is there anything you wish to say to Elena?" Uther questioned, not dropping his smile even under the stern glare that he sent.
The Prince's jaw clenched and his hand tensed up again. He glared at his father for a second, and two, and three... not saying anything while everyone around watched him with expectant gazes. I hate that I put him in this position! But it's too late to try to change things. So I gave his hand a gentle squeeze, hoping that it would be encouraging.
"Is there something you would like to say, Arthur?" Lord Godwyn pushed with a small smile. Arthur's eyes jumped from Uther to him, and his gaze softened slightly.
