Prince Arthur avoided meeting eyes with anyone as he passed through the Sythian marketplace, dressed in fine clothes but purposely concealing any crests that may reveal him as Camelot royalty. He tried not to stare in dismay as seemingly common people casted bright colors into the air, often causing him to flinch. He nearly lost his nerve as he passed under a sudden writing in the air advertising a half sale on minor healing potions. He clenched his jaw but made it through without making a scene.

He was greatly discomforted by the wild commoners and even if he tried to convince himself that they weren't doing any harm, he continued to hear his father's outraged speeches about magic and the undeniable danger it brought. Why had his father made peace with a kingdom that represented all he lived to prevent? Why was Arthur travelling through such dangerous territory for a simple servant who couldn't even properly prepare a bath?

Arthur found a tavern and purchased himself a room, deciding that he should give himself time to plan better how to approach Merlin. It would be hard to explain if Arthur was found here and without announcing his presence, how would he gain access to the castle?

While he retired to his room for more comfortable rest, Prince Garrick's party arrived at the Sythian castle. Merlin stared up from his horse at the tall walls made of dark gray stone. Unlike Camelot's castle atop a rise, Sythian's was on flat ground and the walls were all level at the top as well as the bottom. There was one thing Merlin certainly couldn't deny about the place and that was that this castle was enormous. Maybe it was the same size as Camelot's but from the front, it was so immediately massive. He'd never seen walls so high.

Garrick led the way in under the arch and they traveled past many servants at work or just speaking with each other. They momentarily dropped their conversation to welcome back the respected prince. Merlin was amazed by how they went out of their way but could see why. If Merlin had grown up in a place like this, he'd be forever indebted to those who ran it and Prince Garrick one day will. He was also very charismatic and the people just seemed to adore him.

They continued straight forward toward the entrance to the castle and stopped before the wide stone stairs to dismount their horses. Prince Garrick lent a hand to Merlin who, while feeling a bit babied, accepted it and slid down from his horse. He then took his bag from the horse before a boy a bit younger than him took his and Prince Garrick's horses, leading them gently by the reigns.

"Eldon," Garrick said to acknowledge the equally aged manservant descending the steps to greet his master. "My father is in?"

Eldon only nodded which Merlin found strange since everyone else seemed so friendly with Garrick. Eldon glanced at Merlin who felt a bit caught but there was no accusation in Eldon's eyes.

"This is my friend Merlin from Camelot." Garrick told Eldon who looked back at the prince. "He'll be staying with us for a bit and will need a room. If you could, please prepare the room next to mine and see to it that the other servants are aware of our guest's presence."

Eldon nodded again and did a short bow in both Garrick and Merlin's direction before turning and reentering the castle. Merlin was a bit flattered but also confused as to why he hadn't spoken.

"He's mute." Prince Garrick explained upon noticing Merlin's confusion. "He was tortured as a child and hasn't been able to speak since. People often have trouble communicating with him but once you're around him long enough, it's easy to understand things. He can't do much in town because of his condition so I like to keep him close. Besides, he makes a very outstanding royal servant."

Merlin pretended not to be blown away by the high praise but Garrick already knew it. Arthur had never said anything like that about Merlin, but maybe Merlin just really wasn't that great a servant. Perhaps Merlin would come to understand the mute Eldon better than the loudmouthed Prince Arthur.

"Come on, then." Garrick said with a smile at Merlin. "I'll have you meet my sister and the king."

The knights went their own ways while Prince Garrick led Merlin into the castle. The inside was clean and fresh-feeling. The halls were filled with light cast in from the many windows. The staircases were much like the ones in Camelot only there weren't lines of dust where the steps met the walls. The two of them traveled back through the castle and exited out of a heavy wooden door. Outside, Merlin stared in disbelief.

A very wide and open field lied in front of them, basking in the sunlight and misted with dew drops. Surely such a beautiful field must have been maintained with magic. Then Merlin caught sight of a young girl with wheat-blond hair and a fair but warm complexion. Her hair was set back in a neat braid and laced with light purple ribbon. Though the field is beautiful, the young Princess Aster put it to shame.

Merlin noticed the group of knights and maids standing by and watching as Aster faced one handmaid several years Merlin's senior. Aster wasn't wearing a dress but fitted brown trousers that were tucked into tall, dark brown boots. She also wore a dark brown leather corset over a white tunic that fluttered beneath the corset in the soft breeze.

