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phantomchick · 4 years ago

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Merlin fic rec list

To Be A King by clotpolesonly Teen And Up, No Archive Warnings Apply, Gen, Merlin and Arthur, Merlin and Mordred, Gwen/Arthur, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Merlin's Magic Revealed, Canonical Character Death, BAMF Merlin, Dragonlord Merlin, Original setting, Magical kingdom, King Merlin, Royal!Merlin Summary: When Merlin discovers that his father was an estranged prince and he himself is now the only heir to the throne of a magical kingdom, he is forced to leave Camelot for the perils of a royal court. Will Merlin be able to win Arthur's favor again before Morgana launches an attack on a defenseless Camelot? Will he be able to defend his own kingdom at the same time or will all be lost? -

A Matter of Sovereignty by Kizmet Gen, No Archive Warnings Apply, Friendship Summary A visiting prince takes it into his head to brutalize Merlin, but sometimes the solution to a problem is in how you phrase it.

Bumps and Bruises by platonic_boner merthur, implied/suspected abuse, Protective Arthur, Magic Revealed, pre-relationship, teen an up, canon typical violence,

Summary: Arthur notices Merlin’s constant injuries, and decides he needs to step in and protect Merlin.

Finding Home by riventhorn Arthur/Merlin, Hurt/Comfort Summary: Written for a kinkme_merlin prompt. When Gaius retires a new physician takes over and quickly kicks Merlin out of his room and takes it for himself. Arthur finds Merlin sleeping in the stables...and it's winter.

How To Love A Living Thing by Polomonkey Mature, merthur, Merlin/Arthur, Pendragon (Merlin), Hurt/Comfort, Abuse, Violence, Sexual Harassment, Drowning, Guilt, Romance, Protective Arthur, Mild Sexual Content, Redemption, Healing, Canon Era

Summary Guilt ridden and lonely after his confrontation with Nimueh, Merlin slowly begins to isolate himself from Arthur. When two knights take it upon themselves to teach him his place, Merlin finds himself with nowhere to turn. Will he be able to reach out to his prince before it's too late?

Obeisance by casspeach Gen, No Archive Warnings Apply, Merlin/Arthur

Summary: It's not that Arthur won't share his toys, just that he expects to get them back undamaged

All's Well That Ends Well by StormDancer explicit, Merlin/Arthur, Arthur Finds Out, magic reveal Summary: Merlin spent the week and a half that Arthur was gone splitting his time between crafting careful explanations that never ended up explaining the important things, the things that would make Arthur listen, and making half-baked plans to escape to Ealdor. He found a number of fire-proofing spells that would have no effect if they decided to cut his head off, and figured out how to adapt an invulnerability spell he had been trying to find a way to cast on Arthur without him noticing so that it would protect him from being decapitated, but it would have no effect on anything but metal. Despite all his frantic searching, he did not find a teleportation spell, because that would have been too simple and if there was one thing Merlin had learned in his years at Camelot, it was that nothing was ever simple.

Deeds by the5leggedCricket Merlin/Arthur Pendragon, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Soulmate-Identifying Marks, Alternate Universe - Soulmates, Episode Related, Oblivious Arthur Pendragon, Teen and Up,

Summary: Arthur is coming of age, and that means he’s about to get Deeds—marks on his body telling him of his soulmate’s greatest accomplishments. But as he tries to find his soulmate, he also makes some worrying discoveries about the kind of person his soulmate is.

Honorable Intentions by smilebackwards Gwaine/Merlin, Guinevere/Arthur Pendragon, Courtship, Protectiveness, Protective!Arthur, Teen and Up, Summary: There are several considerations Arthur would like to go over, starting with the state of Merlin's virtue.

Laundry's Hard Work by supercalvin Gen, Teen and Up, Canon Era, can be read as pre-slash, BAMF Merlin

Summary: Wasn't Merlin supposed to be...tiny? When the hell had he learned to use a sword and not fall on his backside? Where the hell did those scars from? What the hell?

or Arthur still thinks Merlin is the young boy he met ten years ago and he starts to notice things in his manservant that he wasn't aware had changed at all.

