Later Gwaine wandered across to see Arthur leaving Elyan with Merlin. As Gwaine entered Arthur's office he bowed "Your Royal Highness, something has come up I would like to tell you about"

Arthur smiled "Gwaine when we are alone please call me Arthur, you are Merlin's friend after all. I fact I want to thank you for going well above and beyond your job for him, and taking on the new role"

Gwaine was surprised he hadn't expected that. "Thank you S..Arthur, it's a pleasure and yes I do consider the Prince a friend, he's a wonderful person and deserves all the help he can get. The box of letters and cards have got Merlin thinking, he wanted to write back personally to everyone, especially the children. I sort of tried to explain he couldn't, now he want to go on television to thank them"

"We need to get him a secretarial team, he's already started getting an alarming amount of post anyway, please don't tell him that I don't want him having to read it all. Perhaps he should be sent some of them though." Arthur looked thoughtful. "What do you think of him doing a broadcast, I don't want people thinking we are taking advantage of him but at the same time I suppose he needs to get involved in some ways with the firm."

Gwaine knew that the Royals called the work they did and the organisation around it the 'firm' but it still seemed strange to him. "Well if he wants to why not?"

"I was thinking of his coming on a small visit somewhere, perhaps the Epilepsy Association dog training place. Not a well published venture but to help him get used to meeting strangers" Arthur remarked.

"That's sounds good as long as it's not too busy, do you want me to mention it?" Gwaine asked

"Please, it would help. I am going to get his to watch the last coronation tapes, I want him to come to mine and Mithian suggested showing him how many people are involved. We've had a tape made with no close ups of Uther." Arthur looked at Gwaine "He's is coming on isn't he?"

"He's doing better than I thought" Gwaine admitted "I know he's looking forward to seeing his old friend tomorrow. Merlin can't remember him but his sister has shown him photos" "Good, look I won't be going back to Windsor until late tonight, but there's no reason why you can't get Merlin back earlier. I have a banquet here later. Just call a car when Merlin is ready"

Gwaine took that as time to go so went back to Merlin. They took Aithusa for a long walk in the gardens. When Gwaine suggested they head for Windsor for the weekend Merlin seemed pleased. So Gwaine ordered the car and they set off. Merlin still wasn't that keen on the car but Gwaine kept him talking and the time soon went. Gwaine explained that Arthur and Morgana wouldn't be having tea with him, Merlin was disappointed but decided to go to the library to get some more books. Then he curled up with Aithusa to read.

The next morning Mordred arrived to see Merlin. Merlin was cautious at first, but soon settled down. Aithusa wouldn't leave his side for a moment, whether it was because she sensed Merlin's unease or because she was uneasy around the other man it would be hard to know.

Mordred gave Merlin the iPod and showed him how to use it. That relaxed Merlin as music always seemed to. They took Aithusa out into the grounds for a walk and then had lunch with Arthur, Morgana and Morgause and Leon who had come for the weekend. Gaius had returned home for a while intending to keep in close contact. He was developing a good relationship with Merlin and he was also enjoying the closer ties with Arthur and Morgana.

Mordred had found the time sent with just Merlin difficult, he had no idea what to talk about. Whenever he started to talk to Merlin about things that interested him and his friends Merlin didn't know what he was talking about. He found it rather like talking to his much younger cousins. He also rather resented the close proximity of Gwaine and Elyan. He understood the need for protection but found Gwaine's manner, in particular, with the Prince far too casual. Like some of his class Mordred was a snob. Much Like Uther Mordred's father had taught his son's that they were better than the staff, who should be seen and not heard.

All in all it was a nice weekend for Arthur and Morgana, they both had high hopes that Mordred would provide another breakthrough for Merlin. Someone of his own age to relate to. And the support their own friends gave them was a great bonus.

Before Mordred left Arthur managed to get him on his own and asked how he was getting on with Merlin.

"Well, your majesty he is very shy, but sweet. I'm sure we could become good friends. However I think you should know that Protection Officer Green is rather taking advantage of the Princes naive nature. He is less than correct in his address and manner. He stays far to close and I believe he is attempting to make your brother dependant on him. I realise it's not my place but I suggest he be removed."

Arthur was surprised at the comment at first but then realised that Mordred wasn't fully aware of the circumstances.

"Thank you Mordred, but Gwaine was chosen with great care. He has experience that is helping Merlin. Yes he is closer than normal, and has my express permission to refer to Merlin by his Christian name. I admit it takes some getting used to but is doing Merlin the world of good. As to dependency the Prince needs that security and probably always will. I can't go into too much detail with the court case coming up, but Merlin was treated appallingly. In ways that would shock you to the core. So please accept Gwaine for the good he is doing, you will find him a good sort"

Mordred looked at the King "Of course Sir sorry if I spoke out of turn"

"You didn't and it's nice to know you are looking out for Merlin. Listen are you free next Friday? Only I'm arranging a very small visit for Merlin to go to the place his dog came from. You are more than welcome to come."

Mordred was pleased to be getting involved in such a public way "Of course that would be interesting shall I come down Thursday evening" this would please his father and with a bit of luck he could be away by Saturday night to hit some of the London hotspots.

Mordred stayed until Sunday afternoon and was pleased to get away. It was nice to stay at Windsor but he wasn't sure how well be was going to get on with Merlin. But then if it was known he was friends with the mysterious Prince, it might help his public profile. When he got back home his father was pleased with the result.

"I don't care how much you like it, you are to remain in contact. The Royals have only a few close relatives and as second cousins we are in with a chance to benefit. It's time you did something good for the family" his father told him. "It sounds like the King will bend over backwards for anyone who his brother likes if what you say about the bodyguard is true. So smile and ingratiate yourself"