Catherine had seen them off to the bathing rooms giving the instructions that they were to be mindful of how the water was used.

As they opened the door, Merlin's stomach flopped. Standing in their way was none other than Sarah. Her stern glare bored into him and her arms were crossed in front of herself. He knew that bathing with his injuries as they were would have had Gaius cleaning out his leech tank, but at the time he didn't give a damn. He smelled horribly and was as sticky as when he had woken up in the pile of horse dung with the amount of ointments they had applied to his skin.

Gwaine clapped his hand on Merlin's shoulder. "We'll see you in there." The knight glanced once more at Sarah and shook his head with a small laugh leaving his lips. "Maybe."

Merlin scowled at Gwaine, but him and the knights continued on. Only Arthur remained, standing at his side.

"Are you going to finish his healing?" He asked almost eagerly. The king's eyes were failing to hold their stoic indifference he had been trained to display towards his subjects or members of the court. Merlin nearly smiled at the irony and he probably would have had it not been for Sarah's intimidating stare. After years of fearing magic and those who possessed it, Arthur Pendragon wanted to see a healing spell.

"That and I was planning to make sure he did not injure himself further, Sire." She said before turning back on Merlin. "I supposed it slipped your mind that bathing could stall your healing. You could have reopened your wounds to an infection."

Merlin shrugged sheepishly. "I was going to be careful."

"I think we can safely say that when it comes to your own health and well being you are far from 'careful.'"

Arthur took this time to step forward despite the look Merlin shot at him. "If Merlin can't bathe than we ought to send him to the surface so his odor doesn't force us all out."

"Unfortunately, my duties as his healer would require me to continue to monitor his progress even if he was forced to leave so I am undoubtedly stuck with him." Sarah said playing off of Arthur's insult.

"Are the two of you done or-" Merlin let the sentence trail off into nothing, not needing to finish his statement. Sarah gave him a curt nod and moved over to him. The ghost of a smile seemed to play on her lips, but was immediately replaced with a firm line as she held out her hand. He reached for it gently.

Merlin repeated what he had done earlier that day much easier than before. He drew his power to the palm of his hand as Sarah whispered the incantation. As soon as her lips stilled he felt his power leave him momentarily only for it to fill once more. Compared to when his wounds were still fresh and a healing spell was the equivalent of magically stitching his flesh back together, this was nothing. Now he felt a nearly unbearable itching sensation which was followed by immediate relief. Sarah released his hand and stepped away while Merlin took a moment to collect himself. He breathed in slowly and deeply in order to quell his invigorated magic that still sparked under his fingertips. Allowing such concentrated amount of power out sent a pleasant buzzing throughout his body. A smile of contentment graced his lips at the feeling before he was drawn back to the matters at hand.

"I would like to check under your bandages." The words seemed like a request, but coming from Sarah Merlin took it as an order. He immediately reached for the hem of his shirt and pulled upwards, slowly at first to test how he felt. When he pulled it over his head without so much as a pinch of pain he knew the only thing they would be seeing is scarring. Sarah's well practiced hand worked at the edge of the bandages wrapping around his torso and unwound it gently until it was just his bare skin. He looked down onto his own chest and felt elated when he saw what had been bleeding lacerations were now light colored scars.

Sarah's critical gaze kept him where he stood as she continued to examine him. Her careful assessment was not foreign to him. He was used to the thorough process a physician takes with their patients from living with Gaius and watching him work on others as well as experiencing it firsthand. Gaius was never one to be rushed at his job. Merlin was nearly certain Sarah would give him more than a signature eyebrow raise if he were to say anything to quicken her process. She prodded the edges and centers of the scars on his front and glanced every so often for a reaction before she moved to his back.

All the while, Arthur stood by watching critically. The young king caught Merlin's gaze and sent him a look he typically reserved for long council meetings when a lord would drawl about an arbitrary subject for seemingly hours on end. Merlin sent him the usual goofy grin in response. Arthur smiled at the ease of their silent conversation which had developed over the course of many years and many council meetings Merlin had served during.

"Did any of that hurt?" She asked coming back around to the front and scanning his face critically for any sign of deceit.

Merlin shook his head.

"Then I will leave you to your washing." A pointed finger shot up menacingly near his face. Merlin's eyes nearly crossed with how close she held it to his eyes. "I don't want to see you again until dinner so I would suggest that you take care."

