The next morning Merlin decided to catch the bus up to the hospital rather than walk, he was still feeling the effects of the episode the day before. Merlin wished he had driven up but had thought it would be best no to, after all he might not feel like driving afterwards. He wasn't looking forward to the meeting with Leon. He knew his consultant was right he should have told his boss about his difficulties but he had thought he had it all under control. But Merlin wasn't a coward and he knew he needed to face facts, he was still damaged by what had happened.
Walking into the department he went to change hoping that he would be allowed to work once the meeting was over, working allowed him an escape from his thoughts. He needed work to keep him going. As he walked towards Leon's office he saw Gwen. The nurse smiled and came over and asked quietly "Are you feeling better Merlin?"
Merlin nodded "Much thank you, sorry about yesterday"
"Nothing to be sorry about" she squeezed his arm. "Good luck"
Clearly she had either heard or guessed he was in to see the consultant. Probably the later as Merlin knew Leon wouldn't talk. Knocking on the office door he was called in. Leon was sitting at his desk going through some papers. "Hello Merlin come and sit down, I'll get us a tea"
Once Leon arrived back in the office with two mugs of tea he sat down not behind the desk but next to Merlin "First things first how are you today. Did you get a good night's rest?"
"Not too bad" Merlin admitted "Look Sir I want to apologise I realise I should have spoken to you before it was irresponsible of me, but I have hidden it all away and am not good at talking about it"
"Merlin, drop the Sir please we know one another well enough to use first names." He paused "It wasn't the most sensible thing you could have done but I realise why. What happened to you was something no one should have to go through. But we need to make sure you are supported, both for your sake and for the departments. I have spoken to the other three consultants, I haven't told them everything but enough. We all knew about what happened in Liverpool, no A&E consultant in the country doesn't. Now we all know if you have another episode then we can deal with it appropriately. Hopefully you won't. In fact we realise we haven't been as careful as we might in protecting all staff. So to remedy that last year we ran a series of workshops and we are going to repeat them, after all we get new staff all the time. We are also going to reintroduce something we had already undertaken, but stopped after resistance from staff. We are going to make all staff carry personal alarms in uniform pockets. They are silent alarms that alert other staff of a potential problem without making it obvious to the service users." Leon drank some of his tea "The idea being that if you get an aggressive patient or relative you press the alarm and another member of staff comes to the cubicle. That way there is always a witness and/or someone to call for further assistance. If needed."
Merlin looked at Leon, he knew they hadn't dealt with what was going to happen to him, so he waited. Leon smiled "Look Merlin we want you to help with this, you needn't make disclosures you aren't comfortable with, but you have suffered the consequences and have a better understanding than anyone else here has. If you could at least tell a small part of your story, even if you depersonalise it, just say you were present…. We won't force you, but we all think it would help you and the rest of the staff. Unfortunately despite our care some of the staff do realise you had a problem of some sort yesterday, also you owe it to yourself to make sure you feel safer at work."
Merlin felt the blood drain from his face and he closed his eyes and tried to control his breathing. Leon realising what was happening knelt at Merlin's side and speaking calmly said "Merlin slow your breathing, breathe with me nice and slowly, you're doing well. Take control Merlin, whatever you normally do, you can do it."
Merlin slowly opened his eyes and looked at Leon his breaths evened out and he placed his arms above this head and kept then there. After a few moments he lowered his arms and looked at Leon. "I don't think I can" he said softly
"Then don't, I only asked you to think about it." There was no condemnation in Leon's voice. "What treatment are you having Merlin?"
"CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) sessions, but not so many now, I stopped the medication months ago. I have been much better, I think people finding out has made me start thinking again." He looked at Leon "I have been passed as fit to work I wouldn't have started otherwise"
"I know that Merlin, you aren't the type to take risks, I suspect you had a bad night's sleep as well. Look it's not my intention to put you under stress, so please don't worry. I am happy of you to continue working, if you clear it with your therapist. But I would like you to take a couple of days off the unit, if you want to work do some of your research. But I do want you to know I am always here for you, if you want to talk."
Merlin nodded "I've messed up haven't I?"
"No Merlin you have not! And don't doubt yourself I have watched you work and so have the others, you have impressed us with your calm and controlled manner, and how you are able to calm agitated patients down. Now I know the truth I am even more impressed. Now go and do your studying, don't you have a paper half finished? It will be good to get that out of the way. Once you have perhaps we could work on something together? I have read your published articles and they are impressive."
