Cast in Steel

by MerlinsBrokenHeart

Summary:

What is a magic-hating king to do when his only son is put in danger by the very laws and beliefs that he had forced on not only Camelot, but the surrounding kingdoms? Prince Arthur has magic and Uther must find a way to protect him from those who would demand that he execute Arthur, as he had countless other sorcerers over the last twenty years. Desperate for help, Uther goes to The Great Dragon. In exchange for his freedom, Kilgharrah tells the king that to help Arthur learn to control his magic, he needs the son of The Last Dragonlord. That their destinies lie together, and the future of Albion depends upon them. Uther must change his attitude toward magic and learn to accept his son for who he truly is.

 

Notes:

This story was one of the most difficult canon divergence fics I have ever attempted because the character dynamics were so drastically altered. Merlin and Arthur, on equal footing, with no barriers and no secrets between them. Uther, forced to completely change his entire belief system and let go of his hatred of magic in order to protect his only son.

Special thank you to WritingCreature for the beautiful pic!!!!

Chapter 1: The Dragonlord's Son

“Merlin, my friend, why do we have to do this the hard way?  You could just…you know…and poof, no more chores.”

“Will, you lazy arse, hard work never killed anyone,” Merlin grinned as he took the heavy buckets of water from Will, dumped them into the larger barrel, then passed them back to his lifelong friend.  “You know how my mother feels about me using magic instead of brute strength.”

“Brute strength?” Will guffawed, “You expect me to believe that you have never used magic to make things lighter or easier.  With your scrawny arms?”

Merlin chuckled then shrugged, “I am stronger than I look.”

“So, you have never used magic to do chores?”

“Maybe…possibly,” Merlin smirked.

Will dropped one of the buckets on the ground then raised the other one, preparing to deposit it over Merlin’s head.  Instead, Merlin’s eyes flashed gold, the bucket filled with water, promptly dumping itself over Will, leaving him spluttering.

“Thanks,” Will said, shaking himself like a dog, “You saved me the trouble of a bath.”

Merlin lost it, laughing so hard he could barely breathe.  He bent over, bracing his hands on his thighs, his face turning red from lack of air.  Will joined in and soon they were both in hysterics, leaning on each other like two drunkards.

“Merlin!” Hunith called out to them, struggling to keep a straight face after witnessing the antics of her son and his best friend.

“Yes, mother?”

“When you two are finished behaving like children, would you please get us some rabbits for supper?  Will, are you eating with us?”

“Nah, Ma’s making roast pork tonight.  I will be going home shortly to help her.”

“Before you go, let me give you some fresh bread to take to your mother,” Hunith smiled.

“Fresh bread,” Will said with a wide grin, “I knew you loved me.  Ma’s bread is hard as stone…I swear you could kill a man with a single loaf.”

“I’ll go check the snares then,” Merlin said with a chuckle then grabbed an empty sack, “See you later, Will.”

“Yeah, later, Merlin,” Will waved.

Following the familiar trail through the woods, Merlin headed toward the lake.  After checking all six snares, he had four rabbits in the bag.  He started back toward home, taking his time enjoying the sunshine and the cool breeze.  Spring was his favorite time of year.  It made his magic sing beneath his skin.  He jumped over a log and climbed up a hillside to look down at the road below, stopping cold when he spotted two cloaked figures riding toward his village, their faces completely obscured beneath hoods.  Their attempt at disguise was futile, as there was no mistaking the fine horses they were riding and the flash of swords on their belts.  They were definitely not peasants, they were nobles.

“This can’t be good,” Merlin muttered then ran down the hill heading for Ealdor.  There was no way he would arrive before the pair.  He could only hope that they did not have ill intent.

 

Hunith looked up from her work as the two riders approached her.  She inhaled sharply as she caught a glimpse of red and gold beneath the gray cloak that the larger of the two men wore.  They were from Camelot.  She glanced around, making certain Merlin was nowhere in sight as cold fear settled in her chest.

The men dismounted, leading their horses into the village.  “Welcome, weary travelers,” Matthew approached them cautiously, spotting the red fabric as well.  “What brings you to the humble village of Ealdor, My Lords?” he asked with a bow.  “Please, if you will allow me to care for your horses.”

“That will not be necessary,” the taller man said, waving a hand dismissively.  He then removed the hood from his head and Hunith’s hands flew to her mouth to stifle the cry of panic, but it was too late.  King Uther Pendragon looked directly at her with those piercing blue eyes that she had seen in her nightmares far too often.  “I mean you no harm, Hunith,” Uther said, “I have come to ask for your help.”

“My help, Sire,” Hunith said, shaking her head in confusion, “What could I possibly do for the King of Camelot?”

“Might we speak in private?” Uther asked, glancing around at the other villagers who at once dispersed, vanishing into their homes.  He said nothing when Matthew took the reins and led their horses to the trough to drink, giving them food while keeping his gaze averted, pretending to not be listening.  He was not about to leave Hunith alone with the dread king and his companion.

Hunith stood up straight, lifting her chin defiantly.  “This is private enough.  I am fairly certain that my home will not be to your liking.”

Uther nodded, then closed the distance between them.  “It’s good to see you again, Hunith.  You look well.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” she said, “Now what is it that you want from me, My Lord?”

Uther glanced toward the other man giving him a reassuring nod.  He lowered the hood of his blue cloak, revealing his identity.  Hunith could not hold back a soft cry of glee as she saw the boy she once knew in the handsome young man standing before her.  Those huge cornflower blue eyes and soft, golden blonde hair…so much like his mother.  Her heart swelled with fondness.

“Arthur,” she said with genuine joy, “I have not seen you since you were a small child.”

Arthur remained silent but gave her a grateful nod and a smile.

“Hunith,” Uther said, “I know I have no right to ask anything of you, not after what I did.”

“No, you do not,” Hunith said coldly.

Uther nodded, “I deserve that and worse.”

“What do you want, Uther Pendragon?”

“Father,” Arthur said hesitantly, “We should just go.  I do not wish to cause Hunith distress.  There surely must be another way…”

Hunith studied him closely.  Arthur had a look in his eyes that she had seen all too often in her own son’s.  Loneliness, self-doubt, and fear.  What could the Prince of Camelot possibly have to fear?  She had heard tale of his achievements, his abilities.  He was a strong, proud warrior.  But the young man standing before her was anything but, clearly struggling to keep his fear contained.  To not show weakness in front of his father.  Hunith found herself wanting to embrace him, to hold him in her arms the way she had done so many times when he was a child, to ease his fears. 

“Hunith, I am desperate,” Uther said, “You see, it has recently come to light…” he took a deep breath, letting it out slowly as he nodded, “Arthur has…well, he has…”

“I have magic,” Arthur said bluntly then rolled his eyes.  “My father cannot even bring himself to utter the word, he is so ashamed of me.”

“Arthur!” Uther said.

“You have magic?” Hunith asked the prince, “From your mother?”

“Yes, so it would seem,” Arthur huffed a laugh.

“You can understand,” Uther said, “The laws in Camelot…”

“Laws you created!” Hunith seethed, her voice strained as she forced herself to calm down.

“Laws I cannot change without throwing Camelot and all the surrounding kingdoms into chaos and possibly risking war because I forced my will and my beliefs on them.  If I were to change everything now, without the proper negotiations and treaties, they would believe I have taken leave of my senses, see weakness, and attack Camelot.  I cannot allow that to happen.”

Arthur huffed a laugh and shook his head then rolled his eyes.  “Father, that isn’t the real reason behind your hesitation to change the laws.  It’s Vivienne…she hates magic, maybe more than you do.  She will never stand by and let you change the laws.”

“I am the king, Queen Vivienne will agree with my decision when the time comes.  She will understand,” Uther gave a slight nod, and Arthur shook his head, letting out an exasperated sigh.

“Hunith, the reason I am here, asking you for help,” Uther said, taking a breath before continuing, “You see, I was desperate, so desperate that I went to The Great Dragon hoping he could help me find a way to protect Arthur.  He refused at first, but I promised him his freedom in exchange for his guidance.  He told me that I must seek the help of the Last Dragonlord’s son.”

Hunith’s face paled and she took a step backward.  “I think you should leave, Uther.  You will not find the one you seek here.”

“Hunith, please,” Uther said, “I do not come to you empty-handed.  I have lifted the bounty on Balinor’s head.  He will no longer have to live in fear.  I freed Kilgharrah and asked him to find the Dragonlord and tell him he is free to return to you and your son.  All I ask is for Emrys to return to Camelot with us.  We need his help.  Arthur’s magic is barely restrained.  He knows nothing about his powers, which have already caused havoc and if certain people in Camelot were to learn of his abilities they would insist that he be banished or killed out of hatred and fear.”

“Certain people,” Arthur muttered.

“Hatred and fear that you created, Uther,” Hunith said, “And you want me to let my only son go with you into the most dangerous place he could possibly be?”

“I must do what I can to shield Arthur until such time that I can change the laws.  Your son can teach Arthur to control it, show him how to wield it without bringing down half the citadel.  Before he hurts someone or hurts himself.  Please, Hunith, you were Ygraine’s best friend.  If you won’t do it for me, do it for her.”

“How dare you!” Hunith snapped, her eyes going wide and blazing, “Using my bond with Ygraine to manipulate me…how dare you!”

“Hunith please, I can guarantee your son’s safety.  He will be protected.  I guarantee that no harm will come to him while he is in Camelot.  And once the laws are changed, he too will be free.”

“And what would Balinor say?  He hates you,” Hunith said, “You betrayed him just as you betrayed Kilgharrah.”

“She’s right, Father, let’s just go and leave them be,” Arthur said, bringing his hood back up over his blonde hair, but not before Hunith saw the utter dejection in his blue eyes.  “I will find another way.”

Hunith’s heart broke for the boy.  It was not his fault.  He shouldn’t have to pay the price for his father’s sins.  “Arthur, I—I’m sorry, but he is my only child.”

“Mother…” Merlin said as he approached them, moving to stand by her side, “What’s going on?”

Uther rose to his full height, looking the boy over from head to toe.  “You are Balinor’s son?” he asked with a bemused smile.

“Might be,” Merlin met his gaze with sheer tenacity and cheek.  “And you are?”

“Merlin,” Hunith said in warning, “This is King Uther of Camelot and his son, Prince Arthur."                                                                                                                                                         

Merlin tilted his head, eyeing the king intently.  “You should go.  Magic is legal here, your laws mean nothing.”

“Yes, I am aware, Emrys,” Uther said with a nod.

“My name is Merlin.  Emrys is what the Druids call me.”

“Merlin, right, of course.  I have come to ask for your help.  The Great Dragon, Kilgharrah, advised me to seek you out.  My son has magic that he cannot control, and he needs your help.”

Merlin let out a mirthless laugh, “You want me to risk my life in Camelot to teach your son how to control his magic?”  Merlin turned to look at the other man just as he lowered his hood and his soul instantly keened in recognition even though he had never laid eyes on the prince before.

Arthur looked at him, his blue eyes filled with amusement and interest.  “Father, this is a waste of time.  Mer—lin will never be able to carry out his duties as my servant…look at him.”

Merlin’s eyes narrowed as his lips parted in a wry grin.  “Your servant?  I am expected to be your manservant and your savior?”

“You will be well rewarded of course,” Uther said, “You will remain at Arthur’s side at all times, to teach and protect him, and keep the wrong people from learning about his magic.  And as I told your mother, I have removed the bounty on your father’s head so he can return to her.  I guarantee on my word as King of Camelot that your father will no longer be hunted and will live in freedom for the rest of his days.”

“Your word?” Hunith shook her head, “He took you at your word back then and you destroyed his life.  You kept him from his son all these years.  Why should we trust anything you have to say?  Merlin, go inside the house.”

Merlin didn’t move, he couldn’t tear his eyes away from Arthur.  “And all I have to do is teach the prince to control his magic?”

Hunith looked at him, “Merlin, no…you can’t.”

“Mother if it means that father can come home and live in peace…I am willing to consider it.  But I want something more.”

“Anything,” Uther said, “Name your price.”

“I want it in writing…and I want the right to walk away at any point that I feel Arthur is ready, and my parents will not be threatened.”

Uther nodded to Arthur who pulled a parchment from his saddlebag.  “I have already drawn up the document.  You will receive generous compensation, be provided with food, and clothing, and you’ll sleep in the anteroom of Arthur’s chambers.”

“I will not muck out stables or dump his chamber pot,” Merlin said with a sly smirk.

“Fine,” Uther said, “We have other servants who can handle those duties.”

“Merlin, I don’t know…” Hunith shook her head, tears shining in her eyes.

“Mother, perhaps it is my destiny.”

Arthur looked at Merlin oddly, “Destiny?”

“If I go through with this, in time, magic will be legalized,” Merlin said pointedly, and Uther nodded.  “People like me will no longer have to live in fear.”

“People like us,” Arthur said pointedly.  Something in the prince’s gaze reinforced Merlin’s gut feeling that he was doing the right thing.  “Merlin, you will be protected.  I swear to you.”

“Merlin,” Hunith pleaded, shaking her head.  He hugged her and smiled, “I will be fine.  I am the most powerful sorcerer to ever walk the earth, after all.” 

“You?” Arthur asked, raising an eyebrow, “Surely, that cannot be true.”

“According to the Druids, yes,” Merlin said and then held his closed hand out to the prince.  “You have nothing to fear from me, I assure you,” he smiled, opening his hand, revealing a small flame burning in his palm.  Arthur reached out without thinking, jerking his hand back when he felt the heat from the flame.  His eyes opened impossibly wide.

“Father, are you sure this is wise?” Arthur asked.  “Something tells me Merlin could destroy the kingdom in the blink of an eye if he so chooses.”

“Oh, believe me, I could,” Merlin gave a slight nod, his blue eyes turning a shimmering gold making Arthur shift uncomfortably from one foot to the other.  “If we are to do this, you need to let go of your own fear, Arthur.  Can you do that?”

“I am not afraid of you!” Arthur exclaimed, “Do not be ridiculous!”

“Not of me, of yourself…of what you can do.  The power you wield.  You should not fear that which is a part of you.”

“I don’t,” Arthur said, a slight wavering of his voice betraying him.  “I am not afraid.”

Merlin smiled, “Hold out your hand, palm up.”

Arthur looked at his father questioningly.  Uther nodded, “Merlin is right.  He is trusting us, we must trust him.” 

The prince held out his hand, as Merlin wanted, then his gaze locked on those blue eyes as they turned gold, and he uttered a word.  Arthur fought the urge to jerk away as the same burning flame appeared in his palm.  He could feel the heat of it on his face, but his hand was unharmed.  He stared into it for the longest time as a smile spread across his face.

“How did you…” he asked softly.

“I only uttered the spell, it is your magic that is feeding it,” Merlin grinned.

“It’s beautiful,” Arthur said, his breath catching in his throat.

“Magic is neither good nor bad.  Evil is only in the hearts of man.  There is nothing evil inside you, Arthur.  You are good and noble, brave and kind.”

“You only just met me…you can’t know…”

Merlin stepped closer to the prince.  “I choose to believe in you…in our destiny.”

“And what if you are wrong about me?”

“I’m not.  Reach out with your magic, Arthur, you will feel it too.  This bond we share was formed long before this day.  Long before the dawn of time even.”

Arthur huffed, “You’re insane, Merlin.”

“And you’re a cabbagehead,” Merlin chuckled.

“You can’t call me that!”

“Oh, I can because it is true.”

Hunith couldn’t hold back a fond smile as she watched her son and Arthur.  “Merlin…enough…”

“Oh, this is going to be fun,” Merlin gave Arthur a wide grin.

The prince laughed while appearing offended.  “You might be a powerful sorcerer, but I could take you apart with one blow.”

“I could take you apart with less than that,” Merlin said, closing the distance between them until they were face to face, their noses nearly touching.  Arthur was slightly shorter than him but far stronger and broader.

“Idiot,” Arthur smirked.

“Prat,” Merlin responded and even Uther chuckled at their interaction.

“We should start back to Camelot, we have a long journey,” he said, putting a hand on each of their shoulders, “Merlin, I know we are expecting a lot, and we are taking you away from your home, but I am asking you to trust me.  Kilgharrah believes that you and Arthur are two sides of the same coin.  That the two of you are meant to work together, to bring about a time of peace and prosperity when he is king.  He cannot become king as long as his magic is out of his control.”

“And for that to happen, magic must be freed.  We cannot have peace and prosperity without it.  You do understand that, Sire?”

“I do.  Perhaps it is time.  Perhaps someone like you can change my mind and the minds of the people, to demonstrate that magic is not evil,” the king said.  “Arthur is my son, I love him.  He has magic, I have to learn to accept it and keep him safe.  You, Merlin, are the key to doing just that.  Please, let us sign the agreement and start on this new path forward.  We will give you time to say your goodbyes and pack your belongings.”

“It won’t take long, I have very little to pack,” Merlin said as he signed his name to the parchment and then turned to his mother.  “Mother…”

“It is your decision, Merlin,” Hunith nodded, tears in her eyes, “Do what you need to do, my boy.  I am so proud of you.”

Merlin embraced her, holding her tightly, “I love you.”

“I love you too, Merlin.  Now go, you shouldn’t keep the king and prince waiting.”

Merlin released her and then nodded before heading to their house.  He was packing his bag when the door opened, and Will came charging in.  “You’re leaving?” he asked, “Just like that…”

“Will, I have to do this.  My father can come home now, he will no longer be forced to live in hiding.  My mother needs him.”

“She needs you!”

“Please, Will, you knew this day would come.  That I would have to leave Ealdor.”

“Yes, but to help that pompous ass?  What if they betray you?  They could have you on the pyre before you can blink an eye.”

“Will, that is not going to happen.”

“Merlin…”

Merlin embraced him, slapping his back, “I know, I will miss you too, old friend.  I will come back to visit.  Camelot isn’t that far away.”

“The prince, he really has magic?”

“Yes, he needs my help.”

“You will be careful,” Will said.

“I’ll be fine,” Merlin said as he finished packing then put an arm around his best friend, “Come on walk with me.”

“You know how I feel about nobles,” Will wrinkled up his nose, “I’d rather not.  I will just say my goodbyes at the door.”

They stepped outside and Merlin put a hand on Will’s shoulder, “You will look after my mother?”

“Of course,” he nodded.

“Goodbye, my friend.”

“Goodbye, Merlin…”

Merlin nodded then returned to the king and prince, “I’m ready.”

“You have a horse?” Arthur asked.

“No, I can walk.  I’m used to it.”

“I won’t have you walking all the way back to Camelot,” Uther said.

“I don’t have a horse, and the villagers need their horses for farming.”

“He can ride with me, Father,” Arthur said, surprising himself as much as his father and Merlin, “You’re leaving your home to help me, it’s the least I can do.  Killian is more than strong enough to carry us both.”

Merlin nodded, “Thank you, Sire.”

“From prat to sire?” Arthur smirked.

“Don’t worry I am certain it will not last,” Merlin grinned then turned to embrace his mother.  “Goodbye, I love you.  I will visit when I can.”

“Goodbye, Merlin,” Hunith kissed his cheek, “I love you too.”

Matthew brought their horses back and Uther mounted his.  “Merlin will be safe, Hunith,” he said, “I promise you.”

“If anything happens to him…” she said, tears in her eyes.

“I guarantee no harm will come to Merlin,” Arthur said as he climbed up on Killian then reached an arm down to help Merlin up behind him. 

“I’ll be fine, Mother,” Merlin said as he met his mother’s gaze and nodded as Arthur turned the big black horse around and they followed Uther back toward the road.  Hunith watched them go, fighting tears and a rising panic.

“May the Gods watch over you, my beautiful boy.”

Merlin looked back at her and waved goodbye.  Arthur glanced over his shoulder at the boy behind him and shook his head.

“Are you sure you want to leave your home for me?” Arthur asked, “My father is asking a lot of you, and there’s no guarantee I can even learn to control my magic.  This…all this, I never asked for any of it.”

“When did your powers first start to manifest?”

“I always knew something was different about me, odd things would happen when I lost my temper or when I was scared.  But six months ago, things escalated, and I could no longer deny what it was.  Especially when I blew out all the windows in my chambers after a nightmare.”

“What changed six months ago?”

“I turned twenty-one and was officially declared the Crown Prince of Camelot.”

“Your mother Ygraine, she is…”

“Dead,” Arthur nodded, “She died when I was just a baby.  I barely remember her.”

“She had magic?”

“If she did she kept it a closely guarded secret.  But my father definitely doesn’t have magic so it must have come from her.”  Arthur’s horse nickered then sidestepped as a small boar charged out of the bushes and ran in between the two horses.  “Whoa, Killian,” he said and reached back to keep Merlin from being unseated.  “You better hold on tighter, Merlin.”

“To what?” Merlin asked.

“To me, Idiot,” Arthur rolled his eyes.

“Oh, I wasn’t sure I was allowed to touch you, Your Prattiness.”

“It’s either that or fall off and break your fool neck.”

Merlin chuckled then slid both arms around the prince and he felt the man inhale sharply.  “All right?” he asked, and Arthur nodded.  “If it’s not, I can walk.”

“You’re not walking, Merlin, it is too far.  Just hold on and shut up.”

Uther slowed his horse to look back at them.  He shook his head, “Is this how it is going to be with you two?  Always bickering and insulting each other?”

Merlin and Arthur looked at each other, nodded then smiled.  “Yep,” they said in unison and Uther laughed turning his attention back to the road.   “Well, pick up the pace, I want to reach our camp before dark,” Uther said with an amused glint in his eyes.

“Yes, Father,” Arthur nodded urging Killian forward with his legs, “Come on, boy.” 

Even through Arthur’s heavy cloak and clothing, Merlin could feel the hum of the prince’s magic and the heat of his body.  It made his own magic sing beneath his skin.  This was going to be interesting.

“Arthur, do you feel that?” Merlin asked, his voice low.

Arthur nodded, “Yeah, I do.”

“Maybe I should…”

“Don’t…”

“You don’t mind?”

“If I did you would be walking.  Are you saying it bothers you?”

“Um, no, quite the opposite actually.”

“Good to know,” Arthur gave him a smug smile.

“Arrogant prat,” Merlin huffed a laugh.

They arrived at their camp just as the sun was setting.  Four knights moved forward to assist the king.  There were tents already set up and two guards posted at the edge of the clearing.  Merlin noticed there was no fire burning yet so he slid off of Killian and set off to collect wood before being asked.  He could feel Arthur’s gaze following him.  Then the prince himself hurried to catch up to him, much to his surprise. 

“Such a powerful sorcerer and yet you collect wood without using magic,” Arthur said as he bent over to pick up a few pieces of kindling.  “Why is that?”

Merlin looked at him and grinned, “My mother…she taught me to work hard and to never rely solely on my powers.”

“And your father?”

Merlin shook his head, “I’ve never met him…at least not that I can remember.”

“Never?” Arthur asked, his stomach twisting because he knew his own father was the reason Merlin never knew Balinor.

“No, I didn’t even know his name until a few years ago when I made my mother tell me the truth about him.  He has been on the run my entire life.”  Merlin let out a sad laugh, “I’m not even sure that he knows I exist.”

“Merlin, God, I’m so sorry, I thought…” Arthur turned to look back where his father was setting up their camp, “My father is such a hypocrite.  I can’t believe you agreed to help…you should hate me.”

“Why?” Merlin asked shaking his head slightly, “You aren’t responsible for your father’s actions.”

“You’re a better man than me, Merlin.  If the situations were reversed I probably would have told my father to go to hell.”

Merlin looked at Arthur, “You are a good man.  If you weren’t, I would have done just that.”

“I appreciate that,” the prince smiled then bent over to pick up more wood.

“I really need to stop feeding your ego.”

