“Hm?” Looking up from her thoughts, Summer saw Merlin add fuel to the fire. “Oh. No, I’m not cold. I just … ” She opened her mind, showing Merlin her sympathy. “I don’t understand how you — there’s just so little resentment in you.”
He silently mouthed, “Oh,” and shrugged casually. I just don’t see the point in being resentful. Sure, I get frustrated with the situation I’m in, but being angry about it won’t help change things. If anything, it would make things worse. He gave her a small, slightly sad smile.
“It’s amazing,” she said softly, watching Merlin with gentle eyes. “/You’re/ amazing. I just wish Uther could see that, about us. We’re just … people. Good, bad, whatever. But maybe you can change his mind.”
The blush that touched his cheeks when she called him amazing faded quickly. I don’t think that anybody can change his mind, he replied with a sigh. He’s too blinded by pain to even consider it. There’s still hope for his son, though. Arthur’s a good man, one of the best I know, and I think he’ll make a great king. Hopefully, he’ll be the type of king who asks questions first and condemns later.
Summer opened her mouth to ask if Arthur knew, then paused as something occurred to her. “You … keep blushing,” she commented, smiling a little. “Does no one ever compliment you?”