Disclaimer: I do not own Merlin, his property, his friends or his enemies. If you recognise something, it's probably not mine.
The rest of the journey to Camelot continues without major incident. One of the knights is constantly at Arthur's side and Merlin can't help feel aggrieved at that. It's his place to be at the prince's side, his job, his calling. But he can't force the issue without widening the gap between him and Arthur. When he thinks no-one is looking he watches Arthur like a mother hen. Once or twice Arthur turns and catches his eye. And every time that happens Merlin feels a surge of hope that perhaps this is the time he'll speak to him. But it doesn't happen. Arthur just meets his gaze and coldly turns away and Merlin wilts a little bit more.
Their entrance to Camelot is unassuming and only Gaius is there to meet them. He takes one look at Arthur and orders him to his chambers to await the physician's presence. It always amazes Merlin how commandeering his mentor can be when the situation calls for it. It's also testament to how Arthur is truly feeling when he offers no complaint.
As the prince and his entourage disappear up the castle steps, Gaius looks at Merlin and raises one aged eyebrow.
"Care to explain?" he asks and Merlin doesn't need to be guided as to what Gaius is referring to. But he's exhausted and worried and the courtyard of Camelot is not the place for explanations, there are far too many ears here.
"Tend to Arthur first," he says. "He's more injured than he's letting on. Look to his arm and his head."
Gaius frowns but nods. "We will talk," he tells the young sorcerer. "And you will tell me. I may be old but I still see more than most."
Merlin watches as the older man scurries off after Arthur and finally lets himself relax. In fact he's so relaxed that he completely fails to notice Gwaine standing off to one side until the knight clears his throat. Merlin turns and finds himself under scrutiny.
"Let's get a drink," the knight suggests although Merlin thinks there's little suggestion there and more of an order. He shrugs and follows Gwaine past the stables and out to the rooms which Gwaine occasionally calls home.
Inside Gwaine rummages around and comes up with two goblets and a flagon of what turns out to be mead. It's not bad either, Merlin has to admit as he sinks onto the bed, relishing the thought of not having to move for the next hour or two. Gwaine stands tall and proud and the magician wonders if he should tell him that he's off duty now, that he got them back safely and that Arthur will survive thanks to the knights' actions.
Instead he lets his head fall back against the wall and closes his eyes, taking in the sounds of the court and listening to Gwaine's breathing, steady and reassuring.
He's not sure how long he sits like that but when he opens his eyes again, his mead is gone and he's lying down, a rough blanket thrown over him. He jerks upright and looks around him, trying to briefly work out where he is.
"How long..." he asks nobody in particular.
"Were you asleep?" Gwaine finishes for him. "An hour, maybe two." The knight settles himself on a bench against the opposite wall. "Are you ready to tell me what really happened in Escetia?"
Merlin squirms. "It's nothing," he says. "Arthur and I just had a bit of a falling out. It's nothing major. He just banged his head and isn't seeing things clearly at the moment. I'm sure once Gaius has tended to him, he'll be back to his obnoxious self."
Merlin wishes he could believe what he's saying and he's not sure that Gwaine believes him either but it seems that for now the knight is willing to let the lie slide.
"Are you hurt?" he asks and Merlin blinks in surprise.
"No," he replies after a rummage through his memory and a quick physical inventory. "No, they weren't really interested in me. I'm not important."
Gwaine snorts and Merlin looks at him in surprise. "I wouldn't say that, Merlin. There's something about you I can't quite put my finger on," and he trails off, maybe hoping for the servant before him to make some sort of confession.
Merlin thinks how easy it would be to tell him everything, how much of a relief that would be to him – to share his gift, his burden, with someone else. But he can't do it. He hasn't really known Gwaine long enough to fully trust the man yet.
So he simply shrugs his shoulders and turns on a winning smile. "I have no idea what you mean," he says. "I need to get back to Arthur now though."
Gwaine tilts his head to one side. "Are you sure that's a good idea?"
"No," Merlin admits, "but Gaius may need my help and, well, it's my place really whether Arthur likes it or not."
"Well, I won't stand in your way then. But you know where I am."
Merlin nods his thanks and sets off in search of Gaius because, before he faces Arthur, he really needs to talk to someone and the old physician is as close to a father as he's ever had.
He finds Gaius back in his quarters pottering about with potions and lotions. The old man turns as soon as he hears the young warlock enter their rooms and frowns at him.
"It seems you're not Arthur's best friend at the moment," he observes and Merlin's heart sinks. He'd really wanted to get to Gaius before Arthur had had time to vent his anger and misplaced belief of Merlin's betrayal.
"Whatever he said," Merlin says, "is not true. He's not himself and he doesn't know the whole story. I would never, never, betray him."
Gaius turns back to his work. "I know that," he grunts. "It's a shame Arthur doesn't share that belief."
"He hates me still, then?" Merlin observes, not really needing the answer. He knows he's shattered Arthur's faith in him but he also knows that given the chance he can explain himself to the prince. It's just getting that chance that may prove tricky.
"He's not your greatest fan," Gaius agrees before putting his potion bottles to one side. "Why don't you explain it to me? Maybe I can put in a good word for you."
It's a nice thought but Merlin feels that he really needs to do this himself. But, unburdening himself to the one person who knows his secret is hugely tempting and all it takes is one breath and he finds himself recounting the whole affair. He doesn't pause, doesn't hesitate and doesn't hold anything back. He doesn't stop to allow Gaius any opportunity to interrupt.
"And now he hates me," he finishes, "and I don't know how to fix this."
Gaius has long since sat down and has fixed his gaze on Merlin. "You don't give him enough credit," he observes. "Arthur isn't a stupid man, whatever he likes to let people believe."
Merlin snorts and instantly quiets down again at Gaius' glare.
"He may not show it," the old man continues, "but he values your service and, I dare say, your friendship. You should talk to him. You'll probably find it easier to fix this than you think."
"I don't know, Gaius," Merlin worries. "He's really determined this time. And I don't know how to explain it without telling him everything and we both know how that would end."
"Hmm, yes," Gaius agrees. "But maybe he doesn't need to know everything. You've been very good in the past at keeping him in the dark."
"Do you honestly think he'll believe me? Or ever trust me again?"
"You can only try. And I really think he may surprise you."
Merlin ponders on that last statement and gives Gaius a suspicious look. "Has he said something to you?"
But Gaius just gives the young warlock a teasing smile. "Go and see him," he instructs and turns away from Merlin indicating that, as far as he's concerned, the conversation is over.
The first conversation goes as well as Merlin could have hoped. Arthur remains silent and sullen, acting for all the world like a child deprived of a favourite toy.
The second conversation goes as well as Arthur could have hoped. Accusations are hurled, hurtful words and, occasionally objects that are closed to hand. The prince has to admit that Merlin's agility has not suffered as not one vase or tankard makes contact.
The third and fourth conversations are stilted and formal. Neither prince nor servant wish to back down, to give way to the first apology.
By the time the fifth conversation comes around, Gaius has had enough. Whilst never physically banging their heads together, he lets both young men know that their behaviour is the source of great gossip among the townsfolk living within Camelot's walls and that should Arthur ever wish to be a great prince he will need to get over himself.
Merlin can't help the smirk and Arthur can't help the glare and just like that, their differences are settled and the story of what happened in Cenred's company becomes more about what Arthur did and less about what Merlin did.
And that, Merlin supposes, is how it's meant to be.
THE END