It was clear from Arthur's energy and aggression in training that something was up with the Prince, so he was paired up with Percival and Gwaine. They really were the only two who could handle him in that frame of mind. Percival made no comment, but there seemed to be some exchange between Gwaine and the Prat, who was in full redirecting rage form. Merlin couldn't hear from where he was standing, and he was sure no one was intended to.

He was amazed that they came off the field without any broken bones by the end, but they all seemed calmer. Arthur shoved he helmet and gauntlets at Merlin, "Come on, My chambers, I've council to prepare for, they won't appreciate the mud."
"Yeah. Or blood."

"Nothing fatal. Or dangerous. Gwaine might hurt the physician, and you don't have any spare time."

"I'm not going to cancel tonight Arthur, especially not if I'm not having to try and sneak out without you not noticing."

"I didn't tell you to."

He followed the prat up to his rooms, trying to order which things needed done first, without preventing him from doing his official jobs.

Once the heavy door swung shut behind them Merlin got to unbuckling the prince's plate armour waiting for him to break the silence.

"I want to bring Gwaine in, we're still working with half a picture each, it's inefficient. You need him for practical lessons I don't have time to give, even if I could be seen to be training a servant properly, which I can't. Lord Geoffrey has an excuse for spending time with me to prepare me further for kingship in the ways my father is currently unable to, and my father was known to consult him, making it less suspicious. Slightly. If my uncle had survived Morgana he'd likely have been admitted without challenge to the council."

Personally Merlin thought that the royals should just stop doing that, it always seemed to be other family members who wanted to bring them down. There was a long history of it. Any family member should just be generally regarded with suspicion, but what did he know. Maybe it was one of the things that the other class just didn't get, like trying to explain to Lords why a field had to lie fallow and be 'unproductive'.

"You'll be taking a seat at the round table, I don't have to explain why to anyone, I'm the crown Prince."

"You could just ask you know. People respond better to being asked. What if I don't really fancy it?"
"You don't get a choice, Merlin." This time though, Arthur was smiling.

"Before he arrives, what does Gwaine actually know?" Arthur ran a hand through sweaty hair.

"A lot more than I ever expected him to. Might be clearer later."
"Alright. He knows I'm a Dragonlord. He suspected some things before, but not that. Percival does not."
"What about Lancelot?"
Merlin's friend was brilliant but his sense of honour created problems for a man like Merlin from time to time. "Lance is a terrible liar. Small scale is not what you are attempting here Arthur."

Finishing removing it all Merlin wondered how Arthur couldn't seem to acknowledge that what he was discussing was little less than a coup.

Sure, they weren't planning to kill the king, like Morgana had, but that aside, it was pretty similar. Merlin had no qualms about it though. Before the Gaius thing, he probably would have been reluctant, but how much of that would have been protecting Arthur's feelings? That… that had been him not wanting to see a friend hurt, not anything to do with his purpose, or protecting Arthur. Stopping him from committing regicide was just sensible, but the rest… How much of his own maturing had been shaped by unpleasant, painful, or morally complex situations. Merlin thought he was helping his friend, but what if he'd been delaying the emergence of someone ready to take the kingship? There were no clear answers, and no one he could trust to ask anymore.

He groaned, the frustration he felt doubling when he turned around to see Lachlan.

"What are you doing here? You should have to wear a bell."

"Nah, jewellery was always terribly impractical around dragons, besides, how would you even kill a bell to have one I could wear. I just wanted to check I was right; you took a big risk telling him."

"No bigger than not saying anything really." Merlin lowered his voice.

"Merlin. What are you doing talking to empty air? That's weird even for you."

"Uhm, talking to one of the ghosts, ask Gwaine, he's met the pretty one, this isn't her."

"I'm hurt Merlin, you don't think I'm pretty?"

"No. Not even if you wore satin ribbons in your beard, and those wouldn't be any easier to change than a bell to hanging around your neck, you creepy ass."

Arthur's face twisted, "I'm not going to ask Merlin, Please don't tell me."

