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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Audience Chambers, Sunday Morning

[bitchprince]

"There is something important that I--" Uther paused, for full effect, "...We would like you to address."

That should have been Arthur's first warning. His second one should have been the way Uther reached over, and took Catrina's hand. (But it's the first time he's been happy in a long while, he kept telling himself. I should not spit on it.)

"For too long, our people have had it easy. They have grown fat off our indulgence of them."

Arthur fought off the uneasy feeling in his stomach. "How so?"

"We provide peace, protection, and they give us little in return," Uther replied, with that eerie smile still in place.

Arthur blinked, then. He had to. "Most of our people are poor," he said, cautiously, "They survive off what little they can grow."

"That is what they would have us believe," Queen Catrina cut him off. Her glare in Arthur's direction could have cut through walls.

Was she really that naive? Arthur tilted his head towards her, and answered, earnestly, "That is what I see every day."

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.

Audience Chambers, Sunday Afternoon

[bitchprince]

"I gave you a direct order," Uther snapped. At least that had wiped that look of distant admiration off his face, at last, Arthur thought darkly.

"The people cannot afford to pay the tax," he said. His back was more ramrod straight than usual, and his arms were behind his back: perfect military posture, ready for a fight.

Gaius's Chambers, Sunday Afternoon

[camelotfolk.livejournal.com]

As soon as Gaius heard the door closing behind him, he turned. "Merlin!" he said. "What have you found?"

OOC

[bitchprince]

Wheeee.