Fathom Me Out by supercalvin Merlin/Arthur, Canon Era, Magic Revealed, Teen and up,

Summary: After ten years, Arthur thinks he has Merlin all figured out. But as he watches Merlin, he finds out that he has more questions than answers. The longer he thinks about it, the more uneasy he feels. So he pushes it aside. Except, he can no longer ignore the questions he has about Merlin. Not your everyday reveal!fic

Loyalty Before Royalty by CaffeinatedFlumadiddle Gen, Gwen & Merlin, Arthur and Merlin being the most iconic duo? I think tf not, Gwen and Merlin wreaking havoc? Teaming up against Arthur? That's the most iconic duo there, as usual, Explicit Language, Fluff and Humor, Attempt at Humor, Arthur is so exasperated, someone help him, good thing he loves them both

Summary: "Where did you get that?" Arthur asked, but he already knew the answer. "Gwen." "...and the horse?" "Gwen." "What about the-" "Gwen." Merlin interrupted. Arthur nodded. At this point, he wasn't sure why he even bothered to ask. He was pretty certain his wife was going to knight Merlin any day now.He looked Merlin up and down for a few moments before accepting it all with a sigh. "As long as you get my armor to me tomorrow...I don't care." He finally said, turning away. Merlin cleared his throat. "Gwen gave me tomorrow off." "For the love of God." Or I hate that Gwen and Merlin's friendship kind of withered away in the later seasons so here's a oneshot about her and Merlin abusing her new royal powers because that's what happens when your best friend becomes queen.

Know It All Knight by Shi_Toyu Leon & Merlin, Knights of the Round Table, Magic Revealed, protective leon, Arthur Finds Out, Oblivious Arthur

Summary: Leon couldn’t say for sure when the exact moment was that he figured out Merlin had magic. He’d suspected it for a little while, to be honest. He definitely had it figured out by the time Arthur managed to ‘kill’ the Great Dragon. What Leon could say for sure was the exact moment he figured out that no one else had figured out Merlin had magic.

The Nature of Trust by Lynds Merlin's Magic Revealed, Leon is the Mam Friend, Leon is so done, Protective Gwaine, Lancelot Lives, Canon Era, Arthur Finds Out, Hurt Merlin, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Implied/Referenced Torture, Canon-Typical Violence, reference to hunting and cooking animals Summary: Leon starts to notice that the knights, one by one, are starting to trust Merlin's judgement. That he keeps warning Arthur about danger, and being right. Is there more to Merlin than meets the eye?

Repercussions by PeaceHeather Fix-It of Sorts, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Lecture, Rants, Episode: s02e06 Beauty and the Beast, Episode: s02e05 Beauty and the Beast, Canon Era, One Shot, Gen Summary: Uther married a troll. In canon, that all worked out fine eventually. In this slight canon divergence, there is at least one noble who's not willing to let it slide so easily.

No Harm Will Come to You Here by fancyh Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Season/Series 05, Merlin's Magic Revealed, Fluff and Angst, temporary amnesia, teen and up,

Summary: "That was magic," Arthur accuses.

"Oh." Merlin just nods, looking unperturbed.

Arthur fights to keep his expression calm, mind racing and heart pounding. "Sorcery is outlawed in Camelot. On pain of death."

Merlin splutters, finally fixing Arthur with an affronted glare. "It's not like I meant to do it!"

***

Merlin gets hit with a spell meant for Arthur and loses his memory. Revelations ensue. Set sometime after 5x02.

Metamorphose by clotpolesonly Merlin/Arthur, Teen and Up, Between Seasons/Series, Episode: s03e01 The Tears of Uther Pendragon (Part I), Episode: s03e02 The Tears of Uther Pendragon (Part II), Mpreg, Magic Reveal, Angst with a Happy Ending, Pining, morgana redemption, some transphobic language from Merlin when he finds out he’s pregnant because of magic but it’s mostly just the shock that does it Summary: When Merlin falls into bed with Arthur, he doesn't expect for to wake up alone. He doesn't expect Arthur to give him the cold shoulder either, but there is something else he expects even less which forces him out of the kingdom for over a year. He returns to find a traitor in the court, an army on the way, and a love he'd thought all but lost waiting for him with open arms.

Four Days To Fall In Love. by CupCakezys Teen and Up, No archive warnings apply, Merlin/Arthur, Morgana/Gwen, Soulmate AU, Arthur Knows About Merlin's Magic, Protective Arthur, Mutual Pining, Angst with a Happy Ending, Secret Relationship

Summary: In a world where everyone has a soulmate (or two or three), Arthur Pendragon knows he is destined to be alone. For Arthur can see his heartstring, could follow it to where his soulmate lived, and that could only mean one thing.

His soulmate had magic, and should they ever meet, Arthur would have to kill them.

Sacrificial Lamb by RurouniHime Angst and Humor, Pining, First Time, First Kiss, Post Season 1, Initial Misunderstanding, But it’s resolved, Happy Ending, Fluff with a touch of angst at first

Summary: Arthur's been overworking his knights, so they come to Merlin as a last resort.

Cheers and Spirits by CaffeinatedFlumadiddle Gen, The knights are kinda fools, but the best king, Humour, Fluff, Fluff and Humour, Knights of the Round Table & Merlin

Summary: Despite all the supposed trips to the tavern none of the knights have seen Merlin drunk. They decide to rectify that. A poor decision, really.

