As usual, thank you to those who took the time to read and review, also to Lya200 for adding this to her list of favourite stories and for deciding to follow.

There'll be just one more instalment after this, so here goes….

I do not own Merlin or the characters.

Merlin rushed from the King's chambers, and headed to Arthur's.

He wasn't looking forward to disturbing Arthur and Gwen, neither was he looking forward to bearing such news. He knew Arthur loved Uther, despite whatever has passed between the two of them, and this will hurt him.

He was glad that at least his and Gwen's relationship was out in the open and if all went well at their dinner, they were now engaged to be married.

This, he thought as he made his way there, was something positive and worth holding onto in the coming days when Arthur would be at his lowest.

He knew Gwen was more than capable to comfort Arthur, and he trusted in their love for each other, to see them through the difficult times that were ahead of them. He resolved to be there for not only his master and friend, but for the both of them.

His thoughts drifted to his gift of magic, and his heart clenched.

As he neared Arthur's door, he mumbled to himself, saying,

"I need to tell Arthur that I have magic. I can't keep it from him any longer."

He reached the door, and knocked tentatively.

On hearing no answer, he knocked again, slightly louder, and more frequent. Arthur's angry voice reached him then, asking,

"Who is it?" and he replied,

"Merlin. I need to speak to you Arthur. It's urgent."

He stood away from the door, and waited for his master to open it, as he braced himself for the tirade, that was sure to follow.

Arthur was livid.

He helped Gwen to lace her dress back up, and she helped him to put his shirt back on. She used her hands to smooth his hair down, and then to right her clothes, to the tune of her thumping heart.

"Just a minute," Arthur said, and Gwen looked at him apologetically.

She walked to the table, poured a goblet of water and handed it to him with a sweet peck on his lips.

After a few minutes, Arthur, feeling that his body had returned to normal, looked down at the front of his pants for confirmation, and headed to the door. He quietly opened it, and stood with his arms folded across his chest.

"This had better be urgent Merlin," he said icily.

Poor Merlin, he was used to Arthur being upset with him, and he knew this night was supposed to be special for him and Gwen, so when he heard Arthur's tone, he knew he had interrupted a special moment.

"I'm sorry Arthur. You know I would never interrupt unless it was important.

Gaius summoned me earlier, and asked me to bring you and Gwen to your father's chambers," he said quietly, not wanting to divulge anything more.

"What's wrong? Is it my father? You need to tell me Merlin," Arthur anxiously said. Merlin shuffled from one foot to the other nervously, before he answered.

"Gaius doesn't think he has much longer to…" He was cut off by Arthur saying,

"Thank you Merlin. Guinevere we have to go."

With that, he reached for her, taking her hand in a tight grip, and moving swiftly towards his father's chambers, with Merlin in tow.

They reached Uther's chambers in record time.

Merlin hung back close to the door, and stood with his head bowed.

Gwen slowed her steps, causing Arthur to look at her in a questioning manner. She used her free hand to cup his cheek whilst caressing it, as she softly told him.

"You have to say goodbye to your father alone love.

I know it's hard, but I'll be right here behind you. This time is meant for you, afterwards, if I can, I will say my farewell to the King."

Arthur looked confused and he wanted to protest, because he didn't think that he could face it alone.

Gwen kept eye contact with him as she thought to herself,

'He's afraid, but this is something he has to do on his own.' She kissed him softly and whispered to him,

"You can do it love. Go on, I'll be right here. Just look back anytime you feel to, and you will see me. I love you Arthur."

At that, he drew her to him in a tight hug, and she could feel his body shaking at the prospect of facing his father in his current state, for what might be the last time.

He moved away from her, almost robotic in his actions, and went to his father's bedside.

Gaius watched the exchange between Arthur and Gwen from the other side of the bed.

He felt pleased within his heart, and he knew without a doubt, that the future of Camelot was in good hands, even as it's current King lay dying.

He walked over to Arthur, patted him on the back, and told him,

"Sire, you can speak to your father whenever you want to. He can hear you, but I'm not sure if he will be able to respond.

I'm sorry to have to tell you, but he won't make it through the night. He has taken a turn for the worst, and there is nothing that can be done for him. Be strong, and know that the whole of Camelot is with you."

Arthur took Gaius at his words and replied,

"Thank you Gaius.

Thank you for everything that you have done for him…and for me.