"Didn't intend to, Arthur. So can I assume you are planning the same shit as last time?"

"Absolutely. Next one though I'll just stand silently and glare accusingly at him across the table."

Merlin winced, "You heard what I said, huh?"
The dead man inclined his head, "I'm rather impressed actually. Didn't think you'd go for that. I hoped though."
Merlin looked down before meeting the man's gaze again, "I'm not proud of it Lachlan. I just-so many. SO many."

The response was quiet, "I know, I was there. I didn't anticipate what happened the other night you know. It never usually works that way."
"No, I needed the push to demand the truth from some people, and a push, I'd got… comfortable, if one ever can be comfortable living under constant expectation of being executed. I probably owe you thanks, or something."

"You're Emrys, Merlin. You owe me nothing. If you feel it though, just tell Kilgarrah I am glad he is finally free."

"I will. He helped."
The ghost snorted, "Then he's mellowed. He was always bloody enigmatic when I knew him."
Merlin snorted, "Oh no, he's still that, but he's…"

"Yeah. I know. He'll never be human you know; but if you take them as they are, dragons are better almost every time. Well, see you in the council, got to be there to meet my hauntee."

"This doesn't get less weird you know." Merlin called after him.

"Give it time." Came the reply.

Shit. Like he needed to think about that. Ever.

Merlin rolled his eyes, returning his focus to Arthur, who had his arms folded and was looking at Merlin as if expecting a sensible explanation, which would be so much easier if he had one.

"He's gone. I don't exactly invite them, they just started turning up one night when one got lost."

"Lost." Arthur deadpanned.
"Well yeah, she hadn't been to that part of the castle for a long time."

"And she went to you for directions." Arthur sounded as though he had very little faith in Merlin's ability to find his way. Probably because he had claimed 'getting lost' so often. He almost never was, but he couldn't exactly explain it. Not then.

"Not many people can see them, not easily anyway."

"Why can you?" The prince appeared serious, so Merlin didn't try to make something up; he really was trying to fight against a lifetime of training.

"I don't know Arthur, there's about four possibilities. I'll tell you when I work it out if you like?"

"You do that." Arthur said, giving his servant an odd look.

Merlin dropped his gaze to the armour he'd need to deal with later, "Please don't do that Arthur. I haven't changed."

Arthur sighed, "I know. It's just strange seeing you like this. Realising how much I was missing going on around me, it's not a comfortable feeling Merlin. Neither is realising that certain people have played me for a fool for a long time, and before you deny things I realise you didn't intend to. You did anyway, and others knew what they were doing, and Merlin, you were played as well. My kingdom has not come crashing down about us, but the illusions of it have. Camelot is not what I was taught, and it never was. There has been a conscious effort to disguise many things. Now I have to go and lead a council, wondering which are trying to hasten our end, which are equally deceived as I was. Gaius and Lord Geoffrey will be there with Uther, and I can't show my changed stance yet. You are used to this double life and deception. To me it feels wrong and oppressive."
"What makes you think it was less oppressive for me, and any others out there sire, I can walk into almost any room, knowing most in it would kill me without a second thought if they knew the truth about me. So I hide a core part of myself, smile politely, and serve them, daily. And when they are attacked by those seeking vengeance, I stand in the breech, because no one else will, and they don't realise. Each victim had parents, or children, or friends. The cracks spread. Every victim here has the same. I want the death to stop. The hate. The cycle. It's crazy, but Morgana and I want the same thing ultimately, just in different ways. I trusted you. She is still ruled now by fear, and she wants revenge."

"Why don't you?"

Merlin pressed palms to his face, "That is a question we do not have time to answer before council. Ask me later, otherwise your meeting won't work."