“Merlin, I need you to know that I realize what you are giving up for this…to help me.  You could have said no and walked away, but you didn’t, and I want you to know that I appreciate it.”

“It is my honor, Sire.  Even if you are a royal prat,” Merlin gave him a cheeky grin.

Arthur huffed a laugh, “If nothing else, you will never fail to tell me the truth.  You treat me like a normal person when no one else in my life does.  People tend to only tell me what I want to hear.”

“I swear upon my life, Your Highness, that I will never fail to point out your faults or tell you when you’re being an ass,” Merlin gave him a feigned look of reverence and a mock bow that had Arthur laughing harder.  “You should do that more often.”

“Do what?” Arthur asked, trying to catch his breath.

“Laugh…you have a nice laugh…” Merlin said quickly averting his gaze as he blushed causing Arthur to raise an eyebrow.

“Merlin…”

“Come on, we need to get the fire going.  It is going to be cold tonight.”

Arthur followed him back to their camp and he watched him lay out the wood in a perfect formation.  Merlin looked up at him intently before glancing at Uther who was focused on eating dried meat and bread.  He turned back to the prince and motioned toward the wood with his eyes.

“What?” Arthur asked.

“Let’s see what you can do with your magic,” Merlin said, “See if you can light the fire.”

“I’ll burn down the entire forest,” Arthur said shaking his head.

“No, you won’t.  You just need to focus on your intent.  Tell your magic what you want it to do.  Like this,” he said, “Forbearnan,” Merlin said, and then the twig he held in his hand caught fire.

“Should we not start with the basics,” Arthur asked, his eyes wide, “I can’t do that.”  He let the kindling in his arms fall onto the pile Merlin started.  “I hardly think that creating fire from nothing is the best place for me to begin training.”

“Well, then I suppose I am not the right person to ask since I was starting fires from my cradle,” Merlin chuckled.

Arthur sat down hard on the ground next to him.  “You’re saying you have had magic since you were a child?”

“I was born with it,” Merlin said, not missing the stunned look on Uther’s face.  He turned to the king and gave him a slight nod.  “Some people do not choose magic, it chooses them,” he said to Arthur, while the words themselves were formed into an invisible arrow fired at the king’s heart.  “They are persecuted for something they had no control over.”

Uther lowered his head, not saying anything, but he got Merlin’s point.

Merlin looked at Arthur again.  “Now, grab that twig right there next to your foot,” Merlin nodded pointedly.  Arthur reached down and picked it up.  “Focus on the end of the twig.  Now the word of the spell is Forbearnan though I don’t really need to say it.  My magic feels my intent and does exactly what I need it to do.  I don’t restrain it and I don’t fear it, as it is a part of me.  An extension of my very soul.”

“I don’t know if I can do this,” Arthur shook his head, his eyes brimming with tears as he looked to his father for approval.

“Do as Merlin says, Arthur,” Uther said, “He is here to teach you how to control your magic.  We may as well start now before we get back to Camelot.”

Arthur let out a slow breath meeting Merlin’s gaze, “Merlin, you can extinguish the flames if it goes out of control?”

“Yes, but I won’t need to,” Merlin smiled reassuringly, “Focus, Arthur…believe in yourself.”

The prince shrugged and looked at the twig.  “Okay, let’s do this.”  He focused on the point of the stick and then nodded.  “Forbearnan,” he said not quite getting the pronunciation right so nothing happened.

“It’s all right, try again,” Merlin smiled, “Forbearnan.”

“Forbearnan!” Arthur said with intent.  The stick sparked and caught fire.  He let out a surprised laugh and then looked at Merlin who was grinning from ear to ear.  “It worked, I did it!”

“See, I knew you could.”

“Father,” Arthur said but his smile faltered when he caught the reflexive look of fear and revulsion in his father’s eyes before Uther could hide it.  Arthur blew out the flame and then got to his feet.  “I’m going for a walk.”

“Arthur!” Uther called after him, “I didn’t mean…”

Merlin glared at him not caring that it was the king he was addressing.  “How do you expect your son to learn anything if he is constantly met with your disapproval?  You can’t even let go of your innate hatred of those with magic when your own son is one of them.”

“I could never hate my son,” Uther snapped.

“No, you just hate the part of your son that came from his mother.  How do you think that feels?  I may have grown up with very little, but I had my mother and she taught me to be proud of who I am and my abilities.  She never made me feel bad or different, even though I know at times she was absolutely terrified that her baby boy would burn the house down around her.  If Arthur is going to learn to control his magic and be comfortable with it, you have to accept him for who he is and stop looking at him like he is some kind of monster whenever he dares to explore his powers,” Merlin said, his voice hard and rough.  “Now, if you will excuse me, Your Majesty, I am going to find your son and make sure he is all right.”

“Merlin…” Uther said, his tone harsh even as his eyes softened in the realization that everything Merlin said was true.  “You’re right…tell him I’m sorry.”

“You can tell him yourself when I bring him back,” Merlin stormed off in the direction Arthur had gone.  “Arthur,” he called out.  Receiving no response, he pushed his magic outward, and it immediately homed in on the prince.  He headed in the right direction and spotted him sitting on a fallen tree.  “Are you all right?” he asked, sitting down next to him.

“My father…” Arthur huffed, quickly swiping at his eyes with the sleeve of his cloak.

“Arthur, your father will never change.  You need to believe in yourself and accept who you are even if he will not.”

“You saw the way he looked at me.”

“Yes, and I just let him know exactly what I thought about it,” Merlin said.

“Merlin…you shouldn’t have…I don’t need you to defend me to my father.  And I don’t want you to get yourself in trouble because of me.”

“No, you don’t, but that doesn’t mean that I won’t tell him when he is being an ass.  I am not afraid of him.  I don’t have to be.”

Arthur looked at Merlin, seeing the fierce protectiveness in his blue eyes and it caught him by surprise.  “Why do you care?”

Merlin shrugged, “You may be an arrogant royal prat, but I can’t help it, I like you.  We are the same, you and I, but it is more than that really.  I am meant to help you, Arthur, and if part of that duty includes telling your father when he is wrong, I will not hesitate.”

“You are a riddle, Merlin,” Arthur smiled.

“I’m not that complicated,” Merlin shook his head.

“When we were riding, and you asked me if I felt it…”

“Yeah?”

“What did you mean?  Tell me.”

“My magic and your magic…it feels…I don’t know, it is hard to explain.”

“Like we have always known each other.”

“Yes,” Merlin smiled, “I already feel so protective of you.”

“I never want you to put yourself in danger for me, Merlin.  My father may be allowing this, but he will never fully accept what we are.  I don’t want you getting hurt.”

“I am the most powerful sorcerer to ever walk the earth,” Merlin grinned, “I can take care of myself and of you.”

Arthur smiled, “That spell you taught me…the fire.”

“Yeah?”

“You will teach me others?”

Merlin nodded, “That is why I am here.”

“I’m not nearly as powerful as you are, am I?  But will I ever be?”

“I’m not sure I am a good comparison as I am pretty much magic incarnate.  The Druids treat me like some kind of deity,” Merlin chuckled, “It’s really uncomfortable.  Unlike you royals, I don’t like being regarded as better than anyone else.  I’m just me.”

“Thank you, Merlin,” Arthur said, leaning closer to bump their shoulders together.

“You’re welcome.  Now can we go back and get the fire going I am starving?” Merlin asked, getting to his feet and extending a hand to the prince.  He took hold and Merlin pulled him up off the log failing to step back as he did so, and they ended up far closer than was appropriate.  “Sorry,” he said lowering his gaze, but Arthur shook his head and embraced him, surprising them both.

“It means a lot to me that you are willing to do this,” Arthur said as he drew back.

Merlin nodded, “I know.”

“Let’s go back,” Arthur said putting an arm around the younger man as they walked.

Uther looked up when they emerged from the woods.  “Arthur, there you are, I was getting worried.”

“Merlin found me,” Arthur said then he sat down next to the unlit fire.  He glanced at Merlin who nodded and smiled.  “Forbearnan,” Arthur said with confidence, his eyes flaring gold, and the wood caught fire immediately.  He looked not to his father, but to Merlin, realizing that he had just found a true and loyal friend who would always accept him for who he was and would always be by his side no matter what this destiny of theirs threw at them.

“Very good, Arthur,” Uther said with a hesitant smile.  “I am sorry, son…I will try to be more accepting.  I realize now that I was wrong.”

Arthur looked at his father with wide-eyed surprise as Uther Pendragon never apologized for anything.  “Thank you, Father.”

Merlin pulled out his bag and the loaf of fresh bread he had snatched from the table before leaving.  He tore off a chunk and handed it to Arthur who accepted it gratefully and moaned when he bit into it. 

“Oh, that is good,” he smiled, “I think we need to go back for your mother.  She could teach the cook at Camelot a few things.”

“She would never live in Camelot,” Merlin shook his head.

“She did once,” Uther said, and Merlin looked at him.

“My mother used to live in Camelot?”

“Yes, long before you were born.  She was Ygraine’s maidservant.  They were very close,” Uther nodded, “Like sisters almost.  After your grandparents died of a sickness, Hunith came to live in the Lower Town.  They were instantly drawn to each other…became inseparable.”

“She never told me,” Merlin lowered his head.

“No, I imagine that she wouldn’t.  It must be painful to remember,” Uther said then looked at his son.  “Hunith was there the night Arthur was born.  The night Ygraine…she lived, but she never fully recovered.  Your mother took care of her and Arthur.  I was caught up in my own grief and blamed magic for everything.  After Ygraine died, I am ashamed to say that I blamed Hunith, I lashed out at her and treated her horribly.  I had thought she would leave, but she stayed and took care of Arthur until he was two years old.  She treated him as her own.  Then one day she met and fell in love with your father.  She left Camelot with Balinor.”

“I didn’t know any of this,” Merlin said softly.

“Many months later, I sent word to Balinor, he returned to Camelot, I asked him for help with The Great Dragon and I betrayed them both.  I imprisoned Kilgharrah and I ordered all the Dragonlords, including your father, to be rounded up and executed so they would not be able to free him.  I knew they would stop at nothing to do so as dragons are their kin…your kin, Merlin.”

“Why are you even telling me all this?” Merlin asked, his eyes pooling with tears.

Uther shook his head, “I can never make up for the pain and anguish I caused your family.  Because of me, your father was forced to run, to leave your mother alone.  You could have had a better life.  Your father is a noble…A Dragonlord…I took everything from him.  His title, his lands, his power, and his family.  I am ashamed of what I did, Merlin.  I know it is meaningless, but I am deeply sorry.  One day I hope to see your father face to face, and tell him the same.”

“Father, you do realize that the man is liable to kill you before you ever have the chance to apologize?” Arthur said, “And honestly, I can’t say I’d blame him.”

“You’re right,” Uther nodded.

Merlin sat quietly, staring into the fire, his eyes still glistening.  Arthur reached over, placing a hand on his shoulder, fully expecting the boy to flinch and pull away.  Instead, Merlin leaned into his touch, giving him a pained look, his blue eyes a storm of indecipherable emotions.

“Merlin…” he said softly.

“It’s not you…not your fault,” Merlin said, forcing a smile.  “I’m all right.  I’m not leaving you, no matter what your father did.  My mother may have left you, but I won’t.”

“That’s not…I’m not worried about…” Arthur said, squeezing his shoulder gently, “Merlin, I just don’t want to see you hurting.”

Merlin turned to look at Uther.  He let out a breath and shook his head.  “I will never forgive you.  But I will not go back on our agreement.  I am here for Arthur…not you.  I care about him.”

Uther let out a deep sigh and then nodded.  “You are so much like your mother.  She adored Arthur.  After she left, Arthur was devastated…it was like losing his mother all over again.  I needed someone to care for Arthur, so I married Vivienne, my most loyal and trusted friend’s widow, she brought her daughter Morgana with her.  She and Arthur are very close.  You will meet her when we return to Camelot.  I have a feeling you two will get on well as you and she are very similar in nature.”

Arthur huffed, “Morgana is a handful, but he is right, you will probably love her.  Of course, my father left out the part that she is actually his daughter.  He and Vivienne had an affair before Gorlois died.  Morgana is my half-sister, she is nineteen years old.”

“Oh,” Merlin smirked, “Scandalous.”

“Arthur, I hardly think that Merlin needs to know all our deepest family secrets.”

“Actually, he does.  If he is to be with me at all times, he should know everything.  Including the fact that my wicked stepmother hates me.”

“Vivienne does not hate you, Arthur,” Uther huffed.

“She loathes me, and I have no idea why.  In her eyes, I’m guilty of the unforgivable sin of existing.”

“Now you’re being overly dramatic, Arthur.  Vivienne loves you like a son.”

“Of course, she does,” Arthur smirked and rolled his eyes making Merlin chuckle.  “Better now?” he asked softly, and Merlin nodded.

“Thanks to you.”  Perhaps it was the bond his mother had with the prince all those years ago that made Merlin feel so protective of him.  Or perhaps it was something else entirely.

“I am quite tired, so I shall turn in.  Good night, Merlin.  Arthur, are you coming?” Uther asked then retreated into his tent. 

“Yes, Father,” Arthur said then stood up, disappearing into the tent without so much as a glance at Merlin, leaving him with a profound emptiness. 

“Good night, Arthur,” he said softly as he stirred the fire, keeping it going.  He should be tired, but his mind wouldn’t stop swirling around everything Uther had told him about his father.  He was surprised when Arthur emerged from the tent with his bedroll, laying it out beside the fire.  “You’re not going to sleep in the tent?” Merlin asked.

“Nah, I’m cold, and would rather be by the fire,” Arthur shook his head, “Besides my father snores.”

“Ah, I see,” Merlin chuckled.

“And I thought I’d keep you company.”

“I am the servant…I’m supposed to sleep outside.  You are the prince, you are supposed to sleep inside the tent where it is safe, warm, and dry.”

Arthur pulled off his boots setting them near the fire.  He turned his head, tilting it slightly as he looked at Merlin.  “Would you rather be left out here all alone?”

Merlin shook his head, “No, I’m just saying, you don’t have to sleep outside for me.”

“I told you, I’m cold and my father snores,” Arthur grinned, “Keeping you company is merely a kindness.”

“I see,” Merlin grinned.

“Shut up, Merlin.”

“Do you want to talk about it?”

“About what?”

Merlin shrugged, “Just seems like there are things you need to get off your chest that you can’t when your father is around.”

Arthur huffed, “That would take all night and you wouldn’t even begin to understand.”

“You might be surprised.”

“All right,” Arthur nodded, “You asked for it.”

“I’m listening.”

“Where to begin…”

“How about with your stepmother and Morgana.”

“Ah, yes, the beautiful, cruel Vivienne…she married my father and became queen and brought along her only daughter Morgana.  Hates me, resents me, and treats me horribly when my father isn’t around.  When I was fourteen years old, my father left Camelot for a meeting in a neighboring kingdom.  I wanted to go with him, but he insisted that I stay.  He wasn’t gone an hour before Vivienne ordered that I be locked in my chambers.  She had the servants deliver food and water, but I was not allowed to leave my rooms until my father’s return.  Morgana would sneak in every day and bring me honey cakes and books.  We would sit for hours and talk.  She is a kind, sweet girl, nothing like her mother.  She is a few years younger than me.”

“I’m glad you had Morgana at least,” Merlin said.

“I’m surprised that Vivienne didn’t have my food poisoned.  She wants me out of her way so badly.  She resents the fact that I will inherit the throne when my father dies instead of her.”

“Does she know you have magic?”

“No, no one does, not even Morgana.  Well, Gaius knows, because he has taken care of me my entire life.  He is loyal to my father and to me.  Also, Sir Leon, he is Camelot’s First Knight, loyal and true.”

“Vivienne is a threat to you,” Merlin said.

“As long as my father is alive she will not do anything.”

“And you trust Morgana?”

“Yes, I love her dearly.”

“I had no idea that my mother lived in Camelot and knew your mother.”

“Neither did I…I was too young to remember.”

“Arthur, what I said earlier…about this connection I feel to you.  I mean it.  I’ve never felt anything like this before.”

“I know, neither have I, Merlin.”

“I think we are going to be good friends.”

“Yeah,” Arthur nodded, “We are.  Should get some sleep, we have a long journey tomorrow.”

“I should check on the horses,” Merlin said then got to his feet.

“Merlin, you are not really a servant.  At least not yet.”

“I may as well get used to it now.  Have to keep up appearances.”

“Fine, I will come with you then,” Arthur said pulling his boots back on then he got up and followed Merlin.  They checked the horses and gave them more food and water.  He watched Merlin closely, noticing how the horses nudged him and leaned into his touch.  “You’re very good with them.”

“I love horses, all animals actually.  They seem to love me too.”

“Can’t imagine why,” Arthur smirked meeting Merlin’s blue-gray eyes.

“I’ll have to save up my money now that I have a job.  I want to buy a horse of my own so I can visit Mother.”

Arthur shook his head, “No need, I have the perfect horse for you.  He’s a bit spirited and stubborn but I think you can handle him.  His name is Griffin.  He’s yours.”

“I can’t accept…” Merlin shook his head.

“Merlin, you are going to need a horse.  I have my pick of the strongest steeds in Camelot.  I want you to have him.”

“Really?”

“Yes, Merlin,” Arthur nodded, “Can’t very well have you walking everywhere.  I need you with me on hunts and missions.  You’re going to be by my side.”

“Thank you then,” Merlin smiled, “I will take good care of Griffin.”

“I know you will.”

As they walked back toward the fire Merlin glanced at Arthur.  “Tell me, your magic…what kind of things has it done besides blowing out all the windows in your chambers?”

Arthur sat down on his bedroll while Merlin laid out his own blanket to sleep on.  “Usually, it reacts when I am upset, scared, angry, sometimes even when I am asleep or unfocused.  Once during a council meeting, I was bored out of my mind.  Lord Sedgewick was going on and on about how he felt he deserved reparations because magic users supposedly cursed his fields, and the land would produce no crops.  I knew he was lying.  Why would he want to have to pay people to work in the fields when he could pocket the gold for himself?  I got rather annoyed, and my magic reached out and dropped his pants to his ankles and when he went to pull them up his wine goblet just happened to dump on his head.”

Merlin laughed, “How did your father cover for that one?”

“He called Sedgewick a clumsy fool and told him he would consider his request which he did not.”

“When did your father first find out you had magic?”

“We were in his chambers going over documents while eating and drinking wine.  I reached for something and knocked my goblet over.  The wine, well, it would have destroyed the important parchments, so my magic froze the wine in mid-air and put it back into the goblet before righting it.  My father saw the whole thing and he said my eyes turned gold.”

“What did he do?”

Arthur huffed a laugh, “Pretended it didn’t happen and went right back to work.  Uther Pendragon thinks if he refuses to acknowledge something he doesn’t want to see, then it doesn’t exist.  After a while though he could no longer ignore it.  The night I was made Crown Prince my eyes turned gold when he placed the circlet on my head.  Nothing happened, I think my magic just somehow awakened fully at that moment.  I can’t explain it.”

“What was the first thing that made you yourself realize that it was magic?” Merlin asked.

“I was young, maybe twelve…Vivienne was screaming at me for something, and I lost my temper.  I lowered my head and wished she would leave me alone.  I felt something and the next thing I knew she was on the floor.  The sturdy chair she was sitting in, all four legs broke off,” Arthur chuckled, “You should have seen the look on her face.  Even Morgana couldn’t hold back her laughter.”

Merlin smiled, “You definitely need to learn control.  And spells…spells will help you to direct the magic.”

“Show me something you can do, Merlin,” Arthur said.

Merlin held out his hand toward the fire.  “Upastige draca!” he said, and a flying dragon formed from the sparks and flames rising into the air before vanishing.  The look of sheer delight on Arthur’s face made Merlin grin.  “I don’t need spells most of the time…they help, but as I said before, my magic knows exactly what I want, and it acts accordingly.”

“You really were born with it?” Arthur asked.

Merlin smiled, “My mother said I was floating objects in the air, moving things around and making fires before I was even able to talk.”

“That must have been difficult for her.  Raising you alone.”

“It was,” Merlin smiled fondly, “But she never made me feel bad for what I was.”

“You aren’t afraid of what it can do?” Arthur asked.

“I will never fear it,” Merlin shook his head, “Magic is as much a part of me as the blood in my veins and the air in my lungs.  It exists in the space between my heartbeats.  It hums beneath my skin eager and happy to respond when I call.  It is me and I am it.”

“I hope that one day I can feel that way.”

“You will.  I can help you.  We should sleep now,” Merlin smiled then laid down.  Arthur laid down on his back and then rolled onto his side to face Merlin.

“Thank you,” he said softly.

“You’re welcome, Sire.  Sleep well.”

“You too, Merlin,” Arthur smiled then closed his eyes.

Merlin laid back on the ground, glancing over at the prince.  The man was the embodiment of the handsome prince…the brave hero.  Golden skin, blonde hair, blue eyes, broad shoulders.  Compared to Merlin’s own pale skin, black hair, and gangly body…they were about as opposite as anyone could be.  He wondered, if not for the magic…if they had met in passing would they be friends?  Would they be building this bond if Arthur were just the mundane son of a magic-loathing king?  Merlin shook his head, probably not.

“You’re not sleeping,” Arthur muttered.

“How would you know?  Your eyes are closed?” Merlin smirked.

“You’re thinking too loudly.”

“Sorry.”

“Are you going to tell me?”

“Tell you what?”

“Whatever thought that is keeping you from going to sleep,” Arthur said, opening one eye.

Merlin shook his head, “I was just wondering if we met under any other circumstances if we would still be like this…becoming friends…building a bond.  If you didn’t have magic.”

Arthur huffed a laugh, “Me?  Friends with a common peasant…never.”  He opened both eyes giving Merlin a teasing grin.  “A lanky idiot with an insolent mouth and no respect for royalty.”

“Because you’re an arrogant pompous dollop head.”

“What the hell is a dollop head?” Arthur raised his head off the pillow.

Merlin shrugged, “I made it up…just for you.”

“I’m honored,” Arthur chuckled.

“You should be.  Not that you don’t already get all the glory and the girls.”

Arthur raised an eyebrow, “Glory maybe…girls…not so much.”

“Boys then?” Merlin asked with a smirk and Arthur shoved him lightly.

“Shut up, Merlin,” he narrowed his eyes.

“Interesting.”

“What is?”

“You’re blushing…”

“I am not!  It’s just there aren’t a lot of opportunities to you know…”

“Ah, I see,” Merlin said fighting the urge to laugh.

“As if you are so experienced in these matters.”

“You might be surprised.”

“Really?” Arthur asked.

“Life can be rather uneventful in Ealdor,” Merlin gave him a sly grin.

“You mean you have…”

“Go to sleep, My Lord,” he said in a husky voice and Arthur’s eyes went wide.

“Merlin?”

“Yes, I have.”

“Oh,” Arthur said his face getting hotter, “Which…I mean…”

Merlin shrugged, “Both.”

“Both!”

“Yes, Arthur.”

“How old are you anyway?”

“I’m eighteen years old.”

“Oh,” Arthur said, “You’re three years younger than me then.”

“You are smarter than I give you credit for.”

Arthur laughed and moved quickly, pinning Merlin to the ground with his whole body.  “Cheeky little sorcerer, I may have you thrown in the stocks for that.”

Merlin laughed, “I’m sorry.”

“I don’t think you are, Mer—lin.”

“What ever can I do to make it up to you, Sire?”

Arthur grinned, “I can think of a few things.”

Merlin’s expression grew serious as he met Arthur’s gaze, his pupils were blown wide as he stared at his captive’s lips.  Merlin nodded and the prince lowered his head slowly brushing his lips over his in a tentative searching kiss that sent a wave of heat through them both.  Merlin rose up on his elbows deepening the kiss and Arthur moaned before drawing away.

