Merlin, what are you doing?

I do apologise, unfortunately he's an idiot and he doesn't have a clue what he's supposed to be doing for most of the time. I don't know why I keep him on, I really don't. I'm actually paying for him to trip over and almost spear some poor woman in the foot with my sword, and all he can do is smile and wave. I mean, come on…

So you want to know about my life? Well, I won't lie, I know I've had it pretty good compared to a lot of people – I mean, I have a roof over my head which doesn't leak, I have a bed to sleep in, enough food and water which can be gathered without breaking through a foot of ice in the winter, wine… I accept that this is better than a lot of people, I will never deny that.

But I haven't had it easy, not by far. It's a difficult thing to have to become a prince and live up to my father's reputation; I have to make sure the kingdom is protected and stand up for the villagers, but know when to stand my ground and accept my father's judgement. Not that I'm saying he's wrong, but everyone has different opinions and sometimes that can end in… disagreements. I've been training every day for as long as I remember and I have a group of men to train up also, but believe me, they're bloody good. The amount of no-win situations that we've won, well, it just goes to show.

-What do you mean there may be another reason for that, Gwaine? Sod off back to the tavern, I'm trying to give an interview, I didn't interrupt yours did I? And you stink of ale. It's not a good look; you're a knight now you idiot!

Do you see what I have to put up with? I have to command these people. Not that Gwaine is a bad guy; he has, after all, saved my arse quite a few times now. He just spends a little too much time drunkenly chasing after women, or winding up Merlin. He's a good fighter though, and deserves the knighthood I bestowed upon him. His father, yes I know about his father, would be proud at how he has turned out, and I know his mother already is. Myself and Merlin are hoping to surprise him as we've invited her to Camelot, gotten her a house to live in and everything. She's had a rough time of it without her eldest son looking out for her, and deserves to be able to live the life of a knight's mother from now on. Even if Camelot always does seem to be getting attacked by magic lately.

You're interviewing Merlin too? Why? Oh, that stupid prophesy, I see. Well, no offense, but Merlin is a bit of an idiot. He's clumsy, he doesn't know his place, he is always doing things wrong, he's cheeky, he cannot do anything right, and there is definitely something odd about him. And yet, I would, and have, trusted him with my life. He always manages to cheer me up; his pre-fight pep talks always contain some insight which makes me wonder if I know everything about him because he sometimes sounds remarkably wise. He's someone I feel I can be myself around, and not have to hide behind Prince of Camelot title, his jokes (and his ears) do make me laugh, and I do consider him my friend, even though he is my servant. Obviously.

So I'm what? Bravery? Well, yes, I would say I was brave. –No Merlin that does not translate into 'stupid' for a normal person. I've took on things that other people would run away from, won situations that seemed unlikely, and, well, I suppose right now I'm having to put on a brave face to run Camelot. As for the rest of the prophesy… I can't really remember. Strength and Magic? Hmm, well strength has to be Gwaine if not me, doesn't it? I'm not commenting on the last, if anyone asks, my reply was 'don't be stupid'. No, I don't know something I'm not telling you, but I have suspicions. Ones that cannot reach my father.

And yes, my father is ill at the moment, gravely. Gaius is seeing to him, but it doesn't seem good. His turnip was talking to him at dinner the other night. No, it was actually talking to him. Bloody Morgana, I don't understand why she can't just leave him alone; she has already… hurt him enough. Merlin got bitten by it when he was attempting to remove it from the palace. –No you do not deserve a pay rise, Merlin; dealing with talking turnips is in your job description, you should have researched it more. And anyway, don't you have a job to be doing? Well, if you don't get out of my sight now I will find something else for you to do. Just go and follow Gwaine around like a lovesick girl like you usually do.

And yes, I am standing in for him at the moment, but I won't unseat him, not yet. He is my father, and I couldn't do that to him. We're all hoping that he's going to get better, and he might do. It may just take time. If not, well, I'll just have to pick up the pieces, won't I?

But all in all, yes, I do think we have what it takes to defend Camelot, so let that be a message to anyone out there who wishes to attack. We are still strong, and we have what it takes to keep this kingdom safe, as we have done many times before.

A message to Morgana? Well, if she knows what is good for her she will stay out of Camelot and out of my sight. She has betrayed my father, her father, and no one here will ever be loyal to her. Next time, she won't escape so easily, and after all she has done I cannot call her my sister, I cannot show her any mercy. She started this war, and if I were her, I would keep well away from it.

And no, I definitely did not just witness Merlin's eyes turn gold while he amazingly managed to catch the vase he was sure to drop with him being such a clutz and all. I swear, how that boy has managed to keep his head on his shoulders for this long is a mystery…