The princess had her hands poised carefully in the air as she concentrated. Merlin watched her icy blue eyes grow bright gold, glaring in the sunlight before there was a white light and a blue bird appeared. Aster seemed impressed and so did the spectators but then they realized one of the bird's wings was too thin and it moved lower and lower to the ground despite its desperate flapping.

The maid opposite of her stepped forward to the struggling creature and placed a hand over it. Another more yellow light appeared and the bird vanished. Princess Aster's eyes were downcast. She appeared rather upset.

"One more try?" the maid asked her.

"That was the thirty sixth try today." Aster replied but kept an easy tone.

Her voice was so kind and alluring by nature and even Merlin felt inclined to stay and watch her. She had a natural charm, much like her brother's, and her outer beauty matched that of her heart like her mother had hoped it would.

"Perhaps tomorrow I will show progress." Aster said.

She glanced in the prince and Merlin's direction. A delighted smile graced her lips and she ran over, quickly going up in her brother's arms. Merlin had trouble suppressing his smile at the gesture. Prince Garrick spun around with his sister once before setting her back down. Aster glanced over at Merlin who existed rather shyly at Garrick's side and then she looked up to her brother again as their arms parted with her feet on the ground.

"I didn't expect you back for two more days." She said.

"There weren't any objections, of course, and our treaty was established quickly." Garrick replied. "Also, I was eager to return and show my friend the kingdom his just made peace with."

Aster looked to Merlin again and she sensed something in his eyes that reminded her of her mother, the late queen. She quickly decided he had magic, but if he came from Camelot, he was likely very wary so she shouldn't say anything.

"This is Merlin." Prince Garrick told his younger sister who admired the guest with a gentle eye. "He'll be visiting with us before returning to Camelot. He knows Prince Arthur personally."

Merlin noticed how Garrick didn't mention he was a servant, though his clothes must have said as much.

"Merlin, this is my lovely little sister, Aster." Garrick told him. "I'd be cautious around her during practice hours."

"I haven't hurt anybody in weeks!" Aster scoffed playfully. "But it is very nice to meet you, Merlin."

"The pleasure is entirely mine." Merlin said with a slight bow of the head which made Garrick tense.

"You're our guest." Aster said. "Don't trouble yourself with honorifics unless it's a habit you can't help."

Merlin felt a bit embarrassed because wasn't not. Rather, he had a habit of forgetting such things. He nodded this time to show his understanding. Aster looked to her brother who still watched Merlin. She took note of the faint glimmer in her brother's eyes and immediately smirked out of habit. When Garrick looked to her again, he raised a brow in question.

"Have you introduced him to father yet?" Aster asked to avoid the conversation for now.

"I was just about to." Garrick said.

"Maybe I can come?"

Her brother nodded and Aster passed between the two boys to look back at Merlin. She waved for them to follow and Garrick let Merlin ahead of him while the princess led them up the stairs and through the castle a good way until they reached the throne room where the doors were open. Inside, King George Alder of Sythian was listening to the end of the kingdom's crops reports. George noticed the arrival of his children along with a young man he wasn't familiar with. He found the crops reports agreeable as always and sent the man on his way.

"Garrick, my son!" King George boomed merrily as he walked toward the prince. "I trust it went well?"

They embraced before Prince Garrick gave a nod.

"They were very hospitable." He told his father. "I've even made a friend."

The king nodded and glanced at Merlin who stood nervously by the doors. Aster urged him forward and he walked up next to Garrick who gave space for his and the king's introduction.

"This is Merlin." Garrick told his father before the slightest heat met his face. "He's my valued guest and I've invited him to visit with us."

"By all means." King George agreed and eyed Merlin.

Merlin did his best not to stare vacantly and focused on the king as he was, moderately tanned skin, graying hair, and a small scar on the right of his jawline, probably from a knife or sword rather than magic. The king himself made an observation of the young boy, noting his ears for being a bit on the large side and his attire being that of a servant.

Because Merlin didn't appear to be a royal or anyone of high standing in Camelot, the king was able to narrow his presence down to two things. One being that he had magic and Prince Garrick felt the need to rescue him, show him a safe place where he could come. The second was the less likely idea that this boy had in some way, enchanted his son. The king knew, of course, that his son was not easily won. Aside from that, Merlin didn't seem like he'd been approached in such a way since he stood at such a platonic distance from Garrick that it was neither uncomfortably close nor awkwardly distant.