“I was not expecting that,” he said his breathing ragged, heart racing.

“Neither was I,” Merlin smiled a bit hesitantly, “But, I liked it.”

“Did you really?”

“Very much.”

“We probably shouldn’t do that again…ever,” Arthur said, glancing around quickly to make sure the knights and guards were not within eyesight.

“Probably wise,” Merlin said as he studied Arthur’s expression.

“Maybe just…” Arthur smiled then kissed him again, “God, Merlin…your lips.”

“Oh, definitely need to stop.”

Arthur looked down at the rather obvious bulge in Merlin’s trousers.  “Yes, sorry,” he blushed then moved back to his bedroll grabbing his blanket to cover his own arousal.

“Don’t apologize, Arthur,” Merlin said reaching over to tug on his sleeve.

“I took advantage…”

“And I let you, gladly.  I wanted to.  Believe me, if we were completely alone out here, I wouldn’t think twice.”

Arthur smiled, “Good to know.”

Merlin huffed a laugh, “There I go, feeding your ego again.”

“You’re quite pretty, Merlin…for a boy.”

“So are you…for a prat.”

“Go to sleep,” Arthur chuckled.

“Night, Arthur.”

“Night, Merlin.”

Chapter 2: Two Sides of the Same Coin

They rode into Camelot late in the day, Uther in the lead.  Merlin was in awe, looking up at the gleaming castle, its white walls catching the light of the setting sun.  He smiled at the people hustling about in the lower town and the courtyard.  His eyes were wide and bright.  Arthur glanced back at him and grinned.

“You’re not in Ealdor anymore, Merlin.”

“This is amazing,” Merlin beamed at him, and Arthur had to force himself to look away as they approached the steps of the castle.  He shook his head.  He needed to get his feelings under control before his father realized that there was something far more than friendship growing between him and Merlin.

Arthur helped Merlin down then dismounted.  They grabbed their bags and followed Uther up the steps and into the castle.  He kept one hand on Merlin’s forearm guiding him.  Merlin’s mouth was open and his eyes wide as they moved through the corridors.

“Arthur,” Uther turned, “I want you to get Merlin settled in the anteroom in your chambers.  Then find him something presentable to wear and both of you join Vivienne, Morgana, and me for supper.”

“Yes, father,” Arthur nodded.

The king looked at Merlin and smiled warmly, “Welcome to Camelot, Merlin.  I do hope you will be happy here.”

“Thank you, My Lord,” Merlin bowed slightly.  They watched Uther walk away then he turned to Arthur, “Supper?  Is that appropriate?”

“Merlin, you’re invited by the king, it is appropriate,” Arthur grinned, “Come on, let’s go to my rooms.”

“I’m supposed to be your servant.  Servants don’t eat supper with the royal family,” Merlin muttered as they walked up the steps and turned down another corridor stopping in front of double doors which Arthur opened.

“Here we are,” the prince said proudly, and Merlin gasped. 

“Gods, your chambers are larger than my entire house in Ealdor,” he said as he ran a hand along the mantle of the fireplace.

“And it will be your duty to clean them,” Arthur smirked.

“What else will be required of me?”

“Washing my clothes, cleaning my boots, sharpening and polishing my sword, repairing and polishing my armor, exercising my dogs, accompanying me on hunts, grooming the horses, fetching my breakfast every morning, arranging my bath.”

Merlin’s eyes grew wider, “That’s it?  Am I to be your bedwarmer as well?”

Arthur blushed and Merlin grinned, “Um, that is not required…I would never ask that of you.”

“Good to know.  Not that I would be opposed, of course,” Merlin added under his breath.

“It could be worse, if you could read and write I’d be tempted to have you helping me with the boring stuff like speeches and court business…which I loathe.”

“I can do that,” Merlin said.

“What?”

“I read and write.  My mother insisted that I learn.  I never questioned how she learned, but now that I know she lived in Camelot that explains a lot.”

“Oh, I’m sorry, I assumed that because you were a peasant…”

Merlin smiled, “It’s all right.”

“You are truly a riddle, Merlin,” Arthur grinned.

“Yes, you said that already,” he smiled.

“And I think I am going to like fathoming you out.”

“Yeah?” Merlin asked, stepping closer to the prince, “And just where would you like to start?”

“Right about here,” Arthur said, then flicking his hand, the door locked as he pulled Merlin closer and kissed him.

“Nice trick,” Merlin said against his lips.

“I learned that one on my own, I do love my privacy.”

“Good to know.”

“We will have to keep this between us.  If my father finds out…”

“I’ll lose my head.”

“He may be willing to overlook your magic, but this he would not be so keen on.”

“Perhaps we shouldn’t then…avoid temptation.”

“Gods, Merlin, I fear it is far too late for that,” Arthur grinned pulling him in for another kiss.  A knock on the door interrupted them and Arthur let out a frustrated growl and flicked his hand again unlocking it.  “Enter!” he said then stepped back from Merlin a respectable distance.

“You’re back, Sire,” Sir Leon smiled as he walked in then looked at Merlin, “You must be Merlin, I am Sir Leon.”

Merlin grinned, “I am.”

Leon grasped his forearm and nodded.  “It is good you have come.  Arthur needs your help.”

“Yes, he definitely does.”

Arthur blushed and lowered his gaze to the floor, “Leon, was there something you need?”

“Actually, I felt I should warn you…while you and the king were gone, Queen Vivienne was holding court and putting pressure on the lords.  I think she may be planning something that will oust you as heir to the throne.  Watch your back, my friend,” Leon said, putting a hand on Arthur’s shoulder. 

“I’m not afraid of her,” Arthur shook his head.

“All the same, do not trust her for a moment,” Leon frowned, “Honestly, I can hardly believe Morgana is her daughter, she is so sweet and kind and compassionate.”

Merlin looked from Leon to Arthur then back, “Arthur’s life could really be in danger.”

“She would never,” Arthur shook his head, but his tone belied his uncertainty.

“Merlin, you will protect him?” Leon asked.

“With my life,” Merlin said with an absolute conviction that surprised Leon.  Arthur looked at him intently.

“Merlin…”

“Arthur, it’s my duty.  Though even if it weren’t, I’d never let anyone hurt you.”

Leon’s eyes widened at the exchange and smiled as he noticed the intense eye contact between the prince and the sorcerer.  Oh, this is going to be interesting.  He cleared his throat and nodded.  “I will leave you two to get further acquainted then,” he smirked then headed for the door.

“Arthur!”

Merlin turned as a gorgeous green-eyed brunette girl glided through the door with surprising speed and grace.  Leon side-stepped narrowly avoiding a collision. 

“You’re back,” she beamed embracing Arthur tightly.

“Morgana,” Arthur grinned, “I missed you.”

“Is this him?” she asked, eyeing Merlin up and down, “Oh you poor boy, I do hope you know what you’re in for.  I have such sympathy.  Arthur’s last servant went absolutely mad, he does nothing but sit in the corner of the tavern biting his fingernails and drinking ale to cope with the trauma.”

Arthur huffed a laugh, “Morgana, aren’t you exaggerating just a bit?”

“Perhaps,” she shrugged, “But it is true, Arthur is a brute and bossy and demanding.”

Merlin gave her a wide and bright grin, “I am quite capable of handling the prince.  I am much stronger than I look.”

Morgana giggled, a look of pure delight in her eyes, “Yes, yes, you are…welcome to Camelot, Merlin.”

“Thank you, My Lady,” Merlin bowed and kissed her hand.

“Oh, I do like you,” Morgana beamed at him, “Arthur, you better hang on to this one.”

“I plan to,” Arthur grinned, giving Merlin a wink.

“You will both be joining us for supper, won’t you?”

“Yes, if we must.”

“Uther said we would be having a guest.  While I am delighted, I am surprised that he would invite Merlin to the family dinner.  Perhaps you are more than just a mere servant, hmm?”  Morgana leaned closer to Merlin and looked him in the eyes.

Merlin shook his head, “I’m just a peasant boy from Ealdor here to serve the prat.”

Morgana cried out in delight, patting Merlin’s chest, “Arthur, this one is definitely a keeper.  See you at dinner, Merlin.”  She then turned and glided back out the door.

“Gods, she is really something,” Merlin said, raising an eyebrow.

Arthur bumped Merlin’s shoulder, “Don’t go getting any ideas…you are mine.”

“Am I really?”

“You know what I mean,” Arthur blushed.

Merlin gave him a wide grin, “You’re jealous.”

“I am not!”

“Perhaps there is something I can do to prove my utter and complete devotion to you and only you, My Lord,” Merlin said, his eyes intense and focused on Arthur’s.

“What might you suggest?” Arthur asked, his eyes dropping to Merlin’s full, soft lips.

“Lock the door,” Merlin grinned, and as soon as he heard the bolt slip into place, he dropped to his knees at Arthur’s feet uttering a word of magic.  Arthur moaned filthily.  His trousers came undone, and he would soon follow as Merlin made his intentions clear, his hand slowly stroking his already hard length and flicking his tongue across the slit.

“Merlin, no one has ever…” Arthur gasped as Merlin swallowed him down, the head of his cock hitting the back of his throat.  “Oh, Gods, Merlin…that is…oh please!”

Merlin moaned and did something with his tongue and his teeth that made Arthur cry out in pure pleasure.  His hands and long slender fingers trailed up the back of his muscular thighs as his full lips slid along his length.  The prince reached down to tangle his fingers in Merlin’s dark hair biting his bottom lip to keep from embarrassing himself with shouts of utter bliss.  He had never imagined this…not until Merlin.  His Merlin.

“Merlin, please…so good,” Arthur whimpered, his hips moving slightly as he struggled with the temptation to thrust into the warm wet heaven that was Merlin’s mouth.

Merlin released Arthur’s cock with a grin, looking up at his prince.  “I am yours, Arthur, now and always.  He then licked from base to tip, flicking his tongue over the head pushing into the slit then sucked on just the tip before swallowing him all the way to the base relaxing his throat muscles to take all of him.  Arthur’s breath stuttered and his knees trembled as he reached out bracing a hand on the desk behind him as Merlin hollowed out his cheeks.

“Gods, Merlin…I’m close!” Arthur said then moaned, his breath coming out in harsh pants and Merlin never let up, fully focused on taking his prince apart piece by piece.  “Good hell your mouth!”  Merlin hummed and let out a rough growl that sent vibrations all through Arthur’s body.  “Mer…oh…oh…Gods,” Arthur’s head tilted back, his mouth open in a silent cry of sheer ecstasy as he spilled his seed inside Merlin’s mouth.  “Merlin!” he gasped, his knees giving out and Merlin’s eyes flashed gold wrapping him in a protective embrace to keep him from dropping to the floor.

“Are you all right?” Merlin asked with a chuckle.

“God have mercy, where did you learn to do that?” Arthur panted, pulling Merlin to his feet as his hands framed his face.  “You’re amazing.”

“I have many talents,” Merlin said with a spark of mischief in his eyes.

“Perhaps that one should be added to your list of daily chores,” Arthur teased.

“Mmm, that is one chore I will gladly perform, to the best of my ability, as often as my prince would like.”

“This arrangement is going to work out brilliantly then,” Arthur kissed him, “I fully intend on rewarding you for your service as well.”  He ran his hand over Merlin’s hip to palm his erection.  “Show me,” he whispered, “I want to see it.”

“Later, right now we have to find me something presentable to wear to supper.”

“Merlin…”

“Don’t worry, I plan on letting you return the gesture later when we have more time.  This was just a taste of what’s to come, My Lord.”

Arthur surged forward devouring Merlin’s mouth again then shook his head, “I won’t be able to think of anything else.”

An hour later, Merlin was dressed in a purple tunic and brown trousers with his own brown boots as Arthur’s did not fit him.  Arthur stood back and looked at him and nodded.

“You look really good in purple, Merlin.”

“It is now my favorite color,” Merlin grinned, turning in a circle.  Arthur ran his fingers through his hair trying to repair the damage his fingers had done earlier.  The memory sent a rush of arousal through his body and his cock responded in kind.  Merlin looked down and winked.  “Better get that under control or we will give ourselves away.”

“You don’t make it easy, Merlin.  You are…you’re beautiful,” Arthur said, his voice rough.  “There’s no other word that fits.”

“Thank you, Sire,” Merlin gave him a soft smile and his cheeks flushed.

Arthur kissed him then tilted his head toward the door, “Shall we?”  Merlin nodded and they left the room heading down the corridor.  Morgana was waiting for them at the bottom of the stairs giving Merlin an appreciative gaze.

“My, my, aren’t you a handsome boy?  Arthur, you will allow me to take Merlin to the tailor for some new clothes.  Seeing as he is going to be your personal servant, he must look the part.”

“I will see to it, Morgana,” Arthur smiled.

“Oh, please, do let me help.  Purples and blues and definitely red.”

“Fine, if you insist.  But make sure he has clothes for every day as well.  And a warm coat and he will need new boots.”

Merlin shook his head, “I don’t need a bunch of clothes, I am just a peasant.”

“Not anymore, Merlin,” Morgana beamed, “You are the personal servant to the Prince of Camelot and future king.  That requires you to attend him at banquets and council meetings and you will accompany him to other kingdoms to meet with both allies and foes.”

“Still want to do this?” Arthur asked Merlin.

“As if I have a choice now,” Merlin grinned, “I am honored to serve you, Sire.”

“You always have a choice, Merlin,” Arthur said earnestly, his gaze meeting Merlin’s.

“If you two keep looking at each other like that…” Morgana whispered, “You’re going to get Merlin banished.”

Arthur shook his head, “Like what?”

“Right,” Morgana nodded eyeing them knowingly, “Just be careful.  We wouldn’t want anything to happen to Merlin.”

“No, we wouldn’t,” Arthur said, giving up the charade.  Morgana was far too discerning.

“For what it’s worth, I am happy for you,” she beamed then spun on her heels and headed for the double doors of the dining chamber opening them with a flourish.

Arthur and Merlin followed and as they walked in, Uther motioned to the two chairs on his right.  “Join us, please,” he nodded.

Morgana took a seat next to her mother who an older version of her daughter.  Vivianne’s hair was black as ebony, falling smoothly down her back, not a strand out of place.  She wore a blue velvet and silk dress that was so dark that it almost appeared black.  Her sharp green eyes bore into Merlin the second he walked into the room and followed him to where he took his seat next to Arthur.

“Merlin, I see you have met Morgana,” Uther said, “This is Queen Vivienne, my wife and Arthur’s stepmother.  Vivienne, this is Merlin, Arthur’s new manservant.”

“Merlin,” Vivienne said, her voice edged with something that made his skin crawl, “You seem familiar, have we met before?”

Merlin bowed his head, “I do not believe so, Your Highness, I am certain I would remember meeting a stunningly beautiful woman such as yourself.  I am but a peasant here to serve Prince Arthur.”

Arthur glanced nervously at his stepmother.  She seemed pleased at Merlin’s response and a genuine smile actually reached her cold eyes.  His heart was still pounding in his chest as he knew if she detected anything between him and Merlin, Merlin would become a target for her ire and Arthur did not want that.

“Welcome to Camelot, Merlin,” Vivienne said, her tone much softer, “I do hope you will be happy here.  I fear you will find that Arthur is quite a handful.  Demanding, spoiled, privileged, lazy…”

“Forgive my boldness, My lady,” Merlin said, his eyes narrowing ever so slightly, “But you speak of the Crown Prince of Camelot.  Arthur is a great warrior, brave, strong, and noble.  Stories of his achievements and victories are told around campfires even in the humble village of Ealdor, where I come from.  I am honored to serve him and Camelot.  I will gladly do so until the day I die.  And I’ll not allow anyone to speak ill of him.  One day he will be king, an honorable and strong king that every citizen of Camelot will be proud to call their sovereign.”

Morgana struggled to keep her composure, pretending to drink to hide her smile behind the goblet, green eyes sparkling with unrestrained mirth.  Oh, Merlin, this is going to be fun, she thought to herself.  The look on her mother’s face was priceless, her blood-red lips parting and closing repeatedly as she slowly began to realize that she had just been not-so-subtly rebuked by a mere servant and was trying to decide whether or not it was wise to contradict him in front of the king.

Uther cleared his throat, reaching over to cover her hand with his.  “Thank you, Merlin.  I am truly glad that Arthur will have such a loyal and devoted servant by his side.”

“Wait, Ealdor…you are Hunith’s boy, aren’t you!” Vivienne exclaimed, her eyes going wide.  “That’s why you are so familiar...you look just like your mother.”

“I am, yes,” Merlin nodded giving her a slight smile.

“Oh, you poor child, no wonder you are so irreverent and rude, with that woman for a mother,” Vivienne scoffed.

Arthur glared daggers at her.  “Vivienne, you will stop,” he warned her.

“Hunith…” Vivienne tutted, ignoring Arthur, “I am surprised you survived at all.  She was a horrible nursemaid for dear Arthur.  To imagine her raising a child.”  Vivienne shook her head and let out a harsh laugh that made Arthur want to jump across the table and strangle her with his bare hands.  He glanced over at Merlin expecting him to be upset, but he was completely calm and obviously not about to back down.  The boy had no sense of self-preservation.

“Your Highness, my mother never told me about her life here in Camelot.  But now that I know, I love and admire her even more because she did the best she could with the life she was given, raising me alone while still managing to take care of the village and the crops, something you would know nothing about, I am certain.  She is an amazing, strong, and wonderful woman and I love her,” Merlin said, his voice surprisingly even despite the intensity of his eyes which made Arthur shiver.

Vivianne stiffened preparing to speak but both Uther and Morgana gave her a look that had her closing her mouth.  She was seething and glaring at the boy.

“Mother,” Morgana said, her eyes narrowing, “Merlin is our guest tonight.  He is welcome in Camelot, and you should not disrespect his mother in such a way.”

“Of course,” Vivienne relented though she had no intention of apologizing to a servant, “Where is the food?  Guinevere!”

“Yes, Your Majesty…”

Merlin looked up at the pretty girl standing quietly behind Morgana and her mother.  She had beautiful dark skin and dark curly hair, her eyes were kind and warm and she hurried to the door to open it and servants entered with their food placing it on the table.  He met Guinevere’s gaze and gave her a wink and a wide grin which made her blush and smile.  Arthur noticed and nudged Merlin with his knee.  He turned to look at the prince and shrugged.

“Are you all right?” Arthur asked keeping his voice low.

“I’m fine,” Merlin said.

Arthur’s eyes went to Guinevere, “She’s very pretty.”

“Yes, she is.”

“She’s taken by the way.”

Merlin turned to look at Arthur and grinned, “So am I.”

Arthur wanted so badly to kiss him right then and there in front of everyone.  It was all he could do to restrain himself.  He was so far gone for Merlin that it wasn’t even funny.  Even though he knew anything between them would have to be kept behind closed doors, he was happy.  One day he would be forced to marry for the kingdom and an heir, but for now, he had Merlin, and he was happier than he had ever been in his life to have someone who understood him in ways that no one else ever could.  Who made him feel like a real person, not just the prince and heir to the kingdom.

The rest of the meal was peaceful for the most part, Morgana watched Arthur and Merlin with a slight smile on her face.  She had to protect them, no matter what because she had never seen Arthur so at ease, so happy around anyone.  Merlin was good for him.  Her mother could be vindictive and cruel to Arthur when Uther was not around to protect him, so it had always fallen on Morgana to do so, and now she would do the same for Merlin. 

“Morgana,” Uther said, “Your birthday is coming up, we should have a celebration…a great feast with music and dancing.”

“Actually, My Lord, I have received an invitation from Nemeth…Princess Mithian.”

“The Princess, how is her father King Rodor?”

“He is well,” Morgana smiled, “Mithian would like me to spend some time with her at Nemeth.  Perhaps Arthur could accompany me there.  If you can spare him of course.”

Uther smiled at Arthur, “Yes, that would be good.  I have always thought Mithian would make a wonderful wife, Arthur.”

“Wife?” Arthur nearly spit out his wine.

“Yes, Arthur, you are the Crown Prince of Camelot, you are of age now It’s time that you start considering marriage.  King Rodor is getting up in age, his health has not always been the best.  We cannot allow a kingdom as strong as Nemeth to fall to another kingdom should he die before Mithian is betrothed.”

“Father, I am not ready to marry.  I will be more than happy to escort Morgana to Nemeth, but I will not do so with the intention of courting the Princess Mithian.”

“You may change your mind when you meet her, Arthur.  She is an incredibly beautiful young woman,” Uther smirked.

“She is stunning and sweet,” Vivienne smiled, “The two of you would be a wonderful match.”

“I will not change my mind,” Arthur said then turned to Morgana, “When do we leave?”

“At the end of the week,” she said.

“Wonderful,” Uther said, “I will send a messenger to Nemeth to inform Rodor and Mithian that you are coming.  We will have a great feast to celebrate your birthday before you leave.”

“Good,” Arthur said, clearly trying to change the subject.  His heart was racing, his chest tight with emotions he did not want to deal with.  He hated feeling pressured to do anything by his father, but to push marriage on him was more than he could deal with.  Especially now, when he just wanted to revel in his newfound feelings for the young man sitting next to him.  His father was ruining that whether he realized it or not.

“Arthur, I expect you to take full advantage of the time away from Camelot,” Uther said pointedly letting his son know that he was referring to his training with Merlin.  “I do hope that you will have things well under control by the time you return from Nemeth.”

“Yes, of course, father,” Arthur nodded curtly.  Merlin seemed to sense that his emotions were getting away from him and his magic was agitated as well.  He reached over and discreetly began to tap his long slender fingers in a rhythm on Arthur’s thigh.  The prince instantly calmed.  He looked at Merlin gratefully, giving him a slight nod.

Uther watched them intently noticing the look between them.  He cleared his throat and motioned to a servant for more wine.  “Merlin, the court physician, Gaius, is looking forward to seeing you.”

“Yes, My Lord, I look forward to seeing him as well,” Merlin nodded, “Gaius came to Ealdor many times to assist with sickness among the villagers.  He taught my mother how to prepare healing potions.  He was close to her parents, my grandparents.  He helped her when I was a baby and came down with a fever.”

“Arthur, are you all right, you look pale,” Morgana reached across the table to touch his hand.

“I’m fine,” he forced a smile, his gaze shifted to Vivienne who was glaring at him with pure and unrestrained loathing.  How his father did not see it he would never know.

“Then perhaps you and Merlin should retire to your chambers,” Uther said.

“Would you like me to send dessert and wine to your rooms?” Morgana asked.

“Yes, thank you that would be nice,” Arthur nodded then looked at Merlin.  “Come along, Merlin.”

“Yes, Sire,” Merlin said then stood up and bowed to the king and queen.  “Thank you for inviting me to supper.  I feel very welcome here in Camelot.”

“Good night, Merlin,” Vivienne said with forced kindness. 

“Sleep well, both of you,” Uther said, “I trust you will begin learning your duties first thing in the morning.”

“Yes, My Lord,” Merlin smiled then followed Arthur out of the room.

Arthur sat down hard on the end of his bed dropping his head into his hands.  Merlin locked the door his eyes flashing gold lighting the candles and the fire all at the same time.  The prince looked up and huffed a laugh.

“Show off.”

“Sorry,” Merlin said with a shrug, “Sorry, about everything.”

“It’s not your fault, Merlin,” Arthur shook his head, “Sometimes I wish I could just run away.”

“Then do it,” Merlin said, crouching in front of him, “Run away.  Let the kingdom fend for itself.”

“I can’t do that.  It’s not about me.  It is about my people.  The citizens of Camelot…if Vivienne were to assume the throne, without my father to control her, she would destroy the kingdom in no time at all.  She has no care for the people.  She will tax them all until they starve to death then tax them some more.”

