Arthur watched, helpless, as Merlin was hauled down the corridor, his feet dragging behind him in his half-aware state. Each time the guards jostled their prisoner too hard, he tried to berate their carelessness but they wouldn't listen, not while they were following the queen's orders.

He'd told Merlin to leave Camelot. He'd warned him that Catrina was after him, but did he listen? Of course not. Instead, he'd been wandering the corridors in broad daylight, holding the missing seal of all things, out in the open for all to see.

He wasn't sure what was worse, being forced to catch Merlin's lifeless body when he'd dropped without warning, or the thought of what was to come.

As soon as he had spotted Catrina at the end of the corridor, he'd tried to force Merlin to run – consequences be damned – but it was too late, and now here they were. Merlin's head bobbed with every step the guards took, their pace fast even with the weight they were holding between them. The people of Camelot were only just starting their day and the shock on their faces was evident as they watched the unexpected procession, Catrina leading the charge with a stony-faced Arthur holding up the rear.

Arthur saw the moment Merlin began to regain consciousness, his feet scrabbling underneath him in his confusion as they neared the council chambers. He couldn't imagine what his servant was feeling, but he knew it couldn't be anything good.

"My Lord we have found the thief." Catrina stated boldly as the guards dropped Merlin at the King's feet. The few knights and council members already at work at this early hour halted their conversations to watch on quietly.

Merlin groaned as he pushed himself onto his knees, whole body swaying slightly as one hand came up to clasp his head and Arthur had to force himself not to step forward and help. It would do Merlin no good to have him interrupt now that they were here. He'd let his father have his say and then do what he could to persuade him against whatever punishment was about to befall his servant.

"What do you have to say for yourself?" The King's voice bellowed as he looked down at the boy on the floor. He sneered in disdain as Merlin helplessly tried to stutter out an explanation.

Uther's back straightened as he raised his chin and Arthur could see that his father had no interest in what Merlin had to say.

"You have stolen the queen's royal seal, the last remaining link to her father, and you will be punished accordingly."

An uncomfortable silence settled over the room as they waited for the King's verdict and an uneasiness settled in Arthur's stomach as he noticed Catrina watching on smugly. He'd told Merlin before that his feelings about their new queen were irrelevant if it meant his father was happy, but he was starting to think that wasn't quite so true. His father had made quite a few bold decisions since Catrina had arrived in Camelot and Arthur had a feeling he was going to take it too far very soon.

Uther stared down at Merlin as he gave him judgement, voice firm and unfeeling. "I sentence you to twenty lashes."

Arthur's stomach clenched uncomfortably. Honestly, he'd been expecting worse, but this wasn't exactly going to be a breeze. He'd had the displeasure of seeing his fair share of floggings over the years and it was a hideous punishment to witness. The sharp crack as leather struck skin, the pained cries echoing through the courtyard. Five lashes was unbearable, ten was unimaginable, but twenty? Merlin wasn't going to have a shred of skin left on his back and it made Arthur feel sick just thinking about it.

Before his father could say anymore, Catrina stepped forward and placed a gentle hand on his arm, her touch instantly seeming to relax him. Uther turned to face her, eyes shining bright in adoration.

"Wait, my lord." She spoke so kindly, but Arthur was beginning to hear the falseness of her tone. Just because Merlin's accusations against her had been ridiculously far-fetched didn't mean there was no truth to them. He waited for her to say her piece but instead she gestured for Uther to lean in and listen to her whispered words.

Whilst they were distracted, Merlin took the opportunity to turn his head, his glassy eyes immediately seeking out Arthur. He wasn't looking any better. The only colour visible against his pale skin was the sickish purple above his left eye where a painful looking bruise was forming. He looked to be shivering but Arthur couldn't tell if it was from the fear of the sentence or the stress of being literallydragged in front of the King. He gave Merlin a small nod, one he hoped conveyed that he wasn't to worry. That Arthur would figure something out.

Merlin's head whipped back around as the discussion ended and as Uther spoke up once again he had a strange, almost dazed smile on his face.