Gwaine hadn't been particularly surprised by Arthur's command to attend him later, but he hadn't immediately assumed that the meeting would include Merlin- even if in his opinion it should. Clearly they had been talking since whatever happened with Merlin and Gaius, but how many of the details had been exchanged and what hadn't would be a fine line to walk with the lack of opportunity for clarification first, which was either intentional, or the Princess being his usual impetuous self. It was difficult to tell. With the cracks in Uther's hold over Arthur, his trust shaken by the revelations of Morgana, he was questioning other things. What the knights couldn't allow to happen was for those to be weaknesses for self doubt.

One of Arthur's strengths was his willingness to trust. To honour agreements.

One of his biggest weaknesses was that same willingness to trust. It had been taken advantage of before, and would be again. Gwaine was a cynic.

Neither he, nor Merlin had had the luxury of trusting anyone. Enough that Merlin made it through a truth spell. He could easily believe that Merlin would have continued to hide for years, but he really couldn't imagine a time without the man being honest where magic would not be perceived as a threat.

Percival had been silent about what passed between them and Gwaine had accepted that without question, but whatever it was he knew Percy was a vault as tight as the archivist.

The council meeting went about as well as could be expected, the discussion of reconstruction efforts met by grumbles about expense that made Merlin want to strangle the Lords collectively for not grasping that they couldn't take gold to the next world.

Lachlan stood calmly to the side of Uther helpfully pointing out things like:

"Wouldn't it be useful if there were some of us to help rebuild, it was always so much faster."

"Oh, do you remember Ruadhan? He was just brilliant with shaping earth and stone. I think he was murdered during your first year of terror."

"Wasn't that one the wall where you first kissed Igraine?"

"I always thought it was the prince who threw his toys when angry and left them for others to clean up."

"Do you think a shield might have helped? I knew a guy who knew a guy- darn, both dead now, never mind."

"Is that glitter Uther? Why do you have glitter stuck between the slabs? You know that never comes out right?"

"You know you really shouldn't drink so much at serious meetings like this, it doesn't look good. Bad example and all that. Huh. You started with the strong stuff this time? Are you… are you having a bad day Uther?"

Merlin had to clench his hands behind him and count to prevent himself breaking protocol and storming out in front of Arthur. He had more self control than Uther at least.

The Prince looked at his tense frame and around the room. "That's the ghost you were yelling at the day things exploded, isn't it."

"Would it make a difference sire?"

Arthur sighed, shaking his head, "Probably not. Should I ask how things exploded?"

Merlin returned the gesture with a grimace, "Probably not."

It was as good a confirmation as he'd ever get.

"Then stop playing with your invisible friends and hurry up, I have things to do that are actually important, idiot."

Merlin was almost relieved, he could afford to be exposed to everyone just yet. He wasn't lying, but announcing himself unplanned wasn't ideal either, and he had managed to regain some of his usual stability. Loss of his self control was a frightening thought to him as Merlin had never actually used his full power. He could feel it just sitting there, underneath, but when he tapped in to that reserve he felt more. It wasn't something he could explain.

If Arthur stopped behaving normally with Merlin at all more questions would be asked.

It was still one of the fastest walks back without them having lost someone.

"Sit down Merlin." The servant looked at Arthur, he wasn't quite sure whether to trust the invitations offered to equals, or near equals. "Are you sure?"

"Stop asking stupid questions and sit."

"Right." Well, he wasn't about to fight that, after all, there was no guarantee of another rest until tomorrow.

"Where would you prefer to have chambers?"

"I'm sorry, what? You're asking me? Who are you and what have you done with Arthur Pendragon." Merlin feigned shock and horror, though it really wasn't so far off his past actions.

"Shut up Merlin and tell me what's more useful. Your own chamber in the tower, near to the physician's quarters, or down near the knight's quarters for… the rest?" Arthur had thought about it and neither seemed to have any huge advantage over the other.

"I don't know Arthur, didn't think there would be a choice. Both are better than living with Gaius, or getting in Gwaine's way."

Arthur arched an eyebrow, "You know I think you are less 'in the way' than you think. You still need your own place, not least to do all of your illegal things without it being seen when possible."

