Chapter 11 - Family Time

His new life as a prince was not easy for him. He had the feeling that he was not meeting the high expectations. The people were also initially skeptical when Arthur publicly announced that he had a son. He liked the comfortable bed and the delicious food, but it just felt strange. It was important to Arthur that he now learn to read and write and be present at the first meetings so that he can better understand the royal duties.

"What's wrong?" Gwen asked worried. The young prince sat on the windowsill and looked out at Camelot. Nathan shrugged silently.

"Arthur would surely be happy if he could train you again," she said, "you guys stay out of our way long enough"

She slowly stepped closer. Her hands slid gently over his back and ended up resting on the child's shoulder. Gwen always took care of the little prince, caring for him as if he were her own child.

"Don't you understand why Arthur didn't tell you? He was afraid for your safety. All he thought about the last few months was to protect you. To enable you to have a happy and carefree childhood. Please don't be so strict with him. Arthur loves you. You're his little son."

"Nobody asks what I actually want"

"Then I'll ask you. What do you want?"

"I don't want to be a prince"

"Why not? You are an excellent, good-natured prince."

"I have no idea how a prince behaves! I don't want to be at any gatherings. I want to play with other children!"

"You can do that too. Arthur gives you a lot of freedom. You can always play with other children."

Nathan remained silent. If only she knew ... The other kids don't like playing with him anymore. After all, he's a prince now. And the guard who always accompanies him to the lower town took their job far too seriously. Nathan felt as if he was suffocating in the palace. It may be that they looked like a happy family at the moment, but the truth was that they hadn't enjoyed any family time. Both Arthur and Gwen just have a lot to do and no time for him.

Nathan strolled through the castle. He had no specific goal where and what to do. If he were still living with Gaius, he would probably collect herbs. But he no longer lives there. It is no longer part of his job.

He sat down on the stone steps in front of the castle doors and watched the people working at court.

"Guinevere and I want to ride out," said Arthur, "we would be very happy if you would come with us." Gwen told him about the sadness of his son and that he had been retiring to his apartment for days. Nathan only spoke to him about the bare minimum. Relations between them have been strained since Nathan learned the truth.

"A little ride just the three of us and Merlin," Arthur smirked. Nathan nodded tentatively but didn't look up at the king.

They rode to a beautiful clearing. From up here they had a great view of Camelot. Maybe Gwen was responsible for the whole thing, because Nathan just couldn't imagine Arthur getting the picnic idea. It finally felt like they'd been a carefree family for a long time. A perfectly normal family with no duties. Arthur lay sideways on the picnic blanket and ate with relish. Gwen sat by his side while Nathan crouched on the other end of the blanket.

"What's wrong, Nathan? Something is bothering you, isn't it?" Arthur asked.

"I'm just tired," he said.

"Is it because you don't have that much time to play with your friends?"

"They don't want to play with me anymore anyway. They treat me so weird and the guard doesn't understand the difference between game and reality!" The boy said upset.

"The guard is for your protection."

"How about you invite your friends to the castle?" Gwen suggested, "You have more freedom and your friends will definitely be happy."

Nathan shrugged.

"I think it's a good idea," said Arthur, changing the subject, "Shall we practice some sword fighting?"

Nathan shrugged silently.

"No? Come on, I'll let you win too." Arthur grinned.

"You don't have to let me win, I'm better anyway," Nathan said.

"Oh yes? I like to doubt that..."

Suddenly Nathan was lying across on Arthur. He had overpowered the king before he could reach for his sword.

Both father and son looked deeply into each other's blue eyes. Reluctantly Arthur brushed the strand of blond hair back from his son's face. Nathan has never been so relaxed in his presence as he was at this moment. It was as if the boy had lost all his inhibitions.

"I'm sorry, Sire," Nathan said quickly and was about to get up, but Arthur held him tight.

"You know you shouldn't call me that," he said, "and you certainly don't have to apologize to me."

"Please stay the boy I just got to see. It's so good to see you laugh, Nathan ", he still held his son gently by the arm. Nathan seemed to ponder the words, "Promise me you'll stay with me always! I never want to lose you!"

"I can't make such a promise, but I promise you that I will always try to never leave you and Gwen. I will always try to get home safe."

Again Nathan thought about his father's words before he rested his head on his chest and the little arms found their way around the king.

"Can we go on trips like this often, father?" Nathan asked curiously.

Arthur, looking speechless at the child, chuckled and couldn't make a decent sound. For the first time Nathan called him father.

"Of course," smiled Gwen, who did the talking for the king.