Merlin nodded and his eyes followed her as she left the room. A stiff breath pushed from his nose as he tried to relieve the tension he felt whenever the intense healer was around him.

A sudden hand clapped on his bare shoulder without warning causing him to start. "Gaius almost seems laid-back compared to her."

Merlin chuckled lightly and felt a small appreciation for his mentor. "Tell me about it."

"Although she seems to be fond of a hobby of mine."

"Insulting a person is not a hobby, Arthur."

"I'm the bloody king! I'll insult you if I damn well please."

Merlin scoffed indignantly, but said nothing further as they walked toward the bathes.

"I didn't lie about you needing a washing." Arthur's nose wrinkled. "You are beginning to smell unbearable."

Merlin's mouth opened as if he was about to retort but failed to get the insult out before Arthur threw a strong arm around his shoulder and walked him through the doors leading to the bathing room.

The sight they had been met with was one both of them would never forget even if they wanted to. Standing before them was an very irate and very naked Gwaine. He was facing away from them shouting at the tub while cradling his red hand that at a glance appeared to be burned. Elyan and Leon were failing to calm him down while water from what seemed to be a broken spout continued to pour out. Percival was standing by with a wrapping around his waist to cover himself all while watching the chaos ensue. He seemed the slightest bit concerned but it was easily overshadowed by his booming laughter ringing across the room.

"Sarah!" Merlin shouted after the healer through his own laughing while Arthur grabbed a cover for his irate knight. "We may need one more thing.

After they had calmed Gwaine and Sarah stopped the spouting water, the washing had done wonders for Merlin.

Even after Arthur had finished (complaining the water had grown cold) Merlin remained several more minutes. He wasn't about to give this up any time soon. His body was finally clean of any additional ointments that had coated his pale skin.

Merlin stretched out into the long tub that was nothing like what Arthur had in Camelot. If anything, this was more luxurious as he could fully submerge himself if he chose to do so. The water flowed from a spout that had a rune carved into it if one simply pulled a lever. The spell work integrated allowed the water to be either hot or cold depending on the direction it was tilted in. Arthur had seemed to be completely in awe of the advances they had made to their plumbing, aided by magic. He had toyed with the lever much longer than Merlin figured he would have cared to admit. The room itself was long with a row of tubs divided only by curtains for individual's privacy.

A sigh escaped his lips. With all the damage his body had experienced over the past two days he felt a deep appreciation for the healers. The speed of this recovery was a blessing compared to what he had dealt with in the past. The warmth seeped into his muscles relaxing the tense feeling he always seemed to hold in his neck. There was constantly something for him to worry about, whether it had been getting his chores done or keeping his magic a secret whilst trying to keep Arthur alive. As two of those had been eradicated with his magic out in the open and Arthur's new job for him, Merlin needed only to worry about ensuring that Arthur stayed alive.

After a while, Merlin made the difficult decision to step out of the bath. His pale arms were rosy from the warmth of the water and he could only imagine that it had translated to his face as well. He reached for the pile of new clothing and dressed himself in the comfortable and breathable fabric. He shook his head sending droplets of water flying in all directions. Running his hands through his damp hair he grabbed Arthur's padded jacket at went out into the room.

The knights and Arthur had traded their clothes for new trousers and shirts just as Merlin had. Their heads turned at the sound of the door opening.

"There you are." Gwaine said in a teasing tone. "We were beginning to worry."

"Really Gwaine? I don't know if I'm the one who you should be concerned about. How's that hand by the way?" Merlin asked with a smirk.

Gwaine scoffed before puffing up his chest. "Sarah healed it just fine. I simply don't know my own strength. I thought that I had barely pulled at the lever before it came off right in my hands, spouting water everywhere."

"Sarah said that hadn't been the first time that happened. She's had to heal people for far worse burns than that."

"Merlin," Gwaine said shaking his head as he threw an arm around his shoulders. "Always the pessimist. I choose to see this not as it was, but as it really was." Gwaine winked at him. He extended his hand dramatically out in front of him. "The story of how I bested a magical item with my own brute strength will be a hit in the tavern when we get back to Camelot."

Gwaine continued on to elaborate how he would carefully construct his tale for the maximum response. Merlin shook his head and moved over to Arthur who seemed to be on the very cusp of losing his patience.

"Gwaine must be low on stories for his tavern mates."

Arthur only nodded with his arms crossed in his front. Merlin had known Arthur long enough to know that look.

