Arthur did manage to help Kara and although it was impossible for her to remain at the Palace he did manage to give her a recommendation for a job with some friends of his so she could rebuild her life. The police didn't charge her as she has owned up and promised to testify to help convict Mordred and had been used disgracefully. Mordred's father had tried to get Arthur to keep the whole thing quiet for the family name but Arthur refused telling the Earl:

"Perhaps if you hadn't pressurised Mordred into visiting my brother none of this would have happened. Unfortunately it is no longer in my power to strip you of your title, but you and your family are no longer welcome in my families company. I would suggest that you remember that. And also help your son with provision for when he was served his sentence."

Sarrum wasn't amused by the dressing down "Your Majesty, Please remember I was one of your father, the late King's best friends, you cannot treat me this way. As a young King you need all the help you can get. I am not responsible if one of my sons goes off the rails"

Arthur snorted "The fact that you are one of the late Kings friends does not endear you to me at all. I wish he could have stood trial for what he did to his own son. Your actions with your son certainly didn't make him act the way he did, but contributed significantly. I know the pressure of having an overbearing father. Now get out of my sight."

Arthur knew there was little he could do against Sarrum, but that didn't mean he had to tolerate the man. The fact that he would not be invited to events would send out a message but his very rank meant he would still attend certain functions. How dare the man think that by mentioning Uther he would soothe things over? As soon as the trial was over Arthur was going to discuss the late King and how his part of the Princes treatment could be recorded for the future so that history knew his sins.

With Mordred dealt with the security on Merlin could be stepped down although until the trial was over it would still be high. Arthur called a meeting with the Protection division and Merlin would once more be allowed to use the gardens although extra protection would still be provided. Arthur collected Morgana and they went to tell Merlin who was overjoyed. Within the hour he was taking his dog out for a walk around the Windsor gardens, he dragged Gwaine with him who was making a good recovery. His improved mood effected everyone. Merlin had become a much loved member of the family and all the staff loved him.

The court case for the kidnappers went on for four months and verdicts were read out Arthur and Morgana made sure they were present. All the men were found guilty on all charges and given multiple life sentences that covered false imprisonment physical and psychological torture, threats to kill, and cruelty. Special mention was made of how the isolation had prevented a young child being able to socialise and develop as he should. Also that for years he hadn't even seen daylight. To that Agravaine had a life sentence for committing sexual acts with a family member with mental health disorder and Dr Edwin Muirden was also charged with forging a death certificate, medical malpractice for failing to treat injuries to a child in the correct manner. Agravaine, Cenred and Valliant were all recommended never to be released. The rest to serve at least thirty years.

To Morgana and Arthur the sentences hardly seemed enough in a way, but they knew that was all they could get and nothing would ever return all those wasted years to Merlin. They also wished that their father had faced the court for his crimes against his son. But at least the truth was now known and out, even if the more lurid details were secret from the public to protect Merlin. While many of the details were given to the press, others would not be revealed until after Merlin's death. In the end history would make its own judgement on King Uther Pendragon.

As for Mordred, in the end he made a full confession and pleaded guilty in the hope of getting a lighter sentence. Thus a trial was avoided, He was sentenced to twenty years for conspiracy to murder with the recommendation he serve at least fifteen years. Although he publically apologised for his actions Arthur for one believed the only person he was sorry for was himself.

Arthur was the one who told Merlin that no one would hurt him again and that all the people involved were in prison. Merlin seemed sad, a result of the remnants of the Stockholm syndrome. He still felt he was to blame for all that had happened to him. They tried to keep the papers and TV to a minimum to protect Merlin from the worse of the reporting but he still caught some of it.

As life settled down Morgana and Arthur started to plan the holiday for Merlin. They wanted to get him away and reduce the risk of the press as much as they could. "Where would you like to go?" Morgana asked Merlin one day "There must be something you would love to do"

Merlin thought and in the end asked to go to the Zoo again "I loved seeing all the animals and birds"

That at least gave his siblings some ideas, although clearly a zoo visit wouldn't cut the biscuit. Arthur was contacted by a British entrepreneur with an offer of one of his exclusive resorts in Africa for a holiday for the Prince. He had heard of the case and the Princes love of animals. He was willing to offer exclusive access to his resort for two weeks. It seemed too good to be true yet it all panned out. The man didn't want the publicity so it was agreed that all three of them would go in October when the mass migrations took place. It was after Merlin's birthday but Arthur felt they should be in the country for that. They would go for two weeks, details were sent and Merlin was informed. He was over the moon when he was told. But was devastated when he was told that Aithusa couldn't go with him. For him that was nearly a deal breaker.

"But why? She is my friend she would like all the animals and would be good" he protested.

Arthur looked at Merlin and tried to explain "In Africa there are lots of different diseases and pests that could attack her and make her ill or even kill her.

"But you said we would have needles so why can't she?" He persisted.

Arthur took a deep breath "It's different with animals Merlin, you could risk it but do you really want to? Would it be fair on her? She could stay here I have asked Gaius and he will keep her company, he could even take her on her own holiday to his place if you wanted. You also need to think of all that traveling in the plane, she wouldn't just be able to go out for a walk them and it's a long way." He paused "Look think about it, see what Morgana and Gwaine think. But also try to think what she would want"

Arthur knew Aithusa could go with all the appropriate vaccines, but he was advised it would be safest not to. After several long talks with all concerned Merlin was persuaded it was best for Aithusa not to go and Gaius offered to look after her but at the castle so she wasn't too disturbed and Morris could help care for her. In the meantime the press office started talks with all the major newspapers, magazines and Television Company's worldwide to try and set up a voluntary code of conduct so the holiday could go ahead without a press presence. Taking advantage of the great surge of sympathy for Merlin after the court case.