A/N: I should probably make it clear that this story directly follows my other story, "Destiny Rewritten", which is also written from Arthur's point of view although not in first person. In that story, Arthur actually had a chance to speak with Kilgharrah and I hinted that he and Merlin also had a chance to clear some of the air as they journeyed back to Camelot. So, at this point, Arthur has had many of his questions answered and, although there are many more discussions in their future, the shock is no longer what you would think it would be. I do admit that I'm also eager to avoid rehashing the "question and answer" segment that every other Merlin-reveal author has tackled since Merlin's neckerchief first breached Camelot's horizon. I suggest you read "Destiny Rewritten" to understand this one better. Thanks!

Beware Merlin's Smile

Chapter 1

"Beware Merlin's smile," the dragon told me. "It may be his greatest lie."

After Merlin saved me on the shore of Avalon, we began the trek back to Camelot, not bothering to try to hide from small groups of roaming Saxons who still infested parts of my land.

Merlin was done hiding, I think.

Between his skills and my own, no one stood a chance once they chose to engage us. Seeing what he could do with a mere thought was terrifying, I admit. I hoped he couldn't read the unease in my eyes. He cast a dulled, anguished glance at our downed foes and then at me before faltering and looking away. Damn his perceptiveness.

We made camp that last night before reaching home, readying ourselves to get what sleep we could on the cold, damp forest floor. I surreptitiously watched my friend set wards around us and furnish us with a crackling blaze to drive away the chill. We spoke but little. Surprisingly, sleep came swiftly to me with a speed that I wonder at now. Perhaps a magical touch was involved, for, as soon as I closed my eyes, some whispered words in the old dragon's gnarled voice pierced my consciousness.

"Young King, there is one more danger you must know and guard against: Beware Merlin's smile. His heart often leads him to sacrifice beyond the call of Destiny. He has protected you and now you must guard against his destruction. If Merlin's heart fails, Albion will never be."

A heartbeat later, my perception was altered and I found myself a silent witness to the thoughts and feelings of my friend's mind and heart. It lasted only a moment but, within the space of that moment, I came to know my friend with an unbounded clarity.

Desperation fueled his continued movement as his oiled rag polished the emblem on the king's shield. His heart wavered despairingly. The echo of harsh words still chiding him. He'd been mentally, emotionally and physically exhausted and unable to keep up. Somehow, for all his power and great destiny, he wasn't enough. The Gods had wildly miscalculated when they placed this burden upon a man who, although willing, was obviously less than capable of keeping up with the cruel day-to-day demands made upon him. Perhaps they too had been fooled by his smile and stubborn spirit. Gwaine's face swam before him as he turned to replace the shield. The knight's eyes narrowed briefly and Merlin tensed beneath the scrutiny. Whenever someone bothered to look closer, began to notice that he wasn't holding up under the crushing strain of Destiny and mundane duties, he smiled easily and proclaimed, "I'm fine." Gwaine believed the smile. Didn't they all? It was his calling to be fine, to make things be fine, to save his friends the pain, heartache and damage threatening them at every turn. Emrys had power enough to ensure that everything would be fine if only he, Merlin, could hold out long enough. But, no, he was being overly dramatic. He was fine. He smiled to himself.

The dragon's voice returned me to myself.

"Beware Merlin's smile," he repeated. "It may be his greatest lie."

I awoke in terror. Not of my friend, but for him. That smile could ultimately result in his death because he believed it as well as his friends did.

I crept to him beside the dying fire and studied him. In the years we'd known each other, he had grown from a free-spirited youth into a careful man. Tangles of black curls brushed his forehead and his ears still strongly made their presence known, but aside from those similarities to his youthful self, his countenance bore a weight that I had not noticed. His brows had lowered and fine lines born of stress and strong emotion had begun to etch themselves into his fair skin.

My thoughts turned to his smile, the smile I had never dreamed to be so dangerously deceptive. It charmed and disarmed. When you meant to be grumpy and serious, it completely undermined you. When it was missing, you grieved the loss. His smile made you feel like all was right with the world… like nothing was wrong, everything was fine. Everything is fine. Yes, I thought, if you're Merlin's friend, be careful of his smile. For the love of heaven, look past that smile. All may not be well with Merlin.

I removed my cloak and spread it over him before returning to my place to stoke the fire, consider my friend and steel my resolve.

I will see to it that joy returns to his eyes, that his smile begins in his heart and not at his lips.

I am the Once and Future King. He is my warlock, my advisor, my dearest friend. I have come to depend upon the greatness of his heart. I am resolved to preserve it as the treasure it is.

Rest in Peace, Kilgharrah. One day, Merlin's smiles will tell no more lies. I swear it.