Merlin and Arthur discuss secrets, and whether you should keep a secret to protect the people you love. Set sometime during season 4, when Arthur is King but he and Gwen aren't married yet. Enjoy!

….

"Arthur?"

The King looked up at as Merlin called his name, having been completely lost in thought. He registered the pitcher and dinner tray his servant held with faint surprise – it was later than he had thought.

"Set it down on the table", he said indifferently, with a small gesture towards the smooth oak, before turning to look out the window once more. There were few figures in the courtyard – one or two knights, a couple of stableboys, and the occasional servant crossing with a bundle of laundry or bucket of water. Yet the King's gaze barely took them in, his mind too far away to notice the everyday goings-on of the citadel.

Merlin gently set the tray and pitcher on the table, glancing up at Arthur as he did so with a hint of worry in his stormy blue eyes. It was clear that his friend was preoccupied with his thoughts, but Merlin didn't know what could have drawn the now-familiar crease of concern between the king's eyebrows.

"Is everything all right?" the servant asked, straightening.

"Yes, of course", Arthur responded automatically, his eyes not straying from the window. Merlin waited patiently, knowing that if Arthur needed guidance, he would ask for it in his own time. The King exhaled heavily, biting his lip, and when he next spoke his voice was carefully emotionless.

"Have you ever had a secret which, if it were told, could endanger not just you but the people you love?"

Merlin's breath hitched. Arthur remained facing the window, his expression hidden from the warlock's view.

"What… is this secret?" he asked hesitantly.

"Can't tell you that, Merlin", the king said abruptly. "I wish I could… I could use your guidance. But I don't want to put you in danger."

"I can handle danger", Merlin ventured mildly.

A small smile lifted the corners of Arthur's lips.

"I know you can. But I'd rather you not have to."

A beat of silence.

"So, if you were me… and you knew something which could threaten the people you care about…" Arthur took a breath, and finally turned to face his friend. "What would you do? How would you know what the right decision is?"

Merlin took a breath, not wanting to give the wrong answer when Arthur was looking at him with that forlorn, pleading expression.

"I think… you just need to do what you think is right", he said eventually. "I can't tell you exactly what to do in this situation, but I know you Arthur. I know that you are a good man and a great king, and you will make the decision that you believe is best for your people. All you can do is try to protect them – and if that means protecting a secret as well, maybe that's something you'll have to do – for the greater good."

Arthur stared at his servant for a moment, a puzzled expression on his face.

"You know, you still amaze me", he remarked. "How you can be so foolish at times, yet so wise." Merlin's mouth spread into a grin, but he wisely refrained from commenting.

"Thank you, Merlin", the king added. Merlin's grin widened even further.

"Happy to help", he said cheerfully. Arthur turned back to the window, and the servant recognised the motion as his dismissal. With a slight bow of his head, he turned to leave.

"Merlin." Arthur's voice halted him as he reached the door and he turned back immediately, looking questioningly at his friend.

"Have you… have you ever had such a secret?"

Even as he asked it, a large part of Arthur found the notion ridiculous. No matter how wise he sometimes seemed, Merlin was a servant. He didn't have the same responsibilities as Arthur, he didn't carry that weight – of a knight, a king – on his shoulders. But part of Merlin had always remained an enigma to Arthur, and it was this part which forced the question from his lips.

Merlin hesitated, not sure what to say. Did Arthur suspect something? Was that what this was about, this whole time? From the time he first arrived in Camelot – and even before that, growing up in Ealdor – he had guarded the secret of his magic with his life. Maybe now was the time, finally, to confess the truth.

"Yes."

…..

Hope you liked this chapter Do you guys want a part 2? Should Merlin tell Arthur his secret? Let me know! Stay safe everyone. xx