Disclaimer: The tv show Merlin does not belong to me. I've forgotten to put to the disclaimer on the past chapters and for that I' am so sorry,

A/N: I'm so so so so sorry guys for not posting a chapter for the last couple of weeks. I recently had my midterms, just last week actually and I really had to bump up my grade of 70 in a major subject that I had, and I am happy that it paid off- in my exam anyway, though I don't know my grade yet, I'm wishing at least it reaches the line of eight. My other major subjects aren't doing too hot either, that's why I had to study really intensely. Anyway enough with that, I just need to actually balance my time.

I actually finished this chapter a few days after I posted the last chapter but I kept tweaking some scenes here and there, every now and then but I can't seem to stop. Though I already have a vision on where the story is going and it's kinda pretty long-in my mind it's pretty long- I don't know if it's going to register to you guys as pretty long or it's just because I'm not used to posting long chapters and that's going to be the reason why the story will be long.

I'm rambling I'm sorry. So thank you guys for reviewing, for the faves, and for the alerts. To yoaifanatic22 I'm sorry I wasn't able to reply to you, please accept this chapter as an apology. Everyone please enjoy the new chapter.

UTHER'S POV

I've been having dreams about Merlin lately; some of them were of sexual nature reminding me of when I was a young man who just had his first sexual awakening. Suffice to say it made me ashamed, though of course the shame does not carry over to my dreams not when Merlin is pliant beneath me; giving me soft, appreciative moans and groans as I worshipped his body. Sometimes he was aggressive and took control, clutching me close to him. Every time I wake up it left me wanting more, so much more.

The other half of my dreams was a different kind it was…..domestic and achingly innocent. Merlin and I would go horseback riding, just the two of us. Then we would walk by a lake hand in hand talking about random things, the troubles of Camelot not being brought up even once. He would treat me like a commoner and I surprise myself by being contented by it by not being offended at all.

Those two Merlin of my dreams however would have one thing in common; a look of love in their eyes as they gazed at me. The Merlin of reality however is a far cry from that. He was not comfortable when in my presence…he was more at ease when I pretend that he wasn't in the room or when either Arthur or Gauis is present. Whenever our gazes meet he would immediately look away or bow down his head. He was scared of me and I don't blame him, I wasn't really kind to him in the past few years; sending him to the socks or on a couple of occasions, sending him to the dungeons. Could you ever love someone who is unkind to you?

I watched from the windows as Arthur and Merlin got ready for a hunt. They were at the courtyard about to depart, the saddle of Arthur's horse being checked by Merlin. My son went close to his manservant and gave him a pat on the back; the boy looked annoyed for a second before my son said something to him. Whatever was said seemed to alleviate Merlin's annoyance and he gave my son a fond look as my son grinned at him. It was easy to see that the two of them are close, with the easy camaraderie they have with each other.

I shook my head, I was longing for Merlin's love already when I don't even have the easy companionship he has with my son.

Patience Uther, you didn't make Camelot great in one day. First you must make him comfortable around you…get close to him…..get to know…

What if he still doesn't accept me? I thought.

Then make him…he wouldn't dare defy you…..

"Sire," a voice called to me and I turned to see Gauis with a look of concern and a bit of suspicion on his face. I have a feeling that he had seen me watching Merlin, and it wasn't for the first time really, nor will it be the last. Its not as if he can do anything about it.

"Yes Gauis, what is it?" I asked brusquely as I turned away from the windows to walk towards the council room.

"Sire, I am quite concerned with you. As of late you seem to be quite distracted. Is there something bothering you?" he asked as he followed me at a slower pace.

I stopped briefly to look at him, "As you know Gauis, a lot of things have been bothering me; and I don't think your science or your draughts would be off much help to me."

He gave a nod, "Yes sire I daresay those things won't ease your mind, the only thing I can suggest right now is for you to talk to someone."

I let his words weigh on my mind, unfortunately it only reminds me of her….Morgana…No, don't think about her….she is the past….you talked to her and you thought she listened to you…how could she when you listened to her and trusted her every word.

"-perhaps you can talk to Arthur. Or talk to someone you trust." I heard Gauis said.

Arthur might probably be a good person to talk to, he listens, is compassionate. I can trust him with the kingdom, that I cannot doubt, but I can't talk to him about this…about emotions…about her…I cannot burden them with those things…..

Merlin….the dark voice suddenly said…..he listened to you the past few nights, you can trust him…..and with this you spend more time with him…..finally get to know him….

As those thoughts stopped we finally arrived outside the council room. "Yes Gauis, that seems to be a great suggestion.

ARTHUR'S POV

I was heading out to a hunt with Merlin, and I waited until we passed through the gates before broaching the subject that has been bothering me. I was going to go about this with the utmost delicacy, something that this topic required.

"So Merlin, heard any rumors lately?" I asked nonchalantly, though I gave a brief side glance to see his reaction.

He just looked at me curiously before shaking his head. "No, not really." He the stared infront and looked contemplative. "Well there is something making quite a stir with the servants."

"Yes, what is it?" Urging him to continue.

"Well…." He then stared at me again. "Nah, I don't think you'd be interested.

Come on Merlin, I thought to myself getting quite frustrated. "Out with it Merlin."

"I'm pretty sure it won't interest you." He replied, a smile ghosting over his lips.

Oh, so he was actually enjoying this. "Let me be the judge of that. Now tell me." I stated.

At the look of seriousness on my face his smile faltered. "It's just castle gossip Arthur, no need to be that serious about it." He replied gesturing to my facial expression.

Yes it is just rumors, castle gossip, but those gossips will reflect on what the people think about my father…..about what they think of you.

"It's not harmless rumors that you want to hear is it?" he then asked me.

"No." I said simply, staring straight ahead. "Camelot had just overcome a tough situation and as you know people talk."

"They always do, always will. But they regard you very highly." Merlin said.

"It's not their opinion of me that I want to know Merlin." I replied.

"Oh," he just let out. A moment of silence came over us before he started to speak again. "As I said people will always talk, whether they're right or wrong it won't stop them. What matters is what those people close to him think about him."

"That's true." I stated. Merlin is right once again, it's times like this that makes me realize how much I appreciate Merlin being by my side.

A/N: Sorry if the ending of this chapter is weird, it's because I changed some things once again especially the conversation of Merlin and Arthur. Sorry if it's quite short as well. I'll try to post the next chapter by next week and hopefully it will be longer. Please read and review guys.