As Merlin and the knights rode out of Camelot they were seen by Morgana. The Princess frowned, but seeing the dragon with them assumed they were exercising the beast. Then she smiled to herself, her brother would be gone for at least a week and now she would have chance to make her sister in law show up in a poor light to the court, without her brother interfering. Her son was with her "Mama Can I go and see the dragon when they get back…please?"

Morgana looked down at Mordred, she could refuse her son very little "I will arrange it Mordred, but you must take care they are terrible beasts. This one is young but they are not to be trifled with. Now go to your lessons my boy, Sir Leonard will be waiting you have a sword practice due"

Mordred smiled and left his mother. He had only recently started sword lessons and Morgana knew they made him feel he was growing up. Although he needed to be able to fight, Morgana wanted him to learn to be politically savvy like his father. Regardless of Arthur's marriage she still intended her son to one day be King. Turning away from the windows she sat and planned. She knew her husband had arranged for the 'bandits' that were attacking the villages to outnumber any patrol the King sent out. But she also knew her brother was no fool and the best swordsman in the land, and as such could well still return alive and well. They would need to keep making plans if they wanted to be sure of meeting their objective.

Later Morgana met her father and suggested a supper with the new bride "It will be useful to get to know her without Arthur being so protective" she pointed out. "I suspect like me you wonder what sort of person the next Queen will be"

Uther looked at his daughter "Wanting me dead already" he asked her

Morgana looked horrified "Uther, how could you say such a thing? You have many years ahead of you, and Arthur is not ready to rule yet"

Uther looked at his daughter and wondered what she had planned. In many ways he wished she had been born a man she was wily enough to make a good leader. "You are right. I will send a message for her to attend" Uther said. Like his daughter he was intrigued by the new Princess of Camelot.

He was less amused when he got a message back to say the Princess had left the citadel for three days with her brother and two knights to celebrate some pagan festival. And without asking him first. So was Morgana, as it deprived her of the chance to catch the girl alone. So instead she played on her father's bad mood, so when Merlin did return she would get a bad reception.

After Uther had questioned Freya and the others that had seen Merlin's group leave he was less inclined to believe the story of a pagan celebration. He remembered what had been said of Gangani women going with their men and was more inclined to believe that Merlin had followed Arthur. He was determined when they got back to find out the truth.

Not knowing the reception that was to await them Arthur woke up twice in the night to find Merlin restless in his arms, each time he looked at the bandages to make sure the wound hadn't stated to bleed. Each time the saw the tendrils of gold and made sure Merlin was well wrapped. In the morning Gwaine bought Arthur over something to eat for himself and some of the juices warmed up from the night before. Between them they got Merlin to swallow some of the liquid. The other injured were given the same, but with some bread. The group then broke camp and set off hoping to reach Camelot by midday. Mid-morning Arthur ordered two of the knights to ride ahead and warn the Court Physician of the injuries so he would be ready and waiting when they arrived.

Arthur was truly worried about Merlin, who hadn't woken properly and appeared to have a low grade fever. The other injured knights seemed to be faring better and were coping with the journey. As the group rode into the courtyard not only was the physician waiting but so was the King. Percival entered the castle with Aithusa as discretely as he could, as Gwaine dismounted and took Merlin from Arthur. As Arthur went to take Merlin back Uther spoke.

"Leave your wife to her brother I want a full report now" with that he turned to walk back into the castle.

Arthur clearly wasn't going to follow but Gwaine whispered "I will care for Merlin, you best go. I promise to send Lancelot or Percival if you are needed"

Reluctantly Arthur did as requested. It was clear Uther wanted answers and now. As they entered the council chambers Uther turned on his son. "You are supposed to be still on patrol. Have you killed all the bandits?" he demanded

"No, we got ambushed and were outnumbered. As it happened we were helped by Prince Gwaine and his group. We took out over half before I decided to return with the injured. They had a sorcerer with them" The later was added as Arthur saw his father's reaction. "Once we have sorted the wounded I will send out another patrol"

"No, you will lead the patrol. Now would you care to explain why your wife's party became involved and why she left the citadel without informing me?" Uther glared at his son "Did you know what they were planning?"

