DAY THREE PM

The Prime Minister had attended an emergency session of Parliament. The final decision was that Uther be given a low key funeral, in Royal terms. And that a fuller statement be made about the situation with Merlin and the late Kings involvement. Also that Arthur's coronation date be set for four months hence. By which time it would be hoped that everything would be more settled made that evening. Police Commissioner Bayard would give the statement about the case, the PM would then give the statement from the House of Commons. The House of Lords had also agreed to the plan.

As Leon and Morgause drove towards the gates of Windsor Castle their car was stopped and their identity was checked before they were let in. Once inside the castle Morgause asked to see Morgana and Leon was taken to Arthur's rooms, the PM had only just left as Leon was announced by a footman, as he walked and saw Arthur he was glad he had come as quickly as he had. "Good lord Arthur you look knackered!"

"Hello to you to Leon, thanks for coming it's been a bit of an ordeal to be honest" Arthur admitted. "Did Morgause came with you?"

"Yes she did, moaned all the way that I didn't give her time to pack her entire wardrobe. She went straight to see Morgana" Leon sat next to his friend "So your Royal Highness what's it like to be King"

Arthur looked at his friend "It's a bloody mess, you've heard about Merlin I suppose"

"Only what you said in your speech, I've tried to avoid the rest out there." Leon up his hand on Arthur's shoulder "I'm here for you, we will both stay as long as needed."

"Good timing there are to be more announcements tonight, though god knows what I will say. Your late king was a cruel bastard who locked his son up because he had fits and left him almost alone in a small room with no windows and hardly any company. Won't do I suppose"

"I can't believe it" Leon shook his head "How could he?

"Oh it gets worse Leon, I can't tell you everything but Agravaine was involved as was Uther's secret mistress! As to Merlin….I don't think you will get to see him, we're keeping visitors to minimum to try and help him cope, but it's heart breaking. Like Morgana said if Uther hadn't died Merlin could have been there for years"

With his childhood friend to provide support Arthur at last broke down in tears. Leon having never seen his friend in such a state just held him until Arthur got control. "Sorry Leon, you don't need that!"

"Look Arthur you have to let it out sometime or it will break you, forget all that crap your father used to tell you, emotions are there for a reason." Leon told his friend.

Morgana sat quietly with Merlin not talking all the time but just letting him get used to having someone there. She noticed Merlin's eyes were drooping so got him to lie on the bed, once he was asleep she crept out to go and get a drink and freshen up, asking Gwaine to stay in the antechamber in case Merlin woke.

Morgause meanwhile had been told Morgana was with her younger brother and wasn't to be disturbed. So Morgause waited and wondered just exactly what had happened. Oh she had heard the news but was wise enough to know that wasn't half the story. It was an hour later when Morgana left her brother and she found out her friend had arrived. Sending a footman to get Morgause Morgana sent for some tea, she was tempted to get something stronger but realised that could be a mistake. Alcohol never solved anything. Like her brother the sight of her friend was enough to make her break down.

The broadcast went out so it would catch the six o'clock news in fact there was little else on that evening. The Prime Minister went on first: "The funeral of King Uther the first will be held in four days, on a Monday. Over the weekend the coffin will lay in state for those who wish to pay their final respects. The funeral it's self will be a quiet affair although the carriage carrying the late Kings body will travel from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey with an escort from all three armed services. But it will be a smaller affair than might be expected due to the circumstances, and at the request of the Royal family. There is a criminal investigation underway, the Police Commissioner will say more, but I ask that the press and public respect the privacy of the family at this time."

The Commissioner went on next "As this is an ongoing investigation, in its early stages I am not able to go into too much detail. But Prince Merlin, who was thought to have died sixteen years ago, is in fact alive and has been removed for where he had been held for the past sixteen years. I have just received word that the last of the suspects wanted in this case has been arrested. Prince Merlin was kept confined with the full knowledge and complicity of both the late King and Agravaine de Bois Prince Merlin's uncle. Six other men have been arrested and one person a female has committed suicide when the facts became known. The matter has been a complete shock to both King Arthur and Princess Morgana who were children at the time. More details will be release when we can do so."

Arthur had done a pre-recorded tape, unable to face the cameras live "The past three days have been very difficult for my family, the King told us of our brother's incarceration on his death bed. To find out a much loved brother had been held prisoner in circumstances I find horrific, and by his and our Father and Uncle was difficult to cope with, and merely because he had epilepsy is incomprehensible. As small children we went to our brother's funeral and mourned his passing. The late King will be buried as have past Kings and Queens in Westminster Abbey as during his reign he worked hard for his people. My sister and I realise that some won't understand, and condemn us, but we will not attend the funeral, but instead will be with our brother who needs our support at this time. I would like to thank all those who have expressed sorrow at both our loss and Prince Merlin's situation. I will work tirelessly for my country and all the people of Britain and the Commonwealth regardless of situation."

When the broadcast went out the numbers of people outside Windsor grew and there was an upsurge of sympathy for the siblings. There were those who felt the King should have a full state funeral, as he had not been found guilty of any crime, but most felt what was happening was right.

As Arthur, Morgana, Gaius, Leon and Morgause watched the news they felt it had gone as well as they could have hoped. Arthur and Morgana had promised to have their evening meal with Merlin so left Gaius, Leon and Morgause to dine together. The remaining group were shocked and very supportive of the siblings and Gaius told them a little of how Merlin was and why he couldn't cope with company.

Arthur and Morgana had their meal with Merlin who had full cutlery. Mithian had felt it safe the incident had been several years previously had had not been repeated. Arthur convinced Merlin that he could use the cutlery. It seemed his status as King meant Merlin would obey anything he said, something that made Arthur feel like a monster. But as his sister said if it allowed Merlin to do things he might not otherwise do, they would have to go along with it for now, and try to change it later.

Once more Merlin turned in early and Morris came in and helped him, although Merlin refused most help. Both Gwaine and Elyan had gone into the room and sat on several occasions so that Merlin got used to them. A Protection Officer would sit in the anteroom overnight in case Merlin needed anyone and to provide the close protection it was felt he needed. The rest of the team would be slowly introduced as would a couple more footmen to cover when the valet Morris was off duty. Once Merlin was in bed Arthur and Morgana spent some time with their visitors and at least felt better for the support, before turning in for the night.