When, Merlin woke up, he felt…different. His head was hurt, and he was dizzy, but he wasn't scared or sad. Why would he be?

He looked around. He was still in the cave, with Morgana. She was sitting beside him now, playing with a feather, or whatever that was.

"What did you do?" he asked, stroking his head.

"I took away all of your emotions. I think you'll fulfil your mission better that way." Morgana replied smirking.

Merlin smirked back. "And why in the hell should I do that?"

"Why the hell not?" she asked mimicking Merlin's voice, testing the success of her enchantment.

"You want me to kill the King. In case you don't know, I am his manservant. I can have anything I want. At least more than leaving hidden in the woods, like you."

Morgana grinned as she got the response she wanted. Well, close enough. "What would you say if I promised that could offer you, something more that being the King's servant boy? What if I could promise you a place to the court, or who knows something even more?"

"I would say that I don't believe you. I tried to kill you Morgana. I don't think you will make me anything more than dead, even if you become queen." Merlin replied flatly.

"Don't you think that if I wanted you dead, you would be dead a long time ago?" she confessed.

Merlin shrugged. "Either way, if you want me to do your dirty work, I want something more than a promise."

"So we are agreed on the offer, we are just discussing the price." Morgana said to confirm.

"Apparently."

"So you don't care. If Arthur is dead or not."

Merlin rolled his eyes. "Why would I? I actually think….I think I should care, but I just…don't. Strange. Oh, well, what can you do?"

Morgana sighed and smiled. Finally, after a long time, things were going her way.

"Right now, I can't give you anything more than a promise Merlin." Morgana said.

Merlin took a moment to see this through. Morgana would bring magic back to Camelot. Which means that he wouldn't have to hide who he was. Besides, he could ensure his place on the court, God even in the throne, by enchanting her. He could marry her and then kill her. She probably liked him anyway, cause, as she said, he was still alive even though he tried to kill her and he messed up almost all of her plans. Why did he do that anyway? What was the point? And why in the hell hadn't he thought of what he could gain from Morgana before.

"Well, ok." He muttered.

Morgana got up, with her lips set in a triumphant smile. She couldn't believe that she was so close on getting what she deserved. But she quickly pulled herself together. She didn't want to get excited so she wouldn't be disappointed if this didn't work out.

"I am glad, we are agreed." She said giving him her hand, to close the deal. Merlin did the same.

"Any preferences my Lady?"

"Excuse me?"

"I am sure Arthur's death is one of your biggest dreams. So, I suppose that you would have a specific way of dying, in your mind."

Morgana gasped. Even her, was surprised by how Merlin had changed. He seemed much smarter than he was before and much more less annoying.

"I would love to kill him myself, but I think getting killed by his so- trusted manservant, would be satisfying enough. I don't care how you kill him as long as he knows that you want him dead and you are working for me." She said slowly, like she was thinking it through at this moment. "Oh. A piece of advice. Don't let anyone know how you don't…feel."

Merlin rolled his eyes. She was so desperate to take revenge for being an outcast and not her father's favourite that caused her all these trouble. If she was more realistic, logical and smart she could have won. She was right about not showing that he had changed though. He could prevent that he was still Arthur's friend and everyone's favourite, like he pretended to be a fool all this time. He couldn't possibly believe that he was in pain so many times, because people died, Arthur was in danger and he was afraid of what Arthur would have thought, if he found out that he was a sorcerer. Now, he was feeling so much better. His mind was sharp as ever and he wouldn't bother to sacrifice anything for anyone. He felt so good. "All right." He finally muttered and turn around to leave, adding "If you don't keep your part of the deal…just don't cross me."

Even though, Morgana couldn't possibly think that Merlin was powerful enough to kill her, his voice was so cold that made her, silently nodded.

"Just help me move these rocks ok?" Arthur asked, struggling to keep his voice straight. What if Merlin wasn't fast enough to run away? What if he was….No. He didn't want to think of that. Even though he would probably never admit that out loud, only the thought of Merlin being dead was unbearable.

"We can't just move the rocks, sir" Leon said hesitentantly. "It is impossible."

Arthur looked at him for a second and sighed. He was right. But he couldn't just stand there and do nothing, while Merlin could be seriously hurt or even worse.

"We can just go around and check if he's…there." Gwaine suggested.

Arthur nodded. "You go and check and I will wait here in case…In case he somehow managed to get out, or if I hear anything."

Percival decided to stay with the king and the other knights left, all wishing that Merlin would be there.

"Merlin!" Arthur yelled, hoping to get some kind of response. But nothing, happened. Why the hell did he feel so scared? If he's dead, I would be alone. I know that. He's the only real friend I've got. I mean, I have Gwen, but that is totally different. Merlin had helped him through his darkest hours like nobody else did. He was willing to die for him, without second thought. He was his best friend, but he wouldn't admit that out loud. But maybe he should have, because maybe now it's too late. He wanted to say how much he was appreciating all of Merlin's support and his silly jokes that always made him feel better. He always said 'Yeah of course Merlin is gonna be there when I feel like telling him'. But now… what if Merlin wasn't here anymore? How could he possibly deal with another death? How could he rule a kingdom, feeling so alone? Just, please don't be dead. He wished.

"You really care about him, don't you?" Percival said.

Arthur had completely forgot about his presence. "He's my manservant and honestly…"

A loud noise made them both flinch. They turned their head towards the noise. Some rocks had fallen aside, leaving a thin pathway. Even though Arthur couldn't see through it, he was hoping that Merlin would come out.

And so he did. What Arthur didn't know was that the one who came out wasn't his friend anymore. Instead he would be his doom.