#merlin is in distress

[justaz]

need arthur repealing the magic ban bc its the Right Thing To Do and merlin is ecstatic bc finally finally he can be himself and tell arthur the truth. he can stop lying and hiding!! and the the ban is repealed and magic is free and theres a feast held in celebration and merlin lugs arthur to his chambers since the king had a bit too much wine and the night is warm and golden and steeped with happiness. merlin lays arthur down in bed and arthur looks up at him with half-lidded eyes, glazed over and warm and filled with love, and he says some sappy shit about merlin being a good friend and how loyal he is.

merlin isnt sure why his words make a stone settle in his stomach but he brushes it off and goes to bed, telling himself that he’ll tell arthur everything in the morning. then morning comes around and merlin sits at the table while arthur is eating breakfast and opens his mouth to tell him when his throat closes up and no words escape him. arthur is confused but merlin distracts him by insulting him and postpones the conversation. he’s been hiding for years, maybe he just needs to take it slow, take baby steps, let his mind and body get used to the idea of being free first.

merlin waits another week and a half before trying again. same result. the words wont come out and he’s choking on this secret he thought he could fess up to now and it takes him so long to realize he’s terrified. he isn’t sure why bc helloooo the ban is lifted!! he won’t be put to death!! what’s the problem?? he had an easier time confessing to sorcery to uther when such a thing was still punishable by death. why is it so hard to tell his best friend the truth when he won’t be punished for it??

answer: telling arthur the truth would mean telling him how merlin has lied for years and how arthur has never truly known the man he calls his friend. arthur will be hurt and angry and he’ll feel betrayed and that is something merlin has seen time and time again and he has fought so hard to prevent yet here he is about to put the same expression on his face. he’s about to break arthur’s heart once more. he can’t do it. he has to. he’ll hurt him. it gets worse the longer merlin takes. arthur will hate him. oh gods arthur will hate him.

[ollyrewind]

jedi knight merlin on a diplomatic mission?

[hopelessromantic5]

I’ve gotten a very insistent request to continue my earlier story of Merlin on the pyre in Ealdor.

This was in my drafts for the longest, unfinished. But they asked for it.

So, here’s part two.

Thank you for reading.

Merlin felt homesick, even as he was riding away from his mother, all his possessions packed in one sack.

Somehow, simultaneously, he felt immense relief, riding away from that simple place. Away from small people and their simple minds.

That didn’t make it any less terrifying.

The King of Camelot was riding two feet away from him, for gods sake.

Merlin was riding at the front, with the King of Camelot, when he expected to be riding in the back, following his band of knights.

Now that he thought about it, it may have been a precautionary measure. They hardly knew anything about him, other than he had magic and he was sure, until their arrival, that he was going to die today. His position left him close to the King and still in view of all six knights.

Smart.

“So, Merlin,” that was going to be a thing, wasn’t it? The way he said Merlin’s name like that. “What can you do with this gift of yours, exactly?”

Merlin observed him as he rode, nearly flawless and perfect, even in his imperfections. Crooked smile made him all the more charming, all the more disarming.

“Why don’t you tell me what it is you need me to do, and I’ll tell you if I can do it.” He shot back.

The King had a baffled smile, obviously not expecting such a response.

“Well, most of your assistance would be appreciated in helping me comb through the laws. I need to make sure that those who practice harmless magic are safe but that dangerous magic is still somehow punishable by something other than death.”

“Not a fan of executions, sire?” Merlin was merely curious. About his kingdom, about its people, about him.

“Not especially.” The King didn’t laugh or joke at that. “I figured you wouldn’t be either considering how we became acquainted.”

Merlin had nearly forgotten, momentarily.

“Thank you, for that.” He fiddled with the reigns of his own horse, one that had previously been carrying supplies.

“You’re right. Not big on pyres, myself.”

“You don’t need to thank me. You were innocent.” The blonde man kept his eyes on the path ahead.

“No one is innocent, sire.” Merlin said before he thought about it.

For some odd reason, Merlin was finding it hard to think before he spoke.

He was speaking to a King, for the first time in his life, that was probably it.

A long, tired sigh came in response as Merlin was panicking.

“I suppose you’re right, Merlin.”

