Veiled honesty (Part 5)

Arthur schools his face, trying to conceal the shock that Dragoon was clearly trying to achieve and no doubt revel in.

"Grandfather," he says in what he means to be a controlled, unwavering voice. That one word would have to do, if only to buy time. Dragoon's eyebrow rise upwards.

"You're his grandfather." Arthur clarifies.

"His?" Dragoon prompts slowly.

"Merlin." The name leaves a bitter taste on his tongue.  "You are Merlin's grandfather."

Dragoon studies at him, the familiar eyes – how had Arthur not noticed before? - gleam under the bushy eyebrows.

"Why grandfather?"

Arthur draws his breath.

"You are clearly in close relation. You don't seem like a man Hunnith would fall in love with. And I would rather not imagine the other alternative."

"Interesting. You hold no ill feelings towards the woman? She never once warned you, but she must have known?"

"I believe she has suffered enough."

For a moment they stare at each other. Dragoon's fingers twitch around his staff. The king's sword arm is ready.

"You would defend her. Even now. Good!" Dragoon offers what could be regarded as a smile before he continues. "Hunnith is indeed dear to me. You will be pleased to know that Merlin's father was a good man and I am not that man."

"Was he your apprentice? Merlin."

The question seems to take the old sorcerer by surprise before a wry smile spreads on his face.

"What he knows, I know."

The door leading to the queens chamber opens slowly, putting an end to their conversation and claiming the attention of both men. Before Arthur can voice a warning, the queen has come through to find her insomnia ridden husband and give him a piece of her mind.

Gwen startles, wraping her gown tighter over her long night dress, quickly adorning her regal pose as well as she can, while throwing an accusing stare at her husband.

Dragoon smirks at the king's wince. He steps away from the king before he bows to Camelot's queen.

“Your highness, my apologies for disturbing your rest. We had matters to discuss.”

“You never apologised for disturbing me,” Arthur interrupted, sounding like a petulant child even to his own ears.

“You were not resting.” Dragoon snaps back at him. “Matters decided alone at night are seldom wise. If I may, my queen." He moves towards her, reaching out a knobbly, wrinkled hand towards her and she offered hers in a cautious motion. He covered her hand with his.  "I have been told it is the eyes that give it away."

She looks in confusion from their hands, to Arthur and back to Dragoon. Arthur seems hesitant but shows any signs of alarm, so she allows Dragoon to capture her gaze. She clasps her free hand over her mouth to quench a shocked gasp.

"He's Merlin's Grandfather," Arthur states calmly.

"Grandfather?" Gwen echos, as if she cannot believe her ears.

"Some eyes see clearer than others." Dragoon mumbles gently, yet loud enough for Arthur to hear. He stands a bit taller at this veiled praise - or as much praise as he's ever received from Dragoon despite their years of unwanted assistance, shaky truce and hostile alliance.

But Gwen clutches Dragoon's hands with both of hers like she is holding on to something dear.