"Is there much difference in time between them? Guards, damn I need to work in the- near the physician's. The knights quarters are better guarded and I'm more likely to be caught wandering off."

Arthur nodded, that was simple. He liked simple. There wasn't enough of it about these days. "Alright. It'll look less strange anyway I guess. I don't suppose you're courting anyone to make it look more of a practical move?"

Merlin glowered, "Stop Arthur. No."

The Prince rolled his eyes at his servant, "Ugh, it would be simpler if you'd just take the room you're supposed to have."

"Even more no, I'd never get a break, you'd call me every hour, and there are always guards who are awake here."

"You're going to have to point out the negligent ones to me."

Merlin shrugged, "They're very useful to me."

"They'll get someone killed."

Pursing his lips Merlin considered that. "I'll think about it. To be fair I am usually in a rush and don't look at faces. Arthur if I have to sit down so do you, this can't be a one man pacing exchange."

Arthur threw himself down, face stormy. "Merlin before we left you said there wasn't time to explain why you didn't want revenge. There is time now. You have my attention Merlin."

Swallowing the man watched his king, he really did. "Alright. I am Emrys. You know this. Lord Geoffrey understood it. Emrys is a title, yes, but it is not one given out or won like 'king', or 'chief', it is one I am born to. It's only taken once, can only be for one. Emrys is the most powerful Warlock to ever live. Past. Present. Future.

That is me, Arthur. I am young, and essentially self taught. It has presented limitations, yes, but I still pulled lightning from the sky to kill Nimue on a whim, when her kill-spell should have been effective as a direct hit. You cannot have forgotten Sigan. What his spirit did... I trapped him again, but what he did, that is why Arthur. If I ever truly decided to pursue revenge- not just wanted it but chose to act on that, I could bring Albion to its knees. I wouldn't, and I hope I would never desire to. I've been tempted by vengeance, after father, after Gwen's father, after- well I guess my mother was the exception, the one time I caved. The potential though is there. Now there is only one who even comes close in power, it's extremely rare to find someone who is naturally truly powerful, though they exist. You've no need to fear there's an evil twin. There are other threats. I've always avoided trying my full strength, I don't know what would happen, and don't want to risk anyone's safety."

Arthur took a steadying breath, trying to process that, he knew exactly how he'd treated Merlin in the past, and to think that it had been Merlin allowing it. Threw things into a different light. "Yeah. I see why telling me that before council wasn't a good plan."

"No. Lord Geoffrey did well though. Just as dull as he always has been. Gaius didn't show any feelings or appear different." Merlin reflected.

The prince's bemusement showed, "They've been living this bizarre life for years now, haven't they."

Merlin paused, trying to work out how to explain to the man. "It's hard to stop after so long. I don't know how. I've never known another way Arthur. That's normal for me, Them too I think, they just know how to live a different way. I don't. This where someone knows is my odd, twisted reality where it feels like waiting for things to go back to 'normal.'"

"No, Merlin. This isn't the unnatural part." Arthur's smile dissolved, princes do do feelings with smiled, "Talking of unnatural parts, Gwaine is going to be joining us. SHould I ask how much he knows, or did he make you talk too?"

Merlin shifted awkwardly, "Talk is probably the wrong word. I showed him something hard to refute, and announced this morning before leaving that's I'm Emrys- I had reasons, I swear- and haven't spoken to him since."

Yes. Arthur was quite sure the mad pair- who should never, ever be trusted alone- were trying to kill him, mentally screaming.

Aloud he said, "Well this should be interesting."

Gwaine was a legitimate reason for midday drinking, wasn't he? Merlin with Gwaine had to be. He demanded his servant, who was a terrible servant, hand him a cup of very expensive wine, and get out mead. Aforementioned terrible servant did so… but then he had met Gwaine.

Who, while irritating, unlike Merlin, knocked and waited to be admitted to the prince's sacrosanct private space.

"Afternoon Princess." He grinned "Either I'm interrupting something, or there are more guests than just me."

