A.N. *Dodges rotten tomatoes* Hello, guys. I am so so sorry for the almost exactly a year wait. Junior year was completely crazy and I've had literally no time to do a lot of writing and I was stuck on what to do with this chapter for a long time. Good news is that it is extra long and my writing has gotten a lot better after taking a college English Composition class this past year and the addition of Grammarly. I have a very busy summer ahead, but I will certainly try to keep this story updated semi-regularly. I believe there are only about three or four chapters left in this story. I love all of you and hope you enjoy.

Disclaimer: I am American and Merlin is a BBC show, so… I guess I could own it but I don't even have a job or money, so no.

Chapter 7- A Meeting

The next morning came too early by anyone's standards. Except for Arthur who woke up late, but that's only expected when his manservant is in the dungeons and apparently the rest of the castle's servants couldn't think enough to realize that maybe someone should go wake up the king. After he did get up, only a couple hours late, he immediately called for a meeting of the round table and his advisors. Less than half an hour later Arthur found himself standing at a table with his advisors, most trusted knights, Gwen, and Gaius.

After Arthur sat down there was a moment of silence before one of the few advisors that Arthur had "willingly" kept from his father's reign burst out, "We need to discuss what happened yesterday. That sorcerer needs to be punished." The word sorcerer sounded more like a hiss than an actual word from the man's mouth. Arthur wasn't surprised at the outburst but was even more nervous at the prospect of convincing these men that the law needed to change.

Arthur thought for a moment on how to respond, but before he could Gwaine spoke up hotly, "He's not a sorcerer. He's a warlock. And what should he be punished for? Saving Camelot? Saving Arthur time after time? Saving all of us?" Gwaine probably would have continued on if Elyan had not put a hand on his arm.

The same advisor from earlier, Lord Liam, hissed out, "With magic. The thing that ruined this kingdom once and it cannot be let loose with even one person again. You wouldn't understand. Almost none of you were around when Uther made the great decision to rid Camelot of magic. All sorcerers, warlocks, whatever you want to call them, have to be punished by death to stop the mayhem that they will cause if given the chance."

Before a red-faced Gwaine, stiff Leon, pale Giaus, or anyone else can say anything Arthur spoke up, "Both are true." Arthur had to hold up a hand to stop the grumblings that came from Gwaine and a couple of the other knights before he continued, "To an extent. This kingdom was in mayhem at one point, but do we really need to kill every single person with or who uses magic? I think not. Merlin if what we heard yesterday was correct, and I think it was, he was born with magic and used it only for the good of me and this kingdom."

Giaus voiced softly and nervously, "That is correct."

Lord Liam scoffed saying, "I bet you knew the entire time Giaus," he said Giaus's name like it was as venomous as 'sorcerer', "you've probably been breaking the law this entire time. He is your ward after all." Giaus looked down at the table quietly before looking Arthur directly in the eyes, making him see the sadness and weariness that is behind his eyes.

Arthur continued, "It has been time for a while to rethink my father's approach to magic. There are certainly some people with magic who use their powers for evil. That will never change. Just like how there will always be other kingdoms with armies set to destroy other places, including us, and there will always be bandits who use weapons for their own gain but the loss of others, which is evil. The druids are not evil. They have always been kind and focused on healing, helping others, and nature."

Leon conveyed quietly, "It's true. The druids have saved me many times over the years. I would be dead if not for them."

Percival nodded and spoke gruffly, "Before I came to Camelot, I traveled a lot. I came into contact with the druids and many other peaceful and good magic users. They are not all evil, just like how everyone who owns a bow doesn't use it for evil."

Arthur nodded in recognition to both of his knights and announced, "Thank you both. Therefore I think that the law on the use of magic should be revised." It is a good thing that Arthur paused there because he knew there would be outbursts, but he didn't expect it to be silent besides the audible fuming of Lord Liam. After allowing a moment of tense silence he continued, "Here's the plan."


After a few hours of debate and discussion, Arthur sat alone at the round table, finally able to take a deep breath. It had been difficult to convince certain Lords to listen to and provide constructive criticism as he outlined what he believed the new law on magic should look like.

Honestly, he was exhausted after everything that had happened in the past day or so, between Morgana attempting to take his throne and kill him, again, then the reveal of Merlin's magic, the long night trying to figure out a way to save not only his manservant but his best friend, and then there was the ridiculousness that was the council meeting that just got over. All Arthur wanted at that moment was to go to his chambers and sleep or down to the courtyard to practice swordwork and maybe spare with a few of the knights to distract himself, but he knew that he needed to work on writing up this new law.

No matter what he did Merlin was expected to have a trial in two days times, and unless he got the new law through, and even with the new law, Merlin was going to be sentenced to death. Arthur did not want to admit it but the thought of sentencing Merlin to death or even banishment was enough to make his stomach roll with nausea.

He stood up to head to his chambers to start on the writing of the law but instead found his feet carrying him, almost subconsciously, towards the dungeons and his, no longer, secret warlock of a best friend.

Over the years Arthur had visited the dungeons hundreds of times, but this time seemed different. Maybe it was because it was even more silent than usual, or because he was coming to see someone that he believed in his heart, did not belong in this damp, cold, and dark place.

