'Arthur, I know this is a lot to take in, so basically I'm just going to talk and tell you as much about it as I can and if you want me to stop then just say so, and if you want to ask me
something then just interrupt me, I won't mind. I promise'. The King nodded slightly, still curled up over the edge of the bed as if he might be sick at any minute. Forcing the thought of
Arthurs possibly repulsion to the back of his head, he sat down and talked. He told him about his mother, his friends, Will. His wrenched heart twisted painfully at Arthurs instinctive
glance at Merlin when he reached Will's sacrifice. There was accusation in there. A lie. A good friend. But he carried on anyway; 'Do you remember, um, the druid girl, a few years ago.'
Forcing his eyes upward, and swallowing hard he said painfully 'the girl with, with the curse. The one that escaped…' When Arthur gave no sign of recognition, he forced out 'the
beast that you slayed in the courtyard after the gargoyle fell…yeah, her. You, er, you definetly killed her. I know that. I held her in my arms as she died. I saved her from the slave
trader. I fed her. I loved her. I held her' another glance, this time, a tiny spark of pity echoing in the dark irises.
Arthur spoke, sounding for all the world as if he'd never spoken in his life, or he'd been silenced for many years, but the words he said were all new to Merlin; 'I killed her?' Looking at
Arthur carefully he nodded. 'And…that's why you were quiet. You were all funny and sad. You wanted to clean my boots three days in a row. You volunteered to muck out the stables.
You stole Morgana's dress…' 'Yes' was all he could say. Another pause before 'go on'. He took a deep breath and said 'She wasn't the only one. Her, Will, Balinor.' This time Merlin
glanced to Arthur, gauging his reaction carefully. 'The dragonlord who died. Who died saving my life when we were attacked. Before we left, Gaius came to speak to me about him.'
Giving a watery laugh, he said 'he's my father! He was my father.' The dead voice of Arthur rang out again 'I told you not to cry' Shaking his head softly at him, he said quietly 'you
didn't know. It's alright. I blame you for nothing.' Having already decided that Arthur had received enough shock for one day, Morgana and Aithusa and Kilarggh could wait for another
day. He couldn't think about them anymore today. Too much guilt. Too many scars.
Arthur suddenly sat up on the edge of the bed and stretched, before walking stiffly over to the window, watching the setting sun over the hills. Tentively, Merlin stood up behind him
and said 'Sire, it's getting late. Do you wish me to continue talking or…' 'No. We can talk tomorrow, I just…I need to think. You're dismissed' The boy nodded, backing away from the
King and towards to door. He'd not quite placed a hand on the door knob when Arthur called after him; 'why?'. He turned round slowly and asked 'why what?' Still staring
determinedly outside, Arthur continued quietly 'why didn't you tell me? I understand that whilst my father reigned, there was no chance of your safety, but I'm the King, Merlin. You
know every inch of my life. You know everything and everyone I've ever faced, and you've probably saved me from about half of them. I've risked my life for you. I'd probably still risk
my life you, and I know you'd do the same. You should've told me.' 'Arthur, I…' 'No. You should've told me'. Conversation closed. Nothing more to be said.
Yeah, ok I know this chapter was really short...Don't hate me! I'm just very tired and am literally writing this as I upload them at 1:18 in the morning! The things I do for you lot :p Anyhoo, if you are actually reading this then THANK YOU SO MUCH! I didn't actually expect anyone to read this at all so I'm really touched that people have actually alerted it and stuff :) Ok so beddy byes...na night xxx