"Hungry?" Merlin asked rhetorically knowing that his question was really more of a descriptor for his king at the time. Arthur's eyebrows furrowed together in confusion. "You always stand like that when you haven't eaten. You also become a downright prat."

"I thought to you I was always a prat."

They met eyes and Merlin cracked a smile. He extended Arthur's jacket towards him. "You have your better moments."

Arthur looked at the jacket for a moment and shook his head. "I wish I could see the light spots in your idiocy. Unless you don't want it I won't be needing it back."

The unspoken words were loud and clear for Merlin. Arthur was trying to be the friend he hadn't been when he had allowed ranks and titles to cloud the true nature of their relationship. They had developed a bond even in the midst of these formalities, but it had been a one sided friendship. Merlin knew Arthur wanted to do his share now.

Merlin smiled and slid his arms through the sleeves and adjusted the jacket in the front. "Thank you Arthur."

Arthur simply nodded, but Merlin could see the light smile in his eyes.

"Do you think we can find Catherine on our own?" Leon spoke up to the group.

"You worry too much, Leon." Gwaine stepped in. "We are five of Camelot's best fighters and the king."

"Gwaine-" Arthur growled.

The knight pressed on with the glint in his eyes despite Arthur's warning. "How could we not find it?"

Needless to say, they had gotten horribly lost among the twisting halls and huge cavernous rooms. The only thing Arthur knew they found was they were no where near finding where they needed to be. At one point they had stumbled in upon a room which held doors with a very similar look to that of the hall they had dined. Upon opening them they found a long dark expanse of tunnel the complex hadn't expanded to. Merlin had shivered as a breeze bit at the tips of his damp hair. They continued to wander aimlessly and had found themselves back to the marketplace. There were multiple children running about the tree and playing by the river. One caught sight of the group and shouted to his friends. Soon enough, the children came barreling towards them only slowing down when they were right in front of the group. The bravest looking child took a step forward and tugged on Arthur's tunic regardless of the fact that Arthur was already watching her. He got down on one knee so that he was eye level with her and smiled.

"What can I do for you?" He asked gently as she still seemed rather scared at the prospects of speaking with a stranger.

"My mom says that you're the king." She said bashfully.

"I am." Arthur said with a nod of the head. "I don't very much look like it right now do I?"

She shook her head before one of her friends spoke up. "Where's your crown?"

"I wear it only on special occasions." Arthur answered the young boy. "To tell you the truth it is rather uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time."

"That's what happens when your head is too big for it." Arthur heard Merlin say from behind him. He shot a glare at him just in time to see Gwaine shaking slightly with quiet laughter and giving Merlin a pat on the back.

Some things would never change no matter how many boots he made those two shine.

The young boy's attention had already dissipated by time Arthur looked back. His shining green eyes locked on the knights that stood next to him. "I want to be just like them when I'm older."

"Me too!" The young girl piped up. Suddenly the children were all tittering on about becoming knights. Some picked up their driftwood and held it as though they had just drawn it from a sheath.

Arthur laughed and stood up. An idea came to him. He waved his arms. "Hold on! I don't know what the future holds for you, but how about I make you each an honorary knight for the day?"

The children's eyes glowed in excitement and several squealed in delight. Arthur held up his hands again which had the effect he was looking for. They immediately silenced themselves with their eyes locked on him. He had their attention now. "Now, do each of you promise to be honorable and always fight for what is right?" Each of the children nodded vigorously. Arthur extended his hand towards a stick that the boy closest to him had. The boy gave it to him eagerly, and Arthur held it high in the air before swooping it in two grand motions over the group of children. "Then I, King Arthur bestow on each of you the honor of being a knight of Camelot for the day."

Merlin, who was shaking his head, started clapping loudly and was soon joined by the other knights which excited the children even more. Arthur couldn't help but smile at each of their faces before he turned back to Merlin who was grinning just the same. "Should we be off then or do you want to spend some more time with your newest recruits?"

Arthur looked passed Merlin and didn't even feel his stomach as it began to growl. "I think we can make a little extra time."

So there they stayed for longer than any would care to admit running around with the children. Merlin stood by the tree entertaining them with magical tricks whilst Arthur, Elyan, and Leon worked with several on the proper way to hold a "sword" using their driftwood. Percival ran around chasing several of the kids who screamed in delight every time he caught them. Arthur didn't realize how long they had spent with them until the faux sun they had lighting the main square began to dim.