Circle 'round the Truth by enviropony Merlin + Knights friendship, Gen, Magic Reveal, Oneshot, Knights of the Round Table & Merlin Summary: They know about the magic. Or, more accurately, Merlin's magic is the truth the knights circle around, and Merlin's loyalty is the one 'round which they rally. (A character study with some yelling, an action sequence, and a bit of walking.) Post-S4.

Strict Justice by schweet_heart mutual pining, BAMF Arthur, magic reveal, canon au, oneshot, teen and up

Summary: After a particularly grueling battle, Merlin and Arthur share a quiet moment in their tent.

before it breaks by schweet_heart Teen and Up, Hurt/Comfort, Angst, merlin whump, magic reveal, merlin & arthur, merthur

Summary: “It’s not what it looks like,” he says, hand still outstretched, barely a waver in his voice as he lies, outright, to Arthur’s face. “Sire, I can explain.”

“Can you,” Arthur says. He’s aware that he’s trembling, a seismic reaction to the outrage and denial still fighting it out inside his head, but he knows what he’s seen. What it must be. “Well, then, you’d better be quick about it, because it looks a lot like magic.”

Until the Day I Die by Cookie Teen and Up, Oneshot, Angst, Temporary Character Death, Angst with a Happy Ending

Summary: Arthur believed Dragoon had killed his father, and so he plunged his sword deep into the sorcerer. Now Merlin was dying in his arms and Arthur was facing the future alone.

These Castle Walls Bleed Lies by marguerite_26 Mature, hurt/comfort, Magic Reveal, Angst, Merthur, mentions of arthur/gwen, Gwen/Lancelot

Summary: With his father unfit to rule and Camelot decimated, Arthur must assume the role of King. But the truths he discovers shake the foundation of all he holds dear.

before his eyes (he now sees clear) by hwc Teen And Up Audiences, Uther Pendragon is terrible and complicated, Merlin/Arthur

Summary: It takes Uther half a second to see Balinor in Merlin, and he's almost sure of what he should do.

Keep Your Secrets by new_kate, orphan_account Mature, rape/non-con, torture, captivity, romance, alternate universe - canon, canon typical violence, hurt/comfort

Summary: Arthur Pendragon is captured by the bandits. While he waits to be ransomed, he slowly gets to know Merlin, the prisoner being held in the next cell.

Crossing the Line by Ultrageekatlarge BAMF Merlin, Gen, Crack, Oneshot, Magic Reveal, Hurt! Merlin, Humour

Summary: In which Merlin gets bludgeoned, strangled, attacked, smothered, shot with glass, and tossed out a window, burned, whipped, stabbed, thrown down stairs, nearly drowned on dry land, and harpooned, and still manages to save Camelot from seven evil sorcerers, before lunch.

Your Touch Is My Salvation by elirwen Magic Reveal, Canon Era, Oblivious idiots in love, Curses, Teen and Up, Oneshot, Hurt/Comfort

Summary: Merlin suffers from an effect of a curse. Arthur can help more than he initially thought.

A Heavy Heart to Carry by Thursday_Next Rescue, Hurt/Comfort, Magic Reveal, Oneshot, Mature, Merlin/Arthur Pendragon

Summary: When Merlin is captured and injured, Arthur must face up to his own feelings for his manservant as well as the many secrets he discovers are being kept from him.

Can you do that? by no_nutcracker Merlin/Mithian, no archive warnings apply, Alternate Universe - Soulmates, Soulmate-Identifying Marks, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Episode: s04e11 The Hunter's Heart, Arthur & Merlin friendship

Summary: Merlin should be overjoyed. He just found his soulmate. If only she was not betrothed to Arhur.

His Remedy for Care by ArgentSleeper Teen and Up, canon au, Episode: s02e13 The Last Dragonlord, Angst, Canon Typical Violence, Hurt/Comfort, Fix It

Summary: Injured in the dragon attack in lieu of Arthur and afraid of being stopped from going on the mission, Merlin kept away from Gaius and never learned that Balinor was his father. Instead it's Arthur that puts two and two together as he seeks the dragonlord out, first to save his servant (not friend- they can't be friends), then to save his kingdom.

A Considerable Head Start by ughbutidontwantto BAMF Merlin, Gen, when villains have more regard for you than friends, Camelot has a serious class problem, Merlin deserves better

Summary: Merlin is frighteningly competent and his friends are correctly concerned. Obviously they're going to follow him out to the woods. And obviously they're not going to like what they hea

The Conscience of the King by ughbutidontwantto Gen, Post-Magic Reveal, Legal Drama, Oneshot, Friendship feels

Summary: Merlin's magic was revealed and now everyone has to deal with it in an official capacity since tragically most of these characters work in government. Arthur, predictably, is struggling to cope.

