Authors Note: HUGE apologies. I can't believe its been nearly a year since i last updated. I won't go into the reasons why but i do apologies and thank everyone for their reviews. A huge writers block has meant it took me a long time to finish this and I'm not entirely happy with it but i hope you enjoy it. It is after all just for fun.

Disclaimer: I don't own Merlin. This is purely for fun.

Tale of Two Arthur's Part 3

It was with immeasurable relief that Arthur reached the edge of the forest and was rewarded with his first glance of Camelot. He had been walking all night and was beyond exhausted, but the sight of home rejuvenated him enough that he continued toward the beautiful city. His clothes were soaked though and he knew he was brewing a fever. Not surprising as he had battled his way though the storm, eager to put as much distance between himself and Rowan as he could.

He had entered the city easily amongst the farm carts delivering their goods. But entering the castle proved more difficult. He knew that with Odin walking around with his face, he could not be recognized. To be discovered would mean the dungeons and unless he could prove himself to his father, the axe.

After much deliberation he headed toward his menservants home. He had to convince Glen, then Glen could help smuggle him into the castle and then he could deal with Odin. Entering his servants dwelling, he hid in the back of the small house, in case his father came home. There sitting in the dark, he surrendered to the weakness in his ravaged body. Every muscle ached and his body shook with fever. He dragged the blankets off the bed and decided to rest his eyes, just for a minute.

XxXxXxXxX

Merlyn kept an eye out all day as went about her daily chores, hoping against hope that the Prince was on his way. Preparations for the Kings feast celebrating the thirty years since he had been crowned King of Camelot were underway. It was to occur in two days and she was sure that that would be the day the impostor would act. Nonetheless she watched him carefully in case he did not possess the dramatic flair other assassins tended to hold.

She followed the lady Morgana as she headed to the Princes chambers. Morgana seemed more eager than usual to reach the Prince for their daily conversation.

The non-Arthur was in his chambers, Glen putting on the last of his armor.

"Ah, hello, Morgana," He greeted her, purposely ignoring her maid. "I'm afraid I'm just on my way out for a ride."

"Oh, would you like some company?" Morgana asked, jumping at the chance to escape the confines of the castle. "You know your father rarely lets me out unless you or the knights accompany me."

"To be honest Morgana, I was looking forward to the solitude. I have barely had a moment to myself for the past two weeks, perhaps later this week?"

Whilst the disappointed Lady continued to flirt with the prince, Merlyn hid a satisfied smile. The man in front of her was tense and troubled, she took it as proof that the severing spell had worked and the impostor was no longer sensing the true prince. His eagerness to leave the castle suggested that he was disconcerted enough to either abandon his mission, or ride out and check on his captive.

Indeed she was spot on with her assumption. Odin had woken that morning with an uncomfortably quiet head. Unable to sense the young Pendragon at all, He was torn between hoping the enchantment had worn off and the uncomfortable realization that Rowan may not have been the right person to guard the Prince. His co-conspirators hatred of Uther eclipsed his own, having lost his wife, sister and two sons during the great purge.

Much to his annoyance, Morgana followed him to the stables, persistent in her attempts to change his mind about allowing her to accompany him. Politely refusing he saddled the Princes stallion that shifted uneasily under him, knowing that something was wrong with the man astride him.

With a quick flick of the reins and a brief nod to the Lady Morgana, he took off though the courtyard.

XxXxXxXxX

Glen whistled as he ambled down the narrow pathways between the houses. The Princes absence had allowed him time to complete all his chores early. When the prince had returned from his venture in a fowl mood, he had made his escape home. His thoughts returned to Mary, but they were not as painful as they had been only yesterday. Mary had been lovely, but a day back in Camelot with Merlyn and he was forced to realize that he was still very much infatuated with the handmaiden.

He wasn't stupid, he knew that while she liked him, she didn't see him as a possible suitor, but didn't stop him being completely mesmerized by her beauty and character. She was quite unlike any girl of their class and was the most fearless person he knew.

Deep in thought as he entered his rooms, he jumped in shock as he saw the figure standing in his kitchen.

"Glen!" The bedraggled figure crocked and the boy took a step closer only to back peddle in surprise. Under the thick layer of mud and waterlogged clothes was a man who looked just like the Prince that he had just left in his chambers.

