A/N: Well, here it is, the next chapter. I tried to put more Merlin/Arthur moments into this one. I hope you like it! Feel free to leave a review and tell me what you think.
Disclaimer: I own nothing.
/
The first few weeks of Merlin's second year were relatively calm. The only thing that was happening was the digging going on beneath the castle. King Uther was convinced that there were treasures to be found down there, and he was determined to find them. At first the men only dug during the day, but after some time Uther ordered them to work round the clock. It was exceedingly hard to sleep with the noise they made down below. Just when Merlin didn't think she could take it anymore, and Arthur had also come to the end of his rope, the men found a tomb. It was filled with riches, but it made Gaius nervous. Shortly after the tomb was found, Cedric showed up in Camelot. He did everything in his power to get close to the prince, and Merlin didn't like it at all. He was sabotaging her work and driving a wedge between her and Arthur.
"I can't believe Arthur's being so stupid! As if someone would show up out of the blue and fall at his feet in servitude. Cedric's up to something, and I'm going to find out what it is." Merlin said to Arthur's favorite horse as she brushed his gleaming brown coat. She'd been sent to groom the horses after showing up at Arthur's chambers earlier only to find that Cedric had already done her normal chores, as well as the ones that Merlin wasn't allowed to do like helping Arthur bathe and dressing him.
"That sniveling little man is not going to ruin everything for me. He's not going to take my place without a fight."
At that moment Merlin was overcome with exhaustion. Before she could comprehend what was happening, she fell into the straw unconscious. When she woke up it was to find Arthur standing over her.
"Have a nice nap?" he asked. Merlin scrambled to her feet and tried to remember what had happened.
"What? No. I mean…I wasn't asleep."
Arthur nodded.
"Of course you weren't."
"I wasn't! I was…looking for something."
Arthur looked around and said, "Perhaps we're looking for the same thing."
"What?"
"The horses!" Arthur yelled. That's when Merlin noticed that all four horses were indeed no longer in the stable.
"I'm used to you being half useless, Merlin, but this is getting extreme."
Cedric walked in and stood to the side with his head bowed; the picture of a perfect servant. Merlin felt the rage bubble up within her and she screamed, "Cedric's the one responsible! He's trying to get close to you by making me look like a fool. If you weren't such a clotpole you'd see that!"
Arthur frowned.
"A what?"
Merlin dropped her arms and tried to think of a way to make this better, but Cedric cut in with, "A clotpole. She said, 'clotpole.'"
Arthur looked between the two of them and then pointed a finger at Merlin.
"You need to go home and figure out whether you want to be my servant or not."
"Arthur…" Merlin pleaded, but Arthur just yelled at her to leave. She didn't need to be told twice.
/
The next day Gaius determined that the tomb belonged to Cornelius Sigan, the most powerful sorcerer to have ever lived. The day after that, his tomb was broken into and his soul had been released. It didn't take long for Merlin to determine who was responsible.
"Arthur, I need to talk to you about Cedric." she said as she caught him going over some reports one afternoon.
"What about Cedric?" he asked without even looking up.
"He's possessed by the soul of an evil sorcerer." Merlin said. It was best not to sugarcoat things when it came to Arthur. The prince looked at her for a moment and then he laughed.
"Right." he finally said.
"I'm serious! He's not who you think he is."
Arthur stood up and asked, "Have you been on the cider?"
Merlin spluttered.
"What? No! I'm telling you the truth!"
She heard the door open and footsteps approach. She didn't have to look to know who was standing behind her.
"I think you should leave, Merlin. Cedric, escort her out."
That was the last straw. Merlin turned around and lunged at Cedric. They ended up on the floor and Merlin pressed his face into the stone and shoved her thumb in one of his eyes. Cedric tried to dislodge her, but couldn't manage it. He finally thrust his elbow into her face and Merlin's mouth was immediately filled with the metallic, salty taste of blood. She rolled off Cedric and held the back of her hand up to her split lip. Arthur saw the blood dripping from her chin and he forcefully pulled Cedric up from the floor.
"Merlin, I'll deal with you shortly, but you, Cedric, will spend tonight in the cells for assaulting my servant." he said as he began to drag Cedric away, but Merlin just stood up and laughed.
"Oh please, don't bother. It's obvious who's really your servant now. I'll just go before I bleed all over your floor, Sire."
She stormed past the two men and felt a small bit of satisfaction bloom in her chest when she saw the confusion and hurt flash through Arthur's eyes.
/
It only took two days for Arthur to find out that Merlin really had been telling the truth. Camelot was nearly destroyed and nearly a hundred people had died when Sigan tried to take his revenge. The day after the attack while everyone was cleaning up debris and dealing with the dead, Arthur came to see Merlin.
