Disclaimer I believe Merlin and everything associated with it are owned by BBC television. No copyright infringement intended.

No Rules

The Tournament was only a few days away and Merlin knew nothing could be said to talk Arthur out of it. He shook his head as he walked across the courtyard. The midwinter sun beat down on the Castle courtyard as his thoughts turned to what could be done to protect his friends. He knew Uther was looking forward to the competition and wanted to take part. Arthur didn't want him too, he didn't trust his father not to get himself killed. Merlin sighed, trying to hide his magic, who he really was had proved to be difficult enough without the complication of trying to protect Arthur and his father in a Kingdom where magic was illegal. He smiled at Gwen as she walked towards him.

"Merlin" She smiled as he walked towards her. "Are you ok? You looked a million miles away"

"Oh, yeah" He smiled back at the servig girl. "I was thinking about the Tournament"

"I know it's open to everyone but please tell me you aren't going to enter!" Gwen looked aghast. Merlin merely raised his eyebrows as he walked along side her.

"Why not? I could you know" He stood a little straighter as she shook her head. "No, I'm not. Wouldn't work would it? Besides I don't really fancy having Arthur or Uther kill me. Not like that anyway. And Gaius would have a field day" He smiled shyly.

"So you are not going to fight then?" She looked at him sideways as he turned to face her.

"No" He laughed "But if I don't get a move on Arthur will kill me whether I get in to that ring or not" He laughed as he ran on from Gwen, only stopping when she called his name. He waited for the serving girl to catch up with him.

"That sorcerer? The one that put a poltice under Arthur's pillow" She bit her bottom lip at the memory "Do you really think that was the only reason Arthur had any feelings for me? That it was all a cruel spell?" Merlin sighed as he looked at his friend. He had known Arthur was in love with her, he had been since before Uther had killed her father. Merlin had been stuck in the middle of the hapless pair for years.

"Honestly Gwen" He stepped towards her "No I don't think Arthur's feelings have anything to do with magic. He is in love with you, alright"

"Oh" Gwen blushed furiously.

"This is the second time in as many hours that I have had a conversation about this. Only Arthur thought you were only in love with him because of magic. Now, be careful Gwen." He paused, looking around the courtyard. "If Uther finds out all Hell will break loose. But Arthur loves you, a blind man could see it. Just be careful" He returned her smile. "I have to go" He ran in the direction of the Castle entrance as Gwen turned and walked towards the well. She had to get water if Lady Morganna's gown was to be ready for the Tournament opening. Sighing she realised it wasn't Uther she had to be wary of, Lady Morganna was the real threat.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"Arthur Pendragon you are an idiot!" Arthur stared in the mirror in his room.

"We agree on something" Merlin answered

"Merlin!" Arthur turned to face him with a withering look. "You don't have to agree on everything I say"

"Oh really?"

"Yes really" Arthur laughed

"Then is now a good time to tell you there is something else you have said that I disagree with?" He handed his master his metal breat plate. Arthur took it and rested it on the bed in his chambers. Staring at Arthur he waited.

"Go on"

"Uther said that the only reason you could possibly love Gwen was because of magic. And I think he is right." He watched as the colour drained from Arthur's face only to be replaced by red as he slowly got more and more angry.

"So you think that old man put a spell on me too? I have loved that girl since I was 12 years old! Have you ever seen me behave the same way with any of the Princesses and Noblewomen my father has tried to make me marry? I only have eyes for Gwen! Only ever have had eyes for her!" He almost shouted as Merlin nodded.

"Arthur, listen to me! I can see that but isn't that what love is? Magic? You two are clearly made for each other but you must not let anyone else see that it was anything other than an enchantment. Her life depends on it!" Arthur stepped back as if Merlin had slapped him.

"What do you mean, her life depends on it?" Arthur almost hissed.

"Uther would have her banished from Camelot. We both know that. Morganna would have a lot worse happen" Merlin turned as the door to Arthur's chambers opened. Uther stood in the doorway as Arthur slumped down on the bed. He knew Arthur was right and he could see his father knew something was wrong.

"Merlin, I'd like a word with my son. Alone" Uther glared as Merlin nodded and left the room.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Gwen stood in the middle of Morganna's chambers, a beautiful cream silk gown was laid out on the bed in front of her. She watched as Lady Morganna entered the room carrying a lit candlestick. She smiled as she turned to her.

"Your gown is ready" She watched as Morganna nodded.

"Thankyou" She stepped a little nearer "I really did beg Uther to release you. You do know that?"

Gwen watched as her mistress took a step closer. She knew Morganna had done no such thing, in fact she believed Morganna had done the exact opposite. Gwen smiled slightly as she reassured Morganna that she believed that she had only loved Arthur because of an enchantment by an old, bitter warlock. She curtesed once before leaving the chambers as quickly as she could. She sighed as she closed the heavy oak door behind her and leant against it for a moment.

xxxxxxxxxxxx

Arthur was glad his father had left the chambers as quickly as he had arrived. He walked along the stone walled corridor hoping to find Merlin. He was worried their conversation had been cut short and he wanted to know what Merlin was suggesting. He turned the corridor as a soldier passed him. He nodded in greeting before turning to see Gwen leaning against Morganna's door. He smiled as he realised she hadn't yet seen him. He walked up to her as she opened her eyes.

"Merlin was right" He whispered as she stepped away from the door.

"Sire?" She looked self consiously along the corridor before smiling shyly.

"What I feel for you. It's magic" Her face dropped at his words. "Gwen, I love you. Always remember that and I will find a way for us to be together" He smiled as she frowned.

"Magic? You believe it was an enchantment?" Gwen felt as if she was about to cry.

"No" He brushed a strand of curly black hair away from her face. "No, you and I both know that is a lie. What I feel for you is stronger than any magic. I love you Gwen and I'm just counting the days until I can yell it from the Castle turrants" He watched as she seemed to visibly relax in front of him.

"Until then" She kissed his cheek before stepping away and turning to leave. Arthur touched his cheek, where moments ago her lips had been.

"Until then" He smiled before turning to continue his search for Merlin.

authors note. My first Merlin fic. Never normally write anything for this genre. Please let me know what you think.