A/N: Apparently the more work I have the more I write. I love procrastinating (and crying about it later)

Disclaimer: I own nothing besides the plot and even then just maybe.

The Man He Didn't Know

"We hide behind masks hoping and waiting for someone to point it out; we want them to see behind it, to see our true selves. Sometimes, once they do, we might be scared of the result."

One day.

Arthur thought drily as he tried to control his erratic beating heart. One day off, was that too much to ask? Between Merlin being a sorcerer, Lancelot confronting him about it, Uther forgetting about him, Agravaine betraying him and his sister wanting him dead Arthur couldn't really see the end of it.

Arthur closed his eyes and took a big breath as he tried to keep a calm façade for the rest of his people, he had to constantly remind himself that even if his little own world was turned upside down on a daily basis the rest of Camelot were oblivious to it, hell, even his father was oblivious to it.

He was in the courtyard, horses ready to leave as he watched people come and go around the place, distractedly Arthur petted his horse in an attempt to calm himself. For a moment he thought that he saw Gwen heading for the lower town but he didn't dare call for her, putting his knights in danger was enough to add Gwen to the equation. He had enough on his mind and with Merlin unconscious and locked in his room he felt more alone than ever. He didn't realize until this moment how much he was dependent on Merlin's presence. Always a few steps behind his right shoulder.

Even in the dire moment he scoffed. He had once told Merlin that if things had been different and they had not been servant and prince they would had probably been friends and 'get along.' Well—he thought drily—they were well past that point uh? Apparently Merlin had already decided for him in that aspect, Merlin wasn't going anywhere where Arthur wasn't going to be not leaving Arthur much choice in the matter. He scrubbed his face tiredly. The loyal idiot was giving him problems even unconscious for god's sake.

Arthur anxiously looked to the sky for a moment before he rested his body against his horse in deep thinking. There were a lot of 'if's' in his plan but it was the only idea he had come around with such short notice and he would see it through. He took another breath and it was like the horse could sense his worry because the horse stood there gracefully letting Arthur pet him. Arthur began getting restless as Gwaine had yet to show with or without Agravaine. Without would make things harder and more suspicious but he was done with his uncle.

Arthur began to fear the worse—Gwaine was an impulsive man, maybe he had started a sword fight with Agravaine in his rage— but thanks the Gods Gwaine showed up a few seconds later or otherwise Arthur was about to bolt inside the castle himself. He schooled his features in a matter of seconds and smiled towards them as they walked down the steps. Arthur did not know how Gwaine had managed it but he wasn't about to complain.

"Arthur, my dear nephew," Agravaine said with a placid smile and Arthur's smile froze on his face. "Gwaine told me you wanted to meet me? Although, certainly Arthur, I don't fancy a trip to the woods at the moment."

"Oh, it's not just a hunting trip uncle." He nodded towards Gwaine as a dismissive motion, patting his shoulder and clasping his hand like nights do in gratitude. "Thank you for bringing him Sir Gwaine, you may go back to your duties."

Gwaine nodded and excused himself, his face as placid as any morning before going to the tavern and Arthur was glad he had chosen Gwaine instead of Lancelot for this task. No one was a better liar than Gwaine.

"Then what is it you want from me? Sir Gwaine said it was of the most urgent. I guess it's about your Father." Agravaine said clasping his hands behinds his back. "His memories are still not back? I was confident that after all day with you he would come back to his senses. Well, maybe we can discuss this as we head to the throne room? We have a meeting to attend."

"Meeting?" Arthur played dumb. "I was not informed about it."

Agravaine looked at Arthur for a moment before he nodded. "It was arranged when you were gone."

"What's the meeting about?" Arthur said placidly as he pretended to see that his horse was ready for a trip unable to keep staring into Agravaine's eyes any longer.

"Oh, you will certainly be interested, now come. Let's find your Father."

Arthur's brain was collapsing for ideas.

"He won't be able to attend you, Uncle." Arthur said and Agravaine, who was already walking up the stairs, turned on his spot.

"And why that may be?" Agravaine said with an infuriating smile.

"Because he's planning the rules of the test," Arthur said easily as he looked up to his uncle's face, Agravaine slowly walked down to him in hidden curiosity. "He decided it this morning."

Agravaine was silent for a moment and Arthur could see that his uncle was growing suspicious. "In the morning? Where were you anyway? I was not informed about it and may I remind you, Arthur, that both you and I need to know about the whereabouts of the King at all times? It's our duty to keep the King safe."

Arthur clasped his hands on his back and looked towards Agravaine with a grieve expression. "That's exactly why I requested to see you. I come to you looking for advice, Uncle. Today I took the King to see the stone I was talking about yesterday."

"You did?" Agravaine blinked several times as he finally stopped a feet in front of Arthur. "You mean it exists?"

