A/N: Okay so here's the next chapter! I'm on spring break now but I guess that doesn't really matter, because yes, this is the last chapter. I'm so sad that this is coming to an end, but all good things do. Thank you for all of the reviews and all of the support. It means a lot and since this was my first fic I am glad that I had so much positive feedback. Thanks again and I hope you enjoy!

Chapter 12

Previously

Now Arthur turned to his friend-turned-enemy, lying helpless in front of him. Arthur twirled his sword in his hand and advanced toward the raven-haired man lying on the ground in front of him. It was time to deal with Merlin.

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Arthur slapped Merlin to wake him up. Merlin's eyes shot open and they were wide with fear. Good. Arthur thought menacingly. He knows what I could do to him if he tries anything. But what could Arthur do really? Merlin was a sorcerer. Merlin could be gone in the blink of an eye and he could leave everything behind. He could take the easy route. But Arthur knew Merlin better to know he wouldn't. Wouldn't he though? You've got a sword in your hand Arthur and it looks as though you're about to kill the man, of course he would be scared. And you didn't really know him. He is a sorcerer. He's evil. He's not your friend, and he never will be. The only solution is to have him burnt at the stake. Banished at the least. The darker side of Arthur argued with the lighter side that still believed in Merlin as who Arthur knew him to be, not who he assumed.

You've got to at least give him a chance though, Arthur. It's only fair.

He doesn't deserve a trial. And it really wouldn't be fair, I've already made up my mind. Arthur lied to himself. He had no idea what he was going to do. He had to choose between the law and his heart. But his heart was torn in two different directions, and the same with his brain. One side with the law and the other with Merlin. Merlin had been babbling this whole time about something, but Arthur had been preoccupied. He was still glaring at Merlin with a deathly stare, no wonder Merlin was stuttering and stammering, trying to explain his actions. This snapped Arthur back to the present.

Arthur wiped his face of any emotion at all, including anger or confusion. "You will have a trial in 3 days. Until then, you will stay in the dungeons on a prisoner's rations. No one will be allowed to see you except to bring you food and water-" Merlin began to protest, but Arthur stared him down and threateningly he said "Be thankful that I am giving you a chance to explain yourself, but don't get your hopes up." Arthur paused, not sure if he wanted to say anything else, or if he would end up just feeling badly for his ex-friend.

Merlin got up on wobbly legs and didn't say a word. He didn't protest as Arthur called the guards, he didn't resist them; he didn't even use his magic to try to escape. He simply sat in his cell for three days awaiting his judgment.

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Arthur was dumbfounded. Usually there was a struggle from the prisoners, usually they would try to escape or try to plead with Arthur or the guards to let them go, but not Merlin. Merlin had tried none of this. Heck he didn't even use his magic to heal himself. Arthur didn't even know if he could do that. Could Merlin heal himself with magic? Why hadn't he already if he could? Because of you, idiot. Arthur was exasperated with himself He didn't want to you to find out, stupid. That's why. He wanted you to pity him, to think he was weak. This was his plan all along. He thought that if you thought he was weak, and then you would be focused on him and not Morgana, you also wouldn't be thinking that he was the mastermind behind the whole thing. He hadn't told Morgana about his whole plan. Merlin wanted the crown for himself and he needed Morgana as a distraction so that he could take her out later and take the throne for himself. It made a bit of sense, except for one part. Why hadn't he just killed Arthur later? To make it look like an accident of course! He needed the people to trust him, but he is not the rightful heir to the throne, so that wouldn't work. How did he expect to rule the kingdom? Why hadn't he attempted this a few years ago? Then Arthur remembered how Morgana had become queen a year ago, but only for a few weeks. That's how she must've known where we were hiding. Everything made sense now. But what about those times that Merlin was missing in battle and then he came back, clearly exhausted, but not a scratch on him? How about those times? What was he doing then? He couldn't have been working for the enemy, because Arthur and his knights could have never won against sorcery. But you have before. Gah! Arthur didn't know what to think. So many different possibilities. He wanted to bring Merlin's trial forward but he had to remain stable and he could not appear anxious or weak in front of his people. He would just have to wait.

