AN: Hello! I uploaded a chapter of Mirror Mirror which means I get to upload a chapter of this again too, right?
Ok, so this story is waaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyy to much fun to write. I may be writing chapter fifteen, and it may be distracting me from homework and social activities and all that stuff... Whoops.
Anyhoo, chapter ten. What you should know. I love Leon. Not as much as Gwaine, but still. He is immortal, and needed to get into this fic. So now I just have to figure out Elyan, and we've got all the knights of the round table ;)
Still loving all the reviews, favorites, alerts and views! But, you know, you never can have too much of a good thing... sorry, review if you like, don't if you don't feel like it/ don't have time. But please, if you have questions or comments, I would love to hear them and I promise I will message you back.
Ok, last thing. I still don't own Merlin. I do have a white stuffed dragon I named Aithusa though...
Chapter Ten: Leon Learns the Truth
Arthur had been having a terrible week. Even with his story about the serkets, Uther still found a way to blame Emrys and magic for Morgana's 'death'. And of course he had had to fake being much more depressed than he was as the entire kingdom mourned Morgana. He had given in and told Gwen, Morgana's maid, the truth, just because he couldn't stand seeing her so sad. She took the news very well, and Arthur had made sure that she was reassigned to a new job in the kitchens until she found a position that suited her better. She had wanted to go and see Morgana, but Arthur told her that that was a little impossible as he didn't exactly know where the Druid camp was. Merlin seemed to be giving them time to mourn, as there had been no sign of Emrys since Morgana's disappearance, which at least meant Uther was a little less angry than he could have been.
Arthur had to admit he was surprised at how great a toll the news of Morgana's death had taken on Uther. He had expected him to be sad, but not as devastated as he was. Arthur had learned why while going down to speak with Gaius about Druid traditions so he could learn about what Morgana's new life would be like. When he heard Uther speaking with the physician he snuck up to the door and listened to see what they were talking about, in case it had something to do with Merlin. It hadn't. While he eavesdropped on his father he learned that Morgana had been his half-sister. He had ran back to his chambers when he heard this, not wanting to be caught listening in on the king. The new information was slightly unsettling, not because he didn't love Morgana as any brother would love a sister, but because it meant that his father had been with his best friend's wife. There seemed to be no evil Uther had not committed.
Still, after the murder of an entire village, Arthur supposed adultery really shouldn't have been all that much of a surprise. And he had other more important things to worry about, like the increased patrols out looking for Emrys. Merlin was hidden well, but with so many knights and guards wandering through the woods the chances that one of them would get lucky and stumble across Merlin's camp or some other sign of his troop were increasing dramatically, and then, well, he didn't want to think about what would happen then. When Leon told him they were searching the area he knew Merlin was he knew he had to risk getting out there to warn him, no matter what it took.
Luckily Leon was still leading the search for Emrys, it hadn't been too hard to get back on patrol. Of course, he hadn't been allowed to go alone, his father was still worried after Morgana. All he would have to do was sneak away from Leon before they got too close to Merlin, and that really shouldn't have been too much of a problem for him, seeing as he had been sneaking away from knights since he was a child. And Arthur was able to get out of the castle for the first time since he had taken Morgana to Merlin and the Druids. It was nice to finally be out in the forest again, even though he wasn't able to hunt and ride and do everything that he hadn't been allowed to do for so long. He couldn't think of trivial things now though, he needed to stay focused and get to Merlin alone. But, of course, things would never go to Arthur's plan.
He had managed to escape Leon, and was quickly making his way towards Merlin, when Merlin found him. He was walking through the woods, near where he and Morgana had been attacked by the serkets when two pale hands had crept around his eyes, blocking his sight and a very familiar voice said, "Well, well, well, if it isn't Arthur Pendragon. Did you miss me?"
Arthur smiled as he turned to face Merlin saying, "Of course I did, you crazy warlock. Now, are you going to kiss me or do I have to do all the work?"
Merlin laughed softly and said, "Who knew Prince Arthur would be so lazy?" before pulling Arthur into a kiss, his hands twisting behind Arthur's back. After staying locked together for a period of time that felt both like an eternity and no time at all, Merlin pulled back and said, "So, Arthur, what brings you to my part of the woods? Don't tell me you have magic as well?"
"No." Arthur said with a chuckle, but then frowned as he said, "This is serious Merlin. The knights are getting close. You need to move."
"Daddy's men coming to get me?" Merlin asked with a smile. "I wonder how angry he would be if he knew you came out here to snog me behind his back."
"Let's just hope he doesn't find out. I'd rather not be murdered by my own father." Arthur said, feeling quite worried that this was what would actually happen if his father found out about their relationship. Merlin seemed to have noticed the depression in his voice as he gently brushed away his hair and said, "Don't worry, Arthur. I won't let him hurt you. It is my destiny to keep you safe, and I plan on doing quite a good job at that."