"Your kingdom is…indescribable." Merlin said, feeling a bit stupid that he'd opened his mouth and not had the words to justify it.

"So magic does not bother you?" George asked of him. "You are from Camelot, yes?"

"He's different from them." Garrick said with no particular implication that Merlin could sense.

"It's really amazing, actually." Merlin dared to say though his heart was racing with nervousness. "The people in the market, is it always like that?"

"Some days are better than others." The king said without being bothered in the least by Merlin's informal manner. "It just seems that some days, everyone wakes up in a better mood. There are times when the people have run out of entertainment but they always seem to find a way to busy themselves."

"You'll join us for dinner, won't you?" Aster asked as she came to stand by her father, nearly his height.

"Of course." Merlin agreed.

"Why don't you help him get settled in?" King George asked his daughter.

She understood and agreed with a nod before leaving her father's side to lead Merlin out of the throne room. Prince Garrick offered a short wave as they disappeared and he turned back to face his father, already hearing the doors closing behind him at Aster's say. Garrick's relatives were sharp. He was left to speak to George Alder, his father, not his king.

"He has magic?" the king asked but they both knew that the other knew.

"He's surprisingly skilled for his age, rather powerful." Garrick nodded.

"What do we need power for? Did Uther say anything to you?"

"No, it isn't what you think." The prince said. "It's…you already know this about me, father."

The king was surprised and Garrick was slightly embarrassed. The king, who has no magic for himself, could immediately spot a sorcerer but not realize when someone had caught his son's eye?

"So he's that sort of friend?" the king asked with a small and fatherly smile. "He must be some child."

"Indescribable." Garrick nodded with a pleasant expression.

At that point, Aster and Merlin were arriving at his chambers where Eldon was nearly finished making up the bed. Aster stopped in the doorway and encouraged Merlin to go ahead.

"Do you like it?" she asked as the guest turned to admire the room

He could only nod in sheer giddiness while looking around. The floors were spotless, the ceiling was high, and the bed was absolutely extravagant. The covers were thick and dark blue with countless pillows, all the purest shade of white. This room was, dare he even think it, even better than that of which belonged to the crown prince of Camelot. Arthur would have been so bitter if he knew.

"I hope you enjoy your stay." Aster told Merlin as he continued to look around at the writing desk and bedside table. "Eldon will send someone to tend to you. In the meantime, you can rest or we can have lunch sent up to you. You must be tired and hungry after your travel."

"Lunch sounds wonderful." Merlin nodded childishly, much to Aster's amusement.

Eldon silently passed the princess into the hall and for a moment, she could smell limestone on his clothes.

"I'll leave you to make yourself comfortable." Aster smiled beautifully before she left, pulling the door closed behind her.

Merlin flopped back on his bed with a happy sigh but in the hallway outside his chambers, the princess hurried after Eldon. She didn't even reach him before he heard her and stopped to turn around. Her face showed concern as she came to stand in front of him. Eldon didn't meet her eyes.

"…you didn't find it." Aster said more than asked.

The servant sadly shook his head. Aster sighed and bit her bottom lip in disappointment and thought. She looked to Eldon again who looked up guiltily. Aster felt a bit shameful herself for making it seem as if it was him she was upset with. She took another step forward as Eldon properly met her eyes. She put a gentle hand on his shoulder.

"Please don't blame yourself." She told him. "It isn't your fault and I don't want you to feel guilty. We just can't give up. We'll keep trying until we find it."

Aster's eyes were hopeful and Eldon's face turned hot in distress. He quickly pulled the princess close in an embrace. Aster propped her chin on his shoulder and squeezed him back with an aching heart in the bright but vacant corridor.

At the tavern, Prince Arthur ate in his room. He had been eating downstairs but some drunken wizards were making coins continuously spin on a tabletop and have them clash together as a game. One silver in the back of the head and Arthur carried what was left of his meal to his room along with a tankard of mead. He would need it.

"I bet Merlin is eating duck." Arthur grumbled as he bit into a piece of tough bread.

At the castle, Merlin sat at a royal table for the first time in his life. He'd had a bath and was given fine new clothes of a noble's standards. Now a servant slid his dinner plate in front of him as he sat in the company of the king, Princess Aster, and Prince Garrick. He couldn't help feeling unexplainably comfortable with them, especially Aster who was strong in will but very kind. She was very much somebody's sister and seemed to have taken a liking to him. Merlin was starting to consider maybe asking if he could join her in training. She could have use more encouragement and he might have learned something.