It was only when Gwaine spotted the two women he had sat by for dinner the previous night that they said their goodbyes and were able to find their way. Gwaine relentlessly pushed the boundaries of proper chivalrous behavior in their conversing while the two walked them towards the dining hall. Merlin would glance to Arthur each time Gwaine's chatting seemed to teeter over the edge, but he got very little response. Not that Merlin was expecting it all that much as Arthur had grown progressively more hostile looking during the walk. It seemed that his stomach had finally reminded him of his hunger. When they arrived at the dining hall, Gwaine kissed each of the women's hands as they said their goodbyes. Merlin smirked as he caught Arthur rolling his eyes at his knight's behavior. Any reprimand the king would give Gwaine would have to be saved for after dinner as Arthur walked swiftly though the doors.

Catherine had only invited a few individuals to dinner keeping the atmosphere much calmer than it had been the other night which Merlin appreciated. Among the group that he knew was Sarah who found it necessary to watch his every move as though assessing her patient's condition and Steven from dinner the night before as well as the tavern. Merlin was growing rather fond of the man with every encounter.

"I hear you got a bit distracted on your way back." Catherine said as she led them to their chairs. Merlin was about to ask how when she tapped on the side of her head. "Word travels fast around here and it's not every day that we hear of the King of Camelot, Emrys, and several knights playing chase with our children."

Merlin smirked. "We had to work up our appetites in some way."

"Indeed." She agreed. "Your healing is complete I assume."

Merlin nodded as he sat down to the left of Catherine. In front of him sat a steaming meal of roasted root vegetables and lamb that made his mouth start watering and his stomach growl in anticipation. His eyes met Sarah's and he smiled. "Thanks to the healers."

Arthur took his seat to Catherine's right while the knights filled the rest of the empty chairs by their king. Catherine smiled towards the druids at the table. "Since this is a smaller dinner I don't suppose we could each make introductions for our guests."

Steven, who sat to the left of Merlin as he did the night before, stood. "I believe that to be a good idea." His mouth split into a large smile. "We spoke at the tavern today, Sire and Lord Emrys but I'll introduce myself nonetheless. My name is Steven. I am in charge of alternative spell work for our complex alongside Catherine. She quite brilliantly discovers ways to improve our lives such as the crystal in the main hall and such."

Catherine blushed at the compliment. "Don't be so modest. Steven has his fair share of work cut out for him. He works with the traders to organize timing for them to leave in a quiet way as well as as finding ways to calm any sort of farm animal through the caves."

Arthur raised an eyebrow and nodded knowingly through the questions brewing in his mind. He had always thought that perhaps sorcerers could just magic food out of thin air. He would have to ask Merlin more about that. Arthur knew that Merlin's teasing remarks about his ignorance concerning magic would be a fraction of the humiliation he would feel if he said something to embarrass himself during dinner.

Steven smiled with a twinkle in his eyes. "Someone needs to do the grunt work of bringing in food and goods and I'm more than happy to do it."

Sarah went next. "Unfortunately, you don't need my introduction as you've seen fit to spend most of your time in my infirmary."

Merlin sheepishly looked away from her intense stare. He could almost feel Arthur's delight at him being scolded. The man sitting to Sarah's left began instead.

"My name's Balin mi'lords." The man's voice lilted with nearly each syllable. "I work with the people to ensure their needs be met. 'M not much of a magical talent but I get by. My wife on the other hand has high success with all sorts of spell work and enchantments." His eyes shined as he looked to the woman on his left.

"Please love, you do just as much as I. My name is Gunilda. I train volunteers for defensive and combative purposes. There are many who cannot make it to the highest level of training through our rigorous routines but they do walk away with a broader knowledge of personal defense. Those that do complete the course are tasked with guarding the few entrances."

"Perhaps you ought to take Merlin on sometimes." Gwaine said to which Merlin shot him a glare.

Gunilda pursed her lips into a smirk. "Perhaps. Although I would warn you that power is not always what is needed. A good strategy and quick thinking can often times overpower a foe with twice as much power you might have."

"I've only ever fought with magic in life or death situations." Merlin admitted. "I've never dueled."

"You may find it useful to attend a session while here. The next one is tomorrow if you find that you are remaining with us one more night."

Merlin felt his heart start with a bit of excitement. He looked to Arthur hopefully who smiled.