He turned towards the shut door, "Should I dismiss the guards or…?"

Merlin grinned, "Don't bother Gwaine, this place has had a silencing charm over it since that one time Arthur was-"

"Anyway" Arthur glared at Merlin, "I believe the we are each on much the same page, but there really does need to be some organising, like training. With training. Gwaine, what do you know of Merlin's status?"

"So you're really going to do this then, Princess?" Gwaine quirked a brow, genuinely curious.

"Gwaine concentrate, for the love of god!"

The man huffed out "Don't get your knickers in a twist Princess."

His expression turned serious. "I know enough. He knows mine, and what I've chosen."

"So, you're in a non cooperative mood? I really don't have time to play games with you Gwaine."
The knight leaned back, "As I said, I can tell you my own secrets, not everyone else's."

Arthur groaned, deciding to rip off the poultice fast. "Right. Gwaine here is the bastard son of king Caerleon and has been voluntarily living in exile day to day for years. Merlin- How much can I share?"

Merlin cast his eyes down to the side, muttering "Everything." Arthur tried not to show his surprise, "Alright, Merlin is a Dragonlord, and apparently a Warlock who is also called Emrys.

I want to know what information you have on the Catha, for practical purposes, as Merlin needs to practice with any of their non-magic weapons. The other type are not accessible… and you're going to train him to use it, because I know you aren't only skilled with a sword, or you wouldn't have lived so long. You're good, but you're not invincible. There is to be a reshuffle of sleeping arrangements so Merlin will have his own room near the physician's but not with him, as you lot might 'catch' him sneaking out again. You have my permission to injure the idiot for accidentally leaving a power struggle behind him and general idiocy. I'm sure you'll think of plenty of reasons. I have work to do to. Geoffrey will be helpful for accessing difficult information, Gaius is… not currently involved."

Gwaine ran his hands through his hair, blowing out a long breath. "Right. That's a lot to be starting with. I, like any sane man, avoided the Catha like the plague. They are- well the best I can explain it is Druid warrior priests. They differ from the general druidic clans fundamentally in that they are not pacifists. Not prone to starting conflicts, but known well for finishing them. If you disarm one, they are still armed, and not only with magic. Even I had the sense not to get close enough to examine the weapons. Your best bet for finding weapons like that is down in the vaults, which no one really knows the contents and layout of, do they? Or was someone carefully filing them with notes as they were gathered in?"

There was silence and the sound of a frustrated prince throwing something at the wall.

Merlin leaned forward, elbows on the table, "Thanks for avoiding me with that you prat. I uh- might have a solution for getting into your guarded vaults and a layout with tripping every single thing to kill or curse you. How do you feel about using ghosts with a grudge for recon?"

Gwaine's eyes lit up, "We can do that?"

Merlin shook his head "I can do that, and pass on reports and maps to you. They can't really hold quills, or parchment."
Arthur wasn't happy, "How dangerous would it be without them?"

Merlin didn't mince his answer, he didn't need to. "For you? Very. You'd die, or be possessed, and it would be very difficult for me to fix or clean up."

Arthur looked at him piercingly, "Why would you be different Merlin?" Before he would have mocked Merlin for suggesting he might be special.

"I just am."

Gwaine observed him carefully, "Like the lightning?"

The younger man nodded tightly, "I'll ask them next time I see either of them.

The Prince folded his arms across his chest. "And you think they'll go along with this?"

"Arthur, he had one of them burned at fifteen years old, and the other executed with all but one of his kin. They'll be more than willing to help us."

Arthur considered his options. It definitely wasn't one he liked, but the others involved informing Gaius of what they were doing, and that was… complicated, or going in blind, which as Merlin had pointed out could get them killed. Lord Geoffrey might be an ally but he wasn't magical and likely couldn't identify what they needed anyway.

"Do you trust them?"

Merlin didn't hesitate, "Yes." He trusted Kilgarrah, who had called Gaius traitor; and the spirits had literally nothing to lose, and everything to gain if the Once and future King, and Emrys were to rise.

