Merlin's POV:
I held my head in my hands, knowing that I had made a huge mistake. I had endangered lives, and just for what? A stolen kiss, a hug so tight I though my bones would break? Now, in this moment, none of that seemed to matter. Now as much as the heart that was breaking within my chest. I could feel it crumbling, and fought the urge to run far away, someplace where no one would find me, someplace where I could properly lose myself. All I wanted to do was disappear. I had no such luck, however. He knew all of the places I would disappear to, and he'd hunt me down and bring me back. I had no way of escaping, anyway. The metal bars were unbreakable, holding me in like a bird in a cage. And truth be told, that's exactly what I'd become. A bird in a cage, my wings brushing the side of the cage as I tried to become airborne. Trapped here, I'd never learn to fly. But if I escaped so I could fly, then people I loved would be hurt, and I couldn't stand for that. I'd face my destiny with resolve, and what happened to me, would happen, no changing that. I sat against the wall the of the cell, feeling only the cold of the stone I was leaning on, and the icy wind flying over my head through the window. A guard came over and leaned against the cell bars, staring at me in wonder. I grew tired of his gaze, and closed my eyes. Resting my head against the cold wall, I heard footsteps approaching.
"It's time." Arthur's voice whispered. I looked at him, and saw the sadness in his eyes. I stood up, and walked towards the entrance. Arthur briefly grabbed my hand and squeezed it, and I squeezed back, hoping he would know that I wasn't angry with him about this, that I knew his hands were tied.
"I love you, Arthur." I whispered.
"I love you too, Merlin. I'm so sorry about this." Arthur whispered back.
"It's fine, Arthur. Just promise me that you'll go on and be the wonderful king I know you will be." I replied.
"I promise." Arthur answered, and gently pressed his lips against mine. Arthur hugged me tightly one last time, and it felt like he never wanted to let go. Eventually he had to, and he led me to the scaffold. I put a restraining hand on Arthur's arm, and whispered to him to close his eyes.
"I love you, Merlin." Arthur murmured.
"I love you too. And don't look." I answered. I climbed the steps to the scaffold, and kneeled in front of the chopping block. I waited for the rush of air that came from the swing of axe, and then nothingness. I felt the rush of air, and then everything was different. I was standing next to Arthur, and tears streamed down his face, which he didn't even try to hide. I wrapped my arms around him, something he didn't even acknowledge. He looked towards the sky, and then stomped off towards his room. I followed him, and stood at the edge of his bed as he lay down on it and wrapped his arms around a pillow. I know it was my pillow, the one I always used when I was still alive. Arthur's room was dissolving, and I was swept away to the shores of Avalon.