Sarrum stormed off the minute he could, he had not only just lost his first knight but had also lost face, and he needed to think things through and work out a plan to recover with grace. King Uther glared at Merlin before turning to his son. "I will speak to you now…..alone!" he demanded "In my chambers"

Arthur turned to Merlin and gave him a reassuring squeeze around the waist. Merlin gave his husband a small smile "I will go and see Apples, Percival and Lancelot will come with me"

Arthur looked at the other Amaya knights who were gathered around their fallen colleague Speaking to them he said "See to his body, and make sure you do not think of any reprisals we have seen too much death already this day" looking at Merlin's knights he added "Keep Merlin in clear sight at all times and go straight to our chambers after you have been to the stables" He then walked off to a meeting with his father.

Merlin set off to the stables where he checked on his brother's horse. Luckily Apples was quite happy for Merlin to handle him. He was a huge stallion and very much loved by Gwaine "Hello boy, don't worry I'm sure Gwaine will be back for you soon. Now be a good boy and let Tyr look after you" Merlin looked round for the Royal stable hand and motioned him over "Apples has been left in my care, will you look after him for me?" he asked politely.

Tyr looked at the Stallion "I will my lady but he is a one man horse" he looked worried at the prospect

"Give me your hand Tyr" Merlin took the man's hand and placed in over Apples nose "Apples this is Tyr he will care for you be kind to him"

The horse snorted then to Tyr's surprise nuzzled him. Merlin laughed "There you are friends now, just make sure he gets an apple every evening and morning and you will be friends for life, But don't let the others stable boys touch him. And Tyr call me Merlin please or if not Emrys"

"I my L.. Emrys, that I will" It seemed Merlin had also made another friend as well as Apples. With that Merlin returned to his chambers.

Arthur followed his father to his chambers, this did not bode well, as it was only the most severe talk that Arthur ever went to his father's private chambers. As he walked in he closed the doors behind him and stood before his father waiting. Uther sat in his chair, his desk between him and Arthur. He looked his son up and down his face set in what Arthur thought of as his most Kingly face, stern and unwilling to bend, before saying:

"You have disappointed me in this entire matter, how dare you act as second in this matter! King Sarrum and his party are honoured friends of Camelot!"

Arthur heard his father's words and couldn't believe them "Sarrum not only touched my wife inappropriately he also hurt her and threatened Aithusa who you agreed could stay here safely in a treaty agreement, had Crown Prince Gwaine not challenged him I would have! Merlin was your choice for my bride and deserves your protection as well!" he said angrily.

"The dragon as I understand has left, we were tricked into accepting it, and eventually I would have had it killed. I will not tolerate a creature of magic in my Kingdom. As for your wife, she needs to learn to behave appropriately! Sarrum meant nothing by his actions Morgana has never complained" Uther's face was red with anger "Your bride seems to becoming more trouble than she is worth"

""I love my wife and will protect Merlin with my last breath, tell your 'friend' that if he touches her again I will cut HIS hand off myself. I intend to stay by Merlin's side until that letch has left Camelot" Arthur's patience with his father had been stretched to far.

Uther glared at his son "You will not talk to me like that I am your KING! Perhaps a night or two in the cells will cool you down and since you want your wife with you she can join you."

"I'm sure King Balinor will be most impressed if you put his youngest child in a cell! Especially after the Crown Prince left earlier than planned and Merlin is without Aithusa. Is Sarrum worth such a War?" Arthur said his voice cold and quiet.

Uther's head swung round as his son suggested a war "He would be a fool to start a war over such a trifle"

Arthur smirked "I think not and so do you, Merlin's family are very protective and a war with such fierce people, let alone dragons would be disastrous"

Uther stood up and thumped the table, he knew his son was right. His face took on a calculating look "Perhaps I was hasty however your impertinence will not go unpunished, in the morning you will go on a patrol of the northern borders. While you are away I suggest you think well on your position"

Arthur looked at his father in disgust "That is a three week patrol!"

"And? You will go and that is the end of it, tell your wife she is to stay in her rooms during that time unless I order otherwise"

"Merlin will come with me! The Gangani are used to going to war with their husbands so a patrol will be safe enough, Merlin's guards will look after Merlin. I will not go without Merlin especially with King Sarrum still here"

Arthur went to leave the room and as he did so Uther said "While you are away think of your position, you need to learn obedience and also that a King often has hard decisions to make, take her by all means but if she is hurt or killed remember it was your choice."

Then in a more consolatory tone, clearly realising he had pushed his son to the brink Uther added "I should never have asked you to wed her, they are a savage people and clearly she will have difficulty in acting in an appropriate manner as your wife. When you get back I will get Morgana to help her understand her duties and behaviour"

Arthur turned round once more, controlling his expression as he did so "I will be responsible for Merlin NOT Morgana Sire. Merlin's behaviour has been correct, it is the attitudes of others that are causing conflict. Now if you will give me leave I have a patrol to organise" as he went out of the door he turned "I do not regret marrying…I love Merlin" with that he was gone leaving a stunned Uther behind him.

Arthur went down to the Knights and found Leon "We are going on a patrol of the Northern Borders tomorrow, make sure everything is ready. Merlin and the knights are coming with us" Arthur noticed Leon's stunned expression

"I will not leave Merlin here alone. Merlin has travelled on campaigns before." He said defiantly.

"No Sire" Leon acknowledged "Do you want a tent packed for you and Merlin?"

"It might be best, make sure all my knights come, I will ask George too came with us" with that the Prince turned to go back into the castle and inform Merlin. He somehow thought he wouldn't mind.