Arthur wasn't happy with his father's pronouncement but realized he had no choice other than to go along with it. He warned Percival and Lancelot to be extra vigilant, he wasn't satisfied that his sister had played no part in what had happened. He just didn't believe his uncle had either the brains or courage to act alone. Anyway with Morgana having magic she was the obvious candidate, it was a shame he couldn't denounce Morgana without exposing how he knew. Arthur decided to keep the latest developments from Merlin, he wanted his husband to rest and recover without worrying. He was returning to the room after the talk with his father when he found Mab whispering in his ear.

"Your Sire is a twisted man"

Arthur looked sharply left and saw Mab on his shoulder, she was so light he hadn't felt her "How long have you been there"

Mab grinned "Don't fret no one saw me, or can see me, now besides you, but I would be careful or they will think their Prince mad if he is heard talking to himself" she grinned.

Arthur went into his rooms and making sure the bedroom door was shut glared at Mab and hissed "Well!"

"I was with you all the time. I wanted to see your King. I have heard so much about him" Mab was without shame at her snooping "You thankfully don't take after him"

"You are not to do that again, not without my knowledge, give me your word" he told her

Mab grinned "No!" she looked coyly at Arthur "Do you want to know his greatest fears?" she paused "It may help it may not" she paused "I also know something else that might help you"

"Mab you are the most infuriating… annoying…"

Mab laughed "That's what Gwaine says, only his language is more colourful. Well do you want to know or not"

Arthur went to swipe Mab from his shoulder but she disappeared only to appear on his desk.

"I am not in the mood for games! Merlin and my son are in danger!" Arthur snapped

Mab nodded "Yes they are" she became serious "I can tell you of your fathers fears. And it's not magic. He just uses magic to hide the guilt he feels for your mother's death. Like you he was brought up by a father for whom the family name and position was all. He fears failing to carry on that legacy that something he does will cause its downfall, that he will be shown to be wanting as a ruler, and that the people will rise against him. That is why he rules with such a heavy hand." Mab smiled "Ironical his greatest fear not having your love and respect, something I would not have believed if I hadn't looked into his heart. He would do anything for your regard although he knows you often despise him. In you he sees the love of his life….Your mother. In short he fears fear itself and dying alone unloved by his son and daughter"

Arthur wasn't surprised by everything Mab said but some did surprise him "Would he accept Merlin for what he is…..magical and a man"

"That might be a step to far in one go" Mab admitted "But you should try to understand him if you want to have any sort of relationship with him. But I would be more worried by the witch if I were you"

Following his talk with both his father and Mab Arthur arranged that either Hunith or himself were with Merlin and the babe at all times, not to mention Mab, who had been using a concealment spell when Drea was in the room, as well as to spy on other peoples conversations! With the lady in waiting being a frequent visitor Mab had no choice but to continue. Freya of course knew Mab well so was no problem.

Merlin himself was happy with his new status as a 'mother' figure. He was clearly besotted with his son. Although tired and needing to sleep more than usual he was on the whole content with his lot.

Hunith was delighted with her first grandchild and was so pleased her husband had been thoughtful enough to let her stay away from him for so long. She truly missed Balinor and was looking forward to his arrival. Merlin had told her he had received a message via Kilgarrah and Aithusa that both her husband and oldest son where on their way. Although Hunith knew she would hate leaving her youngest behind when she left. Merlin held a special place in her heart, which luckily both Balinor and Gwaine understood and even shared. There was something about her youngest that drew people in and made them love him even more. He might be a strong warlock but he was also strangely vulnerable for all of that. His ability to put other before himself, even to his own detriment worried her more than she was willing to admit.

Hunith sat at Merlin's bedside as he slept, watching him and petting Aithusa. The young dragon was growing at such a rate she would soon have to return with them to Gangani. It was clear King Uther wouldn't tolerate the dragon once she started to show her adult traits. Arthur walked in still annoyed with Mab. But hiding it well. He smiled at his mother in law and bent down and kissed the sleeping Merlin's forehead before looking into the crib at his son.

Very quietly so not to disturb Merlin he spoke "My lady I thank you for sitting with Merlin, I do not wish him to be alone, not until he is stronger"

"It is my pleasure Arthur, and please call me Mother or Hunith, you are after all one of the fathers of my grandchild." She smiled sweetly

"I will try Hunith" Arthur said haltingly. "I suppose Merlin will have to be referred to as Mama, or poor Ailfrid will become confused. I hope one day soon Merlin can allow his true self to be known to the world"

"Do not fret yourself Arthur, my son was well aware of what he was going to have to do when he first agreed to the deception. He is very content with his own skin and doesn't concern himself with what cannot be changed. Remember he has always known he could and probably bear children" Hunith reached forward and touched her son's hand. "Now if it had been Gwaine….."

Arthur gave a quiet chuckle "The beard would have given him away, although his hair would not have"

"Indeed, Gwaine grew bristles very early. I wonder sometimes if Merlin ever will. I know he is still young but who knows"

With that Merlin opened his eyes and smiled at his family. "Hello, how is Ailfrid?"

"He's asleep my love" Arthur told Merlin as he sat on the bed beside him "Are you in any pain? Would you like to sit up?"

Arthur very gently helped Merlin to sit forward as Hunith packed pillows behind him. Then Arthur went to the door and asked Freya to fetch something for Merlin to eat "In fact can you bring something for the Queen and myself as well"

After they had eaten and Merlin had feed Ailfrid Arthur helped settle Merlin back down to rest. Freya took the baby off to be changed and cleaned. Arthur looked at Hunith "Could you stay for just a bit longer, I have something that must be done"

The Queen nodded "Of course" she smiled "I will be going back home soon and I want to spend as much time as I can with Merlin"

Arthur left the room and went down to the cells. He found his Uncle well-guarded and looking very annoyed. As Arthur approached the bars Agravaine stood up and demanded "I hope you have come to release me"

Arthur forced himself to remain calm "For from it Uncle, If I had my way I would run you through. All I want to know is why?"

"I did nothing! I was framed surely you can see that! I am your uncle remember why would I hurt my own family" Agravaine clearly believed he would be freed eventually

Arthur looked the man up and down, remembering what Mab had said about his weaknesses. Then sneering he said

"To keep your wife happy? Don't be a fool Agravaine You know as well as I do she coverts the throne, and you would do anything to help her." He paused "But will you die for her? Will you take her secret to your grave? The King tells me Morgana swore the 'She had nothing to do with it, that she couldn't have opened the chest.' Are you going to die for her? She clearly expects you to. After all did Morgana rant and rave at your imprisonment?"

Arthur looked away from his uncle for a moment before adding "If you do she won't be lonely for long Sir Helios has been sniffing around her for years. A younger, fitter model….sorry uncle I fear you won't be moaned for long. I am sure my father will soon forgive her, she is his daughter, but he has never really like you"

Arthur saw doubt in Agravaine's eyes and turning away so not to ruin what hopefully he had achieved Arthur walked away and went out of the dungeons leaving a concerned man behind him.