“She is definitely not what I expected.  Morgana is so different from her.”

“I must say I was impressed, Merlin.  “The way you handled her goading.  I am so sorry for what she said about your mother.”

Merlin shrugged, “I’m used to it.  Growing up…people said horrible things about my father.  They treated my mother like a pariah for having a child out of wedlock.”

“Your parents never married?”

“No,” Merlin huffed, “I am the Bastard Warlock of Ealdor.”

“Merlin…”

“It’s true,” he smiled sadly.

Arthur pulled Merlin against his chest wrapping his arms around his neck.  “If I ever hear anyone call you that, I swear I will run them through with my sword.”

“I’m hardly worth murdering anyone.”

“You are to me,” Arthur pressed his lips to Merlin’s temple.

Merlin melted into his arms going down onto his knees.  “Arthur,” he said huskily.

A knock on the door jerked them back to reality and Merlin got up.  He opened the door to Guinevere with a tray and a jug of wine.

“Lady Morgana asked me to bring you dessert and wine,” she bowed.

“Thank you, Guinevere,” Merlin grinned.

“Please, call me Gwen.  I am pleased to meet you, Merlin.  Morgana speaks very highly of you…she said you were sweet and very handsome.”

“She is too kind,” Merlin smiled taking the tray from her and placing it on the table.

“Thank you, Guinevere,” Arthur smiled.

“Of course, My Lord,” Gwen bowed then looked at Merlin, “Merlin, good night.”

“Good night, Gwen.”

Merlin closed the door and locked it again.  He turned to find Arthur seated at the table pouring wine into goblets for both of them.  Dessert was a berry tart with cream.  He sat down at the table across from the prince and took a drink of the wine.

“Gwen is quite pretty,” he said.

“I suppose she is,” Arthur nodded.

“You said she is taken?”

“Yes, she is engaged to be married to a knight…Lancelot.  He is a good man, honorable, loyal, strong.  They are great together.  He loves her.  You will meet him…he is one of my own knights.  My father has a strict rule that all knights must be of royal blood.  Lancelot is a commoner, but my father doesn’t know that.  I signed a document confirming that he has noble blood.”

“I’m impressed,” Merlin grinned, “Defying your father.”

“Yes, and if he ever finds out it will not be pretty so…”

“My lips are sealed.”

Arthur looked at Merlin, his gaze going to his lips.  “Merlin, are you certain you are okay with what is happening between us?  I don’t want you to feel like…”

“Arthur, do you really think I would do anything that I didn’t want to do?  I have never wanted anyone more than you.  Ever.”

“I just want to be sure.  I would never take advantage of you.”

“Believe me, I know what it is like to be taken advantage of and I never want to feel that again.”

“Someone hurt you…forced you?” Arthur asked.

“They tried, but it did not end well,” Merlin frowned.

“What happened?”

“I was checking my snares in the woods and stumbled across two of King Cenred’s men.  They were drunk and looking for trouble and found me.  They were both big men and I was only twelve or thirteen.  They attacked me and my magic struck out and turned them both into tree stumps.”

“Merlin, I’m so sorry you went through that.”

Merlin shook his head, “I never told my mother.”

“You kept a lot of secrets from her.”

“No more than she kept from me apparently,” he smiled, downing his wine.

“About her life here in Camelot?”

“Yes, and I am starting to think there is much she has yet to tell me about my father.  He is a Dragonlord.”

“You didn’t know?”

“No,” Merlin shook his head, “Not until I overheard your father refer to me as the son of the Last Dragonlord.  Your father said Dragonlords were once considered nobility.” 

Arthur nodded, “I could look into it if you want.  My father stole his title and his life from him and destroyed your family.  I want to try and return some part of your father’s estate to you.”

“I don’t want it, Arthur.  I don’t need a title or land or anything else.  I just want to be free…not just in Ealdor, but everywhere in the five kingdoms.”

“I promise you, when I am king, you will be free.  I will make certain of that.”

“Not if your stepmother has anything to say about it.”

“You believe what Leon said, that she is plotting against me?”

“I can’t say for certain, but you are right she loathes you and she resents the fact that you will inherit the throne instead of her.  You need to be careful, Arthur.  There is something else too, something that I just can’t quite put my finger on, and I think it has to do with Morgana.”

“Morgana?” Arthur asked raising an eyebrow, “What would she have to do with it?”

“I don’t know, but I think we should find out.”

Arthur downed the rest of his wine and then stood up, “Not tonight…come here.”

Merlin got up and stepped into Arthur’s arms, “Shall I prepare your bath, Sire?”

“Too much work, just a bowl of hot water will do.”

“I can do that, then I should make the bed in the anteroom.”

“Tomorrow,” Arthur kissed him, “Tonight you can share my bed.”

“Ah, so I am to be your bedwarmer,” Merlin gave him a cheeky grin.

“Actually, I was hoping we could finish what we started earlier.  I promised to return the favor.”

“Yes, yes, you did.”

“And while I may not have done it before, I paid close attention when the knights were speaking of such things.  Things that we could try if you want,” Arthur said, his face heating up.

“You mean actual sex?” Merlin asked.

“Gods, yes, I want you, Merlin,” the prince said leaning in to kiss him, “I cannot stop thinking about your mouth on me…or the feel of your hard cock in your trousers.  I want to see it, I want to taste you, I want to take you apart the way you did me.”

“Arthur, I want you too,” Merlin moaned filthily and kissed Arthur harder.  His hands were all over the prince rucking up his tunic to splay over hard warm skin and muscle.  “I want your mouth on me, please.”

Arthur put his hands on Merlin’s hips and slid down his thighs lifting him up.  He sat him on the edge of the table devouring his mouth and jaw and that long neck, as his servant yanked off his purple tunic and unfastened Arthur’s belt.

“Merlin…you are beautiful,” Arthur whispered his voice thick with desire, blue eyes dark and wide.  He finally had Merlin’s trousers loosened.  He tugged them down and off freeing his engorged shaft.  He was larger than Arthur and the head was glistening with evidence of his arousal.  He really did want his prince.  “This is for me?”

“All for you, My Lord,” Merlin panted as Arthur’s sword callused hand wrapped around his girth, his thumb moving over the head.  “Gods, Arthur that feels so good.”

“Tell me if I am doing something wrong?”

“Oh, you are doing everything just right.”

Arthur kissed him passionately then his lips, tongue, and teeth trailed down Merlin’s neck and chest encircling his hard nipples which were extremely sensitive.  Arthur smiled, playfully biting one then the other making Merlin’s back arch, and his long legs wrapped around the prince’s muscular thighs drawing him even closer until their cocks were aligned, flesh to flesh, silk and steel.  Arthur had never been so hard, and he wanted nothing more than to sink inside Merlin and stay there, but first, he needed to taste him.

Merlin’s eyes went wide and dark as Arthur licked his full length then slowly swallowed him down.  He sucked and moved his head up and down, taking more and more until he felt the head touch the back of his throat then he moaned.  Merlin’s head tilted back, his mouth open wide.

“Arthur…Arthur…Gods, yes,” he panted, his chest heaving as he tangled his fingers in Arthur’s blonde hair.  He looked down, watching his cock sliding in and out of the mouth of the Prince of Camelot.  “Oh, you are so good.”

Arthur hollowed out his cheeks licking and sucking for all he was worth until Merlin was writhing on the table.  He finally drew back letting his cock slip from his mouth then kissed Merlin deep and hard.

“Merlin, I need…I want to be inside you when you come, please,” he whispered against his lips.

Merlin’s eyes turned gold and he smiled, “Take me now, My Lord.”

Arthur gripped his cock pressing the head to Merlin’s entrance which was slick and ready for him.  “Gods, Merlin…you’re so hot and wet,” he moaned, kissing him as he pushed in slowly.  Merlin shifted slightly so he was positioned on the very edge of the table.

“Go faster, Arthur…I need you inside me,” he gasped, gripping the edge of the table on either side of his body to keep himself in place then he tightened his long legs around his prince urging him deeper.  “That’s it, Sire…My Lord, you feel so good…more, please!”

“Merlin, I’m never going to get enough of you,” Arthur said as he drove into him fully and Merlin cried out in pleasure as the head of his cock hit a certain place inside him.  “Gods, you are truly mine…always.”

“Yes, yes, Arthur, please…I need you!”

Arthur slid his hands down Merlin’s side, pressing his fingers into the soft flesh of his arse as he rolled and snapped his hips.  Merlin let go of the table with one hand, cupping Arthur’s cheek, then pressed his thumb firmly against his bottom lip. 

“That’s it, Arthur…yes.  Make me yours.  Your magic…I can feel it reaching out to me, let it go,” Merlin urged, clenching around the prince’s cock.  “Fill me with your seed and magic, I need to be one with you in every way.  My magic and yours, Arthur,” Merlin said, his voice deepening as his eyes turned gold.  Arthur let his magic flow, his eyes shining as gold as Merlin’s were, their magic sending them both flying off the edge of the precipice.  Merlin threw his head back, words of an ancient language flowing off his tongue as they moved together in a perfect rhythm.

“Merlin, too good, Gods, I am going to…yes oh yes, you are so tight,” Arthur breathed out and buried himself to the hilt inside him, his whole body trembling, his thigh muscles clenching and releasing over and over as he spilled his seed, pulsing into Merlin.  He had never had such a powerful release as magic flowed between them, singing through their veins, their eyes a constant beautiful gold-tinged blue.  Merlin let out a stuttered breath as he came, spilling his own release again and again.  Arthur moaned closing his eyes as he felt Merlin’s body convulse around him.  “Oh, that feels amazing,” he gasped thrusting into him harder and faster.

“More, don’t stop, Arthur,” Merlin gasped, his eyes glowing, and Arthur felt himself grow fully hard once again. 

“Holy hell, Merlin!”

“Again, Arthur…the spell is working, I can feel it,” Merlin kissed him.

“Merlin,” Arthur panted, closing his eyes as he lost himself in the slick heat that was Merlin.  His hips rocking into him with such force that the heavy table moved across the stone floor making more than enough noise to wake the dead, but he didn’t care.  All that mattered was the powerful connection between himself and Merlin and the need to claim him in every way possible.  The need to surrender all of himself and to be one with him.

“Now, Arthur,” Merlin breathed out against Arthur’s mouth.

“Gods, Merlin,” Arthur growled low in his throat his second release was even more intense than the first.  His knees nearly gave out as he thrust into Merlin one last time and came hard.  “Oh, oh, Merlin…yes,” he panted.  Magic lit up the entire room wrapping them both in a golden light that danced on their skin, sending pulses of pleasure all through their bodies.  Drenched in sweat and clinging to each other, Merlin looked deep into Arthur’s eyes and smiled.  Arthur was his…he was Arthur’s.  Nothing could tear them apart now.”

“Are you all right?”

“Gods, yes,” Merlin huffed against the prince’s neck, kissing his collarbone.

“The spell…care to tell me just what it did?”

Merlin kissed him and smiled, “I think you know.”

Arthur closed his eyes letting himself feel everything around them.  He took a deep breath and smiled.  “Merlin…we are bound.”

“Yes, we are,” Merlin whispered kissing him.

“Gods, I can feel it.  Our hearts are beating as one.  Merlin, what does this mean?”

“It does…our magic, our bodies…our love.  Nothing and no one will ever come between us.  Your father can never force you to marry because you and I are one…the Goddess has blessed our bond.”

“Merlin…” Arthur shook his head, drawing back to meet his gaze.

“You’re all right with this…I mean the spell wouldn’t have worked otherwise.”

“Oh, yes,” he smiled, “There is no one I would rather be bonded with.  I just didn’t know magic could do that.  If we are going to Nemeth with Morgana, I think I am going to have to tell her about my magic.  About you and why you are here with me now.”

“You think that is wise?”

“I can’t train with you on this trip if we have to hide it from her.  I just hope I can trust her not to tell Vivienne because she will use it to her advantage.”

“Do you think we should tell her about this…” Merlin asked running a fingertip along Arthur’s jawline with a hooded gaze and a press of his lips to his cheekbone.

“If I know, Morgana, she already suspects there’s more between us, but I don’t think I am ready for anyone to know.  Not because I want to keep you a secret, that is the last thing I want to do, but because I would like this to be just between us for now.  Do you understand?”

Merlin nodded, “I understand completely.”

“I am so in love with you, Merlin?” Arthur said, kissing him tenderly.

“Really?”

“Gods, yes.”

“That doesn’t sound so bad.”

“I really want you in my bed, in my arms…all night,” Arthur said huskily as he kissed Merlin again.

“Yes, please,” Merlin grinned then his eyes turned gold and the basin filled with warm water.  They cleaned up and then got into Arthur’s bed.

“You have to show me that trick, heating water,” Arthur smiled.  “I’d also like to know how you did that spell to prepare yourself for me.”

“That one is more intent and want than an actual spell,” Merlin said, “My magic knew what I needed, and it acted.”

“Will my magic ever be as instinctual and controlled as yours?”

“I think so, you are strong-willed and disciplined.  You just need to trust me and believe in yourself like I believe in you,” Merlin smiled.

“I do trust you, Merlin.  To be honest, there are very few people in my life that I trust…my knights and Morgana…I want to trust my father, but there are things that I know he keeps from me.  With you it is different…there is something about you that makes me feel…” he shook his head not sure how to put it into words, but Merlin knew.

“I feel the same way, Arthur.  It is why the spell worked, why it saw fit to bind us to each other.”

“What will your mother say?” Arthur asked.

“I am pretty sure she already knows.  The Druids told her the prophecies about us.  Well, about Emrys and the Once and Future King.  When I first heard them, to be honest, I didn’t believe I was this Emrys.  But I believe now.”

“Do you miss home?”

“I miss my mother and Will.”

“You and Will were really close.”

“We grew up together…best friends.  If you’re asking if he and I were together like this…no, never.”

“I wasn’t…” Arthur blushed, “I didn’t…I mean, not that it is any of my business.”

Merlin chuckled, “You’re jealous.”

“I am not.”

“You are and I think I like it.”

Arthur smiled, “You’re mine now.”

“Yes, yes I am,” Merlin said kissing him then he moved on top of the prince aligning their bodies.  Arthur moaned as their legs entwined and their rapidly hardening cocks pressed together.  “I want you again,” he whispered against Arthur’s lips.

“Merlin, please,” Arthur let out a stuttered whimper of pleasure.

“Please what, My Lord?” Merlin asked his voice thick and rough.  “Would you like me to ride you, Prince Arthur?”

“Merlin…Gods…yes,” he breathed out.

Merlin grinned splaying his hands on Arthur’s broad chest and pushed himself upright as he spread his legs straddling his hips.  He reached back guiding Arthur’s shaft to his entrance then let out a breath as he impaled himself fully.

“Merlin!” Arthur gasped his eyes going wide.

“Oh, that is good…feels so good,” Merlin moaned.

Arthur slid his hands slowly up Merlin’s thighs to his hips as he brought his knees up, bracing his feet and thrusting up into him.  Merlin laughed breathlessly, leaning forward and placing his hands on the prince’s shoulders.

“You are a fast learner,” he grinned.

“You are a brilliant teacher,” Arthur smirked pulling Merlin down for a hungry kiss his fingertips pressing into the soft flesh of Merlin’s arse holding him still, reveling in the feeling of being sheathed within his tight heat.  “Gods, Merlin…you’re so good…feel so good.”

“Arthur…oh, yes, please,” he panted as he tried desperately to move.  He raised up until just the head of his cock remained inside then impaled himself again the air rushing from his lungs.  Arthur let out a low growl arching up into Merlin wrapping one hand around his hard cock stroking him as he rocked and rotated his hips driving them both toward the edge of the abyss.

“Merlin, you’re amazing,” Arthur whispered.

“Arthur…” Merlin said then leaned back bracing his hands on the prince’s muscular thighs, his head tilted back mouth open in a silent cry of sheer bliss as he came, his seed coating Arthur’s hand as his whole body trembled with his release.

Arthur closed his eyes, biting his lip to hold in the multitude of sounds he was making as Merlin contracted around his girth pushing him over that cliff.  He came hard, feeling pulse after pulse of his seed filling his Merlin.

“That was…” Merlin collapsed on Arthur’s chest his face tucked into the crook of his neck.

“Holy hell, Merlin,” the prince huffed a breathless laugh.  “I can’t imagine sex being better than this with you right now.”

“It’s never been this good for me,” Merlin smiled, kissing Arthur’s shoulder.

“Really?”

“Yeah, I know I am feeding your ego, but yes.”

“You said you were with girls before?”

“A woman actually, she was older than me.  She asked my mother if I could help her with some chores while her husband was away, and my mother agreed.  After I finished repairing her roof and fence she invited me inside her home to cool off.  It happened so fast, one minute we were talking and the next I was on my back on her bed, and she was riding me.”

“She seduced you?”

Merlin laughed, “I wasn’t going to say no.  I was lonely.”

“How old were you?”

“I just turned sixteen, she was around ten years older.”

“Did you tell your mother?” Arthur asked.

“No, but she found out anyway.  Rumors run rampant in a small village.”

“In Camelot too,” Arthur laughed.  “What did Hunith do to her?”

“She wanted to go to the village council and have her banished, but I told her not to.  That I didn’t want to ruin her life.  Her husband would have killed her.  I couldn’t let that happen.  We were together two more times after that, then she and her husband moved away.”

“She was the only woman you were ever with?”

“Yes,” Merlin smiled, kissing Arthur, “We should get some sleep.”

“And the boys?” Arthur asked.

“You really want to know?”

“Yes.”

“One was the son of a merchant passing through Ealdor they spent the night during a storm.  He was two years older than me…I was fourteen at the time.  We were in the stables tending to their horses when he told me that I was pretty for a boy,” Merlin laughed.  He pushed me up against the wall and kissed me.  He asked if he could make me feel good and I nodded eagerly.  He pushed his hand down the front of my trousers and when he touched me it felt so good.  He was the one who showed me how to use my mouth to pleasure a man.”

Arthur smiled, “Can’t fault him for that.”

“He turned me around and prepared me with oil and took me right there against the wall.  It hurt, but it also felt good.  We ended up falling asleep together in a pile of hay and his father caught us in the morning.  They packed up and left immediately.  My mother was so mad at him.”

“Who else?” Arthur asked.

“A boy from a neighboring village, and a man who was traveling to Camelot to become a knight.”

“Who was he?”

“I never got his name.  It just happened maybe six months ago.  He was gentle and kind.  I think he wanted to stay with me, but his destiny was here.”

“So, he could be one of my knights,” Arthur said, shaking his head.

“It’s possible I suppose.”

“And if you see him again?”

Merlin smiled and kissed Arthur, “It won’t matter, Arthur.  I am yours.”

“Good to know.”

“Can we go to sleep now?” Merlin asked and Arthur nodded, “Yeah, sleep, Merlin.”

“Good night, Arthur.”

“Good night,” Arthur kissed him then Merlin rolled over onto his stomach and buried his face in the soft pillows.  Arthur let his gaze travel over his body from his head of dark messy curls, down his back to the curve of his perfect arse covered only by the sheet.  He wondered if the man Merlin spoke of really was one of his knights and if he still harbored feelings for Merlin.  Six months…there were two possibilities he knew of…Lancelot and Gwaine.  They had both come to Camelot around the same time, wanting to be a knight.  Gwaine was the most likely candidate as the man flirted with everyone, even Arthur himself.

Arthur contemplated keeping Merlin away from his knights, but he knew that was impossible.  Gwaine, Lancelot, and Percival would likely be going with them to Nemeth.  Percival…he had arrived with Gwaine.  Percival and Merlin…the man was huge…he would break poor Merlin in half if they...  Arthur shook his head he was being ridiculous.  He forced himself to settle down.

Merlin rolled over then, pressing his lithe body against Arthur, his arm draped across the prince’s stomach as he nuzzled his face into the crook of his neck.  He gave Arthur a lazy smile and kissed his collarbone.

“Go to sleep, Sire,” he whispered.

“Merlin, why did you want to be bound to me?”

“You have to ask?”

“Yes…”

Merlin propped himself up on his elbow and looked down into Arthur’s sincere blue eyes.  He realized then that the prince really needed to know.  Despite being who he was and all he had in life, he longed for acceptance and to be touched and loved…something he never really had.

“Arthur, you are noble, strong, brave, passionate…you’re gorgeous and despite the fact that your father is cold and aloof, and your stepmother is even more so…you have a good heart and an innate kindness.  But even beyond that, you and I are the same…we share something that no one else will ever understand.  Not just magic, but so much deeper...heart and soul.”

“Feeding my ego again?” Arthur asked his eyes shining with tears.

“You’re still an arrogant ass,” Merlin grinned, “Now go to sleep.”

Arthur brought his hand up to caress Merlin’s face, his thumb tracing his cheekbone.  “You’re really something, Merlin.”

“Am I?”

“You are.”

“Is that why you fell in love with me?” Merlin smiled.

“Oh, yes,” Arthur grinned pulling him in for a tender kiss.

“Mmm, good,” Merlin moaned filthily as Arthur spread his thighs and pushed into him, lazily rolling his hips as they kissed, their tongues exploring each other’s mouths, teeth crazing lips and skin.  “Arthur,” Merlin stuttered when the prince hit that spot inside him over and over again sending him over the edge.

“Merlin,” Arthur panted thrusting deeper and faster until they both came, clinging to each other like a lifeline.  “Gods, Merlin…”

“Need sleep now…”

“Sleep…yes,” Arthur said pulling Merlin against his chest, kissing the back of his shoulder, “Good night.”

“Night,” Merlin snuggled down into the pillows.

Chapter 3: Evil Within These Walls

Merlin woke just after sunrise.  Arthur was sound asleep as he quietly got dressed and put on his boots.  He looked down at the prince and grinned then ran his fingers through his wild hair before silently slipping out of the room.  He turned to walk down the corridor and stopped as he heard a giggle behind him.

“Merlin, you look quite happy this morning,” Morgana beamed at him when he turned to face her, his cheeks flushed.

“Good morning, My Lady,” he bowed, “I was just going to see Gaius.”

“Physician’s chambers are that way,” she tilted her head and winked at him.

“Thank you, I guess I should have asked last night.”

“I think I will walk with you.  Just to make sure you don’t get lost,” Morgana said, hooking her arm through his, leading him in the direction she had indicated.  “Arthur thinks he is so smart, that I don’t know what’s going on…why you are here.  And that I can’t see there is something going on between you two.”

“I don’t know what you mean, My Lady.”

Morgana glanced around before pulling him with her into a small room just off the corridor where the servants stored their supplies.  She closed the door and pinned Merlin up against it with her jade-green eyes.  Merlin huffed a startled laugh and shook his head.

“There now,” Morgana tutted, “You’re not in any trouble…yet.”

“Lady Morgana,” Merlin averted his gaze looking anywhere but at her.

“Look at me, Merlin,” she said, “I won’t hurt you.”

“Why do I not believe you?”

“Am I truly that frightening?”

“Yes,” Merlin nodded vigorously.

Morgana gave a delighted cry and patted his chest.  “I know why Uther brought you to Camelot.  You cannot fool me.”

“I’m just Arthur’s servant.”

“Funny because when you left us last night you didn’t have any of those little marks on your neck.  Who knew Arthur had it in him?”  Merlin’s hands flew to his throat, and he realized he had forgotten to put on his neckerchief.  He blushed profusely and Morgana squealed in delight.  “I knew it!  Uther brought you here to be Arthur’s bedwarmer.”

“No, no, that’s not…” Merlin shook his head, but Morgana’s eyes saw right through him.  “Morgana, Uther has no idea…please don’t say anything.”

Morgana’s eyebrows shot up, “Oh, Arthur…that is surprising.  I never knew he fancied boys.”