Out of Sight, Out of Mind by BabyStepsAreStillSteps Merlin Deserved Better, Hurt/Comfort, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Merlin Needs a Hug (Merlin), Episode: s05e09 With All My Heart, Fix It

Summary: When Arthur turned his back on the Dolma that he didn’t know was his manservant, Merlin reminded him that he was missing a very important member of their rescue party.

What if he hadn’t?

What They Owe Us by ironspidereilish Merlin/Arthur, Alternate Universe, Aredian’s a tax collector instead of a witch hunter but he’s still a bastard, Hurt/Comfort, Poverty, Angst with a Happy Ending, Protective Arthur Pendragon, BAMF Arthur, Canon Era, Romance, sexual coercion mentioned, BAMF Merlin

Summary: When Arthur finds out that the castle staff are having their wages held for weeks at a time and can no longer afford food or their homes, he will not rest until they are protected and Aredian is stopped.

The fact that Merlin’s stomach is rumbling while he delivers the prince his breakfast, and Arthur hates the thought of him suffering, only serves as extra motivation to fix this.

royal blood by Rona23 crack!fic, humour, comedy, Balinor Lives, Dragonlord things, Golden Age, Bamf Arthur, Bamf Balinor, Bamf Merlin, Fix It, Magic reveal, Oblivious Arthur, Merthur

Summary: ..... as if Balinor could be killed by Bandits O.o

Alternatively: An alternative take on Balinor surviving and saving Camelot. ... And then proceeding to hold the entire kingdom hostage, because he has a frigging Dragon at his disposal :)

- The way by Naelyn Episode: s04e11 The Hunter's Heart, POV Arthur Pendragon, Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Oblivious Arthur, Until He’s Not, Hurt/Comfort, Merlin Deserved Better, Communication or lack thereof, Canon Divergence

Summary: "One more word out of you, and I swear to God I will send you into exile."

He knows it’s not the pyre, knows there’s much worse, but banishment would mean staying away from Arthur forever – and, as pathetic as that might sound, he thinks he would rather die than let that happen. It is clear that the feeling is not reciprocated, clear that in Arthur’s eyes, he will never come first. There’ll always be people coming before him, and he’s made peace with that long ago – but if even Agravaine can come before him, then anyone could, no? Anyone could replace him. Call Merlin a traitor and have Arthur get rid of him. Anyone could.

Merlin no longer feels safe in Camelot.

or: Arthur threatens Merlin of banishment. To Arthur's eyes, it's all forgotten. To Merlin's, however... Well, let's just say that his faith in their mutual destiny, once unwavering, finds itself faltering at a dangerously quick rate.

Better in the Mourning by CaffeinatedFlumadiddle Gen, Lancelot & Merlin, Knights of the Round Table & Merlin, Grief, Fluff and Angst, Gwen/Lance mentioned, let the characters grieve, 5 Knights of Grief

Summary: Merlin mourns Lancelot's death. The rest of the knights help out. (AKA Merlin gets to take advantage of not having to keep a dead loved one a secret and gets some goddamn support in this castle)

I suppose that I look different (without the robes and crown) by WingedWolf121 Canon Era, Episode: s05e03 The Death Song of Uther Pendragon, Uther Pendragon’s A + Parenting, Ygraine/Uther, Arthur/Merlin, Balinor/Hunith, Dragonlord Merlin, BAMF Merlin, Fix-It, Angst with a Happy Ending

Summary: When Arthur blows the horn of Cathbdhah for the second time, the horn doesn’t just send Uther to the other world. It sends Arthur away as well – to a world where Ygraine never died, the Great Purge never happened, and magic lives freely at court. As do those who practice it.

For Your Information by reni_days Merlin & Uther, Merlin/Arthur, Modern Era au, Oneshot, Teen and Up

Summary: Merlin sighs. "After your...announcement," he explains, "your father decided he needed a bit more information. Which is apparently where I come in. I'm sort of like his gay tutor, it's hard to explain."

Good Fortune by platonic_boner Canon Era, Fluff, Merlin/Arthur, Oneshot

Summary: Arthur makes Merlin a lord, and Merlin does an astonishingly good job of running a village.

Within Reach by foxy_mulder Explicit, Enemies to Friends to Lovers, Hurt/Comfort, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Sex, Merlin/Arthur, Angst with a Happy Ending, Oneshot, Slowburn

Summary: Nobody touches Arthur.

Merlin realizes it slowly, and when he does, he wants to kick himself for not seeing sooner. ___________ (Or, Arthur and Merlin's relationship with touch over time.)