"My queen makes an excellent point. It is my duty as king to deter any further criminal acts of such a heinous nature. I believe I was too hasty in my sentencing." He clasped Catrina's hand still resting on his arm and Arthur narrowed his eyes as he waited for him to continue. "You will serve your punishment of twenty lashes this morning and tomorrow you will be executed for your crime at dawn."

A quiet, collective gasp echoed around the room and Arthur couldn't believe what he was hearing. Queen's possession or no, Merlin hadn't even been given a fair trial. He couldn't hold back his outburst as he rushed forward, ending up level with Merlin as he pleaded with the King.

"Father, you can't! You don't even have proof that he's guilty!"

"Silence!" Uther commanded him and Arthur was taken aback to see the sudden coldness of his father's eyes. Uther sneered, almost daring Arthur to try and defy him, before directing his sharp tongue to the men standing watch at the door. "Guards, take him."

Merlin jumped as the guards grabbed his arms, his breath audibly catching in his throat as they dragged him out of the room. His feet clambered against the floor as he tried to get them underneath him and though he tripped from the speed they were walking, the guards did not falter.

"Father—" Arthur rounded on Uther the second that Merlin was out of sight, desperate to understand how a softly spoken word from Catrina had led to such a drastic change of sentencing, but his father was not prepared to listen.

"Enough Arthur. My decision is final." Uther's words were as loud as they were firm and from the corner of his eye Arthur could see all those still in the room lower their gaze to give the pretence of privacy. As if that made him feel any less like a small boy being berated by his father.

As he watched the king and newly appointed queen exit the room, her hand still resting on his arm, almost guiding him on their way, he felt at the object hidden in his pocket. Without taking it out he could feel the groves of the engraving imprinted into the metal and as he ran his thumb along the edges, he wracked his brain for how he was to convince the king of Merlin's innocence considering the last person he'd seen with the seal…was Merlin.

If Gaius was aware that Merlin had been snooping around the castle all night, he had hidden it very well, but there was a definite flash of disappoint when he saw that it was Arthur barging through his door.

Though most of the castle was now wide awake, it was still reasonably early, and Arthur was half afraid he would find Gaius still tucked up in bed when he darkened his doorway. But as luck would have it, he was already at work, nose buried deep in one of his large, leather-bound books. The swirled penmanship that filled the page was difficult to read from where he came to a stop in front of the table but the intricate design of what looked to be a pendant was strangely familiar.

"Arthur, is everything alright?" Gaius asked and honestly, Arthur had no idea how to respond. How do you tell someone that the person they've been taking care of has just been sentenced to death.

He couldn't find the right words then and there, instead beckoning Gaius to follow him so that he could fill him in as they walked. He wouldn't have to look him in the eye that way.

He'd expected reprisal, some offhanded comment about how Arthur should have stepped in to help but as always, Gaius was very respectable. He often was when it came to the prince and his father, only speaking against them when the occasion truly called for it. He almost wished for Gaius to tell him off now.

But then, maybe Gaius' mind was too focused on something else. The way his lips pursed and his brow furrowed, the way his pace quickened ever so slightly. It told Arthur enough.

A small crowd had formed by the time they made it outside. Those having just finished their morning chores and those looking for a reason not to start. Arthur wasn't sure what always attracted the people of Camelot to witness the very public punishments, but once the stage was set up, the audience quickly followed.

Arthur pushed through them, eager to talk to his father once more before the punishment could go too far but as he reached the front, he realised it was already too late. Merlin, pale and scared and forced onto his knees was watching almost dejectedly as his wrists were tied around the post. His shirt had already been removed and Arthur could see how the mid-morning chill was making him shiver.

The king and queen were stood to one side, flanked by guards to ensure the lower citizens of Camelot were not encroaching on their space. As Arthur tried to approach, he was stopped in his tracks by two guards stepping forward after a nod from Catrina. They both gave him a look, firm but apologetic. He may ordinarily have their respect and loyalty, but orders were orders, especially when they came from their reigning queen.