"Alright. We'll try it, but if that fails, no more ghost stories, ok." The prince looked frustrated, but they didn't have any better suggestions on the table.
"Aww, I rather like them." Gwaine smiled at his friend to take some of the sting from Arthur's clear dislike of the suggestion.

"It's the best we've got Arthur, and I've no idea what they use, I know you don't, or you'd not be standing there. Undead dragonlord gets my vote."

Arthur glowered, "I don't remember instituting any votes."

Gwaine opted for his fool's grin."I know. My point stands."

Merlin chewed his lip, obviously having drifted down a different line of thought, "I can't demand they serve me if I can't fight without that thing can I?"

Chuckling Gwaine clapped a hand on his shoulder, "Mate, You're Emrys. You could demand literally anything and they'd compete to give it to you. Sorry, but they've been waiting for you for the gods know how long."

He grimaced, "Great. No pressure then. You see why I need to not turn up as- well- me."

Shaking his head at how oblivious to his own power the man seemed Gwaine tightened his grip to retain his attention, "Merlin mate, after watching you the other night, I don't think you need anything sharp in your hands to impress them."

"Maybe not, but if I want them to unite, I'm going to have to be able to pull off more than the servant look."
Gwaine shrugged. "So change your clothes- not the neckie, I get that- and stop slouching. Stand up straight like you do with whats-'is-name, and drop the mask. I guarantee they won't say no. Hell, if I wasn't already sworn in service to Arthur here I'd have knelt for you." Turning to Arthur as though it was nothing he bowed, "So Princess, you had a chance to consider his appropriate position yet?"

Arthur watched with interest the emotions Gwaine failed to hide, "Not really. I want to get it right, and we are in agreement that this must be done properly or people will panic, and likely start calling me enchanted. Oddly I am thinking far more clearly than in a long time, almost as though a fog is lifting."

Merlin groaned, knowing that was yet another thing he'd need to investigate in this mess.

"Well, we've done Merlin and I, Princess. I'm assuming you looked through all the records then." His face fell sombre. "I did."

"And?" Gwaine waited.

"Concluded that it was wrong. I've been wrong. At best my father was misguided. At worst…." Arthur tailed off before continuing, "The records themselves don't make sense. Sections are missing, names have been erased. Lines cut off unnaturally. Lands were seized before the death of the relevant Lords. There are family crests I've never seen. Maps that I'm told shouldn't exist. I have to go back to the start. This is us buying time, so that when Merlin and I step out openly as Emrys and- so I'm told- The once and future King, we're ready. Those defences you mentioned Gwaine? Those need to be implemented, but Merlin hasn't had access to the learning or time for it until now. I don't want to announce to Morgana that we'll be more prepared next time. I want her to underestimate us and lose face. Not as my sister, but as a good choice of commander to serve under. The day for announcing magic returns to my land is not yet upon us. This is the strategising before a long battle, and not one I ever thought I'd need to understand. Magic has hurt my people, and my people have hurt those with magic."

Merlin frowned deeply, drumming on the table,"That's what we have to change Arthur, you and I. You keep referring to us as separate. Different. See, 'my people', and 'those with magic', always. Look at me. Am I not your man? Was Gaius not- however misguided some of his actions-, Morgana fought beside you until she lost hope and fought against us. Language matters. This is why I write your speeches sire. Your people are my people. The quietly farming sorcerer who encourages a little more growth, the healer who whispers over a cut to heal faster. Practice it. Hell, you've referred to me differently for years, in front of me, called me evil, and it's problematic at times. I care no less for you, but it hasn't been easy watching and knowing how easily you'd have thrown away my loyalty and sacrifice for one part of me, however important that part is."

"I'll try. We all have a long way to go. Call your council as soon as is practical Merlin. The round table shall be mine, which you are still not getting out of."

Still reeling from everything Merlin couldn't hide his surprise. "Really Arthur?"

