HIDDEN PRINCE

by weepingelm

On his death bed King Uther Pendragon confesses to his children, Arthur and Morgana that their brother didn't die sixteen years previously but had been locked away, hidden from everyone after he had had an epileptic seizure in public. His death faked because Uther couldn't stand the thought showing up the family in public that way,will they find their brother. warning triggers ch18

16. Chapter 16 DAY 5 PM

DAY FIVE PM

Merlin looked out of the window for ages as the dogs disappeared from view his face went more serious and Arthur heard his brother say "Lucy gone"

"Merlin would you like to see Lucy again and her brother Titch?" Merlin nodded and gave a small smile

"I'll bring them up later" he promised

"Would you like to see my dog as well Merlin she's a bigger dog her name is Viviane, she is the golden retriever" Merlin smiled which Morgana took to be a yes. Neither of his siblings could get Merlin away from the window until Arthur told him "You have windows in your bedroom as well would you like to look at them?"

Merlin got up and followed Arthur into his bedroom. Arthur pulled the curtains behind Merlin's desk. It was a very similar view and Merlin could sit at the desk and look out. He looked happier than at any time since his release. By midmorning both Arthur and Morgana had left Merlin with Mithian.

When Mithian came back she had another woman with her a Gwen Smith the psychotherapist who would be helping Merlin with his cognitive behavioural therapy. The biggest surprise came when Gwaine recognised her, she was Elyan's sister.

Merlin seemed to like her and spent the rest of the morning with both women, getting comfortable with having Gwen around. From now on Merlin would see Gwen twice a week and Mithian three times a week. Just before lunch Dr Nemeth, Mithian's father, arrived to check Merlin's physical health. All the time Merlin refused to have the curtains closed even if the view was distracting him. No one forced it knowing that he had had been able to make very few of his own choices before.

Lunch was also eaten with Merlin looking out of the window, in fact it wasn't until the three dogs arrived that Merlin stopped looking at the view. He was soon on the floor with all three dogs, the dogs seemed to love him as much as he loved them, and they also seemed to sense his vulnerability. After an afternoon of playing with them he was upset when they left. But he never protested being too used to complying with whatever he was told to do. He had his meal with Arthur and Morgana and spent the evening at his desk. When Morris came in to help him retire he noticed that Merlin had been drawing, it was clearly the dogs, and he was a good artist. The minute Morris had gone Merlin got up and pulled the curtains back and sat and looked out at the stars. It was much later when he went back to bed exhausted but for the first time in many years happy.