A/N: Here's the latest chapter! Thanks for being patient with me. This chapter is important and I wanted to get it right. Thanks to everyone who has reviewed. I really appreciate each and every one of you.

Disclaimer: I own nothing except for Arwen.

/

Arthur couldn't think. There was no way that Merlin had just confessed to being a sorcerer, was there?

"What did you say?" he was finally able to ask.

They were still standing pressed against each other and when Arthur spoke his lips ghosted over Merlin's. The warlock shuddered.

"I said that I'm a sorcerer. That's the secret."

Arthur jerked away from Merlin and pointed an accusing finger at him.

"No, you're not a sorcerer. The secret is that you're in love with me."

Merlin scoffed.

"Yes, Arthur, I am a sorcerer. How many times do I have to tell you?"

Arthur turned away from Merlin and pinched the bridge of his nose. When he turned back the prince looked hurt and confused.

"So, you're not in love with me?"

Merlin threw his hands in the air.

"This is not how I imagined this conversation going."

"Of course I am you prat! I didn't really think that was that much of a secret."

They both stood staring at each other in silence for a minute. Finally, Arthur's brain processed everything that was happening and anger bubbled up inside him.

"You're a sorcerer?" he quietly asked.

Merlin nodded.

"You're a traitor."

Merlin's mouth fell open.

"What?" he asked.

Arthur gave him an icy glare.

"If you're a sorcerer, then you're a traitor. Get out."

Merlin tried to take a step toward the prince, but Arthur held up a hand to stop him.

"I should go to my father and have you arrested, but I'm giving you a chance to leave. Take it."

"Arthur, don't…"

"Get out!" Arthur yelled.

Merlin didn't move.

"Do you want to die?"

"No, but I also don't want to leave you."

"Then you should never have started practicing magic! Why, Merlin? Why did you have to go and do the one thing that is forbidden in the kingdom?"

"I did it to protect you, Arthur! Do you know how many times I've had to use my magic to save you, or your father, or the entire kingdom? Of course you don't! I've lost count myself."

"Lies!" Arthur spat.

"I'm not lying to you. The only thing I've ever lied to you about is this, and surely you can understand why."

"How long have you been practicing magic?"

"I was born like this. I could do magic before I could talk. It's part of me." Merlin said as he pressed a hand to his chest.

"That's impossible!" Arthur yelled.

"Nothing's impossible, Arthur. You love me, that's proof enough."

Arthur narrowed his eyes and said, "I never said I loved you."

Merlin laughed.

"You almost kissed me. You didn't have to say it."

Arthur crossed the room before Merlin could blink and grabbed a fistful of Merlin's tunic. He pulled Merlin close and hissed, "I don't love you. You're a sorcerer and a traitor. This is the last time I'm going to give you the chance to leave. If you stay a second longer I will go to my father and you'll burn as the sun comes up. Get out."

He tossed Merlin away. The warlock lost his footing and landed hard on the floor. He looked up at Arthur, but the prince had turned away and was walking toward his window. Merlin picked himself up off the floor and opened the door as he furiously wiped the tears from his eyes.

"I believe in you, Arthur, and I believe in the king that you're going to be one day. I'd hoped that you would've believed in me too."

Arthur didn't say anything as Merlin walked away.

/

Arwen was in bed and about to drift off to sleep. Hattie was putting out the candles when she saw someone running across the courtyard. When she looked closer she could make out Merlin's form in the moonlight.

"I wonder where he's going in such a hurry." she whispered.

"What was that, Hattie?" Arwen mumbled.

"Nothing, my lady. I just saw Merlin running across the courtyard and I was wondering where he might be going in such a hurry at this hour."

Arwen sat up quickly. She suddenly was overcome by a very bad feeling.

"Hand me my robe, would you?" she asked as she got out of bed.

"Where are you going?"

Arwen pulled the robe tight around her and was halfway to the door when she replied, "I've got a bad feeling and I'm going to find out what's going on."

/

Arwen walked as fast as she could to Gaius' chambers. She had just reached to knock on the door when it swung open and Merlin ran straight into her.

"Merlin!" she exclaimed as she gripped his arms to keep him from falling.

He looked up at her and she immediately was filled with dread. His eyes were red-rimmed and puffy and tears were still slowly falling down his cheeks.

"What happened?" she asked.

"I don't know. He won't tell me."

Arwen looked over Merlin's shouldered and saw a very upset Gaius.

"He just ran to his room, threw his belongings in his pack, and ran out. It's lucky he bumped into you, my lady, or I'm afraid I wouldn't have been able to catch him."

Arwen tightened her grip on Merlin.

"What's going on?" she asked him gently.

Merlin looked away from her and tried to get away from her, but the princess was either much stronger than she looked, or Merlin was too weak to really put up a fight. He stopped struggling and choked out, "Arthur."

That was all Arwen needed to hear. She understood everything now.

"Come with me." she ordered beginning to pull him into the corridor.

When Gaius looked like he was going to follow she shot him a look that clearly said, "Stay."

"I won't let him leave, Gaius."