"Well, if you are in fact this fabled 'Emrys', asking my permission is rather a formality rather than necessity, don't you think?"

Merlin looked to him; "Not to me Sire. Not when it is an option to have significant actions sanctioned first. I've made a lot of huge decisions completely alone, or almost. Sometimes it works out, sometimes things go wrong, and most would have been smoother working together. This way you don't accidentally fuck up my meeting or have me followed, and I don't get caught in a major diplomatic bind that is not in a farmer's training, nor a physician's, nor a servant's, though thankfully I've picked up plenty by exposure in the castle."

Arthur ran his hand down his face, wondering if he wanted to know all of the decisions. As First knight, and Prince, his mistakes cost lives. Merlin's had to have. When he could tell Merlin about the druid camps, and others, then he could demand explanations. Any man on friendly terms with literal ghosts, or dragons, was clearly not going to have 'normal' problems.

"You have your instructions from last night Merlin. Those have not changed, I would appreciate being kept apprised of any changes.

Gwaine, you have yours for when the grudge- holding ghosts help out with required weaponry training. If they ever do."

Both men indicated their agreement and understanding of the orders. Merlin looked intently at his king before making any move to leave, "Just one thing Sire, if you truly want this to work, it has to go both ways. Any changes, you tell me, any planned raids on what you refer to as 'my people', you tell me, and I get the children out… and no one touched Kilgarrah. I believe this can work. I have sacrificed so much for you personally, and for the possibility of freedom in the distant future. It can work if we make it. You and Arthur? We're the pivot point for whether this becomes a shining light, or the final battle of Camelot. I know which I'd prefer. What are you willing to risk to create it with me."

Arthur shook his head, "I can't say with complete conviction right now Merlin, I don't want to risk the lives of my people- whatever their skills, but I know which I want to be a part of creating."

"Arthur. It's too late for that. The lives of your people are already at stake. The 'skilled' ones will either align with me, or with Morgana, and I'm not about to give them false hope for freedom. It's too important. Morgana is returning. Regrouping, and then she will mount another attack, from the outside or inside. The battle is coming whether you would invite it or not. Do you stand with me or not? It's as simple as that."

Arthur reached over and gripped Merlin's arm. "Always, my friend, Every time. Don't tell anyone I said that. Bad enough that you heard." He looked disgusted that he had allowed something nice to be said to Merlin, even when it mattered.

Merlin searched him for any hint of deception, even knowing it went against his personal code. Satisfied he nodded, "Good. I really didn't want to be anywhere but at your side. I have your word?"

"As a knight, a Prince, and a man."

Merlin snorted then grinned. "About bloody time, too. Well then, I'll get on the very, very long list of things I have to do as three different people. I'll see you tonight Gwaine. Sire." Merlin strode from the room before anything could go wrong, feeling as though he'd won some important victory.

"There goes the man who insists he's no leader, and can't command men." Muttered his King.

Gwaine arched an eyebrow, "Aye, Princess, and don't you forget it. He obeys not because he has to, but because he cares for you Arthur and chooses to submit. There are stories Sire, of Emrys, ones that have obviously been carefully kept from Merlin, and in this specific case I agree with them, because frankly they are terrifying. That man, sarcasm, clumsiness and all, has more potential than Sigan ever did. Don't make him a weapon Sire. Please. When the day comes to choose, remember the servant who dislikes killing fluffy bunnies, and any unnecessary violence. That's the man behind the legend."

"You draw a distinction between them?"

"Me? No; but he still does. You were right sire, we all have a long way to go; but we're getting there."

"So you're what he's busy with tonight?" Arthur tried not to let his jealousy show.

"Only one of them, Princess, one of many. That going to be a problem for you?"
Arthur scowled, "No, why should I care what a servant does with their time off."
"Well, in general you don't, but you do care what Merlin does, at any time, and you have for a lot longer than you'll ever admit. Don't worry, I'll bring him back unbroken." Gwaine winked.

"Shut up Gwaine. Don't let tonight make you late for early training tomorrow."