Arthur spent some time with Merlin before he had a meeting to discuss the security for Merlin. After much debate it was agreed that Merlin would be discharged back to Windsor. But that he would keep to the private wing and not go outside. Merlin's suite had already had bullet proof glass put in the windows and he wasn't to be allowed to open them. Someone else would have to walk his dog. Unfortunately in the end Arthur had to agree that, for the meantime Merlin would not go outside. This would be reassessed on a daily basis. Arthur wasn't happy but he could understand the reluctance of the police, at least until the accomplice was found. The only staff allowed into the private wing would be very carefully vetted even more so than usual.
Merlin was pleased to be going home even if he was still sore, but he visited Gwaine before he left and spent well over an hour with him. It was clear the younger man was still concerned for his protection officer and friend. He also we to see Ian and thanked him before they set of in a heavily protected convoy to Windsor. When they got there a shield had been put round the entrance where they disembarked making it impossible for anyone to be seen from any of the windows. They were soon inside and up to their private apartments.
Arthur went with his brother and sat with him to explain the new arrangements "Merlin because of the shooting for a while we all have to be very careful, you have special glass in your windows to protect you but you must not open them and you need to be careful not to get close to any other windows. Also Morris will take Aithusa out for her walks as the police don't want you going outside for now" Arthur saw his brothers face drop "I'm sorry Merlin but it won't be for long".
Merlin looked stricken "Tomorrow?" he asked hopefully. Aithusa sensing his unease walked to his side.
"I doubt it Merlin, but as soon as possible" Arthur took his brothers hand "We have to keep you safe"
That seemed to be the wrong thing to say as Merlin's face changed to one of panic "Your Majesty Arthur" he bowed his head "I bad boy, didn't mean to" his voice went back to a whisper.
A cold fist clenched round Arthur's heart as he realised what was happening. Merlin was going back to his pre-release mode of behaviour.
Arthur took Merlin into his arms, he might be twenty but like this he was more childlike and needed the comfort "No Merlin you are not a bad boy, you have done nothing wrong. They have and we will catch them so they can't hurt you anymore. I promise" he made Merlin look at him "Never call me Your Majesty, you never have to, we are not hiding you away Merlin we are protecting you from harm" The minute Arthur let Merlin go he went and lay on the bed and curled up with his dragon, teddy and Aithusa who hadn't left his side for a moment.
Morgana chose that moment to come in. She took one look at the scene in front of her and glared at her brother. "What have you done?"
"I was explaining why Merlin couldn't go out with Aithusa and he…. He went back to how he was" he looked at Morgana "He thinks he has been bad he called me Your Majesty"
"Oh Arthur we knew he wouldn't like it." She squeezed his arm and went to the bed. "Merlin it's not Arthur fault we are trying to make sure you aren't hurt again please believe us we won't make you stay in for longer than we have to" Merlin refused to move Morgana got up and gestured to her brother and they left the bedroom. "I will call Mithian, but Arthur don't blame yourself we have to keep him safe. You stay out here and let him think. I'll be back soon and take your place. I know you have lots you have to do."
Mithian promised to come straight over, she had seen Merlin in hospital so was aware of the situation. Morgana went back and took her brothers place in the anteroom, she looked round the door and Merlin was still on the bed. Fifteen minutes later she heard him get up but didn't go in, thinking he would come out if he wanted to. She looked round the door to check and he was sitting at his small desk and looking out the window. Leaving him to think things through she sat down again knowing Aithusa would warn her if anything happened.
"Leave us please your Royal Highness" Mithian said kindly "I will let you know how I get on. I feared this might happen but you had no choice."
Over the next few days both Mithian and Gwen upped their visits once more and Merlin seemed to be coming round. Gaius came to stay once more and would spend time teaching Merlin card games. Freya had contacted Morgana, and she too arranged to visit at the weekend. Leon and Morgause came to add their support for Arthur and Morgana. Arthur's spent as much time as he could with his brother showing him pictures of Australia and New Zealand and all the things he had seen. Unfortunately the four days was soon up and he was due to fly to Canada for a week. He was torn as he desperately wanted to cancel but he had pressure from all sides not to. In the end he went but managed to cut it back by a day so he would only be away for six.
Every day Merlin asked at least once to go out to the gardens, his appetite was falling and although Freya and Gaius along with Morgana did their best to cheer him up it was difficult. When Mithian visited after one such conversation the physiatrist and Morgana went in to see Merlin and found him writing furiously in a book. Looking over his shoulder both woman winced there in Merlin's neat writing was line after line of "I am a disgrace to the Pendragon name' Merlin had reverted back to his previous behaviours. With his condition plummeting and Morgana had a meeting with the security to find out if there was any way for Merlin to get some fresh air if only once.
"Ma'am we must advise that it would be extremely dangerous at this time to even consider it" the head of the Royal security said once more.
