Arthur's hands were sweaty, he felt them becoming more wet with every step he took towards Merlin's chambers. He wiped them off on his trousers before lifting his fist to knock on Merlin's door. A servant opened it.

"I, uh." Arthur swallowed past the lump in his throat. "I wish to see Prince Merlin."

The servant bowed and opened the door more, Arthur walked in and looked around. He couldn't see Merlin at first glance, but said person just came walking behind the corner carrying some clothing. It made Arthur frown.

"Are you packing?"

Merlin shrugged lightly. "I guess so."

Arthur's frown deepened. "But why? Your visit should continue on for one more week."

Merlin gave a soft sigh. "What is the point of me staying any longer?"

Arthur's throat became a little more dry. "It was not my intent for you to not feel welcome."

Merlin sighed and gave the stack of clothes over to the servant. With both hands he supported himself against the table, his head hanging low between his shoulders. "You don't see it, do you?"

Arthur frowned.

Merlin shook his head. "Forget it. I have told my grandfather we could go first thing tomorrow."

Arthur watched as Merlin looked up and he saw some kind of desperation in his eyes. "I-" Arthur swallowed.

Merlin held up his hand, cutting Arthur off. "Arthur, please. Don't make it even more difficult than it already is."

"I'm sorry."

Merlin glared at him, it made Arthur make a step back. "You're sorry?" Merlin gave a snort. "For what, for getting what you want? Congratulations Arthur, you have pushed me away and by doing so ruining the best chance of me saving my kingdom." With a heavy sigh Merlin plopped down on a chair, his arm put on the table and supporting his head.

Arthur was confused. Has he missed something? Tentatively he stepped forward and crouched down in front of Merlin, his fingers fidgeting together but in the end he put his hands forwards on Merlin's knees. Merlin lifted his head and Arthur saw his eyes were glazed over.

"I don't understand." Arthur finally said after a long silence between the two princes. "How is your kingdom in danger?"

Merlin shook his head repeatedly and looking away from Arthur. "You can't possibly understand." He said and stood up. Arthur immediately followed and put his hand on Merlin's shoulder, making Merlin turn around to face him.

"I want to understand." Arthur answered and he watched Merlin. Looking at him and seeing that Merlin seemed to have an inner dialogue with himself. Arthur took a step closer, reaching out to take Merlin's hand. "Please."

Merlin gave a final sigh and sat down at the bed. "The people are becoming restless."

Arthur creased his brows, leaning his shoulder against the post of the bed. "What do you mean?"

Merlin licked his bottom lip and kept looking down as he began talking. "My grandad is becoming older, there's no denying that. And now my parents aren't here anymore, I'll be the heir to the throne. But there is no spare. Next in line is Lord Alined and his sons. Alined has made no secret of it that he cannot wait to get the crown, but he knows he can't take it by force even though he loves war. He knows he won't get the people's respect if he does so." Merlin shook his head. "I feel this unbelievable burden on my shoulders. Grandad won't say a thing about it, but I know he worries as well."

"Is this why you agreed to this marriage?" Arthur questioned and figuring out the puzzle pieces that are now falling in place. The rush from Merlin's side to get on with this marriage, even though he clearly didn't had him in a very high regard.

"My options were a little limited, I agree. But I was willing to make it work, if only you'd agree on that."

For the first time Merlin looked up towards Arthur. "I know you hate the whole idea of this arranged marriage, but you haven't even tried it. You were avoiding me, and especially the past few days. It almost looked like you couldn't bear the sight of me, so yes, forgive me for not wanting to stay around any longer."

Merlin stood up from the bed after looking Arthur in the eye for just a few seconds and waiting for a response but not getting any. He brushed past Arthur, but yelped when he was tugged back. He was turned around and lips crashed against his own. One hand snaked around his back and another one was pressed against the back of his head. He sagged a little into the touch.

Breathlessly the both princes pulled apart.

"You really are an idiot, aren't you?" Arthur whispered. "I wasn't avoiding you, I just didn't know what to do with myself. I didn't realise at the time, but… I think I am falling for you."

Merlin looked confused towards the other prince, shaking his head lightly in bafflement. "Arthur,"

Arthur lightly pushed his finger against Merlin's lip, shushing him. "The reason I came here was because I was thinking that, perhaps, you might like some breakfast. Tomorrow, with me. Somewhere, nice. Somewhere nice."

Merlin's face lit up. "Yes. I'd like that."

Arthur smiled, his eyes almost looked like they were sparkling. "Until then." Arthur said and walked away. Once the door behind him was closed he let his head fall against the hard wood. "Breakfast. Rubbish thing to say."

~oOoOo~

The next morning shouldn't have taken any longer. Arthur had a restless night before giving up and getting out of bed.

Before he retired to his chambers he made a stop at Morgana's to see what she had planned and telling her what happened in Merlin's quarters. He wasn't prepared for the high pitch squeal that left Morgana's mouth right then and there. But once she was finally calmed down, she told him her plan and gave him a map of his route to take.

It would lead up to a ruined castle, and he believed he had been there once. A long time ago, when his mother was still alive. He believed it was one of her favourite places, but he never really understood why. And when she passed away he had no desire to ever visit it again.

But there was no better time to find out why the castle attracted his mother's attention so much.