He opened his mouth to shout across the gap instead, hoping to still get his chance to speak against it, but he was quickly silenced by Uther's commanding bellow.

"As punishment for the theft of Queen Catrina's royal seal, you have been sentenced to twenty lashes. Let this be a lesson to all those watching. Such crimes will not be ignored."

Before Arthur even had a chance to stop the proceedings, his father gave a swift nod and seconds later a painful crack filled the air followed by a strangled cry. It made Arthur wince, the choked off noise of someone trying so hard not to make a sound. Not that it worked. He'd seen even the strongest men cry out as the lash tore their skin so it was no surprise to hear Merlin follow suit.

Three lashes found their mark before he was able to turn away from his father and take in the brutality. It was a sorry sight, Merlin, hunched over almost hugging the post he was tied to, eyes clenched shut as he cried out through gritted teeth. He jolted painfully in time with each crack of the whip and Arthur could almost feel it echo in his chest.

A glance over at Gaius revealed that Gwen had joined his side, one hand clasped over her mouth as she bit back her tears. She looked heartbroken at what she was watching – they both did, and he dared not think about how much blame they would lay at his feet as he was the only one of them that had had any real power at stopping this from happening.

Eleven.

Twelve.

Thirteen.

Each crack seemed louder than the last, yet Merlin's cries grew quieter. The scourger was not dragging this out – thank goodness – the time between each taking seconds not minutes, yet it was clearly all too much for Merlin's already taxed body. His head hung low and his pale fingers had lost all strength to grip the post as his hands hung loosely from the ties.

Just a few more until it was over.

As the whip arched through the air for the fifteenth time, an unusual gurgling sound erupted from behind him. It was a peculiar noise and he turned his head slightly to take a look but found that he couldn't quite bring himself to look away from Merlin. There was something about turning away now but made it seem like a betrayal.

But when a wave of whispered gasps floated through the crowd, a sea of confused, almost scared faces that were suddenly more interested in what was happening behind Arthur than the punishment taking place, his curiosity got the better of him.

The sight that greeted him was unexpected to say the least. Unexpected and horrifying. Standing next to his father was, how could he put it – a monster. It was wearing Queen Catrina's clothes and Queen Catrina's crown, but as the horrible gurgling continued, the once queen's face shifted and bubbled, her skin taking on a dirty grey pallor as her hair turned lifeless and tusks began to protrude from where her teeth used to be. Her whole body altered and grew in size, fighting hard against the seams of her dress.

Well— looked like Merlin had been right all along.

"I need to get inside." Catrina said frantically, her true voice gruff and rasping as she looked desperately for a path through the crowd into the safe haven of the castle.

Arthur was speechless.

There was a creature—no, a troll standing right in front of him who two seconds ago used to look like the Queen of Camelot. And no one was doing anything.

As she clambered towards the steps, Arthur pushed past the guards, who seemed just as fazed as he was, and ran straight up to the King.

"Father! Catrina she—"

"She just had to step inside." Uther tried to placate him with a smile, one hand coming to rest on his shoulder, before addressing the flogger with a nod. "Continue."

Arthur spluttered at his father's nonplussed attitude. Had he not seen what the hell had just happened? Clearly the crowd had, going by their low mutterings and horrified looks. Some even looked ready to run.

"No, father, she's a troll!"

Uther's features shifted in an instant from pleasant to disgusted. "How dare you speak about your queen in such a manner."

"What?!"

Arthur had no idea what was going on. He could barely understand what he had just witnessed, let alone his father's reaction to the fact that the woman he married was actually a giant, grey, stinking troll.

Whipping his head round, his eyes caught Gauis' and Gwen's through the mass of people and he was grateful to see them equally aghast. He definitely hadn't imagined it then. He was also painfully aware of how much of a scene he was causing in front of their people, they'd obviously seen it too and he didn't want to start a panic.

Before he had a chance to say anymore, his father's voice boomed across the crowd once more.

"Take him back to the cells."

