"Prince Arthur, Sire!", Duchess Matilda called, hurrying to the two brothers, looking harried and panicked, completely out of norm.

"Duchess Matilda, are you quite alright?", worriedly questioned Arthur, unused to Matilda's current frantic behaviour.

"Sire, please-", began Matilda, stopping short to assess the duo, now confused.

"What is it, Matty?", repeated the Royal Prince, eager to help out his cool aunt figure, who oddly happens to be his father's mistress.

"Oh. Just-oh!" , gasped out Matilda.

Arthur and Merlin shared a look, and Merlin decided to prompt, "Matilda?"

"Oh.", started the widow, gathering her remaining dignity, "It's… I apologize Arthur, Merlin. I don't know what came over me - I suppose it's my woman wiles."

"Are you sure, Matilda?", the Golden Prince probed.

"Yes, quite. Though, I've been meaning to invite you to my chambers for snacks and a chat, Arthur.", mentioned Matilda slyly.

"Of course, Matilda. Gossiping with my father's mistress, so exciting", teased Arthur sarcastically.

"I'll be expecting you, Arthur. Don't make me chase you down." , warned the relieved Duchess.

"Oh, Merlin, dear? Have you told Gaius for my wish to have a private conversation with him?" she lovingly reminded.

"Erm, no, sorry. I haven't had the chance to. I will though - as soon as I next see him!", promised Merlin to Matilda's retreating back.

Later that day, Mary Collins, disguised as Lady Helen, rides with her escort into Camelot. Mary eventually enters the Throne Room to meet Uther and a few court members, including the Duchess Matilda.

"Lady Helen.", Uther greeted Thank you so much for coming to sing at our celebrations."

Helen exchanged, "The pleasure's all mine."

Partaking small- talk, Uther asked, "How was your journey?"

Sighing, Helen answered, "Oh, the time it took, Sire." Uther kisses Helen's hands, causing Matilda to narrow her eyes in jealousy.

Flirtuously, Uther comments, "Well, it's always worth the wait."

Smirking, Helen replies, "It will be."

The next morning, The Great Dragon's voice wakes Merlin in his bedchambers. Merlin had not been able to tell Gaius about Matilda's wish, due to Gaius being away all night helping a lady in the Lower-town give birth.

"Merlin... Merlin…". Merlin hears the gravelly voice coming from the floor somewhere beneath him, so he gets up and backs away towards the wall. "Merlin!" , he hears Gaius calls, entering the Physician's quarters. "You never cease to amaze me! The one thing that someone like you should do is keep your head down, and what do you do? You behave like an idiot.", Gaius scolds, "However, it seems that your idiocy has paid off, amazingly. The prince seemed to change his behaviour, after your meeting yesterday, is what I'm told."

"Err thanks,", thanked Merlin, then after seeing Gaius' sharp look, corrected, "I'm sorry."

Sighing, Gaius affectionately bit out, "You're lucky. Now, I've got some errands for you to do-"

"Yeah, of course. But Matilda wanted you to know that she wanted to speak to you privately about something.", passed on Merlin.

"Matilda? The Duchess Matilda?", rapidly fired Gaius, suddenly sounding nervous, Merlin noted.

"Yeah, her." confirmed the Warlock.

In the Lower Town, while Merlin is going about some errands for Gaius, Gwen approaches him. "Hi, I'm Guinevere, but most people call me Gwen. I'm The Lady Morgana's maid.", greeted Gwen.

"Right. I'm Merlin.", exchanged Merlin, shaking Gwen's hand.

"I saw what you did.", began Gwen, admiration clear in her eyes, "It was so brave."

Unbelieving, Merlin bit back, "It was stupid.".

"Well, I'm glad the pair of you didn't get into a fight .", released Gwen, honestly, " You wouldn't be able to beat him."

Snorting, Merlin disagrees, "Oh, I- I could beat him."

Gwen states, "You think? Because you don't look like one of these big, muscle-y kind of fellows."

Sarcastically, Merlin thanked her. Red-faced, Guinevere stutters out, "No! No, I'm sure you're stronger than you look. It's just, erm... Arthur's one of these real rough, tough, save the world kind of men, and... well…"

"What?", asked Merlin, curious.

Sheepily, Gwen explains, "You don't look like that."

Grinning, Merlin mockingly whispers, "I'm in disguise."

Gwen laughs, "Well, it's great that you did what you did."

"What? You think so?", asked Merlin, blushing.

"Arthur's normally a bully, and everyone thought you were a real hero.", Gwen adds.

"Oh, yeah?", asked Merlin, unsurely. Gwen nods a yes. With that, the two depart to go their separate ways.