Arthur leaned against Merlin, and wished he could stay out in these forests with him forever, but knew that wasn't an option. Especially after Morgana. Who knew what Uther would do if both his children vanished. He took a deep breath and said, "It's not me I'm worried about right now. You may have magic, but that won't stop the knights from finding your camp and doing whatever is necessary to kill you. And even if they don't kill you, they could see your face and you would be in grave danger. It may be your destiny to protect me, but you won't be able to do that if you die out here, so I will do all I can to protect you until things change."
"Alright, Arthur. We'll move. Don't worry about-" Merlin started to say, but before he could finish his entire body went rigid, and a deep voice came from behind him yelling, "Step away from the Prince, this instant!"
Arthur's eyes widened as he heard Leon behind Merlin. He needed to do something quickly before his best friend murdered his new love. Merlin wasn't helping as he smiled and said, "Please put away your sword, it's sort of painful. Plus, they really don't serve any purpose besides hurting others, and I don't think anyone should get hurt today."
Leon looked quite confused from his position behind Merlin, and he spluttered a bit before saying, "No! I am a knight of Camelot! I order you to move away from the prince, immediately!"
Merlin still didn't listen to Leon, instead sighing and blinking slowly. When he reopened his eyes they were glowing the bright gold that Arthur had only seen when Merlin was doing magic. Arthur really wished Merlin hadn't just done magic. Leon would actually have a reason to hurt him now. He hoped that whatever he had done wasn't too obvious, maybe he could still pass it off as being a coincidence. He soon learned this wouldn't be possible as Leon yelped in surprise and grabbed Merlin, pulling him away from Arthur and saying, "Give me back my sword, sorcerer!"
Arthur wasn't sure if he wanted to laugh or cry as Leon threatened Merlin with a white lily that must have been his sword before Merlin used his magic to change it. He knew he couldn't let Leon hurt Merlin and Merlin really wasn't helping this situation so Arthur decided it was time to act, and he rushed between Leon and Merlin, shouting, "Wait! Stop, both of you. Please, things aren't exactly as they seem."
"So you didn't lure the knights of Camelot to my camp?" Merlin asked, looking at him with a bit of a smirk. Apparently Merlin didn't think Arthur would do that, which made him glad.
"No. Of course I didn't, you know I wouldn't do that, Merlin." Arthur said, fixing Merlin with a serious gaze. Merlin just winked back at him before saying, "I know Arthur. I trust you."
Leon was definitely not taking this situation as well as Merlin was as he spluttered, "Get away from him, Arthur! He's a sorcerer! What do you think you're doing?" and pulled Arthur back towards him, still wielding the lily.
"Leon," Arthur said, grabbing him by his shoulders and turning the knight to face him, "Merlin isn't going to hurt us, isn't that right, Merlin?"
"Yep!" Merlin said with a smile from behind them. Leon's eyes flickered between Arthur and Merlin with a confused look as Arthur continued, "I know that as a knight your loyalty should be to my father, but I believe that you might be one of the few knights who understands that his reign has been cruel and unjust. Can I trust that you are loyal to me over my father?"
"Arthur you know I am loyal to you, but-" Leon began before Arthur cut him off.
"Then you will not harm this man. Do you understand me?"
"But he's a sorcerer, Sire." Leon said, looking quite confused.
"I know. He's also doing a better job of protecting the citizens than all the knights put together. The oath you took wasn't just to the king, it was also to the people. If you want them to be safe, you will not harm this man. He's saved my life at least twice, Leon. He is on or side."
"Arthur, are you sure you know what you're doing? He hasn't got you under a spell, has he?"
"No. Leon, I know what I'm saying. Believe me, he usually ends up knocking me out at some point, but he's never cast any other spells on me, I'm certain. He cares about the people, Leon. He's been making sure everyone is fed and safe, and if he uses magic to do that I don't see why that should be a problem. Merlin is on the side of Camelot, not Uther. It is high time we join him." Arthur said, and released Leon so he could turn back to Merlin, who was smiling at him, and Arthur knew that what he wanted more than anything else was to keep that smile on that face, permanently.
"I trust you, Arthur. But if he even thinks of hurting you, I will destroy him." Leon said, glaring over Arthur's shoulder to Merlin. Merlin raised his hands in a defensive position and said, "You don't have to worry about me, I promise I would never harm a single hair on Arthur's head."
Leon nodded slowly, making Arthur relax slightly. He then turned to his knight and said, "I need to speak with Merlin alone for a moment. Don't worry, we will be fine. If I haven't joined you in around a candle mark, you can come for me, but please, just give us some time alone."
"Are you certain you should be alone with him Arthur? I could stay and make sure he doesn't try anything funny." Leon said. Merlin rolled his eyes at him, but before he could speak and make things worse, Arthur said, "Merlin has had plenty of oppurtunity to harm me in the past, and he hasn't. I know I will be fine, Leon. Now, will you please let us talk alone for a while, I swear I won't be long."