Arthur had missed the final lashes in all the confusion but, mind still reeling, he watched as Merlin dropped to the ground as his hands were untied. His father was already making his way back inside before he could say anymore and the crowd, as baffled as they were, were also starting to dissipate warily. The king hadn't seemed concerned by the queen's true nature, so they weren't sure if they should be feeling the same.

Gaius made his way over to Arthur instantly, Gwen hot on his heels and all three watched helplessly as Merlin was dragged past them, feet catching on the floor as any last vestiges of energy were drained in an instant.

"Gaius. Catrina, she—"

"I know. I'll explain everything inside."

After a quick stop at the physician's chambers, the three of them found their way to the dungeons, Arthur leading the charge as he demanded entrance to the prisoner's cell.

Merlin clearly hadn't budged from where he had been unceremoniously dumped on the cold stone floor. He was half curled in on himself, as if that had been the only movement he could manage and it was only when Arthur got close enough did he spot the fine tremors wracking Merlin's frame, whether from the cold or the pain, he wasn't sure.

His back looked a mess, still uncovered and exposed to the elements where the guards had failed to return his shirt. Thick bruises were already starting to colour his skin around the various red and raw scrapes, still oozing blood.

Gaius tutted as he immediately fretted over him, Gwen following suit without needing to be asked as they both helped him to his feet and over to the bench chained to the wall.

"Come on, let's get you settled." Gaius cajoled as he encouraged Merlin to lie on his front. Merlin winced as he did so, fighting the urge to curl back up against the pain.

Gwen and Gaius worked in tandem to start cleaning Merlin's back with the supplies the physician had brought with him while Arthur watched it all from the side lines, half leaning on the entrance bars to the cell with the pretence of keeping himself out of the way.

"Merlin, I know it hurts, but you need to stay still." Gaius admonished gently as Merlin continue to squirm half-heartedly.

"There's no point." His words were quiet and muffled from where his nose was nestled in his elbow, his head resting heavily on his arms. He looked seconds away from passing out.

"There's every point. Unless you want these to get infected?"

Merlin's eyes stayed closed as he spoke, all the fight now taken out of him, but Arthur could still hear the tremble in his voice. "Won't have time to get infected. Tomorrow—" The word caught in his throat.

Gwen ran a comforting hand along his arm, the smallest contact being enough to soothe Merlin in his current state. She risked a glance at the prince still standing in the doorway and Arthur knew from one look what she wanted to ask and honestly, part of him was offended. It's not like he was ever going to allow his servant to be executed, no matter what argument he would have to throw at his father.

Although now there was quite a valid reason to not go through with the queen's suggestion of execution. The primary being the grand reveal of her true dung-eating, swamp-dwelling nature.

His father had married a troll.

His father had put a troll on the throne of Camelot.

This went so much further than stopping one execution. From what Gaius had already explained to him, he was going to have to break the powerful hold Catrina had over Uther.

At least his father's earlier reaction made a semblance of sense now.

"Tomorrow, after the hideous creature residing on the throne is long gone, I will have convinced my father to let you out and we can forget any of this ever happened."

Merlin cracked one eye open as he took in Arthur's words but before he could reply his face was scrunching up with a pained groan. Gaius winced in sympathy but there was very little he could do to ease Merlin's suffering while he was wiping at the wounds. His back was looking better now that the blood was beginning to dry, the residue ooze now wiped away, but this was only the start of a very long and painful recovery.

It was hard to see anyone in pain, but there was something different about Merlin that made Arthur's chest tighten. The annoying, lazy, innocent boy had become something of a friend to him over the many months they had been forced to spend time together – more than any other servant had previously – and while Gaius and Gwen were able to make themselves useful here, he needed to do something to help.

"Gaius, what were you saying about the spell?"

The physician didn't look up from where he was dabbing at a particularly angry looking cut. "The pendant your father has started wearing around his neck, I believe it was Catrina who gave it to him."

"The one you were reading about in your chambers?"

Gaius nodded. "It's a powerful talisman, enchanted to make your father fall in love with her. It's in constant connection with her magic. If you destroy the pendant, you destroy the spell."

"So…break it? That's it? That's all I need to do?"