"It seems there was some truth to your accusations against Cedric." he said as he leaned against the door frame of her room.
"Just some truth?" she asked, but had to wince when smiling hurt her lip. It was swollen and bruised. Arthur's gaze softened when he glanced at it. He came into the room and sat next to her on her narrow bed.
"Does it hurt very badly?"
Merlin shook her head.
"Only when I smile. Gaius says the swelling should be gone in a few days."
Arthur nodded.
"I was going to tell you to polish my armor since I've got a knighthood to bestow tomorrow, but I had another servant do it."
Merlin glanced at him and asked, "Why?"
"I wasn't sure if you were my servant or not anymore. After all, you quit before you stormed out of my chambers a few days ago."
Merlin ignored the pain in her lip as she smiled.
"I guess I did. But then, it's not as if you tried to stop me."
Arthur smirked.
"I wouldn't stop you if you really wanted to leave, Merlin." he said quietly.
Merlin looked into his blue eyes and had to resist the urge to brush her fingers over the broken skin on the side of his face where falling debris grazed him.
"I guess it's a good thing I don't want to leave then, isn't it?" she said just as quietly.
Arthur laughed softly before he said, "Yes. So, still my servant?"
"Until the day I die."
Arthur's mouth fell open at the conviction in her words, but he recovered himself after a few seconds. He placed his hand on her knee and gave it a slight squeeze before he stood up.
"Then I'll see you tomorrow morning. Don't be late."
"I wouldn't dream of it."
Arthur laughed and shook his head at her before he turned and left her room.
/
The next few days Merlin spent with an almost constant smile on her face. Arthur seemed to be trying to make amends for tossing her aside for Cedric and he was being very nice. He even let Merlin eat meals with him sometimes, which is something that had never happened before. Usually Merlin would just steal a bite or two before she brought up his tray, but now she was allowed to sit across from him and have as much as she wanted. What was more, Arthur seemed to soften around her. He came storming in after a meeting with his father one morning and startled Merlin.
"Was it really that bad?" Merlin asked him after he'd slammed the door. Arthur looked at her and shook his head.
"I just wish he would listen to me more. I'm of age now, you would think he would at least pretend to consider my council, but he doesn't. It's so frustrating sometimes, but it's not like I can say anything. He's the king."
Arthur collapsed into his chair and Merlin could see all the tension beneath his skin. She walked over and placed a hand on his shoulder. As soon as the contact was made, it seemed like Arthur just melted. He became pliant and unclenched his fists.
"He won't always be king, and then you can do things your way." Merlin said as she released him after letting her fingers brush the side of his neck. That was something else that had begun happening more; Arthur would casually touch her and allowed her to do the same.
Arthur unconsciously leaned into her touch and then recoiled when it was gone before he said, "I know. Until then I just have to put up with it."
"It won't last forever. Now, get up. I've got to get you in your armor and down to the field for jousting drills."
Arthur smiled. He'd been looking forward to the jousting tournament. He allowed her nimble fingers to get his armor in place and then he left with a decidedly more springy step than he'd entered with.
/
Arthur learned later that day that his knights were going easy on him because he was the prince, and he couldn't bare the thought. He came up with a plan to see that that didn't happen in the tournament. Merlin didn't really like it, but she didn't really have a choice but to go along with what Arthur wanted. After arranging with Gwen for the prince to stay at her house for the duration of the event, Arthur put the rest of his plan into motion. A lie to his father saying he was going to investigate rumors of trouble was all it took for Arthur to become free to don his disguise and compete in the tournament without the royal label hanging over his head. The first day of the competition ended well for Arthur, and he fell asleep that night with a smile on his face. The smile was wiped off the next day when Gwen gave him a piece of her mind about his manners, and he sent her away so that he could cook her dinner as an apology. She caught up with Merlin in the market.
"You'll never guess what just happened." she said pulling Merlin away from the crowd.
"What? Is everything okay? Did something happen to Arthur?"
Gwen smiled and squeezed Merlin's hand.
"No, he's fine. I just yelled at him for being an inconsiderate prat and not thinking of other people's feelings before his own."
"So, you yelled at him for being himself?"
Gwen laughed.
"I suppose, but then he surprised me by saying that I was right. He sent me out so that he could cook me dinner to apologize. Can you believe that?"
Merlin shook her head.
"No. That doesn't sound like Arthur at all."
"I know. Would you mind going to check on him before he burns my house down? You and I both know he has no idea what to do in a kitchen."
