Arthur was so upset that yet again his brother had been hurt, he waited a few moments for his sister to position the phone then he spoke "Hello Squirt, sorry I'm not there with you, how are you feeling?"

Merlin blinked but otherwise didn't react. "Do you want me to come home? I will be back as soon as I can please look after Morgana for me. Merlin we are worried about you please try to talk to your sister. I love you and will be home as soon as I can."

Morgana removed the phone and spoke once more to Arthur "Nothing, I wish he would say something, anything, I can't bare him like this"

"I'm sorry I'm not there Morgana, I want to come home but I need to complete the tour, it's nearly over, so many people are relying on me. I hate this! Look I understand it was Gwaine who noticed and also took the bullet for Merlin, Please thank him for me, I owe him more than I can ever repay. Also thank Ian Andrews for his actions make sure they both get everything they need"

"I will, I want to thank him from me anyway, as to you not being here I know you want to be Arthur but you have your duty, and neither of us are in any danger, just get back when you can we understand" Morgana felt sorry for her brother, she knew he desperately wanted to be with them but she also fully understood why he couldn't be. "I will let you know if anything changes I promise"

"Thanks Morgana, look after him for me"

It was half an hour later when Morgana was informed that Gwaine was out of surgery and all had gone well. "He is awake Ma'am and asking about his Royal Highness" the nurse told her.

"Can I see him? I could reassure him" Morgana asked

"Of course Ma'am, if you follow me"

Morgana and Lance followed the nurse form the room leaving Merlin with Elyan. They didn't have to go far before they heard Gwaine's voice, he sounds drowsy but at the same time annoyed. "I'll be fine, I just want to make sure he's ok"

"Gwaine I do hope you are not causing the nurses problems" Morgana said as she entered the room to find an irate Gwaine sat up in bed his shoulder bandaged up and an intravenous drip going.

Gwaine looked at Morgana "No Ma'am, not trouble I just want to see the Prince"

"I suggest you do as you are told, you haven't been out of surgery long, you will be allowed to see Merlin soon I'm sure. Thank you by the way for saving his life." Morgana shocked Gwaine as she stepped forward and kissed his cheek "The King sends his regards and says you are to have anything you need"

Gwaine looked at the nurse "You heard that, we I need to see the Prince"

"Gwaine enough! You will see him when the doctors say you can and not before" Morgana said sternly

"How is he Ma'am? Can you at least tell me that?" Gwaine asked

"Yes I can, he has a minor injury to his shoulder, as the bullet went through you and hit him. He is in shock at the moment and has withdrawn and won't speak, but he was very upset when he saw you had been injured. He even shouted out! Now settle down please I can see you are in pain, and the staff have enough to do without you making their jobs harder." She paused "Now I must go back as I know the police wish to ask you a few questions soon. Rest for now and I will see you later."

"Thank you Ma'am, please tell the Prince I am fine and not to worry about me" Gwaine led back against the pillows his outburst had taken its toll.

"I will" Morgana went out and had a quick word with the other injured Police officer before going back to her brothers side.

Later on the six o'clock news they showed a statement from the Police and well as the King. The first was a statement saying that the assailant had been shot dead by police at Buckingham Palace during a shoot off with the Police, and that he had been identified and was not a member of a terrorist group but would not be identified as investigations were underway, but that heightened security would be in place around the immediate royal family. Then Arthur was shown giving a speech in Australia.

"I had not expected to be addressing the Nation and Commonwealth so soon. I would like first thank the police and security services for their prompt action when my family were attacked this morning. I have spoken to Her Royal Highness Princess Morgana this morning and although she is shocked she is unharmed and informs me that Prince Merlin's injury has been treated and is not considered serious, although he had been deeply unsettled by the events. I have had discussions also with the medical teams and will be kept informed. The two injured protection officers have been visited by the Princess and are doing well. Both of who I would publicly wish to thank for their actions along with all the other personal involved. It is clear that my brother would not be alive now if not for their prompt action. I cannot say more as there is a Police investigation underway. My family would like to thank everyone for their messages of support at this time. I myself will be returning to the UK after my last official engagement tomorrow it has been a sad ending to an otherwise enjoyable tour."

There was a feeling of disgust within the police as the circumstances and identity of the assailant became known. It was Cenred King's brother Nollar who had also been in the army but had been court marshalled and thrown out in disgrace. He had used the tunnel that led to the previous Kings chambers to gain entry. The locks placed over the various doors had been broken and the alarms had been disconnected from inside the Palace. There was now an investigation ongoing as to who could have done that, there had clearly been another person involved. The motive was at least now clearer. If the Prince had been unable to testify there would have been a greater chance of both Valliant and Cenred and even Agravaine getting off or shorter sentences. This confirmed the belief that it was only Merlin that had been the target. On questioning all three men professed to know nothing of the attack and as they had been in custody it would be hard to prove involvement and as the only suspect was dead the police needed to find the other person involved as soon as they could.

The next morning saw no real change in Merlin, but Gwaine had managed to get permission from the doctors and Morgana to visit Merlin in a wheelchair for a short period. It was hoped that seeing the man that had become his friend might help the Prince. Gwaine was wheeled in and to the side of the bed so Merlin could see him. The Prince was semi sat up, Gwaine took Merlin's hand in his good one "Hello Sir, how are you?" Gwaine was careful to maintain the correct term of address in the presence of others.

Merlin seemed to blink a couple of times at Gwaine's voice, so the protection officer continued. "I'm ok you know, just a bit of a hole in my shoulder. I'll soon be back at your side"

Gwaine smiled as he felt Merlin's hand move slightly "You going to give your sister and me one of your smiles"

To Morganas amazement Merlin looked at Gwaine as id seeing him for the first time. "Gwaine" he said very softly "Blood" then he seemed to look at Gwaine and saw the bandages.

"I'm OK Sir, you need to get better to" Gwaine smiled at Merlin who shuddered and tried to lift his hand to touch Gwaine's shoulder. Then he shuddered again and went stiff then limp and closed his eyes before going into a seizure.

The nurse pulled Gwaine and Morgana back and made sure Merlin was safe before pulling the buzzer. It seemed everything had just caught up with Merlin as the shock of what happened started to wear off and his brain started to register once more. Gwaine was taken back to his room and once Merlin's seizure was finished he was made comfortable to sleep it off. It was all too much for Morgana who for the first time broke down in tears.