Chapter 39: I Don’t Want to Be Sorry for My Daughter (rewrite)

Morgan's face twitched as she processed Lott's comment about getting revenge on his father-in-law. She had been initially baffled by his words, but the realization hit her with a jolt. Wait, are you talking about me?

Her mood shifted from confusion to annoyance. If Lott dared to seek revenge against her father, Morgan vowed she would not let him get away with it. The thought of him scheming against her family stirred a fiery determination within her. She wouldn't let him have a peaceful night's rest, not if she had anything to say about it.

In the evening, Lott found himself standing outside the bedroom door, holding a pillow and quilt, looking thoroughly dejected.

"Why do I have to sleep in the living room?" Lott complained, his voice tinged with frustration. "What did I do to deserve this? Did I offend someone?"

He stared at the closed door, bewildered by Morgan's sudden change in attitude. What's going on? he wondered. Did someone from her family arrive unexpectedly? I remember we just arrived here.

Lott's confusion and sense of injustice were palpable. His aggrieved voice was barely audible through the thick door, which only made Morgan smirk in satisfaction on the other side.

Morgan was resolute in her decision to make Lott suffer a bit. Do you want to scheme against my family? You'll have to pay for it. She thought with a smirk. I'll make sure you regret it.

In the palace of King Uther, the atmosphere was sombre. King Uther was engaged in a serious conversation with Merlin.

"So, who do you think should succeed me as Camelot's ruler?" King Uther asked, his gaze steady on Merlin.

Merlin's expression remained impassive as he replied, "Your Majesty, given your current condition…"

King Uther cut him off, "Yes, you know my condition well. Although I survived the battle with Vortigern, my injuries are severe and irreparable. I will not be able to continue much longer."

Despite the gravity of the situation, King Uther's demeanour was calm, almost detached. He continued, "What Britain needs is a strong leader who can lead them to victory, not a weak king."

Merlin nodded in agreement. "Indeed, Your Majesty. This land needs a monarch capable of shaping its future. You have been a remarkable king, but the task ahead demands more."

King Uther chuckled dryly, "You Merlin, always so blunt."

Merlin's calm smile remained as he replied, "I am merely stating the truth."

"So, according to your so-called truth, who should be the next ruler of Camelot?" Uther inquired.

"Altria," Merlin answered without hesitation. "She will be a capable ruler, ensuring Camelot's glory and leaving a lasting impact on history."

King Uther pondered Merlin's words and then asked, "If Lott hadn't been in the picture, what would have been my fate?"

Merlin responded matter-of-factly, "You would have perished in battle against Vortigern. Chalk City would have fallen to him, and only much later would Altria have regained it."

Uther laughed bitterly, "If that were the case, I would have been remembered as a defeated king. Unlike now, where I remain a victorious ruler."

He gazed out from the castle, reflecting on his legacy. "Do you know how I withstood Vortigern's attacks?" Uther asked, his tone almost nostalgic.

"I don't," Merlin admitted candidly.

Uther's laughter took on a melancholic edge. "It's something you can't fully understand, despite your ability to mimic emotions."

Merlin felt an uneasy stir within him. Uther's genuine emotion seemed to be something beyond mere imitation, sparking a rare sense of unease in the usually detached Merlin.

Uther then shifted the conversation, "So, what does your prediction say about my daughter Morgan?"

"She will become consumed by resentment and seek revenge, leading to actions that will be regretted by all," Merlin stated honestly.

Uther looked out over Chalk City, his expression reflecting a mix of sadness and resolve. "I'm willing to let fate decide Camelot's future. Whether it's through your prophecies or Lott's strength, the outcome will reveal itself. But this city—Chalk City—I want to be sure Morgan inherits it."

He continued, "I've seen the disappointed looks on their faces when they arrived, expecting to take away my wealth. It's amusing. If I don't leave this city to Morgan, she and Lott will only have more grievances against me."

Uther's thoughts turned inward. "I don't want my daughter to harbour resentment towards me. If I can prevent that, I'll do it."

Merlin's face remained impassive as he listened to Uther's declaration. "Your Majesty, if you do this, it could lead to a division of Britain."

"Your prophecy doesn't specify the outcome for Chalk City. And if anyone wins, it proves their claim. Whether it's my daughters or Lott, their fate will show what is right. I'm more concerned with keeping my daughters from resenting each other. As for Vortigern, I trust they won't be defeated by their discord."

King Uther's voice carried a tinge of regret. "Unfortunately, Lott is not my son, but at least he is my son-in-law."

Merlin nodded in understanding, the smile on his face a constant fixture, reflecting the complex emotions of the situation.

As the night wore on, the dynamics between the characters continued to evolve, each facing their trials and tribulations as they navigated their intertwined fates.