As soon as Arthur got back that night he went to see Merlin and explained that he would no longer be seeing Sophia. "I won't have anyone speaking of you in that way"
Merlin looked guilty "But you liked her, I know you did"
"No Merlin I liked the idea of having someone, but if ever I do they will have to accept you. You are a very important part of my life and I want you to be part of it always" Arthur gradually convinced Merlin that he was genuine.
After that several months went by without anything changing. Arthur watched his brother during that time and kept a note of all the problems the constant moving backwards and forwards caused him, he asked Freya and Gwaine to do the same. Arthur would not make a hurried and rash decision that might undo all the progress Merlin had made. Merlin made several public appearances, always to small venues and carefully picked. His public profile was carefully managed. The public were fascinated by the reclusive young man and on the whole respected his privacy. In June Arthur was to go away for two weeks to visit Europe where he would be visiting France, Germany and Italy with the trade delegation. By now Morgana was in the final stages of organising her wedding. So Merlin would be mostly without his family for the first time. Gwaine was consulted and it was decided after talking to Merlin that he would go to Balmoral Castle in Scotland for the fortnight for a holiday.
It's a holiday for you like the one to Africa but not with either Morgana or myself. I will be away on business and your sister has lots to do for the wedding. I want you to enjoy yourself. Scotland has lots of wildlife so that your camera and drawing materials as well as your bike and have fun" Arthur told him
Merlin got quite excited at the prospect. He would take all his normal team and Arthur discussed with Gwaine the programme to the holiday as Gwaine had never been to the estate. Normally the family went there for July and August. But the arrangements were soon made for Merlin. The normal public opening times were cancelled. At least it would give everyone the opportunity to see how Merlin coped without either Arthur or Morgana. Although both intended to keep in daily contact.
At first Merlin loved being in Scotland. He went for long walks with Aithusa and bike rides taking is sketch pad where ever he went. But gradually Gwaine and Freya noticed that Merlin was becoming quieter. When he had two seizures in as many days they became worried. Then one morning Morris found Merlin on the floor sitting in the corner with a blanket round him and Aithusa curled up with him. Morris made him a cup of tea and sat down with him on the floor with him. The footman had over the past months become much more relaxed around the Prince and they were firm friends. "Sir Why are you on the floor?" he asked. Despite their closer relationship Merlin had been unable to get the footman to call him Merlin.
Merlin looked up and Morris could see that Merlin had been crying at some stage, his eyes were still puffy. Merlin took the tea and sipped it carefully taking comfort from the warm drink. "Am I silly?" he asked in all seriousness
"I would never think that Sir" Morris told his boss.
"Are they trying to get me out of the way? Only I want to go back" Merlin looked at Morris
Morris gave a small chuckle "Sir you are on holiday, holidays are good things to 's not to get rid of you but to help make you happy"
"Well I don't want to be here anymore. Can we go back?" Merlin persisted.
"I will ask Lady Freya Sir, but I am sure it will be possible" Morris stood up and persuaded Merlin to get into bed and rest, he had clearly been sat out on the floor for some time. Then the footman left the room and found Gwaine and Freya and told them what had happened.
Gwaine went to speak to Merlin and then arranged for them all to travel back to London and cut the holiday short. "I see no point in staying if it stresses him. Freya can you contact Princess Morgana and inform her. We can be back by tonight"
Freya agreed and once she had made the phone call went to see Merlin who had been persuaded by Morris to have his breakfast in bed. Freya sat next to the bed "Merlin you should have told us you were unhappy. We can only help you if you tell us"
"But you liked it, it's not fair to just do what I want" Merlin told her "and I don't want to be a nuisance. I am just being silly." Merlin sounded cross with himself
"No Merlin you are not! Everyone wants you happy, we are happy if you are. You know we are all your friends you can tell us anything. You are a silly billy" she hugged him and said "We will be back in Windsor by tonight and it won't be long before the King is back"
The train journey back saw Merlin cheering up, he talked about nothing else but seeing Morgana and Arthur again. He soon settled back into his rooms and seemed to calm down although he had another seizure the night they got back. The Prince saw Morgana the next day and she spent most of the day with him cancelling her engagements to do so. Then when Merlin heard Arthur was due back he insisted on going to meet the helicopter that was bringing him to Windsor. As soon as it was safe once Arthur landed he ran to Arthur's side and flew into his arms. Then realising what he had done started to apologise. Pulling away he muttered "I'm sorry your Majesty Arthur I shouldn't have"
Arthur pulled Merlin back into a hug "Never apologise for hugging me Merlin, it is nice that you are pleased to see me"
Merlin let himself relax once he was reassured then he followed Arthur around for the rest of the day. Arthur had been upset that the holiday had caused so much distress to his brother and vowed then to resist all suggestions to move Merlin away from him. Even when Arthur had a meeting Merlin had to be persuaded to say with Morgana. When it was time to retire that night Arthur sat with Merlin until he fell asleep and told Morris to inform him the minute Merlin was awake in the morning. Before Merlin woke Arthur spoke to Freya
"What made him so upset? Was it being away from home?"
"Your majesty I think it was anxiety about being separated from you both. We were with him but he needs his family to be truly happy. He did indicate that he thought he wasn't wanted. I wonder if he heard about the proposals to move him away" Freya had got used to being candid with the King and Princess when it came to Merlin's welfare. Nothing else was tolerated by either of them.
"Not from me or Morgana, but he isn't stupid he may have picked up some hint, or overheard something. I will do my best to reassure him. I will keep a special eye on him for a few days and make a point of making sure he knows he is loved and wanted. By the way I wanted to offer you and Gwaine one of the grace and favour houses in Windsor Park after your wedding. Will you talk to Gwaine and I can arrange you to visit the one that has recently been refurbished. But should you decide not, please say so."
Freya was surprised. Gwaine had lived in a small quarter since he had been shot, but to be offered a house was a surprise. Arthur seeing her face added "Please don't think it is being offered to make you feel you need to spend more time with my brother. I will expect you both to have your time off. I just thought it might let you make better use of what little time you have together as you wouldn't need to travel to work"
"Thank you Sir, I'm sure Gwaine will be thrilled I know I am. It is very kind on you."
"Freya you are both very important to the family, you have made Merlin's life so much better and I can't think of a more deserving couple." Arthur was pleased he could do something for the couple he had come to rely on.
As Freya expected Gwaine was pleased to hear of the Kings offer. "If it's the one I think it is it will be great. I don't know what you think as I believe it is the house Agravaine De Bois had. It has been extensively refurbished. I know the man was a bastard but nothing took place there."
Freya looked shocked "But that's a place I would have thought was for higher ups than us are you sure?"
Gwaine thought for a moment "Not positive but I can't think of another empty one can you? It has been empty for some time and the King might prefer someone he trusts to be at the other end of that tunnel. Tell you what I will ask the King. I'm sure he won't mind."
Gwaine had his chance later that week when Arthur called him in to ask how he thought Merlin was settling back down. After reassuring Arthur that Merlin seemed to have recovered well he took the opportunity. "Sir Freya mentioned a grace and favour house. I was wondering which one it was."
Arthur gave a rueful smile "I wondered how long it would take you, yes it is my uncles previous home. I know it is probably not what you expected, it is normally used to house peers. But it isn't that large that you couldn't make use of it and to be totally frank although the tunnel has been blocked at both ends I would be loath to have anyone else there.