Camelot, Sunday

[bitchprince]

Matters were not exactly improving any.

After tossing and turning a bit last night trying to figure out how the bloody hell they were getting out of this predicament, Arthur looked a bit the worse for wear. Not that he'd admit to it, or do anything but keep his back straight.

He'd told Katchoo and Francine to use the servants' quarters closer to his chambers this time, as a precaution. Now he was up, though, and getting ready to meet with his father for the morning's briefing.

Oddly enough, he felt less than eager about it.

[[ wait for the ocd; spoilers for Merlin episodes 2x05 and 2x06, 'The Beauty and the Beast' ]]

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Lower Town of Camelot, Sunday Noon

[bitchprince]

The guards stalked through the town, poking and prodding at every citizen to deliver their end of the tax. Arthur had a hard time keeping his upper lip stiff and his shoulders straight; his eyes darted from one person to another as they begged to be let off the tax.

Direct orders from the king. He had to remember that--

His eyes settled on one forlorn-looking, hungry woman, and pursed his lips.

Re: Lower Town of Camelot, Sunday Noon

[bitchprince]

...only to be distracted by the sounds of a struggle. He tore his eyes away from her, and paced further down-- a man, being held down by two guards.

"What's going on here?" he demanded. The man was elderly, he could see that - there was no way he could withstand such force.

"He refused to pay the tax, sire!"

"You've asked for too much," the man choked out, pulling futilly at the arms gripping him. "I've given all I can!" Arthur's jaw set tighter as he struggled with himself. He glanced up, and met the eyes of the gathered townspeople.

Something broke.

"Let me see that," he said, and reached for the tiny bag of collected tax.

Re: Lower Town of Camelot, Sunday Noon

[bitchprince]

He stared at the little pouch in his hand for another long moment. Not that much; the man certainly had to be very poor. So Arthur reached forward, offering the bag back to him.

"Release him," he said, stepping back. The befuddled man didn't know how quickly to scramble upright.

"But, sire--" one of the guards attempted, "The king's orders--"

Arthur slanted a look at him that offered him no avenue for further protest. "Give them all back their money," he ordered, and did his best to ignore the suddenly hopeful looks the villagers leveled at him.