The king seemed to be very keen about addressing Merlin as if he really was a noble. Surely Garrick explained after Merlin and Aster had left. Garrick sat on Merlin's left as the king was on his right. Aster sat directly across from Merlin with a comforting smile whenever she sensed that he's nervous. He became less overly cautious about how he was eating as dinner went on, deciding that the acceptable amount to take in at once was the same you were able to swallow in about two seconds in case someone required a response from you.

Garrick would occasionally ask Merlin how he liked the food and if he had enough wine. The wine was absolutely decadent, sinfully delicious despite Merlin's preference for mead. Surely this wasn't the same kind Arthur drank all the time. How cruel of him not to share.

"But you yourself weren't born in Camelot?" the king asked Merlin after the mention of his upbringing.

"Just outside of it." Merlin answered. "Ealdor isn't that large a town but living in a simple place has its benefits as well. I think I've just grown used to busier towns since I left. I visited recently with Arthur. It was very different from Camelot but exactly the same as when I'd left."

Garrick discretely offered the king a warning glance that could either have meant not to ask of Merlin's father or not to ask why he left Ealdor. Aster couldn't help noticing the look and feeling a bit moved by her brother's new fixation on the young sorcerer, not to mention his protective attitude. She was reminded momentarily of Eldon which caused her smile to stiffen but she resisted looking at the servant standing past her father by a column with a pitcher in his hands.

A conversation soon arised about healing spells that Aster should learn after Garrick mentioned how Merlin was the apprentice of the royal physician. Merlin was especially interested and with everyone already secretly aware of Merlin's magic, they were able to keep the conversation censored but interesting to him, mentioning rarer healing spells, some of which were surprisingly simple and Merlin wished he knew sooner when he and Garrick were in the cave.

After dinner, Prince Garrick walked Merlin back to his chambers. While Merlin was a bit confused at first, he assumed they were just not used to having guests and were therefore being so friendly. Garrick, however, took each step with meaning, hoping that Merlin could feel even the faintest vibe of attraction toward him. He felt disappointed but not surprised when Merlin said a simple goodnight and entered his room before letting Garrick reply.

Again, Prince Garrick realized he was being too subtle. He just felt uncomfortable forcing anything. What was he expecting anyway? There was a greater chance that Merlin didn't even like men. Garrick should have known after seeing Prince Arthur so passionately fighting for the adorable servant. With how Merlin spoke about Arthur, he would have gone to him by now. Either he didn't know or he had no interest in men. Garrick was unsure which he would prefer.

He walked on to his room and a few minutes later, Aster snuck down the torch-lit corridor to rap lightly on Merlin's door. Inside, Merlin finished shuffling into his night clothes before walking to the door and cracking it open. Aster offered a grin and held a finger to her lips for silence. Merlin gave her a questioning look but she nodded and gestured for him to let her in. He let her in and reluctantly closed the door without knowing if it was better to leave it open to show innocence or close to completely hide the young girl sneaking into his room at a late hour. He would hate to make Prince Garrick think he did something to his little sister after all of the kindness the prince has shown.

"Princess Aster," Merlin said in a hushed voice despite the thickness of the walls and doors. "It's late, isn't it?"

"I wanted to talk to you in private." She said as she walked over to the fireplace to warmed her hands at the wrists of her sleeved, dark purple gown. "There was a servant present when I brought you to your room so I missed the chance to converse with you on my own."

"Well, what do you want to talk about?" Merlin asked with his arms folded in front of him, slightly anxious to be in his night clothes while Aster is properly dressed.

"My brother." She said with a slight smile.

Merlin was curious himself and came to stand beside her. There was a brief pause before the princess spoke again, sounding a bit mature for her age.

"Garrick has always been very kind and caring." She told Merlin. "He's a marvelous prince and there isn't a better brother in this world. Despite that, he's always had little to no friends. He's very picky and hasn't gotten close to anyone since our mother died three years ago. He's also been rather tense as of lately."

Merlin nodded, hearing her well, but he was unsure if they were thinking of the same person. Prince Garrick had been warm and immediately friendly, wanting to be close, asking to be close, and Merlin had felt a blooming connection to him that he still didn't quite understand. For that same person to be picky and tense seemed impossible.