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Merlin knew this day would come. He just hoped it would turn out differently. He knew that Arthur would try his best to be fair with Merlin, but there was always the possibility that Arthur didn't believe him and that he would make the decision to kill him. Merlin didn't expect anything less than banishment, to be honest. And he really didn't expect Arthur to care anymore. He didn't expect him to see Merlin as a friend anymore, because Merlin knew that in Arthur's eyes, he was an evil sorcerer who had betrayed his trust for 5 years. Merlin knew that things could never be the same between them. Merlin didn't understand one thing, and it was the only thing that really gave him hope. Sure he had hope that deep down Arthur would understand, but with everything that Arthur had seen, all of the evil magic that Arthur had seen, Merlin didn't know if one man, even his best friend, could change his mind about it.

But what gave Merlin hope was the prophecy. The prophecy, as far as Merlin knew, had not been fulfilled yet. Merlin knew that the prophecy had to be fulfilled in order for his destiny to be complete. Merlin figured he couldn't complete his destiny if he was dead. This is what kept Merlin from going insane in those three days of solitude. They wouldn't even let Gaius down to the dungeons to treat Merlin's wounds. By the time Merlin got back out he had a fever again, but nothing was infected. This made it difficult to walk to the throne room where Arthur was prepared to listen to what Merlin had to say before making his final judgment three days after that. After his trial, Merlin would be allowed visitors, because he didn't know his final judgment yet, but Arthur didn't want anyone else getting caught in Merlin's web of lies before hand. Once Arthur had listened to Merlin he would contemplate what he said and make judgment of death, banishment, or to let Merlin stay in Camelot, but the last was the least likely. But Merlin could still hope.

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When Merlin was hauled out of his cell, shivering and legs weak, he half expected to be led out to the courtyard and have his head chopped off right then and right there, but he knew that no matter who the prisoner was, Arthur would give him a fair trial. Or at least as fair as it could get.

The guards unlocked his cell and they each grabbed an arm and hauled him to his feet. Merlin stumbled and tried to walk but the guards pretty much ended up dragging him up the stairs, which gave him lots of bruises on his knees and shins, but Merlin didn't even notice. His fever made him shiver a lot and he was freezing cold one minute and he felt like he was on fire the next. Merlin tried to look brave and strong when he was guided into the throne room but he utterly and miserably failed. Arthur had the decency to be at least a little concerned for Merlin. He wouldn't have been if he had not seen Merlin's fever, and he was glad that he could at least get some treatment now from Gaius. You're glad he'll get treatment? How could you be worried for this...this...thing? A little voice in the back of Arthur's head did not approve of Arthur's thoughts. Arthur couldn't help feeling a bit worried for him, he had known the man for 5 years and had grown attached in a way. Unfortunately he had to learn to let go of attachments, just like his father had taught him. But he did have to try to give him a fair trial. Speaking of...

Arthur cleared his throat "Merlin of Ealdor, you are charged with the treacherous crime of sorcery. Do you deny this?"

Merlin kept his head hung low, and said in a small voice "No, sire." Nobody mistook it for shame, but for lack of energy. Especially Gaius knew that Merlin was not ashamed of what he was. He had not chosen this. Magic chose him.

Arthur knew that much. He knew Merlin practiced magic, but it would've made things a lot harder if he had answered no. "When did you begin studying magic?"

This time Merlin looked up at Arthur "I never studied magic, sire."

Arthur scoffed "Don't be ridiculous, anyone who wants to practice magic must study it. Everyone knows that. If you did not study magic you could not practice it." It definitely made sense in Arthur's mind, but what Merlin said next Arthur thought impossible.

"I was born with magic sire. I did not choose magic, magic chose me." Merlin stated it as if he had said the grass was green or the sky was blue. Arthur didn't understand and Merlin could see it written on his face, in his creased forehead and in his eyes, which shimmered with misunderstanding.

Arthur regained composure and stated confidently, "That's impossible." He turned to Gaius, becoming unsure of his answer again "Isn't it, Gaius?"

Gaius shrugged. He didn't trust himself to speak, for fear of what he would say or do.

Arthur looked back to Merlin "Assuming what you say is true, why did you come to Camelot?"

