The next morning Arthur spoke to Percival and made sure they were aware of the restrictions he had put on Merlin. Then he went to the council meeting where the new treaty was being discussed. He would have preferred to keep away but realised he needed to know just what his father would be agreeing to.

Before the meeting started the two kings had a private meeting where they discussed matters they had no intention of making more common knowledge. "Such a pity Uther that your son got himself tangled up, I had hopes of my daughter as well you know" Sarrum looked at Uther his face giving nothing away "We could have had a very productive treaty with such a match, I know you wanted the mining rights I have at the warren."

Uther grimaced, it was true he needed the iron ore that he would have got from such a match. Once more he cursed his son for his stubbornness that had made Camelot's bargaining position at such a disadvantage. Amata was rich in Iron deposits something Camelot was short of. Uther was well aware he was losing control of his son. "He wanted his soul mate, if he hadn't have found him the match would have happened. I told Arthur the ball was his last chance it was a pity he met his soul mate there."

"Are you fond of the broodmare? Arthur could keep him as long as Katerina was his wife" Sarrum asked

"No he is a nuisance and is turning my son into a sentimental sap. But Arthur is stubborn he had already hand fasted before he came back, it seems Balinor insisted. Something I regret, the omega is at least fertile. I'm sorry I had hoped for the match" Uther hoped he could still get the mining rights but knew he had little chance now and he couldn't risk upsetting the King of Powys by treating his precious son so.

"If anything happens, he is after all very young and childbirth is dangerous…" Sarrum left his comment open ended

"If that were the case, he is as you say still very young, Arthur would not agree, much as I might wish it" Uther said "I know my son, he's a true Pendragon once his mind is made up there is no turning him. But I will bear in mind what you say" Uther would like nothing better, perhaps if the omega was to die in childbirth he might be able to convince his son, but that was a long shot. He made sure that his views were clear after all he might be able to get the Amata King to do the dirty work for him, if he felt he would gain enough by it, and a port would certainly be a worthwhile incentive. Uther just needed to make sure nothing could be traced back to him or he would lose his son's loyalty forever.

"Well in that case let's get to the negotiations, I will get my councillors and meet you in the council chambers. We have much to discuss" Sarrum said dropping the subject, he knew all he needed to.

Sarrum left Uther and went to his chambers, he needed the deal with Uther, he had more iron then he would ever need but he was short of a port, being an inland kingdom, he would get what he needed. Before going down to the meeting he called in Albin his best and most loyal knight "Do what you need to, I want the Powys omega out of the way, before we leave, an accident mind, not traceable to us"

Albin nodded and grinned "You can rely on me Sire"

The negotiations were taking a long time King Sarrum had been in Camelot for week and still no sign of a break through. They decided on a break Sarrum was fed up with sitting day after day and wanted some action and so Uther suggested they go on a hunt. Which as Crown Prince it fell on Arthur to arrange. He was also expected to go. He wasn't happy but had no choice. They would set out early in the morning and be gone most of the day. Again Uther would be going as well as King Sarrum, but only for the day this time.

Merlin wasn't happy but realised at least then he would be able to get outside for some fresh air. Morgana was equally fed up with the restrictions the alphas had insisted on. So as soon as the party set of on the hunt the two omegas made their plans. With Gwaine still with Elena he wasn't about but Merlin still had Percival and Lancelot and as soon as Merlin was up he got Will to help him have a bath and have breakfast. George had gone with the hunting party.

He had barely finished when Morgana, Gwen, Freya and Sefa arrived at his chambers. They were going to have a picnic in the gardens. Elyan and Leon had gone with the hunting party so Percival and Lancelot had arranged for three other beta knights to go with them. They intended to take no chances. Merlin had been getting pains as his body got used to carrying his growing child and when he had got up that morning he had felt a bit dizzy but not enough to stop him going out. He was sick of being indoors. They weren't going far as Morgana was also feeling tired. The group made their way to the main stair case when Merlin felt dizzy once more. Percival noticed the moment Merlin leant against the wall, and went to his side.

"Merlin are you all right?"

"Just a bit dizzy, don't worry Gaius knows it's happening, I'll feel better once I'm outside" Merlin reassured him. "Just give me a moment"

The rest of the group continued leaving Merlin with Percival and Lancelot. Merlin soon recovered and taking the knight's arm each side he went down the stairs, they weren't taking any chances with the Prince's safety. The group had a nice picnic in the gardens, two chairs having been carried down for the two pregnant omegas. They enjoyed the sunshine and fresh air and the smells from the physic gardens and the herbs made for a very pleasant few hours. Morgana and Merlin had been getting bored with being indoors even with the plans for the nursery. While confined to their quarters Merlin had also been talking to Morgana about her dreams. Morgana was a seer but her bangle made her dreams very blurred and unreliable, and she wanted to know what it would be like without the suppression. Merlin admitted he wasn't a seer but he also told her privately that Arthur intended to remove the suppressors once he was King and Merlin promised when the time came to ask for help from Powys for Morgana and any of the other omegas that needed it. Although Merlin felt guilty not telling Morgana his bangle was false the two had become increasingly close as their pregnancy's had progressed. Now in the sunshine with the other omegas the two of them felt freer than they had for days. Merlin went up to his chambers earlier than the others, with the two knights, to rest as he was feeling tired.

"Will I won't need you I am going to lie down you stay and help here" Merlin didn't want to ruin everybody else's fun. Once in his chambers he led on the bed. He hadn't been led down for long before the pressure of the baby on his bladder forced him to get up to use the pot.

Out in the forest the hunt was in full swing. They were some distance from the castle and had split into groups and were moving through the forest the squires and servants acting as beaters to drive the animals towards where the knights and two Kings were waiting. Arthur was with his father and King Sarrum as was Albin. The as the game came towards them the chase was on. Arthur and Albin went towards a wild boar their pig sticks at the ready. Arthur was quicker and made the first kill. They continued until after midday before stopping for a drink and to allow the beaters to get into position once more. Arthur went round the men to make sure all was well and spent some time talking to Leon. The two men had much in common with their pregnant omegas and had been comparing notes on the mood changes and other joys. After a break of an hour Arthur went to find the Kings once more. Albin had been round checking the knights from Amata and arrived back a few minutes later than Arthur.

After a very productive hunt the group started to make their way back to the castle with a couple of wagons carrying their kills behind them. The beasts had been shinned and cut up. The best meat would go to the castle kitchens and the poorer cuts distributed to the poor in the lower town. All the hinds and pelts would go to the tanners to be cured and returned to the castle. Very little would go to waste. There would be a good feast later that night.

As the group made their way back there was a great deal of hilarity and laughter between the two groups and even Arthur found himself chatting to Albin on the way back. He had felt the man as cold and heartless as his King, but during the day he had formed something of a bond with the other man. He had like Arthur used his break at lunchtime to check his men rather than sitting resting, he couldn't be all bad. As the riders neared the castle they were met by a beta knight. Who was looking for Arthur, when he found him he stopped and waited permission to speak.

"Sire You are needed at Camelot, Prince Merlin has had an accident"