"I've never bore witness to magical training and would most likely regret the decision not to." Arthur said genuinely. Now that he had begun seeing the practicality of magic it had fascinated him. His father would have chalked it up to the addictive nature of magic, how it drew innocent people in and corrupted their minds without them realizing it. Arthur glanced to Merlin's excited face at just the prospect of interacting with more people like him. There was nothing inherently evil in the smile he held. In fact, the thought of leaving the complex hadn't even been on the forefront of his mind. Just this morning, Arthur could think of nothing but getting as far away from this place as possible. Now, he saw the light magic had rather than just the darkness. "Our hunting trip we originally set out on was to be three nights away from Camelot and we have only spent two away. I have no plans on traveling through the night, nor making my men do so. I do not see why we couldn't allow for something like that before we leave."

The grateful look on Merlin's face was all Arthur needed to know he made the right decision. Although Merlin would no doubt return here as he constructed the new magic laws for Camelot, Arthur didn't want to pull Merlin away from here as fast as possible anymore. In a way, Merlin was finally home. Magic was free here.

Arthur wanted Merlin to be free too.

"You'll do well not to treat him like your usual trainees." Catherine rose a knowing eyebrow at Gunilda who smirked. Arthur glanced to Merlin who's face already held a look of uncertain fear.

Gunilda smirked. "I'm sure that Emrys will be able to keep up."

Merlin blushed at the comment and sent another worried glance to Arthur. "I'll try my hardest."

Arthur watched Catherine. He envied the ease in which she was able to converse freely amongst the individuals at the table during dinner. Camelot was all about lengthy rules on proper etiquette that he was obliged to follow. Arthur could only ever really talk like that when he was with Merlin in his chambers or with his knights on patrol. "How did you come to lead the people here."

"I was voted in." Catherine said. "We wanted everyone to be involved in choosing the leader. When we were organizing our system of rule. Before I was chosen, I offered there to be no formal titles which was unanimously voted upon."

"I'm sure choosing a leader would be a benefit to you should people be in disagreement with you."

"Ruling can be hard to balance at times, a fact that I'm sure you have discovered." Catherine gave a small smile. "I do what is necessary for my people."

Arthur related more than he could ever say.

The dinner continued on amidst light conversing. Merlin knew just by the way Arthur was sitting that he was immensely more comfortable than he had been for the previous dinner. The knights also seemed to be in higher spirits than the knights.

"I wanted to know if you would like to have a conference with the people." Catherine asked quietly to Arthur and Merlin so as to keep it between them. Amongst the different working sectors there are questions that have been cropping up. Various rumors and stories have also flown around so I wish to assure them there is nothing to be concerned about."

Arthur nodded his head. "I believe that would be a wise decision. They can finally put a face to their mysterious leader." He nudged Merlin with his elbow in jest, but he received no response. Merlin just stared blankly ahead with a pale face. Merlin had faced dragons and high priestesses. Arthur has seen Merlin nearly sacrifice his own life for others and barely even blinked.

Who would have thought it was public speaking he was afraid of.

"I ask that you would speak as well, King Arthur?" Catherine requested.

Arthur gave a small smile. "Would they?" The 'would they even want to listen to any word that comes from the mouth of Uther Pendragon's son' went unsaid between the two. Catherine gave him a small smile.

"You are not your father." Catherine said with sincerity. She placed her hand upon his. "I see a light in you that not many have. You are a good man despite any mistakes you may have made in your past. I can guarantee that anyone who says otherwise will have to personally answer to me."

Arthur nodded before glancing over to Merlin who was grinning at him. Arthur rolled his eyes and fought to keep a smile from forming on his own face. He settled for hiding it in his cup of wine as he took a small sip.

The conversation gradually became more focused on Merlin who seemed to be drowning in the waves of attention. Those settled at table had their own questions to ask the famed Emrys and Arthur took a step back. It was a nice change of pace for him as being the king often forced him to be at the center of dinner conversations. He could quietly enjoy his meal while hearing some stories that Merlin hadn't told him about, specifically regarding his magic when he was young. Those at the table could have asked him questions all night had one ill timed hopeful glance to Arthur not been caught by Catherine.

"I suppose you wish to retire?" She asked with a glint in her eyes.

Merlin glanced towards Arthur and the knights. Arthur was half tempted to start up the conversation until he truly looked at Merlin. Sarah may have healed him, but that didn't mean there wasn't a toll he had payed. He looked completely exhausted which was entirely understandable after what he had gone through.