Merlin shook his head urging her to lower her voice.  “Please, don’t say anything.  Arthur and I…we have…I can’t explain it.”

“Merlin, you poor, sweet innocent boy…Arthur took advantage of you.”

“No, he didn’t.  If anything, it was the other way around,” Merlin said, his cheeks getting even redder.  “Uther will kill me if he finds out.”

Morgana gave him a gentle smile, “You really like Arthur, don’t you.”

“I love him, Morgana, and he loves me.”

Morgana looked at him, completely taken aback by his admission.  “I won’t breathe a word to anyone, but the way you two look at each other it won’t stay a secret for long.  I have never seen Arthur so smitten.  To be honest, I am jealous.  If only I could have someone…” she said, her voice trailing off.

“Morgana you are stunning and passionate, completely terrifying, and absolutely brilliant.  Any man would fall in love with you given half the chance.”

“You are too sweet, Merlin,” Morgana said then opened the door.  She hooked her arm through his and led him down the corridor.  She stopped outside Gaius’ chambers and winked, kissing his cheek.  “We will talk more later.  You can trust me, Merlin.  I promise.”

“You can trust me too, Morgana,” he nodded.

“I will see you later,” she spun on her heels and vanished around a corner leaving Merlin feeling a bit dazed.  The girl was a walking, talking tempest.

He knocked on the door, pushing it open, “Gaius?”

“Yes, yes, come in, I’ll be with you in a moment,” Gaius said, waving a hand as he tried to put out a fire that had gotten away from him on his workbench.

Merlin grinned and then uttered a word.  His eyes flashed gold and the fire went out leaving Gaius standing there staring at nothing for a good minute before turning to look at him.  His eyes widened, and he smiled.

“Merlin!”

“Hello, Gaius,” Merlin grinned.

“Merlin, my boy!  Just look at you, all grown up.  You look so much like your mother,” Gaius embraced him with the strength of a much younger man.  “It’s so good to have you here in Camelot.  And thank you for the assistance.”

“You’re welcome.  Uther said you wanted to see me.”

“I did, “Gaius smiled, “I still cannot believe Uther brought you here to help Arthur with his magic.  How are the two of you getting on?  Arthur can be quite a bully and a bit selfish and arrogant, but he is a good boy.”

“We are getting on very well,” Merlin said, quickly turning his head to hide the smile on his face.

“Merlin?” Gaius asked.

“Arthur and I are friends…” Merlin said casually picking up tiny bottles.

“Merlin…”

“Yeah?”

“Your mother wrote to me, she told me of your past dalliances with boys…you will behave yourself.   

“She told you about that?” Merlin said, rolling his eyes, “I can’t believe she told you.”

“Hunith worries about you.”

“Yes, I know.”

Gaius frowned, “You do not sound convincing, Merlin.  The prince is the last person you want to have…relations with.  Uther would have you drawn and quartered.”  Merlin nodded awkwardly, staring at a scorch mark on the floor.  Gaius looked at him intently his bushy white eyebrow rising higher than humanly possible.  “Or has my warning come too late?”

“Not just too late,” Merlin grinned, “Arthur and I are already together.  We love each other and our magic…we belong together.  We are bound and there is nothing Uther or anyone else can do about it.  The binding spell worked.  Arthur and I are one.”

“Merlin!” Gaius said, his eyes going wide in alarm, “You didn’t…that spell is not something to play with, Merlin!  You should not have done it.”

“I didn’t…not really.  Our magic, our magic came together and formed the bond.  It knew what we wanted and needed.  I am Arthur’s and Arthur is mine…now and always,” Merlin smiled.

“Yes, well, I will have to do some research to find a way to undo the damage.” Gaius said going to a shelf to pull out some books.”

“No, Gaius…you don’t.  Arthur and I are happy.  Let it be, please.”

“Merlin, you have no idea what you have done.  When Uther finds out…”

“I am not afraid of Uther.”

“You should be!”

“No, I love Arthur.  One day he will be king, and I will be by his side.  We will bring back magic and build a world of peace and prosperity.  It is our destiny.  Uther knows that.”

“Merlin, Arthur will be expected to marry one day…he will need an heir, and your spell has endangered that future and the kingdom.”

“Arthur should not be forced to marry someone he doesn’t love.  This way he is protected from that, and I will always love him.”

“Don’t you think that is a bit arrogant and selfish?” Gaius asked.

“No, no I don’t.  I have found the other half of my soul, and I am never letting him go.  Arthur is everything to me, and as much as that scares me, I know it is meant to be that way.”

Gaius sat down hard on a bench and nodded.  “I hope you two know what you’re doing.”

“Oh, we have no idea,” Merlin chuckled, sitting down next to Gaius, “But we are in it together no matter what.”

“Very well, Merlin,” the old physician smiled, “It is good to have you here, my boy.  You and Arthur, you are both very special to me.  You’ll have to forgive this old man for being overprotective and cautious.”

“You have always cared for me and my mother.  Did you know about my father?” Merlin asked bluntly.  “Please, don’t lie to me.  The king took it upon himself to tell me about my mother’s life here in Camelot and what happened to my father.  That he is a Dragonlord.  You had to know.”

Gaius lowered his head and nodded, “Yes, I knew.  I helped Balinor escape after the king betrayed him.  He was a good man, Merlin.  Do not listen to anyone who says otherwise.  He was forced to leave your mother.  As far as I am aware he has not been back, and your mother has not had any contact with him.”

“So, I’m right that he doesn’t even know I exist?”

“I’m afraid so.”

“Why did mother keep all this from me?  I had a right to know.”

“I urged her to tell you, but she was afraid if it came to light that you were Balinor’s son, that your life would be in even more danger.”

“I had to hear the truth from the king who destroyed my family.”

“I am surprised that Uther told you.”

“Yes, well, he is worried about Arthur.  The Great Dragon told him to seek out the son of the Last Dragonlord.”

“I still cannot believe that he set Kilgharrah free and that Kilgharrah didn’t immediately kill him,” Gaius said.

“I imagine it has something to do with the prophecies about me and Arthur.”

“Yes, that would make sense.”

“I should let you go, the prince will be waking soon and expecting his breakfast.  Being his servant will not be easy.  I hope that you will be discreet in your relations.  Uther may be willing to have a sorcerer in his castle helping his son, but he won’t be so keen to find out you’re warming his bed the prince’s bed.”

“We will be careful,” Merlin smiled.

“It is truly great to see you, Merlin,” Gaius embraced him.

“You too.”

“Off with you now, can’t have you late to feed Arthur.”

“I will visit again later,” Merlin grinned then left the room.  Heading back toward the main corridor and down to the kitchens.  He rounded the corner only to be grabbed by strong hands, yanked into an alcove, and pinned up against the wall.

“Gods, it really is you,” his captor said with a breathy chuckle and a wide grin.  Merlin looked into familiar hazel eyes as the man kissed him, cupping his cheek.  “I thought I’d never see you again.”

“Oh, hello,” Merlin smiled, looking down at the man’s armor and his unmistakable red cape.

“What the hell are you doing here?  This place is not safe for you.  What if someone finds out you have magic?”

“That’s a very long and funny story,” Merlin said, trying to put some distance between them, but the man held him firmly.  “I um…I need to go I have to get the prince his breakfast.”

“You’re Arthur’s new servant?”

“Yes,” Merlin said awkwardly.  “What happened between us…we never…I don’t even know your name,” he stumbled over his words.

“Ah, yes, sorry, I guess we were a bit distracted back then.  I’m Gwaine…Sir Gwaine now,” the knight gave him a proud grin and a toss of his long dark brown hair.

“Gwaine,” Merlin smiled, “I’m Merlin…I am Arthur’s servant, and you are his knight.”

“Merlin,” Gwaine tried to kiss him again, but Merlin turned his head splaying his hands against the man's broad chest.  The knight’s shoulders sagged, “Right, I see…things have changed.  You don’t want to be with me here in Camelot.”

“Gwaine, I am so sorry.  I can’t.  Please, please, understand that I do not regret what happened between us, but it cannot happen again.  Do not think that I don’t care for you, I do.  I just…” Merlin’s voice trailed off and Gwaine nodded.

“I understand, it’s all right, Merlin,” Gwaine patted Merlin’s chest.

“I wouldn’t mind…if you want to be my friend…if it wouldn’t be too strange for you.”

“Merlin, I never dreamed I would see you again, much less be friends.  I would be honored.”

“Good,” Merlin smiled then hugged Gwaine, “I am so happy for you…you’re a Camelot Knight.”

“I am, though it wasn’t easy.  Prince Arthur can be a bit brutal on new recruits.”

Merlin lowered his gaze, “I’m sure he has his reasons.”

Gwaine eyed him intently, “Oh, Merlin, don’t tell me you are his bed warmer too.”

“No, of course not,” Merlin said adamantly, “Don’t be silly.”

“Merlin, you cannot fall for Arthur,” Gwaine shook his head, “You will end up with a broken heart.  Trust me.  But judging by the look in your eyes, it is too late for that.”

“Gwaine, it’s not like that…”

“Of course, it isn’t,” Gwaine said then put his hands on the younger man’s shoulders.  “Well, if you ever need someone to pick up the pieces...  Best go get your master’s breakfast then.  Don’t want you getting sacked on my account.”

Merlin nodded then stepped out of the alcove, “See you around, Gwaine.”  He turned toward the kitchens failing to notice Arthur standing at the far end of the corridor.

The prince spun on his heels, heading blindly back to his chambers.  Rage, jealousy, fear, and self-doubt boiling up in his chest.  He should have known it was Gwaine.  The man had no care who he bedded, nor did care who knew about it.  Arthur burst through both doors, his magic slamming them shut behind him.  Tearing off his sword belt, he tossed it on the table before going to the windows to stare out at the square below.  His magic was wild, pulsating against the stone walls as he struggled to get his emotions under control.  He closed his eyes breathing in and out slowly, nearly jumping out of his skin when the door opened, and Merlin walked in carrying a tray with his breakfast.

“You’re awake,” Merlin grinned, “That cook, she is something else.  Didn’t believe I was your servant.  Good job Gwen showed up when she did to vouch for me, or I think she would have taken my head off that cleaver.  The food smells good, I hope you don’t mind I brought extra, I am starving.”  When the prince didn’t respond Merlin looked at him with concern.  He placed the tray down on the table, moving Arthur’s sword belt out of the way.  “Arthur?” he asked, “Are you all right?”

“It was Gwaine…” Arthur said his tone flat and cold.

“Arthur?”

“I saw you…the alcove…” Arthur’s voice broke.

“Oh,” Merlin said, “Yes, he was just surprised to see me…that’s all.  He um kissed me, but I told him I can’t…”

“Why can’t you?” Arthur asked, shaking his head, “Don’t let me hold you back.  If you want to be with him.  I won’t stand in the way.”

Merlin looked at him with a soft smile, “Arthur…it’s far too late for that, even if I wanted to be with Gwaine, which I do not.”

“Why not, you said he was good to you…”

“Arthur, look at me,” Merlin said softly, “We are bound, remember.”

“Yes, well, maybe I have changed my mind.  I took advantage of you.  I shouldn’t have given in to these feelings,” Arthur shook his head.

Merlin waved a hand, his eyes flashing gold and the door shut the lock clicking into place, and the whole room was wrapped in a magical barrier that would prevent anyone from hearing them.  He then closed the distance between them, his emotions taking over.  He turned Arthur around to face him, his hands on the prince’s biceps.

“Arthur, look at me!” Merlin said, his voice deepening.  “I meant everything I said to you last night.  What you saw was me telling Gwaine that I cannot be with him, that things have changed for me since we were together.”

“I saw the way you looked at each other, Merlin.  I’m not stupid.”

“We agreed to be friends, nothing more.”

“You may have, but Gwaine obviously has feelings for you,” Arthur said, not even bothering to hide the frustration in his eyes.

Merlin let out a rough growl and shoved Arthur up against the wall with surprising strength, no doubt aided by his magic.  His hands pressed against his chest holding him in place while his tongue delved into the prince’s mouth and his teeth grazed his lips.  He moaned letting out a ragged breath as he kissed him harder and deeper.

“Gods, Merlin…” Arthur panted, against his lips.

“Do you need more convincing that I am yours and only yours?” Merlin asked, his thumb brushing over Arthur’s pout.  “Gods, you are an idiot if you think I would choose anyone over you.”  Arthur lunged forward, kissing Merlin again, his hands pulling at his jacket drawing him even closer.  They both let out a breathless chuckle.

“You really don’t want to be with Gwaine?”

“Arthur, I want to be with you.  I am bound to you, and I will be until my last breath.  What I had with Gwaine was good, but it was nothing like what I feel when I am with you.”

“Merlin,” Arthur said softly, then wrapped his arms around Merlin, holding him close, “I’m sorry.”

“You don’t have to apologize.  It’s actually quite nice to know I mean that much to you that you would get so jealous of Gwaine.”

“I overreacted.  I should have known you would never betray me.”

“Never, Arthur,” Merlin whispered, his lips brushing against Arthur’s ear.

“Thank you for bringing breakfast.  It’s probably cold now.”

“Ah, not when I have magic to keep it hot.  Come on,” he tilted his head toward the table, “Sit down…eat.”

Arthur moved to the table and sat down taking a bite of sausage and grabbing a biscuit.  “How did it go with Gaius?”

“Good, he was happy to see me.  I know I am your servant and my duties to you have to come first, but would you mind if I help Gaius out from time to time?  He’s getting older, and I know he could use the extra help.”

“I don’t mind at all,” Arthur shook his head.

“Gaius means a lot to me.  Even though we didn’t see him often, he taught me so much over the years.  He would send letters and potion recipes and explanations of herbs and their uses to me through letters to my mother.  I would like to repay him by helping out when I am able.”

“I’m sure there will be times when I am stuck in boring council meetings and such that you can help Gaius.  It would probably be good for you to have a life of your own here in Camelot too.  It’s not fair for me to expect you to be focused entirely on me.”

“Oh, but I will always be focused on you, My Lord,” Merlin said huskily, making Arthur shiver and smile.

“Speaking of teaching, how are we going to train and keep our magic secret?” Arthur asked as he took a drink of water.

Merlin shook his head, “Is there a place no one goes?  Somewhere we can be alone?”

“There is a ruin not far from here.  An old castle that was destroyed in a war long ago.  It has no roof, but the walls still stand.  It could work.”

“We can go check it out tomorrow if you want.  I should warn you…Morgana knows about us.  She waylaid me on the way to see Gaius this morning.  She saw me slipping out of your chambers.

Arthur huffed a laugh, “Not surprised.  I think I am going to have to tell her about my magic.”

“It’s probably a good idea.  I think you can trust her to keep your secret.”

“And yours…”

“Yeah,” Merlin nodded taking a bite of sausage.

“I will have to convince her not to tell my father.  He wants me to keep it from her and Vivienne.”

“Morgana can be trusted.  My magic likes her…unlike her mother.”

“Merlin, I need you to be careful when it comes to Vivienne.”

“Has she always treated you so badly?”

“No, before my mother died everyone said Vivienne doted on me.  It was only after she married my father that she changed.”

“I think it has something to do with Morgana.”

“I don’t know.”

“I should also tell you that Gaius knows,” Merlin shrugged as he bit into an apple and Arthur raised an eyebrow.

“Did anyone ever tell you that you are horrible at keeping secrets?”

“Blame my mother.  She told him about my ‘dalliances’ with boys and Gaius took it upon himself to warn me not to get involved with the Crown Prince of Camelot.  I had to inform him that it was far too late for that, and it didn’t take long for him to figure out what happened last night…the spell.  Needless to say, he was not pleased.  He is worried your father will have my head for bedding his son.  I have to say though, what a way to go,” Merlin wagged his eyebrows and Arthur grinned.

“Well, if I had my way we would remain here in my chambers for the entire day.  Unfortunately, my father and the queen have invited themselves to watch the knights on the training field, which requires me to be there to put them through the exercises and prove they are ready for anything.  Especially Gwaine,” Arthur said pointedly.

Merlin looked down for a moment before meeting Arthur’s gaze.  “Arthur, Gwaine is a good man, a great fighter.  I didn’t tell you how we met.  A man named Kanen and his men would raid our village, stealing our food and livestock.  Gwaine and another man were passing through, they taught Kanen a lesson with a little help from me and Will.  They spent the night…”

“And you and Gwaine…” Arthur said then nodded, “The other man…big, tall, huge arms?”

“Yes, how did you know?”

“Percival, he arrived with Gwaine.  He is one of my knights as well.  I wondered if he was the one after you told me.”

“Not my type,” Merlin shook his head, “The man would split me in two!  If you think his arms are huge, you should see the size of his…”

“Merlin!”

“Sorry,” Merlin pressed his lips together to contain his laughter at the wide-eyed prince.

“I do not need to know the size of my knights’…you know…”

“Swords?” Merlin chuckled.

“Yes, swords…” Arthur huffed.

“Shall I polish your sword, Sire…before the training?”

“You’re going to be the death of me, Merlin.  All you have to do is say my name a certain way and I am half hard.”

“How much time do we have?”

“Well, I should change clothes, and you do need to help me into my armor…” Arthur said suggestively, and Merlin was in his lap in seconds kissing him as he stripped off his clothing with a few ancient words.  Arthur let out a low guttural moan as Merlin’s hands explored his body.  “Gods, Merlin…I need…”

“And you shall have.  You’re my everything, Arthur,” Merlin said, his blue eyes filled with such intense emotion that the prince blushed and smiled then shook his head.  “All that I am…all that I will ever be is for you.”

They kissed with abandon as Merlin stroked Arthur’s cock slowly and deliberately, tugging and caressing him to within an inch of his life.  “Merlin…Merlin…Gods…” Arthur panted thrusting up into his hand, loving the warming sensation emanating from those long slender fingers.  “That feels so good, but I need your mouth…those beautiful lips…please.”

“Anything, My Lord,” Merlin said then slid to his knees taking Arthur into his mouth as he freed his own cock seeking release as well.

A knock on the door startled them both, but not enough to make them stop what they were doing.   Merlin’s eyes flashed gold and the silencing spell lifted, but the door remained locked.  Arthur arched his back slightly as Merlin hollowed out his cheeks sucking and bobbing his head up and down while Arthur gripped the arms of his chair.

“What is it?” Arthur asked, his voice rough.

Leon’s voice came through the door.  “Sire, they are ready for you on the training grounds,” he said.

“I’ll be a bit late, my servant is very inept at putting on my armor,” Arthur said, letting out a moan as Merlin took that moment to run his teeth over the prince’s sensitive flesh making him tremble.

“Should I send a more experienced servant up, Sire?” Leon asked.

“No…no,” Arthur said his voice going up an octave, “Merlin, will do…that will be all, Leon.”

“Yes, Sire,” Leon said then stepped away from the door walking down the corridor with a knowing smirk on his face.

“Merlin…your mouth…your insolent, beautiful mouth,” Arthur breathed out, his chest heaving.

Merlin drew back and looked up at him, his eyes shining gold and magic wrapped around Arthur stroking every inch of his body while Merlin went down on him again, swallowing him all the way to the back of his throat.  The prince cried out, practically chanting Merlin’s name as he spilled his seed into that incredible mouth, shuddering and shaking, his thighs and stomach convulsing with a powerful climax, his release pulsing down Merlin’s throat.

“God have mercy,” Arthur whimpered.  Merlin stood up then and with one last stroke of his hand, he came, his knees giving out.  Arthur caught him in his arms, holding him as he laughed breathlessly against the prince’s shoulder.  “Are you all right, Merlin?”

“Is that my name?” Merlin asked.

“You are very good at sword polishing, Merlin, but I think we should get me dressed and into my armor before my father comes looking for us.”

“Oh, yeah, right…sorry,” Merlin said then with a flash of gold, Arthur was fully dressed.  It took only getting the prince to his feet and uttering a few words of a spell before he was fully outfitted in his perfectly clean and shining chainmail and armor.  Boots on his feet and his sword belt in its proper place.

“I can definitely get used to this,” Arthur smiled, kissing him. 

“It does leave more time for other things,” Merlin wagged his eyebrows.

“Right,” Arthur nodded fighting the urge to cancel training and take Merlin to bed.  “Merlin, clean my chambers.  I will expect you at supper time.”

“Yes, Sire,” Merlin bowed and winked.

“And Merlin…”

“Yes?”

“I love you,” Arthur said before opening the door and walking out of the room.

“Love you too,” Merlin said with a grin to the empty chambers.  “Now, let’s get this place in order,” he picked up the tray and empty plates heading to the kitchen.

 

Arthur arrived on the training grounds.  The king and queen were seated at the far end of the field observing.  The prince pulled on his gloves and gripped his sword twirling it in the air and bouncing on his feet to loosen up and get ready.

“Why do they have to do this today?” he asked Leon.

“It was Vivienne’s idea,” the knight said.

“Merlin agrees with you, he thinks she is plotting against me too.”

“Smart boy, it’s a good thing you two have gotten so close, he can protect you,” Leon smirked.

“I don’t know what you’re on about, Sir Leon.”

“Nothing…nothing at all,” he chuckled, and Arthur blushed.

“Let’s get this over with,” Arthur said then crossed the grass which had been flattened beneath the boots of his knights.  He spotted Gwaine and Percival heading toward them.  Gwaine glanced up giving the prince a dark look.

“Arthur,” he said, drawing his sword, his back straight, and shoulders squared.

“Sir Gwaine,” Arthur said, stepping right into his personal space, “Are you challenging your prince?”

Gwaine jerked his head to the side then rolled his shoulders bringing his sword up to meet the prince’s.  “You’ll break his heart…” he said, his voice low and dangerous.

“If you were worried about his heart, you would have stayed with him,” Arthur responded harshly.

The prince and his knight faced off until Uther cleared his throat.  “Is there a problem, Arthur?” the king asked.

“No, father, not at all,” Arthur said without taking his eyes off Gwaine’s.  “Let’s settle this.”  They moved toward the center of the field and a full-on fight ensued that went on and on.  Gwaine was a match to Arthur in size, skill, strength, and speed.  Their swords clashed again and again, both of them throwing their weight and power into the battle until they were breathing hard and drenched in sweat.  “Are you going to yield?” Arthur asked.

“Not a chance,” Gwaine grinned and flipped his long dark hair, “If you’re tired, feel free to do so.”

Arthur twirled his sword swiping downward and Gwaine blocked it.  “You’ve gotten better,” Arthur smirked, “You think you can best me?”

“Oh, yes.”

“Then let’s see what you can do,” Arthur nodded then sidestepped and spun around.  Gwaine anticipated the move and switched his weight to the opposite foot ducking Arthur’s attack.  “I can do this all day.”

“He doesn’t deserve to be your bedwarmer,” Gwaine hissed as they crossed swords, and their chests came together.

“I know,” Arthur said intently every bit of feeling and emotion showing in his blue eyes catching Gwaine completely by surprise.  The prince saw his opening.  With a well-practiced move, he brought his sword around catching Gwaine’s, swiping downward causing the knight to lose his grip and he dropped his sword.  Arthur then rammed him with his shoulder.  Gwaine fell on his backside with a groan and a rush of air from his lungs.  “Are we finished?” the prince asked with a raised eyebrow and a smug grin.

Gwaine glared at him for a moment then huffed a laugh and nodded.  “I yield, Sire.”

“Good man,” Arthur said, extending an arm to help Gwaine to his feet.  He leaned close to Arthur and shook his head.

“Just don’t hurt him.”

“That’s the last thing I want,” Arthur gave a slight nod as Uther and Vivienne clapped and cheered along with everyone else watching them.  “You gave me a good fight, Sir Gwaine.”

“Not good enough apparently,” he rolled his eyes and let out a ragged breath before starting toward the water bucket.