You are truly a loyal friend, even to the very end."

At that, Gaius bowed his head and moved to join Merlin.

Arthur felt as though he didn't have the strength to stand on his own two feet. He bent gingerly over his father's prone state and started speaking quietly to him.

"Father, I don't know if you can hear me, but I need to tell you some things.

First of all, I want to thank you for everything that you have ever done for me.

Thank you for loving me and giving me a chance to follow my heart. Thank you for making amends with Guinevere, and also giving her the chance to show that she can be an equal among those of a higher status.

Tonight was supposed to be the happiest night of my life, because I've asked the woman that I love more than anything in this world, to marry me, and she said yes.

I wanted to be able to share that joy with you in the morning, but it seems as though fate will have its way, whenever it should so choose.

I had hoped that you would be around to see me take Guinevere as my bride, and one day, introduce you to your first grandchild, but I know now I will never get the chance to do that.

However, I know that you will always be with me in my heart.

I love you father, and I always will.

If you happen to see my mother…tell her…that even though, I didn't get the chance to meet her…I love her," he solemnly said.

At that, his shoulders shook, as he started to sob quietly, and just when he thought he couldn't face it any longer, he heard his father's voice weakly saying to him.

"Arthur…my son. I want you know…that I'm proud of you. There was never a time…that I wasn't proud of you.

You are going to be a great King, and I'm happy…very happy…that you will have such…such a wise and wonderful Queen beside you.

Take care of Gwen, and of yourself son…I love you Arthur, and remember this, Merlin is no fool. He is one of your greatest assets, along with Gwen. Keep them close.

I think your mother is calling me, can you hear her?"

With that, the King mumbled a string of words, which ended sounding like,

"Coming Ygraine," just before he closed his eyes for the last time.

During the time that Arthur was saying goodbye to his father, Gwen stood at an appropriate distance behind him, watching him carefully.

Her heart broke, when she saw his shoulders shake, indicating that he was crying, and she longed to be with him, but she knew she couldn't.

She reluctantly stood her ground and waited for her chance to join him, if he so desired.

Just then, she saw him look back at her, and the sadness in his blue eyes floored her.

He pleaded with his eyes for her to come to him, and she rushed to him, holding him as he sobbed his heart out. In between his crying, she heard him say to her,

"He's gone Guinevere. My father is gone."

At that, Gwen did the only thing she could do. She held him tightly to her, rubbing his back and his head tenderly, as she silently cried for him.

The moment Gaius realized the King had died, he quietly went over to the body, checking for any signs of life, as was expected, but more as a matter of formality, and for the records of Camelot.

He then went to Arthur and quietly expressed his condolences to him, just before he caught Merlin's eye, indicating that they should leave. They closed the door on the young couple, and with heavy hearts, they retreated to their chambers.

Gwen stood with Arthur in her arms, allowing him to cry and grieve for his father.

She cursed her height in that moment, because he was practically bent over her petite form, as he rested his head on her shoulder.

Spying a chaise close to the window, she decided to walk him over to it. She sat on one end and patted her lap for him to lay and place his head on.

He willingly did as she conveyed to him, curling himself in a ball, with his head on her lap, and her hands immediately went to his soft hair, as she gently massaged his scalp, relaxing him gradually.

A few hours later and closer to dawn…

Arthur had finally calmed enough to send for Gaius, seeking counsel on what he had to do next.

Gaius took on the responsibility of dealing with the announcement, and alerting Geoffrey, the court's record keeper/librarian, about the King's death.

Geoffrey who was well versed in these matters, assured Arthur that he would make all of the necessary arrangements pertaining to the King's burial, and his impending coronation as Camelot's new King.

After chatting with Gaius and Geoffrey, Arthur retreated to his chambers, holding his beloved's hand, as though it was a lifeline.

Once inside, he quietly asked her,

"Will you stay with me? I don't want to be without you."

Gwen melted. This was her Arthur, not the brave, strong warrior, and Prince Regent, but an Arthur who wasn't afraid to show weakness, and show that he needed her.

"Of course love. There's no place I'd rather be," she softly said. He smiled the way he always did for her, and softly kissed her lips, as he said,

"Thank you Guinevere."

At that, he disappeared behind his changing screen, and changed into a pair soft sleep pants. He went to his closet, searching amongst his clothes until he found a red tunic, which he brought over and shyly handed to her.