"Who are you?" He asked despite himself, still inching toward the door. "What do you want?

"Glen, it's me, Arthur." The figure stumbled, grabbing the back of the chair to stay upright.

"Er…No I think not. Prince Arthur is currently pacing his chambers. Who are you?" His fumbling hands found a knife on the table, gripping it firmly he brought it between him and the stranger with his masters face.

"No! Glen honestly it's me. I was taken two nights ago, when we stopped in the clearing before Camelot. You must have noticed the other… me acting strange."

"No, the Prince is acting like his usual self, I don't know who you are or what your game is but you're not fooling me!"

It hurt to see Glen, trembling, his white knuckle grip and false bravado betraying the fear he had of him. Arthur's heart sank. If Odin's' disguise was so through, that his manservant who he spent all day with was deceived, how was he going to convince his father.

A tremor ripped though his body and he stumbled into the table, a plate falling onto the floor with a crash.

"Glen! Boy, what the devil is taking you so long…" With that warning Tom the blacksmith flung open and stared at the scene before him. Arthur took the chance and bolted though the back door and into the corridor. In the failing light he stumbled as fast as he could though the winding pathways between the houses hoping to disappear.

XxXxXxXxX

Word spread quickly that there was an intruder in Camelot. An imposter. Arthur crept closer to the castle. He had no idea how he was going to prove himself but he had no choice but to get into the castle and find his father. Surely his father would be able to recognize him.

Creeping down the stone corridors he evaded the increased patrols, reaching the great hall, but before he could attempt to enter, a heavy hand landed on his shoulder. Spinning around he tried to disable his attacker with a single move, but was instead knocked off balance. He quickly braced himself against the wall and tried to evade his attacker, but a forearm met the back of his head with force.

Stumbling to his knees, dazed, he quickly found himself restrained by two of his best knights Sir's Leon and Edgar. They hauled him up by his arms and the world swam alarmingly as he heard angry voices coming at him from all directions. His rolling eyes searched for a point of reference. After what felt like hours his eyes found a patch of blue hovering in the shades of darkness. His vision sharpened and the world slowly shifted back into focus as his escort came to a halt outside the throne home.

It was then that he saw his focal point was the light blue dress belonging to Merlyn who stood watching a few feet away. He blinked at her and saw her face come into view. She was looking right at in disbelief but also strangely, relief. Caught off-guard he stumbled as h e was dragged into the throne room, he eyes looking back at the girl who actually seemed to see him.

XxXxXxXxX

Merlyn slid though the side entrance to the throne room, sticking to the shadows. Joy battled with dread as she watched Uther and Morgana's reaction to the intruder's identity.

If Uther was shocked at the sight of his son's apparent doppelganger he only showed it for a brief second. He summoned the son who had arrived the two days previous and watched the look of stunned disbelief and shock that crossed his face. If Merlyn had been hoping for a useful reaction, she would have been disappointed. The imposter's reaction was spot on, a mixture of disbelief and outrage that satisfied the oblivious King.

Odin was taken aback. How had Arthur escaped? When he had awoken that morning without Arthur's imprint in his mind he had thought the Prince dead, but on checking his appearance in the mirror he had known the young Pendragon lived. That he had made his way to the castle on foot overnight was astonishing. The Young Pendragon was more impressive than he had at first believed.

"Father! What is the meaning of this!" He exclaimed, walking around to stand beside Uther and staring down at the disheveled Prince. He quickly saw the fever in Arthur's eyes and the exhaustion and felt a slight tinge of guilt. Rowan had obviously not been the right person to guard the Prince.

"This man claims he is my son. Yet you stand in front of me. He claims that he was taken three nights ago as you camped in the forest. He claims you are an impostor."

"He is an… imposter, I'm telling you. He is the one using magic…He means to kill you. I am your son! Arthur interrupted desperately protesting his identity.

Morgana sat on her chair amazed, looking between the two Arthur's. She had spoken to the prince many times since his return. He had to be Arthur; he had not put a thing wrong. How did this man think he would get away with impersonating the Prince, to his face even?

Odin barked a laugh, amused at Uther's inability to recognize his own son, or the truth and congratulated himself on his success.