They rode in silence for a long time. Merlin didn’t look back at the knights but he knew they were keeping an eye on him.

The birds were chirping and the sun was cutting through the treetops above them, and it was easy to forget his life for a little while.

Until it was hard to ignore.

He leaned over towards Arthur’s own horse and spoke as quietly as he could.

“Do your knights think I’m going to attack you or something?”

The King didn’t even spare them a glance, but a fond smile seemed to play on his face.

“You’ll forgive them for being a tad protective. They are not used to new comers, is all.”

“Is that I’m a stranger? Or a stranger with magic?” Merlin asked.

The King shrugged. Which didn’t seem like a very kingly thing to be doing.

“Let’s say both, to be safe. They’ve seen magic, of course. Most of it was simple; mixing a poultice or healing a boy’s scraped knee.” That’s when the King turned those alarming blue eyes on him, eyes furrowed, as if Merlin were something to be figured out.

“However, we’ve never seen what the people in your village spoke of. Healing crops, bringing another back from the brink of death. How do you do it?”

It was Merlin’s turn to shrug while fighting the blush on his cheeks. His magic did backflips under his skin.

“I wish I could tell you, sire. Understanding might help me control it a little more easily.”

“Who taught you?” Arthur asked, simply curious.

“No one. I was born this way.”

Suddenly the King’s horse stopped in its tracks, causing Merlin to halt his own steed.

“Something wrong, sire?” He asked warily as the rest of his men also stopped in confusion.

The King was still staring at him. It was almost disconcerting. If it weren’t so bothersome.

Arthur caught up to him and kept the same steady pace as before.

“You’re telling me, you were born with the power you have now?”

Merlin was confused. Didn’t he know this already?

“Yes? My mother said I was floating objects around the hut before I could speak.”

Arthur huffed, but Merlin saw a small smile.

“That’s incredible.” He said quietly, almost under his breath.

“Are you really the King they say you are? Just and fair in all things?” If they were asking questions, surely Merlin could pose a few of his own.

Arthur’s smile didn’t go anywhere.

“I suppose you’d have to ask others when we arrive. I’m hardly an impartial opinion. But I will say that I try my best to do right by my people,” another shrug. “It’s what any king should do.”

“Maybe they should. But most do not.”

“Ha!” Merlin heard from behind him. A knight with long shiny hair had his head thrown back in a cackle. “I like him, Arthur. I think we should keep him.”

“Pipe down, Gwaine. Or you’ll be first practice dummy in the morning.” The King shot back.

Merlin cleared his throat. Willing the feeling to go away. The giddiness, the pride in being chosen by the Golden King.

Hopefully, Camelot would welcome this newcomer for as long as it took him to finish his task.

Just as the white peaks of the castle came into view over the trees, Merlin wondered how long this new place would be his home.

[poisonedfate]

bbc merlin - 04x08 Lamia

take it as you will but i personally think he was thinking about all the ways he could hurt them. only a little bit. or yknow. just stop them. for a while. no lasting harm. potentially. hypothetically. just in case. if necessary. for protection.

[elpidi]

the way nimueh plays all these men *chef's kiss*

[thesorcerersshadow]

“if i can’t use magic, i might as well die”

“i’m not a monster am i?”

INSANE that i first watched this when i was like. 13-14 and just starting to experience depression and scary intrusive thoughts for the first time. formative!

[sneakyboymerlin]

Why do so many people in this fandom obsessively treat Morgana like she’s nothing but some passive helpless eye candy who can’t make decisions for her own adult self and is just pushed and pulled and shaped by the men in her life… I’m serious, you all need to manage your misogyny.

[robynrileyart]

you can always tell when i'm between hyperfixations bc my art posting goes from 60 every day to 0 for WEEKS

[sirtaliesin]

The Demon (1972) - Issue #5

[elijones94]

👩🏾‍🦱🐸 Three years ago, I had done a drawing of Princess Tiana in the coils of a snake. I had come across a rough pencil test on animator John Pomeroy’s Instagram page. It was a rough animation test for the Disney World interactive attraction “Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom”. The game revolves around Merlin from “The Sword in the Stone” recruiting park guests as apprentices to battle Hades from “Hercules” and other Disney villains. In the game, Tiana gets kidnapped by Dr. Facilier and is wrapped in the coils of a menacing snake. In the end, she is freed by any park guest participating in the game. 🐍✨

[yourstormthlaylirahh]

.

