Merlin soon settled down to some sort of routine and started to gain a bit of weight, thanks in the main to Audrey who was always sending treats up from the kitchen. In the end both Arthur and Gwen complained he was eating better than they were.

Two weeks after Mithian had returned home a messenger arrived from her father. Arthur saw the man in his chambers and then arranged for him to stay until a reply could be sent. Arthur then called Merlin for a discussion.

"Merlin I have received an interesting proposal from King Rodor of Nemeth, he suggests a match between you and Mithian. It seems he suggested it to her but she felt your heart lay elsewhere. Now I thought I'd put it to you." Arthur looked at his Court Warlock with fondness. "You deserve happiness Merlin."

"I won't leave you Arthur I told the Princess that." Merlin blushed, feeling uncomfortable "I am well below her in standing it would be inappropriate."

"Nonsense Merlin, if the King is happy with your status you needn't worry. Anyway you're no longer a servant but my chief advisor. "Do you want to marry Mithian?"

"I hadn't truly given it any thought, she said she thought I had feeling for another but wouldn't tell me who." Merlin confessed.

"You have caused some gossip Merlin, a young man with no attachments always does, especially if he is close to the King. Look Merlin I won't pressure you one way or the other. King Rodor is happy for you to stay at Camelot with Mithian if you wed, and for Nimeth to come under my rule until such times as any issue comes of age to rule." Arthur paused not sure how to go on. "Merlin you cannot mourn Freya forever, she wouldn't have wanted it."

Merlin shifted in his seat all this talk of marriage was making him uncomfortable. "Arthur what do you advise?"

"I won't advise on matters of the heart, especially to you Merlin, you know I think of you as closer than a brother. Give it some thought; I want you to be happy, to have someone by your side. But don't feel forced into anything. Would you like Mithian to come to stay again so you can get to know one another better?"

"I don't know. Why do things have to change, I'm happy as I am." Merlin looked confused.

"But are you Merlin? Don't you ever feel lonely and want more from life? a family perhaps." Arthur asked. His two boys had made so much difference to his life.

Merlin stood up and went to the window. "I often think about what would have happened if Freya were here now, we would have been happy, but with someone else…I don't know and that's the truth." Merlin looked at Arthur his eyes moist. "Do what you think best Arthur, I can't make that decision." Merlin walked out the room.

Arthur sat there thinking and was unsure what to do. He decided to ask Guinevere what she thought, so he went to find her. His Queen was with the children and he sat with her and she soon realised her husband had something on his mind.

"What is bothering you Arthur?"

"I have received a proposal from Nimeth, King Rodor wants Merlin to marry his daughter, and he has even said he is happy for the couple to live here. I've spoke to Merlin and he wants me to make the decision for him. I think he feels he would be betraying Freya."

"Oh, and what do you think?" Gwen asked

"I want him to be happy, to have someone, he deserves it." Arthur was torn.

"And you think that person is Mithian? Do you think he loves her?" Gwen was surprised they were having this conversation.

"She's a kind and gentle soul; she would be good for him."

"Yes, but does he love her. Or is there someone else?" Gwen hinted.

"Someone else? Who? What have I missed?" now Arthur was truly puzzled.

"Oh Arthur, are you as blind as he is…. Gwaine."

"Gwaine! And Merlin! But they're like brothers, no you're joking. Anyway they're both men." Arthur insisted.

"And men can't love one another? Look at them together Arthur. I don't think they realise it yet." Gwen gently explained.

"I'm sorry Gwen you're wrong on that one. Gwaine sees Merlin as a kid brother nothing else. No you're defiantly wrong."

"Why don't you ask them? As I said I don't think they realise it yet." With that the two boys started to get bored they wanted their mother to play with them. Arthur left more confused than ever.