Merlin was flying high above Camelot, like this he felt free and without responsibility. He would have happily married Arthur without the expectation of being a Consort as well as the need for an heir. He had come to terms with the loss of his babe although he knew he would never forget, but he didn't feel he had repaid his husband the king for all his kindness and eventually Arthur would regret marring him if the much long for child did not appear. After all Arthur had killed his own father as a result.

Kilgarrah broke into his thoughts as they flew over the countryside "Young Warlock you must go back, your mate is worried. I don't mind helping you find peace but I am not a horse and enough is enough"

"Thank you Kilgarrah, I just needed to get away from all the preparations, how I hate the seamstresses and all the fuss" Merlin knew that Kilgarrah did him great honour in allowing him to escape just for a while. Take me back then although I do wish sometimes we could fly away forever"

"You and your mate have much to achieve together yet young Warlock. It will be a long time before you have completed your destinies."

Merlin rolled eyes "So you say, but when will you tell me what we must do?"

"All will become clear" Kilgarrah landed at the clearing they used for such a purpose It was far enough away from the castle not to disturb anyone. Gwaine and Lancelot were waiting for Merlin having seen the dragon approach.

As Merlin slipped off of Kilgarrah's back Gwaine strode forward clearly angry. "When are you going to stop doing this?" he demanded

Merlin looked sheepish as Kilgarrah's laugh boomed across the clearing. "Never, I fear"

"You should know better you over grown lizard" Gwaine said fearlessly to the dragon. Over the years the dragon and knights had developed a healthy respect for each other, each knowing their place in caring for Merlin. "Why do you take him off?"

"So he can find peace, we are kin" Kilgarrah said simply "I would allow no harm to come to Emrys" with that he took off.

Merlin looked at his knights and friends "I'm sorry but it got too much"

"Sire, you are twenty one by now you should be fully aware of your duty" Lancelot quietly reprimanded the omega. The beta knight was the peacekeeper and often found himself between the Omega and the alpha knight.

"I know my duty, but sometimes I just need to escape, as Kilgarrah said I am safe with him."

Gwaine snorted "Tell that to your alpha! He has enough on his plate without worrying about you! Thank goodness I haven't got an omega yet! You are enough to put anyone off"

Merlin grinned "One day you will have your own mate, then maybe I will get some peace. Look at Lancelot he doesn't get so wound up, Gwen keeps him grounded up"

"Under the thumb more like" Gwaine snorted "If even the Prime alpha can't control his omega what hope does a beta have?" he glared at Merlin "Come on back we go and let your Alpha deal with you."

Merlin walked between his two knights. The past few years had seen him gain height, he was now slightly taller than his alpha, but he still had the slender build of an omega. In fact Arthur worried that he was to thin, and was always trying to get him to eat more. He was even more striking in appearance than he had been, as he had developed into an adult. This cheekbones were more pronounced and he had become as graceful in appearance, although he was sometimes still clumsy. His long limbs seemed to manage to tangle themselves at the slightest opportunity. His smile still lit up any room and made any of his sins disappear. This showed as they joined an impatient King near the training grounds.

Arthur stormed towards them his face like thunder "Where have you been!" he demanded of his omega.

Merlin hunched down slightly at the tone of his alpha but even then he grinned, and said "Off for a fly, I was fed up….please don't be such a prat you know I was safe"

Arthur seeing the grin felt his heart melt, he lowered his voice "You know how worried I get, not to mention your knights. Besides there is still lots to do"

Merlin walked closer and put his arms round Arthur and tucked his head on Arthur's shoulder. Arthur found himself hugging Merlin back and planting a kiss on the top of the raven hair.

"So whipped" Gwaine grunted

Arthur glared at the knight "Now Merlin go and see Morgana she was looking for you, something about your clothing. Also your mother was looking for you"

Lancelot grinned at that "That's someone who you can't charm Sire" he told Merlin

"No with a bit of luck the Lady Hunith will box your ears" Gwaine retorted "I would if your alpha would let me"

Arthur growled deeply his alpha instincts raising up to protect his omega "That will be treason" he snarled at the knight.

Gwaine shrugged "Nah Princess that would be justice, your omega is giving me grey hairs."

Arthur took a deep breath he often found it difficult to control his protective instincts for his omega, but he also knew that all his knights would give their lives for Merlin if necessary, and Gwaine and Lancelot more than most. "Escort him to his mother." He unclasped Merlin's arms from around his waist. "Go little hawk, I will be with you as soon as I can"

As always the endearment made Merlin's insides curl with happiness, he quickly kissed Arthur and went with the knights. He knew that Arthur was following them with his eyes and gave a quick shake of his arse as he walked. Leon and Percival chuckled. Leon looked at his brother in law "Gwaine's right you're whipped"

Arthur whirled round "And you're not?" he demanded "Morgana may not be as cheeky but she has you on a short leash"

Sir Percival smiled he had recently been married to Freya who had reached the age to leave the den, he parents had decided to leave her there for safety, but she had got to know her alpha well in that time and Merlin had also visited his friend frequently. Freya was a meek omega and although much younger than her alpha, not unusual, they were a true match and happy. Being very well suited. Percival adorned his omega and was happy that she was so different in temperament than either Merlin or Morgana. In fact she was almost painfully shy and needed coaxing out of her shell. Percival was pleased that Freya and Merlin were such good friends as he protected her when in the company of other omegas. Merlin was as fiercely protective of his friends as any alpha. As usual the big knight said nothing.

Leon looked at Percival "Come on stop your grinning we have work to do, the new recruits need beating into shape." Leon found Percival ideal for that job. His size intimidated the newbies but he always kept his cool and made sure not to hurt them too much. Whereas sometimes Gwaine and Elyan got carried away, quite forgetting they were facing much less experienced fighters.

Arthur left them to it and went to speak to Geoffrey, unknown to Merlin not only were the celebrations to mark his twenty first birthday but also to name him as official Court Warlock. Over the past few years with magic legal Merlin's powers had grown considerably. With Iseldir, the druid chieftain's tuition both Merlin and Morgana had grown into their powers to such an extent that Merlin especially had developed further than anyone could even begin to match. Morgana had already been named High Priestess, but Arthur had wanted to allow Merlin time to fully recover. But Arthur wanted Merlin to have the post after all he the most powerful sorcerer known, so it was only right. It might also make it easier if he ever had to rule in Arthur's place if the King was away for any reason. Arthur knew that Cenred had been building up his army and feared it was to attack Camelot. It was rumoured that Essetir's King also now had a High Priestess of his own and one that was willing to us dark magic, if that was true then the peace might not hold much longer. Arthur had already asked Kilgarrah to keep an eye on the border for him. The Great Dragon was willing to do that even though he had no real reason to help Camelot, after spending years chained up, but Arthur was only pleased that for some reason he had agreed without questioning why.

That evening Arthur and Merlin dined quietly together. The alpha wanted to give his omega time to relax before the next day's festivities. He knew just how much Merlin hated to be in the limelight. After a simple meal served by the ever faithful and efficient George, Arthur dismissed him and the two men spent the evening together before retiring. As always curled up together in the large bed.