He heard the door to the bedchamber open and close. Light footfalls moved closer to his position, but he didn't turn around. A clatter of steel, mixed with leather and cloth gave him a soft chuckle through his despair.
"Really, Arthur? You should know better than to leave your armor lying on the floor."
His Guinevere was ever the blacksmith's daughter, admonishing him on the care of his effects. He thought he'd hear her picking up the pieces and setting them right, as she had done many times in the past whenever Merlin wasn't around. But, he startled when she put her arms around him from behind and nestled her head between his shoulder blades. Rubbing her arm absently, they stood together for some time. She knew him so well. When to
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"Why can't he come back?"
"You know why."
"Arthur, you have changed so much. The kingdom has thrived like never before under your rule." She squeezed his hand reassuringly. "The only thing stopping you from changing things is you."
"But this is different. This isn't just about the magic. There is so much he has hidden from me. Yes, I know it was for my own good, as you have already reminded me, but I can't just let it all go. What kind of king would I be? I could just do away with everything my father stood for against magic, and I have considered it even before this. Then, I think about all the pain it has brought. Even I have not been immune to the temptations of magic. I am just like my father in that way — using it for my own selfish means when it suited me. Look at Morgana and all the pain she has caused because of it. How could I make an exception for just one man because I consider him a friend when there are so many others out there who would use it to their advantage?"
"Give it time, Arthur. You'll find a way. We will figure this out together, but not tonight." Her statement was punctuated by a yawn. "Come to bed. A good night's sleep will do us both