"We did camp in the forest but it was uneventful. Ask any of the Knights. Father I have been in meetings all day yesterday with you and eaten all my meals with you. Are you really listening to this man, who quite frankly does not look right? He could even be enchanted!"

XxXxXxXxX

When Arthur heard himself sentenced to the dungeons, charged with using magic to impersonate the king, he regained enough of his senses to fight back against the guards who dragged him to his feet.

"…executed at first light."

"No, Father, don't do this it is me. Your son." He shouted, the effort causing him to break down into a painful coughing fit.

"This is obviously the work of magic, one that has gone very wrong. You should consider this a mercy, you do not look like you will last another day." Uther declared, a spiteful smile on his face belaying his words.

It was hard to see his father though these eyes, the eyes of an enemy, an unjustly sentenced man. Arthur struggled weakly against the guards but a fist to the back of the head sent him into darkness.

XxXxXxXxX

He woke face down on the damp, moss covered floor of the dungeon. The cold radiating from the stones refreshing against his fever flushed skin. With a heart felt groan he rolled onto his back, the dampness penetrating his shirt and stared at the ceiling. He had no idea how much time had passed since his sentencing, no idea how long he had left till his death.

A soft voice carried though the dungeon, one that he recognized. He crawled to the bars of his cells following the voice he had recognised instantly. Straining his head to the left he saw her standing joking with the guards, a food tray in her hands.

"Poor Glen," She was saying, "I nearly died laughing, Everild was standing there with this great big smile on her face, she knew full well what she was doing."

"Poor Glen," Sir Andrew hooted,

"Poor Mildred," Sir Tomas said laughing. "Alun has been trying to ask Mildred out for ages, but Everild is having none of it."

"She's never going to have the courage to tell her ma, she's head over heels for him."

Merlyn turned slightly and met the eavesdropper's eye. Was that a wink. Before Arthur could think any more of it, Merlyn dropped one of the empty plates she was holding. As she ducked down to pick up the shards, the knight's attention on her, Arthur saw a small vial roll toward him, making a small clink as came to a stop against the bars. Without giving it too much thought he quickly retrieved the vial and slid out of sight of the bars to examine it.

It was a small clear vial, filled with an unattractive green liquid, a small piece of parchment rolled around it. With shaking grubby fingers he unrolled the parchment and read the small printed handwriting.

Drink me. Help with fever. Sit tight. Have Plan.

Arthur felt like crying with relief. Someone believed him. Merlyn believed him. Swallowing the bitter potion he hid the note and sat propped against the wall and just listened to the sound of her voice as she continued to chat to the guards watching him and allowed it to lull him to sleep.

XxXxXxXxXxX

Merlyn waited until the dead of night before making her move. She and Gaius had spent ages creating the perfect hiding place for the ailing prince. All she had to do was get him to the tunnels. She opened the bag her uncle and prepared and carefully sprinkled a handful with her gloved hands over the guards below. The sleeping powder, Gaius assured her, would work quickly and last long enough for Merlyn to get some distance between Arthur and the dungeon.

She winced as Sir Alun slipped down the wall that he had been holding up, making just a bit more noise than she'd like. Not that Andrew or the other knight whose' name she could not remember minded as they had already lowered their heads to the table.

She hurried down the steps, swiping the large bunch of keys and headed to the cell. Wasting no time she unlocked the Princes cell and knelt down beside the sleeping man.

"Arthur, Sire. You have to wake up."

The Princes head rolled groggily as he woke. His eyes fixed on Merlyn's although her heart dropped to see them so glazed.

"Merlyn." He whispered. "I'm me."

"I know." She whispered back. "We need to get you out of here. Help me?"

"You need help?" Even delirious Arthur was a protector. He focused on her quickly before looking around the cell, searching for any threats, blinking when he saw the cell door open.

"The doors open."

"I know." Merlyn told him patiently. "Let us get out of here while we can."

"Ok." With Merlyn's help, Arthur got to his feet and swore under his breath as the room swam again. He took one long breath before turning to his rescuer.

"So, where's this mountain you wanted me to climb?"

XxXxXxXxX

The mountain consisted of two flights of stairs up, three down and a half mile trek though the castles underground tunnels. She had chosen a cave away from the dragon but still way off the beaten track. It was unlikely the guards would search this way and the caves entrance was hidden well from view.