Merlin thought about all the horrible things that could happen if Arthur was left by himself while attempting to cook. She nodded and set off for Gwen's. When she got there she found Arthur looking at a raw chicken like it was the most bizarre thing he'd ever laid eyes on.
"Gwen says your cooking." she said as she shut the door behind herself. Arthur turned and his eyes lit up when he saw her.
"Merlin! Thank God! I need you to go to the palace kitchens and bring back two dinners."
Merlin cocked her head to the side.
"So, you're not cooking?"
Arthur scoffed.
"Of course not! I just need Guinevere to think I am."
Merlin crossed her arms over her chest and shook her head.
"Arthur, if you tell a girl you're going to cook for her, then you should cook for her."
"Merlin, I can't cook. The most I can do is clean game and stick it on a spit over a fire."
Merlin sighed and walked over to him.
"Then I'll help you. Just do what I say and we'll get through this."
She spent the next hour teaching Arthur the very basics of cooking. At first he grumbled about it all, but then he started to enjoy himself. Merlin couldn't help but smile when she saw how proud he was that the chicken turned out perfect. After she helped him set the table she moved toward the door.
"Well, I'll let you and Gwen enjoy your dinner. You actually didn't do a half bad job, so I'm sure she'll be surprised."
Arthur reached for her and took her hand.
"Merlin, thank you." he said as he looked into her eyes. Merlin just nodded and walked away when he let her go. She could still feel the warmth of his hand by the time she made it back to her room.
/
Arthur won the jousting tournament, even though someone had once again tried to kill him. His injury was painful, but luckily not too serious. He even surprised Gwen and Merlin by letting his decoy take credit for his victory instead of revealing himself to everyone. Merlin smiled because this meant that he was really changing and turning into the man she knew he could be instead of he bully he had been.
Only days after the tournament, Morgana's dreams became a major problem. Gaius told Merlin that Morgana likely was a seer and that her dreams were really visions of the future. He said that they must keep that from her though, but Merlin didn't think that was right. She helped Morgana go to the druids hoping that they could help her. When she returned, Merlin couldn't shake the feeling that something had happened to change her. She didn't know what, but she didn't think it was good. Of course, she didn't have much time to think about it, because Gwen was kidnapped and being held for ransom. Apparently her captures weren't so bright, and they thought that Gwen was Morgana. Uther refused to pay the ransom for a mere servant, but Merlin and Morgana couldn't let Gwen suffer. They went to plead with Arthur to go after her, but Arthur was already preparing to set out. Merlin caught up with him in the stables after she'd grabbed her own small bag.
"I'm coming with you." she said as she began to saddle a horse. Arthur shook his head and tried to stop her.
"It's too dangerous, Merlin. Just stay here and I'll be back as soon as I can."
"No! I'm not letting you go alone. I know you're the best knight in Camelot, but you still might need help."
Arthur laughed.
"And how are you going to help me? Your sword skills are laughable."
"I can manage. Besides, if nothing else I can cause a distraction long enough for you to take care of anyone that tries to stop us."
Arthur looked like he was going to argue some more, but Merlin just finished saddling the horse and swung up on its back.
"The longer we sit here arguing the more likely it is that Gwen will be hurt. We've got to hurry, Arthur."
Arthur had no choice but to mount his own horse and lead them both from the city. They rode hard until they came to the Tunnels of Andor. When they got there they covered themselves with foul smelling berries and made their way into the dark dwelling place of the wildren. They were almost out when they came upon one of the beasts, and Merlin held her breath as the creature sniffed her. If it could tell she was human, its favorite food, she was done for. Luckily, the berries masked her scent and the thing moved on. When they got out and were washing the berry residue from their skin, Arthur started laughing.
"I can't believe the berries worked!" he exclaimed. Merlin turned to glare at him incredulously.
"You didn't know if they would work?"
"Not really, no." Arthur said as if it wasn't a big deal.
Merlin threw her hands in the air.
"Oh, that's just great! I could have been killed! Oh, what's that wildren eating? Nothing, it's just Merlin."
Arthur laughed, but Merlin couldn't see what was funny.
"Oh come on, don't be so dramatic. I wasn't going to let you get eaten. If it had even tried I would have run it through."
"As if you would have had time before it bit my head off."
Arthur walked closer to her and placed his had at the side of her neck.
"Your head is going to be staying right where it is as long as I have any say. I promise you that."
Merlin's breath caught in her throat. Arthur looked so sure of that, like there was no doubt in his mind that he could keep her safe. She had the insane thought of telling him she was a witch right then and there, but she quickly got a hold of herself. There would be time for that later; right now they had to save Gwen.