Moment of Weakness by TheAsexualofSpades Gen, Fluff and Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Angst with a Happy Ending, Arthur Knows About Merlin's Magic, Protective Knights, Protective Arthur Pendragon, Protective Merlin, Whump, Oneshot, Merlin/Arthur

Summary: After all Merlin's gone through, you'd think it would take some world-ending magic spell or an almost successful attempt on Arthur's life to shake him properly.

It isn't one of those, and Merlin has no idea why.

He just knows he can't be weak.

The Only Reward Bestowed Upon Me by greatdumbking Gen, Oneshot, Merlin/Arthur, angst, hurt/comfort, angst with a happy ending, Episode: s04e05 His Father's Son, Fix-It, Agravaine, Canon Era, Love Confessions

Summary: “You’re wrong Merlin. I don’t need anyone. I can’t afford that luxury. The kingdom's my responsibility now, and mine to bear alone. And you must learn to accept that.”

How could this hurt so much, a third time? Merlin could feel the façade of his casual indifference faltering. His face fell, tears were clawing at his throat, creeping into his eyes. It took all his effort to nod, steel his eyes, and swallow down the rising sob.

(How did Merlin get chosen the be the bait? Why did Arthur start pushing Merlin away? Why couldn't he see how much it was hurting him?)

Maybe Not the Most Awkward Dinner to Happen in Camelot's Citadel, but it's Definitely Up There by HopePrevails Gen, Gwen/Arthur Pendragon, Merlin, Fluff, Domestic Fluff, Oneshot, Humour, past Gwen/Merlin

Summary: When an argument about whether Merlin is remotely attractive or not breaks out over dinner, Queen Guinevere accidentally drops into the conversation that she had a crush on him when he first arrived in Camelot. Arthur takes it... like Arthur.

--x--

“Don’t look so surprised, Merlin.” Gwen said kindly. Perhaps she was the psychic. “You’re sweet and gentle, charismatic-” Arthur snorted. “- and I’m not going to let you walk out of those doors thinking you don’t look the part, either. Remember, even when you first came to Camelot, I-” She stopped herself, snapping her lips tightly shut.

#art by mushroomtale-fanart #their stuff is great #Merlin fic recs #merlin fic rec #merlin (tv)#merlin #arthur pendragon #bbc merlin #bbc merlin fic recs #merlin emrys #fic rec list #fic recs #51 fics total

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darkmindsotome · 5 years ago

Text

Risque Rouge pt11

Tagging: @umbralaperture @otome-smut-queen @silver-fox-of-azuchi @tsundere-mitsuhide @jennacat84

General warnings for the whole fic: Angst, some fluff, Mental health issues, emotional things, trauma, blood, death and possible triggers. Please read responsibly.

Darkmindsotome Masterlist

---

Chapter 11

It had taken most of the remainder of the day to reach the marker they were looking for. The sunset painted the abandoned relic of a church making its scorched stone shine once more in the colours of flame. The grating sound of rusted metal travelled in the wind as the broken weather vane attempted to turn in the breeze.

Amos passed through a gap in what was left of the waist-high stone wall and walked almost reverently through the half-obscured and overgrown gravestones. He wrapped his leather coat around him a little tighter as if it would shield him from the shadows of the past.

Trailing ivy and clematis had latched on to the charred thick wood of the door filling in the missing gaps with vibrant green leaves and delicate white flowers. The stone flooring was partly covered with green moss and tufts of grass. Fallen beams and missing sections of the roof told more of the same story, a dilapidated building caught in flames of history. A single gothic rose-shaped window remained mostly intact and allowed the setting sun to fill the space with even more light.

Amos walked around the edge of the once solid structure where the climbing foliage hung like a curtain maintaining its secret and slipped into a gap between one of the stone pillars and the wall. A very narrow staircase followed the uneven flow of the stone until they hit the soft dirt worn smooth with use and the passage of time.

He smiled to himself as he walked with ease down the same path that was once used as a method of escape for those above knowing it had easily been repurposed in exactly the same way as everything else could be. Nothing in this world was as simple as it seemed and everything could be manipulated to suit a purpose. What that purpose was to be had little to do with him.

“Ours is not to reason why.” He mumbled to himself as he walked further along in the darkness. The air here was thick and filled with a stronger smell of decay than the church above. Here the airflow was minimal and the stone clung to the damp chill of the subterranean realm.

After several twists and turns, each supplying false passages and dead ends the path he was walking expanded to reveal a roughly carved archway blocked by the same heavy wood used for the church door.

Amos removed a small dagger from his pocket and used its hilt to knock on the wood. The blade rang in the acoustics of the passageway as if it were a tuning fork.

“Entrar.”