Arthur made a movement with his head. "It was… unreal, Uncle, never seen something like that before. My Father took the sword out—the sword claiming it's rightful owner right away. After that there was little left to say, really, he chose the stone to be the test he had been looking for. I thought I would be happy that he chose it instead of the tournament."

"I—im glad, that he found a solution for his problem, then." Agravaine said and Arthur could see a little bit of anger and disappointment when Arthur had told him the news about the tournament failing and then he looked confused, Arthur had been waiting for that and his uncle involuntary took a step away from Arthur. "What do you mean about you thought you would be happy? Aren't you?"

"I am happy of—"

Agravaine, who had been looking around suddenly turned towards Arthur with a coolly collected face, fake curiosity shining through. "And where is that manservant of yours Arthur, he's always nearby isn't it?"

"He's in the castle with Gaius— said he had some chores to do for him." Arthur managed to lie and Agravaine nodded, however, he saw that he was not quite convinced with his use of words.

This wasn't working… Arthur realized with dread. He needed to take Agravaine away from Camelot willingly. Otherwise, now that everyone had seen them talking in the courtyard it would be impossible to lie about it later. Arthur forced himself to think from his perspective. Agravaine worked for Morgana and apparently he was devoted to her, enough to risk his own life. So promise something Morgana would want. If Agravaine's loyalties lay with her, then he must promise important information that Agravaine couldn't refuse.

Arthur knew that at times loyalties where more important than duties and right now he needed to take Agravaine's head off from his need to find his Father and more into the path of helping Morgana on killing him.

What a merry thought.

"I am happy. The tournament would had been a fine idea but with this test a lot of bloodshed will be avoided. What I mean is—what if it doesn't… " Arthur clenched his jaw, thinking about Merlin, about his Father about the people he had to protect. He began to lose his confidence when Agravaine had not even moved towards his horse. Finally, he realized he would have to leave everything out in the open for it to work. "The stone is a short ride from here, south of Camelot near the village of Annoraa. My Father is making a decree as we speak with the rules of the tournament— he will give three days so any person: From a knight to a servant can apply to the test… whoever manages to pull the sword out will be the rightful heir of Camelot."

"Arthur—"

"You don't understand, Uncle." Arthur said severely and looked to the side, making sure no one in the courtyard was paying attention to them. "What if the sword doesn't obey my will? What if—what if I'm not Camelot's rightful king?"

Agravaine was silent after that as he stared at Arthur's troubled face, he had never seen Arthur doubt himself before.

"I want to test the sword on my own, tomorrow it will be too late to do it once the proclamation is announced. There will be too many people… if the sword doesn't obey me…" Arthur finally said, hating every word he had said so far, regretting to look so weak in front of a man he hated so much. "You are the second in command after me and my Father. You are family. I could think of no one else to have my back if worse came to worse. If the sword—if I can't pull the sword out… and my father doesn't remember me even after all this…"

Arthur's eyes shifted towards Agravaine and Arthur almost scoffed at how easy it was now. Agravaine loved to see him doubt, to see him weak, well he must play his part then, Merlin had played it for years.

"If I can't be King," Arthur said as he coughed and he blinked like Merlin did when he was emotionally hurt. "You are the next in line from my Mother's side that could rule. You know this land, the people respect you, you love Camelot—"

"I could never be king, Arthur." Agravaine said sternly, however, his eyes betrayed him and Arthur felt sick that for years he had thought his uncle had ever cared about him or the realm. Arthur knew he was thinking about Morgana, about how this could benefit them in their way to the throne.

Arthur wasn't even scared of the possibility. It was impossible that Agravaine could pull the sword out but he didn't know that.

"You are my mother's brother." Arthur said and he wanted to punch Agravaine as he spoke, so instead he placed his hand on the hilt of his sword and remained where he was "Who knows what could happen. Destiny may have another plan for us, Uncle."

Agravaine smiled darkly as he nodded. "That would seem, Arthur. That would seem."

-.-.-.-.-.-.-

Gwaine watched as Arthur and Agravaine rode away and disappeared down the arch of the citadel. He had watched the scene unfold from a window in the first floor of the palace and had paid close attention in case Agravaine wasn't fooled by Arthur's words.

It was until they were out of sight that Gwaine opened the piece of paper that was rolled on his hand, a piece of paper that Arthur had trusted into his hand a few minutes ago while dismissing him.

I won't come back. When the sun sets on the horizon send a patrol to look for us. We will be near the stone path.

Gwaine started at the letter for a whole minute before he swore under his breath.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

"So it was true." Agravaine said quietly as he eyed the sword in the last rays of the sun.

"It is." Arthur said eyeing his Uncle's every move, one look at his face and Arthur was sure Morgana wouldn't know about this place solely by the way Agravaine was watching the sword. Annoraa, thank the Gods, was on the opposite way from the path that leads to Morgana's whereabouts and Arthur hoped that would be enough.