[poisonedfate]

"Don't you dare look him in the eye" is SO merwaine

hello!!! is it just me or are these getting longer and longer (the answers, i mean). either way! so very fun to write, not as much action as i had essentially wanted, but there's gwaine wooing merlin so. hope that balances out.

send me prompts

It was unusually quiet around him, even with the annoying ringing in his ears. He remembers most of the men being held up by the rest of the knights as Gwaine pulled him in the opposite direction. He remembers two of the men noticing, chasing after them. He remembers seeing the crystal in their hands. He remembers losing them. He remembers suddenly feeling the cold dirt under his cheek.  The men were mere soldiers of the sorceress whose name he couldn't place as he lay on the ground. She had given them a crystal that, if what they said was true, should help them figure out who Emrys was. He could feel the crystal, the pulse of it, when they were close, so he was inclined to believe it worked in its intended way. They talked of glowing eyes guiding them, so Merlin had averted his from their gaze. Maybe that's how they figured it out, maybe that's what tipped them off, maybe that's why they were chasing them.

Suddenly, there were two hands grabbing at the front of him, pulling him upwards, pushing his back against the tree. Merlin kept his eyes closed, both because he couldn't quite manage to open them yet and because it just seemed like the better option, all things considered. Gwaine was yelling his name, somewhere, in the distance.  He must've fallen unconscious because next thing he knew there was a splash of cold water on his face. It knocked a gasp out of him, eyes flying open. So much for better options.  "Come on, you've had enough rest, get up," the man growled, pulling at him again, this time upwards. He stumbled just so before finally finding his footing.  They must be waiting for the other man, he thought since this one hadn't reached for the crystal already. Merlin was right, as the other soldier soon approached: "Is it him?"  "I don't know, you had the crystal." "No, I- wait, yeah, there it is," the man laughed roughly. Were they playing some sort of game, or were they just plain stupid? Stupid, Merlin quickly decided. He's seen enough of those to know by now.  Merlin didn't think that the crystal had any other effects on his magic, though, in a perfect world, he wouldn't have to use his powers - he didn't know what had happened to the rest of their group, and though he trusted the knights, though he was quite sure he could deal with them as well if needed, he preferred not to risk it.  Before he could even think any further, he heard more footsteps coming in their direction. The first man was holding his head slightly upwards, the second was only about three steps away from him now. His odds weren't great, but as soon as he recognised Gwaine, he knew those odds were about to change.  The men barely had time to react before the knight was already right next to them, calm, sword drawn, eyes steady and dark: "Merlin," he said, almost like a greeting, more like a question. He could only muster up a small smile in response. Gwaine had come from the right, closer to Merlin and the man holding his face, clearly marking him as the first target. As the two fought, the second man took his chance to approach Merlin, committed.  "Don't you dare look him in the eye," Gwaine spat, as serious as ever, sword to the man's throat.  Merlin's head was still spinning slightly, everything moving both a little too slow and a little too fast, so he hadn't noticed how quickly Gwaine had taken care of the first soldier. Though if he was to judge by his second battle, the knight certainly wasn't wasting any time.  Merlin exhaled heavily, shoulders finally relaxing, as Gwaine came to hold him up, arm around his waist.  "Where did you even come from?" he questioned, trying to put the pieces back together.  "Can't get rid of me that easily, Merls," Gwaine laughed in response.  "You know, I could've taken care of them too," he continued, holding on to Gwaine for dear life, which did not help his case at all.  "Oh, I know, but saving you is such a rewarding quest, pretty one."

[venator-arts]

Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Merlin (TV) Rating: General Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Morgana & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Morgana (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Morgana & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin) Characters: Morgana (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin) Additional Tags: Siblings Morgana & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Good Morgana (Merlin), Merlin & Morgana Friendship (Merlin), Morgana Knows about Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon Knows About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Everyone Knows About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), morgana and arthur actually act like siblings, Bickering, Bickering Morgana and Arthur Pendragon, that should be a tag cause these two are siblings that constantly fight, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Fluff, Fluff and Humor, Fluff and Crack Summary:

The princess has been captured! Who is going to rescue her but the dashing prince? Except the prince is her idiot brother.

aka Morgana gets kidnapped, Arthur has to rescue her and an ungodly amount of bickering is involved. Oh, and Merlin's here too.

