The Daughters of Merlin
Chapter 23: The Baby Shower

It only took a few months after the wedding for Grace to become pregnant with her first child. Once again, everyone was gathered at the castle, even though Grace had barely begun to show. Grace figured it was better to celebrate early, since she didn’t want a big crowd around the child once they were born. So, everyone was gathered in the ballroom to celebrate now, before the baby came.

Virgil stayed close to his wife as did Zana. Grace was grateful, though she knew that the farther along she would get, the more protective the two would most likely become. She didn’t really mind it too much though.

Zana had been pulled away by her father, who had wanted to introduce her to one of his old friends, since she would someday take his place as Camelot’s official Mage. Virgil was busy talking to other royals, his arm wrapped around Grace’s waist as she simply stood beside him, content with just listening to the conversation.

“Well, well. It seems you didn’t think to wait for me.” A familiar deep voice whispered in Grace’s ear, wrapping their arm around her waist from behind.

Before Grace could back away or Virgil could pull away, Mordred, who stood in his true form, with his black hair and purple eyes, pulled Grace away from Virgil. He turned her to face him, pulling her close before pressing his lips against hers. Grace tried to push away but he was much stronger.

“Mordred, get your hands off my wife!” Virgil shouted, his eyes widening at the sight of him before they narrowed as he prepared himself to attack the Warlock.

Mordred lifted his hand, palm facing Virgil. The prince found himself frozen in place, unable to move though he tried.

When Mordred finally let Grace go, she was unconscious. Before she could hit the ground however, Mordred released Virgil and he was able to catch her.

“Don’t worry, she’s just unconscious.” Mordred said as he smirked, watching as Virgil gathered Grace in his arms, cradling her close. Seeing that she was still breathing he looked up at Mordred, glaring at him. Sᴇaʀ*ᴄh the (F)indNƟvᴇl.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

Mordred looked away from Virgil and at all the frightened people gathered around them.

“Hello, Ladies and Gentlemen! Glad to see you haven’t begun panicking yet.” Mordred muttered the last part though loud enough that most were able to hear him.

Sensing someone coming towards him, Mordred turned. He held his hand out, stopping them in their tracks. He raised his brows in amusement when he saw none other than Raven the wolf with Blue perched on his head.

“Well, Hello there brother and sister. So nice to meet you finally, though it won’t be for long, I’m afraid. Oh, and Father says hi.” Mordred said teasingly.

Raven pulled his lips back in a snarl, growling at Mordred. This simply made him smile before he looked away, his eyes scanning the crowd.

“If Merlin and Arthur don’t show themselves in the next fifteen seconds somebody is going to die. I suggest you all not try my patience!” Mordred demanded.

Both Arthur and Merlin emerged from the crowd, Guinevere holding on tightly to her husband’s hand.

“Don’t you dare touch them!” Zana shouted, coming to stand in front of the three, her hair fully on fire, her green locks rippling with the purple flames.

Mordred smirked. “Oh, Sister. Your silly powers won’t work on me. The only one who was even capable of harming me is now asleep.”

“Zana, don’t. It’ll be fine.” Merlin said, placing his hand on her shoulder. Zana turned to look at him and she could clearly see the lie shining in his ice blue eyes.

“Yes, Merlin, lie to her. That’s what you’ve been doing your whole life. Lying and hiding the truth from your children.” Mordred said. He turned and eyed the crowd that hadn’t moved at all out of fear. “You all have thirty seconds to get out of here before I kill you all!”

Nobody moved, glancing at each other worriedly. Mordred’s eyes began to glow. “TWENTY NINE . . .”

People screamed and began rushing towards the exits. Merlin, Arthur, and Guinevere stayed in their places however.

Holding Grace, Virgil got to his feet. Mordred released his hold on Raven and Blue who came to stand next to Virgil who looked over at Zana and his parents.

“Zana, go.” Merlin said, looking at his eldest daughter with sad eyes.

“I’m not leaving you!” Zana shouted, fiery tears gathering in her own.

“You need to protect Grace. Now go!” Merlin shouted, pushing her away.

Zana hesitated. She knew her father was right, but she didn’t want to lose him.

“TEN . . .” Mordred shouted, continuing to count, his eyes locking with Zana’s.

“You’ll pay for this.” Zana growled at him before she ran towards the doors, going to help the other people get out safely.

Zana had just helped the last person out of the castle, leaving it as well, when a blinding purple light shone through the windows and through the cracks in the doors.

Everyone knew that they would never be able to forget the sounds of Merlin, Arthur, and Guinevere’s screams.

Zana’s eyes widened, a tear falling down her cheek as she looked up, her eyes locking with Virgil who still cradled Grace in his arms. His eyes were wide as well, a tear falling down his cheek, his eyes reflecting Zana’s fear.

Without hesitation, Zana turned and ran back inside the castle.

Virgil gently but quickly set Grace down, about to go run after Zana when Raven and Blue came to stand in front of him. Both of them shook their heads.

Blue jumped off of Raven before transforming into her true form, becoming a dragon that stood over a mile high. She spread her wide wings out to either side, her back to the castle, protecting the people.

Blue had barely finished doing this when there came a loud scream full of anguish and pain coming from inside the castle. Everyone heard the explosion, saw the flames peer over the top of Blue’s wings. Even through the draconus’s protective stance they all felt the heat.

"She’ll be fine. They both will be." Raven said quietly to Virgil, making the prince look down at the wolf, not too surprised at the fact that he could talk.

Virgil looked away from Raven and down at Grace who was still unconscious, unaware of the chaos and tragedy that had just happened. The Prince sighed, pulling her close, burying his face in her hair, trying not to cry. At least she hadn’t been awake to see this. But he had no idea how he was going to tell her when she did wake.

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