"Yes, but Arthur, troll magic is unpredictable, there's no telling what will happen when you do." Gaius warned him and though Arthur took it in his stead, he had no choice but to take on the challenge.

Giving Merlin one final glance, he left the cells in search of his father in the hopes of putting this whole ordeal to bed sooner rather than later.

As he knocked forcefully on the door to his father's chambers, he hoped beyond hope that he wasn't about to catch him in a delicate situation. Partially because he didn't want to even think about what goes on between his father and any lady he takes a fancy to, and partly because right now that lady is a troll and honestly the image his mind was conjuring was enough to put him off his food for a lifetime.

"Come in." His father called out and for a second Arthur's hope rose— maybe he was alone.

Or maybe not.

There, sitting on the bed whilst his father sorted something at his desk, was the disgusting creature that called herself Lady Catrina. It seemed she had no use for the disguise anymore as she basked in her true form, wrinkled grey skin forcing itself out of her too small dress. Arthur had to stop himself from gagging at the sight of her, clamping his lips together and swallowing hard.

His father was going to be mortified when he discovered the truth of who he'd been sharing a bed with, but for now he was unfazed. In his enchanted eyes there was nothing wrong with the arrangement and, much to Arthur's chagrin, the troll was loving it. She watched as he crossed the room to his father, smug grin plastered on her hideous face.

The pendant hung in plain sight around Uther's neck, the red jewel at its centre almost glowing when the light hit it. As tempting as it was to just grab it from his father's neck and get it all over with, he had to be subtle or the troll would catch on to his plan pretty quickly.

"Father, I was wondering if I might have a word." He tried to play it professional, standing straight, head tall with his hands linked behind his back. "It concerns one of our laws."

"Go on." Uther encouraged somewhat distractedly. His gaze kept flitting to a spot over Arthur's shoulder to where he knew Catrina would be watching them keenly.

"It's a rather delicate matter. I feel we should discuss it alone."

"Nonsense, Arthur, Catrina is queen now, it's just as important that she is privy to these discussions."

"Yes Arthur." The gruff voice sounded from behind him making him jump, long gone was the delicate tone of her alter ego. She shuffled off the bed with the grace of a boar in a mud pile, her steps almost squelching as she approached. "You can say anything in front of me."

Arthur's nose wrinkled as he subconsciously took a step back, anything to put a few meters between him and the smell. This was going to be harder than he thought.

"Is this about your servant?" Uther asked offhandedly as she shuffled through some papers. "I know you're fond of the boy, but he committed a crime and must be punished accordingly. And when it's all over, we'll find you another servant. Two, even, if you fancy."

A strange sort of fury bubbled up in Arthur's stomach. Did his father really think so little of the servants that worked in his castle, that their lives were so easily replaced? He was ashamed to regard the fact that this mindset couldn't even be blamed on the enchantment, this was what his father truly believed. He'd seen it before, with not just Merlin but Gwen too, and he dreaded to think that it wouldn't be the last. One glance at the troll however, and he was reminded of how it was still her doing that Merlin was in the state he was in. The bruised back and torn skin, the fear of execution. It was all her.

All because she'd lied about him stealing her seal.

Wait— her seal? She wasn't even the real Lady Catrina so this entire situation was a subterfuge carefully concocted to get those in her way out of the picture. Merlin had figured out that she wasn't who she claimed to be and she was willing to go as far getting him killed to punish him for it.

This whole situation was one huge smokescreen and he needed to put an end to it.

Shoving his hand into his pocket, he grabbed what had been hiding there all morning and pulled it out for his father to see. The seal was heavy in his hand and easily recognised if the shocked face of the troll was anything to go by. Weren't expecting that, were you, Catrina?

"And what crime might that be, Father? Considering he didn't steal the seal." He kept his steely resolve and straight face and distantly realised that this wasn't actually getting him any closer to the pendant. The most it would do is make his father angry judging by the bulging vein in his neck and his reddening cheeks.

"How dare you, Arthur!" Uther's voice roared in an instant. The desk gave an awful clatter as he slammed his palms onto it and Arthur feared for the ink pot that rattled near the edge. "Catrina is your queen; how dare you steal from her!"