The boards blocking the arch moved to the side with surprising ease. As Amos stepped into the cavernous space beyond the archway, the stale air was replaced with a rich and heady scent of incense.

Rough, cold stone walls had been covered with thick tapestries each one detailing a different method of torture in fine gold thread against an inky black fabric. Candles lit the space. They were both tall and short, standing on their own piles of melted wax that dripped and pooled like a living creature on every surface.

The only objects not to be affected by the melting mess were two chairs that seemed to be made from the remains of a crypt, roughly covered in scraps of aged leather and a large stone desk similar to a table used for satanic rituals. Runes, words, symbols of all faiths known to mankind were etched into its surface including a few archaic ones that had long since been forgotten.

Sitting on one of the chairs behind the desk was a figure dressed in long robes of state. They were trimmed in the same golden thread as the tapestries. The hood covering their head hid most of their features revealing only their chin and mouth. Calloused hands that had been in the process of writing ornate sloping calligraphy stopped to pick up their ink blotter.

“Amos? It is not yet time for your report. I trust you have something of interest?” The voice of the man behind the table was dry as dust and rang clear as a bell in the domed space.

“The reos has taken a female. I thought you would like to know in case there was to be a change in plan.” Amos stood a little taller as he addressed the one who saw fit to hire him. He held the small dagger in his hand, twisting its hilt in his grip before placing it back into the hidden folds of his leather jacket.

“What is their intention?” The figure enquired with a slight distraction as they checked the quality of their writing and removed the stretched vellum from the writing slope.

“I do not know. There is a chance it could mean little.” Amos replied resisting the desire to shrug in the presence of a man who had torn limb from limb for daring to display such signs of idleness.

“But also, a chance it could mean breeding.” With a heavy sigh, the figure behind the table pulled back their hood revealing a shaved head with a ring of wiry hair. They looked towards Amos with a pair of eyes that looked to be tainted by the darkness they had once declared to wish to purge from the world. It was a cold and unforgiving judgement that saw many fall from grace. “We simply cannot allow for that line to continue without securing the artefacts.”

“What would you have me do Grand Master?” Amos waited patiently his mind already running through possible scenarios and ideas that could be put into play as soon as he returned to the city.

“Put an end to this distraction as soon as possible. I leave the details to you Amos.” The Grand Master waved his hand signally the end of the conversation as well as the time he wished to spend thinking of such a trivial matter.

The boards moved back to seal the room shut as the figure of Amos faded into shadow. The Grand Master selected a new piece of vellum, the visible markings of former tattoos telling a tale of where the skin had come from and stretched it over the writing slope. After pinning it securely in place he picked up his quill once more and dipped it into the inkwell. Curling lines of darkened crimson blossomed on the skin as the fluid lettering began to detail the last words of the former soul that once owned both the vellum and blood.

---

Evie had been given more of a tour of her temporary home after enjoying luncheon by Comte with Sebastian in tow. She discovered her first idea that the mansion was a bit like a mini castle was not exactly wrong. The vastness of the property had her head spinning as they moved around.

She already knew where her room and the dining room was, even if she genuinely was getting a little concerned, she could become easily lost. Sebastian added small details to Comte’s guided tour that also helped give her an idea as to where she might find some of the other guests if she wanted too.

The stables and la salle were interesting but as she could not ride and was no swordsman she honestly could not see herself returning to either. The parlour was set up for relaxation and games. Stacks of board games were housed in an alcove with a chessboard that was already set up for a game nestled between two chairs. There was even a billiard table with several cues mounted on the wall behind it.

She became curious when Comte appeared to pocket a deck of cards that had been left on one of the small tables. It looked to be rather decorative with lots of female figures printed on it. When she asked all he said in response was it appeared to be a special deck left by Arthur. Comte made eye contact with Sebastian over her shoulder and she could hear the butler's exasperated sigh.

After a very quick look at the kitchen, they passed the music room where a beautiful piano piece could be heard through the closed door and came to a room that she never imagined existed. Pushing open a set of double doors Comte stepped to one side and her eyes found a massive library that took her breath away.

It was spread out over two whole floors and was filled floor to ceiling with books on everything and anything she could possibly imagine. Comte smiled as he watched her looking shamelessly childish giving a small squeal of joy and running to a random shelf brushing over the leather bindings with her fingertips as if she thought it all to be a dream.

Comte found his eyes following her as she flitted from shelve to shelf like a hummingbird. The natural light was fading by this point and the lamps in the room would soon be lit to counter the darkness but for this brief moment before the day turned to endless night there was a warmth in the room, unlike any fire. The smile on her face was so enchanting he found himself mirroring it naturally.

“You may read anything you like and if there is anything that is not here, I would gladly go with you to find it in town.” Comte declared happily as he came to join her by a section of books, he himself had been rather fond of when he was younger.