"Well, that's good to know. Now, how about we go make sure that all of Gwen's body parts are still in their proper places, shall we?"
Arthur nodded and led the way down the river. Merlin was still replaying his words in her head as she followed after him.
/
They got Gwen back to Camelot safe and sound, and even managed to meet up with Lancelot again. He left before they reached the city, and Merlin could tell that Gwen was heartbroken by his departure. They'd grown very close during his previous stay in the kingdom.
At least a month passed where nothing happened. No threats were made to Arthur's life, nothing was attacking the city, no one was executed for using magic; Merlin was almost bored. That changed when Lady Catrina arrived. At first Merlin thought she was charming, and so did the king. Around the time that Uther started making eyes at the Lady, Merlin discovered that she was a troll. Even so, she could do nothing before Uther went and married the imposter. Arthur hadn't believed Merlin when she told him. After the wedding, Catrina accused Merlin of stealing her seal, and Uther sent guards to arrest her. Arthur got to her first.
"Merlin! You need to leave Camelot right now!" he yelled as he shut and barred his door. Merlin turned to stare at him in confusion.
"What? Why?"
"Catrina has accused you of stealing her seal. My father's ordered me to arrest you. If you value your life you will leave."
Merlin shook her head. She couldn't leave, not now.
"But I didn't steal anything!"
"You haven't got time to explain." he said.
"Arthur, she's a troll. I saw her!" Merlin exclaimed.
Arthur came over and gripped her shoulders.
"We've been through this."
Merlin placed her hands on his chest and pleaded, "Why won't you believe me? Every time I've told you something about someone in the past I've always been proven right. Why do you think this time is any different?"
Arthur was about to say something when someone began to bang on his door and call for him.
"There isn't time, Merlin. You have to go."
"Arthur…"
He cut her off by pressing a kiss to her forehead. Merlin's mind went blank at the feel of his lips on her skin. It only lasted a second and then Arthur was pushing her towards the servant's entrance to his chambers.
"Go, Merlin. Please!"
Arthur's begging was her undoing, and she fled from his room.
/
Of course, like always, Merlin was right. Catrina was exposed, with a little help from Merlin and Gaius, and then taken care of, again with help from Merlin and Gaius. Although, that time they had Arthur's help too. He poisoned himself so that Uther would cry and break the enchantment Catrina had over him. Merlin didn't like to think about the terrifying moment when she didn't think she'd get the antidote to Arthur in time. After Arthur was cured, the enchantment was broken, and Catrina was killed, Merlin thought she'd like nothing better than to go to bed and sleep for days. Of course, that's when Arthur found her.
"It seems I owe you a bit of thanks. If it weren't for you I'd still have a troll for a step-mother."
"Well, if you had believed me earlier, then we could have done something about it sooner."
Arthur sighed but he didn't argue with her. Merlin smiled at her small bit of victory. After a moment, Arthur spoke again.
"There was a moment, though, where I was actually glad she was here."
Merlin's eyes widened.
"You can't be serious? What moment was that?"
Arthur stepped closer to her and brushed some of Merlin's dark hair behind her ear.
"The one where my father disinherited me. As a prince I have duties and obligations; certain things are expected of me. Without my title, I would be a free man." he whispered.
Merlin leaned into his touch for a moment, but then she came back to her senses.
"Being free isn't all it's cracked up to be. You'd hate it."
"Merlin…"
"Don't, Arthur. You are a prince, so there's no use thinking about what might happen if you weren't."
Arthur dropped his hand and let it fall back to his side. Merlin stepped away from him and gave him an apologetic smile.
"You were born to be a leader, Arthur. It's your destiny."
Arthur gazed at her for a moment, and then he said, "Sometimes I think I know you, Merlin, but other times I can't help but feel like you're a stranger to me."
"Well, I know you. You're a prat, and a royal one."
Arthur laughed and shook his head.
"Are you ever going to change?"
"No. You'd get bored."
Arthur returned her smile as he said, "Yes, I suppose I would."
/
The next month, Merlin got careless and used her magic out in the woods. That brought the witchfinder to Camelot and nearly cost Gaius his life. He was saved though, and it was the witchfinder himself who was killed for his troubles. The next danger to come to the city, and Merlin had been waiting for it, came in the form of a woman named Morgause who beat Arthur in a challenge. She spared his life as long as he gave his word that he would come to her in three days time. He swore and then she left. Merlin had an uneasy feeling about it, so when Arthur set off, Merlin followed.
"You shouldn't have come, Merlin. I don't know what Morgause is going to challenge me to do. It could be dangerous." he said.