"You can change over there, behind the changing screen…if you want," he said blushing.

Immediately after he said those words, he caught the double meaning and turned a deeper shade of red.

"I didn't mean…I meant…" He was cut off by Gwen placing her finger against his lips, and smiling sweetly.

"I know what you mean Arthur, and yes, I do want to…but behind the screen," she playfully said.

A few minutes later, he was in bed waiting patiently for her to finish change.

He watched expectantly, as he heard her soft foot-falls coming towards him, and his jaw dropped, as he tried unsuccessfully to keep his eyes on her face.

To him, the shirt looked wonderful on her.

It was way too big of course, but she wore it well.

It dropped just above her knees, and the neck being too wide, exposed much of her breasts and the valley between them, as the sleeves hung past her slender fingers.

She had apparently loosened the pins from her hair, and her wild curls tumbled down her back and around her shoulders.

He wordlessly patted the space next to him, and she aptly climbed up to sit beside him.

"I must be crazy Guinevere.

After what nearly happened earlier between the two of us, I have asked you to stay with me, and sleep in that… shirt…and looking the way you do in it.

Oh God! How am I not to touch, when my body is aching for yours?

This has already been a long night, and now I've made it even longer," he honestly said.

Gwen looked at her beloved's handsome face, and said to him,

"I know we almost committed our bodies to each other...and I wanted to.

We have been through so much already, and I've always told myself that if the opportunity arose and the need took over, I wouldn't back out.

I know tradition says we should wait for the wedding night, but I love you Arthur, and we are engaged to be married, we're practically man and wife."

At that, Arthur jumped off the bed, much to Gwen's surprise, and started rummaging through the pockets of the pants he'd had on earlier.

"Aha!" he exclaimed, and returned to her with a triumphant look upon his face.

He resumed his position, and gently took her hand in his, as he told her,

"I got distracted earlier, and I forgot to give you this."

He produced a beautiful gold band, with two flowers entwined and etched intricately on it, and placed it on her finger.

Gwen gasped.

Her eyes flew to his and back to the ring on her finger.

"Oh Arthur, I love it. It's so beautiful and it fits perfectly. Thank you," she sincerely said. He raised her hand to his lips and kissed the finger with the ring on it.

"Good. I was a bit worried, but it spoke to me, and reminded me of you, simple yet beautiful. So I got it for you. I'm glad you like it. Don't ask me how I got your finger size, because I gave Merlin that job, and I really don't want to know how he went about getting it. I might have to kill him," he playfully said.

They settled in for what was left of the night then, with Gwen nestled into Arthur's side, as she comfortably lay with her head on his chest, and his strong arm around her.

After a few minutes of contented silence, Arthur softly spoke to her.

"Guinevere, my father said something to me tonight, just before he started to leave us.

He told me that Merlin was no fool, that he is one of my greatest assets along with you, and I should keep you both close.

As much as I hate to admit it, I have seen the wisdom in Merlin...on many occasions, and he has provided me with some valuable advice...many times before.

I often wonder, how is it that he has never had any sort of training, but yet go on the many quests with me and the knights of Camelot, time and time again, with sometimes only the two of us returning safe or unscathed.

I just can't explain it.

At times…he seems old for his age, and the advice he gives is always sound and sage for someone… so clumsy… and so cheeky."

Gwen listened quietly to Arthur as he spoke of what was on his mind.

She knew that there was something special about their dear friend, but she could never find the courage to speak to him about it, let alone to Arthur. A knowing smile played on her luscious lips as she replied to Arthur.

"I see what you mean love…and you should definitely have a heart to heart with Merlin. Just remember that he is our best friend, and he's very loyal to you. That will tell what you need to say or do, whenever the both of you decide to have that chat.

Try to get some sleep love, you have a big day tomorrow," she kindly said.

Arthur blew out two of the remaining three candles that were on the wooden cabinets beside his bed, and settled back under the covers with his love.

He kissed her forehead, not trusting himself to kiss her lips, and whispered to her,

"Goodnight Guinevere. I love you." She replied softly,

"Goodnight Arthur. I love you so much."

Morning found them snuggled together intimately, still asleep, with Arthur spooned tightly behind Gwen, his hand wound securely around her middle, and his face lost in her mass of wild curls.

