Pendragon Castle, Great Hall, 1509
Merlin stood before King Arthur, his expression a mix of concern and urgency. "All of the rumors are true, your majesty," he began, his voice steady despite the weight of his words. "There is a lost princess of Camelot."
Arthur's brow furrowed in confusion and curiosity. "Who is this lost princess of Camelot, Merlin?" he asked, leaning forward in his throne, eager to uncover the mystery. "How could I not know of her existence?"
Merlin took a deep breath, his gaze unwavering. "The lost princess of Camelot is your daughter," he revealed, his tone grave.
King Arthur's eyes widened in shock, disbelief flooding his mind. "My daughter? But how is this possible?" he stammered, grappling with the revelation.
"She was hidden away for her protection, your majesty," Merlin explained, his voice calm yet firm. "Her life has been in danger since before she was born."
Arthur declared, determination flashing in his eyes. He turned to Merlin, asking, "But who is her mother?"
Merlin took a deep breath, ready to reveal the truth that would change everything. "Her mother is—" he began, the weight of the moment heavy in the air.
Merlin then says her mother is his former love, Nimue. This revelation would alter the course of their destinies forever.
Arthur's heart raced as he processed the information, a mix of shock and recognition flooding his mind. "Nimue," he whispered, memories of their brief yet profound connection surfacing, and he realized that the ties binding them were far stronger than he had ever imagined.
"Why didn't Nimue tell me she was pregnant?" Arthur asked, his voice trembling with emotion. He felt the gravity of the situation pressing down on him, realizing the impact of this revelation.
Merlin paused, contemplating the question before responding. "Nimue feared the consequences; she wanted to protect you from the burdens of her past."
Arthur's heart sank as he grappled with the truth. He felt deeply connected, yet betrayed, upon realizing that the mother of his child had remained hidden from him.
"I wish she had trusted me," he murmured, staring into the distance, lost in thought.
Mahfiruze then says to her husband, "Nimue did trust you."
Arthur looked at Mahfiruze, searching for reassurance. "How do you know that?" he asked, his voice faltering.
Mahfiruze took a deep breath, her eyes reflecting a mixture of empathy and understanding. "Because she chose to share her pain with me," she replied softly, "and that means she believed you could handle the truth, even if it was buried under layers of fear."
Arthur paused, absorbing Mahfiruze's words. "So, you knew Nimue was pregnant?" he asked, his heart racing.
Mahfiruze nodded slowly, the weight of the revelation heavy in the air. "Yes, I knew," she said gently, "but I promised her I wouldn't say anything until she was ready."
Arthur took a deep breath, processing the gravity of the situation. He whispered, "That must have been difficult for you."
Mahfiruze looked down, a hint of sadness in her eyes. "It was," she admitted, "but I wanted to respect her wishes and support her in any way I could."
Arthur felt a mix of admiration and concern for both women. "How did you manage to keep such a significant secret?" he asked, intrigued by her strength.
"It wasn't easy," Mahfiruze replied, "but love often requires us to bear burdens for others."
Mahfiruze then says that she often visited Nimue when she was pregnant. "It was a time filled with both joy and worry," she reflected, her voice softening. "I felt a deep connection to her, and I wanted to be there for her and her unborn child during that vulnerable period."
Arthur nodded, understanding the weight of her words. "It must have taken a lot of courage to navigate those emotions," he replied thoughtfully.
Mahfiruze smiled faintly, "Love can sometimes be the greatest strength we possess." She paused, recalling the moments they shared, both challenging and beautiful. "I wouldn't trade those experiences for anything."
Mahfiruze then said, "I remember one time Nimue telling me that the baby belonged not only to her and you. But the baby was mine too."
Arthur looked at Mahfiruze with curiosity. "Did Nimue really say that?" he asked, wanting to understand the weight of her words.
Mahfiruze nodded, her eyes reflecting a mixture of nostalgia and sadness. "Yes, she believed that love extends beyond just two people; it creates a bond that intertwines our lives in ways we often overlook."
Arthur contemplated her response, realizing the profound implications of such a belief. "So, in a way, this child represents a connection that goes deeper than any one of us," he mused, feeling a sense of unity forming in his heart.
As Mahfiruze smiled softly, she added, "Exactly. It's a reminder that our stories are woven together, and every choice we make resonates through the lives we touch."
Arthur felt a warmth spread through him, understanding that this new life was not just a continuation of their individual journeys but a new chapter in a shared narrative.
Arthur then asked, "Where has my daughter been hidden all this time?" His voice trembled slightly with concern, as the weight of his question hung in the air.
Merlin looked at Arthur, his eyes filled with compassion. "She was hidden in a different dimension that has no magic," he explained softly. "It's a place where the rules of our world do not apply, and she has been safe," Merlin continued, sensing Arthur's anxiety.
Arthur then asked, "Why did her mother take her there?" His curiosity was piqued, and the tension in the room grew heavier.
Merlin sighed, knowing the answer would not ease his mind, but it was necessary to reveal the truth. "Her mother sought to protect her from those who wished her harm," she said gently.
Arthur's heart raced as he absorbed Merlin's words. "Who wanted to harm her?" he demanded, his protective instincts kicking in.