[adhd-merlin]

#least fave is 4x09 arthur physically threatening gwen #just horrendously ooc

sorry @freylins I just!! have feelings about this scene in particular. and, unfortunately, thoughts. in my tag for episode 4x09 (I rarely use episode tags btw) you can see me going "I love this scene. what a great scene. why are there no gifs of this scene" multiple times lol. I might reformulate some of my previous tags into a more coherent (?) post.

I can see why many people wouldn't love this moment; chances are you're either someone who doesn't care about arthur/gwen that much, in which case you'd be sitting there thinking "can we go back to arthur & merlin please", or you DO care about arthur and gwen, and it's an uncomfortable scene to watch if you do.

but! I love drama and angst and emotional suffering (IN FICTION)

personally I don't find it ooc for arthur (or if it is, it's justified — I'll get into this later). it's true, in normal circumstances he would never. but these are hardly normal circumstances, and him shaking gwen like that really underlines how besides himself he was feeling.

it's true that arthur often loses his patience with merlin (shouting, throwing objects) but it's usually over petty stuff. he's actually remarkably calm under pressure when the situation calls for it.

so it's not often that we seem him COMPLETELY lose his cool in such a way — the only comparable scene, in my opinion, is the one in which he challenges uther to a duel in ep 2x08, after learning from morgause that his mother died because of uther, and uther has been lying to him about it all his life.

and both that moment and gwen's cheating are betrayals of MASSIVE proportions. literally world-shaking revelations, and it's about two people arthur loves more than anything.

I don't think it's strange for him not to be thinking straight when he confronts uther (2x08) and gwen (4x09) — he's only human.

in gwen's case — he found her kissing lancelot, her former love and his former most loyal knight, literally the night before they were to be married. this is the woman of which arthur famously* said "if I lose her, I lose everything" (!!)

which of course would make him question everything. up to that point he had been so sure of gwen's love for him, but what if he was just deluding himself.

and he had to fight to make gwen queen, remember — against the opinion of the court, and probably his own prejudice. I find it interesting how he remarks "do you know what they're saying?" when facing gwen, pointing at the door, because arthur has grown up under the eyes of the court, and he's not stupid.

here he's telling gwen that in his father's day she'd be put to death, but one can imagine that is not all the councilmen have been saying. agravaine was lecturing him about the appropriateness of his love match only a few episodes prior; surely someone told arthur (or heavily implied it) that gwen might not love him after all. that she might just be in it for the wealth and the power, and not because she holds any real affection for him.

which adds another layer of hurt — it's not just about having his heart broken, he's also been made to look like a fool in front of everyone. and although it might not be arthur's most pressing concern here, he is sensitive about losing face (in front of his father, when uther was still alive; in front of agravaine and his councilmen now). he has to be, in his position, how could he not?

arthur has been defending his choice of gwen as a consort the whole time based on the fact that they loved one another, and now he's just witnessed her kiss lancelot. his whole world is crumbling.

you can see how hard he's trying to keep himself together when he faces gwen again. he's had a night to think things over and he's still so badly shaken.

and even so, I think (I'm sure plenty will disagree, given he does banish gwen in the end, but anyway) I think you can still tell how much arthur loves gwen, even now, even underneath his fury. because the first thing he asks her — when he can find in himself the strength to actually look at her — is "what happened, guinevere?"

and in that moment there is no anger in his tone — he's sad, defeated, confused, but he's genuinely just trying to understand what happened to them. what he might have done wrong, what he might have missed. and to me that's such an arthur thing to do.

and yes, it's true that he loses his temper and ends up shaking gwen and shouting in her face, which is unlike him. but characters acting uncharacteristically for a reason isn't bad writing. real people do it too. a character behaving in a way he normally wouldn't can be significant, and I think it is here.

because arthur has just lost everything. he's trying to understand why and the only person who could answer him has no answer to give :(

(he also apologises immediately and tries to get himself under control again. even banishing gwen is more about needing her as far away from him as possible than about making her suffer. it's not done out of viciousness. I mean, yes, it's also a punishment, but only because one was required. but he tells gwen he's sorry about it and he seems to mean it.)

sorry, I just think it's a very well written emotional scene (even counting that "I don't want to see you dead... but I don't want to see you", a line so predictable I literally finished it with bradley the first time I watched the episode), and it's so well acted, and it deserves more love. but I understand why it doesn't get much.