It had taken all his strength to get to the hiding place and Arthur collapsed on the makeshift bed of two blankets Merlyn had prepared. Unable to rouse him, she used the healing spell Gaius had taught her not a few hours past. They needed this Arthur on his feet quickly. They had only a day before the celebration and needed to come up with a plan to expose the imposter fast.

XxXxXxXxX

Odin stared at the empty cell in bemusement. Behind him Sir Leon was questioning the rather dopey guards who had obviously been drugged. It seemed there would be no execution today. He was rather pleased that the Prince had managed to escape. His quarrel was not with Arthur. He had seen into the Princes mind enough to know that the son was learning from the father's mistakes and ill-judgements.

Nonetheless he could not allow the Prince to interfere with his plans. Uther Pendragon would die tomorrow as planned.

XxXxXxXxX

Arthur groaned as he woke up, the hard floor beneath him having no pity for his aching bones. Merlyn had been waking him up all though the night, forcing small amounts of water, soup and some fowl tasting potions down his throat. He had to admit that her efforts where working and that he was feeling more human than he had done for a while. He watched as she cleaned the shirt he had been wearing although he honestly thought it was done for.

The candle light flickered over her face as she concentrated, her lower lip help firmly between her teeth and eyes fixed on her task. Questions were still racing around his head but he took the opportunity to watch her as she worked. After a half minute she seemed to sense his eyes on her and looked up, smiling as she meet his gaze.

"Morning, Sire," He returned the favor before reluctantly sitting up.

"Here," She said, this time handing him the bowl of broth. "Finish this before I go."

"Go?"

"Its almost time for me to tend to the Lady Morgana. I've stayed as long as I can. I will sneak down later with more supplies." She told him.

"How did you know?" He asked her. The question he most wanted answered.

"Know what?" She asked playing dumb but inwardly panicking. How to explain how she knew? You just didn't feel right? You didn't kiss right? You had a magical mark only I could see?

"That I am the real Arthur." He said, reading her embarrassment curiously.

After some thought Merlyn answered carefully. "It wasn't any one thing really, sire"

"Arthur," He interrupted

"Sorry"

"Call me Arthur. You've saved me three times now. You've more than earned it." Arthur watched in amusement as Merlyn went red noting with fascination that the tips of her rather interesting ears went red as well.

"Erm…Ok Arthur. As I was saying, it was a lot of little things. You…He doesn't move the same way you do, he had a bit of a limp and was left handed. You're right handed. He also didn't really interact with people the way you do."

It sounded a bit thin to Arthur and Merlyn knew it. She shrugged her shoulders weakly, acknowledging that she was holding something back.

"I have to go now. The visiting dignitaries will be arriving soon. I have to prepare Morgana. I will see you later."

Before Arthur could protest she was gone.

XxXxXxXxX

It was a busy morning in Camelot. As soon as she had prepared the Lady Morgana for the day, the visiting dignitaries started to arrive. There were many Knights, Lords, and servants all entering the city. There were even Ladies and Princesses that Morgana was not pleased to see. Merlyn had listened to her mistress complain bitterly over the number of young woman Uther liked to parade under Arthurs nose in the hope that he would take more than a passing fancy to one of them. She didn't mention the number of handsome noble men who fell over each other in their efforts to engage her in conversation.

In fact the only person Lady Morgana was happy to see was another noble woman from the outskirts of Camelot, the Lady Guinevere. The two women had found each other though the mayhem and were talking up a storm out in the courtyard as the servants unloaded her trunks. Guinevere was a tall dark beauty with deep brown eyes and hair as black as night. Her figure and posture was as perfect as Morgana's and her eyes betrayed a keen intelligence. She was accompanied by her parents, Sir Tomas and the Lady Rosetta of Bray. Her brother, Elyan was training to be one of the Knights of Camelot.

"This is Merlyn, my handmaiden and right hand." Morgana told her friend proudly showing her servant off. "She made my gown for tonight. Just wait till you see it!"

Guinevere laughed at the other girls' raptures before turning to Merlyn.

"This is high praise indeed, Merlyn. I have seen Morgana go though handmaidens like dresses."

