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Sorry slight changes to previous chapter as I had a continuity problem, in that the tunnel was at Windsor not Buckingham Palace. Thank you to the people who pointed this out. So now the sniper got in with tourists and the police are looking for what help he had in getting the rifle through security.

…

Once Merlin woke he was much more with it and settled, now he knew Gwaine was alive he could cope. Seeing all the blood before he had thought his friend and protection office had been killed. Morgana was seen by the police and questioned to see if she had seen anything that could be of use to the investigation. But unfortunately she couldn't contribute anything new. The Princess was then told that the target was clearly Merlin, probably due to the evidence he was going to give for the upcoming court case.

Commissioner Bayard came to speak to Morgana "Ma'am we are going to have to increased security for both of you but specifically for the His Royal Highness. He will be given more protection offices as well as armed uniformed personal. He will need to be kept secure and we will suggest that he keeps away from all windows and stays within Windsor. The Castle is easier to protect. But we must ask that he is kept indoors for his own safety"

Morgana looked at the Commissioner in horror "I'm not sure we can agree to that, since the Prince has been with us he has found great comfort in looking out the windows, and going outside in the gardens with his dog, you know what conditions he was kept in for years what you are asking is inhumane"

Bayard looked at Morgana with sympathy and he understood exactly what she was saying but he had no choice "Ma'am I'm sorry but it's the only way, hopefully it won't be for long. The gunman must have had help to get the rifle in, and until we find that person Prince Merlin is still in danger. We would ask for the trial to be brought forward but I have been informed that is impossible. Not least because of the Kings Canadian tour, and a trial that is presently underway. The security team will assess the Princes quarters and we will do our best to accommodate him but his safety has to be our main concern."

Morgana sat silently thinking things through before commenting "I want my brother safe, I will speak to the King. I also don't know how long he will be in hospital for"

"The hospital will keep him until the security is all in place at Windsor, but have indicated he will be fit for discharge soon Ma'am" Bayard looked at the Princess "I am sorry ma'am. I do realise the trauma that the Prince has been subjected to and only want what is best for him. We have also advised that the castle be closed completely to tourists for the foreseeable future."

"Again my brother the King needs to be informed" Morgana said "I am not sure he will approve of that he is keen to increase access not reduce it. The acts of a couple of people shouldn't cause us to have such a knee jerk reaction, I want my brother to be safe but he is not going to become a prisoner again"

Bayard left saying that the King would be informed and they would look into the security for Merlin's discharge.

When Arthur was told of the proposed security arrangements for Merlin he said much the same as Morgana had when it came to keeping him inside and away from windows. He spoke to his sister later on the phone

"I will be back for his discharge but I have spoken to Bayard and we have come to a compromise, Merlin's safety is paramount and I agree, reluctantly, for him not going outside. But they are going to put bullet proof glass over the windows in his rooms, so he will at least be able to look out. The staff for the area of our quarters will be restricted even more so than normal, but I'm not sure what else we can do" Arthur paused "Well hopefully once the trial is over we can all breath again. I just wish I knew who the person on the inside was"

"It's hard to think about that, but the trouble over five hundred people work here on way or another." Morgana reminded her brother. "What do you think about closing to tourists?"

"I don't like it but at the same time I think we have to take the experts advice Morgana, the alternative is to shut Merlin in a couple of rooms and not let him out and I won't do that to him" he hesitated before telling his sister "Some idiot actually suggested Merlin going back down to that hole he was kept in! As it would be secure"

"You have to be joking!" Morgana was shocked

"Don't worry no one else took that seriously. Or though Bayard did jokingly suggest letting Merlin go on a cruise on a warship! That way he could be outside. At least I hope it was a joke, I've never come across his humour before"

"Hurry up home brother mine" Morgana ended with

"I will be back in a day and a half, give Merlin a hug for me"

Arthur couldn't have been happier to be heading for home. He was desperate to see his siblings and make sure that Merlin was alright. He knew they were keeping Merlin in hospital until he arrived back. As he sat thinking he turned to Percy who was sitting in one of the seats opposite. "Percy what are your thoughts on security for Merlin?"