“Gwaine,” the prince said, and the man stopped.  “You’re the best swordfighter of all my new knights,” Arthur said, earning him a surprised look, “I want you to accompany us to Nemeth at the end of the week.”

“Yes, Sire, I am honored, thank you.”

“I need someone I can trust.  Someone I can count on to watch out for Merlin,” Arthur said, keeping his voice low so no one else would hear.

“You really care about him don’t you.”  Arthur nodded then stepped around Gwaine leaving the knight smiling and shaking his head.

 “What was that all about?” Uther asked as his son approached.

“Just putting Gwaine through his final test,” Arthur smiled.

“He is a great fighter,” Vivienne said, her eyes raking over Gwaine as he walked over to Percival and accepted a drink of water and a towel.

Uther eyed Arthur curiously, “I’ve never known you to go so hard on one knight, son.”

“Is that not why you are here?  To see firsthand that my knights are ready for any challenge.”

“You certainly did that,” Vivienne said with a look of approval that caught Arthur by surprise as she never gave him anything even remotely resembling a compliment.  He nodded and bowed then turned to his knights.

“Who’s next?” he asked.

 

“Merlin, you’re back,” Gaius said as he walked into his chambers.

“Yes, Arthur is busy with training, and he gave me permission to help you out whenever I am able,” Merlin said as he got up from the table.  “I gathered herbs for you.  They are sorted and prepared just the way you taught me.”

“Thank you, my boy, you are a great help.  I have a gift for you.”

“For me?”

Gaius walked over to a trunk and opened it pulling out an object wrapped in fabric.  He handed it to Merlin.  “This was given to me when I was your age, I think you will get more use out of it than I did.  Perhaps it will help you and Arthur.  Though you should probably keep it here in my chambers.”

Merlin unwrapped it, finding a book.  He opened it and smiled as he saw page after page of magical spells, creatures, and potions.  “Gaius, this is amazing.”

Gaius smiled patting Merlin’s shoulder.  “I was a bit hard on you this morning, Merlin.  I owe you an apology.”

“No, you don’t.  It’s all right.”

“Merlin…I’m just concerned that you and Arthur will end up heartbroken.”

“I know, but I’ve never had anyone like him before.  We understand each other like no one else can.  We were connected in ways I don’t fully understand…even before the spell bound us.”

“I’ll be careful.  Though there is another problem,” Merlin said wincing slightly in anticipation of the old physician’s reaction.  “It seems that one of Arthur’s knights is someone I had as you called a dalliance with six months ago when he was in Ealdor.  I saw him and he knows now that I am with Arthur.”

“Gwaine…” Gaius said.

“How did you know?”

“Because six months ago Gwaine, Lancelot, and Percival joined the knights.  Lancelot is in love with Gwen.  Percival has his pick of every girl in Camelot.  Gwaine is clearly more open with his affections and doesn’t seem to mind if they are male or female.”

Merlin laughed and shrugged, “He’s a good man.  To be honest, if he had stayed in Ealdor we would probably be together now.  But Arthur…he is my destiny and my heart.  I am in love with him, and he loves me.  We are…”

“…two sides of the same coin,” Gaius finished for him.  “I shouldn’t be surprised.  Ygraine and your mother were cut from the same cloth, inseparable despite the difference in their stations.  When the queen died, Hunith was devastated.  She stayed for Arthur, but when Uther married Vivienne and then she met Balinor.  She made the difficult decision to leave Camelot and return to Ealdor.  She loved Arthur so much.  It broke her heart to leave him.”

“I still don’t understand why my mother never told me about her life here,” Merlin said.

“She not only lost Ygraine, but she also lost Arthur and then Balinor was betrayed by Uther and forced to go on the run and leave her behind.  She sent word to me that she was with child.  I tried to find Balinor to tell him, but I could not.  He’d vanished without a trace.”

“And now Uther has set Kilgharrah free and sent him to find my father and tell him he is free to return to Ealdor in exchange for my help.”

“That is why you agreed to this,” Gaius frowned, “Merlin, what if Balinor is dead or refuses to return after all these years.”

“Well, according to the Dragonlord lore, he must be alive, or I would have inherited his powers already.  Not that I really understand what they entail.”  Merlin motioned toward all Gaius’ books.  “Is there anything here that can tell me about my Dragonlord Heritage?”

“Very little is known about the bloodline.  Your father is the last of them.  Uther had them all killed and all books about them destroyed.  You might go to the library and discreetly inquire with Geoffrey of Monmouth, the librarian.  He is a dear friend of mine and I trust him implicitly.  If anything remains of the Dragonlord lore he will have it.  He will remember Balinor, your father saved his life once.  I can guarantee that he will help you.”

“But isn’t he loyal to Uther?”

“Yes,” Gaius nodded, “But helping the son of the man who saved his life will certainly come before his duty to the king.”

“I will speak with him then.  Thank you, Gaius,” Merlin smiled and then embraced the older man.  “If that is all, I must go tend to Arthur.”

“Yes, go ahead.  Thank you for all you did this afternoon.  My chambers look much better, and I have all the herbs I need.”

“Thank you for your help, Gaius,” Merlin nodded then headed for the door.  He opened it to find Arthur ready to knock.  “Arthur!”

“There you are,” Arthur said, then he glanced at Gaius, his face heated, “Gaius, um, I have need of Merlin.”

Gaius nodded, smiling knowingly, “He is all yours, Sire.”

Arthur grinned then gripped Merlin’s sleeve dragging him out of the room, the door closing behind them.  “It’s so awkward knowing that he knows.”

“I couldn’t hide how I feel, not from him.  And then there’s Gwaine…I thought I should tell him.”

“Yes, Gwaine,” Arthur said flatly, and Merlin looked at him.

“Arthur…you didn’t…” he said and saw the look in the prince’s blue eyes.  “You did.  Arthur, he is a good man…don’t punish him because of me.”

“I didn’t punish him…not exactly.  He challenged me to a swordfight, and it may or may not have gotten a little out of control.  I won, he lost, we reached an understanding.  He will be accompanying us to Nemeth, by the way.”

Merlin rolled his eyes and smiled, “You’re a royal prat.  But I have to admit, it is rather arousing to know that you were willing to fight for me.”

Arthur smirked, “How arousing?”

“Very,” Merlin grinned, kissing him in the middle of the main corridor and Arthur let out a low moan.

“Merlin…someone will see.”

Merlin’s eyes flashed gold and he kissed Arthur again, “No, they won’t.”

“You have to teach me that,” the prince said, his breathing ragged as Merlin pressed him up against the wall.

“There are many things I need to teach you, Arthur,” Merlin thrust his tongue into his mouth kissing him with abandon.  They rolled their hips into each other, the heat quickly building between them as the hard bulges in their trousers ground together.  “Arthur…” he breathed out.

“Merlin, Gods, I need you now,” Arthur panted.

“We should go back to your chambers.”

“Your magic…you’re certain no one can see or hear us?”

“Yes, but we would be more comfortable in your big soft bed,” Merlin grinned, kissing him.

“I want you to take me, right here…up against the wall,” Arthur said, his eyes wide and dark with desire.  “I want you inside me.  I can’t stop thinking about it.”

“Arthur,” Merlin said, his voice catching in his throat, “Are you sure?”

“Yes, please, Merlin…use your magic on me,” Arthur moaned against his servant’s lips.  “Prepare me…take your prince.”

“Yes, Sire,” Merlin kissed him then his eyes flashed gold and Arthur felt his body respond instantly, his cock hardened even more while his muscles relaxed and he felt invisible fingers opening him up, stroking his shaft, a slickness coating his entrance and a gentle pressure against a sensitive spot inside him.  He practically purred, and Merlin gave him a heated look that nearly made him come.

People walked by them completely oblivious to the carnal act going on right in plain sight.  Arthur let out a low guttural moan as Merlin unlaced both their trousers pushing the prince’s down to mid-thigh before turning him around to face the wall.

“Merlin…please, hurry,” Arthur gasped, his body shaking with arousal and need.

“Arthur, now?” Merlin asked his lips right next to the prince’s ear.

“Yes, Merlin, take me!”

“As you wish, My Lord,” Merlin said breathlessly then took out his hard shaft stroking it slowly as he thrust against Arthur, sliding his length along the cleft of his arse giving him time to change his mind but Arthur only grunted in a clear command to do it.  “So eager, Arthur,” Merlin smiled then guided the head of his cock to his entrance and slowly pushed in until he was buried to the hilt inside his prince.

“Gods, Merlin,” Arthur moaned filthily, “That’s…oh, that feels good.”

“Arthur, you’re so tight,” Merlin gasped, rolling his hips, pressing Arthur into the wall, “I need to move.”

“Then move,” Arthur said his hands splayed flat against the wall.  He turned his head to look back at Merlin, spotting Uther walking toward them.  “Merlin…come on…harder,” Arthur huffed then laughed breathlessly.  There was something about the fact that his father was right there, completely oblivious to his son being pinned up against the wall with his servant’s hard cock buried inside him, that spiked his arousal tenfold.

“Yes, Sire,” Merlin grinned pulling out to the head before pushing back in again and Arthur let out a low growl biting his bottom lip.  “You like that, Arthur?  You’re so good.  Gods, Arthur, I am not going to last long.  What if your father could see us now?” Merlin asked, his voice thick with arousal, “If he could hear the sounds you’re making just for me.  My hard cock sheathed inside your perfect backside.”

“Merlin, harder…please...”

Merlin reached one hand around to grip Arthur’s cock stroking him in time with each thrust until the corridor was filled with the sound of skin on skin and breathless cries of pleasure.  He let go of more of his magic strengthening the cocoon of protection around them as he rocked into Arthur driving them both toward release.

“Ah…Merlin, yes,” Arthur gasped his fingernails scraping the wall, his forehead pressed against the cool stone as Merlin pounded into him hard and fast.  “Coming!” Arthur roared as his seed pulsed from the head of his cock coating Merlin’s hand.

“Ar—Arthur, Gods,” Merlin stuttered as the prince’s body contracted around him and he drove into Arthur all the way, spilling his seed deep within his prince.  They clung to each other, covered in sweat, breathing hard, their knees threatening to give out.

“Oh, Merlin…”

“Are you okay?”

“Yes, that was…”

“…brilliant,” Merlin finished for him.

“Gods yes,” Arthur smiled.

Merlin pulled out of him and then used magic to clean up and right their clothing before turning Arthur to face him pressing his lips to his in a lazy kiss.  He glanced around making sure no one was in the corridor before releasing the spell.  Arthur laughed breathlessly.

“I have so much to learn from you, Merlin.”

“And I shall enjoy teaching you, Sire.”

Uther reached the end of the corridor where he met Morgana then they headed for the dining hall.  Arthur kissed Merlin.  “I was coming to get you for supper.  My father insisted that we join them again.  Come along, Merlin,” he smirked.

“Yes, My Lord,” Merlin grinned then dropped the spell.

 

“You’re late,” Vivienne said, her tone full of derision.

“I apologize,” Merlin said with a bow then took his place behind Arthur, “It was so good to see Gaius again that I lost track of time.  It is my fault the prince is late.”

“Do not forget,” Uther said, “Your first duty is to Arthur.”

“Father, it was Merlin’s first day, there is much for him to learn,” Arthur said as he held his goblet up for Merlin to fill with wine.  “It will take some time for us to work out a routine.”

“Very well,” Uther nodded then looked at Merlin.  “Will you be able to handle all of your duties, Merlin?”

“Yes, My Lord.  I am used to hard work.  I am a fast learner.  I may be a mere peasant, but I have many talents,” Merlin said somehow managing to keep a straight face while Arthur had to bite his lip to keep from laughing.

Uther looked back and forth between the two of them curiously.  “Is that so, Arthur?”

“What—oh, yes, father.  Merlin is quite capable and a hard worker.  He can read and write even, which is rare in a peasant,” Arthur said then looked up at Merlin with a glint of mirth in his blue eyes.

“Yes, that is rare indeed,” Uther said.

“Though I do not see what good comes of having a servant with such abilities,” Vivienne huffed, “They should remain silent and invisible, something Merlin is obviously incapable of.”

Merlin gave her a cheeky grin.  “There is nothing more dangerous than a servant who is invisible and silent…they see all…know all.  I would not underestimate them,” he said pointedly.

Vivianne glared at him intently while Arthur and Morgana struggled to keep a straight face.  “Are you threatening your queen, Merlin?” she asked with venom in her tone.

“Not at all, just an observation,” Merlin smirked then filled her wine goblet.  “You look thirsty, Your Majesty,” he said.  As he moved to refill Arthur and Morgana’s goblets, he caught a glint of amusement on the king’s face that had him biting his lip.

“Arthur,” Uther cleared his throat, “It is your place to teach your servant how to control his mouth.”

Arthur nearly choked on his drink while Merlin’s shoulders were shaking with barely restrained laughter.  “Of course, Father, I will be sure to make teaching Merlin how to control his mouth my highest priority,” he huffed then focused on his plate.  Morgana’s face was pink her lips pressed together as she looked up at Merlin and nearly lost it.

“Good, we cannot have him embarrassing us in front of other nobility.  I trust you will use the time in Nemeth to teach him proper behavior.”

“Yes, I will be sure to do that, Sire,” Arthur said, not daring to meet Merlin’s gaze.

Vivienne looked around the table at all of them, clearly annoyed, but she said nothing more.  She finished her supper and then stood up.  “I am rather tired and shall retire to my chambers for the night.”

“Very well, my love,” Uther said as she kissed his cheek.  The moment Vivienne left the room, the king chuckled.  “Merlin…you forget yourself.  The queen will have your head if you aren’t more careful.”  Merlin lowered his head to hide his smile.  Arthur lost it and Morgana burst out laughing so hard she couldn’t catch her breath.

“Please, father, as if Arthur would ever let her harm Merlin,” Morgana beamed at her brother.

“Morgana,” Arthur shook his head.

“Well, I believe I shall retire to my chamber as well and allow you to talk,” she said getting up from her chair.  She smiled and winked at Merlin kissing his cheek then nodded to her father and brother.  “Good night,” she said then walked to the door.

“Good night, Morgana,” Uther said then looked at Arthur.  “She is right though, is she not?  You would protect Merlin under any circumstances.  You care for him, Arthur.  I can see it in your eyes.”

“He’s my friend, I guess you could say we have a kind of bond,” Merlin said.

“Is that true?” the king asked.

“Yes, father, it is, we have…a bond that is unbreakable.”

“Explain,” Uther said, leaning back in his chair, steepling his fingers beneath his chin.

“I’m not sure I can,” Arthur said locking eyes with Merlin.

“My Lord,” Merlin said, “It is our magic…our hearts…our souls.  We are each one half of a whole and that whole has been sealed together by a force far bigger than the both of us.”

“Merlin, what are you saying?” Uther said his forehead creasing.

“Well, Arthur and I are one now.  In the eyes of the Triple Goddess, we are essentially…”

“Married…” Arthur finished with a wide grin.

“Married?” Uther asked his voice rising an octave.

“Yes, in a way, we are.”

“And just how did this bonding happen?” Uther asked watching his son and Merlin smile even as they blushed.  “Oh, I see…I suppose I should not be surprised.  The two of you were drawn to each other the moment you met.”

“You’re not angry?” Arthur asked in surprise.  “You have told me for years that I must marry and bear an heir to strengthen the kingdom, to form an alliance.”

Uther nodded, “Indeed, I have.  And while I am not exactly thrilled with this development, I must admit that the strength of your union with Merlin will secure the future of Camelot for a long time to come.  Strategically, no one would dare challenge a kingdom led by the Once and Future King and The Powerful Emrys…perhaps this is what was always meant to be.”

“My Lord,” Merlin said, “Are you saying that we have your blessing?”

“No,” Uther said firmly, and Merlin’s face fell, “I will not settle for this magical bond.  You two must marry legally in the eyes of the court.  While you two are in Nemeth I will quietly begin to change the laws and arrange for the ceremony.”

Arthur and Merlin looked intently at each other, neither of them daring to believe what they were hearing.  The king was not only accepting their magical bond but would change the laws and approach the court on their behalf to make sure they could be married.

“Father…as grateful as I am,” Arthur said, “Vivienne will not be so accepting.”

“Queen Vivienne will come to accept things as they are.  You are the rightful heir to the throne and that will never change,” Uther said, “I will speak with her, get her to see the advantages of such a match.  Of course, that would require her knowing the truth about your magic and Merlin’s.”

“I think we need to hold off on telling her as long as possible,” Merlin said hesitantly.

“Is there a reason you are so reluctant, Merlin?”

“My Lord, the queen hates Arthur…”

“That’s absurd…”

“No, it really isn’t Father,” Arthur said then proceeded to tell Uther everything Vivianne had put him through throughout his life.  Uther’s eyes filled with pain as he listened intently.

“Arthur, why did you keep this from me all this time?”

“Because every time I tried to tell you what she was doing, you dismissed it, you ignored me.”

“My God, Arthur, I am so sorry,” the king said then stood up, rounding the table.  Arthur leapt to his feet and Uther embraced him.  “Things are going to be different from now on.  Vivienne will not hurt you anymore, that I promise you.”  Arthur melted into his father’s embrace, completely off-kilter, as his father never hugged him, even as a child.

“Father…” he said softly, and Uther pressed his lips to the side of his head.

“This is my fault, Arthur, I am deeply sorry.”

Arthur drew back and looked at Merlin who was smiling with tears in his eyes.  “I love you, Merlin,” he said blinking back tears of his own.

Uther beckoned to Merlin drawing him closer.  “You two truly love each other, I can see that.  We will keep this between the three of us until you return from Nemeth.  Nothing will stand in the way of you and Merlin being together and leading this kingdom into peace and prosperity.”

The three of them nodded and smiled.

 

Vivienne stepped away from her dressing table her eyes wide with rage.  A shimmering image in the mirror had revealed all to the queen.

“Arthur!” she seethed, “I will never relinquish my throne to the prince and that insolent boy!”

She waved a hand across the mirror, her eyes glowing gold.  Arthur had magic, that explained so much.  That is why Uther had gone to the Great Dragon, out of fear for his son who was a sorcerer.  She should have known there was more to Merlin than meets the eye.  It was obvious that the king had given him special treatment and had shown far too much tolerance for his appalling behavior.  Merlin was Emrys!

“Ingunn!”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” the young girl said, appearing from the antechamber with her head bowed.

“Prepare me for bed,” Vivienne said harshly.

“Yes, My Lady,” Ingunn smiled then hurried to the wardrobe.

Chapter 4: For the Love of Camelot

“Hurry up, Merlin,” Arthur said as they walked down the hillside toward the ruined castle.  No one was around and it was a beautiful evening.

“You know there is a stable full of perfectly fine horses,” Merlin huffed.

“Ah, but the walk will do you good.”

“I walk…I walk everywhere, which is why it would have been nice to ride.  When were you planning to introduce me to Griffin anyway?”

“Soon, you will be riding him to Nemeth.”

“Ah, good at least I won’t have to walk to Nemeth,” Merlin rolled his eyes.

“You’re getting spoiled, Mer—lin, being magically bound to the Prince of Camelot, you’re getting soft,” Arthur teased.

“You’re an ass…”

“Ah, but I am your ass and you’re stuck with me.”

Merlin laughed, shaking his head, “I have no one to blame but myself.”

“That’s right.”

They reached the ruins, passing beneath a crumbling stone arch that was in a heated battle with ivy and tree roots for its very survival.  Beautiful lavender flowers and dark green leaves covered the stone walls.  Arthur stepped through a doorway and as Merlin approached, he pulled him through with him pinning him up against the wall with his body, their lips a hair’s breadth apart.

“We are all alone,” Arthur said huskily.

“Yes, we are,” Merlin grinned.

“My father…I cannot believe he is allowing us to be together.  I never would have expected that.  I mean, it’s one thing for him to finally accept magic for me, but to know that he accepts our binding is more than I could ever hope for.”

“Me too,” Merlin nodded, “I’d be lying if I said I fully trusted his acceptance though.”

“I know, a part of me feels the same, but he is my father, and he wants what is best for the kingdom and for me.  Together we can bring about a just and safe kingdom for all.  A strong kingdom, where everyone, sorcerers, nobles, and common people can live together in peace.  Where no one is judged by their station or their titles.  I will be king, and you will rule by my side, Merlin, just as the prophecy foretold.”

“Vivienne is never going to allow that,” Merlin shook his head, “She is hiding something.  I don’t think she is who she pretends to be.”

“What do you mean?” Arthur asked.

“I’m not sure…that is why I need to keep a close eye on her.”

“I don’t want you getting hurt.  She will not hesitate to harm you…I have seen what she’s capable of when my father isn’t around.”

Merlin pulled Arthur closer and kissed him, “I’m worried she will kill you to get what she wants.”

“Vivienne wants the throne…that much is certain.  She knows that when I am king she will be relegated to the background, she will lose power and status.  The council and the court will no longer listen to her.  And the person I marry…” he smiled, cupping Merlin’s cheek, “…you will take her place.”

“I am to be your queen?” Merlin asked cheekily and Arthur grinned.

“You would look quite fetching in a deep purple gown…”

“I’m not a girl, in case you haven’t noticed.”

“Oh, believe me, I noticed,” Arthur kissed him deep and long, his hands sliding beneath Merlin’s purple tunic caressing his warm skin.  “Though any woman would kill to have lips and cheekbones such as yours, and those long eyelashes against your pale skin…”

“Arthur…”

“Hmm.”

“We should really get to practicing, it will be dark soon,” Merlin grinned.

“Right…magic…” Arthur said, pressing his lips to Merlin’s again, “You said that my magic will respond to my intent?”

“Yes,” Merlin said.

Arthur wagged his eyebrows and then focused intently on Merlin, his eyes turning gold.  Merlin’s eyes went wide, and he let out a gasp as he felt Arthur’s magic wrap around him, caressing his body beneath his clothing.  Arthur kissed him passionately while his magic worked Merlin into a frenzy until he was panting, and hard for him.

“All right?” Arthur asked huskily and Merlin nodded, unable to form words as he felt invisible fingers preparing him for his prince.  “Turn around for me, Merlin.”  Merlin turned to face the stone wall, his entire body and his magic singing for his Arthur…practically whimpering in anticipation, eager for the joining of their bodies.”

“Arthur…please,” he panted as the prince unlaced his trousers sliding his hands into the front of them to stroke his hard cock and the back to caress his perfect arse.

“Feel good?”

“Gods yes,” Merlin moaned trying to decide if he wanted to thrust into Arthur’s hand or get his fingers inside his arse.  “Ah, Arthur…need more!”

“Patience, my love,” Arthur whispered into his ear, “We are all alone out here.  No one to interrupt us, Merlin.”  He let go of more of his magic and it eagerly surged into Merlin to dance with his magic.  They felt everything, every touch, every warm breath, and every beat of their hearts.  He eased Merlin’s trousers down pressing his body against his as he pulled out his hard cock pressing the head to his entrance.  “I love you,” Arthur said, his voice rough and thick with arousal as he pushed into Merlin in one smooth motion.

Merlin tilted his head back against the prince’s shoulder, mouth open in a silent cry of sheer bliss.  His hooded gaze sought Arthur’s as they held perfectly still, reveling in the moment.  Neither of them spoke, they focused on the pounding of their hearts and the heat of their bodies.

“I wish…” Arthur breathed out.

“What?” Merlin smiled.

Arthur splayed a hand over his lover's hard stomach.  “I wish we could bear a child together…that I could watch your belly swell with my baby.”

Merlin smiled, “Me too, but while there are things that magic can do, those things have a high cost.  A life created…”

“A life taken,” Arthur nodded in understanding remembering the price his mother had paid for his life.  He would never do that to a child, nor would he risk the life of the one he loved the way Uther had out of sheer desperation for an heir.

“Though I admit, the idea is appealing,” Merlin grinned kissing him.