“I’m not sure I could read all of these even if I took a whole lifetime to do so.” Evie looked around her clearly still struggling to grasp the quantity of literature in the room.

“You could…” Struck by the sight of her innocent wonder, words simply fell from Comte’s mouth before he could stop them.

“Did you say something?” Evie tilted her head as she looked at him. Her black hair was a little messy and he found his hand moving naturally to smooth it back into place.

“No nothing. We still have a couple more places to see, ma Cherie.” Comte gracefully avoided her question prompting her to move on to the next location. There was still an important discussion that was required and he found himself once more unable to have it. Sebastian was watching him in silence like a rather daunting owl. He knew nothing that was happening was to avoid detection from his wonderful manservant he was only thankful that whatever questions the man had remained silent for now.

The last places to see were the garret and then finally what he called le thermae. If the library had been a room that went beyond her imagination, she certainly never thought that an entire roman bath would be hidden beneath the building. The large room had a massive pool of hot water with a marble sculpture standing proud at its centre. Tall columns reached high up like trees to meet the vaulted ceiling that looked almost like a cathedral.

“Incredible…” Even silently her voice carried in the room becoming much louder. She had heard from several people at the performing house that popular bathhouses had appeared recently called Hammam. From what she could remember they were from Turkey and not like this at all.

“You naturally have access to your own private powder room and shower in your bedroom but this is an experience not to be missed.” Comte spoke proudly looked at the gleaming marble surfaces and the steam rising from the water.

“There are indeed many benefits to enjoying a hot spring. In my country, there are many locations where people travel from all over to visit and enjoy the waters. Each location hosts a variety of different health benefits depending on the minerals present in the water.” Sebastian added a little cultural insight to the idea of bathing in this manner.

“Really? It does sound like it could be very relaxing.” Evie nodded enjoying learning something new. Intrigued by the space around her she couldn’t deny she was certainly curious what it must be like to enjoy a dip reclining in the pool compared to a standard bathtub.

“While you are staying here, I shall arrange a schedule so you can have complete access to le thermae without fear of intrusion.” Comte spoke which prompted Sebastian to take out a pad of paper and his pencil. There was a moment of frantic scribbling followed by a ripping sound as a page was removed and handed to his master. Comte accepted it as if it were nothing and placed it in his jacket pocket.

“Oh! You don’t have to trouble yourself.” Evie tried to avoid any further burden she would cause with her staying here. Comte had already done so much so anything else felt as though she could never hope to repay her debt to him.

“No trouble at all ma Cherie. My only wish is for you to enjoy your time here arranging such things is no trouble at all.” Comte’s charming reply felt like he was purposely ignoring her concerns.

Her conscience continued to trouble her as he continued to effortlessly display his kindness by walking her back to her room and suggesting she take some time to have a quiet dinner alone before bed. Sebastian had appeared with a tray of food which she ate enjoying every bite but found herself wondering at the lack of fullness in her stomach.

She tried to sleep. Every time she closed her eyes, she felt the sensation of breath on her skin and the tight grip of fingers digging into her body. She remembered the cries and how it felt too coiled herself around the body of the doctor. The look of the lifeless body in frozen rapture in her arms. Her eyes snapped open and she sat upright as if someone had pulled a leash around her neck. Her body was shaking and she was drenched in a cold sweat. She reached out to pick up her glass of water from the bedside table and found it to be empty. Sighing she shakily got up from the bed and wrapped herself in the silk robe Comte had also seen fit to buy for her.

With her glass in hand, she turned the handle on her door and stepped out into the hallway right into a rather solid yet soft obstacle.

“Ah!” She cried out as she started to fall backwards nearly dropping her glass. The strength of a strong arm wrapped around her waist and she couldn’t help remembering Leo doing something similar earlier in the day. Her eyes found one eye that shone in the dim light of the hallway like a starless night the other hidden behind an embroidered patch. “Pardon Monsieur.”

Evie found she didn’t know where to look as the figure in front of her was like a flawless piece of artwork. She could easily imagine any number of angelic creatures being modelled after such a person. As if to hit home the heavenly appearance they were also dressed in a white uniform that looked to be military of some sort but equally would have suited a dashing Prince.

“Are you alright Mademoiselle?” The stranger spoke reminding her that she had been staring rather rudely at them. Evie moved in the man’s grasp which seemed to remind them of their proximity and they immediately removed their arm looking apologetic. “Pardon…”

“No, it was all my fault I wasn’t looking where I was going.” Evie took half a step back and gave him a weak smile. Now she could get a better look it did seem that she was right about the uniform, not only was there a streamlined appearance to their clothing there was also a sword attached to their hip. She wondered if this was one of the other guests she had yet to meet or if he was some sort of guard for the building.

