AN: So.. Hi! This is my first fic ever, so this is kind of exciting XD This is just the Prologue, and I'm trying to set the scene for the main story, so hopefully everyone will enjoy it!

Disclaimers: I DON'T OWN MERLIN (Unfortunately.. :( )

"Will had magic," Arthur said, "That was what you were going to tell me, wasn't it?"

Merlin

The thought rushed through Merlin's head. He had the chance to keep his secret safe, to make sure Arthur didn't find out; Arthur had already come up with a foolproof explanation for not only the awkward conversation in his mother's house before the battle, but for the strange happenings that had practically saved Arthur's life not an hour ago.

"No, that's not what I wanted to say." Merlin blurted out. He wasn't even aware he was saying it until the words had left his mouth. Arthur looked at him, confused.

"Well? What was it?" he demanded after a few moments of silence, "Come on, Merlin, spit it out!" Merlin took a deep breath, contemplating whether he knew Arthur enough to share his secret.

"I..." Merlin stuttered, "I..." he stopped.

"Idiot..." Arthur muttered. Merlin frowned angrily.

"I was the one who caused the wind. It wasn't Will, it was me. I have magic." Arthur stood there, slightly in front of Merlin with his back to him. Merlin couldn't tell what he was thinking when Arthur turned around, his face emotionless.

"I will give you one chance to take that back, Merlin," Arthur said, "Or I'll be expecting proof. And I can't guarantee that this won't go to my father."

Merlin paused, "No." He said.

"No?" Arthur questioned.

"No, I'm not going to lie anymore. The number of times I have saved your royal ass using magic, Arthur... I'm not hiding it anymore. I'm a warlock, I have magic, and I've been using it for almost a year to save you from sorcerers, bandits and a whole load of other enemies, most of whom you didn't even know you had, so... what do you think?"

Merlin wasn't sure what he expected; perhaps an outburst of rage, or perhaps Arthur ordering for his arrest right there and then.

What he didn't expect was Arthur turning around and walking away without another word.

Arthur

He had expected Merlin to withdraw what he'd said immediately. No matter how often he said, Arthur didn't believe that Merlin was stupid. Reckless and excitable sometimes, but never stupid. And, as much as he'd also like to deny it, Arthur had suspected the very thing Merlin had told him for months.

Too many coincidental things had happened for an unknown force not to be involved. For example, not even a knight would have been fast enough to reach Arthur from where Merlin has been standing when the Lady Helen (or rather, the sorceress impersonating her) had tried to kill him at the banquet during which Merlin was named his personal servant. After that, there was the incident with Knight Valiant; he was foolish to even begin to think that the snakes had come alive of their own accord. And then there was the incident where Merlin was poisoned, and a light guided Arthur on his quest to find a cure...

The list was seemingly endless, and Arthur cursed himself for not thinking about the subject in more depth sooner. In fact, he didn't quite know why he had walked away when Merlin had confirmed his suspicions.

So with this thought in mind, he turned around to walk back towards the village. He hadn't realised how far he'd actually walked until he took in his surroundings and found himself in the forest. Instead of going to find Merlin, however, it seemed like Merlin had found him.

"I'm sorry." Merlin told him, leaning against a tree.

"You have no reason to be sorry," Arthur said, looking at his servant, "I've known for ages, Merlin. Honestly, what do you take me for, a complete idiot?"

"What do you mean you've known for ages?!" Merlin asked, "I've kept it a secret!"

"The worst kept secret in the history of Camelot if you ask me..." Arthur muttered. Merlin glared at him, "Fine, fine. I didn't know for sure, but I suspected!" Arthur protested, noticing Merlin's amused look.

"Oh, yeah, of course," Merlin said sarcastically.

"Have you forgotten that I still have the power to turn you over to my father?" Arthur threatened.

"You can't do that," Merlin said, jumping down off the tree root he'd been standing on, "You need me."

Arthur looked sceptical, "And why would I need you, Merlin?!"

"I've already told you," Merlin said smugly, "You'd be dead about ten times over if it wasn't for me and my gift. You should be knighting me!"

"Ha! I don't think so, Merlin," Arthur said, "But I will say... thank you. For all of those times."

Merlin turned serious, "Today paid for it," he said, "It means a lot, you know. You helping my mother, and my village. So... thank you."

And awkward silence fell between the two.

"I say we never speak of this conversation ever again." Arthur proposed.

"Agreed." Merlin said immediately. He started drifting back towards the village.

"But, Merlin," Arthur called after him. Merlin turned to look at him, "If you ever lie to me again about something like this, I'll have you put in the stocks for a month."

"Yes, sire," Merlin said grinning.

What did you think? I'd really appreciate some reviews, just to let me know... I know there is a lot of this idea out there but, like I said, I'm just trying to set the scene for future chapters. Pretty please review, and thanks for reading :)

PurpleDragonKeeper123