Back in Gaius' chambers, Merlin and Gaius sit down to eat. "Do you want some vegetables with that?", asked Gaius, dumping the vegetables on Merlin's plate regardless of Merlin's answer.

Snorting, Merlin acknowledges, "I know you're still angry with me, for not keeping my head down."

Sighing, Gaius reiterates, "Your mother asked me to look after you."

Merlin looked down at his plate in shame as Gaius asked, "What did your mother say to you about your gifts?"

Looking up, Merlin answered, "That I was special."

Agreeing, Gaius adds on, "You are special. The likes of which I have never seen before."

Confused, Merlin asks, "What do you mean?"

"Well, magic requires incantations, spells. It takes years to study. What I've seen you do since birth was... elemental, instinctive."

Changing the topic, Merlin questioned, "Did you ever study magic?"

Looking uncomfortable, Gaius states, "Uther banned all such work twenty years ago."

Curious, Merlin asks, "Why?"

"People used magic for the wrong end at that time.", Gaius recites, "It threw the natural order into chaos. Uther made it his mission to destroy everything from back then, even the dragons."

With an appetite for more information about his new home, Merlin fired, "What? All of them?"

Looking pained, Gaius grudged out, "There was one dragon he chose not to kill, kept it as an example. He imprisoned it in a cave deep beneath the castle where no one can free it. Now, eat up. When you've finished, I need you to take a potion to Lady Helen. She needs it for her voice."

Later, In Lady Helen's guest chambers, Merlin places the potion bottle on the vanity table and notices an unique book. As Merlin hears Lady Helen walks across the Balcony Corridor. Merlin puts the book down. Lady Helen, notices him and suspiciously asks, "What are you doing in here?"

"I… I was asked to deliver this.", Merlin stutters out, pointing at the potion on the table. He leaves the chambers quickly.

Now in the Lower Town, Merlin passes Arthur the prat and his gang. "Merlin!", greets Arthur, "How are you finding Camelot?"

"Alright, '' , replies Merlin. Grinning, he asks, " How are you, you royal ass? Still bullying defenceless servants?"

"You've got a good heart, Merlin, I can tell.", complemented Arthur, rolling his eyes at the sorcerers disrespect. Behind him, Arthur could hear some of his knights bristling at Merlin's behaviour. Deciding to keep the sorcerer away from potential harm, Arthur parted, "Well, bye Merlin. See you around." and walked towards the marketplace, causing his lackeys to follow him away from Merlin.

In the following evening, Uther is dining with Lady Helen in the Council Chamber, along with an unhappy Matilda.

"Will you sing for me tonight?", asked Uther, ignoring Matilda's scoff afterwards, looking at his guest.

Smiling, Lady Helen replies, "You will have to wait, Sire."

Raising his eyebrows, Uther challenges, "You will not deny me."

Daring, the disguised socereress explains, "I am saving myself for my performance tomorrow. Will everyone be there?"

Butting in, Matilda bits out sarcastically, "Who would dare to miss your Ladyship's famed singing?

Glancing away from the unimpressed Duchess, Lady Helen asks an uncomfortable Uther, "How about your son?"

"Well…", trailed off the King, unsure.

Looking saddened, Lady Helen states, "It seems a shame not to have met him."

"That's Arthur.", consoled Uther diplomately.

"Poor child.", let out the sorceress.

Glowering openly, Matilda defends her favourite Pendragon with a, "How so, Lady Helen?"

"Well,", Helen started, flicking her devious eyes up to the enraged woman's, " It can't have been easy to.. to grow up without a mother."

Reaching under the table for his lover's supportive hand, Uther replied with a short, "No."

"Hmm.", contemplated Lady Helen, " That bond between mother and son, it's so hard to replace."

With a grim smile, Uther acknowledged, "Hasn't been easy. But if I may say so, Her Grace the Duchess has done a fantastic job of raising Arthur as her god-son."

"I'm sure.", grinned Lady Helen, causing Uther to smile back at her and retract his hand from the Duchess', causing the placated Duchess to glower mildly once again.

Deciding to get back at the uninvited noblewoman, Helen wondrously remarks, "Perhaps if you found someone...If you remarried. I'm sure you'd have the pick of any maiden in the kingdom."

Uther, now nervously chucking, knowing he is now firmly in his lover's bad books, decides to answer Lady Helen with; "Well, perhaps I'll find love again. But I'm afraid it's too late to replace Arthur's mother."

Helen, sympathetically agreeing, verbalises, "Yes. It's certainly too late for Arthur."