Arthur moved, withdrawing to the head then pushed into Merlin again.  “Gods, Merlin, you feel so good.”

“Harder,” Merlin gasped, and Arthur pressed him up against the stones driving into him harder and faster and deeper with every thrust until they were breathless and their skin glistening in the light of the sun as it dropped toward the horizon.  “Arthur…Gods…please…yes,” Merlin moaned.

Their magic swirled together sending a golden mist into the air, enveloping the ruins, disappearing into the earth.  Around them walls reformed, ivy and trees retreated to their proper places, the arch repaired itself and the great towers and spires of the old castle rose up from the earth.  Magic penetrated every corner and every inch of the citadel bringing it back to its former glory and strengthening it with the love of Arthur and Merlin binding every stone, and healing every crack.

“Um, Merlin,” Arthur chuckled breathlessly as they both looked up to find themselves standing in the center of a grand castle.

“Ah, now…Arthur…” Merlin whimpered as he came with an intensity he had never felt before.  Arthur pushed into him fully and let go, spilling his seed inside Merlin.  “Oh—oh, Arthur.”

“Yeah, I feel it too,” the prince huffed kissing Merlin’s neck and cheek as his lover melted against him, his knees trembling, chest heaving.

Merlin opened his eyes and looked around, “Wow.”

Arthur smiled, “How are we going to explain this?”

“I have no idea,” Merlin huffed a laugh, “But it is beautiful.”

“Can we undo it?”

“I don’t think so.  It is imbued with our magic and our love.  It will never be destroyed again.  It will be our refuge and a safe haven for all those who seek it.”

“Won’t my father be surprised?” Arthur said then kissed Merlin.

“Just a bit,” Merlin smiled then took hold of Arthur’s hand and walked to the middle of the restored throne room of the castle.  Heavy wood doors were now in place, highly polished.  He pushed them open, and they stepped out into a long corridor with beautiful stained glass windows on either side, shining in the light of the sunset outside.

“This place is amazing,” Merlin said with a wide grin.

“We really did this?”

“It would seem so.”

They followed the corridor to the main doors walking outside and down the steps that were similar to Camelot.  Merlin looked around, his eyes bright and wide taking it all in.  Arthur took hold of his hand as they descended to the massive courtyard.

“I could live here,” Arthur smiled.

“We should get back to Camelot,” Merlin said, “Someone had to see this and will report it to your father.”  The moment they walked through the gates into Camelot they were spotted by an anxious Leon.

“Arthur!” Leon called out running toward them, “Sire, your father sent me to find you.  He is waiting for you in the council chambers.”

“What’s going on?”

“I’m not certain.  He didn’t take the time to explain, he just ordered me to find you.  We should hurry, Arthur,” Leon said warningly, looking around.

“Right,” Arthur nodded, “Merlin, you should go clean my chambers.”

“Actually, he insisted on both of you,” Leon said.

“This can’t be good,” Merlin frowned.

“Come on, we might as well face the music now,” Arthur grimaced.

They climbed the steps and headed for the council chambers with Leon following.  The guards opened the doors to Uther pacing the floor, obviously distraught.  Merlin and Arthur looked at each other and then walked into the room.

“Father, if this is about the ruins…” Arthur said. 

Uther looked at him in confusion then huffed.  “Please, the ruins are the least of my worries, though you two need to be more careful.”

“Then what is happening?” the prince asked.

“A patrol came across a faction of Nemeth’s knights, they had been slaughtered.  There were only two survivors.  They told the patrol that they were escorting Princess Mithian to Camelot.  Apparently, she planned to come here and then accompany you all back to Nemeth.  She is missing,” Uther said.  “They fear she has been taken.”

“No!” a mournful wail came from behind them as Morgana broke down in tears, Gwen hugged her to offer comfort, slowly stroking her hair.  “Arthur…you have to find her,” she choked back a sob.  “Please, please…you have to save Mithian.”

Merlin rushed forward as her knees gave out and she fell into his arms.  He held her close.  “We will find Mithian, I promise,” he whispered.

Arthur embraced her, kissing her forehead, “Merlin and I will find her.  I know what she means to you.”

“No, you don’t,” Morgana shook her head, “You don’t…I love her.  I love her like you love Merlin.  Arthur, you cannot let her die.”

Arthur looked at Merlin and hugged her, “We will find her.”

“Take as many men as you need,” Uther said then gave them a meaningful nod, “Find the princess.  Do whatever it takes.”

“Yes Father,” Arthur said then turned Morgana over to Gwen.  “Morgana, let Gwen take you back to your chambers.  I love you.”

Morgana nodded reluctantly, wiping her eyes with trembling hands.  She turned toward the doors, Gwen holding onto her.  Once she was gone, Arthur turned to his father and Merlin then Leon, his forehead creased as he quickly formulated a plan.

“Leon, I need you to speak with the survivors, get everything you can from them, anything they can remember.  Merlin, find Gwaine, Percival, and Lancelot, and tell them to prepare.  It’s too dark to ride out tonight.”

“Actually, it isn’t,” Merlin said, “Not if we use magic.  We can track the kidnappers even in darkness, but it will mean revealing your powers to everyone.”

“The life of Princess Mithian is at stake…keeping my secret is no longer important.”

“Arthur, are you certain?” Leon asked, “Your people…”

“My people know me, and I have to believe they will accept my magic.  If we can save Mithian using magic, then that is what we will do.”

“You both have my blessing,” Uther nodded.

Arthur met his father’s gaze giving him a slight smile.  “Thank you, Father.”  He turned to Merlin putting a hand on his shoulder.  “What do we need to do?”

“You need to learn a spell,” Merlin said.

“All right, Leon you have your orders.”

“Yes, Sire,” Leon said then headed out the doors.

“Merlin, let's get to work on this spell.”

 

Arthur looked up, his eyes reflecting the light from the beautiful bluish-white orbs floating over their heads as they moved through the woods.  Orbs that he and Merlin were both maintaining with their magic.  To describe what he was feeling at that moment was impossible.  Having his father embrace his magic, seeing him look at his son with pride and genuine emotion was so much more than he ever imagined possible.

“Are you all right?” Merlin asked.

“Yes,” Arthur smiled, “I’m good.”

“When we get close we will have to drop the spell.  They will see us coming.”

“We just need to get close enough to assess the situation.  Once we know where Mithian is being held, we move in at first light and catch them completely by surprise.  Can you use magic to shield the princess to keep her safe?”

“Yes,” Merlin nodded, “All I need is to make sure no one is near her when I cast the spell.”

“Arthur,” Leon said as he rode up next to the prince, “The survivors said that Mithian was injured, but they did not know how badly.  What if…”

“She is alive,” Arthur said, “We will find her and bring her back to Camelot.”

“Yes, Sire,” Leon said.

“Morgana will be heartbroken if we don’t,” Merlin said softly.

“And I understand how she feels,” Arthur shook his head, “If I lost you…”

“You’re never going to lose me, Arthur.”

“Promise?”

“I promise.”

“Sire,” Leon said, “We should probably stop and rest the horses.”

Arthur nodded, “All right.  We will stop in Ealdor.  Give Merlin a chance to see his mother while we rest then we will push on.  I want to reach the camp before dawn.  If the Nemeth Knights were right about who is behind this, we should find the camp just east of the Ridge of Ascetir.”

“Do you really think King Cenred is responsible?” Merlin asked.

“Cenred would love nothing more than to get his hands on Nemeth.  Taking Mithian to get King Rodor to agree to either pay ransom or force marriage.  Either way, he wins,” Arthur said.

They rode into Ealdor, it didn’t take long for the villagers to emerge from their homes to see what was happening when twenty knights dismounted.  Merlin slid off Griffin patting the broad neck affectionately.  Arthur had been right, he and Griffin were a perfect match.  He loved the horse already and they communicated with each other seamlessly.

“Good boy,” Merlin smiled then led him to the water.

“Arthur!” Hunith exclaimed as she came out of the house and embraced him fully, “What are you doing here?  Where’s Merlin?  Is he all right?”

“He’s fine,” Arthur said, “Hunith, we actually need to tell you something.”

“Mother!” Merlin said as he came toward them and Hunith threw her arms around his neck.

“Oh, my boy, look at you!”

“I missed you,” he grinned, kissing her cheek.

“And I missed you boys, you look well…happy,” Hunith said, noticing how her boys looked at each other.  Her smile grew brighter, and she knew.  “Oh my, you two are…”

“Mother, um, we are together…our magic our hearts…we are bound.”

“Bound?  As in?” Hunith asked and Merlin nodded.

“I love your son, Hunith,” Arthur said, and she kissed his cheek.

“I should be surprised, but I’m not.  I love you both so very much and I am so happy for you.  I knew the moment you and Uther came for Merlin that this was his destiny…that you were his destiny.  Arthur, my boy, I couldn’t love you more if you were my own child.”

“I love you too, Hunith,” Arthur allowed her to pull him into her arms and hold him.  He didn’t care that his men were there to see.  Merlin’s mother had been there for him after his own mother died and he still loved her.  He kissed her cheek and then drew back.  She held onto his hands and gave a slight nod.

“I take it you won’t be staying long.  You’re on a quest.”

“A rescue mission actually,” Merlin said.

“Princess Mithian has been abducted by bandits.  She may be hurt…” Arthur said.

“How far away are they?” Hunith asked.

“They are camped in the valley between the Ridge of Ascetir and the old fortress,” Merlin said.

“When you get her back bring her here and I will be happy to take care of her.  I have medical supplies.  I’m no Gaius, but I can at least prepare her for the journey back to Camelot.  Make her comfortable.  I will get you and your men some food.  Thomas and Gabriel killed two deer yesterday evening.”

“No, Hunith, you need your food for the villagers.  We have supplies.  We just needed to stop to rest and water the horses.”

“Very well.  If you need my help, I will be here waiting.”

“Love you, mother,” Merlin hugged her.

“Love you, my beautiful son.  I am so proud of you.”

“We have to get going soon, I need to see to the horses,” he kissed her cheek then ran off.  Arthur watched him go, shaking his head with a crooked grin on his face.  Hunith nudged him and giggled.

“You really are quite smitten with my Merlin.”

Arthur blushed and huffed a laugh, “Yes, yes I am.  I have never known anyone like him.”

“There is no one like him on earth,” Hunith beamed.

“His father?  Have you heard from him?”

“I received a letter.  He is alive and well.”

“Is he coming home to you?”

Hunith nodded, “He is far from here…in the northern lands.  Kilgharrah is there with him.  Balinor doesn’t trust that your father will keep his word.  I think he will eventually make his way home, just not right away.”

Arthur shook his head, “I am so sorry for everything my father has done to you.”

“Merlin is alive and well, that gives me hope that even Uther Pendragon can change.  He has kept his word to keep Merlin safe in Camelot…I have to believe he will keep it when it comes to my Balinor as well.”

“Hunith, what is really keeping Balinor away?” Arthur asked knowingly and she looked at him with sadness in her eyes.

“Balinor has another family…two children…his wife died two years ago.  He cannot upend their lives for a woman and son he hasn’t laid eyes on in nearly twenty years.”

“I’m sorry, it’s not fair.”

“We will be fine.  At least I know now that he is alive.”

“You still love him.”

“With all my heart and soul.  I never forgot him.”

“Arthur,” Gwaine hollered as he jogged toward them, “We need to go now.  It will be dawn in less than two hours.”

“Mount up,” Arthur called out and everyone hurried to follow his orders.  Merlin led their horses over and they got into the saddle.  “Hunith, we will see you again soon.”

“Godspeed, my boys,” she smiled, “Be careful.”

“We will,” Merlin said then he and Arthur joined the others.

 

They reached the camp just as the sun was coming up.  Every man in the camp was asleep except the two guards positioned outside a walled structure, inside of which were two tents and a roaring bonfire.  Along the outer edge of the camp, horses were tethered.  There looked to be about thirty men, but it was obvious these were not mere bandits.  Their cloaks bore the colors of Cenred’s kingdom.

“I should have known,” Arthur muttered, “Cenred…”

Merlin reached out with his magic, his vision soaring over the sleeping men completely unobserved.  Swooping and dipping heading for the structure.  If they were keeping the princess anywhere it would be there.  He pushed through the opening in the wall and immediately felt magic pushing back.

“Arthur, we have a problem,” he said.

“What?”

“I just penetrated a magical barrier, and it may alert the person who cast it.”

“We cannot worry about that now.  Just locate Mithian then we get her out.”

Merlin nodded then pushed on.  His magic ducked into one tent then the other shaking his head.  “She’s not in the tents.  Dammit.”

“She has to be somewhere…unless,” Arthur dropped his head, pinching the bridge of his nose.

“No, that magical barrier is there for a reason.  She has to be there.” Merlin said pushing harder.  His magic bounced off the stone walls.  There was no roof, no other structure within…unless.  He drove his magic downward into the ground.  “Yes!” he said as it penetrated and passed into an ancient dungeon.  Casting the spell to conjure light orbs he moved down a long corridor and into an open cell at the end.  “I found her,” Merlin said letting his magic hover over the princess protectively, “She’s alive, but she is injured.”

“How can we get to her?” Arthur asked.

“There’s a hidden entrance in the woods behind the structure.  I can get to it without being seen.”

“Not alone!”

“Arthur, I am the best choice.  I am not a fighter.  You and Gwaine and the others have to take care of the mercenaries.  I will get to Mithian and get her out of there.”

“Merlin,” Gwaine said fearfully, “You cannot go in there alone.  These are not like Kanen’s men.  Remember what they nearly did to you.”

“What?” Arthur inhaled sharply then looked at Merlin who gave Gwaine a look that should have made the man cower, but it was Gwaine, so he only steeled his gaze and continued.

“Kanen’s men somehow knew that Merlin had magic.  They clapped him in cold iron.  They stripped him naked and were fully intent on abusing and torturing him.  If Percival and I had not shown up when we did…”

Merlin averted his gaze preferring not to revisit the memories of that night.  “I am not afraid of them.  Mithian needs help now.  I’m going.”

“Merlin,” Arthur grabbed his arm pulling him into his embrace and holding him tightly.  “Promise me if you get in trouble, do not hold back.  Do you understand?  Whatever it takes…I cannot lose you.  I love you.”

“I love you too,” Merlin said, “I promise…I will turn the whole damn camp into a smoldering crater if I have to.  Nothing will happen to me.  You just focus on the spells we have been working on.  Shield yourself and the knights as you move in.  Do not drop it until you are close enough to attack with swords.  Gwaine, you protect him…”

“With my life, Merlin,” Gwaine nodded then hugged him, “Be careful.”

“All right, give me time to get to the entrance then move in,” Merlin nodded and then slipped into the shadows.  Everything in Arthur wanted to go after him, but Gwaine jostled him.

“You need to focus, Arthur,” he said.

“Right,” the prince nodded forcing himself to turn his attention back to the mercenaries who were beginning to stir.  He held up a hand to signal the others to prepare to move in.  They watched as Merlin waved from the woods signaling that he had made it.  “All right,” Arthur nodded then raised on hand uttering the words of the spell Merlin had quite literally pounded into his brain so he would never forget it.  A spell he could cast in his sleep if need be.  Immediately a shimmering silver shield enveloped him and his men who were looking at it in awe.  “Move in now!” Arthur shouted and they charged.

“Princess Mithian,” Merlin whispered as he entered the cell.  “My Lady, I’m Merlin…I am here to help you.”

“Merlin?”

“Yes, are you able to walk?” he asked, and the princess sobbed shaking her head.  “All right, don’t worry, I am getting you out of here.  I just need you to trust me.  I am a sorcerer, but I won’t harm you.  I swear.”

“I trust you,” Mithian nodded, her dark eyes filling with hope.

Merlin carefully lifted her into his arms.  “Put your arms around my neck and hold on tight.”

Mithian did just that and Merlin made his way back down the corridor and up the broken stairs to the door which he had left hanging on broken hinges.  Pushing his magic out ahead of him he sensed no one in their path.  Leaving the structure, he carried Mithian into the woods and up to the top of a ridge overlooking the camp below.  The sun was high enough in the sky now to see the battle raging below.

Arthur and the knights were outnumbered, but they were holding their own.  “I have to help,” Merlin said.  He took off his jacket, wrapping it around the shivering princess.  “Do you trust me?” he asked her, and she nodded.

“Yes, Merlin.”

“I am going to cast a protection shield around you that only I or Arthur can break.  You will be safe until we return.  I promise.  It will keep you warm and you won’t be seen by anyone but us.”

“All right,” Mithian nodded.

Merlin’s eyes glowed as he uttered the words of the spell and Mithian sighed, a soft smile on her face as she felt warm for the first time in days.  She closed her eyes and fell into a deep sleep instantly.  Merlin smiled then nodded and turned his attention back to the battle. 

Running down the slope, he shouted a spell and suddenly transformed into a powerful dragon with purple scales and fire pouring from its mouth.  Arthur looked up and smiled recognizing Merlin behind the magic.  Gwaine let out a loud and surprised cry raising his sword.

“It’s all right, it’s Merlin,” Arthur grinned, “Smoldering crater…that’s one way to do it.”

“Holy hell,” Gwaine huffed.

“Move back!” Arthur shouted to his men, “The dragon is Merlin.  Move back now!”

The dragon’s roar shook the ground beneath their feet as they backed toward the woods.  The mercenaries screamed and scattered but a wall of fire entrapped them pushing them inward, forcing them back toward the structure.  They poured through the entrance underground believing they would be safe there, but they were mistaken.  The dragon rained fire down upon them and let out a roar even louder than before.  The entire structure collapsed on top of them and was quickly engulfed in fire.

“God have mercy,” Lancelot said with a look of awe.

Arthur looked up as the dragon soared overhead, its great purple wings parting the air as dipped and rolled then turned back toward the quite literal smoldering crater it had left behind, giving one finishing blast of golden fire completely incinerating what was left of the structure, liquifying the rock.

“Merlin, that’s enough,” Arthur called out to him.  The dragon turned its head and somewhere in the depths of those glowing eyes, the prince saw his Merlin.  “It’s done, come back to me.”

The dragon landed on the hillside and vanished leaving Merlin on his knees.  Arthur ran to him wrapping Merlin in his embrace, cupping the back of his head as silent tremors tore through his body.  “I’ve got you,” Arthur said kissing the top of his head, “Come back to me.”

“Arthur…” Merlin choked, struggling to bring his emotions under control.

“You were incredible,” Arthur said.  Merlin buried his face in the crook of Arthur’s neck, letting out a sound that was somewhere between a sob and a laugh.  “I guess being the son of a Dragonlord has some advantages,” Arthur huffed, kissing Merlin’s cheek.

“I lost control,” Merlin choked back tears, “I didn’t mean to…”

“Shh, I know…I know,” Arthur said softly pressing his lips to Merlin’s cheek.

“I became a monster…”

“No, that’s not true…you did what you had to do.  You got Mithian out.”

“Mithian,” Merlin said then sat up, scrambling to his feet and he ran to the place where he left the princess.  He reached her, dropping the spell then he scooped her up in his arms as she wrapped her arms around his neck without waking.  Merlin carried her back to where they left the horses with Arthur and the others following.

 

It was late afternoon by the time they reached Ealdor.  Hunith had Merlin bring Mithian into the house and place her on the bed.  He helped her clean the wounds on her arms and legs and the deep gash on her back that could have only come from a dagger.

“Poor child,” Hunith said softly, “She’s running a fever.  There could be infection.”

Merlin looked at his mother and shook his head.  “I would use magic, but I feel so weak.  Perhaps I can teach Arthur a spell.”

“Let’s just treat her with traditional medicine and see how she does,” Hunith said.  “You should rest and recover then you will be able to use your magic.”

“You will call for me if she gets any worse.”

“I will.  Go be with Arthur.  Get some sleep.”

Merlin got up moving to step around the blanket they had hung to give the princess some privacy.  He stopped and turned to look back at his mother.  “Mother, did father ever explain his Dragonlord powers to you?”

“He did, why?”

“I—I transformed into a dragon, I took out the whole band of mercenaries.  I lost myself in it, lost control.  I had no idea…” Merlin choked and Hunith got to her feet and embraced him fully.

“Oh, my dear boy, I wish I knew how to help you through this.  I’m afraid only Balinor will be able to explain to you how you were able to do such a thing.”

“Have you heard from him?”

“Yes,” Hunith nodded then walked over to a shelf in the kitchen.  She picked up a letter placing it in Merlin’s hands.  “You should hear it from his own hand.”

Merlin looked at the letter and then kissed her cheek.  “Thank you,” he said then walked out of the house heading for his favorite spot.  Arthur saw him and started to follow but Hunith came out of the house and put a hand on his shoulder.

“Let him be for just a little while,” she said, and he nodded.

“How’s the princess?”

“She’s resting.  She has a fever, and infection most likely.  I am treating her.  Merlin is exhausted…he told me what happened.”

“If I had not seen it with my own two eyes I would never have believed it.  You should have seen it.  A huge dark purple-scaled dragon…he was incredible.  I know he is struggling with it…with being the cause of so much carnage.  I don’t know how to help him.”

“Patience, and love…unfortunately, the only person who can truly help is his father.”

 

Merlin reached the lake settling down on the grass with his back against a fallen tree.  He stared at the folded letter, fingering the wax seal, and he noticed that it held an impression.  Running the tip of his index finger over it he smiled as he realized it was a dragon, in flight.  He opened the seal and started to read his father’s words.

 

My Beautiful Hunith,

I am writing to you now with a heavy heart as Kilgharrah is now free of his prison and has found me in the northern lands.  I am so deeply sorry for the hurt I have caused you.  If I had known you were with child I would have found a way to bring you with me when I ran.  To know that we have a son…my heir, it makes me so very happy and at the same time fills me with regret for all the years that I missed with him.  Kilgharrah has told me everything, and while I am hopeful, I am hesitant to believe I am really free to return.  I trusted Uther Pendragon once and it cost me everything.

I love you, my Hunith.  I have always loved you, but you need to know that I married a wonderful woman, her name was Laura…I lost her two years ago.  We were together for five years and I have two children, a boy Arden, and a little girl Ella.  I must consider them and their safety when I decide to return to Ealdor.  As my first-born son, Merlin is of my Dragonlord bloodline, and while he will not inherit my abilities until I leave this earth if what Kilgharrah tells me is true, his magic is far more powerful than any man.  There is no telling what effect the Dragonlord gift may have on him when combined with his magic.  Tell Merlin on the back of this letter is a spell he can use to call The Great Dragon to him.  Kilgharrah will obey him.

Hunith my love, I promise I will see you again.  I just have to ensure that my children will be protected.  I cannot wait to meet our son.

Yours Always,

Balinor

 

Merlin read the letter through three times then turned it over to look at the spell.  It was in a different language, but somehow he instinctively knew the words and how to pronounce them.  There was a symbol that closely resembled the wax seal next to the spell.

“I can call the bloody dragon with this…or I can change myself into a dragon again and go find him myself,” Merlin huffed a laugh.

“Talking to yourself, Merlin?” Arthur asked as he approached.  “Are you all right?”

Merlin leaned into the prince, resting his head against his strong shoulder.  He held the letter out to Arthur.  “It’s from my father.”

Arthur nodded taking the letter from him.  He shook his head slowly as he read it reaching over to take hold of Merlin’s hand, linking their fingers together.  “If you do this, I want you to tell Balinor that I guarantee the safety of his children.  You said the ruins our love rebuilt, they can never be destroyed again?”

“Yeah,” Merlin nodded.

“Tell him the castle is his.  A safe place for him and his children.  And your mother if she wants to leave Ealdor.”

Merlin gave Arthur a wide grin.  “You are a genius, it is a perfect solution.”

“I have my moments,” Arthur caressed his cheek then kissed him.  “Do you have any idea how proud I am of you and how much I love you?”

