It was during this period that the late King Uther's funeral took place. As she had vowed Morgana did not attend although Arthur did all be it very reluctantly, he was pressurised into it by the Government who felt it would reflect badly if he did not. He refused to walk behind the hearse but travelled in a black car. Uther's coffin was not to be taken on a gun carriage as for normal state funerals or even a ceremonial funeral. Public outcry had settled that one. The roads were cleared and lined by serviceman and flags were flown at half-mast. Uther was also laid to rest in Westminster abbey. Although many UK and foreign dignitaries did attend, the whole affair was much more understated that would have normal been the case. The public had objected strongly to any other plans, saying it do so would not be in good taste. It was clear to everyone who looked at the new King was an unwilling participant and there for propriety only.

Arthur did speak at the funeral but kept his words and sentiments and vague as he could "We are here today to say goodbye to a King who ruled for nearly thirty years. In that time he always put his country before all else, giving his all in his duty and his role as sovereign. As such he will be missed. The loss of his first wife, my mother, in the early years of his reign weighed heavily upon him and I know he felt lost without her. He saw many tragedies in his personal life losing his second wife and seeing one of his children injured. Throughout all these things he continued to serve his country and the Commonwealth. Today we say goodbye to him and send him to his maker, who we must all face at the end of our lives, where we are judged upon those things we do on Earth. He was my father and King."

Much comment was made about the Princesses absence and the absence of most of the minor royals. There were some who had hoped they would see Prince Merlin but he wasn't even aware of the funeral, on Arthur's orders. There were some crowds watching but many stayed away and some that did go went to hold a silent protest and offer their support to the three siblings at such a difficult time.

The press was still full of speculation and comments from anyone who could be found who was willing to talk about what was happening. Arthur's comments at the funeral were scrutinised and felt to be fair. What else could he have said on such an occasion? Some of the eulogies were full of praise for the late King but many, like the new King's, that said more by what was left out than included.

Several days later Arthur was more than angry when a photo appeared in one of the tabloid newspapers taken with a zoom lens, of Merlin at his window. As Merlin's rooms faced the private gardens no one should have had access. The picture was of poor quality but security was tightened. Arthur was determined that Merlin could have access to the gardens whenever he wished. Having gone out once each time was getting easier as the team got used to using the coping strategies.

The day arrived for Aithusa to arrive. Morgana had arranged to have all the equipment needed for the dog, food, toys bedding etc. to be at the castle. The young dog arrived midmorning and Morgana insisted she take the dog to Merlin, who as yet had no idea he was getting her. Arthur went to see Merlin and found Merlin with Gwen. "Merlin can I ask you something?" he smiled

Merlin turned and nodded, he was still not speaking that much. Arthur sat next to Merlin "I know how my you love the dogs, would you like one of your own?" he already knew what the answer would be.

Merlin looked up at Arthur to see if he was joking, it wouldn't be the first time he had been offered something for it never to arrive. Looking at his brother's face he whispered "Yes please"

Arthur smiled "We thought you would say that, now if you do you must look after it yourself. The footmen can take it out sometimes but it will be your dog. Can you do that? Take it outside, feed it and play with it?" Arthur fully realised he would have all the help he needed but both Mithian and Gwen had said it would be beneficial for Merlin to have to do most of the care. It would give him something to give him confidence.

"I will" Merlin said hope and longing in his eyes.

"Well in that case" Arthur turned to the door "Morgana bring her in"

Morgana entered with the six month old golden retriever. As she did Merlin's face lit up in a way none of them had seen before, not even with the other dogs, it was his first really full on smile, he rushed forward and went down onto his knees and hugged the puppy. Looking up at his sister with tears of happiness he asked "It's name?"

"Her name in Aithusa Merlin and she is all yours" Morgana removed the lead and Merlin looked at his dog "hello Aithusa I'm Merlin and I will be your friend" he plunged his face into her fur and held her. Aithusa licked Merlin's ears and face and was wagging her tail.

Gwen smiled "I think our session is over for the day, so I will go and come back in a couple of days. Mithian will be hear tomorrow" Merlin didn't even hear her he was just so overjoyed.