"What do you say Merlin?" Arthur asked with a smile. "Should we call it a night?"

Merlin shot him a weary look. "I think that would be wise."

With that they shook hands and said their goodbyes to those who had joined them for dinner. Catherine walked them to their sleeping quarters while they trudged behind her. There was little to be said even by Gwaine which was a testament to just how long the day had been for all of them.

The knights set themselves up for the night. They each had been given a set of sleeping clothes as well as an outfit for the next day. Arthur could hear Gwaine teasing Percival in the background about having to cut off the sleeves in order to accommodate for his massive arms. His words hadn't been too far of a stretch as Percival's arms barely fit within the loose fitting shirts.

It was good for Arthur to see his friends in such high spirits.

The king reached for his own folded night shirt and pulled it over his head. It was a soft blue linen that he knew would be difficult to take off when the morning came due to its soft fabric. He reached for the bottoms only to stop. Upon his trousers sat an innocuous piece of folded paper.

"Mer-" He began as he picked it up, but immediately stopped. This was left in his clothing so it was obviously meant for just him. Glancing over his shoulder to ensure no one payed him attention, Arthur unfolded the note and read it.

King Arthur,

Emrys continues keeping hold of secrets. There are more lies hiding within him.

How can you trust Emrys when he does not even trust you?

All rational thought left Arthur. He gave a sideways glance to Merlin who was throwing his nightshirt over his pale scarred frame while laughing with the knights. The normality of the entire situation was unnerving as his eyes flitted back to the paper. What else could Merlin even be hiding from him?

"What is that Arthur?" Came Merlin's voice from behind him. Arthur jumped and in a split second decision crumpled the paper in his hand effectively hiding it from Merlin's sight. The knights paid the two no attention as they continued to converse amongst themselves. It was as though Arthur was seeing Merlin for the first time after discovering his magic. The well of betrayal had been drained only for it to fill itself up once more.

"Nothing. It's just a-" He paused trying to think of something to tell him. "A note from Catherine. She hopes we sleep well."

The lie had spilled from his tongue faster than he ever thought one could. Merlin's eyes narrowed calculatedly. He had the annoying ability to always be able to pick up on his lies. It was a skill Arthur apparently had been failing at since the day they met when Merlin began taking advantage of his trust.

What was he thinking? Merlin was one of the people he trusted most. The paper almost burned in his hand at the thought. But how could he be trusted if there were more lies? The logical part of his brain told him that he needed to discuss this with Merlin privately. Arthur had no clue who even wrote the note. When he tried to pry his fingers open to just show him, Arthur felt yet another surge of betrayal. He set his jaw firmly in place and plunged the paper inside of his pocket.

Merlin shrugged his shoulders and his face split into a smile. "She's cares for you a lot." He gave Arthur a judging look and crossed his arms in front of himself. "I have yet to see the appeal."

Arthur tried to match Merlin's smile, but it felt forced on his face. He studied Merlin. Was there really something he still wasn't telling him? Arthur had worked passed the years of deception in light of Merlin's unwavering loyalty. Merlin had told him that he was in part responsible for Uther dying, even if it was the byproduct of his sister's magic. If there was something else- something that he still hadn't told him was it even forgivable?

"Arthur?" His head shot up. His thoughts had ran him into trance. Merlin's concerned eyes were boring into him. "Are you alright?"

"I'd be better if you stopped pestering me and left me to myself." Arthur shot out without a conscious thought. He had said similar things to Merlin in the past that were easily overlooked due to the lightness of his tone, but this had been different. It had been true anger that forced its way passed his lips. Merlin looked hurt, but Arthur couldn't find any part of himself to feel remorse.

Merlin's gaze turned down as he seemed to be biting back a retort. "Maybe we're all just tired."

Arthur nodded curtly and turned back to his nightclothes. He knew he should apologize, but the note stayed at the forefront of his mind whenever he felt even an ounce of pity towards Merlin. Why couldn't he let it go? His eyes locked on Merlin as he rearranged his blankets for sleeping. Arthur tore his gaze away and climbed into his own bed. One question stayed on his mind as the conversations ceased and the lights dimmed.

Had he been too quick in overlooking Merlin's lies in favor of the friendship he had thought they shared?

Author's Note

Hey! Thanks for sticking with me and this story. You guys are what keep me writing and proofreading it constantly. I love every single review and appreciate your continuing support. There is still more to this story and the suspense is not over. I hope you continue to enjoy it!