Protecting a Secret

Thanks for the lovely reviews! Here is the follow-up to the previous chapter.

…..

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."

…

"Yes."

It was little more than a whisper, but Arthur heard the confirmation from his servant's lips. He nodded slowly, part of him recognising that this could be one of the most important conversations he'd have – not just with his servant, but in his life.

"And what…" Arthur paused, considering what to say. "What did you do?"

Merlin blinked, clearly having expected Arthur to ask the obvious question of what his secret was.

"I… I kept the secret", he said, his eyes cast low. "I had to. There were so many times I wanted to – to tell someone." He drew in a breath. "But it's like you said – I had to keep the people I care about safe. If anyone found out, I'd be in danger and so would they. And I wouldn't be able to protect you anymore."

Arthur straightened, surprised. It hadn't occurred to him that Merlin's secret had been kept in order to protect him – although, given the unfathomable loyalty Merlin had demonstrated for him over the years, that really should have been his first thought.

"Do you trust me, Arthur?" Merlin asked, his voice low but underlaid with a quiet strength.

"Of course", the king replied immediately.

"I've saved your life", the servant told him soberly, blue eyes gazing directly into blue.

"I know", Arthur replied, confused. "And I'm grateful for it." Merlin shook his head, almost imperceptibly.

"I've saved your life… with magic."

"You… what…" Arthur shook his head, a spark of anger flaring into being deep in his chest. He had thought they were having a serious conversation, but apparently Merlin preferred to make stupid jokes about him being a sorcerer, of all things! He opened his mouth to berate his servant, but before he could, Merlin whispered something into his cupped hand, and his eyes flashed gold.

Arthur felt as though a rug had been torn from underneath him. Merlin had told the truth. He had known there was more to his servant than met the eye, but he had never realised just how much more.

The dark-haired man held out his hands, slowly uncurling his fingers to reveal a small flame dancing on his palm. Arthur could only stare in shocked incredulity.

"I use it for you, Arthur. To protect you. To protect the people of Camelot." Merlin's voice did not break, but the hands holding the bright flame trembled slightly, as he waited for the judgement of his king… and his friend.

"But why, Merlin?" Arthur whispered finally, his voice hoarse. "Why practice magic?"

"I never had a choice", Merlin responded, the flame winking out of existence as he closed his hands once more, then lowered his arms to his sides. "I was born with magic. I've been using it since before I could talk. It's not something I can change."

"Merlin." The king's gaze was solemn as he looked at his manservant. "I trust you. We can – we can figure something out, but I need to know… Have you ever used magic against Camelot or it's people?"

"No", Merlin replied adamantly, shaking his head. "No, I would never."

"And you used your magic – to protect me?" Arthur asked, trying to understand the sacrifices Merlin must have made to keep him safe. Merlin nodded.

"I've saved your life more times than you know", he said quietly, the tiniest smile lifting the corners of his mouth.

"In that case…" Arthur took a deep breath, his chest heavy with the weight of this revelation. "Thank you."

…

Thank you for reading! I hope you liked this chapter.

Hope you are all having a good day. Stay safe xx