"I'm going to miss you." Merlin stood in the doorway of the dark room.
Arthur looked up from Uther's bedside. His father looked pale and weak in the dim light.
"And where do you think you're going?" he demanded.
Merlin ignored him and continued quietly. "You're going to be the best king Camelot has ever known. I wish I could see you then; uniting Albion but still a pompous prat." He wore a sad little smile on his face.
Arthur stood up. "Merlin-"
"And I want you to know that I am proud of you."
"Merlin, are you trying to leave?" The prince crossed room so he stood before his servant. "Answer me!" Arthur shook Merlin's shoulders. "Please."
"Yes." He jutted out his chin stubbornly.
Arthur's grip tightened. "No."
That ghost of a smile graced Merlin's features again. "And when have I ever listened to orders, sire?"
"But I need you Merlin." Arthur said desperately. "I can't do this without you."
"You have Gwen, you don't need me. She's a good girl. She loves you."
"Don't go." Arthur just about begged, but of course Pendragons don't beg.
"A life for a life Arthur. I'm just a servant. I'm not important."
"You are to me," he insisted fiercely.
"I hope you will forgive me one day." Merlin looked calm; there was not a trace of fear on his face.
"I bloody well won't. Whatever the hell you're about to do, you're not going to do it. And that's an order."
Merlin kept talking. "I've only ever used it for good."
"What are you going on about?"
"I never meant for you to find out this way." He explained softly.
"Anything else Merlin?" Arthur asked in his most arrogant voice, hoping to incite a laugh, a reaction, anything.
"One last thing." Merlin looked at him seriously. "Contrary to your belief, I'm not an idiot. I know I'll never have you. But I want you to know, from the moment I met you, you had me. You have Gwen, she can give you what you want, and I can't. But I love you Arthur, and I'm still happy to be your servant until the day I die." Merlin's eyes glowed molten gold as a phantom wind picked up. "Good bye Arthur." Their eyes met for a moment before a spinning column of air engulfed Merlin and he was gone.
Arthur stared at where his servant, his friend had stood minutes before. He didn't even register the blatant use of magic, his mind was still caught on the words 'I love you Arthur". Arthur hadn't even gotten the chance to say, 'I love you too'.
Uther suddenly stirred in the bed and with a heavy heart, Arthur went to go tend to him. But his mind was full of lanky manservants and sad blue eyes.