The physician nodded and turned back towards his bed. Arwen pulled Merlin all the way back to her chambers. When they entered she wasn't surprised to see Hattie sitting at the table looking worried.

"Everything's all right, Hattie, Merlin and I just need to talk. You're dismissed for the evening."

Hattie nodded and gave a slight bow as she exited the room. Once she was gone, Arwen pushed Merlin into a chair and said, "Tell me everything."

Merlin gave a mirthless laugh.

"There's not much to tell. Arthur eavesdropped on us, found out I was keeping a secret from him, wanted to know what it was, tried to kiss me, I told him I was a sorcerer, he got mad and told me I was a traitor and ordered me to leave or he'd go to the king and have me executed. That's about it."

Arwen was gobsmacked.

"So, let me get this straight, you told Arthur you were a sorcerer and then he told you to leave or he would go to Father and have you arrested?"

"Not just arrested; he said I'd burn as the sun rose."

Arwen pinched the bridge of her nose and Merlin suddenly realized that this is where Arthur had picked up the action.

"And he kissed you before you told him?"

Merlin shook his head.

"He tried to kiss me. I told him before he actually did it."

Arwen threw her hands up.

"Don't you know you're supposed to let him kiss you before you give him monumental news? I swear, men are the stupidest creatures in existence!"

"Well I'm sorry if I wanted him to know who I really was before he kissed me!" Merlin said as he rose to his feet.

"Well, did you tell him that you loved him?"

"He already had that figured out, not that it mattered. It doesn't even matter that he loves me, though I doubt he still does. He's convinced that I'm a traitor now. If I don't leave Camelot then I'll face the executioner. This is exactly what I told you would happen." Merlin sneered.

"I'm sorry, Merlin. I don't know what's going on in his head. This can't be what he really wants. I'm sure…"

"No, it's perfectly clear what he wants; he wants me to either go away or die. So much for my destiny."

Merlin stormed past Arwen and threw open the door.

"Wait! I told you that I wouldn't let anything happen to you, and I'm going to keep my word. Go back to Gaius' and get some sleep. I'll fix this, I promise."

"I don't think you can." Merlin said without facing her.

"I will. Just, promise me that you won't leave, at least not tonight."

Merlin sighed.

"I'll wait until dawn, then I'm leaving."

"By dawn, you won't have to."

Merlin waited a second longer, then he walked out of the room. Arwen took a moment to calm herself. She was going into battle and she needed to have a clear head.

/

"What the hell did you do?" Arwen screeched as she pushed open the doors to Arthur's chambers. The prince, who had been previously glaring out his window, almost jumped out of his skin. After he realized who it was that had scared him, and what she asked, he turned his glare on her.

"What are you talking about?"

Arwen slammed the doors shut and strode over to her brother. She got very close to him and then hissed, "I'm talking about Merlin."

"You mean the traitor?" Arthur asked.

Arwen pulled her hand back and slapped him. The sound echoed in the room and a red mark was beginning to appear on Arthur's cheek.

"He is not a traitor! He is your friend! You love him!"

Arthur met her furious gaze with one of his own.

"He's a sorcerer. That makes him a traitor. He's just lucky I didn't arrest him."

"And could you really stand to see him die, Arthur Pendragon? Could you really watch as he burned? Could you listen to his screams and know that it was you who caused him that pain?"

Arthur tried not to grimace, but there was no holding it back.

"I didn't think so." Arwen spat.

"What do you want me to do? I already broke the law by letting him go!"

"Damn the law! The law is wrong and don't even try to tell me you think otherwise!" Arwen yelled.

"Magic is evil."

Arwen thrust her finger into Arthur's chest.

"You know nothing of magic, brother."

"I know enough! I've seen the misery and destruction it can cause. I've seen it used to kill innocent, defenseless people."

Arwen shook her head.

"But you know nothing of how it can be used for good. It's a shame, because you of all people should know of its greater purpose. You owe your life to magic."

"What are you talking about?"

"I'm talking about Merlin. He's saved you again and again and again with his magic. He's saved Father and the people of this kingdom, and yet you ordered him to leave. Camelot would have fallen long ago without him."

Arthur paled.

"That's not true."

"It is true. Think about all those times when you didn't know how you succeeded, all those times when you felt like someone was watching over you, helping you. That was Merlin."

"But, sorcerers aren't good. They're always working to destroy. For all I know Merlin could have done all those things so he could get close enough to me to control me. He could have been planning to…"

Arwen slapped him again.

"Are you even listening to yourself? You sound ridiculous! Merlin would never do anything like that. If you shut up and really think about it you would realize that. Better yet, don't think. That only seems to get you in trouble. What does your heart say about all this?"

Arthur stopped rubbing his abused cheek to stare at his sister.

"My heart?"

"Yes, your heart."

"My heart isn't saying anything." Arthur insisted.

Arwen crossed her arms.

"Oh, so you're telling me that your heart isn't screaming at you to go find Merlin and take back everything you said? It's not demanding that you do whatever it takes to make him stay? It isn't begging you to wrap him in your arms and kiss him until he forgives you?"