"No I did not, I would have told Merlin not to go had I known. I asked Gwaine and he said they had gone to find a place to celebrate midsummer in the manner of their religion and to give the dragon a good fly. They left hours after the patrol. Merlin left her maidservant with details should anyone ask. Evidently it was normal for Merlin to go out with the Prince and knights as long as she left word. Merlin didn't understand it was different here." He paused worry eating at him "Merlin got hurt when the dragon flew to say we were being attacked. Their route was straighter than ours and dissected out route. Merlin was shot by an arrow saving my life by throwing her knife. As for going out, I will not until I know Merlin is recovering. My place is by my spouse's side. Now by your leave I will see how Merlin and my injured knights are"

As Arthur turned to leave Uther said firmly and in a tone that brooked no argument "I want I full report. There is nothing you can do except get in Gaius's way now sit and finish the report and stop acting like a love struck fool"

Arthur realised that his father was livid that Merlin had left the citadel and decided he would have to stay. So he sat down and as quickly as he could gave a full report. Once he had finished he took his leave and headed to see Merlin with his father's warning ringing in his ears. "Tell your wife once she is well enough I will be having words with her about the correct way to act."

Arthur found Percival and Lancelot outside the physician's chambers and as he entered he discovered Merlin was in the small back room of Gaius's chambers with the injured knights in the main room. Gaius had removed the arrow head with Gwaine helping to keep Merlin still. Gaius had sent Gwen to clean the knights wounds so she didn't see Merlin without a top on, and discover there truth. Luckily it was a fairly simple procedure and Merlin was soon sleeping. Gaius then dealt with the knights. By the time Arthur arrived they were all settled and resting.

Gaius looked at Arthur "Sire the Princess needs to rest. Later she can be moved to your chambers. There was no sign of infection and she should heal well, but needs to rest for the next few days and take it easy for a week or two. The knights are sleeping off their injuries and can go to their rooms tomorrow. They will be out of action for two weeks at least."

Arthur was relieved he asked the physician if he could check on the families of the dead knights in the morning. "I have sent a message to say they will receive a pension and I will visit them myself but they may tell you of any problems they won't tell me. The funerals will be tonight."

"I will Sire, is the pension from you or the crown?" Gaius asked adding "so they know who to thank"

"From me, I will speak to the King at a later date but I doubt he will allow anything"

Gaius knew that over the years Arthur had saved all his tournament winnings, as well as some of his own money, to help those families who had their men hurt or killed in his service. Arthur always did what he could for his men and would do more once he was King. Gaius knew that was one of the reasons his men were so loyal to him.

"Go and see the Princess Sire, but please let her rest" he smiled at the boy who was like a son to him. "A full recovery will occur so stop worrying, that's due to what you and Prince Gwaine did"

Arthur went into the small room and found Gwaine sat by his sibling, he looked up as Arthur entered. "Still alive then?" the brunette smiled "Merlin's going to be ok"

Arthur sank down by the bed and took one of Merlin's hands in his own. In a low voice so those in the outer room couldn't hear he asked "How can I protect him if he won't do as he is told?" The look on the blondes face told Gwaine all he needed to know.

Gwaine smirked "With difficulty, you are going to have to listen to each other more. Merlin isn't some weak damsel. If it's any consolation all the Gangani are fighters that's why we have lasted as long as we have."

Arthur nodded then warned "Just go careful around the King, he is not amused that you all left the citadel without his permission. I did as you suggested and said you didn't realise but I don't think that will help. If you're not careful Percival and Lancelot will be leaving with you"

Gwaine grinned "Then he didn't read the small print in the treaty, even if he tries they won't go, Merlin is their focus and will remain that way and they will never follow the Kings orders. The penalties are too great. Camelot will lose half of the boats and training if they don't stay" he looked at Arthur "You love Merlin don't you?"

"I do, I'm not sure how he did it, but yes Merlin means everything to me" Arthur admitted "I haven't known him for long but I cannot see a time without out Merlin by my side"

Gwaine nodded "I know what you mean. I'm glad because I know Merlin loves you, and that is a gift from the gods. At least I know when I leave you will protect Merlin with your life. I can now call you my brother"

Later when Merlin was awake Gaius gave permission for Arthur to take Merlin back to their chambers "Just call if anything changes and I will visit later. Sit Merlin up with pillows and support the shoulder." He handed Gwaine two bottles "Those will help with the pain. But don't give one for two candle marks and leave four candle marks between doses. If Merlin is thirsty then either herbal tea or half strength wine and broth for food, nothing more solid"

Arthur picked Merlin up carefully and although Merlin winced he did not to make a sound. The blonde carried Merlin bridal style to their chambers. Where Freya was waiting and helped to prop Merlin up, it was moments before Merlin's eyes closed once more. Arthur settled at his side and watched Merlin sleep, relieved that Merlin had received the care he needed. He was determined not to leave Merlin's side until the slender man was up on his feet once more, whatever his father said. Looking at Merlin Arthur remembered just how young he was, at sixteen he was not sure he could have left his home and coped as well as Merlin was. He felt old in comparison, alright he was only eight years older, but that eight years had changed him from a young lad to a man who had fought in many battles and killed more men than he dared to think about. He would look after Merlin the best he could, but how to get the idiot to do as asked would be another thing. The prophesy worried him, Arthur knew Merlin believed in it with all this being, but how could such an innocent be expected to protect him, a battle hardened warrior? It made no sense.