"Windsor is the best place and I can see why they want to keep the tourists out, both to help protect His Royal Highness but also the general public, if anything else goes down. But I can also see what you are worried about the Prince does love his walks with Aithusa, but the trial will be starting in three weeks" Percy said reflectively speaking far more than he normally did. Then he smiled "I bet Gwaine's going mental not being there"

Gwaine was on sick leave and although he had visited Merlin daily he had been forbidden to stay with him. Percy continued "He looks on the Prince as a younger brother and with no family of his own he won't like not being there. Elyan said he was like that with his men in the army. Fiercely loyal."

"I know, it's one of the best choices I've made so far, he's a good man. But it goes both ways Merlin is close to Gwaine" Arthur admitted "Closer than either myself or Morgana sometimes. He won't like leaving Merlin's security to anyone else while he recuperates"

"He won't either Sir, not unless he is banned from the Castle. He's a tough man" Percy told his boss. "It's a pity you have to fly out again"

"Only six days this time, but we have a longer tour next summer, Canada and USA for a month" Arthur told his protection Officer. The Protection Officers had long hours but at least got to go on the tours, even if it was hard work. "All those American security about, that should please you" Arthur joked. He knew Percy would rather deal with it himself. But the Americans always took over leaving Percy more as a companion to the Prince. Arthur tried to get as much sleep as he could before arriving in the UK. He wanted to be on top form when he landed. He had already told everyone that he was heading straight to the hospital to see Merlin and Morgana before talking to anyone else. He had made sure he had the plush Koala handy to give to Merlin and the rather more expensive black opals for Morgana.

As soon as they landed Arthur disembarked and they were soon driving to the hospital. The King was surprised at just how many police were on duty when he got there, but it brought home to him the threat that Merlin was perceived to still be under. He was soon inside the building and on the top floor that had been sealed off for Merlin. Arthur was hugged by Morgana as soon as he was through the door "It's good to have you back Arthur"

"It's good to be back, I'm just sorry I wasn't here for you" Arthur hesitated "How is Merlin?"

"Fine he's just having some treatment. Come on I will take you to see Gwaine and Ian while we are waiting" Morgana dragged her brother off down the corridor. "Then you will be able to spend all the time with Merlin"

Gwaine was sat out in a chair when Arthur walked in, he went to stand "Say where you are Gwaine." Arthur told him "How are you feeling?"

"Sore but not too bad Sir, better when I can get out of here" Gwaine admitted

"Thank you Gwaine I understand we have you to thank for Merlin still being here" he put up his hand as Gwaine went to speak. "I know that was your job, but you were quick and knew what you had seen and took the bullet. I won't forget that ever. If you need anything just let me know"

"Just to get back to work Sir" Gwaine said

"Not until you're ready, but I know you live alone and if you want to stay at the castle we can find a place to convalesce." Arthur told the brunette. "So you can be looked after properly"

Arthur went through to see Ian and thanked him although Ian was married Arthur still asked the protection officer to let him know if there was anything he needed. By the time he had spoken to both men Merlin was free and Arthur went in to see his brother who was sat up in bed. Merlin grinned as his brother walked in and surprised Arthur

"Hello Royal Highness Arthur" came the cheery voice, although not loud it was certainly better than the whisper he was using before. Arthur went forward and hugged his brother.

"Hello to you Merlin, and just Arthur…. please" he hugged Merlin again "It's good to hear you"

Morgana smiled at the two men "Yes that's one thing that came out of this Merlin shouted when he saw Gwaine get injured, and once he realised Gwaine was alright Gwaine told him he had to speak louder and so he has"

Arthur handed Merlin the bag he was carrying then handed Morgana a box from his pocket. "Presents you two"

Merlin took the bag carefully his shoulder was still sore, opening it he gave his brother a huge grin as he took out the Koala "I know you are a bit big for that sort of thing but they wouldn't let me bring you a real one"

"I love it thank you" He turned a showed Aithusa his Koala, until them Arthur hadn't spotted the dog sat the other side of the bed.

"Sorry Aithusa I didn't bring you anything" Arthur stroked the dogs head.

Morgana had opened the box and kissed her brother "Thank you"

Arthur smiled at his sister "That's fine, although why you need more jewels I don't know"

"One can never have to many Jewels" was all the answer he got.