“I have an inkling,” Merlin kissed him deeply, ignoring the sound of footsteps coming toward them until a groan of disgust shattered the moment.

“Ugh,” Will covered his eyes, “A little warning next time!”

“Shut up, Will,” Merlin chuckled.

“William, is there a reason you are intruding on our private moment?” Arthur asked.

“Yes, the Lady Morgana and Gwen, they just arrived,” Will said.

“What the hell,” Arthur said then he and Merlin scrambled to their feet and ran back to the village.  Morgana was just getting off her horse, her face stoic, though her eyes were filled with fear and anger.  “Morgana!” he called out and she ran into his embrace.

“Arthur, thank God we found you,” she said, throwing her arms around his neck.  “Mithian…”

“Mithian is with Hunith, she is injured, but alive.”

“You saved her.  Thank you.”

“It was more Merlin actually,” Arthur said.  “What are you doing here?  It’s not safe for you and Guinevere to be traveling alone.”

“It’s not safe for us in Camelot,” Gwen said, looking up as Lancelot came running toward her, taking her in his arms.  He kissed her and she broke down crying.

“Arthur, it’s all my fault,” Morgana said, wiping her eyes as she looked at him.  “It was all a ploy to get you and Merlin out of the way.  My mother…she has magic.  My half-sister, Morgause, is a High Priestess, she and Cenred’s army have invaded the kingdom.  Arthur, Uther is dying.  I tried to stop them, but they said if I refused to join them, that I would join him in the other world,” Morgana choked back a sob, her hands and lips trembling.

“Gods, Morgana,” Arthur held her close, “How did you get away?”

“Mother locked us in my chambers, but she didn’t know about the secret passage behind my wardrobe.  We escaped through it and stole horses from Cenred’s soldiers while they were focused on celebrating their victory.  King Cenred himself is to arrive in the morning.  They plan to lie in wait for your return, to kill you.  Mother knows about you and Merlin…is it true that Merlin is Emrys?” she asked softly.

Arthur kissed her forehead and nodded in answer to her question.  “Go see Mithian, we will come up with a plan.  Do not worry, Morgana, they will not win.” 

Morgana nodded then she and Gwen headed for Hunith’s house.  Merlin was pacing a few feet away, muttering under his breath.  Arthur put a hand on his shoulder, and he turned, hugging the prince.

“I knew she was hiding something…Gods, I should have sensed that she had magic.  I’m so sorry, Arthur.”

“Merlin, it isn’t your fault.  Now focus, yeah?”

“Yeah, Merlin nodded.

“We need a plan…and we are going to need help,” Arthur said.

 

“Did it work?” Arthur asked and Merlin shrugged.

“I think so, but who knows how long it will take for Kilgharrah to get here, or if he will even agree to help us.”

“Your father said he would obey you.”

“I guess we will find out.  If he doesn’t then I am on my own.”

Arthur shook his head, “Are you certain you want to do this?  I know how it affected you…”

“You’ll be here to bring me back into myself…at least you’d better be.  If you get yourself killed I will never forgive you,” Merlin said pressing their foreheads together.  “Are you ready?”

“Yes, though I’m not sure my magic is any match for Vivienne’s and then we have Morgause to contend with.  Between the two of them…” Arthur shook his head.

“I believe in you.  Just remember all that I have taught you.  Trust your magic to do what you need it to do.  You don’t always have to use spells.  Sometimes you just need to act on your instincts and have faith in yourself.  I have every faith in you, My Lord.”

“And I have every faith in you, Merlin.  Whatever happens, know that I love you.”

“I love you too,” Merlin smiled then kissed him.

“Arthur,” Gwaine said, “They are here.”

Arthur and Merlin followed him to the edge of the clearing where Iseldir and a band of Druids waited in dark cloaks.  They immediately bowed to Merlin as he stepped forward and Arthur smirked at the look of utter awkwardness on his face.

“Great Emrys,” Iseldir lowered his hood, “Arthur Pendragon, the Once and Future King…I am honored.  How can I serve you?”

“We need your help taking back Camelot,” Arthur said, “If we fail then whatever future that Merlin and I are destined to bring about will crumble along with the kingdom.”

“Will you help us, Iseldir?” Merlin asked.

The Druid bowed, giving them a soft, reassuring smile.  He stepped forward placing an amulet around Arthur’s neck then squeezed his shoulder.  “This will guide you and your magic.  Trust yourselves and each other.  If you do, then no one can defeat you.  Emrys and the Once and Future King will rule side by side for years to come.”

“Is my father to die?” Arthur asked, his voice breaking.

“We do not know, but Uther Pendragon has pleased the Triple Goddess by changing his attitude toward magic and choosing to protect his magical son.  He welcomed Emrys into his kingdom.  The two of you are magically bound to each other.  Trust that bond and let it guide you.  The Triple Goddess will protect what is hers…”

“What does that mean?” Arthur asked.

“We must go now,” Iseldir nodded then they faded into the shadows.

“So much for getting a straight answer,” Merlin frowned.

“Let’s just hope he is right.  That we will rule Camelot side by side,” Arthur smiled.

“It’s time,” Gwaine said.

“That’s your cue,” Arthur embraced Merlin, kissing him tenderly, “Be careful.”

“You too,” Merlin nodded then took off running.

“Are you sure this is a good idea?” Gwaine asked, “If he can’t control it…”

“We have to trust that he can.  Let’s go.”

 

Merlin stood on the hill overlooking Camelot, his gaze on the sky.  There was still no sign of Kilgharrah, and they were out of time.  Taking a deep breath, he backed up a few feet and then ran, leaping into the air as he shouted the same spell.  His body transformed into the dark purple dragon soaring high into the air before rolling, its leathery wings slicing through the air with a loud crack followed by a deafening roar.  He flew over Arthur and the others as they approached the walls of the citadel. 

“Merlin, can you hear me?” Arthur said, focusing on their bond.  He felt an answering tug and smiled.  He looked up and raised his hand.  “Move in!” he shouted, and his men pushed forward.  They fought their way into the lower town, the people scattered, their faces showing relief and worry as they saw their prince leading the attack.  “Gather your families and retreat to the woods,” Arthur called out to them, and they hurried to do as he ordered.

“Arthur,” Lancelot yelled, and Arthur ducked just as a crossbow bolt nearly parted his hair.

“That was close,” Arthur huffed.

“It might be a good idea to use your magic about now,” Gwaine smirked.

“Not yet, I need to wait until I have Vivienne and Morgause in my sights.”

The dragon flew in low and slow leaving a trail of flames, its roar reverberating off the walls of Camelot.  Cenred’s soldiers cowered and ducked, dropping their swords as they fled from the city.  Arthur nodded to his men. 

“Stick to the plan, go now,” he said then he broke off from them heading for the courtyard.  He looked up as Vivienne emerged from the castle followed by King Cenred and a blonde woman who could only be Morgause.  “I’m here, Vivienne,” Arthur shouted, “What have you done with my father?”  Vivienne’s cold laughter sent a chill down his spine.

“Poor, dear Arthur, I am deeply sorry, but Uther has left us.  He is dead.”

“No…”

“It’s true…he succumbed to an unknown illness without warning,” she said with no emotion.

Arthur fought his grief, separating himself from its iron grip before it could sink its claws into his chest.  “You’re lying,” he shouted, moving steadily forward.

“I am impressed,” Cenred laughed, “Well played, showing up here with a dragon.  Very unexpected.  Too late to save Uther, though.  Vivienne speaks the truth…your father is dead.  Surrender, Prince Arthur, call off the dragon and order your men to lay down their weapons.  You cannot defeat us.  Your magic is no match for Vivienne and Morgause.”

“You’re probably right, but you see it is not only my magic you need fear,” Arthur said, keeping his voice even, his eyes bright blue with hints of gold.  “You have no idea what you have done, the wrath you are about to bring down on yourselves.  For I am the Once and Future King and with Emrys by my side I will rule Camelot.  It is written in the stars and has been since long before we were born.”

“Emrys?” Morgause laughed harshly as she descended the steps in her blood-red gown, “You expect us to believe that you are the Once and Future King?  I think not.  While Merlin may very well be Emrys, you, my weak little Prince Arthur, are not worthy of the title.  Where is your hapless servant boy anyway?  I should like to meet him.”

Arthur moved to stand in front of the blonde woman.  He met her gaze without flinching.  “Look up,” he said with a grin.

Morgause glanced up just in time to duck a blast of golden flames.  She screamed as it singed her hair.  She threw her hands up to attack the dragon, eyes turning gold.  Arthur shouted, casting a shield around her, preventing her from casting her own spell.  She screamed even louder her magic pulsing off the shield.  After several tries, it finally started to crack and break apart. 

“Silly boy, your little tricks are no match for my powers.  I am a High Priestess of the Old Religion…follower of the Triple Goddess.  You’ve no chance of defeating me.”

“That would be true if the Triple Goddess actually cared about you,” Arthur chuckled then gripped the amulet around his neck drawing it out from beneath his tunic.  Morgause stared at it for a moment then shrieked.

“Where did you get that?” she asked.

“A gift, presented to me by the Druids, a gift from the Triple Goddess.”

“You have no right to wear such a precious treasure!” Vivianne hissed as she joined Morgause.

Cenred shouted orders to his men to attack and they began to emerge from every corner of the citadel surrounding Arthur.  “Kill him, take the amulet from his dead body!” he yelled.

The dragon shot high into the sky and rolled.  Just as it flipped around the sound of wings came from above.  A dark shape swooped down taking position at its side.  On the larger dragon's back was a man with long hair and a beard, dressed in dark clothing and leather armor.  He looked at the purple dragon in amazement.

“Merlin…” he said in a deep rough voice.

The dragon seemed to smile, a flash of something in its eyes then a tilt of its head.  Balinor leaned low over Kilgharrah’s scaley neck and roared, deep, guttural, commanding words rolled off his tongue and the two dragons dove toward the ground.  Cenred’s army looked up, their eyes wide with terror.

“Fight!” Cenred yelled at the top of his lungs drawing his own sword.

Vivienne and Morgause stood their ground raising their hands to cast a shield and Arthur let go of his magic trusting it the way Merlin taught him.  The force of it swept the two women off their feet, lifting them into the air, directly in the path of the oncoming dragons.  They joined hands and shouted a spell that attacked Arthur’s magic. 

“How dare you!” Vivianne screamed.

Arthur felt himself being pushed back, struggling to keep his footing.  Cenred charged him and they rolled across the ground into the center of the courtyard.  Arthur was quicker to get to his feet.  He knew he was a far better fighter than the cowardly king.  He knew he needed to keep Vivienne and Morgause from escaping, and he couldn’t do that and fight Cenred as well.

Gwaine and Lancelot came running toward them giving the prince a nod.  Arthur ducked and rolled as they both ran their swords through Cenred, twisting for good measure.  The look of utter shock on the king’s face was almost humorous. 

“If you will excuse me,” Arthur nodded then ran back toward the castle.  Vivienne and Morgause had retreated inside.  He ducked through a hidden entrance heading for the throne room, knowing that was where they were heading.  He slammed a shoulder into the locked doors and then shouted the spell Merlin taught him.  The doors burst open, he entered to find Morgause and Vivienne sitting on the thrones.  On the floor was his father’s still form, covered in blood.  He pushed down the grief and desperation, focusing all his attention on the women.  “My father…he loved you,” Arthur said to his stepmother, his voice steady, “He gave you everything.”

“Your father was weak and afraid,” Vivienne smiled.

“He died crying and begging,” Morgause said gleefully her eyes turning gold as she reached out her magic in an attempt to pull Uther apart slowly and torturously.

“No!” Arthur roared, his magic lashing out, wrapping his father’s body in a protective shield.  It was then that he felt a white-hot pain in his back.  He dropped to his knees, watching as his blood joined his father’s on the floor.  “No,” he said softly, forcing himself to his feet.  “No!” he yelled, and magic exploded from within as he gripped the amulet tightly, his eyes turning a bright white.

Vivienne and Morgause let out a shrill cry as they witnessed the shapeless white mass emerge from the amulet.  It grew in size, pressing them back against the walls of the throne room as it morphed into the form of a woman with flowing blonde hair and blue eyes that were nearly identical to the man wearing the amulet.

“No!” Vivienne shook her head, her face washed of all color.  “It’s not possible…you’re dead.  I killed you!” she wailed, holding her hands up in defense.  “Ygraine!” she cried.

The woman gripped Vivienne by the throat and without a word slammed her against the wall, pinning her there while Morgause tried to make her escape.  Arthur cut her off stabbing a dagger into her heart.  She choked and dropped to the floor.

“Arthur!” Merlin’s voice sounded behind him, and he turned to see him stumbling toward him.  He was clearly fighting to separate himself from the pull of the dragon.  His eyes went wide as he saw the blood…Arthur’s blood.  “Help me!” Merlin pleaded to the Triple Goddess.

Arthur looked down and dropped the dagger.  Everything began to spin as he struggled to focus on Merlin…on their bond.  Reach for it…trust it…hold tight…

Ygraine turned, her blue eyes filling with love and pain.  With a wave of her hand, Vivienne was reduced to ash.  She stepped toward Arthur and then looked down at Uther’s body.

“No…” she whispered.

Merlin reached Arthur just as he fell.  “I’ve got you,” he cried pulling him against his chest, holding him.  “Don’t leave me…you cannot leave me, Arthur.  I need you!” he let out a guttural wail of grief and desperation.  “Arthur!” he roared then grabbed the amulet, yanking it from Arthur’s neck, he smashed it on the floor.

“Thank you, Merlin!” Ygraine smiled warmly as her spirit was freed from its control.  She lowered herself to the floor next to Arthur, caressing his cheek.  “My beautiful boy, it is not your time.  You still have much to accomplish.  I am so very proud of you,” she said then lowered her head, kissing his lips tenderly.  “Live, my son…live and love.”  Then with a fond glance at Merlin, she nodded and transformed into a white mist which wrapped around her son lifting him off the floor in a gentle rocking motion.  “I am with you always,” Ygraine said then the mist vanished into Arthur and his eyes opened wide, he inhaled sharply, and Merlin laughed in breathless relief.

“Arthur,” he said, steadying the prince, “You’re all right now.”

“What happened?”

“I’m not exactly sure, but your mother just saved you.”

Arthur turned to look at his father’s lifeless body taking a stumbling step forward, landing on his knees.  “Father…” he choked, drawing Uther into his arms.

“He’s gone, Arthur…I’m so sorry,” Merlin put a hand on the prince’s shoulder.

“We were too late,” Arthur choked back a sob, pressing his lips to Uther’s cheek, “I’m sorry…so sorry, Father…”

Balinor walked into the room with Gwaine, Lancelot, and Leon.  They stopped cold at the sight of the blood-covered floor, the dead king, a grieving prince with his manservant clinging to his side.  Merlin held Arthur, his forehead pressed to his cheek, their fingers entwined.

Leon and Lancelot pulled a tapestry down from the wall and used it to cover Uther’s body.  Arthur nodded slightly then turned pushing himself up from the floor and dragging Merlin up with him.  He wrapped his arms around his neck kissing him tenderly.

“Are you all right?” Arthur asked.

“I should be asking you that,” Merlin said.

“I just…”

“I know…I’m so sorry, Arthur.  If I could bring him back I would.”

“Can you take me away from here, please?”

“Yeah, yes, come on,” Merlin put an arm around his shoulders and helped him limp out of the room meeting his father’s gaze.  Balinor nodded.

Chapter 5: The Time of Albion

Merlin woke up in Arthur’s bed alone.  He shot upright in a panic scanning the room for the prince who would soon be king.  “Arthur!” he called out then scrambled out of bed putting on his boots, glad he was still fully dressed save for his jacket which he grabbed off the floor.  It still had Arthur’s blood on it, the sight made him sick, and his heart squeezed thinking about how close he had come to losing him.

Yanking open the door he startled Gaius, who was coming to look in on the prince.  “Merlin!” he gasped clutching his chest.

“Sorry, Gaius…Arthur is gone, I have to find him,” Merlin said.

“He’s right here,” Arthur said as he approached them with Gwaine.  Merlin threw his arms around his neck holding him tightly.

“I woke up, you were gone,” he choked.

“Hey, hey, I’m all right,” Arthur gave him a soft smile and a tender kiss, “I’m sorry I worried you.  I wanted to let you sleep.  I know how drained you were after the dragon.”

“I’m okay,” Merlin said with a nod.

“Your father is with Kilgharrah outside the gates.  He would like you to come to him when you’re ready,” Arthur said, cupping Merlin’s neck.

“I should go to him now,” he nodded, “Would you come with me?”

“Yes, I’ll go with you.  I was planning on it anyway.  If you wanted me to, that is.”

“I want you to.”

“I had a talk with him earlier.  He was concerned about my intentions toward you,” Arthur smiled.

“Oh, yeah, I didn’t think about that…”

“It’s fine, I reassured him that I am completely in love with you…that we are forever bound to each other by our magic, and even if we weren’t I would love you for life.”

“You said that,” Merlin grinned.

“I did and I also told him that he and his children are welcome in Camelot.  He and Kilgharrah are free and will never be hunted again.  I’m going to restore Balinor’s title and award him the ruins and the land around it.  Your mother arrived with Morgana, Gwen, and Mithian early this morning.”

“I guess it just hit me, I have a brother and sister,” Merlin said, his eyes going wide, “What are they going to think of me?”

Arthur smiled, “Maybe you should go find out.”

“They are here?” Merlin asked nervously.

“They are.  Balinor left them with trusted friends.  That’s why it took him longer to get here.”

“I’m scared.”

Arthur placed his hands on Merlin’s shoulders and lowered his head slightly.  “Merlin, after what we just went through, you’re afraid of a three and a five-year-old?”

“Yeah,” he nodded.

“Come on, I’ll protect you,” the prince chuckled, running his fingers through Merlin’s messy hair.

They walked out through the main city gate, the Great Dragon was lying down with his head on the ground.  He opened his eyes as he sensed Merlin’s presence.  “Ah, the young warlock has arrived at last,” Kilgharrah huffed, smoke billowing from his immense nostrils.

Merlin stopped in his tracks taking everything in.  His father was sitting on a rock next to the creek whittling away at a piece of wood, two children at his feet playing with tiny dragon figures.  Balinor looked up at Kilgharrah’s announcement and got to his feet.  The kids jumped up and turned around to look at their visitors.

“Arden…keep an eye on your sister for me.  Don’t let her get in the creek.”

“Yes, Papa,” the boy said, eyeing Merlin curiously.

Balinor approached Merlin and Arthur a hesitant smile on his face.  “Merlin…”

“Father…”

The older man’s smile grew upon hearing his first-born son call him father.  “Thank you for coming to see me.  I wasn’t sure…” he let out a breath, “Merlin, I need you to know that had I known about you I would have found a way back to you and your mother.”

Merlin glanced at Arthur and then took a step closer.  He stared into his father’s dark eyes.  “Thank you for answering my call…for helping.  I know you didn’t have to, and I wouldn’t have blamed you if you had refused after everything…I just want you to know…I mean…” Merlin took a deep breath, “I’m glad you’re here.”

Balinor closed the distance between them as Merlin’s eyes filled with tears.  “May I?” he asked, and Merlin nodded.  He surged forward into his father’s arms letting out a choked laugh.  Balinor held him tightly.  “I am so proud of you, my son,” he said kissing Merlin’s cheek.  “Gods, you’re a handsome boy…you take after your mother.”

Merlin drew back and smiled swiping at the tears sliding down his face.  He looked past his father at the two children as they approached cautiously.  The boy looked exactly like Merlin, other than his brown eyes and lighter hair.  The girl had dark hair and brown eyes.  Merlin crouched down and grinned.

“Hello,” he said then looked up at his father who nodded reassuringly.  “My name is Merlin…I am your big brother.  I am so happy to meet you both.”

Arden smiled trying to pull his arm from his sister’s grip.  “Ella is shy…” he said.  He tugged the girl along with him closer to Merlin.  When he finally managed to escape her hold he held his hand out to shake Merlin’s.  “I am happy to meet you, Merlin.  I’ve always wanted a big brother.”

“Well, now you have one,” Merlin grinned.

“Come closer, Ella,” Arden said, “He’s our brother.”

Merlin shifted his position and sat down on the ground, crossing his legs.  He then brought his hands together, cupping them next to his mouth.  He winked and then blew into them and when he spread his fingers a beautiful butterfly emerged and flew around before landing on Ella’s finger.  Her eyes lit up in delight, her lips parting in a huge smile.  The butterfly took off flying and she giggled then flew into Merlin’s arms hugging his neck.

“My brother!” she squealed.

“My little sister,” Merlin grinned then pulled Arden into his lap along with Ella.  Balinor let out a deep chuckle.

“See, nothing to be afraid of,” Arthur said as he sat down next to them.

A moment later, Balinor froze.  Merlin noticed and then turned to see what he was looking at.  “Mother…” he said softly.

Hunith walked toward them slowly, her steps quickening the closer she got, her eyes flooding with tears.  Balinor ran toward her wrapping her in his arms and lifting her off her feet.  She laughed softly hugging him tightly.  He kissed her forehead and cheek then she kissed him on the lips.

“I never forgot you,” she choked back a sob, “I never stopped loving you.”

“My beautiful Hunith, I love you so much.  I am so sorry for everything.”

Hunith shook her head, “I’m not sorry.  You gave me an amazing gift, our boy.  And now you are here, and you are free.”

Balinor kissed her deeply, cupping her cheek.  “And I am never leaving you again, my love.  If you will have me, I would like us to be together.  I know it is a lot to ask with two children to raise…”

Hunith gave him a look, “Balinor Ambrose, your children are beautiful, and if you think I am going to let you raise them without me…”

“Of course not,” Balinor huffed with a grin, “You are still as beautiful and strong as you ever were, my love.”

“That’s right,” Hunith smiled, “Now introduce me to your children.”

“Children, this is Merlin’s mother Hunith,” Balinor said, “She is going to live with us.”  Ella took one look at Hunith and ran up to her, wrapping her tiny arms around her legs.  Hunith picked her up kissing her little cheeks.

“Oh, sweet, precious child, aren’t you just beautiful…” she said rocking her gently.

“You look a little like our Mama,” Arden said softly, tears in his eyes, “Ella thinks…”

“Come here, my darling,” Hunith said crouching down to embrace the boy.

Balinor reached for Merlin as he and Arthur got to their feet.  “I hope you don’t mind…” he said.

“I think it’s great, at least these two will be less trouble than I was seeing as they don’t have magic,” Merlin chuckled as his father wrapped an arm around his shoulder and kissed his cheek.

“Merlin, we should probably talk about your abilities.  I had no idea it was even possible to do what you did…to become a dragon.  It is incredible,” he said.

“Yes, well, Merlin is full of surprises,” Arthur said bumping Merlin’s opposite shoulder.

“You and the prince are really…” Balinor said.  Merlin grinned and kissed Arthur.  “I guess you are,” he laughed.

“I love Arthur, with all that I am,” Merlin said, “I always will, no matter what.”

“I know that feeling,” Balinor said meeting Hunith’s gaze.

“Shall we go into the castle?” Arthur asked, “There is much to do.”

Merlin hugged him then kissed his lips, “Are you all right?”

“I am, Merlin…I miss my father and I don’t know if I am ready to be king, but as long as I have you by my side and our family…I can face anything.  I love you.  Marry me.”

Merlin looked at him, his eyes wide and shining with love and tears of happiness.  “Yes, yes, I will marry you.”  He kissed Arthur, hugging him tightly.

They headed for the castle.  Merlin put Arden on his shoulders and Hunith carried Ella.  Balinor put a hand on Arthur’s shoulder and gave him a nod of approval.

 

THE END