Chapter Nine.
"Percival, take Merlin to Gaius" Arthur said to the knight when the group had finally arrived back in Camelot. Percival just nodded, picked Merlin off of the horse and carried him to the physicians chambers bridal style.
Arthur turned to face the members of the Prince's Pack who had now also dismounted. "Did you know he was one of you?"
"Yes, we did. Merlin is someone very special to us and for that reason we did not tell you." Came Randell's simple but calm reply.
"What do you mean special to you? Did you even save him from bandits when he was younger?"
"No sire, we've done so much more together and of course he's special to us. Just like he's special to you and your knights." With that said the Prince's Pack made their way to the physicians chambers.
Arthur and the rest of the Knights Of The Round Table follow closely after.
When Arthur arrived at Gaius' chambers Elyan, Percival and Leon were stood outside the door and inside the knights of Lunar were gathered round the bed where Merlin lay. Gwaine was sat on the stool next to Merlin's bed while Gaius fitted proper bandages round Merlin's wound.
"How is he Gaius?" Asked Arthur, as he stepped through the doorway.
"He's lost a bit of blood and will be weak for a few days but otherwise he is fine." Gaius told the slightly concerned king.
"And when will he wake?" On cue there was a low moan from Merlin, who started to shift on the bed.
"Hey, little cub. How you feeling?" Asked Caleb.
"I'm fine just a little thirsty." Replied Merlin, his mouth felt like it had been filled with sand.
"Here drink this." Gaius said as he handed Merlin a goblet of water. After Merlin had drank Gwaine and Gaius helped Merlin to sit up, prompting him up on a mound of pillows.
"Arthur!" Merlin said in surprise obviously not noticing the king earlier.
"Firstly, how are you feeling Merlin?" Asked Arthur as he made his way closer to the bed, Remus' hand went closer to his sword.
"Oh. Um. Fine, thanks." Replied Merlin a little weary.
"Good. Now secondly, do you want to explain why you have the same tattoo as the Ancient Ones?"
Merlin's face paled a little bit more than just blood lost. "Um. Well. You see. I. Um" Merlin stuttered.
"I want the truth Merlin." Merlin looked towards Gaius, who gave him a small nod in encouragement. Then he turned to Randell who did the same.
"I'm an Ancient One that's why I have the tattoo." Merlin mumbled, his eyes down on the sheets of the bed.
"When? When did this happen?" Arthur asked still shocked.
"I was born with the gift, just the same as any other Ancient One." Merlin said letting his eyes finally find Arthur's.
"I have to go." Arthur said as he left the chambers.
"Arthur wait I have to tell you something else!" Called Merlin, but I was already to late. Arthur had gone.
Arthur didn't visit Merlin for the rest of the day or the next day etheir, he just sat in his room. Thinking.
'Why didn't he tell me? Does he have magic as well? Why did he leave Lunar?' All these thoughts buzzed through his head as he sat gazing into the hearth.
On the third day Merlin went back to work and Arthur tried to avoid him, he still needed time for his head to get around all the new information. Unfortunately it wouldn't last forever.
"Are you avoiding me?" Asked Merlin later that day, as he was cleaning up around Arthur's chambers.
"Of course not Merlin. I'm the king, I don't avoid people." Came Arthur's reply with a scoff.
"Look Arthur I know you must hate me right now." Arthur opened his mouth to reply but was silenced by Merlin raising his hand. "But I must tell you everything else before I let you judge me."
Arthur nodded.
" Arthur I'm also..." Merlin was cut off by the sound of the warning bells ringing out over the courtyard.
AN - A quick chapter before I go to bed.