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[This time, the recording starts with a long, drawn out sigh. Then, surprisingly, it's still Merlin's voice that rattles off the voicemail in tones of long-suffering.]

Hello, you've reached King Arthur Pr--Pendragon. He isn't here to answer your call because he's incredibly important and busy. If you leave a message here with me, I'll make sure he gets it because I am a good servant--and friend-- [he adds the last bit in a rush, accompanied with a thwap!, an 'ow!' and an 'I heard that,' then forces the rest of the words out through gritted teeth] and will do anything my master asks of me.

[A couple seconds pass, then Merlin speaks again, this time sounding a bit further away, like he isn't speaking into the bracelet anymore.] There, happy now? If you ask me, the other one is still better-- Shut up, Merlin. It's time to do yours next. Wait, what --

[ click! ]

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[ quickly - ]

No. Of course not, no - it's -

[ There's a puff of air that may be a laugh of sorts, but humourless. ]

Everyone assumes it to be him, but it's rather my own - it's -

[ He doesn't know. Both of them. But largely his own fault. ]

Arthur...please...tell me.

[her voice is gentle, her maternal instincts kicking in to overdrive]

[ Even though she can't see it, Arthur has his brows furrowed as though he is trying to explain it to himself just as much, because he just - he doesn't understand. ]

I've defied him, twice now, in - the most dire of ways. I have betrayed my King, and - I believe, I would readily do so again, without hesitation.

[ Which is, inherently, treason. Everything Arthur has been raised as, everything he has been taught since birth, and he would go against it. He would go against himself. ]

[She listens to him very carefully before speaking. Her voice caries a tone and quality she never thought she was capable of; she's speaking as a mother would to a troubled child.]

He does not own you, Arthur. He is your father...and he must understand that you are his son...not his doll. You have a mind and will of your own, and he should be proud that you are able to make your own decisions based on your convictions. I know I am proud of you.

[ It's a tone Arthur is not accustomed to, having never had a mother or even a figure of such. Any nurses that might've tried to soothe him during Uther's outrages or when the lessons were too much for a mere child to keep up with, they were dismissed and replaced within the candlemark. "The Prince is not meant to be coddled," and Arthur holds his breath as Arturia speaks.

He knows these words. Morgana has said them time and time again, Merlin at times, even Guinevere. But Arthur has never been able to listen; he heard the words, but he does not hear the meaning, the significance and the truth, because he has always been turned from it - always redirected to his father. His King that is his Everything, and he cannot fathom himself outside of that.

But as Arturia says them, Arthur listens quietly, intently, and wonders. If maybe, it's possible - ]

I seem to be gaining everyone's favour these days. Due time, I suppose.

[ There is a smile in his voice, but it fades soon enough. Everyone's favour but his father's - ]

I do not know. I do not regret my action by any means, and he will simply have to come to terms with such, but. For all that he is flawed, he is still a great man. Far greater than I; I cannot think myself his better. To so boldly defy him on his firmest beliefs - I do not know. Perhaps I, too, must come to terms with it.

[She had never felt the urge to protect someone like she did Arthur. In her eyes, he was still a boy unsure of himself and his own convictions, struggling in the shadow of his father and afraid to fly on his own.]

Arthur, it does not matter what your father believes if you do not share those convictions...you are allowed to think differently than him. He has no power over you that you do not let him have. Standing up to your father makes you a better man...and I am so proud you are willing to do it, and recognize it was not a mistake.

Thank you, Arturia.

[ And he means it. There will be much to think on. ]

Do look after Morgana, would you? I should imagine she'll have much more to complain of before this is all through with.

I need no thanks to speak what is true and just. I wish only for you to grow in to your own man.

[she smiles]

I will protect her with my life, no need to worry.

You have always been a good sister, both to Morgana and myself. I cannot tell you how grateful I am.

There is no need to thank me, Arthur. I will be by your side whenever you need me. I would be honored to have you watching my back.

Until I see the very last of Asgard, Arturia.

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