"That's exactly why I am coming. Sometimes you're too honorable for your own good, and I'm not about to let you die because of it."
They came to a crossroads and Arthur's horse set out on the opposite path than the one in which Arthur had intended to go.
"Where are you going?" Merlin called.
"It's not me, it's the horse. Morgause said that the path would reveal itself to me when the time came."
Merlin steered her horse after Arthur and when she caught up she said, "So, we're following the direction of a horse? This is even stupider than I originally though."
"Shut up, Merlin."
They finally managed to find Morgause, and when Arthur passed her test, she said she would show him his mother. Merlin witnessed everything and when she saw Arthur cry at the sight of the woman he had before only dreamed about, she felt her heart clench in her chest. Her heart was soon filled with anger at the late queen's words that it was Uther who was responsible for her death because he had used magic to conceive Arthur. Her anger was matched by Arthur's own fury, and when they got back to Camelot he nearly killed his father in a fit of rage. Merlin stopped him, and life quickly went back to normal, but sometimes Merlin would catch Arthur looking out his window and whispering his mother's name. At those moments, she left him alone.
/
When Freya, a druid girl, was brought to Camelot chained and caged like an animal, Merlin couldn't sit by. She freed the girl and tried to get her out of Camelot, but Freya was killed for the curse that she bore through no fault of her own. Her death hit Merlin hard, and Arthur noticed.
"Something's been upsetting you." he said when he caught her one afternoon cleaning his boots. He sat next to her and waited for her to speak.
"Maybe." she finally mumbled.
"Are you going to tell me what it is?"
Merlin shook her head. There was no way she could tell Arthur that she had seen herself in Freya. It would have been so easy for their roles to have been reversed. When Freya was killed, it was as if a part of Merlin had been slain with her.
"I can't help you if you don't talk to me." Arthur said. Merlin finally looked at him.
"I don't need your help. Just leave me alone."
Arthur shook his head and took the boot and cloth from her hands.
"I'm afraid I can't do that. You see, if I leave you alone you're just going to continue to mope about and look heartbroken. I can't have that."
"Why not? What's it matter to you?"
Arthur's gaze softened.
"It matters because I can't focus knowing that you're up here looking like you're about to cry at any minute."
Merlin shook her head.
"Well I'm so sorry to be such a burden to you, my lord. I'll just turn off my emotions and never feel anything ever again, shall I?"
Arthur laughed.
"Stop being dramatic. You're not a burden. An idiot and the worst servant Camelot's ever had, but not a burden. I just want to know that you'll be alright."
Merlin looked at him and saw the desperation in his eyes. He was really worried about her. She gave him a small smile to ease his mind.
"I'll be fine. I just, I need some time."
"Then take it." Arthur said as he stood up. He didn't say anything else as he left his room and left Merlin staring after him.
/
The peace talks with the five kings meant that Arthur was busier than ever with affairs of state and entertaining dignitaries. It was just the distraction Merlin needed to pull herself from the depths of grief she felt over the loss of Freya. Of course, she found herself right back in them when she saw how besotted Arthur was with King Olaf's daughter Vivian. It helped that she learned it was all an enchantment, but still, the sight of Arthur passionately kissing Vivian and declaring that he loved her with all his heart had her on the brink of tears. King Olaf challenged Arthur to a fight to the death over his tainted honor, and Arthur, the stupid boy that he was, accepted. Merlin had to find a way to break the enchantment, and she had to find it fast. When Arthur barely got through the first round of the duel, Merlin found herself sprinting to the dragon.
"I need your help!" she called into the cavern.
The dragon swept in with his usual flourish and said, "Of course you do, young witch. Otherwise you would not be here."
"How do I break the enchantment on Arthur? If I don't then Olaf will kill him in the ring."
"The enchantment has captured his heart. There is no magic than can break it."
Merlin's breath left her.
"There must be! I can't let him die!"
"You won't have to. The solution lies in the greatest force on earth."
"Which is?" Merlin asked.
"Love. Find the person that Arthur truly loves and one kiss from them will break the enchantment."
Merlin screamed.
"How am I supposed to know whom he truly loves?"
The dragon laughed.
"It's simple, young witch. Who has Arthur defied his father for? Who has he risked his life for? Who is the one person who he worries about most? Look inside yourself and you will discover the answer."
Merlin shook her head. There was only one person who fit the dragon's description, but Merlin could scarcely dare to hope that the person was Arthur's true love. Even so, she was running out of time. Instead of second-guessing herself, she put all her energy into reaching Arthur. By the time she got back to his tent, the second round had already finished. Merlin threw the flap aside and stormed in.