"Lies! Merlyn. Its all lies. Any way, Lady Guinevere's handmaiden is unwell, would you mind assisting her prepare for dinner tonight?"

"Not at all, my Lady." Merlyn agreed inwardly groaning at yet another chore. She had less than two days to come up with a plan to expose the imposter and an undeserving King to save, not to mention a sick Prince to try and heal. Gaius was unable to finish the potion to unmask the imposter. He did not have the ingredients and even if Merlyn could leave the castle, she would not return in time. The only way to expose the imposter was to catch him in the act.

She managed to sneak down into the caves after the midday meal with some more of Gaius's remedies and clean clothes. The Prince was still sleeping but his colour had improved and his breathing sounded much clearer. She left the small sword she had managed to conceal in her skirts and left to complete her chores.

When she returned after preparing the two Ladies for the feast and quickly dressing herself she rushed with haste back to the caves, only to discover the stubborn Prince hidden at the entrance.

"What are yo… Never mind," She rolled her eyes not entirely surprised he hadn't waited for her.

XxXxXxXxX

Quietly they made their way though the castle, only having to take out a handful of guards. Arthur had winced and apologised to each one of his men as he had knocked them out and secured them, but made a note to improve the security of the castle, because although it was not easy, he and Merlyn made it to the royal ante-chamber undetected.

His father always went to the ante-chamber for a solitary drink before any feast, so he could prepare himself for inane chatter or serious matters of state. He had wanted to reveal himself to his father in here away from the great hall, but as Merlyn pointed out, he needed to prove that Odin was a fake. He needed to expose Odin. That was the only proof Uther would accept. He had to admit Merlyn had a point. His father was a stubborn man who rarely if ever would admit to being wrong.

He would make his move when Odin did. Odin would make his move during the feast. He wanted his revenge on Uther to be public and dramatic. She had slipped back into the great hall whilst he lay in wait. Arthur would slip into the great hall after his father. No one would recognize him in his current get up. Merlyn had been unable to completely mask her amusement when she saw him in the hideous clothing. She would pay for this somehow, he promised himself.

His plotting was interrupted when the door swung open and Uther entered the room. Arthur's blood boiled when he saw Odin walk in behind him.

"You must be looking forward to today, Father." Odin told him, accepting the goblet Uther handed him as they sat by the fireplace. "Thirty long years in power." There was a dark tone as he muttered the last words that were missed by Uther, but not by his eavesdropping son.

"Yes, an achievement I am proud of. I am proud of this Kingdom, Arthur. With magic driven from its lands, from firm ruling, guidance and stability it has risen to be one of the most powerful of the five kingdoms. It is my legacy to you, my son. One in which I trust you will continue."

"I believe i will rule this kingdom as it is meant, whenever that maybe."

Arthur grew angry listening to Odin conversing with his father, knowing that he meant to murder him before the end of the night. He stamped down on his temper knowing he needed to keep his head clear. His father's life depended on it.

His father finished his wine and set the goblet down. Time to go. He left the room, Odin on his tail, when the imposter held back and closed the door behind Uther, staying in the room.

"I know you're in here, Pendragon." He said into the room. "You may have broken the link between us, but I have other resources."

Arthur came out from his hiding place, sword in hand.

"You really expected me to stand by and watch whilst you murdered my Father?" Sarcasm rich in his voice, he stood to face his tormentor.

"You would become King Arthur, rule this Kingdom fairly, as you wanted. You've seen Hyrin, you know Uther is on the same path as Edwin. He is a dictator, a tyrant, a murderer who slaughtered woman and children just because they were different. He would have let the girl Merlyn, the girl you have feelings for die, simply to punish you for doing what was right. You will be a far superior ruler than your father."

The two men circled each other warily, sizing each other up.

"Whatever my thoughts and feelings, he is my Father, my King. And I will protect him with my life."

"Your loyalty does you no credit, Pendragon. It is misplaced." Odin drew his sword. "I have no wish to kill you, Arthur. But I will not allow you to interfere with my mission."

With that he launched himself at Arthur, who met his sword with his own. A furious clash of swords and the two men jumped into battle, the room their battle ground. Odin drew out a dagger and Arthur's job got harder defending against the two blades. Chairs were flipped over glasses shattered, the noise drawing attention from those milling outside the door. Curious, one servant opened the door, only to leap back as the two dueling men barged passed him.

