A/n: I do not own Merlin, sadly.

Chapter 1: 5x07 A Lesson of Vengeance

Arthur's p.o.v.

Pain, that was what I first registered. It creeped over my skin from the inside. My eyes started to droop and my vision started to fail. I was confused, my brain becoming foggy and slow to registering what was happening. Then it clicked, poison. Just as my vision blacked out, I could see something that would haunt me. I saw a delighted smirk light up my beloved Guinevere's face at my demise.

Despite being trapped inside my unresponsive body, I could still hear what was happening around me. I could distantly hear Gauis's worried tone.

"All the evidence suggests that the King has been poisoned."

"You're certain Gauis?" Guinevere's voice didn't sound vey shocked.

"Quite certain. The sweating, the corruption of the skin, the traces of tincture around the ear. They all point to the use of henbane." Gauis sounded that this was serious enough for a skilled physician to be worried.

"Is there no hope?" Gwen asked, her voice seemingly choked.

"The poison is a deadly one, my lady. There may be a way to arrest its course but I cannot guarantee it."

My heart plummeted. Would I really die, only for the true killer to get away with it. Pain flared in my chest, but I could move to rub my chest. I was paralyzed. I would never admit it to anyone, especially to Merlin, but I was tired. All I could do was listen to those in the room. I hoped Merlin was with me as well. I didn't want to believe it, but I suspected my beloved wife of the poisoning. She did smirk as I passed out.

"One thing I know for certain. That whoever did this lives among us. Whoever did this has betrayed us all. Someone who is free to roam the Citadel as they please, someone who has access to the King's stables, the King's prison, even the King's food. There is only one I know of..." Gwen's voice trailed off.

Shock coursed through me. I knew where she was going. There was one person who fit all of those descriptions. But he didn't do it! He wasn't anywhere near my food. If only I could talk and get a witness, like the cook since she was in the kitchen and would've noticed if Merlin was there washing my clothes, then I could save him.

"Merlin." I heard struggling and somehow knew he was being dragged to he dungeons. I was utterly and completely stunned. What happened to my beautiful, compassionate queen? Ever since the incident at The Dark Tower and Elyan's death, she's been different, colder. The loving and caring light in her eyes has dimmed noticeably.

"You promised you'd never leave me, Arthur. You promised. He's our strength, our heart. How can I live without him? How can any of us live without him?" I heard a sniff and knew Gwen was tearing up when she started talking to me later after her accusing of my most loyal and trusted manservant.

"Because we must." I heard steps getting closer. "My lady. If Arthur is to die we will lose more than that. The kingdom will lose its King." Leon stated.

"While Arthur lives, there is still a King of Camelot."

"But when the time comes, and it…and it will surely come soon, we need to be prepared. If we do not have a leader and a guide…Camelot and all the kingdom will be vulnerable. Everything Arthur worked so hard to achieve will be threatened."

"But who could wear his crown? He has no family to succeed him. And who among us is…worthy of such a thing?" Gwen sounded different.

"You are, my lady."

That was the moment I tried to talk, but nothing would escape my lips. I was trapped, yelling into the abyss of my own mind. Gwen was a traitor, that much I guessed. I needed to put an end to this.

"Me?"

"You are as close to family as Arthur has. No one can deny your wisdom, your compassion and your loyalty. I am certain that were Arthur able to this decision, he would choose you."

'No I wouldn't!' I protested, not that it left my mouth.

"I don't know what to say," Gwen didn't sound like she didn't.

"I realize that this is a great responsibility, but you will not be alone. I guarantee you, myself and all the knights will stand by you. Now and forever."

'No, no, no no! Stop this you idiot! You can't trust her!'

"Thank you, Leon. I am lucky indeed to have such friends."

Betrayal burned in my gut.

I hear the door open before I heard Gwaine's voice.

"Are you all right?"

"Yes." Guinevere answered.

"You haven't seen anything? Heard anything?"

"Nothing. Why?"

"There's an intruder within our walls." Gwaine informed my queen.

"Here? In the Citadel?"

"Yes, my lady. We last saw them in the Main Square, then we lost sight of them."

"My lady, you may be in danger. Gwaine will take you to the guest chambers. He'll ensure no harm comes to you there." Gauis cut in.

"Why would anyone wish me harm?" Gwen asked.

"You're to be our leader, Gwen. You are Camelot's future. Do you imagine our enemies don't want you dead?" Surely Gauis must've noticed something... off with Gwen. Right?

"I can't leave Arthur, not now."

I scoffed inwardly as Gauis replied, "Gwen, I promise, if there is any change. I'll fetch you at once."

Gwaine added, "Gaius is right. Come, my lady. You're not safe here."

I heard the door shut behind them. For a moment I thought I was alone, dying, in the darkness behind my own eyelids when I heard the curtains moving to my right.

"How on earth did you get in here?" Gauis asked scandalized to whoever snuck in.

"Don't even ask. How is he?"

I was shocked as Merlin's voice got closer. How'd he get out if he was arrested? Seriously? 'You idiot, you probably almost got caught and that's why they're mentioning an intruder! '

The pain, almost forgotten at the shock of Merlin of all people getting in here, flared to new levels as Gauis spoke.

"His heart is nearly stopped. I fear he's close to death."

'No! This can't be happening! I can't let a traitor take over Camelot!'

I felt a soft touch on my chest and felt breathing hit my face. I could sense an energy probing my chest, trying to see the sickness. What is this strange energy? Is it magic?

"The sickness is so deep in him. I don't know if I have the power to bring him back." Merlins voice broke though my thoughts, sadness and grief in his words.

"You can do this, Merlin."

I heard a deep intake of breath before his hands went back to my chest. It didn't take long to realize how Merlin could save me instead of Gauis.

"Ic the thurhaele thinu licsar mid thamsundorcraeft thaere ealdan ae!" Merlin spoke in a deep, powerful voice.

Fear of the thought of magic being used distracted me until I felt a soothing power flow through me, chasing away some of my pain and fatigue. I still felt weak, but I could at least twitch and move a bit. I felt a bit better, but still had trouble breathing. There was a few shaky breaths from Merlin before he spoke strongly and powerfully again.

"Ic the thurhaele thinu licsar mid thamsundorcraeft thaere ealdan ae!"

This time the pain turned to a dull ache and the pressure pushing down on my dissolved. I took a breath of relief and tried getting more comfortable by turning around. I decided to not notice Merlin so he wouldn't know I knew what I did.

"Gauis." I spoke sleepily, but still pretended to sleep.

"Merlin…Well done, Merlin! Well done. You'd better get back to the cells before you're missed." Gauis sounded relieved.

"There are guards on every floor and every stairwell. How can I get back down there?" Merlin asked in an exasperated tone.

"Well the same way you came up, obviously."

"Obviously." Merlin replied sarcastically while i inwardly chuckled. Serves him right by keeping that secret from me!

That's when I realized that magic isn't evil. If someone as loyal and nice as Merlin can have magic, that just an example of how it can be used for good. Now I know why Merlin had tears in his eyes when he said there was no room for magic in Camelot. He did save me, so I know he's not a traitor. I won't execute or even banish him, but he will know I. Angry for the lying part. I mean, I've know him for ten years! He could have said something? Does he always use magic to save my life in someway?