Arthur woke up to the sounds of metal clanging, and he saw that Merlin was being dragged out of his cell. "Merlin! No!", Arthur shouted at the guards angrily.
Merlin turned and used telepathy, 'Arthur...'
The prince shook his head frantically, 'Merlin, let me out'
Merlin's eyes flashed gold and the cell door flew open, allowing Arthur to charge out and tackle the guards. One guard took on Arthur as the two struggled for victory. The other guard held Merlin back, watching him warily, he was scared of Merlin but also knew he was innocent, the combination of both ensured the warlock no pain from him. Arthur was getting angrier by the second as he yelled out death threats at the guards.
Gwaine entered the dungeons, sweat covering his brow as he pointed at Merlin, "Guias has fallen ill, the king has requested that Merlin heal him".
Arthur ceased his retaliation, the guards released Merlin who ran into Arthur's arms. Arthur tugged the warlocks gag off and kissed him.
"I love you", Merlin choked through tears.
"I love you too". Arthur held Merlin close.
Gwaine waited patiently with a worried expression.
"What is it?", Arthur asked.
Gwaine gulped "Your father has said that he'll reconsider Merlin's punishment if the healing is a success but... I'm wondering if it'll be worse".
Merlin sniffled, "Most likely", he whimpered into Arthur's red tunic.
Arthur stroked Merlin's head, "Don't worry, I'll protect you".
Merlin and Arthur were led down to the room, in which Guias lay on a bed in a sickly condition due to a supposedly failed remedy that turned into poison. However, before they could enter, Arthur was told to stay put outside the room for 'Safety measures'. The couple hugged and kissed before Merlin was forced into the room by himself.
Guias looked up at Merlin and smiled, the room was empty so he could talk freely, "Merlin, you fool! Do you know how much trouble you have caused?"
Merlin smiled slightly and sniffed, "Yeah, I guess I could have been more discreet, huh?"
Guias shook his head, "Too late now I guess, Hurry up and heal me and I'll tell you the next phase of the plan".
Merlin kneeled at the bed and began to heal Guias with his magic, "What's the plan?"
"After you have healed me the king will spare you death, but most likely torture you, humiliate you and use you as nothing more than a worthless slave... he may try to cut off your hands", Guias explained and Merlin gulped.
"So what do we do?" Merlin asked, his hands quivering.
"All I need you to do is not fight back, do as they say, when the time comes you will know what to do", Guias stated as the healing process came to an end.
Merlin stood and so did Guias, they walked out the room, but they were greeted by not only the guards but Uther too.
Uther examined Guias and nodded, "You will no longer face death... however, your crimes still need punishment. Instead of your life... I shall take your hands!"
Arthur burst out at his father in rage "No!"
But it was no use as Merlin was dragged away to the courtyard; where many people were gathered around a platform with a table and chair on it.
Arthur was fighting against his father's guards who was holding him back, "Merlin!
Merlin sniffed, tears falling fast despite trying to hold them back, 'It's okay', he said telepathically. The warlock was sat down and his arms were held down onto the table.
Uther raised his hands and the once loud chatter died down, "This man has committed the crime of witchcraft, he has saved a life and therefore will not die today, instead we shall take his hands so that he cannot dwell in such dark manners again!"
There was an eruption of shouts of anger and joy, Arthur's protests amongst it all. Uther nodded and two men moved to either of Merlin's sides, raising knives to chop his hands off.
Merlin closed his eyes in fear, but he caught a glimpse of Guias's eyes turning gold as he muttered something under his breath.
There were screams and Merlin opened his eyes to find Uther lay on the ground, withering in pain. Women and men were all backing away from someone behind him... the assassin. Merlin gasped as the two men were thrown away from him and he was lifted into the air.
"Put me down!", Merlin yelled but the assassin just laughed.
The fist that was outstretched towards him clenched, Merlin cried out in pain and his body was squeezed.
"Let Merlin go!", Arthur yelled as he and the guards surrounded the assassin.
Guias was pale as he examined the king... he had used magic to make him fall ill.
Merlin thought to himself and quickly realised that this was not the plan. He was not allowed to fight back but he could still do what Guias wanted him too. Merlin's eyes glowed gold and Uther's eyes slowly began to open.
At first, the king was confused but then his face turned red with rage, "What are you doing, witch? Fight back already!"
Merlin immediately obeyed, using his magic to push the assassin back with a whirlwind.
The assassin fell back and the guards ran forth to knock him unconscious and bind him. The guards also ran to Merlin who had fallen to the ground; from his place above them all. Merlin was pulled to his feet and patted down by one guard, whilst another checked him for injuries. This all took the warlock by surprise, but not as much as when Uther stood before him looking guilty.