"I was unable to control my powers very well, so my mother sent me here to seek guidance. She sent me to live with someone who she believed could help me."

Arthur stared at Merlin. This was unbelievable. How could this happen? Someone born with magic? Impossible! But Morgana was, wasn't she? That's what Gaius had told Arthur. What had he called her? A seer? And a high priestess? They had to be born with magic, but Merlin was neither of those things as far as Arthur knew. "Who were you sent to live with?"

Merlin hesitated. "A family member, sire."

Arthur rolled his eyes "A name, Merlin."

Merlin shifted his weight between his feet "I'm sorry I cannot say, sire. Not until I know that it is safe for them and they will not be punished for consorting with a sorcerer. I need to be promised their safety."

Arthur nodded his head. "Fine, they will not be harmed or punished."

Merlin sighed, relieved "I was sent to live with my uncle, Gaius."

Arthur was shocked. He thought Gaius had just taken the boy in to be his apprentice until he got his job as Arthur's manservant. "I see." This was Arthur's only response, but that didn't worry Merlin because he knew that Arthur was an honorable man and he would keep his word that Gaius would not be punished for letting Merlin live with him, knowing that he was a sorcerer.

This information was really of no consequence to Arthur. It had nothing to do with Merlin's trial except for trust. Gaius clearly trusted Merlin; if he had any doubts about Merlin he would have voiced them to Arthur. Arthur knew Gaius his entire life. Gaius was court physician since before Arthur was born. Arthur trusted him with his life…he had to. If Gaius trusted Merlin, and Arthur trusted Gaius, then didn't that mean that Arthur should trust Merlin too?

Arthur thought about something "If you were sent here for guidance and not to kill me or my father, then what have you used your magic for?"

Merlin perked up at this question. This was one part that he had imagined in his head so many times that he was sure it would go the way he had imagined. Merlin answered honestly "For you, sire. Always and only for you." Merlin looked pained, as if he wanted to say something but wasn't sure how to. "Do you…" He looked down and paused then regained his confidence and started again. "Do you remember all those times I said I would always be there to protect you, or when I joked that you couldn't live without me?" A ghost of a smile appeared on Arthur's face and Merlin smiled sadly, remembering their friendly banter and how things could never be the same again. "I don't like to gloat or boast but Arthur I did protect you time and time again. Lancelot could vouch for me if he were still here." There was a moment of silence for the fallen knight. Merlin continued before Arthur could question him further about Lancelot. "I protected you from some threats that you didn't even know existed. I was poisoned, tortured and beaten all to keep you and Camelot safe. I could show you the scars if you wanted…" Merlin's voice died down and he looked at his feet as he finished. He wasn't really. There was so much more that he wanted to say, but it wasn't all relevant right now.

Arthur sat in disbelief. These were not the confessions of a murderer or a conspirator but of a protector and a friend. A loyal servant and citizen of Camelot. One who had countless times proven that he would lay down his life for Arthur. Arthur announced "I want to see them." Merlin looked up and understood. Arthur watched as the guards helped him take off his shirt. And Gaius helped with explaining how certain scars could have only formed from certain things. Like the burn on Merlin's chest from Nimueh and the scar from the Fomorrah, and many other occasions. Arthur stared in awe at his manservant's vast collection of scars. It was amazing how much someone you thought you knew so well could hide from you. Maybe Arthur was just too blind to see that Merlin really was a good person. He had thought the worst of him, but Merlin had laid down his life many times for Arthur and had tried many more. The dorrocha, idiot. That should be proof enough! Why would Merlin have knowingly put himself in a life and death situation and chosen death so that Arthur could live? He was the bravest, most selfless man that Arthur had the pleasure of knowing, and this trial just proved it.

Arthur cleared his throat again as the murmurs got louder and louder. They immediately stopped when they heard their king and Arthur nodded to them "I have made my decision, but I will continue to contemplate it and look over the facts. I will do my best as your king to judge you fairly and justly. If you have anything more to say you may speak freely now, but once you are gone from here your time to speak will be finished."

Merlin nodded his thanks to Arthur and simply stated "I trust you, Arthur, and I trust you will make whatever decision feels right for you and for the people of Camelot." Merlin hung his head once more, having said his piece, and Arthur motioned for the guards to take him back to his cell, having heard what he needed to hear.