His uncle dismounted his horse and walked down the little hill, after a moment where he made sure they were truly alone in the clear Arthur followed. The prince had a hand on the hilt of his own sword as Agravaine rounded the stone just like Uther had done in the morning, however, now with the rays of the sunset shining reflecting on the sword it looked like it was on fire.

It any other occasion Arthur would have said it was beautiful, however, his mind and body were thinking of more important issues than his sword.

Arthur watched the reaction on Agravaine's face intently one last time, trying and failing to see the man he once used to call family. He just couldn't see the loving brother that he always imagined he was towards his mother. Arthur put his hand on the hilt of his sword as he blinked furiously away the tears. He had to do it. He had to end this. His uncle was giving him his back and now he had the perfect chance…

He tried to unsheathe his sword quietly but suddenly felt like he was being kicked in the stomach by nothing else but his guilt and anger. He felt sick of himself and like if he had been physically pushed he stumbled two steps back, unable to even try to pry his sword free from his belt.

He should kill Agravaine now that he had the chance but he couldn't. A part of him thinking that this was a man that his mother had loved and Arthur was plotting on running his sword trough his back without any word of advice.

He shouldn't feel this way, he really shouldn't feel such anxiety, sadness and guilt but he just felt so detached and his hands shook on the tilt of the sword.

Apparently his family insisted on being the most twisted, lying royal family ever that had ever ruled on this Kingdom. His Mother had died when he was born, his step sister wanted to kill her only brother and his Uncle wanted to kill the King and the only heir of the Pendragons left. Arthur was the heir that wanted to end his Uncle's life so his Father—who didn't even recognized him as son—could still rule.

Agravaine, oblivious to Arthur's thoughts, was admiring the sword not daring to touch it dare Arthur think ill of him. It was magnificent indeed and now he knew the exact location of it, Morgana would be pleased. Now it will be just a matter of time to have Merlin dead, and not only him but also put Arthur in a grave. Now that the sword will be withing her grasp who could claim that Morgana wasn't meant to sit on the throne? The king had dug his own grave. He turned on his heels to assess his nephew.

"Arthur? Very well then, we are here now. Try it." Agravaine urged him and Arthur shook his head unable to speak for a moment, anger and sadness boiling inside him, battling and endless war.

"What is it, Arthur? Having second thoughts?"

"I don't know, do you?" Arthur said coolly. One last chance. One last fucking chance. Agravaine looked towards him with half a smile. The smile, Arthur thought, was the worse, it looked so fake it actually was impressive that Agravaine managed to keep it in his face for years.

"Now Arthur, what—"

"I don't know, Uncle. Do you have second thoughts?" Arthur asked and his voice trembled just a little. "Do you feel guilty sending Merlin and Gaius, innocent men to their death with not even a spared look?" Arthur let the silence that followed extend for a moment to let this information sink.

Away from Camelot, away from prying eyes and just the sword to witness what was about to unfold Arthur didn't care about keeping secrets anymore.

Arthur gave his uncle a cold stare when he dared to look aghast.

"Arthur, what is this nonsense that you are talking about? So you—don't tell me this is about that manservant." Agravaine looked enraged, his hands behind him and looking at Arthur with disappointment. "I can't believe you brought me here to convince me to not kill him. So you did know about the meeting. He's a sorcerer Arthur—a sorcerer!"

"I know." Arthur said and Agravaine didn't look taken aback by that.

"Don't be foolish! He's cast a spell on you, of course! Probably he threatened you, isn't it? Forced you to take me here, to get rid of me with no prying eyes. You just can't see it, don't you? He wants you dead Arthur, he wants to see Camelot fall and you are helping him with it! But It's alright, Arthur, we can figure something out. We can cure you." Agravaine said as he took a step forward but he froze the next second, Arthur didn't know what was reflected on his face that made Agravaine not dare take another step but he was glad at least Arthur wasn't playing anymore. "Arthur. He's not the real Merlin. He's not your friend, he's evil."

"Merlin is not evil" Arthur spat. He wasn't going to stand for this. He wasn't going to let Agravaine speak ill of his only friend.

"That he is, Arthur, have you forgotten about your Father's condition? About all the wrongs that had been committed with it? He's a sorcerer and sorcery is evil, no matters who wields it." Agravaine said and if Arthur didn't know better a part of Arthur would have believed it, but Arthur was a different man now and sadly, he knew better.

"Really?" Arthur's voice didn't shake as he drew his sword from his belt. "Then we can say the same thing about swords."

Agravaine didn't speak as he eyed Arthur up and down before he shook his head. "Arthur. I care about you. You know that. I only want what is best for this kingdom. I am sorry if Merlin comes between this but—"

"Don't be sorry, Uncle. If you want to kill Merlin you will have to kill me first." Arthur assured him as he raised his sword and pointed to Agravaine's chest across the clear. "Take out your sword."

