Everyone gasped, and began whispering amongst themselves, while Uther visibly paled, but anyone could see the fury in his eyes. Arthur eyes bulged and his mouth hang agape, Merlin had to stifle a chuckle at his expression. He decided it was best to remain silent until Uther said anything, knowing he would have to speak with Arthur later. Uther's voice echoed around the hall suddenly.
"You're Arthur's servant that disappeared."
Merlin had to bite back a retort about stupid old tyrants. He knew it was more a statement than a question, but chose to answer anyways. "Yes, whilst here I did serve as Arthur's servant." He watched the king carefully, becoming slightly worried at the obvious fury in his eyes, he only hoped he would be able to take any accusations Uther threw at him. But Uther's next words struck a sore spot.
"Is this some kind of joke?!" Uther's voice bellowed loud enough that every person in the castle could hear. Merlin felt himself snap. He answered Uther with a growing anger in his quiet voice.
"You think me a fraud Uther. You think I could come up with such a lie, that I would lie about such loss; such suffering?" Arthur was surprised by the quiet anger of his friend. "I told you of my own suffering, something I have told no one of. Not even my own brother. I entrusted you to information that I was not expedite to give up, and you dare to call me fake; a joke!" Arthur was shocked still. This was a side of Merlin he had never seen before, and if what he said was true, of which he had no doubt, then his friend had suffered more than he had thought possible. Merlin had always seemed such a kindled spirit, that this stark contrast made him hope he was never on the receiving end of that anger. He had a feeling that Merlin could perhaps be more dangerous than given credit for. So when Uther spoke out, he had to hide a wince at his father's disregard of the danger.
"Why you should think I would help such a coward that would hide his face and run from danger, is beyond me. Why should I aid your kingdom?! You are a coward, a liar!" A change came over Merlin. His eyes darkened and glinted daggers that could pierce any man. His shoulder's became slightly slouched like he carried a heavy burden, and he seemed suddenly wiser than his years. The young man made king was replaced by a new man; a man who had seen and experienced more than some do in a lifetime. His voice was low and powerful.
"Coward. Coward! You call me a coward! I think not Uther Pendragon. I did not run away from Unwin in cowardice. I did not hide in fear for myself! I stayed in the shadows to protect those I cared for. You have no idea what Unwin is capable of. The suffering he can cause! What I have been through at his hands, I would not wish on anyone. And if Unwin ever knew where I was he would be quick to fight through the gates of hell to get to me. I refused to live knowing I would have caused so many people grief, and loss. And I would not have been able to fight him myself. That would be an act of foolishness. I am no coward Uther. Do you know what it is like, to have to lie to your friends every day, just to ensure their safety? Knowing that if any found out the truth, that they could be killed, tortured even, that those who you care for would have to face the consequences of your actions. To live not knowing if you will ever be able to return home. To see your family, or to tell others who you really are. To face such a life… it takes more bravery and endurance than you will ever understand. You try to do that for near three years, Uther Pendragon, then talk to me about cowardice!"
He turned around and stormed out. Everyone's eyes were wide, even Warrick and the two knights behind him. They were all silent. Warrick quickly waved the girl knight over and whispered something in her ear. She nodded and walked out. He turned to Uther and said quietly. "You should have been more careful with your words sire. My brother has lost more than anyone could ever imagine. Although even I have never seen such a reaction from him, not even when our father died. There are many other kingdoms we could have gone to for help, but he chose this one because he believed you would understand what it is like losing your loved ones, to understand having to hide certain details." Arthur saw his father pale slightly at the prince's words. "But perhaps he was mistaken." He turned around and began to walk out waving the older knight to follow him.
Arthur looked to his father. The king looked as if he had just been slapped in the face. Arthur wondered why Warrick's words had elicited such a reaction from his father. Obviously they meant something to him that Arthur did not see. He was still shocked that Merlin was a king. He hardly believed it himself, but after what just happened, he wasn't sure who his friend was. There was apparently much more that he didn't know about Merlin, and it bothered him. He was hurt that Merlin hadn't trusted him with this. He was going to have to have a long talk to Merlin about this. But that would have to wait until he could leave. The silence in the room was suffocating, and Arthur felt he needed to say something, but he didn't know what to say so he spoke the one word that asked it all. "Father?"
Uther looked to him. Arthur saw that his fury was replaced with respect, and something else that he had never seen his father show before. Shame. Arthur wondered what there was that he was ashamed about, but was brought out of his thoughts by Uther's quiet voice. "Everyone is dismissed."
Arthur was the last to leave, and as the door shut behind him, he managed to get a glimpse of his father, sitting on the throne lost in a memory long forgotten.
I know what you're thinking right now about this. Oh my god, she actually wrote an author's note! Alright I know I'm not that funny, so just go along with it.
Alright... I have to say it took me a while to write this chapter only because I had no idea how I was going to have Uther react. So I went with an old idea I brainstormed up with Merlin loosing his temper. I know he's very OOC in this chapter but you know… It's an AU fic. Tell me how you like it! The next chapter will have more of Arthur in it.
And for anyone who didn't understand Uther's reaction to Warrick mentioning 'hiding certain details' I was referring to Uther not telling anyone about the circumstances of Arthur's birth, and Ygraine's death. The same goes for Uther's 'forgotten memory'. Also I would like to thank everyone who has been reviewing, it really keeps me going. So don't be afraid to review for those who haven't, and I'm always open for suggestions if you do.