Meanwhile, Merlin, fed up with the calls of his name, has decided to sneak out of Gaius' chambers. As Merlin enters the Dragon's Cave, the Great Dragon laughs, and Merlin swivels his head, looking for the owner of the voice.

"Where are you?" Merlin asks. The Great Dragon lands in front of Merlin, answering, "I'm here! How small you are for such a great destiny."

"Why? What do you mean? What destiny?", questioned Merlin, jumping.

Ominous, the Great Dragon says, "Your gift, Merlin, was given to you for a reason."

Relieved, Merlin states, "So there is a reason."

The Great Dragon overwhelms, "Arthur is the Once and Future King who will unite the land of Albion."

Dubiously, Merlin lets out, "Right."

Continuing, the Great Dragon lets out, "But he faces many threats from friend and foe alike."

Nodding, Merlin starts, "I don't see what this has to do with me."

Seriously, the Great Dragon states, "Everything. Without you, Arthur will never succeed. Without you, there will be no Albion."

Quite overwhelmed, Merlin just nods repeatedly , visualizing his previous encounters with the Prince.

The Great Dragon, noticing this, and realising that soon his previous master's sister will come to him, worried about her secret son, the creature of magic decided to part with, "None of us can choose our destiny, Warlock, and none of us can escape it."

With that, the Great Dragon flies off, with Merlin being startled out of his daydream and shouting, "Wait! Wait! Wait, stop! No, I… I need to know more!"

Next morning, Merlin enters Lady Morganna's open door with a potion bottle in hand. He stares shocked at the womanly figure behind the changing screen.

"You know, I've been thinking about Arthur. I wouldn't touch him with a lance pole. Pass me that dress, will you Gwen?", asks Morganna.

Merlin wavers before deciding to be truthful, "Errr, sorry My Lady, but I'm Merlin… Gaius' Ward. I've got your sleeping potion.. I'm just going to leave it on your table…."

"Oh!", gasped Morganna, surprised, "Of course, thank you… Merlin."

With that, Merlin sped out of the room, passing a confused Gwen.

"My Lady….?", Gwen trailed, perplexed.

That night, at the Banquet Hall, various Court members gossip, Duchess Matilda herself at the centre of a huge gaggle of fine-dressed noblewomen. Merlin spots Prince Prat speaking with Sir Leon. "And then, Matilda, of course, spent the whole morning complaining about how 'piggy' Lady Helen was! I do not know how a woman as renowned as Lady Helen can be likened to a pig, in any way, though Matty says she is-" . Arthur is cut off as he notices his father's ward, arriving in a scandalous dress. All the men, noble and peasant, stare.

"God have mercy.", breathed out Arthur. Merlin stares as Morganna walks past, towards Matilda. Gaius sharply reminds him, "Merlin. Remember, you're here to work."

"Oh, yeah.", Merlin distractedly agrees, still staring.

Sliding up to him, Gwen remarks, "She looks great, doesn't she?"

Merlin verbally agrees as Gwen continues, "Some people are just born to be queen."

Merlin turns his head to Gwen as she continues, "Well, I hope so. One day. Not that I'd want to be her. Who'd want to marry Arthur?"

Chucking, Merlin asks, "Oh, come on, Gwen. I thought you liked those real rough, tough, save the world kind of men."

Disagreeing, Gwen states, "No, I like much more ordinary men like you."

Slightly blushing, Merlin laughs out, "Gwen, believe me, I'm not ordinary."

Full on blushing, Gwen stammers out, "No, I didn't mean you, obviously. Not you. But just, you know, I like much more ordinary men like you."

Smiling awkwardly, Merlin thanked her.

A few minutes later, Uther begins, "We have enjoyed twenty years of peace and prosperity. It has brought the kingdom and myself many pleasures, but few can compare with the honour of introducing Lady Helen of Mora." People clap as the music begins. Uther and the rest of the court takes their seats. Duchess Matilda and Sir Leon have found seats next to each other. The members of Court begin to nod-off. Merlin, the clever creature of magic, notices and covers his ears with his two hands. Merlin notices Lady Helen staring at Arthur as she walks forward. He sees her pull a dagger from her sleeve. Using his magic, Merlin drops the chandelier on her as she raises her arm to throw the dagger. The Court members King and Prince stand to see Mary Collins lying on the floor. She determinedly throws the dagger at Arthur. Merlin bravely slows time, reaches Arthur, and pulls him out of the dagger's path. Mary bleeds to death from the chandelier. King Uther and Prince Arthur stare at their unknown family member.