The magic repressing cells were at the very end of the row of cells, in the deepest part with little light and even less heat as it was so far from the front with the fire set up for the guards. Arthur walked all the way down to the last cell without looking into any of them, but once he reached the cell that Merlin was held in he turned and looked into the cell.

The sight that met him was a sad one. Merlin, ever gangly, with messy hair, and stick thin, thinner than Arthur had really noticed before, and with ripped and dirty clothes was lying huddled in the far corner of the cell staring at the wall opposite of him with a blank look in his eyes. He had not been in there for very long, but it already looked like a lifetime. At the same time, however, he looked so young. Thinking of it, Arthur was not sure if he even knew how old Merlin was. What kind of person could spend every day for years with a person and yet not even know their age? How was a person supposed to trust someone with their deepest secret, like illegal magic, when they did not even bother to tell them their age? Arthur shook his head, casting the thoughts aside.

"Merlin," he said confidently. The poor boy jumped and turned to look at Arthur hurrying to his feet and standing about a foot away from the cell door with his hands behind his back in a very formal manner. He looked so different from the confident and self-righteous dragonlord that had stared down and killed Morgana just the day before.

"I have a few questions," Merlin nodded as he expected that and Arthur asked, "Why did you come to Camelot?"

Merlin sighed and said, "My mother thought it was best. I've had my magic since I was a few days old. I scared her so bad when I was only three days old and I started levitating pots around the house. She taught me to hide my abilities and it worked for a long time. I was an outcast because I'm a bastard and I was considered weird by everyone else. They all knew that my father was different. Before I go any farther I need you to know that my father was Balinor."

Several past experiences suddenly made sense, especially the way that Merlin acted after Balinor died, "The Dragonlord? Well, that makes sense as you are a Dragonlord and I understand why you did not tell me before. Continue."

And Merlin did, "The only friend I had was Will. You met him back when you helped chase Kanan out of Ealdor. He saved me when he said that he was the sorcerer, cause he wasn't." Arthur nodded and motioned for the servant to continue, "One day Will found out about my magic and my mother decided that for my safety, I needed to learn to control my magic and sent me to stay with Gaius."

Arthur interrupted here, "So, she thought that the safest thing for you was to send you to the place that had caused you to hide all your life?"

Merlin nodded, "I needed to learn control."

Arthur nodded and asked, "Why did you stay though?"

Merlin thought for a moment before saying, "There is this prophecy. It's a druid prophecy and it speaks about Emrys, or me, the strongest magic user in existence and the protector of the Once and Future King. Together the Once and Future King and Emrys would unite Albion and free magic to the lands. When I first came to Camelot and meet you, I hated you, you were even more of a pompous prat than you are now. The Great Dragon, however, spoke to me and told me that you, Arthur, are the Once and Future King and that it was my destiny to protect you." Arthur's head reeled at the new information as he listened to Merlin, "At first I did not believe him at all. There was no way that it was true but then I became your manservant and started to see the aspects of you that would be prominent. I saw you change. You are the Once and Future King. You are brave and just and a wonderful king." Arthur was silent for a moment, taking in all that he had just heard from the man that he considered to be his best friend.

Showing no discernable expression Arthur stated, "I understand why you did not tell me at first and the entire time that you served me under my father's rule. I thank you for that. I do not know what I would have done if I had to choose between you and my father back then. But, why did you not tell me after I became King?"

Merlin looked resigned, "I… You had just lost your father because of magic. I'm sorry about that, by the way, I tried my best but Morgana had put a spell on him that I did not know about and everything I did backfired."

Arthur nodded and feeling his mask crack he asked, "What about when I first started doubting the evilness of magic? Why not then?"

Merlin looked down and Arthur saw a single tear making its way down Merlin's face, "To be honest, I was afraid. I was terrified that you would hate me. I'm still terrified that it is true. I thought you would not understand and would hate that I did not tell you sooner. I'm sorry, Arthur."

Arthur mulled this over for a moment, it was what he expected. He went to turn and go, but at the last second said, "I forgive you Merlin and I do not and never will hate you." Before Merlin could say anything in reply Arthur walked briskly out of the dungeons and towards his chambers, in order to write the law that would complete the next step his and Merlin's destiny.

A.N. Hello again! Wow, that was a doozy of a chapter. The new law will be revealed in its entirety next chapter, I promise. I also loved the conversation between Arthur and Merlin and I truly feel that Arthur would understand why Merlin did not tell him during Uther's rule. Thank you to every single one of my 218 followers and 149 favorites. I love all of you.

Review Replies:

Guest (Chapter 6): Thank you for the review. And Merlin will not be executed, but I disagree on the fact that I think Merlin would stay in the dungeons because that's who he is.

oma13: Thank you for yet another wonderful review! Thank you for agreeing with me that Gwen is definitely a good influence, but just pushed Arthur out of his anger. Sorry for the long wait, but I hope you liked this chapter!

quicksilver123: Thank you for the review and I'm glad that you love it! I'm sorry for the wait, but I hope this chapter was a good enough apology.

Guest (Chapter 2): Thank you for the review and lol!

LaughUrHeartOut (Chapter 1): Thank you for the review. I'm not sure what exactly you refer to in your review but I appreciate it and hope that you enjoyed this chapter.

Well, that's all for now guys. Have a great summer, or winter if that's your season right now, and as always Read, Review, and Enjoy!