"Since he's come back with you, he's appeared more relaxed." The princess said. "He's smiling more honestly and he seems more talkative. I don't know your relationship but whatever you've done, I want to thank you."

Merlin blushed and struggled a bit to find the words.

"Well he says we're friends so I assumed we are." Merlin said without being quite sure what he was trying to confirm or deny. "I mean, I haven't really done much. He's done a lot more for me, especially now by bringing me here…this is honestly the greatest moment of my life."

Aster looked at him with concern and Merlin realized how pathetic it sounds, but he was in such a nice room with the kind company of such a beautiful princess. He was in a kingdom that he'd never been to but felt familiar with. The same people as him wore smiles and walked the roads with their mortal and equally happy companions. How could this not be the greatest moment of his life?

"You underestimate the future." Aster told him.

She let a small smile appear on her lips again.

"Even if this is currently the greatest moment of your life, there are things far greater to come." She said.

"Are you a seer?" Merlin asked jokingly.

"No," she laughed. "But I'm a very hopeful person and thankfully, I have the nerve to back it up…I actually have this friend who often reminds me of that. I've learned a lot from them. One of the most important things is that words aren't as important as people like to think they are. Words are so unreliable and they go as quickly as they came. What really matters is what actions you take. Even one small gesture can convey a lifetime of words. That stays with you forever."

Merlin noticed the sadness creeping into the princess's smile as she stared into the fire. Still, he didn't say anything and let her continue.

"The reason I say this is that my brother isn't much of a talker," Aster said as she looks at Merlin again. "But he will do anything for the people he cares about."

Her expression was serious and it took Merlin more than a few seconds to connect their conversation about his and Garrick's relationship to now.

"You think I count?" Merlin asked confusedly.

His disbelief only increased when the princess nodded easily. The idea just seemed a bit odd, didn't it?

"I haven't even known him that long." Merlin said. "He's taken care of me and talked with me. We get on well but I don't think he'd think of me like that."

Now Aster was the one who's confused. Wasn't Merlin her brother's lover? She'd thought earlier that it was strange for him to stay in a separate room but figured they were being modest.

"Merlin," the princess said and Merlin looked up from the fireplace again. "…are you…clean?"

Merlin gave an inquiring expression since he'd just bathed before dinner. What did she mean by asking if he was "clean"?

"I don't understand." Merlin told her.

"I'm asking if you're a virgin." She said bluntly this time.

Merlin's face turned five shades of red which were easily visible on his light skin. Not only was he being asked such an embarrassing and private question but by a young and innocent princess, no less!

"Uh-um, I-I've never been in love." He managed as an alternative to her question.

So he wasn't romantically involved with Garrick…but Aster had sensed something so compatible about the two. There was something odd, like a sort of tension and even if Merlin was unaware, it wasn't solely Garrick's doing.

"Do you have interest in marrying a maiden one day?" Aster continued.

"Well I plan to meet someone eventually but it's very far in the future." Merlin told her. "I don't appeal to many people in that respect. It's also a bit discouraging to be around Prince Arthur all of the time. Honestly, if you were to fall in love at first sight, it would be with Arthur and not me."

Aster contemplated her next question carefully. If she asked and Merlin was offended or embarrassed, it might not end well. She didn't want to ruin his impression of her…so she decided not to ask how he felt about her brother.

"Well I'm sure many people are secretly fond of you but are too shy to show it." She said instead which still embarrassed Merlin. "You're very charming despite your slightly frustrating denial of the fact."

Merlin was a bit thrown by her comment and how serious she seemed but ultimately felt happy. She was already so friendly with him. Now he had two friends in Sythian. Princess Aster was a bit more headstrong than her brother but still very kind and ladylike. Merlin found the idea of having her as a friend invigorating. She was a bit like a younger Morgana.

"Well I shouldn't keep you up." The princess sighed and they both faced each other. "Goodnight, Merlin."

"Goodnight, Princess." Merlin nodded with a gentle smile.

"Call me Aster." She grinned back at him as she walked away and out the chamber door.

The princess closed the doors behind her and turned into the glowing hallway. She began to walk cautiously and quietly down the halls toward her own chamber. When she reached the proper corridor, she found Eldon waiting by her door. He leaned up from the wall as she walked over to him.