Merlin shrugged "I wish it wasn't necessary to keep publishing, but a necessary evil I suppose. I would be honoured to work on something with you" Merlin had always found the constant need to be seen to be doing research as well as practical doctoring a nuisance but accepted it. At least it would keep his mind busy at the moment.
Merlin did as he was told and went off to the hospital library to continue to write up his findings of his latest research. He hoped to get it in the Lancet when it was completed. Then he rang his therapist and arranged to see her the next day. Luckily his therapist who had been working with him was willing to travel, so he had managed to keep the same one. Alice was an older lady but they got on well. When he did see her she was happy for him to continue working and with Merlin's permission went to see Leon to confirm that with him. Merlin was happy that now everything was out in the open with his boss he didn't have to hide from yet someone else. Although he wasn't expecting it, it actually gave him a feeling of release.
Leon was with a patient when he was told someone had come to see him. At first he refused as he never saw people without an appointment, they were nearly always reps trying to sell something. But a card was also sent that said Dr Alice Collins, Psychologist. So handing over his patient at a suitable point he went out and took Dr Collins to his office.
"What can I do for you Dr Collins?"
"Please call me Alice, we have a mutual acquaintance who has given me permission to come and see you. Merlin Emrys. I am his psychologist and have been seeing him for two years. I saw him yesterday and assessed him" Alice's voice was calm and soothing and she had a kind face.
"Ah, then thank you for coming and please call me Leon." Leon waited for her to continue.
"As I said I saw him yesterday and he told me about what happened at work. I believe it was an isolated incident. Merlin has learnt to deal with his fears and flashbacks very well. But with the disclosures recently he hasn't been sleeping well and his emotions have been stirred up. But I will be totally frank with you, I believe work is the best place for him, he will not endanger the patients under his care. Also he had a very sad anniversary recently…..his mother's death. You know about that I understand?"
"I do, it seems to me Merlin had a hellish time. It surprises me he is able to work to be honest." Leon admitted
Alice smile "Don't underestimate Merlin, he is a very determined man, it has been hard but his relationship with Dr Annis and her child has helped him no end."
They continued to talk and by the end Leon was more than happy for Merlin to return to work and his admiration for the slender man had increased. As she left Alice turned to Leon "Any time you need to talk to me you have my number. As for Merlin helping as you asked please leave the choice totally to him. He will decide if he can cope with that"
Arthur meanwhile was cleared to go back to operational duties. He was back in the patrol car with Lance. It was something he loved doing and was happiest at. Although he wasn't best pleased that one of his first jobs back was going to a domestic violence incident. He hated them especially when like in this case they had been there before and the woman always refused to follow through with a complaint. He always felt like he wanted to take the boyfriend and throw him in a cell. As he suspected the woman didn't want to press charges even though she needed hospital treatment. Once they had seen her off in the ambulance with Will and Cenred, Arthur and Lance had a word with the boyfriend who denied everything. Arthur gave him details of an anger management programme. Then they left to write up their report. Once the woman had been treated in hospital they would go and see her in the hope she had changed her mind.
After they had finished they stopped for a coffee and Arthur thought about Merlin once more and how he had thought he was a victim of an abusive relationship. Arthur wished he could become friends with the doctor. He owed him so much, and actually had a great deal of respect for him. But accepted that for whatever reason he might never be able to. Then before he had chance to think more they were off to their next call.
That Friday evening the group met up once more. Merlin forced himself to go, he was back doing his job but had had a day off. Wanting to stay at home he had been dragged out by a determined Morgana and Percy. Even Gwaine had come along to make sure he went. Merlin had become very friendly with Gwaine over the past few months. He had also developed a close friendship with Gwen and Freya. In fact besides Arthur and Cenred Merlin felt very comfortable with the group. Cenred's persistence at asking him out on dates was something he could do without. In fact Cenred had even asked if they could become friends with benefits if Merlin didn't want more. The whole thing made Merlin feel uncomfortable. He tried to deal with Will when the team handed over patients in A&E as Cenred seemed to take every opportunity to touch Merlin. Will had realised what was happening and had tried to talk his partner into leaving Merlin alone, but to no avail. So as Merlin and the others arrived Will got Merlin to sit between by him Morgana. This earnt him a glare from Cenred, who realised what Will was doing.