Merlin awoke from a restless night, or rather what remained of it, after his departure from Uther's chambers.

His thoughts immediately went to his friend and master, Arthur, hoping that Gwen had stayed with him, as a source of comfort to him, whilst he mourned his late father.

A new day had dawned, and he began to feel it deep within him. A warm feeling, which started in the area of his heart, and continued to spread throughout his lithe body, signalling the end of an era, and the beginning of something new and wonderful.

He rose from his small bed, stretched and exited, heading to Arthur's chambers.

On his way, he re-affirmed his commitment to telling Arthur about his gift of magic, and vowed to himself, to tell him as soon as things settle down.

He approached the door cautiously, and knocked lightly on it. On hearing no answer, he tried the handle, and it was locked.

The guard on duty, cautioned him, saying,

"Prince Arthur, I mean King Arthur, had an overnight guest. The Lady Guinevere accompanied him into his chambers last night, and she didn't come out. So proceed with caution. You are a good lad Merlin. I'd hate to have to attend your burial."

Merlin flushed and his jaw dropped. He was actually speechless for a beat.

"Thank you for the warning...um...I should get on," he said, as he turned his back to the guard, and opened the door using magic.

He entered quietly, and stood for a few seconds, to allow his eyes to become accustomed to the darkness of the room. He moved towards Arthur's bed, where the first thing he noticed, was the curtains were still tied to the bed-posts.

He walked silently over, and a smile lit up his handsome features, when saw his future Queen wrapped snugly in the new King's arms, as he soundly slept, spooned behind her.

With that, he made a U-turn and quickly but quietly exited the room, locking it again with magic.

'Wow! This is how they will be when they are married. I really have to get used to knocking, because they really love each other...a lot. I think Arthur would murder me if he found out that I was in his room just now,' he thought to himself as he waved to the guard, and headed back to his and Gaius' chambers.

On his way there, he impulsively made a detour, and slipped out to speak to an old friend, whom he hadn't seen for weeks.

He disappeared into the early morning mist, heading for the clearing in the Dark-ling Woods, where he normally met his friend.

As he approached, he began to run, shouting in an unfamiliar tongue, and in an otherworldly voice.

A few minutes later, the wind around him began to pick up, and a loud flapping noise was heard coming from the sky. A black object appeared in his line of sight, and he smiled to himself.

Seconds later, a massive dragon landed before him and bowed its head in respect to him.

"You called young warlock," it said. Merlin rolled his lovely blue eyes, and said,

"Hello Kilgarrah. I wanted to check in with you about our mutual enemy. Is there anything to report? Is she still without magic?" Kilgarrah replied,

"Yes Merlin, the witch is still without magic. She will never be allowed to use magic again.

I have done everything that you have asked of me.

She is on the Isle of the Cursed, learning to live without her magic, along with that cursed witch...The Docraid.

She will never be able to leave unless you command it.

I've made sure that there is plenty of food and water for her and…that…thing, to have, and I keep watch over them. I think she's afraid of me." At that, he laughed loudly, and the only thing Merlin could have done, was to join in the laughter.

After a few minutes, Merlin said to him,

"Thank you Kilgarrah. You have done well…" He paused momentarily.

"I can see that you are burdened young warlock. Speak your mind," the dragon said. Merlin looked up, hesitating for a beat, before saying,

"I think the time has come for me to tell Arthur about my magic. I believe that Gwen already knows…though she hasn't confronted me about it, but I believe the time is upon us." Kilgarrah sat pensively for a few moments as the words of his master sunk in.

"I fear you are right young warlock. You have nothing to be afraid of. Yes there is still more than one possible future, but your destiny hasn't changed. You have been given the task of helping the young Pendragon to unite Albion and bring back magic to the land.

The fate of Camelot was changed the moment that Uther Pendragon saw the witch for what she was, and acted on it, but unless you do your part, by showing Arthur the good that magic can do, I fear that the future will indeed change...for worse.

I should also tell you warlock, the future queen is an important staple in all of this, because she holds the keys to our young King's heart, and she is therefore at the centre of it all. She is the heart of Camelot, and should be treated as such," he stated.

With a dip of his massive head, he rose up into the air, and disappeared from sight.

Merlin walked slowly back to the palace, in a contemplative mood, as he reflect on all that the dragon had said.

This chapter sort of got away from me, but I hope it was good enough.