"No one stole it, this is proof—"

"He's clearly trying to protect his servant." Catrina cut him off as she rested a large knobbly hand on Uther's arm. "Probably just covering for him so that you'll let him out of the dungeons."

"Merlin didn't steal it. I didn't steal it. She hid it herself." Arthur pointed at the troll accusingly. His frustration was boiling over now and he scowled at the sight of her holding her hands up in mock affront. "She's a troll! She's been lying this whole time!"

"You say one more word and I'll throw you in the dungeons myself!"

And okay, yeah, shouting at the man who was still under an enchantment was never going to work. But—ugh, this was so frustrating.

"Father." He tried again, but it was of no use.

"Get out." Uther stepped forward, grabbing him by the arm as he dragged him towards the door. "You will leave until you learn how to show some respect."

The wrath burning in his father's eyes was what he had hoped to avoid and Catrina's cackle as she followed them to the door was enough for Arthur to say— Fine. Screw subtle.

Before his father succeeded in pushing him out the door, he wrapped his hand around the pendant and yanked it hard. The chain snapped as Uther's head jerked forward and Arthur rushed over to the desk before anyone could stop him.

"Arthur!" His father scolded as he scanned the neatly organised desk for anything useful. He heard the troll gasp and almost squark in fear when he picked up the paperweight and smashed it into the pendant with as much force as he could muster. He turned his head away sharply as broken shards flew up to scratch at his face. Finally, it was done.

Only, when he looked down at the pendant, it was still whole, the red jewel still glinting brightly. And in his hand was the remnants of the crumbled paperweight.

His father looked furious as he stormed over and before he could be stopped, Arthur dropped the pendant to the floor to try cracking it with his heel. He stamped and he stamped but it was like trying to crush a rock with his bare feet. Nothing was happening.

He managed to pick the pendant off the floor before his father pushed him into the wall, fingernails digging into his shoulders as he tried to shake some sense into him. All his father could see was his son trying to break a loving gift from the lovely Lady Catrina. He couldn't see the truth. He couldn't see the troll standing right behind him, smirking at the sight of the king turning on his own child.

But Arthur could see it. And he'd had enough. It was difficult from the way he was pinned against the wall and with his father ranting in his face, but with his free hand he felt around his belt until he managed to grab the hilt of his dagger. It was never going to be a perfect shot, but he let the dagger fly through the air towards its target, rejoicing when it struck right at the heart of the problem.

The troll gave a guttural howl as she dropped to her knees, clutching at her chest just below the protruding dagger. Tumbling backwards with a thud she writhed against the floor before falling still, hands dropping to the side as blood stained the front of her dress. The smell she released in death was putrid, a rancid scent of decay that instantly filled the air and Arthur clamped his hand over his nose and mouth with a groan as his eyes started to water.

Uther's hands slid off Arthur's shoulders, as if he no longer had the strength to hold them there. He silently stalked towards the creature lying dead on his floor, face ashen as he took in the sight of it. Just as Arthur was about to make a comment – something light-hearted about the whole ordeal – Uther gasped, falling to his knees beside the troll. His hand hovered over her cheek in disbelief, not wanting to touch her in case it all became real.

"Father?" Arthur asked warily, confused by what he was seeing. Surely the enchantment wasn't still intact? The troll was dead for goodness sake!

"How could you?" Uther hissed. There was fury in his voice and a rage in his eyes. He slowly pushed himself to standing, grabbing at something on his belt as he stalked back towards Arthur. "How could you!"

In a mirror of mere minutes earlier, Uther raised his own dagger and brought it down swiftly towards his only son. It happened too quickly for Arthur register his surprise, but he raised his arm as a reflex, hand shooting out in front of his face to stop the incoming attack. The hand holding the pendant.

As the tip of the dagger struck the heart of the pendant, a blinding light erupted, clouding their vision and filling the whole room. The jewel shattered in an instant and in doing so emitted a cacophony of wailing screeches that had both king and prince clamping their ears.