"Ah, Merlin, come to wish me luck in the final round? I really don't think I'll need it."
Merlin shook her head.
"No, I have not come to wish you luck."
She steeled herself and then pushed Arthur against one of the tent supports and kissed him. For a frightening second she thought that she'd got it wrong, but then Arthur kissed her back and Merlin found that she couldn't think at all. The prince wrapped his arms around her and deepened the kiss. Merlin welcomed it and for a moment she forgot where they were. When she remembered she pulled back. Arthur looked at her before the pain of his injuries hit him. When it did he winced and asked, "What's going on?"
"You're in a fight to the death, and you're losing." Merlin told him. He looked at her with widened eyes.
"What? Why?"
Merlin shook her head.
"There isn't time to explain. Just promise me that you'll survive this."
"Merlin, I…"
"Promise me!" she pressed. Arthur nodded. Merlin helped him back into his armor. Before he stepped out into the ring he turned toward her.
"If anything happens to me…"
Merlin cut him off with, "Nope, save your goodbyes for some other time. You're going to be fine."
Arthur gave her a smile and then took up his sword.
/
After Arthur won and the other kings, including Lady Vivian, left for home, Merlin came to his chambers.
"I was wondering if I was going to have to seek you out, but I'm glad you saved me the trouble." Arthur said when he saw her. Merlin walked over to where he was looking out the window.
"I figured you'd like an explanation for the events of the last several days."
"Yes, that would be very helpful."
Merlin wrung her hands together. She'd never been nervous around Arthur, but now she could barely speak.
"Well, Trickler enchanted you and Lady Vivian so that you would fall in love. King Alined thought that it would cause trouble and end the peace talks if you and Vivian were to become enamored with each other. He was right. When King Olaf caught you with his daughter, he challenged you to a fight to the death. You accepted, because you're a prat and you never turn down a challenge, but because you were enchanted you didn't have a clear head in the fight. That's why you lost the first two rounds. I managed to break the enchantment on you before the last round, and well, you know the rest."
Arthur stood quietly for a moment as he digested the information. Finally he asked, "Why would Alined want to end the peace talks?"
Merlin smiled.
"I guess he thought that peace sounded too boring."
Arthur laughed and then grabbed his side when the action disrupted his broken rib. Merlin immediately came over and put a hand on his back to help steady him.
"Are you alright?" she asked in a concerned whisper.
"Yeah, just fine." Arthur said through grit teeth. Merlin helped him to his chair and then knelt at his feet to look at his wound.
"It still seems to be healing well. I suspect it'll hurt for a few weeks though."
"Thank you, Merlin, for stating the obvious."
Merlin laughed and stood up.
"I should let you get some rest."
Arthur grabbed her hand to stop her from leaving.
"I need to apologize to you. I'm sure these last few days weren't easy for you."
Merlin looked down at their joined hands and felt a blush spread across her cheeks.
"I'm fine. You have nothing to apologize for."
Arthur used his other hand to tilt her head up so that he could look in her eyes.
"You must believe that any feelings I had for Vivian were not real."
"I know that."
Arthur nodded.
"Good."
He brushed his knuckles over her cheek and then said, "I've never loved another."
Merlin felt her legs turn to jelly and it took all of her willpower to remain standing.
"I'm not a princess, Arthur. One day you will be king, and I can't be your queen."
Arthur shook his head.
"You don't know that."
Merlin drew her hand from Arthur's and said, "I'm sure of it."
"Things may change." Arthur pressed.
Merlin stepped back.
"Well, until they do, goodnight, my lord."
Merlin left without looking back.
/
The next two months Merlin watched as Morgana slipped farther and farther away. Ever since Merlin had taken her to the druids something had been different about her, and now it seemed that she had made a decision about something that Merlin wasn't sure she wanted to know about. When the Crystal of Neahtid was stolen, she felt that Morgana had a hand in it. The Crystal was retrieved, and a man arrested for its theft, but he managed to escape. It was obvious he had help and Merlin watched as Uther looked right at Morgana when he said that if he ever discovered who had helped the man they would rue the day they were born. At that moment, her fears were confirmed; Morgana was no longer to be trusted. That was why when the Knights of Medhir attacked the city Merlin found the strength to poison Morgana to end the spell keeping everyone asleep. The girl was not a friend to Merlin or Camelot anymore.
