Thanks for all your support. A short chapter but more action in next one.

...

Balinor tried to get his head around what he had seen and heard in the end he decided that he would treat both young men as if they were the same, he could see no other course of action. He had to trust destiny and fate.

Merlin explained the best he could the relationship between King Arthur and his warlock. The fact that they had been a similar age with Merlin the slightly younger and that Merlin had been a servant until near the end when Merlin finally confessed his magic. But Arthur couldn't help but feel through his sense of King Arthur that they both would have wanted more if it had been possible.

"Might I suggest Prince Arthur that you return to your rooms and say nothing of this, if questioned just say Merlin wanted to see you, the nearer we keep to the truth the better." The King looked at his son "And you…rest you have a long night ahead of you."

Merlin and Arthur did as they were bid. Soon it was time for the banquet that was being held to celebrate Crown Prince Merlin's birthday and investiture. After the banquet there was a ball. It became apparent to everyone that Merlin and Prince Arthur were becoming closer as the evening progressed. They had decided that this shouldn't be too obvious but appear a gradual process. So Merlin dance with several of his other guests including the Princess Morgana. True to form she couldn't help but remark on how friendly Merlin seemed to be with her brother.

"We had known each other for some time Morgana, of course we are friends, just as I am friends with you"

"Oh no it's more than that I can tell, just be careful Merlin I wouldn't want to see you hurt and my brother is quite a heartbreaker." ,Morgana cautioned, she knew her father's plans for the couple and hoped that Arthur wasn't going to listen to him.

"I will be, but really we are just friends." Merlin insisted, but not realising he had blushed slightly as he said it.

Morgana made sure to dance with her brother soon after "Arthur don't do it"

Arthur looked at his sister "Don't do what?" he demanded

"I know what father wants you to do, please don't Merlin is to kind and gentle a person let him find someone who really loves him for who he is" Morgana pleaded.

Arthur looked at his sister "I have told Merlin what father wanted me to do, I told him when he was in London. If there is anything between us it is because we both want it to be nothing else." Arthur kept his voice low so no one else could overhear.

"And is there?" Morgana persisted

"I think so, but it is early days yet, don't worry I won't let father push me into anything." With that he left her side and went to dance with someone else.

The evening went well and it was midmorning before people started to emerge from their rooms. The King and Queen had arranged trips around the island for those interested or other entertainments near the palace. Merlin was with the group that wanted to see how Essetir managed its resources and energy needs. Arthur and Morgana went with him as did Gwaine and most of the younger group. Morgana was impressed at just how persuasive he was and how he was so much more confident than he had been in London and on her previous visit. Arthur knew that some of Merlin's new found confidence was the power running through him. Arthur could feel it even without touching him. When they did touch it was like an electrical charge. He knew no one else felt it but for the life of him couldn't understand why.

Arthur wanted nothing more than to get Merlin alone. The sense of King Arthur he carried with him gave him a deep longing to be near and with Merlin. It was as if he could feel Merlin's energy and mood without the need to talk. Once they were back in the castle Arthur snuck away from the others and made his way to Merlin's rooms. There he found Merlin changing from the more casual dress he had worn for the trip back into more formal wear. After being let into the rooms by William Arthur walked up to Merlin and put his arms round the younger man.

"This feels so right" he murmured. "You belong here in my arms"

Merlin gave his a grin "I agree but for now we must be careful. Far better that we have a 'courtship' I feel it important that Nimueh at least doesn't realise what has happened. I thinks she suspects something but as she has no magic she is unsure. Others on the council also need to be kept in the dark for now." He twisted out of Arthur's arms. "What of your father? You do realise that if we do marry you will be my consort not joint ruler. No matter what our past. The constitution allows for nothing else." Merlin sounded worried. "Part of me, the warlock part, wants you as my King, but although you may be the King of my heart that's all it can be"

Arthur smiled "My father can put up with it. He will believe what he wants to anyway. No you are their future King I know that, I also know that you will listen to me and make whatever decision you feel right for your people. I would have it no other way. Don't worry you won't emasculate me"

Merlin looked horrified "I have no intention of doing any such thing. From what I see our job will not be just this island but convincing the rest of the world to follow. I also know that you are the motivator, you will be the driving force for change outside this small island. Please Arthur never feel I would make you feel less important than you are. I just wanted you to understand. You are and always have been my King" his voice changed as if he was talking from deep within his memories "I am happy to serve you until I die my liege"

Arthur pulled Merlin towards him. "This time we are true partners Merlin, we should have been last time, this time we will get it right." With that he kissed Merlin gently. "Together, and I won't wait forever to have the right to hold you and be with you as one"

"As soon as we can. But until then we must make the most of what time we do get. Have you told Morgana anything?" Merlin looked into Arthur's eyes.

"Not yet. I hope this time we can be on the same side. I realise now how many of the others are here with us, will they know?" Arthur asked

"I don't think so" Merlin admitted "But we find out I suppose. I hope not in a way. Merlin killed Nimueh and Morgana last time and I don't want to kill anyone, or be responsible for their deaths. This time we know who we are, let's hope that is enough…Morgana doesn't get nightmares does she?"

"Not that I know of, and what's more she will be Queen this time without having to kill me to get it. Mind you Uther is still partly in character even though my mother lived through childbirth. He still wants to control everything."

Merlin put his head on Arthur's shoulder "I wish we could have met without all this expectation on us. I know that last time Merlin found his destiny a hard task master. I have always know I had expectation on me. It's strange having his memories, almost like he is me, even though I know he is not. My parents tried to allow me a childhood but having been born with magic they knew my life would not be simple."

"This time I know from the beginning. You are not alone, but I know what you mean. Their lives were so different that how history depicts them. But remember this is our lives not theirs."