A/N: hi there. *nervously shuffles back* I hope you like this, I'm not great at one shots. I do have a few ideas on what could happen next… I guess, let me know if you like it and want more.

Please review! I love seeing other people's thoughts on my work! *hides face* please?

Disclaimer: I don't own Merlin, would any of us be here if we did?

"So you're really going to ask him to do this?"

"Yes."

"You're sure?"

"Yes."

"He's late…"

"Yes, no suprise there." Arthur mumbled the last bit. Gwen chewed her lip nervously as they waited for the king's servant to show up with breakfast. They were both dressed, sitting on the bed, the queen was rubbing her husbands hand, his brow furrowed in thought.

"Breakfast!" Merlin pushed the door open with his foot, balancing two trays of food in his hands. His red neckerchief hung loosely under his brown jacket but over his blue shirt. He spun on his heel to face the bed, his morning grin shifting to a look of confusion as he saw the two there. Awake and dressed, both staring at him. "You're both up." He stated bluntly.

"Yes." Arthur said, confirming the obvious.

"Why?" Merlin's eyebrow arched, subconsciously mimicking his mentor.

"Sit down, Arthur has something he wants to discuss with you. I'm for it, personally, but it is a difficult topic for him. Please just listen." Gwen looked up from her husband to meet Merlin's concerned blue eyes. Unable to resist a request from his queen, Merlin set the trays on the table and turned a chair to face the bed before sitting down.

"Merlin, any and all of what is said in this room today is confidential, and I will deny ever having spoken of it with every fiber of my being. Do you understand?" The blond leaned back, running a hand through his hair.

"Yes, I understand." The warlock's eyes narrowed, he leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees.

"I've known you for years now Merlin. I trust you, I don't believe you would ever betray me. I consider you a close friend and I do value your opinions on things, when you take it seriously. I'm sure you know how much Morgana's threat is stressing me, how many sorcerers will she command? When will she strike? Where? But most importantly, how will we stop her?" Arthur paused, looking up from the fraying edge of his night shirt that had become so intriguing. "Merlin, it's because I trust you, that I wanted to ask you," Merlin was watching the prince intently, waiting for his next words. "would you learn magic," he paused, "and protect Camelot with it?"

Merlin's face blanched and jaw dropped at those words.

"I know that it's asking a lot of you. But, if you succeed, then you may actually be useful." Arthur snickered.

The warlock's mind was reeling, should he tell Arthur the truth? Should he stay hidden? Should he pretend he was just naturally gifted? His mouth opened and shut repeatedly as he floundered for words. "I don't- Arthur how- why should- WHAT?!" He finally surmised.

"You can have the day to mull it over, I want your answer by tonight. I will not blame you for saying no, magic is a dark art after all." The king's voice dropped. "The day is yours to think Merlin, don't hurt yourself." Arthur pushed himself off the bed, Gwen smiling behind him. Merlin silently pushed himself off the chair, and left the room.

"You're back early." Gaius looked over his shoulder to see his ward shutting the door, then turning to lean on it. The old physician eyed his sweaty brow, paler than normal skin, and out of breath appearance. "What happened Merlin?"

"Arthur…" Merlin paused for what seemed like ages, "just asked me if I would learn magic to protect Camelot. He gave me the day off to think it over." Merlin quirked a brow and looked over to Gaius, who stood still and slack jawed.

"Well then, expose your lesser spells, pretend to struggle with them. And slowly raise the level of what you do." Gaius concluded after a moment.

"Gaius. You don't get it, Arthur, king prat of the pratlets, just asked me to learn magic. Perhaps he's not completely opposed to it after all." The warlock broke out into a grin and ran up to his room to retrieve his book.