/
Merlin herself didn't prove to be much of a friend to Camelot either when she released the dragon. She'd promised him on her mother's life that she would one day free him, but she wished that she'd never followed through on her word as she watched the city burn. Merlin had never been filled with so much guilt. That was why when Arthur set off to find the last Dragonlord Merlin went with him. She had to do whatever she could to make this right. Gaius took her aside before she left to tell her that the last Dragonlord, Balinor, was actually her father. That only fueled the need to find him all the more. She'd never met her father, hadn't even known his name up until then, and she was determined to meet him now. She and Arthur set off for his last known location carrying as little as they could.
/
The rain was coming down in sheets and Merlin was soaked through and frozen by the time they reached the inn. Arthur took care of their horses and then led her into the building. As soon as they entered all eyes were on them. Arthur just smiled and made his way to a table with Merlin close behind him.
"Do you think one of these men is Balinor?" Merlin asked him after they'd sat down.
Arthur looked around and said, "I certainly hope not."
"So do I." Merlin mumbled.
They each had a drink and then Arthur asked if the man who ran the place knew anyone named Balinor. The barkeep said he'd never heard of someone with that name. Arthur sighed, but took him at his word.
"We'll be needing a room for the night, if that's not too much trouble." he said before the man could walk away. He looked between Arthur and Merlin and then shook his head.
"I run an honest place. Take your whore and bed her somewhere else."
Merlin felt her eyes grow huge, but Arthur was offended for the both of them.
"She is no whore. She is my wife and I'll not stand for you to speak about her in such a lewd manner. Now, will you give us a room or should I take my business elsewhere?"
The man looked somewhat apologetic and nodded towards the staircase at the back of the room.
"Take the last one on the left. It's the nicest one I've got."
Arthur nodded and then took Merlin's hand. He didn't release her until he'd shut the door to the room. When he turned around he ran straight into Merlin's back.
"What are you doing? Don't stand in the doorway!"
Merlin turned back to him and said, "Do you see something wrong with this picture?"
She gestured to the room and Arthur looked around. He didn't see what she was talking about.
"No."
Merlin sighed.
"The bed, Arthur. There's only one of them."
Arthur looked and saw that Merlin was correct.
"Huh, usually inns have two beds to a room."
"Well, maybe this has something to do with you telling the man down there that I was your wife."
Arthur laughed.
"Would you rather I have let him think you were my whore?"
"No, but now what do we do?"
Arthur sighed.
"Simple, you take the bed and I'll take the floor."
Merlin's eyes widened and then she shook her head.
"No way are you sleeping on the floor when your shoulder is still injured. You take the bed and I'll take the floor."
"Merlin, for once, don't be an idiot. You don't have to sleep on the floor when there is a perfectly good bed that I'm offering you."
"Arthur, for once, don't be a noble prat. I spent the first eighteen years of my life sleeping on a floor. It doesn't bother me in the slightest."
Arthur moved further into the room and grabbed on of the pillows.
"I'll not listen to this. You're taking the bed, Merlin, and that's the end of it."
Merlin moved to the other side of the bed and said, "Fine, but only if you share with me."
Arthur spluttered and Merlin smiled when she saw the blush covering his cheeks.
"That's hardly appropriate."
Merlin's smile turned into a smirk when she said, "I don't see the problem, dear husband. Besides, it's plenty big enough for the both of us."
Arthur looked like he wanted to argue some more, but Merlin was tired and she didn't want to hear it. She climbed onto the bed and then pulled him down with her. He stood right back up though.
"Merlin! We're soaking wet!"
Merlin sighed and crawled off the bed and over to their packs. She drew out his nightclothes and her own. Tossing his over to him she walked behind the small screen set up in the corner and began undressing. She heard Arthur doing the same and when she came back out he was dressed and ready for bed.
"Any more complaints?" Merlin asked as she climbed back into the bed. Arthur just looked at her as she pulled the cover over herself and then sighed. He got in the other side and blew out the candle.
"I shouldn't have let you talk me into this." he said into the darkness a few moments later.
"Don't worry, Arthur. I trust you not to take advantage of me and steal my virtue."
She heard what sounded like Arthur choking on his own spit and tried to contain her laughter.
"I would not do such a thing."
Merlin smiled into her pillow.
"I know. Now, get some sleep before you give yourself a headache."
/
The first time Merlin woke up, it was to find Arthur holding a man at knifepoint across the foot of the bed. From this would-be burglar, they learned the location of a cave where Balinor supposedly lived. After Arthur let him go and barred the door with something he found in the room, they both went back to sleep. The next time Merlin woke up, it was to find herself wrapped rather intimately around Arthur. Her head was tucked under his chin, his arms were securely around her, and their legs were intertwined. She tried not to think about how perfectly they fit together as she removed herself from his embrace.