The more Arthur heard the more he wanted to get this over with, however, he wasn't going to kill Agravaine without giving him a chance to defend himself, had he learned nothing? A cold death was murder and he wasn't a murderer. Not anymore. He wasn't just about to get as low as to be in the same place with Morgana. If it was his destiny to become King he would face his first trial now.

"Pick your sword!" Arthur repeated enraged when Agravaine did nothing of the sorts.

"Don't be ridiculous!" Agravaine finally snapped. "What will your father say when he finds out about your treason?! What would your mother say if you—"

"SHUT UP!"

Arthur lost it. He snapped and flung his sword in the middle of the air, he didn't want to hear another word.

"Take—your—sword—out." Arthur commanded with ferocity, trembling with anger. "Now!"

Agravaine did as he was told in slow motion, his eyes calculating and Arthur knew there was no remorse in them. He was not sad or guilty that any of this was even taking place, however, he did shake his head in doom.

"If your mother—"

"Don't talk about my mother!" Arthur spat, however, his hands were steady even if he felt that his heart, body, and soul were breaking. He was just done with his uncle and in the middle of his breakdown he managed to keep the composure, no man, let alone Agravaine was worth of seeing him so frail. "You are her brother, what did I ever do to you that you hate me so much? Why do you hate my family so much? What did I ever do that you didn't have second thoughts when you turned to Morgana for help to kill me?"

Agravaine didn't lower his sword as his eyes grew colder, he saw as Agravaine readied his body to a fighting stance. "Who told you about Morgana?"

Arthur froze in his place and he inhaled quickly when Agravaine didn't even try to deny it. Arthur's face was stoic once again. It would be easier then. He had accepted it and Arthur, a part of him, had been expecting the refusal but now there were no more chances he could give.

"I, Arthur Pendragon, rightful heir to the throne and Prince of Camelot find you, Agravaine, guilty of treason against the crown," Arthur said taking a step forward, sword at the ready, his breath even and his eyes set. The only witness of such words was the magnificent sword as it silently watched the match unfold. "For those crimes, I sentence you to a fight to the death."

Agravaine took his stance in stride, sword ready and a snarl on his face. Arthur braved himself, he knew his uncle must hate him but he had never quite clear seen it until now, his face contorted with so much anger and hate Arthur was having a hard time to keep his face composed and stoic.

The true identity of Agravaine shined through and Arthur had not been quite prepared to see it.

"So be it. Nephew." Agravaine spat.

Everything was silent for a moment; the wind blowing softly, the rustles of the trees. The murmurs of nature around them. Agravaine started walking to his left and Arthur to his right, sword at the ready as they moved in a circle. Finally, unable to make any connection with him any longer Arthur dived for the first blow.

A/N: Next Chapter is already written! It will be posted in a few days, just arranging the last bits of it. I will comment no further and instead thank you for each review!

As for Leon, I said I would share my thoughts on this chapter and I think that if Leon had ever found out in the show he would have still liked Merlin and all that but if he was commanded to kill him he would have done so. Leon out from all the knights was the most loyal to the rules and the crown, per say, sometimes he did things he didn't like in the name of his king because he was ordered to do so while the others were more rebel when they didn't like the turn of events or when they disagreed. I think it was because all the others (Gwaine, Lancelot, Percival and Elyan) came from different backgrounds and were not from royalty (and they befriended Merlin first) than the other knights. So their loyalties lays with Arthur and Merlin than the crown itself.

Any thoughts on the knights? I could spend a day talking about them. Really, they are all amazingly written by BBC.

rmatri540, tammy Henson, zyonnaw96: Glad you are liking the story and can only hope that you like what comes next.

mersan123: you can dream indeed, well Arthur is planning on taking Agravaine out of the picture on his own, lets see how he manages, and I do agree with you entirely, I love Leon fiercely but he is just too loyal to the border of not questioning before he acts.

Coolestbee : Well I couldn't give you any hints but I DID update a day sooner because of it. Really I did and yes I'm in love with the phrase!

Aaronna: He put him out for his own good, don't worry.

NerdGirlAlert: The dinner in the hall and Arthur's punch has been my favorites parts when I wrote them, Arthur sneaky bastard, and of course you were right, Arthur is doing irrational things once again but this time I think it was justified. Let's see how our prince turns out from the fight.

Confession (6): In give or take 50 days I had uploaded 12 chapters and that's a record for me guys, I had spent years without uploading chapters on my other stories, wish me a happy writing so I can finish this one! Im so excited for what is to come so far so good, still ahead with chapters.

Confession (7): I just finished Sherlock Holmes from BBC and God, the writers of BBC have a natural talent to make the best bromances in history (or love romances, I really have no problem with it, but as I said we still stick with bromance here) Sherlock fans around here?