Uther states, "You saved my boy's life. A debt must be repaid." . Matilda's heart stops, eager for Uther to not do what she thinks he might. Merlin tries to deflect the award, too humble. However, Uther smiles at his subject's humility and commands, "Don't be so modest. You shall be rewarded."

Trying again, Merlin says, "No, honestly, you don't have to, Your Majesty.

Trying to prevent her lover from giving their son a position as a servant somewhere, Matilda stands, and tries, "Your Majesty, I don't mean to speak out of turn, but perhaps you should follow this humble boy's wishes to not be rewarded, I'm sure-"

"No, no, no.", Uther interrupts, "This merits something quite special, Matilda"

"Your Majesty, really….", trails of Matilda, half defeated, quite desperate.

"You shall be rewarded a position in the royal household. You shall be Prince Arthur's manservant.", decides Uther. The Duchess' blood runs cold. The rest of the Court applauds. Gaius swiftly makes his way to the Duchess, gently touching her arm, whispering, "Clap, Matilda- it would seem suspicious to Court if you do not.", mechanically, the sinful woman shakily does what her old friend has advised.

Arthur looks half delighted, half pensive, Matilda notes fearfully. Delighted for the reminder to burn Merlin, the Duchess wonders. She still hasn't had that conservation with her god-son. She fears for her son's life at the hand's of her son's half-brother. She hasn't had the talk with Gaius either. She has royally mucked up in attempting to secure her son's safety, she realises. She'll have that talk with the Court Physician tonight- she'll not take no for an answer.

Meanwhile, Gwen claps pitifully. Merlin stands awkwardly, unused to the praise and unsure of his future.

On the same night, Gaius enters Merlin's room, book in hand. "Seems you're a hero.", the old man remarks.

"Hard to believe, isn't it?", grins Merlin.

"No.", disagrees Gaius, " I knew it from the moment I met you. When you were five summers old, you saved that butterfly's life, remember?"

"But...that was magic.", recalls Merlin, confused.

With a hint of a smile, Gaius expands, "And now, it seems, we finally found a use for it."

"What do you mean?", questions Merlin.

Proud, Gaius tells, "I saw how you saved Arthur's life."

Merlin wisely stays quiet. Gaius, sighing, reveals, "This book was given to me when I was your age, but I have a feeling it will be of more use to you than it was to me.". With that, Gaius hands Merlin the book of magic.

Looking at the cover, Merlin states the obvious, "But this is a book of magic."

Rolling his eyes, the Gaius emphasises, "Which is why you must keep it , Merlin swears, "I will study every word."

Knocking on the door of the Physician's Chambers, the two men hear Matilda's call of "Gaius?"

"Matilda, up here!", calls Gaius, Merlin shoves the book under his blankets.

Entering Merlin's chambers, Matilda smiles warmly at Merlin, and reveals, "Merlin dear, I believe Prince Arthur wants you right away."

"Oh, of course- thanks Matilda!", Merlins runs out of the room , to his destiny.

"Matilda.", greets Gaius, turning around to face the woman he deceived.

"Nearly twenty years ago," , the furious noblewoman began after she was sure Merlin had left, venom in her tone, "When I found out that I was in the family way- with child- you convinced me to give up my child to the woman who hid my beloved brother Balinor. You promised me that he would be safe with her. That he would never set foot in Camelot! Tell me Gaius, where is my son currently?"

Sighing, Gaius replies blankly, "Camelot, Matilda."

"Did I know that my son was coming to Camelot, oh wise physician", asks Matilda. Gaius shakes a no.

"And what is his position of employment in Camelot, old friend?", asked the enraged noble.

"Manservant to the Prince of Camelot, Matilda", replied Gaius, fearing for the wrath of the famed widow of Duke Theobald Conrad Beauchamp.

"So, in other words, Gaius, manservant to his own BROTHER!", she shouts, death in her eyes.

"Matilda,", Gaius tries to calm, "No-one will find out about his parentage, nor his magic-"

Matilda snorted as she revealed, "Someone already has, Gaius!"

It went silent. Gaius' face turned a deathly pale as he stammered out, "W...Wh...What….?"

Sighing, looking completely defeated, the mother states, "Arthur saw Merlin save you. He knows about my son's magic."

"Oh dear…", slumps Gaius, falling ungracefully onto the bed. "Matilda, what do you have planned to do about this?"

Duchess Matilda Sigourney Bennet-Beauchamp smirked darkly, as she answers, "Whatever it takes, Gaius. There is nothing I would not do for my son."

Matilda = Powerful battler.

Sigourney = Victorious conqueror.

Bennent = Blessed.

Theobald = Brave or bold.

Conrad = Experienced advisor.

Beauchamp = Medieval English (noble) surname.