"You have saved my life and proved yourself to be loyal to the crown, as well as obedient. I shall not punish you for your crimes and instead I will ask you to serve the throne as a healer", Uther said, to which Merlin nodded. The king then made his way back to the palace.
"Merlin!" Arthur ran forwards and he hugged Merlin. He then pulled his warlock into a passionate kiss "I was so worried"
Merlin patted Arthur's back and mouthed a 'thank you' at Gwaine, Guias, Leon and Percival. "Don't let me go".
"Never again" Arthur promised.
The crowd cleared and Arthur jumped off of the platform. The prince then turned and he held his hand out of Merlin, the sorcerer was limping and he had marks around his wrists. Merlin grabbed Arthur's hand and the prince helped him down, they then turned to Guias and the Knights.
"How do you feel, Merlin?" Gwaine asked.
"Sick and sore" Merlin answered.
Arthur then noticed the blood on Merlin's shirt and that there were long tares on the back of his shirt. "Bloody hell!" He shouted as he stepped behind Merlin and he realised that Merlin had already been tortured.
Merlin sighed "I'm alright, Arthur".
"You clearly have not seen your back" Arthur stated.
"I can feel it though" Merlin winced.
"Let's get you back to my chambers. Guias, can you stop his pain?" Arthur asked.
"I will try my best" Guias nodded.
They all walked back into the castle and they walked up to Arthur's chambers. Guias and the knights had brought up some stuff up to help with Merlin's injuries.
"Take your shirt off and lie on the bed, Merlin" Guias instructed.
Merlin pulled what was left of his shirt off and he laid down on the bed. He was in pain but he did not complain because he knew that he had been lucky.
Arthur saw the long slashes on Merlin's back "I am so sorry, Merlin".
Merlin looked at Arthur "I'm fine".
Arthur sat on the bed and he held Merlin's hand "I will not let anyone harm you again. When I am king I will lift the law against magic and you will be safe".
Merlin smiled "Thank you".
Guias dressed and bandaged up Merlin's wounds, he then handed Merlin a clean shirt and the warlock sat up.
Arthur stood up and he stormed to the throne room, he pushed the doors open and he stormed over to Uther "He did not deserve any of that!"
Uther sighed "The sorcerer was punished for his crimes. My judgement was fair and just".
"Nothing that you ordered to do to him was fair! He has done nothing but protect me for years, he saved my life and you punished him for it!" Arthur shouted.
"He was punished for more than just the crime of sorcery" Uther stated "I saw the way that you look at him. I know that you have been courting him" he cupped his hand over his mouth.
"You punished Merlin because I love him? It is not his fault that he fell in love with me, I have fallen in love with him and I was the one that should have been punished!" Arthur shouted.
"That is not love! You do not know what love is!" Uther shouted.
"I know my heart and I know that what I feel for Merlin is true! I love him, Father. If you want to punish somebody, punish me!" Arthur shouted.
The doors opened before Uther could say anything. Arthur turned around and he saw that Merlin was stood with Guias. Merlin was very pale and he was unsteady on his feet.
Arthur walked over to Merlin but the warlock collapsed into his arms "Merlin?"
"He has a fever. Possibly due to being starved and tortured" Guias explained.
Arthur scooped Merlin up and he sat down on the floor "Merlin?" He stroked back Merlin's hair.
"I am so sorry for everything" Merlin sniffled.
"You have nothing to be sorry for" Arthur stated.
"He needs food and water, my Lord!" Guias exclaimed.
"Granted" Uther nodded.
Guias grabbed some berries and a cup of water off of the table and he knelt down next to Merlin "Merlin, you need to eat".
Merlin nodded and Guias fed him the berries, before Arthur helped him drink the water.
Arthur then scooped Merlin up and he looked at Uther "I will never forgive you for what you have put him through!" He then carried Merlin out of the throne room and back to his chambers "From now on I promise that I will protect you no matter what".
Merlin smiled and he rested his head on Arthur's chest "That's one less job for me then" he smiled.
Arthur smiled and he carried Merlin over to the bed "You can stay with me tonight if you want".
"Uther will murder me in my sleep" Merlin winced.
"No, he won't. Because the doors will be locked and I will be holding you" Arthur stated.
Merlin smiled and he kissed Arthur's chest "Be gentle with me".
"I swear that I'll be gentle when I hold you" Arthur promised.
That night Merlin used magic to prepare Arthur's bath and the prince smiled "Will you manage washing yourself tonight? I can't move that much".