Arthur carefully removed his hands once he was certain that the noise had disappeared – and that his ears weren't bleeding. He eyed his father cautiously, ready to defend himself again if necessary, but with the pendant splintered around their feet, he really hoped it was over for good this time.

His father looked around as if just waking from a dream, recoiling in disgust as he spotted the troll.

"Oh god." He muttered and Arthur couldn't hold back his breathy laugh of relief. "What is that thing?"

Arthur clapped a hand on Uther's shoulder a sort of relief filling him now that his father wasn't going to attack him again. "I'll explain everything."

It was hours before he made it back to the cells.

There was a surprisingly large amount of work involved when attempting to cover up a marriage between the King of Camelot and a dung-munching creature. Several people had seen her impromptu transformation in the square, so word had already gotten out about something strange happening in the castle. Council members had to be spoken to and arrangements had to be managed, not to mention informing the people that the king was no longer married. Catrina probably had the shortest reigning consort in history so there would be plenty of questions requiring answers.

Merlin was still lying on his front, head turned to one side as he slept. He hardly looked comfortable on the solid bench but at least someone had returned him his shirt. Part of Arthur loathed to wake him – he appeared to be sleeping quite soundly despite everything and he probably needed his rest – but he would rest a lot easier in his own bed.

As the key rattled in the lock, the door clicking loudly as it open, Merlin jolted awake. He looked around blearily at what had awoken him and upon seeing Arthur, almost attempted to push himself up. He didn't get very far without groaning.

"You're free to go." Arthur greeted him quietly from the doorway, patiently giving Merlin a moment to try again. He was tempted to step in and help but with the mess of Merlin's back, he didn't want to make anything worse.

It was slow going but he managed to make it upright, the small movement alone rather draining for his worn-out body. He rested his head against the wall with a sigh.

"Ugh I'm so tired." Merlin muttered to himself as he rubbed at his eyes. It was only now Arthur could see the full range of bruises blossoming on the side of his head. His temple down to his cheekbone was painted a mix of blues and purples and Arthur winced in sympathy. Gaius had told him that they were also Catrina's doing – just something else to add to the list.

"How's the head?" He asked, taking a seat next to Merlin.

"Well, Gaius reckons my brain's still intact."

"Mm not like there was much to keep intact in the first place."

Merlin huffed out a laugh, rolling his eyes. A brush of colour had returned to his cheeks while Arthur had been away, which was good.

"And your back?"

"It'll heal." Merlin tried to shrug before thinking better of it.

As Merlin worked up the strength the move again, they sat in silence until Arthur spoke up. "I'm sorry you had to go through that." I'm sorry I didn't stop them.

Merlin shook his head gently. "At least we don't have to worry about her anymore."

Yes, well, at least that was something of a positive ending. It would have been much better for them all had she not turned up in the first place though and he was definitely vetting every king, queen or lady entering the castle in the near future.

"Not to take you away from this delightful place you've got here, but, you ready to go?"

Merlin nodded with a small smile. He probably couldn't wait to see the back of these dingy four walls. He shuffled forward, placing his feet firmly on the ground but any attempt at standing fell short with a groan.

"Here, let me help." Arthur swooped in, having had enough of seeing him struggle. He placed Merlin's arm around his shoulders, and his own gently across Merlin's back. Merlin tried to suppress a cry, biting his bottom lip between his teeth, when Arthur brushed against a particularly sore spot but at Arthur's worried glance, he nodded that it was okay. It was going to painful few minutes making the short journey back to Merlin's chambers, but they both knew there was no other way.

Arthur guided them out of the cell, already feeling how heavily Merlin was leaning on him as they walked. The sooner they got him back to his room; the sooner he could heal and get back to his old self again. He didn't much fancy the thought of a temporary servant standing in to fulfil Merlin's duties so the quicker he got back to work, the better.

They made their way up the steps silently and slowly, the steep incline already leaving beads of sweat forming across Merlin's forehead and it was only as they reached the top did he muster enough strength to talk.

"So…your stepmother was a troll then."

"I will drop you."