(btw I'm not trying to convince anyone to like this scene nor I expect everyone to agree with all I wrote here, I'm just saying why I personally like it.)

______________

*to me

Question for everyone: what is your favourite and least favourite moment in Merlin?

[frost-queen]

Tempting fate (Reader!Featherington x Colin Bridgerton)

Requested by: anon, Forever tag:@missmelodramatic, @merlin-dahlia, @alex--awesome--22, @elllie-does-the-posts, @floatlosers, @merlieve, @queen-of-books, @glimmering-darling-dolly@denkisclown, @wildieflower, @meyocoko, @bubblybrianna, @justanothercoco@subjecta13-thefangirl, @m-rae23, @harleyquinnswifeyfrfr, @swampthing07, @melsunshine, @panhoeofmanyfandoms, @venomsvl, @the-uncoordinated-house-cat, @rosecentury,  @imagines-by-her,  @evilcr0ne, @vviolynn

The night was out. Chilled but rather comforting on the skin. You were outside, waiting as your sister had already taken the carriage in a haste. Not a few moments ago she had a little encounter with Colin Bridgerton. One that you witnessed from afar. You could tell by your sister’s expression that she was displeased. Distressed to say the least. Once again had Colin Bridgerton said something to upset your sister. It was getting out of hand and you hated him for it. Hating how he toggled with your sister’s feelings.

They had been friends for a while now, but your sister desired more. He was the only good gentleman that gave her attention during the balls. Even if it was just a little. It wasn’t his first slip, but this time you clearly had enough of him. Now that your sister had run off with the carriage, you were left to return home on your own. Waiting for the carriage to return to the estate of this night’s ball would take awfully long.

Rubbing your arms gently, you hesitantly decided what to do. Go or stay? Slightly turning your head you noticed in the corner of your eye a figure approach. Once you fully got a glimpse of him, you rolled your eyes with annoyance. – “Y/n.” – Colin said approaching you. – “Good night Mr. Bridgerton.” – you answered coldly turning your posture away from him. – “Do you not need a chaperone?” – he asked making you stop in your way. With a deep sigh, trying to temper your annoyance down, you turned back to him.

“Certainly not from you.” – you answered with a forced smile. He stared confused at you. Trying to process the meaning of your words. He slightly came closer to you. – “Did…did I say something to offend you?” – he questioned. You scoffed making him furrow his brows dumbfound. Colin and you hadn’t been the closest, yet he considered himself acquainted with you through your sister. – “To my sister you did!” – you bit back finding his act of stupidity tiring.

“Pen?” – Colin. – “I…I don’t understand.” – he answered. – “Why do you minimize my sister?” – you asked him boldly. Colin was taken back by your reply, looking surprised at you. – “Minimize… no, Y/n… I…I wrote to your sister everyday this summer with little reply.” – he said with a charming smile. You smiled in return as Colin flourished from seeing you smile. Yet your smile had other intensions. – “Oh, yes I know all about the letters you wrote her. Letting her know about all your adventures. I am well aware of that Colin!” – you pressured on.

Colin chuckled nervously. – “Are… are you going to make me say it out loud?” – he responded feeling a bit foolish. You quirked your eyebrow up unintrigued.  – “I missed her.” – he told you. You busted out in a laugh. – “You miss her?” – you positioned yourself stronger, fiercer to go up against your sister’s good friend. – “You miss her, but you would never court her is that correct?”

“Y/n I…” – Colin started finally losing a bit of his  boyish foolishness towards you. – “I overheard you!” – you called out. – “At my mama’s ball last season… telling everyone you would never ever court Penelope Featherington.” – You felt yourself get a bit emotional, defending your sister against her best friend. Against the one she loved. Some voices approached as it drew Colin’s attention briefly away from you. – “Bridgerton.” – one of them greeted as they passed. Colin bowed his head to them before leaning a bit closer to you. Lowering his voice he spoke – “Perhaps we should go where there’s somewhere private?” – he suggested.