Leon followed this order reluctantly, leaving Arthur and Merlin alone. When he was sure they were safe, Arthur turned back to Merlin and said, "Are you okay?"
"It takes a lot more than that to hurt me, don't worry Arthur." Merlin said, moving closer to Arthur.
"You always make me worry, Merlin. You're too sure of yourself. Just because you have prophecies written about you, doesn't make you indestructible. If that had been any other knight you could have been dead by now."
"Arthur, I'm fine. Seriously, you don't have to worry. I take care of myself, as long as I'm not being distracted by any handsome princes wandering through the forest, betraying their fathers to save me." Merlin said, bringing a hand up to Arthur's shoulder and causing Arthur to blush slightly.
"Where are Percival, Lancelot, and Gwaine? You shouldn't be alone out here." Arthur chastised, but Merlin only laughed in response, saying, "Why does it seem like everyone always forgets I am an all-powerful warlock? I can look after myself." Arthur just glared at this, causing Merlin to roll his eyes and say, "Percival and Lancelot are hunting. Gwaine went into Camelot to get news from Percival's sister who lives in the city. Although he's probably ended up at the tavern, knowing Gwaine. Lancelot and Percy are close though, I could contact them if I really needed help."
"You could contact them? How?"
"All-powerful warlock, remember? I have a few tricks up my sleeves, Arthur. Maybe someday I'll show you some of them." The way Merlin was looking at him made something stir inside Arthur, and he felt his cheeks blush a bright red. This caused Merlin's smile to widen as he brushed a long finger over Arthur's rosy cheek and said, "I made the prince of Camelot blush. I wonder how many people can say that?"
"So far, just one." Arthur said, moving in for a kiss. He could feel Merlin chuckle slightly as their lips pressed together, making his lips vibrate in a strangely pleasant manner. But, Arthur couldn't keep Leon waiting, so he pulled away, saying, "I have to go, Merlin. Promise you will move your camp?"
"As soon as Percival, Gwaine, and Lancelot get back." Merlin replied, "And tell your friend he will get his sword back as soon as he gets back to Camelot. He seems like a good man, but he should try not to use his weapon unless it is a life or death situation. I am glad that there are people like him looking after you, though."
Arthur nodded, and let Merlin hug him once more before he turned to find Leon and reassure his friend that he hadn't been destroyed by magic.
"Leon!" Arthur shouted, as he made his way through the forest, trying to find where the knight was waiting. It didn't take long, Leon hadn't gone far and was beside him almost as soon as Arthur called his name.
"Are you alright, Sire?" Leon asked, looking Arthur over for any signs of injuries.
"Yeah, Leon, I'm fine. Thank you for trusting me. Merlin says you will get your sword back as soon as we get back to Camelot, so we should probably head back." Arthur said, glancing back at the flower that Leon was still clutching in his fist. If any creatures attacked them now, Leon would be defenseless, and he definitely didn't want Leon to get hurt. Leon nodded at this suggestion and followed Arthur back towards the city. They had gone several steps in silence before Leon said, "That was Emrys, wasn't it?"
Arthur wondered if he should tell him the truth. After considering his options for a while, Arthur decided he might as well, Leon would already be taking a huge risk hiding this from the king, Arthur might as well reward his loyalty with the truth. "Yes, Leon. That was Emrys. I know that he is a criminal, but I swear I know what I am doing. He is saving the people from sickness and starvation with the money he steals. Can you understand that?"
Leon stopped, forcing Arthur to stop as well. There was another moment of silence before he said, "Yes, Arthur. I can understand that. I have tried to serve loyally in the past, but I do not wish to watch as the people I swore to protect suffer. He has been helping. But this is treason. Is there no other way we can help the people?"
"Not that I can think of, at least, not while my father is still king. I believe helping Merlin, or Emrys, is the best course of action for now. When we can make the king see that what he is doing is hurting our lands, we can resort to better methods, but until then we need his help. He is a good man, he won't hurt anyone. Believe me Leon, we can trust him."
Leon nodded and then smiled, and nudged Arthur a little saying, "It looks like you do a little more than trust him. Have you finally found someone special, Arthur?"
Arthur felt the blush return. He was glad that Leon was taking this so well, but it was still slightly embarrassing to him. He gulped and said, "I believe I have Leon. I trust you understand that it is imperative that my father never learns of this."
"I understand, Arthur. I just hope you've put your trust in the right person. He is a thief."
"He may be a thief now, but only because it is the only way he can protect the people. When things change, he will be so much more." Arthur said, thinking of all he would give to Merlin once he was king.
"You really are enamored, Arthur. I will keep your secret." Leon said, pulling Arthur from his day dreams.
"Thank you, Leon. I will always remember this." Arthur replied, thinking of what reward he would give Leon for his loyalty when everything was finally how it was meant to be.