Hello! This is a story about after Uther was stabbed and before he died. It's a one shot about what if Uther woke up for a few minutes and he and Arthur had their final conversation. If this had happened, I think it would go something like this.

Disclaimer: I do not own Merlin.

The Things I Never Said

Arthur sat in a hard wooden chair next to his dying father. Arthur's head was resting in his hands as he hoped, no prayed, that by some miracle his beloved father would not die. He wasn't ready to be a king yet; there was so much that he had to learn still about being a ruler. Most of all, he couldn't bear the thought of losing his father.

Arthur was so deep in thought about what he would do if Uther died, he didn't hear the rustling above him. "Arthur." Arthur jerked his head from his hands and peered his bloodshot eyes around the room, looking for the source of the voice. Maybe it was his father? No! Arthur violently shook his head attempting to erase the thought from his mind even though he wished it was true. Then he heard it again.

"Arthur," the voice mumbled. Realization struck him that this was his father. Arthur shot up, watching to see if his father would move. Uther's eyes slowly opened, and Arthur grabbed his cold, wrinkled hand. Tears brimmed Arthur's eyes as he kneeled beside his bed, rubbing his father's hand on his cheek.

"Father," Arthur sighed, half in relief to see his father alive and half because he hated seeing his father in pain.

"Arthur, I don't have long. You must, however, know that I love you very much and you have made me so proud. I know that you will be a great king, a far greater one that I ever was. I know you will treat the people of Camelot with love and respect and they will treat you the same."

"Father, you should have never taken the blade for me. I should be the one dying." Arthur whispered with a cracking voice as he tried not to cry.

"Son, if I hadn't taken the blade, Camelot would have lost a strong ruler. After Morgana betrayed us, I acted as if I had died. I barely moved, ate, or talked. It ruined me. I am so sorry I acted that way. I still had you and that should have been all the happiness and joy I needed. I am sorry." Uther slowly turned his head and his eyes fluttered close.

A weeping Arthur, who knew better than to try and keep in his sobs, checked his father's pulse. Uther was still alive but his breathing was faint and shallow. Uther had never said that he was proud of him before, and he rarely mentioned anything about loving him since he thought it seemed almost weak to show emotions. Arthur knew what he must do. He couldn't lose his father, especially after what he had just told him. He knew he would do anything to nurse him back to health. Was magic too risky? He had lost his mother to magic. If Uther died Arthur would have no family, except for his conceited uncle who always seemed secretive. He had made his decision. As if on que, Merlin barged in.

"Oh sorry, Arthur, I didn't know you were in here. I was going to give him this." Merlin apologized holding a vial no doubt filled with one of Gaius's remedies that tasted of toad water. As Merlin carefully poured the drink into Uther's mouth, Arthur knew no collection of herbs or even the greatest physician would be able to help his father.

"Merlin," Arthur began. "I want to use magic. I will do anything to save my father."

Merlin nodded his head, understanding what it was like to lose your father, wishing you could have done something. Besides if this worked, Arthur might accept magic, and Merlin wouldn't have to keep his magic from him.

So I assume since you are reading this that you finished my story. Hopefully you liked it! I will probably be putting up a new story somewhat soon. If you leave a comment, please don't say anything discouraging. Bye!