"You were waiting for me?" she smiled.

He smiled at her too and she let him put his arms around her waist. She blushed but met his eyes just before closing them. He laid a gentle kiss on her lips and her hands met his shoulders to pull him down closer.

"I wish you could come in." Aster said when they parted. "It's just a bit dangerous. If my maid sees you…we'll tell father one day. For now, we can do this."

She pressed another kiss to Eldon's lips and pushed a hand through his wavy, mud-brown hair. Eldon took the strong kiss and tenderly held the princess. They both knew the king had no intention of using his children to unite kingdoms. After Garrick made his attractions known, both of their parents had voiced their opinion on the matter. They told their son and daughter that should they find true love no matter the status, that love would be honored. Princess Aster had no doubt found that love in Eldon, despite his lack of speech.

Eldon finally released Aster and she turned with a floating smile before stepping into her room, offering her love a glance before closing the door. Eldon felt his cheeks warm and the gooseflesh didn't fade from his arms and neck. He turned down the dim corridor with a dreamy smile and silently said goodnight to the princess.

Far down the road from the castle in a dinky tavern, Prince Arthur was sleeping on uncomfortably thin bedding. He occasionally jerked and turned in his sleep but not because of his aching back. In his dreams, or rather his nightmares, he was witness to a kidnapping – Merlin's kidnapping.

He raced after the horse upon which Merlin was bound by ropes but it was too fast for him. He shouted out to Merlin, trying to get him to jump off the horse, but Merlin couldn't hear him over the loud clomping of horse hooves on the hard dirt. Suddenly the armor clad captor looked back at Arthur with a cattish grin. Arthur snapped.

"GARRICK! DAMN YOU! RETURN HIM TO ME!" Arthur shouted furiously.

Arthur felt a pain in his head wash over him and the world moved, dropping him on his side in a room made of stone. Arthur quickly scrambled to his feet and looked around the room. It looked much like his own. In fact, it was his chambers. He heard a strange moaning noise and whipped his attention in its direction. He found Merlin lying back on his bed, barely conscious and very out of it. Misty drops of sweat beaded down his neck and bare collarbones. Arthur felt a cold shiver through his skin. Arthur nearly called for the guards but then he saw Garrick easing onto his bed over Merlin whose eyelids were heavy with exhaustion. Arthur watched in horror as the other prince slowly tugged at his servant's clothes.

"NO!" he shouted. "LET HIM GO!"

Garrick didn't even acknowledge Arthur and leaned down into Merlin's neck with his lips. Arthur moved forward but collided with an invisible wall, something that could only be conjured up by magic. He slammed his fists angrily into the wall but it still didn't break.

"GUARDS!" Arthur shouted. "THERE'S MAGIC! HE'S USING MAGIC! HE'S TAKING MERLIN!"

Despite the prince's efforts, nobody came. His body started to shake from a sudden draft and the last thing he saw was Garrick's dark leer.

Arthur's entire body jolted and he fell to the floor with a painful thud. It took several seconds to register what was going on. He looked up from the floor and around him at the purchased room. He was in Sythian. He was at the tavern. Merlin was resting in the castle, most likely safe in another bed. Prince Garrick didn't have magic. It was all a dream.

Still, one thing remained with Arthur. He was very worried. He climbed up from the floor and sat back on the creaking bed. Merlin…he was probably safe. Even if Prince Garrick wanted to do something similar to what had happened in Arthur's dream, he wouldn't, right? But Merlin was a grown man, sort of. He was certainly old enough to take care of himself…

But he's so thickheaded, Arthur fretted.

Another question rose into Arthur's thoughts. Why did he have to worry about this? He shouldn't have even came. It wasn't his responsibility to look after his servant. Merlin made his decision to come and whatever came from that decision was entirely his fault. Arthur couldn't be blamed if he left him…but he couldn't. He couldn't sleep peacefully at night while knowing Merlin was in possible danger, that he could be taken any moment. How would he refuse a prince? There was magic everywhere and if Merlin were to refuse Garrick, anything could happen. Merlin could even die.

"Why did he have to be so stupid?" Arthur breathed stressfully into the dark room and thus began his wait for morning when he would put his plans to action.

If all went well, Merlin would be with him soon, safe again and grateful for the prince's efforts. That was the only thing that got Arthur to sleep again, this time only dreaming of a beautiful blue moon floating high against a dark onyx sky.