Arthur looked away from her, but Arwen just moved so that she was in his line of sight again.

"You can't lie to me, Arthur. I see through you every time."

"He's a sorcerer." Arthur said in the most pain-filled voice Arwen had ever heard.

"Yes, but he's a sorcerer that would do anything for you and your kingdom. He's a sorcerer who loves you."

Arthur finally crumbled and let himself be drawn into his sister's arms.

"He'll never forgive me after what I said."

Arwen kissed his forehead.

"He'll forgive you. It might take a lot of begging, and possibly some kissing, but he will. And make sure you throw in an 'I love you' for good measure."

They remained huddled on the floor together for a few moments, until something occurred to Arthur.

"When did you find out about Merlin being a sorcerer?"

Arwen laughed.

"I've known since our very first conversation. I'm a lot more observant than you are."

Arthur blushed. He really felt like an idiot now.

"And you trust him?"

"I trust him with my life, your life, this kingdom's well-being, and most importantly, your heart. I told you once that you weren't wrong to put your trust in him. I really wish you'd have listened to me. We might have avoided this mess."

"Well, he did tell me once that I needed to learn to listen as well as I fight."

"Merlin's a lot smarter than anyone gives him credit for." Arwen said with a smile.

Arthur smiled too.

"He does have his moments."

Arwen gently pushed her brother away and gave him a stern look.

"Go talk to him. He's in his room. Lucky for you, I caught him before he could leave."

Arthur nodded. He stood up, straightened his clothes, ran his fingers through his hair, and strode confidently out the door.

/

Arthur's confidence lasted until he reached Gaius' chamber. He tried to stop his hands from shaking, but that was a losing battle. He quietly let himself in, knowing that the old physician would be asleep. He crept past the snoring man and ascended the stairs to Merlin's room with all his hunter's stealth. He knocked quietly and heard a grunt from the other side of the door. Taking it as permission to enter, he pushed open the door. Merlin was lying on his bed with his pillow over his face. Arthur closed the door behind him and went to stand next to the bed. He waited to say anything until Merlin moved. He didn't have to wait long.

Merlin threw the pillow aside as he said, "Gaius, either say something or leave me be."

Arthur watched as Merlin paled, and he thought he'd never seen anyone look so mad or terrified before.

"I was leaving, really I was, but Arwen told me to wait until the morning. I can go now if you want, I've got my pack right here and…"

Arthur stopped his rambling by bending down and kissing him. It didn't last long because almost as soon as their lips touched Merlin was shoving him away.

"What are you doing?" he asked as he sat up quickly.

"I'm trying to apologize. I was wrong, about everything. I don't want you to leave and I'm not going to turn you in and I'm certainly not going to allow you to be executed. I'm angry that you didn't tell me about you being a sorcerer sooner, but I guess I understand why you didn't. And you were right when you said that I loved you. Please forgive me."

Merlin just stared at the prince. He stared, open-mouthed, for a full five minutes without saying anything. Arthur was beginning to think he was never going to speak again. He was about to leave when Merlin punched him square in the jaw.

"What was that for?" he asked as he touched the quickly forming bruise.

"Like you even have to ask."

"He's got a point there."

"So does this mean everything's okay?" Arthur asked.

Merlin laughed.

"No, this does not mean that everything's okay. You were going to have me burnt at the stake, Arthur!"

"I threatened to have you burnt at the stake."

"Like that's any better."

Arthur sighed.

"Alright, I'll give you that one, but I said I was sorry."

"That's not good enough, Arthur. After everything we've been through, you were still so quick to hate me."

"I didn't hate you! I was angry and hurt and confused. I trusted you and then you tell me something like that. What was I supposed to do?"

"You were supposed to listen to me! You were supposed to let me explain and actually think about things before doing anything stupid. But of course, you never listen to me."

"I'm listening now." Arthur said sitting next to him on the bed.

"I'm not sure I have anything to say." Merlin said as he made room for the prince.

Arthur joined their hands.

"Say that you love me. You don't have to forgive me yet, but at least say you still love me."

Merlin met Arthur's eyes. He didn't want to admit it, but he'd forgiven Arthur the minute he realized it was him standing beside the bed and not Gaius.

"I never stopped loving you."

He leaned over and kissed Arthur to prove it. The kiss was chaste, just their lips pressed together, but it still took their breath away. When it was over Arthur smiled.

"I really am sorry."

"I know. Just promise me no more threats against my life."

"I promise."

Merlin nodded and kissed Arthur once more.

"Good. Let's get some sleep. All this excitement has left me exhausted."

They laid down on Merlin's little bed and Arthur pulled the younger man into his arms. It was quiet for about two minutes before Arthur said, "Your bed is terribly uncomfortable. How in the world do you sleep here every night?"

Merlin sighed.

"If you don't like it then you can go sleep in your own bed."

"Maybe I will."

"Fine."

"Idiot!"

"Prat!"

Neither of them fell asleep until it was nearly sunrise.