“Because I embarrass you?” – you said loud enough for anyone walking around to hear. – “My sister can change her entire wardrobe and gain confidence but that would never take away that she is the laughingstock of the ton.” – you outed in anger. – “My sister doesn’t deserve a cruel man like yourself in her life.” – you picked up the hem of your dress. – “Good night Sir!” -  you saluted coldly at him before taking off in the night. Colin watched you leave with a certain guilt eating at him.

Two days later you were with your sisters and mama at a garden event. Your sisters sitting down in a chair underneath a tent, waving themselves some cool. Your mother was chatting with some of the other mother’s. You had no idea where Penelope was. You on the other hand were playing battledores and shuttlecock’s with some of the other season’s participants.

You stood on one side with a girl you were quite familiar with. On the other side were two gentleman. The shuttlecock went high up in the air as the boys knocked it to each other. You were waiting for the shuttlecock to come your way to hit it to her and then back to the boys without it touching the ground.

Somehow your attention got drawn away from the heavens. Seeing Colin Bridgerton clearly look for someone not far from you. – “Miss Y/n!” – one of the men called out as the shuttlecock went your way. Your attention was back as you calculated the moment your battledore hit the shuttlecock. The shuttlecock went up in the air as you thought back of annoying Colin.

The shuttlecock came down once more as you needed to pass it to your companion. Yet you let the shuttlecock come lower, batting it away with your battledore towards Colin. You watched as it hit him in the head. The shuttlecock fell in his hand as he looked down at it confusingly. Rubbing his sore head with the other one. The girl at your side pointed firmly at Colin to go and fetch it. You sighed loud going over to him. The moment Colin noticed you approach, he dropped to a bow. – “My shuttlecock.” – you said offering your hand for him to lay it in.

 “You hit me.” – Colin responded. – “Must have slipped.” – you responded sarcastic. Colin was all but amused. – “Now my shuttlecock.” – you insisted upon. Colin was about to give it to you till he changed his mind last moment. He had taken a deep breath, moving the shuttlecock behind his back. – “I’ll give it back if you allow me to apologise first.” – he started throwing a charming smile at you. – “You should apologise to my sister.” – you made clear not wanting an apology from him.

Colin tensed his jaw, as he had hoped for another outcome. – “I…Y/n.” – he sighed out. – “I don’t require your useless apology. My sister needs to be apologized to.” – you told him clearly. Colin sighed loud getting worked up by your attitude towards him. – “Fine! If you don’t accept my apology, you might not even deserve it.” – he snapped back. – “I don’t even want it!” – you fired back. – “Fine!” – he finished. – “Fine!” – you repeated loud.

“Good luck getting this back than!” – he showed you the shuttlecock again. You slapped your hand at it as Colin had pulled it away in time. – “Give it back!” – you called out to him, getting some attention from bystanders. – “You don’t deserve this.” – he mocked, taunting you by showing you the shuttlecock just out of reach. You groaned annoyed as he moved it behind his back. You knocked into him full force to reach for it behind his back. A bit too forceful perhaps?

Colin stumbled backwards as you fell with him. With a loud oof fell you on him. Now having the full attention of those around you. You were very much aware of the staring eyes. You pushed yourself hard off him. He felt the air get sucked out of his lungs. – “Eat it!” – you cursed at him storming off. Colin sat up, swallowing nervously at the sudden attention. Getting up, he saw Penelope look his way. He shamefully turned his head away, getting up and taking his leave.

**

Lights were flickering in the warmth of the room. Music filled the room. Dancers were taking in the centre of the room. You stood by the side with your two other sisters and mama. Your gaze went across the room. When your eyes fell upon Colin, you glared at him. He glared back at you, turning his head proudly away. You stubbornly looked away as well. Looking down, you fidgeted on your dress. Somehow it pained you to see him act so coldly towards you.

You didn’t intend on doing so but the more time you spend with Colin, arguing and bickering, the more you felt drawn to him. You shouldn’t be falling for him, but yet you were. Some novels say that you grow more attracted to those things you hate the most with frequency. This might be the case for Mr. Bridgerton and you. Mama nudged you hard making you lift your chin back up. She gestured to you, to smile so you could attract more eligible men.