Screams were heard as all attention focused on the Prince fighting his attacker…himself."

"Guards!" Uther roared as many appeared but hesitated. Who did they assist? Which one was the real Prince?

XxXxXxXxX

Merlyn cursed as the two men burst into the hall, locked in battle, so intent on each other they were oblivious to their audience. She made her way to the King as the two men destroyed the elaborately decorated tables and avoided the noble-men and women. The knights of Camelot and the guards watched fiercely trying to decide who to assist.

Tiring, Arthur stumbled and Odin seized his opportunity. But it was not Arthur he aimed at. He looked up, directly at Uther and allowed him to see the hatred meant for him and then threw the dagger. Uther lurched to the side but wouldn't have moved fast enough. Not until Merlin shoved the chair and helped him on the way to the floor.

Growling in frustration Odin, turned back to Arthur, sword ready. But Arthur wasn't the best swordsman in Camelot for nothing. He had recovered quicker than Odin expected, and the sharp agony of the sword running fatally though him was a surprise. Odin looked down at the sword though his stomach, then back at Arthur who relieved him of his.

No words were spoken, between the two, but Odin could see a fleeting look of pity cross Arthur's face. Although he had robbed him of his revenge, Odin knew Prince Arthur would be a better King than his father, a fairer one. He also knew he would he would not see it.

The last thing he saw was the girl, the witch run to the Princes side, whilst the rest of the room seemed frozen. The witch the Prince had feelings for.

Maybe there's hope after all. Was the man's last thought.

XxXxXxXxX

There was silence in the great hall as one of the Princes fell. Followed by a loud gasp as the fallen Princes features began to change in death, and the true face of the impostor was revealed.

The true Prince tiredly stood up, weak with fatigue. Merlyn covertly took the heavy sword from him and gave him a small proud smile.

"Arthur? What?" Merlyn did not believe she had ever seen the King more confused as he stared down at the face of the man who tried to kill him, the man who had worn the face of his son, then up at the tired, fatigued man who had saved him.

"Yes, Father it is I," Arthur told him. "His name is…was Odin, he was a sorcerer who's family died in the great purge. He was to kill you today."

Uther barely gave the dead man a cursory look before lavishing praise on his son. Odin's body was removed and the room quickly straightened before the feast continued. Arthur walked to the door, intent on reaching his chambers and cleaning. His father had excused him from the first few courses but he had to return properly attired. Glen met him at the door.

"Sire, I think this is yours." Arthur turned as with a straight face Glen offered him a large, bright red hat with massive feathers that looked a little worse for wear having been ripped off during the fight. Arthur caught Merlyn's eye as she shook silently with laughter behind Glen.

Oh they would pay. Both she and his idiot manservant!

XxXxXxXxX

After the feast Arthur had collapsed in his bed exhausted. Gaius had been called and poured potion after potion down his throat until the Prince felt light, fuzzy and warm. The next day he was summoned to his father's chambers where he filled the King and his advisers in on the past weeks. The King dismissed his advisers and looked at his son.

"He was very convincing." He said without preamble. His clear blue eyes fixed on his son.

"The mind link was very detailed." Arthur said unemotionally. "He gave me a demonstration. It was unnerving to hear someone describe your thoughts so accurately."

"Yet you are angry at me?" Arthur remained silent, unable to deny the hurt that smarted every time he remembered his father's face as he sentenced him to death.

"You are right to be of course." Arthur's head shot up as Uther continued. "You are my son. I should have known Odin was an imposter. I know we have not been as close as we have been, that things have been strained since the last time I threw you in the dungeons."

The memory that sprang to mind wasn't his father ordering him to the dungeons. It was the hand that crushed the precious flower, Merlyn's last hope.

"So her life is worthless?"

"No, It's worth less than yours!"

"She saved my life. I can't just stand by and watch her die."

"Then don't look."

"You were right to defy me. That girl pushed me out of the way of the dagger. She may even have enjoyed pushing me over."

Arthur's lipped twitched at the thought. He was sure in hindsight Merlyn would enjoy the memory of shoving the King to the floor but he knew she only did what was necessary. He owed her. A lot.