"I'll manage. Come on" Arthur then picked Merlin up.
Merlin had his arms around Arthur's neck and he was confused "What are you doing?"
"You need a bath too" Arthur answered. He carried Merlin over to a chair and he undressed the warlock, he then carried Merlin over to the bath and he helped him into the tub. Arthur undressed before he stepped into the bath and Merlin laid back against his chest "Are you alright?"
"Yeah, the water is helping with the pain" Merlin answered.
Arthur gently washed Merlin before he washed himself. He then climbed out of the bath and Merlin used magic to dry him before he got dressed. Arthur then helped Merlin out of the bath and Merlin pulled on some trousers to sleep in. Arthur helped Merlin over to the bed, he then locked the doors and windows before he laid down beside Merlin. The warlock rested his head on the prince's chest and Arthur held him, they fell asleep not so long after. It had been a very long day.
Merlin flinched when he heard a knock at Arthur's chamber door. He momentarily forgot about the wounds on his back and he cried out in pain and in shock when he felt the sharp sting.
Arthur woke up and he looked at the warlock "What happened?"
Merlin hissed in pain "I woke up when I heard a knock at the door and I flinched. I pressed down on my back" he closed his eyes tightly.
Arthur hugged the warlock to assure him everything was alright, he held Merlin for a moment before the warlock calmed down. He then heard a knock at the door "Won't be a minute", he said before he got up.
Upon opening the door, Arthur found one of the king's guards waiting outside. He recognised the man as one of the knights that had arrested Merlin only two days ago, he looked at the knight with a dark look in his eyes and he gritted his teeth.
"Yes?", Arthur said with his unimpressed, usual princely expression.
The knight smiled slightly before he answered, "The king has called upon his healer".
Arthur winced at the way Merlin was being referred to as an object, he was also annoyed at how Uther had referred to Merlin as 'His healer'. Merlin was not a possession and he definitely did not belong to Uther. "Give me two minutes". Arthur closed the door and looked at Merlin with sorry eyes.
"What's wrong?", the warlock asked.
"My father has sent for you. ", Arthur said gently but he did not tell Merlin what the knight had referred to him as.
Merlin sighed, "Okay, I'll see you later then".
Arthur hugged Merlin and he kissed his head, "I will come and find you after practice".
Merlin sniffed and he gave Arthur a kiss on the cheek before he got up and he got dressed. Merlin opened the door and he followed the knight down the corridor to the throne room, where Uther was sat waiting.
"You asked for me, your highness?", Merlin spoke up.
Uther grunted. "I believe I did, a sick noble will arrive today, heal him for me", Uther commanded.
"Yes your highness". Merlin nodded.
A knight stepped forth with long red robes which bore Camelot's golden dragon on the back and front. The neck and sleeves were long and it almost trailed on the floor. There was also a hood to hide Merlin's face.
"Wear this so that the nobleman's men know not to kill you", Uther said before he sighed in boredom.
Merlin knew that the robes were to hide him and not to protect him, Uther did not care about his safety. The man wanted to cut off his hands only a matter of hours ago. But Merlin slipped on the robes, before he positioned himself at a wall behind the throne.
Agravaine walked into the throne room, and he positioned himself at Uther's side, before he turned to examine Merlin, "Huh... I didn't know you allowed women to be a part of your council".
Uther smirked, "It is merely the witch, it saved my life so I shall spare it".
Merlin felt a tinge of pain due to being treated as an object. 'How could this situation get any worse?' he thought to himself.
"The witch resembles a woman, are you sure that the act of sorcery isn't the only secret it's keeping?", Agravaine asked the king who shrugged. "Allow me to check for you", the horrid man reached for Merlin and he pulled his robes up to check his very sacred area.
Merlin was horrified and he froze in shock as Agravaine stared at his intimate region. ' How is Uther allowing this? This is disgusting' he thought.
"Definitely a man", Agravaine stated before he returned to the king with a grin.
Merlin, was embarrassed, as he stood in silence whilst Agravaine glared at him. He just wanted the doors to burst open and for Arthur to run over and hold him. He wanted to break down and cry his eyes out, and as the pain of his wounds hit him... he fought to hold back tears of pain.
Whilst Merlin's anxiety increased, Arthur was training with the knights but he suddenly got the feeling that something was wrong.
"Merlin" Arthur thought out loud and he lowered his sword and shield.
Leon looked at Arthur "What about Merlin?"
Arthur looked at Leon "I just got the feeling that something is wrong. I have the feeling that something's happened to Merlin" He explained.
"How's he managing?" Elyan asked.