Arthur sat a couple of people away not wanting Merlin to feel threatened in any way. After a few drinks several of them got up to dance to the live music that was playing. That was Cenred's chance. He got up and moved towards Merlin on the dance floor and getting behind the raven haired man got as close as he could and pulled Merlin back into him. Merlin realising who it was pulled away and turned round. He was clearly angry "Cenred I have told you no, no means no, now please keep your hands to yourself and keep out of my personal space"
Cenred leered at Merlin "Oh come on its just dancing no harm in it."
Merlin looked at the paramedic "There is if I don't want it to happen, now stop or I will be forced to take action. I don't believe in violence but I am sure you don't want a legal complaint going in, it won't help you career"
Merlin walked away and sat back down. Will looked at his friend "I have told him, if he keeps it up I'll deck the blighter"
"Leave it to me Will, I don't want to ruin anyone's friendship and violence doesn't solve anything." Merlin smiled. He knew that besides Cenred's fixation on him the other man was part of the group and liked.
Someone else had noticed what had happened and wasn't happy. Arthur went to move towards Cenred but Morgana caught his arm "Don't Arthur, let Merlin handle it. He won't thank you if you get involved."
"Why can't the creep take no for an answer" Arthur snarled
"Because he has a serious crush on Merlin and who can blame him, he's a great guy. If he wasn't gay and I hadn't found Percy I would have been interested" Morgana smiled at her brother. "Look if you didn't know what you know would you have cared?"
Arthur looked at his sister "I hope so, no one should have to put up with that"
Cenred seemed to take what Merlin said to heart and although he kept glancing at Merlin he didn't approach him again. At ten thirty Merlin decided enough was enough and left the group to walk home leaving the rest to continue. Five minutes after Merlin left Cenred also announced he was leaving. Arthur refused to get up and let the other man out. He whispered in Cenred's ear "You can sit down and wait for quarter of an hour, I saw what happened earlier"
Cenred looked at Arthur "What's it to you Pendragon? You don't even like each other, anyway he said no and I can take a hint"
"I wouldn't want any trouble so have another drink and make sure you have cooled down." Arthur told Cenred "And you're wrong I respect Merlin a great deal. Once you get home give what you're doing some serious thought and find someone else who wants your company"
Cenred sat down and gave up the idea of leaving. He realised he had pushed things too far and would need to be careful if he wanted to keep his friends.
Leon watched with interest at what was going on, he had already noticed Cenred's interest in the young register and had been considering having a word with the paramedic himself but if Arthur was on the case perhaps he wouldn't need to. After all Arthur had the law on his side and Cenred knew he was a policeman it might be enough to calm Cenred down and make him think. Not only that, but Merlin seemed well able to cope if his actions that night were anything to go by.
Merlin walked home unaware of Arthur's intervention. He hoped that he had stopped Cenred's attentions in the bud. He just wasn't interested and had done his best to make the other man see that. For one he didn't want a relationship of any sort, and even if he did the long haired leather clad man just wasn't his type. Whilst he did sometimes dream of having strong arms around him at night he knew deep down he wasn't in the right place for that, and he wasn't into casual relationships and never had been. He was also genuinely puzzled as to why the other man was attracted to him anyway. In the past, even before the 'incident', he had never felt attractive but now he knew he was too damaged, to monstrous, for anyone to want him that way. No he would have friends but never anything more, he couldn't stand the pity or even worse the disgust he would see in someone else's eyes.
Luckily Cenred did seem to take the hint and although he sometimes looked at Merlin he never pushed the boundaries and after a while whilst not friends the two men could at least talk to each other civilly. Cenred still wanted Merlin, he found the young man very good looking as well as having a great charm and allure, but he knew that for now at least Merlin wasn't interested. Cenred nurtured his hopes and kept a low profile. But his dreams still seemed to feature the slim and pale body with the high cheekbones and cerulean eyes. But his dreams were his own and he never mentioned them to anyone.