"I'm trying to apologize Arthur. I was wrong and I am sorry."

His father admitting he was wrong was a significant step. One Arthur was aware of and accepted readily.

"We may have our disagreements, but at the end of the day, you are my Father, you are my King. I swore an oath to you and I meant every word, still do."

"Nonetheless, I regret the distance between us. I wish to remedy that." Uther held out his hand and Arthur accepted it without hesitation.

"As do I."

XxXxXxXxX

"So, how did you know?" Arthur's question startled Merlyn as she cleared the table of the meal she had shared with Gaius.

"Sire, I did not see you there."

"I told you to call me Arthur."

"I don't thin…" He interrupted her protests

"And you are evading the question." He stepped into the room and closed the door behind him. He had waited until Gaius had left knowing he needed to speak to her without an audience and turned back.

"I need to know…he didn't…I mean…he didn't do anything…to hurt you?"

Catching his meaning Merlyn shook her head emphatically.

"It's just that he had my memories and thoughts and there are rumors about noblemen and servants and…"

"Well not…No he didn't do that. He just…"

"So he did do something," Arthur pounced on her slip.

"It was nothing, really!" Merlyn insisted, cursing herself.

"Merlyn, tell me."

"He kissed me."

"He kissed you!" Arthur exclaimed angrily

Merlyn clamped her mouth shut as he paced and swore at a dead man.

"And you could tell from the kiss?"

"Yes." She decided short concise answers would be better. Then his next question shocked her.

"How was it different?"

"Pardon?"

"Was he a better kisser? Was that how you knew?". Merlyn could not believe the turn of the conversation. Why was he asking those questions? What was he thinking?

"Why are you asking me this? You shouldn't be asking me this. I shouldn't be kissing anyone!"

"You kissed me!" He accused her in a furious whisper.

"That was an accident!" Merlyn shot back then rolled her eyes at how it sounded. "One that shouldn't have happened and this whole conversation is inappropriate!"

"Your right." Arthur said after a brief silence, "I apologize. We won't speak of it again. I just wanted to thank you. I couldn't have stopped Odin without your help. And you saved my father's life. I just wanted to say if you ever need anything, I'm in your debt."

Arthur swung round quickly to leave the room, not understanding why he felt so deflated when a voice rang out from behind him.

"He kissed like a fish." Arthur froze and cocked his ear toward her but did not turn.

"Really?"

"Cold and clammy." She told him frustrated with herself for answering the totally inappropriate question.

"Good to know." Arthur said shortly leaving the room before allowing himself a big grin.

Inside the room Merlyn rolled her eyes and let a small smile escape.

XxXxXxXxX

"Arthur said Odin wanted revenge on you too, Gaius?"

"Many of those persecuted do too. I was spared because of my friendship with the King and because I took an oath to never use magic. Although I helped where I could, many died where I and my family were spared. They believe I betrayed them. And in a sense I did."

"Is that why you sent my mother away?" Gaius hesitated then nodded regretfully. He would have liked Hunith to have stayed in Camelot but she would not have been safe. Especially after she had met Balinor. But that was another story for another time.

"Then why am I allowed here now?"

"Enough time has passed, I told Uther you had no magic and not related by blood to me."

"You lied, I am your niece's child and I have magic."

"Yes. To keep you save. Where I failed so many others." Merlyn laid her hand on her uncles, gripping it tightly.

"Thank you for risking everything to take me in."

"You're welcome child."

Thank you reading. I've introduced another Guinevere as i had an idea to include her in later episodes and seasons if i get that far. Saying that i scrapped some of the next episode which i had started writing as i wasn't happy it.

I'm so happy people are enjoying the Arthur/Merlyn relationship. I didn't what them to fall instantly in love or get very serious and full of teen angst and in your face with the characters pining for each other. I wanted to see them struggle with a strange awareness they have with each other and confused with all these feelings they have for someone who is 'unsuitable' for them yet they do like each other and are naturally protective, loyal people and very much drawn to each other. I very much see Arthur/Merlyn's relationship as a slow burn. The differences in their social status is just one issue. The little issue of her being a witch is yet another. I'm undecided about whether to have them in a relationship eventually but at this stage it is all very young and innocent.

I hope to update in the next fortnight.