"But if we don't my brother will be in no fit state to testify, his metal state is getting worse each day this goes on. His psychiatrist is of the same opinion, his mental health must be addressed." Morgana stressed
"Ma'am it hasn't been a week yet with respect surely that is exaggeration"
That was the last straw for Morgana eyes flashing in anger she stood up. The Princess could be quite intimidating when she wanted to be. One thing she had inherited from her father. "You are an idiot! My brother was kept in a room for sixteen years and abused mentally and physically yet you cannot see that shutting him up again wouldn't affect him." She threw the lines Merlin had been writing down in front of the man "I want you to work something out because tomorrow I am taking him outside like it or not" with that she left the meeting.
When Morgana told Arthur in their next phone call he immediate contacted the security and threw his weight behind his sisters and he also contacted Commissioner Bayard. In the end they forced the security to arrange something. Gwaine was being discharged that day from hospital and convalescence had been arranged for him but before he left he spoke to Elyan and asked about Merlin. When he heard what was happening he rang and asked Morgana for permission to visit. Technically he was on sick leave so shouldn't, but Morgana was more than pleased for Gwaine to go to see her brother. She realised just how close they had become and felt it would be good for him.
When Gwaine arrived and Elyan let him into Merlin's room the Prince was on his own. He liked time alone every day, probably due to his long hours of solitude, when he was in the clear room. Gwaine found Merlin at his desk drawing. "Hello Sir, alright if I visit?" Gwaine said as Aithusa came to his side "It looks like Aithusa misses me"
Merlin turned round and have a small smile as he saw who it was "Gwaine" he whispered
"You're not whispering again are you, I was hoping to hear that voice of yours properly" Gwaine walked towards the seated Prince. He was now as worried as the rest were about Merlin he seemed to have shrunk back into his self. Gwaine looked at what Merlin was drawing and saw himself covered in blood.
"Oh Merlin! You need to forget that, look I'm better now"
Merlin looked at his friend and Protection officer "Missed you"
"And I've missed you as well, come on give me one of your smiles" Gwaine looked at Merlin and knew this was going to be hard.
Merlin looked away and was silent so Gwaine sat down next to Merlin "What's the matter my friend?" the older man asked.
"Been bad, not allowed out anymore" came the whispered reply.
"You have not been bad Merlin, don't ever think that. It isn't because of what you have done, it's to keep you safe. Someone tried to kill you Sir, we can't let that happen again." Gwaine said earnestly "Your brother and sister would never do that to you"
Merlin turned away and looked out the window "What to go outside play with Aithusa, she's my friend want to look after her. Don't like indoors all time" Merlin was absentmindedly stroking his dog all the time he was speaking.
Gwaine noticed that not only was Merlin whispering again but his speech was going back as well. He knew that his friend was finding all this too much. "Merlin I am supposed to be going to the country to get better but would you like me to stay and visit you instead? I could do that" he asked
Merlin's eyes had a spark of interest in them "take me out?"
"I wish I could Merlin but hopefully soon, but we could talk and do things together" Merlin's face fell once more. Gwaine stood up "I am going to speak to Her Royal Highness your sister and ask her what is happening them I will come back ok?"
Merlin just turned and started drawing once more. Gwaine left and asked Elyan if he knew where the Princess was. "I think she is in a meeting with the Boss's she's pretty worried about Merlin I think"
"So am I, they can't keep him locked up like that, he's going backwards the poor bugger." Gwaine snorted "How would they like it"
"I hear some idiot suggested he be put downstairs at one stage" Elyan told his friend
"Over my dead body, they need to get their heads out their arses and start thinking. Hasn't he been through enough?"
"Look at it from their point of view Gwaine If you hadn't have acted so quickly the Prince would have been dead. They are scared it will happen on their watch," Elyan pointed out.
With that Gwaine saw Lance and Morgana so went along the corridor. As he got closer Morgana saw him and smiled "Hello Gwaine come with me so we can have a talk in private."
They went into her private office "How did you find my brother? And please be candid" Morgana asked Gwaine.
"Not good Ma'am, he was going backwards from what I could see. He was also drawing about the shooting. He needs to get outside"
"You don't need to convince me Gwaine. I have told the protection team they have to sort something out. He's like a prisoner again. As to the pictures that was Mithian's suggestion, Merlin was having nightmares and since that was his coping mechanism before she thought it might help and it seems to be"
Gwaine looked at the Princess "You asked me to be candid well I think His Royal Highness needs all the support he can get, let me stay somewhere close and visit, I know I am on sick leave but I like to think I am also his friend. In fact I think of Merlin as my younger brother, the only family I have. I don't need some fancy convalescent home to recover. Also why can't Mer.. the Prince be sneaked out somewhere different for some fresh air. Just one or twice a week."
Morgana smiled "Gwaine just call my brother Merlin and stop trying to be correct. We know you are close to him. If you are willing to stay in the castle I'm sure the King would agree, I was rather hoping you would suggest it. As to sneaking Merlin out I see that as a good plan. I have just had a bit of a tantrum with the Security bosses so why don't you wander along and see them. They might be receptive to ideas now" she grinned "I think I might have scared them a bit.