Edited on 10/17/12

A/N: I just want to point out that the relationship between Arthur and Merlin in this story and any others that I write is purely friendship. Meaning, no slash.

It's Over Now

He knew it was over then; he could tell by the look on Arthur's face. That look of blinding anger mixed with betrayal and hurt. That look which clearly said, "How could you do this to me?"

Because there was no way of hiding it this time, no clever excuses or cover stories, no one willing to take the fall for him.

The prince had seen everything for himself. He had seen the way his servant's eyes had flashed gold. He had seen the raw force of magic that rushed out of him - so much more powerful than he had ever witnessed in someone before.

And Merlin knew that it was over. That the years of standing by his side, protecting him - starting out as nothing more than a mere servant, but slowly had become his truest friend - crossing lines that no one had ever dared to cross before - the laughter, the name calling - was all over.

The trust between them had shattered as quickly as their enemies had fallen at the instinctive spell he had cast in that final moment of desperation.

Because nothing mattered more than protecting Arthur; ensuring that he would become the great king that Merlin knew he would be one day, even if it meant he wouldn't be there to see it for himself.

His one consoling thought was that he wouldn't have to endure that look of betrayal for much longer. Because while he was concentrating on all of the known enemies, he didn't see the one that emerged from the trees, slowly creeping up behind him. He didn't see the flash of the blade as it made contact with his chest. Even though he was in agonizing pain, he quickly took care of his attacker with another flash of his eyes.

As Merlin sunk to his knees, Arthur, previously being too stunned by all that had happened, noticed the blood that was rapidly staining his servant's shirt.

Panic pushing all other thoughts from his mind, the prince rushed over to his servant, putting his arm under his shoulders to support him.

"Here, let me look at it," Arthur said gently, fear now pulsing through him at the sight of Merlin in his arms. There was just so much blood, and his breathing was getting shallower by the second. Having more than his share of experience with these types of wounds, he lifted up Merlin's shirt to look at where the blade had struck him.

Merlin couldn't believe that after everything they had been through, that it was all coming to an end. The pain was becoming too much for him to bear.

"Arthur," Merlin gasped, "I'm so sorry." His words were shaking as he struggled to draw in more air.

As he glanced up toward the prince, blue eyes meeting blue, he noticed that Arthur had finished his inspection of him and was now giving him a rather mocking look.

Merlin thought this was quite rude, considering he was dying and all.

"What?"

"It's not a fatal wound you idiot."

"Oh."

A/N: Hello everyone! I just wanted to take a moment to say that this is my first attempt at fanfiction, therefore I really don't have any idea whether or not this is even remotely decent. This is just something that I wrote when I was very tired last night.

So I would greatly appreciate it if you would review and give me any feedback that you might have!