Not being in the mood for her interfering, you took off. Blending through the crowd to escape her. Pushing yourself through the crowd. Coming to a brief stop, you came face to face with your sister Penelope. Your eyes widened briefly before you rushed off to the hallway to avoid her. Penelope blended with the crowd, lowering her head when she saw Colin near. He was clearly in pursuit of someone.

Almost panting he disappeared through the same door you had left moments ago. It made Penelope think doubtfully. You exhaled loud setting your hands on the desk from the room you had run off to. Clutching your heart, you felt it beat faster. Faster then it normally did. Was this Colin’s doing? Shaking your head you didn’t want to think about him. It was wrong to think of his that way. Your sister was madly in love with him. You couldn’t… not for the sake of her. – “Y/n.” – you jumped back startled at the hearing of your voice.

Colin had entered the room, shutting the door quietly behind him. You rounded the desk, creating more distance between you and him. – “Shouldn’t you dance with my sister.” – you sarcastically suggested to him. He exhaled soft, practically done with your flight modus. Done with how you kept pushing yourself away and shoving your sister to the front. – “Y/n.” – Colin started as you didn’t want to hear it. – “You keep doing it Colin. You keep minimizing my sister.” – you told him.

“Ignoring every hint she throws at you, and you too blind to see it. I hate how you ridicule my sister’s feelings towards you. She is not some object.” – you ranted out as Colin came nearer, going round the desk to reach you. – “You tell her you miss her, but you won’t court her. Why?” – you asked desperate. – “I can’t court her.” – he answered standing face to face with you.

“Why?” – you repeated wanting to have a clear answer. Colin felt himself be swept up by the heated moment. – “I just can’t.” – he responded loudly feeling his hands tremble to get a hold on you. – “Answer me. Clearly!” – you called out getting up in his face. – “Because I want you!” – Colin shouted back, practically panting from the tension released inside of him. Your eyes widened.

Colin grabbed for your face. The hell with being a gentleman. The hell with your reputation and his. In this moment he just wanted you. He forced himself forwards, pressing his lips on yours. Your gaze widened more at his touch. His lips gently brushing against yours as you fell under his spell. Giving in to the sensation as it was beyond this world.

Butterflies flattering around inside till they suddenly dropped with realisation. Guilt. You pushed Colin off, breaking off the kiss. Colin blinked confused at you breaking it off. Stunned you held your hand before your mouth. As if something was stolen from your lips. A kiss perhaps? – “My sister…” – you whispered out knowing just how much she loved him. – “Y/n…” – Colin said wanting to approach you.

“No!” – you called out clear, taking a step back. – “I…I can’t do this…” – you told him running around the desk. Throwing the door open and taking your leave. Colin went around the desk as well, standing in the door opening. One last attempt to call out to you, but you were out of reach.

Exhaling deep, he lowered his head, heart broken at the loss of touch. He never courted Penelope but he found himself falling for you. Her sister. The sister that yelled at him. That wasn’t afraid to speak back even when some might find it out of turn. He liked how sincere you were, but also caring and free. A bright personality when one got to know you, truly know you.

Penelope bit the sour apple down. A single tear fell down her cheek, yet her face stood bitter. Bitter with hatred for what she had just seen. Her own sister fleeing a room with Colin Bridgerton showing himself in the door opening. It was clear to anyone that you had been in there privately with him.

Penelope made her way to the carriage. Rushing to get home. In the carriage she pulled out a piece of parchment from her reticule. The carriage hobbled yet she maintained balance. Taking out a pencil, she set it down on the parchment.

Dearest gentile reader…

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Read more of my fics on my Masterlists!  [read part 2 & part 3 & part 4 & part 5 & part 6 & part 7 & part 8 & part 9 & part 10]

[gazpachoandbooks]

Currently imagining Arthur + Gwen + the knights asking someone (maybe druids?) who this famous "Emrys" is and they proceed to do a version of "We Don't Talk About Bruno" while Arthur, Gwen and the knights grow increasingly more distressed with each line and Merlin hyperventilates in the background