The next couple of months were busy ones, Morgana and Percy continued to date and as a consequence Merlin saw a lot of Percy and the two men became closer as a result. Arthur continued to try to befriend Merlin but Merlin resisted all attempts but did thaw slightly to the extent that he didn't try to avoid the blonde all the time. But it was clear he wasn't comfortable around Arthur. On the work front Merlin did agree to speak at the small meetings of staff when they had the workshops on staff safety. The first one was difficult but Leon was careful to select people that Merlin would be comfortable with. Leon introduced the subject and went on to explain the reasons why every A&E in the country was undertaking such workshops
"I was involved in an enquiry a couple of years ago when in a large inner city A&E a major incident occurred. It involved a parent of a child that died following an RTI, road traffic incident. The father lost control, he was mentally ill, and attacked staff badly injuring a doctor. Several thinks were apparent when we looked at the circumstances. One was that even if all the precautions had been taken it incident would probably still have occurred but may have been less severe. The emergency button was by the door of the emergency room and couldn't be reached when the man entered, and even when the alarm was raised it took a few minutes to recognise what was happening and call for help." Leon looked round the group
That is why all the alarms in the cubicle and emergency rooms are in two places now. And we have a direct line emergency bell in three placed throughout the unit, that go direct to the police. They are after all better equipped and trained to cope with such issues. Major city units do have police present or at least 24 hour security. Last year we attempted to introduce personal alarms but these were withdrawn at your request however it has been decided to re issue them. We need to be more aware of what could happen and look after each other." Leon paused looking round at the twelve staff present. One of the nurses spoke
"Sir the alarms were a nuisance, and bulky, we had them for six months and they were never used so why have them again?"
Leon nodded "We are lucky to have a member of staff who was their when the incident happened. He has agreed to talk to you, ask him your questions then ask yourself is carrying an alarm worth it even if it might never be used?" Leon turned to Merlin
Merlin didn't stand, he had decided to remain sitting. "I can understand why you don't want to carry the alarms, but if we had had then that day things would have been different. My Consultant was involved she was heavily pregnant, both her and her baby were put at risk. I would never have believe such a thing could have happened. But the man was suffering from psychosis it couldn't have been predicted and let's face it that could have happened anywhere."
One of the other doctors asked "How many staff were hurt and how badly?"
"All involved were deeply shocked and several needed counselling afterwards. One doctor was seriously hurt and was in hospital for nearly four months. He would have died had it not been for the actions of another member of staff who managed to knock the man out. The pregnant consultant was admitted to hospital as they feared she would lose the baby, but luckily she didn't" Merlin's voice was shaking by now and he was clasping his hands in front of him.
One of the nurses asked "Were you in the room where it happened. Did anyone try to talk him down, I've seen you do that before to good effect. Is that something we should have more training in? Would that have helped?"
Merlin paused and took several deep breathes "I was there, several of us tried, but the man was paranoid nothing worked." He looked up and the group noticed just how white he had gone "Training is great, as is common sense but nothing worked …..nothing, he wouldn't stop" Merlin looked down and paused then he said "I still see it now… the knife slashing….don't let it happen again just because you don't want to carry something that could stop it earlier." Merlin got up and walked out. Gwen followed.
Leon steeped forward "So you see what happened there could have happened here or anywhere else. It wasn't drugs, gun crime or gang crime. But a bereaved man couldn't cope with what was happening." He looked at where Merlin had exited. "Dr Emrys was brave to share that with us, please don't ask him anymore, I'm sure you can see it upset him. But you will carry the alarms so no one here has to live with those sort of memories."
One of the other registrars looked at Leon. "It was Merlin wasn't it? Who was hurt?"
Leon didn't answer but walked out to check on Merlin, leaving one of the other consultants to finish up. "As Dr Knight said in his introduction what has been said in this room stays in this room. Confidential matters will not be discussed outside it, and although all the staff will have these talks I don't expect you to indulge in idle gossip or speculation. Dr Emrys is a brave man to agree to share what happened with us. Respect that, but as Dr Knight said you will carry the alarms, and this time they will not be withdrawn. If anyone is found not to have one whilst on shift it will be a disciplinary matter. Now anymore questions?"
The meeting went on for a bit longer as testing of equipment and reporting of damage was discussed then the staff went back to work. It was a sombre group but they did as asked and didn't discuss anything with those staff on duty who didn't go to the meeting, they would find out in due course.