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The next three days felt like no time at all. Merlin was calmly awaiting his final judgment and he was confident in what he had said to Arthur. He does trust him and Merlin knows that he will make the right decision for himself and his people and Merlin had to trust that. If Arthur chose to burn him, then so be it. That was his decision.

Many people had come to Merlin's cell to visit him. Gwaine especially. He was still on crutches but only for another week or so. He was happy to see that Merlin wasn't anxious, but Gwaine was. He wasn't sure that Arthur wouldn't burn Merlin. He said that he would personally introduce Arthur to his fist and maybe his sword if he laid a finger on Merlin…or a torch. Gwaine was furious that Arthur had even put him on trial, he thought he should have known that Merlin was loyal to Arthur no matter what, but Merlin knew better than to think this way. He also knew better than to stop Gwaine from saying these things. Venting to Merlin was the only thing keeping him from saying them to Arthur.

Besides Gwaine, Gwen, Leon, Gaius, Percival, and Elyan had come to visit him. They had all said that they believed that he would not be seen as guilty, but if he was they would do anything to protect him. The knights had also said that Arthur was an idiot for thinking that Merlin was anything other than loyal to him. Merlin had tried to tell them that they really shouldn't speak of the king in this way, but this only made them more upset.

Merlin was led up the familiar pathway from the cells to the throne room. Arthur was dressed as he usually was; nothing special as if this was a nuisance; it was almost as if he didn't even want to be here. He didn't want anything to do with Merlin now; he just wanted to get it over with. Arthur began again by getting everyone's attention "Merlin of Ealdor. You have been charged with the treacherous crime of sorcery. Your trial began three days past and today marks your final judgment day. If I so choose, your execution will be scheduled for three days hence and you will receive no visitors and prisoner's rations. Is this understood?"

Merlin simply nodded his head, keeping his mouth in a small line as he looked up at Arthur. He was afraid to speak, to move, to do anything for fear that he would incriminate himself. He was anxious that Arthur would only see him as a monster and that he would have him burnt. He was not afraid of death, no if anything he would get to be with Freya again and this gave him joy. No. He was afraid of how Arthur would blame himself when he realized his mistake. Merlin was afraid that Arthur would blame himself for doing what he had believed to be the right thing, and Merlin didn't want Arthur to do that. Merlin didn't want Arthur to blame himself for Merlin's mistakes.

Arthur continued. "I have made my decision. I have weighed my options carefully. I did not want to have to do this Merlin, but you gave me no choice."

Merlin was looking at his feet, unmoving, but breathing heavily in anticipation. He knew what was coming and he couldn't stop Arthur from doing it.

"I guess I'll just have to put up with you for a while longer." Arthur smiled. He knew he had made the right decision when Merlin looked up, big blue eyes and all with a single tear streaming down his face. Merlin looked so innocent and Arthur wondered how he could have ever doubted him.

Merlin waited for a second just to make sure "So I'm not to be burned?"

"No."

"You're not going to kill me?"

"No."

"You're not going to-"

Arthur had gotten up and started to walk towards Merlin "Merlin," He said softly "I know that you lied to me, and I know why. You told me many times as a prince that I would make a great king, and what kind of king would I be if I turned my back on the one person who has always been there for me? What kind of king would I be if I killed my best friend?" Arthur paused. "I think I'd be a pretty lousy one." He chuckled and so did Merlin in the midst of his sobs.

Merlin sighed, relieved and started to cry. He wasn't sure why he was, but the tears just came and they didn't stop. Arthur took another step forward and hugged Merlin. Arthur had only ever hugged Merlin once before, but that was different, that time Arthur didn't know all of Merlin and this time he did. This was Arthur's way of saying that he accepted Merlin; magic and all, and that was all that Merlin needed.

A/N: Thanks so much for reading! I hope you enjoyed it! Still review please and tell me what you thought and if you think I should make a sequel. I was thinking maybe something about Merlin being Court Sorcerer and something with a neighboring kingdom. That might be a completely different fic but I might also bring in some aspects of this one into it. Still deciding but tell me what you think. Thanks again and have a blessed day!