Arthur sighed "Not well. One of my father's knights knocked on the door of my chambers this morning and Merlin flinched. He rolled onto his back and I heard him yelp in pain. I held him until he relaxed" the prince answered, he did not have to think twice about going to check on Merlin. Later on.
Gwen walked over and she kissed Lancelot on the cheek "Don't forget to be home for your dinner tonight. Don't be late".
Lancelot smiled "I promise that I will not forget."
Gwen smiled and then she looked at Arthur "How's Merlin?"
"In pain, jumpy and worried about everything" Arthur answered.
"Aww bless him. He struggled a lot yesterday. Especially during the whipping" Gwen sighed.
Arthur had not been able to be there to protect Merlin during his unfair sentence. Merlin had not mentioned any of the day before "What happened?"
The knights all looked at each other and then at the platform in the courtyard. If they had been close enough then they would have seen the dried blood on the wooden planks.
Arthur looked around at the knights and Gwen, he saw the sadness in all of their eyes and on their faces "What happened?"
"The lashes didn't stop at twenty." Gwaine looked at Arthur.
Arthur's eyes widened, and he cupped his hand over his mouth as he placed his other hand on his hip.
"They chained him up, so that he was forced to stand on his tip toes and he had no warning" Lancelot explained as he remembered how horrible Merlin's punishment had been.
"He didn't scream for the first ten but then it got to twelve." Leon glanced around at Arthur, Gwen and the Knights.
"How many lashes did he get?" Arthur asked.
Everyone was silent until Percival spoke.
"Twenty-seven. I have never heard a more agonising sound than Merlin screaming in pain on during the lashing" Leon said with great sorrow.
"He couldn't even get comfort by looking at me" Arthur sniffled.
"He fainted on the last lashing. It was horrendous" Gwen held Lancelot's hand.
"Why didn't he heal himself? Arthur asked.
"We don't know" Elyan answered.
After a long day of healing people and being verbally bullied by both Agravaine and Uther, Merlin returned to Arthur's chamber and he immediately tore off the robes, tears streamed down his face. Everything hurt and he was emotionally wounded from earlier. Merlin curled up into a ball on the bed and he cried long and hard.
Arthur arrived at his chamber after failing to seek out the warlock, he was stricken with terror when he found his warlock bawling his eyes out whilst curled up on the bed. "Merlin? What's wrong?", Arthur asked though he already knew the answer to that, "Was it my father?"
Merlin meekly nodded and Arthur pulled him into a hug. "A-Agravaine said that I looked like a girl and he pulled up the robe that Uther had told me to wear", Merlin explained.
Arthur was in a state of shock, he rubbed Merlin's upper arm and he stroked his hair.
"He looked at my... my..." Merlin cried harder as his anxiety increased and he started to hyperventilate.
Arthur shushed Merlin and he hugged the warlock tighter, but he was careful of Merlin's back, "Sshh It's okay. I'm sorry that happened to you".
Merlin buried his face into Arthur's chest and he continued to cry "It's all my fault. I should have been more careful at the tournament".
Arthur was in shock that Uther had allowed for Agravaine to victimise Merlin "No it is not. None of this is your fault".
Arthur managed to calm Merlin down after a few minutes, the warlock fell asleep in his arms because he was exhausted. Arthur laid Merlin down onto the bed and he tucked the warlock in. The prince marched to the throne room and he pushed open the doors with all of his strength. Arthur saw Uther, Agravaine and all of the Knights.
"You're barbaric!" Arthur shouted.
Uther looked at Arthur "That's a disgraceful accusation to make, Arthur! What cause do you have?!" he shouted.
"You ordered for Merlin to be whipped twenty-seven times and you let Agravaine humiliate him! Why does Merlin make you so angry!? Merlin has done nothing wrong!" Arthur shouted and he shot a dark look at Agravaine.
All of Arthur's knights were in shock and they all wanted to go and see Merlin, to make sure that their friend was alright.
"It was a harmless joke. No harm was done to it. It just looks more like a woman so I made sure that it wasn't keeping any more secrets" Agravaine laughed as he referred to Merlin as an object.
"You're disgusting! He has a name! Merlin Emrys and one day he will show everyone just how powerful he is!" Arthur yelled before h stormed out of the throne room. He turned around when he heard his name being called and he saw all of his knights.
"Can we see Merlin? We want to make sure that our friend is alright" Leon explained.
Arthur nodded "One of you fetch Guias. Merlin's wounds are not healing and he's in pain all of the time" he remembered the look of agony that he had seen on Merlin's face that morning and he grimaced at the memory.
"I'll get Guias. I shouldn't be long" Elyan walked off to find Guias.