Merlin had gone into a quiet room where Gwen found him, she said nothing but just held him as he got control of himself. Leon arrived and found Merlin looking much better. He looked up at his boss then looked at Gwen "That was better than I thought." He admitted. "It's funny I have hidden it for so long but now so many people either know or have guessed that it feels I haven't got to hide. I don't think I could go into detail about what happened but Alice was right, I do need to own what happened"
Leon looked at Merlin "You are a brave man, if you don't want to do it again I understand. But for what it's worth I think it will help. Hopefully we will never need all the precautions but if we do they are in place" he hesitated then added "This will stay in the department Merlin, the staff will have been warned."
Gwen looked up "I will make sure it does, if I hear as much as a whisper…."
"You will tell me" Leon looked at the nurse. "The consultants will deal with it"
Merlin was much better after he had managed to talk, he did four more sessions each on getting easier. On the last two he was open from the start that it had been him who was injured but kept the extent to himself. He couldn't believe how much better he felt and how to some extent his confidence had returned. After speaking to Alice he understood it was the next process in his return to something of a normal life. He had finally accepted what had happened to him and that it was not his fault. He still blamed himself for his mother's death and the unmentioned problem he had, which was still like an elephant in the room. It wouldn't go away but nor could he discuss it with anyone besides Alice. Tristian and Ann knew but didn't press him on the exact details. If only it was as easy to deal with.
Merlin was slowly becoming more outgoing and was more enthusiastic about going out, but his group of friends noticed he refused all advances and dates preferring to be alone. Morgana and Percy's relationship was blooming. Merlin was pleased to see his friend so happy. Arthur came round at least once a week in the evenings for meals and Merlin was polite but distant. Arthur used all his charm but to no avail. Merlin took a week's annual leave and went to Liverpool and spent the time with Melinda. He was invited to spend Christmas with them but volunteered instead to work. It was in the week proceeding Christmas that he met Uther Pendragon again, something that would have far reaching implications..
Both Morgana and Merlin had the day off and were putting up some decorations when the doorbell rang. Morgana opened the door to find her father on the doorstep. Dressed in the ever present three piece suit and blue tie he looked every inch the politician he was. They had hardly spoken since Morgana had found the truth of her parentage and she wouldn't have let him in but he just walked past her.
"Morgana I expect you to attend a charity gala with both myself and Arthur on Christmas Eve. I have checked with your work and you are not on duty" Uther's tone clearly brooked no argument. He clearly expected her to fall in with his plans.
Morgana glared at the man in front of her "No Uther I will not! I told you I want nothing to do with you, now please leave"
"I didn't ask you I told you!" Uther said "It is important"
"For who? You? Well it isn't for me, I realise you are due to stand for election next year but quite frankly I couldn't care less. Now please leave" Morgana had been serious when she had cut her ties with the man in front of her.
Uther continued to walk deeper into the house "Isn't this rather small and cramped? You should have come to me I would have helped you get something better than this" as he entered the small kitchen he spotted Merlin who had kept out of the way when he heard Uther's voice.
Uther looked at Merlin then recognition crossed his face "You! What are you doing here?" he demanded
"I live here" Merlin told him.
Uther's head snapped back to his daughter "You are living out of wedlock!"
Morgana laughed "No, but if I was it wouldn't be any business of yours. I rent one of my rooms to Merlin"
"Throw him out, it's totally inappropriate for a single woman to live with a male lodger" Uther looked at Merlin. "Move out within the hour. I will pay for Bed and Breakfast for a month so you can find somewhere else" he glared at Merlin who continued to drink his tea.
"That's up to Morgana" he said then looked at his landlady "Do you want me to move"
Morgana was seething with anger "No Merlin you are not going anywhere." Then she turned to her father "Uther get out, I did not invite you here. I have no intention of falling in with any plans you may have and if you don't leave I will call the police"
That clearly angered Uther "Watch your mouth Morgana, I didn't request your presence and you will come, and be civil when you are there. I kept you for years and paid your education and gave you everything you needed including expensive holidays. One evening isn't too much to repay me. It is charity gala for the children's ward. I have told Arthur he is to come"
This was too much for Morgana "I am your daughter! By blood at least! Looking after children is what parents do. The difference is you just paid for everything and ignored both me and Arthur unless it suited you! Repay you! You have to be joking. I have kept your dirty secret but if you don't leave now I will ring the tabloids tomorrow. And don't you dare try to force Arthur"
Uther couldn't believe his daughter had just let the truth of her parentage out in front of a stranger. He was so angry he lifted his hand to strike Morgana across the face. Whether it would have landed or not they would never know as Merlin's hand shot up and he caught Uther's wrist. The normally placid young man stood between Morgana and her father.