“Egads, if it isn’t the ghost of the mansion and what’s this? They seem to have caught a rather pretty little bird.” A man dressed in a blue blazer with a patterned waistcoat appeared out of nowhere. He also had an open-collared white shirt with a loose tie and a pair of gloved hands which were currently hooked into the pockets of his trousers. His dark hair had a blue hue in the bad lighting but it was nothing to the sapphire blue of his eyes that sparkled with mirth as he looked at them.

“Ghost?” Evie asked wondering if she was still stuck somehow in a dream. Everything happening felt a bit disconnected like her body and mind couldn’t find a balance.

“Jean here is something of a phantom, although I had no idea he was capable of sneaking such a delightful surprise into the mansion. Guess it’s true what they say about still waters isn’t it old chap?” The new man was speaking with an even more defined accent than the others. Evie was willing to guess the ghost who was called Jean was certainly French while the man chatting in a friendly and flirtatious manner was English.

“I will thank you to not spew such slander and keep your lewd ideas between yourself and your scriptures.” Jean was clearly not comfortable with whoever this man was. Compared to the reserved and almost reverent soldier the English man did seem to be rather forward.

“Now now no need to be such a grump. I would be more than happy to overlook anything I have seen if you let me have a little time with her as well…” The man moved forward getting just close enough for Evie to clearly see the playful smirk and way his blue eyes roamed over her from head to toe making her feel as if she were being undressed.

It was one thing for something like that to happen in the performing house where it was to be expected but it was another to have such things happening now. She was not at work. There were no barriers here for protection against such advances and she felt her blood heat up as she gave an icy glare to the new man. She was not an object and certainly not a willing participant in whatever games he had in mind.

“Excuse me? I have no idea who you think I am or what you think you are witnessing Monsieur, but I can only assume from the stench of alcohol you are in no fit state to deduce anything.” Her eyes were unmoving and her face had a stoney expression fixed to it.

She didn’t know if it was from tiredness or that strange sensation she had woken with of the memory of hunger but she was certainly not expecting the blaze way in which the English man so easily shrugged off her criticism.

“Ah! That is where you are wrong my dear.” His smile seemed to grow wider and his face shone with amusement. He was taking very slow steps towards her which sent chills running up her spine but she refused to cower and give him the satisfaction of witnessing her run. “I can deduce a great deal from the fact you have come to this house from outside of the city proper and have been in the habit of balancing on the balls of your feet which says to me you are something of a dancer. You have had a rather trying and harrowing experience recently that has resulted in something of a loss of sleep and you are still suffering the effects of such an event even now.”

“What? How could you?” Evie forgot her mask as her emerald eyes went wide searching the encroaching sapphires for the secrets they held. How did this stranger that stunk like a brewery and cheap perfume gather so much information so quickly?

“Do not concern yourself, Mademoiselle, his little tricks are little more than witchcraft.” Jean spoke positioning himself partway in front of her blocking the other man’s approach as he did so.

“Well, that is rather harsh dear boy I realise I called you a ghost but I would have thought a man of your background would have refrained from using such words.” The Englishman’s target seemed to have momentarily shifted once more.

It reminded her of a cat playing with mice for fun. She couldn’t work out how serious this person was at all. He seemed to be having fun but this whole situation felt like a game set up. He was clearly more than he seemed and it was going to take a much better understanding of him to work out what exactly that was. As much as she enjoyed a good mystery she was not certain that she wanted to get close enough in order to solve this one.

“You know you would be much safer with me little bird? You are already thinking so from the way you are undressing me with your eyes just now I can promise to live up to expectation.” The man in blue now held out a hand reaching for her hair on her shoulder.

Before she could recoil there was a rush of air and the dull sound of something meeting wood. Evie looked at the solid back of Jean that had moved to cover her more and the outstretched arm that held the glistening hilt of his sword that now had its tip embedded in the wooden door frame at the level of the other man’s throat.

“Try it and meet my blade.” There was a challenging note to the way the soldier addressed the other man. Evie could not understand how it had all escalated to this so quickly and surmised there was probably other factors or occasions that had led to this point.

Soldiers had what she was told to be a code of ethics. It gave them reasoning in unreasonable situations and a purpose. She was certainly not a soldier and hated fighting but she could understand wanting to protect something.

She was grateful to Jean for his interjection but she had seen more than enough blood and horror for a lifetime. Evie lifted her hand and placed it on Jean's shoulder. They flinched under her touch and she felt their body relax as their eyes met and he lowered his weapon. There was a swirling mass of unspoken words and emotions in his eye the main one she thought she saw was remorse.

“What do you think you are doing?”

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