While I was teaching Medea how to read Arthur was meeting with Merlin. As it was normal to meet with his advisor. Sadly, Arthur wasn’t that great of an actor so Merlin could tell he was bothered by something.

“What bothers you Arthur?” Merlin asked with true concern.

“Merlin, you are my greatest friend. If given a reason would you ever kill me?” Arthur asked without holding back.

“Of course not! I consider you and my wife to be my family and would never do anything to disrupt that.” Merlin stated with an almost appalled look on his face.

“Yes, but do you think you would ever kill me if given a good enough reason?” Arthur asked again with different wording.

“... I think that I would kill anyone given the right reason. However, there are very few if any reasons to kill you or my wife. You know that I would still be your aid even if you destroyed this kingdom since my loyalties lie with you and not your people.” Merlin said.

“Does that include the promise to my father? The one that must strive towards peace between humans and the neighbors.” Arthur asked with a grim look.

“It was the goal of Uther and I to make peace between the night and day. If you strayed from that goal then yes, I may have to kill you. However, that would only be after I tried to lead you back to the correct path. There are many paths to peace and all of them are difficult so I cannot blame you if you wished to pass the torch and abandon that goal.” Merlin explained with a comforting tone.

“I understand. Your goal is righteous and your reasoning to kill me shall you ever need to is a just one. I wouldn’t blame you if you ever had to kill me.” Arthur said with a sigh.

“Though, I must ask. What brought this on? Have you been listening to the maids fiction smut rumors again? The last time you listened to those you thought your wife was having an affair with Sir Lancelot, her own brother I might add. We do not want any more of those escapades.” Merlin asked with a slight chuckle.

“No, no, I just was having a thought. The war with the Saxons has made me paranoid.” Arthur said.

“I understand. History has always shown that a royal advisor is never to be trusted. However, I am no advisor, but your friend.” Merlin said before walking off. Leaving Arthur to sit at the Round table alone.

“I do hope you’re right, Merlin. I do hope you’re right.” Arthur said to himself as Merlin left.

Getting up Arthur walked off to see Mordred who was preparing to have dinner with the now returned Lady Morgana. She was dressed in a dress and was wearing her hair down for the first time. It surprised Arthur with how beautiful his daughter looked. He had never seen her dressed in any way that didn’t look like a man so it was strange for him.

“Do you think mother will like it?” Mordred asked as he walked into her room.

“I believe she will adore it.” Arthur said with a proud smile.

“Thank you. Is there anything you need?” she asked.

“I was hoping to give the new Sir Micheal a test of strength. Would you be willing to prepare him?” Arthur asked.”

“Of course, who will be his opponent?” she asked.

“Me.” He said with a stern voice.

“You’ll kill him! Even Lancelot and Gwaine couldn’t best you in combat.” Mordred replied with a tinge of shock.

“I allowed him to be a knight because I believe that he may be an asset to the military. If he cannot at least hold his own then he is not worthy of being a knight. He cannot beat the enemy if he cannot even stay alive against me.” Arthur replied.

“Alright , I’ll do what I can.” she said with a sigh of worry.

“Thank you. I’ll see you and your mother at dinner tonight. Also you should bring someone to dinner with you. That Elijah boy would be a good choice.” Arthur said with a smile.

“Father! It isn’t like that. He’s just a friend.” she said while blushing.

“I know that, I’m only joking. Though, does he know that?” he said before walking towards the door.

“Very funny…” she said sarcastically.

“However, I do want you to bring someone if you want to. It can be anyone but they have to know who you are.” he said before leaving.

“That only leaves three people and one of them is going to be there already.” she said.

“I know.” he said in a sing-song style as he walked off.”