Arthur and the Knights walked to his chambers and they walked in, they saw that Merlin was lying awake in bed and Arthur walked over to make sure that Merlin was alright. The prince climbed onto the bed and he laid down on his side to face the warlock, he stroked Merlin's dark hair and the young man softly smiled at him.
"What's wrong?" Merlin asked upon seeing the look of concern in Arthur's eyes.
"I know that you were whipped twenty-seven times yesterday. I know that none of your injuries have started to heal" Arthur said in a gentle manner.
Merlin sighed "It was worse because I couldn't see you. It was so painful".
Arthur pulled Merlin into a hug "I'm sorry that the last few days have been so bad for you."
The knights watched as Merlin was embraced by the prince, and they saw that Arthur was being as gentle as possible. Guias arrived after a few minutes with Elyan, the physician walked over to the bed and he looked at Merlin.
"Merlin, can I check your injuries please?" Guias asked.
Merlin sat up and he pulled his shirt off, he winced when he felt the pain from all of the long slits on his back "Why aren't they healing?"
Arthur was horrified when he saw the state that Merlin had been left in, he cupped his hand over his mouth and he stared at Merlin's back.
Merlin felt eyes on him so he closed his eyes and hung his head in shame.
Guias cleaned the cuts and then be gently applied a powder to them to help them heal "They are not healing as quickly as I had expected because they are so deep. It's most likely that there will be some scarring." He explained.
Merlin sighed and he opened his eyes "How long before they heal?"
"It could take weeks," Guias answered.
"So I'm going to be in agony for a while then?" Merlin sighed.
Arthur could not stop staring at Merlin's cut covered back, he was sad that he had not been able to protect his warlock the events of today made him feel worse. 'How could anyone want to harm you? You are so kind and so loyal, you are so brave and beautiful' he thought.
Merlin winced and his face scrunched up in pain, he slowly inhaled and exhaled before he looked at Guias "Thank you for everything that you have done for me, Guias".
Guias gently patted Merlin's shoulder and He smiled kindly at the boy, "Get some rest and take it easy, I'll check on you tomorrow".
Guias left and Merlin remained still as Arthur continued to stare at his back. Merlin looked used his magic to find out what Arthur was doing. He then looked at the knights and he saw the sadness in their eyes.
"Stop looking at me like that, Arthur", Merlin said quietly as tears formed in his eyes.
Arthur averted his gaze but his expression remained the same. Sadness and sympathy "I'm sorry", he whispered, "I'm sorry that I let them do that to you".
"It wasn't your fault, stop blaming yourself", Merlin said firmly as he slipped his shirt back on and he hugged the prince, "If I hadn't of done what I did and then go through all of that, we wouldn't be together right now".
Arthur hugged Merlin carefully, and he cherished the fact that he had been gifted with his beautiful warlock. He kissed Merlin's head and he stroked his hair "I will never leave you on your own ever again. I won't let any of what happened to you yesterday or today happen again."
A tear rolled down Merlin's cheek and he sniffled "Thank you".
Arthur smiled "It's no problem".
All the knights smiled slightly to comfort the warlock, whilst Gwaine spoke for all of them, "We'll all be here to support you, Merlin".
The knights all nodded in agreement.
Merlin looked at the knights and he smiled "Thanks, guys".
"No problem. Just come and find me if you need someone to keep you safe" Gwaine Smiled.
"The same goes for the rest of us" Leon smiled kindly at Merlin.
Merlin nodded before he buried he nuzzled into Arthur's neck.
The knights stayed for a few minutes before they all left, the prince and the warlock were on their own. Arthur stroked Merlin's hair and he held his warlock until Merlin was more relaxed. Merlin sniffled and he pulled back from his hug with Arthur.
Arthur kissed Merlin's forehead "You gonna be okay?"
Merlin nodded and he rubbed his tired eyes.
"You tired?", Arthur asked.
Merlin nodded, "Yeah, can you hold me tonight?"
Arthur nodded and he helped the warlock to lie down, before he climbed into the bed and he wrapped his arms around Merlin.
"I love you", Merlin whispered and kissed the prince's lips.
Arthur smiled and he kissed Merlin back, "I love you too".
Merlin fell asleep after a few minutes, whilst Arthur watched over him and gently stroked his hair. Once Arthur was satisfied that Merlin was fast asleep he wrapped his arm around Merlin's waist and he hugged the sorcerer to him.
"I'm so sorry that the last few days have been torture for you. I will always protect you and I will support you for the rest of your life. You have my word" Arthur whispered to the sleeping sorcerer.