Author's Note: Oh, one other thing. I know this is kinda OC for most of the character, but I like them better like this. Wish I could do more, but I hope you enjoy.

Chapter Three

Merlin almost ran to the dining hall, where he quietly slid inside and placed himself at Gidion's right elbow, gently tapping his Master on the shoulder to let him know he was there. Gidion was surprised, but welcomed the comfort of his friend, since the dinner had turned silent. But it did not stay silent for long. Gidion had sensed that something was wrong with Merlin, but didn't know why. The answer came when Arthur barged in, both doors slamming against the stone wall with a resounding bang as he strode in, face flushed.

"Arthur! What is it?" Uther said, standing up. Gidion snuck a glance at Merlin, who's face was pale and his hands were clenched into tight fists, and he knew something had happened. Arthur marched right up to Merlin, stopping just shy of two feet away.

"You're Merlin aren't you?" He said, and a few gasps were heard in the hall. Gidion stood up, drawing attention to him.

"What if his name is Merlin? I bought him at a legal slave market, and it's outside of Camelot's boundaries." He asked, putting himself in front of Merlin. Arthur's gaze swung up to the man he now faced.

"If he is Merlin, then he has some questions he needs to answer." Arthur said, and Gidion was about to yell, when he felt a gentle hand on his elbow. Turning his head, he saw that Merlin had moved.

"It's alright Master. Prince Arthur is entitled to his questions. However, it would be better if they were asked after dinner." Merlin said, and all eyes in the hall turned to Arthur.

"Very well Merlin. Come to my chamber when you are done here." Arthur said, and upon receiving a nod from Merlin, he swept out of the room. Merlin then turned and bowed low to Gidion and Uther.

"I apologize for the issues that presented themselves during your meal sires." He said, and Gidion took his seat, as did Uther.

"Apology accepted boy. I remember you saving both mine and Arthur's lives several years ago." Uther said, and then the conversation in the hall resumed, the topic was hunting. The dinner finished rather quickly after that, and Merlin soon found himself walking to Arthur's room.

"You know you don't have to go. We could simply leave, and not deal with this." Gidion said once they had reached his room. Gidion was standing in the doorway looking at Merlin. But Merlin was looking at the door down the way, Arthur's door.

"No, this needs to be done. Maybe if I yell at him I can get over him. Besides, the kingdom needs the treaty. I'll be fine." Merlin said, and smiled, although Gidion could tell it was forced. He gave a weak grin back, and closed his door. Taking a deep breath, Merlin walked over to Arthur's door, and knocked.

"Enter." Arthur said, and Merlin opened the door, and slid in. The only light in the room came from the large fireplace, which Arthur stood in front of, with his arms crossed. When Merlin shut the door, Arthur turned and stared at him.

"What happened to you Merlin? I thought we were friends, and then you up and left one day." Arthur said, and Merlin sighed, trying not to cry.

"A Prince and his servant can never be friends. Isn't that something you told me a long time ago? But I will tell you what happened 6 years ago." Merlin said, crossing the room and sitting on the window sill, and began his story on the morning he left 6 years ago.

Arthur didn't interrupt at all, but as the story progressed, he grew pale. And when Merlin spoke of his magic, the prince looked ready to pass out. When the story was done and told, the fire had died down, leaving the room wrought with shadows. Merlin was still sitting on the windowsill, but he wasn't looking at Arthur, he didn't want the man he loved to see him crying. Silence stretched between them for a while. But then the sound of movement reached Merlin's ears. Arthur was moving. Forgetting that his face was wet with tears, Merlin turned to see what Arthur was doing. He was coming toward Merlin with a sad look on his face and tears in his eyes. Merlin wanted so badly to run away, to undo what he'd just done, but he couldn't move. When Arthur reached him, the prince wrapped his arms around Merlin and pulled him close.

"It's all my fault Merlin. I'm so sorry. I didn't realize what I had until you were gone." Arthur whispered, and Merlin wrapped his own arms tightly around Arthur's waist, and buried his face in the blonde's neck, taking in as much of Arthur's scent, warmth, and feeling as he could. He was in heaven. Now was the best time to come clean,

"I love you Arthur." He whispered, pulling back so that he could see Arthur's face, but he didn't get to see it. Arthur moved forward and closed his mouth over Merlin's. His lips were soft and warm, and oh so gentle. Merlin moaned, and pressed himself against Arthur.

"I love you too Merlin. I've loved you for so long. I'm sorry that I didn't tell you before." Arthur said, and Merlin's eyes widened. Then he smiled so brightly that the fire in the fireplace roared back to life so as no to be outdone. But there was one question that Merlin had to know the answer to.

"I'm so happy, but now I have a big question for you. Do you want me to stay? If I ask Gidion, he'll let me, but do you want me to?" Merlin asked, and Arthur's face lit up with a bright smile.

"Yes my love. I want you to stay with me until the end of our days." Arthur said, putting all his love and need for the silver haired boy into those words. Merlin's eyes began tearing up again, but this time in happiness. The two went to Arthur's bed, and lay down to sleep, both happy in the knowledge that the one they loved, loved them back.

The next morning, after the treaty was signed, Merlin spoke to Gidion, who informed him that he knew. Him and Uther had spoken, and agreed that it would be a good idea for Merlin to stay with Arthur. But he made the boys swear to visit him every year.

As Merlin bid King Gidion and his knights good bye, he couldn't help but feel sad that he wouldn't see the kind man for a while. But then Arthur wrapped his arms around Merlin's waist from behind, putting his chin on Merlin's shoulder. The warmth of his body, and the feeling of love that came from the prince made the sadness less painful. Sometimes change could be a good thing.

END

AU: Thank you for reading all the way to the end. Reviews are very much welcome.