/
They managed to find Balinor and convince him to come back to Camelot with them. Merlin even found time to tell him that she was his daughter. Everything seemed to be going well, until they were attacked. Balinor sacrificed himself to save Merlin, and before she could even get to know her father, he was being taken from her.
"Father, please, no." she begged as she pressed her hand to the wound in his stomach.
"Merlin, listen to me. The power of the Dragonlord is passed from father to son. I know that you are not my son, but my blood still runs through your veins. You will not receive my gift when I die, but your soul is still kin to Kilgharrah's because of your magic. Reason with him as kin, and he should listen to you."
"But, Father…"
"Believe in yourself, Merlin. Believe in yourself as I believe in you."
He faded into the blackness of eternity and Arthur and Merlin had no choice but to return to Camelot alone.
/
Merlin put Arthur's armor on like she had a million times before, but this time there was a sense of finality in the air. Arthur and his knights were going to ride out of the city and engage the dragon on level ground. It was a suicide mission.
"You must be careful out there. Do not force the battle."
"Yes, my lady!"
"I'm serious."
"I can hear that." Arthur said as he turned to face her. He placed his hand on the side of her neck.
"Merlin, if I die, please don't cry for me. There's something wholly unnatural about you crying. You should only ever smile."
Merlin stepped closer to him and tucked her head beneath his chin. He wrapped his arms around her and pressed a kiss to the top of her head. When he pulled away and picked up his sword, Merlin drew one as well.
"What are you doing?"
"I'm coming with you."
Arthur shook his head and tried to take the sword from her, but she wouldn't let him.
"Merlin, there is no way I'm letting you go out there with me. Chances are that I'm going to die and I'm not letting you die too."
"I'm not going to sit here while you go and risk your life yet again. I can't, Arthur. Don't ask me to."
Arthur gave her an incredulous look.
"You're really going to face this dragon with me? You'd go out there knowing that you'd likely die?"
"Yes. I'll follow you anywhere, Arthur, and if that means following you to my death then so be it. I've stayed behind while you've gone on dangerous missions before, but I absolutely will not do it this time. If you're going, I'm going and if you die, then I'll die right beside you."
Arthur shook his head.
"You are the most idiot person I've ever met, but you're also one of the bravest."
/
When Merlin stood before Kilgharrah after all the knights had been knocked out, she knew that the chances of him listening to her were slim. Even so, she had to try.
"Kilgharrah! I'm begging you, please stop this! You're killing innocent people."
"You have no power over me, young witch."
"I know that. I am no Dragonlord, but I am still your kin. The magic that runs in my veins is kin to the magic that runs in yours. You are the last of your kind, and I am part of a dying race. Please don't bring about the destruction of us both. You've got your freedom. Use it to leave this place. I'm begging you."
"Why should I listen to your pleas? I have not yet made Uther Pendragon suffer as he should for what he's done to my race and me."
Merlin fell to her knees before the Great Dragon and extended her arms.
"Believe me, he has suffered. Everyone in Camelot has suffered because of what you've done. You've taken husbands from their wives, children from their mothers; families have been torn apart because of what you've done. If you still need to kill someone the appease yourself, then kill me."
Kilgharrah cocked his head to the side.
"You would sacrifice yourself for the kingdom and the king that would execute you without a second thought if they but knew who you truly were?"
"Yes. I don't condone what Uther does to our kind, but Camelot is my home. I will do whatever it takes to protect it, even if it costs me my life."
Merlin bowed her head and waited for Kilgharrah to end her life. After a few moments she glanced up and saw him contemplating her.
"Very well, I will do as you ask. I will leave this place, but I will not forget what you have done here, young witch. You have shown true courage, and one day I will reward you for it."
He spread his wings and propelled himself into the air as Merlin watched in disbelief. She'd done it. The Great Dragon had just disappeared into the night sky when Merlin heard Arthur groaning. She crawled toward him and was at his side when he opened his eyes.
"What happened?" he asked her.
"The dragon is gone."
Arthur sat up and looked around. When he saw that the clearing was indeed empty he turned back to her and started laughing.
"It's really gone?"
Merlin smiled and nodded. Arthur laughed again and then drew her close so that he could kiss her. Merlin melted into his kiss and tilted her head so that he could deepen it. She licked his bottom lip, and surprised at her forwardness, he opened his mouth to her. He tasted like sweat and the wine he'd drunk to calm his nerves before riding out. Merlin thought that she could kiss him forever, but he eventually pulled away from her.
"I'm glad you're here, Merlin."
"There's no where else I'd rather be."
Arthur kissed her again and then helped her up. They made their way back to Camelot grinning in victory. That was how Merlin's second year in the city came to an end.