"No you don't!" Merlin said "I think this has gone too far, now Morgana has asked you to leave, I suggest you do so" he let go of Uther wrist but continued to stand between them.
"This is the second time you have crossed me!" Uther told the younger man. Then he looked at Morgana "You know I wouldn't have hit you, I never have. I will leave but I expect you to come I will send a car."
Morgana moved closer to Uther "If I go I will tell everyone there what a hypocrite you are, and don't you dare try to do anything against Merlin, I won't let you ruin anyone else's life. The best day of my life was when I left you behind me. You disgust me"
Uther glared once more at Merlin and turned and left. Once the door closed Morgana sagged and Merlin hugged her in comfort. Morgana remained upset and in the end she ran her brother who came round after work. Morgana told him what happened "How dare he assume I would just do what he wanted, has he contacted you?"
"Yes and I told him no as well. Evidently he wants us there to show how the family all does its bit for the community. The Prime Minister suggested it there is a cabinet reshuffle coming up and I think Father is up for Home Secretary. He rang me to tell me you threatened to tell the 'family private matter' as he called it. He asked me to talk to you, but I refused. He seemed upset about Merlin as well."
"He wanted me to throw Merlin out! Can you believe it?" Morgana glared
"Well since I wanted you to at the beginning I suppose I can't talk" Arthur admitted
"Did he tell you he raised his hand to me, Merlin stopped him." Morgana told her brother "Uther is getting worse"
"He just tastes real power, he's getting older and sees his chances of getting a major post disappearing" Arthur pointed out. "Look don't let him upset you and for heaven's sake get a door chain and don't just open the door it could have been anyone. How many times do I have to warn you?"
Arthur stayed and talked with his sister and they decided to write a joint letter to Uther refusing once again to get involved in his political events and asking him not to contact them. "That way if necessary we can apply for a restraining order to keep him away from you or at least threaten one. I told him I am cutting all ties, you were right I should have done it before but …. Well he is family"
Morgana looked at her brother "I know, but Arthur he's not good for either of us"
Uther left his daughters fuming. He had arrived there already mad at Arthur who had already refused, but he knew if he could get Morgana to go Arthur would turn up. Then to get handled by that doctor, that was too much. That boy had interfered too many times in his business. Still smarting by the refusal of his children to help him in his ambitions he made a phone call to a man who he sometimes did business with. Over the years they had often helped each other to deal with problems. He would see what he could do to ruin the doctor.
"Sarrum I want you to do something for me" he told the man he had phoned "Find out everything you can about a Dr Merlin Emrys and let me know what you find out."
"No problem Uther I will contact you"
It was thirty six hours later when Uther met up with his friend as they sat in the golf club Sarrum looked at the politician, over the years they had done quite a few favours for each other and it had always worked out well for both of them, this looked like it might be another such case. Sarrum was a hard man who was more than willing to take risks if the reward was good enough.
"This one is clean Uther, worse than that he is a hero" Sarrum told Uther what he had found out about the events in Liverpool. "So he is very close to your brother in law Tristian. Before that he was clean a very talented young man who always worked hard. But I have found something. He is a poof and before the attack he went through a civil ceremony. A love match it seemed but after the attack it fell to pieces. It seems his man wasn't the person young Emrys thought he was. Anyway their dissolving of the civil ceremony was finalised a couple of months ago. I did some digging and found out that he might be able to help you."
"I want him ruined" Uther said bitterly "As for Tristian if I can upset him at the same time all well and good. The sanctimonious bastard has always thought he was better than me, he also turned my son away from politics to being a policeman!."
"Oh don't worry he will be, As for Dr Emrys well he won't be disgraced exactly but his ex-partner is a weakness that will break him, it will cost but I suppose you are happy to pay"
"How much?"
"Well it seems the man is getting married and wants a good honeymoon also he is eager to set up his own business but needs premises. As it happens you own empty office space just where he wants it. For that your young Dr Emrys will be broken into small pieces and like Humpty Dumpty he won't be put back together again." Sarrum smiled, he loved it when he could achieve a good result without getting his hands dirty. And if Uther got his cabinet post it could only help his own ambitions.
Uther smirked "Do it, I don't want that man interfering in my business again"