Merlin slept the rest of the day and after Arthur made him drink some broth and Gaius had checked his wound the two men curled up and Merlin managed to get a good night's sleep, the painkiller and sleeping draft made sure of that. The next morning Arthur got up and went to training leaving Merlin asleep. After convincing his father that he would not led the patrol back out he knew better than to ignore all his duties.

Merlin woke up and was upset to find the other half of the bed empty. Freya helped him wash and got his breakfast. Then propped up by pillows Merlin spent the next couple of hours trying to read but sleeping most of the time, he took the precaution of wearing a light wrap around his neck to hide his Adams apple as George and Freya cleaned the room. Gaius came and went happy with Merlin's progress and told the young man that the knights were also doing well. Late morning Merlin heard Percival and Lancelot and another voice in the corridor, then the King entered the room. Percival went to speak but Merlin spoke first "Thank you Sir Percival return to your post" Then Merlin turned to Freya who was sat by the bed "Leave us please"

Once the maidservant had left Uther looked at Merlin, his countenance clearly showing his displeasure. "Those knights need to learn no one stops me entering anywhere I please. If they don't they will be sent to the cells and flogged"

Merlin bowed his head "I am sorry Sire, they are very loyal and meant no disrespect. Much as myself when I left the citadel without asking you. We are learning new ways" Merlin tried to keep his voice meek. "I apologise most sincerely"

Uther glared at the figure in the bed "Then learn fast, all you did was get yourself hurt. You don't fool me. I heard your father say the Gangani women follow their men on patrol and war. But understand this I will have none of your heathen ways here. I know you left to follow your husband. You are not some camp whore or camp follower, to follow the men into danger. Your sole reason for existence is to provide my son with heirs."

Merlin bit his tongue and continued to look meek "Sire I went to celebrate the midsummer and I did have my brother and knights. My brother the Crown Prince is a fearsome warrior" Merlin looked up, the pain from his shoulder allowed him to look more contrite than he felt. Pulling the blanket to cover him even more he for all intense and purposes looked as if he was embarrassed to be seen in bed by a man not a husband or relative.

Uther was not taken in, he had dealt with Morgana for years and whilst he didn't think the teenager in front of him was up to his daughter's standard of deviousness he was also sure Merlin wasn't as sorry as she wanted him to think she was.

"Don't lie to me girl, If it happens again your knights will spend some time in the cells. And you if necessary. You may have had your father wrapped round your finger but know this I will not be defied. Other than to bare by son's children I expect you to learn your duties, they are to oversee this household. You will have no time to spend riding round the country. The Court Physician informs me you are to have light duties for a week, then I expect you to start doing what your position expects of you. You have married the Crown Prince and his duties mean he will be away for long periods. You will not follow him again. I expect you to do your duty and provide the Kingdom with an heir. But when Arthur isn't here I have arranged for Geoffrey of Monmouth to instruct you in the ways of Camelot and its laws. Do not defy me again!" he paused glaring at Merlin "As for your pagan ways, you may celebrate in your rooms only as agreed"

Merlin was very tempted to use his magic to teach Uther a lesson but instead held his tongue and kept his head down. Not meekly but to hide the distaste in his eyes. Merlin found Uther a hard and harsh man "Yes Sire"

As Uther reached the door he turned and looked once more at Merlin "Remember do as you are told or that beast of yours will be caged. You father may have tricked me into allowing it here but it is up to me how it is housed and treated. Get yourself with child, once you have children to care for you will not want to chase after your husband" With that he left.

Merlin was humiliated at how Uther spoken to him. There was no way that Merlin would allow the knights to suffer for him. There was a knock on the door and Lancelot put his head around "Are you alright Your Highness?" he asked clearly worried.

Merlin looked up and to his shame a tear ran down his face "No! If I follow Arthur again he will have you both flogged. How can follow my destiny if all I am to be is a carrier of babies! How dare he threaten you that way?"

Lancelot stepped into the room and looked at Merlin "You know we would do anything for you, do not let his threats to us, stop you doing what is right." Looking at the upset teenager he continued "Allow yourself to heal first and I am sure you will think of something. I will get Freya to bring you an herbal tea"

"Thank you Lancelot, but I will not let him hurt either of you" Merlin promised

Lancelot left and called for Freya then spoke to Percival "You know sometimes I forget just how young Emrys is. I only hope she doesn't put herself at risk to protect us"

The two men had got into the habit of using the female prefix as often as they could, even when talking in their own language. Percival looked at his friend "I will protect Emrys with my life. King or no King. No one deserves it more. I that means taking the whip so be it."