Disclaimer: I forgot to do this the last two chapters. I disclaim all things Merlin

"This thief is becoming a problem, Arthur. If word gets out that we cannot handle a petty crook in our own castle, the people of Camelot will start to doubt our abilities. Word is already getting around, what with so many victims of this man." Arthur was only vaguely listening to his father, Uther. It was midday, the day after he found Merlin leaving the seamstress's house, the day after he let Merlin get away. He replayed all that had happened during his meetings with Merlin, and then he made a list of all that he knew about him. Why would anyone risk his life stealing from people who would gladly chop off his head if he was caught, but not partake in the spoils of his perils? How could someone steal from so many people and never be caught, never even be noticed? No one is that swift, that skilled.

Uther continued, "This criminal needs to be put to justice, and soon. The only pattern I can see is that the thief prefers targeting people of nobility- people inside the palace. He's overconfident, taking straight off the person. He's bound to slip up sometime… " Merlin has escaped him twice already, and it will not happen again. Arthur is the prince of Camelot and the best swordsman in the land, he will one day rule this kingdom. Both times he took his eyes off Merlin, and both times Merlin escaped. He will not make that mistake again.

Both times he caught Merlin were by chance, being in the right place at the right time. There's no telling when or even if he'd ever see Merlin again. He needed Merlin to come to him. Certainly, the man's smart enough not to walk right into a trap… Although, Arthur now knows something no one else does. He knows the other side of the thief. Not only does he know Merlin, he knows Emrys. Arthur ponders how he could use this to his advantage as he finishes the discussion with his father.


Arthur was walking around the upper quarter of the city, the portion nearest to the citadel, trying to organize his thoughts so he can figure out a way to catch Merlin and bring him to justice. The roads were fairly busy, people rushing about, running errands. Arthur often took walks in his city when he needed to clear his head; it was good to forget his duties and future as king sometimes and just stroll through the streets, like everyone else. To his left was a young couple leaning towards each other whispering and smiling, in their own little world. Arthur smiled when he saw them. In front of him were three boys discussing something quietly with mischievous smiles, eyes glancing around, making sure no one could overhear them. One of the boys had dark hair and the largest smile, reminding Arthur of Merlin and what he had set out to do.

"Oh, hello Arthur" said an elderly yet very distinctive voice behind him. Arthur turned around to face the man that interrupted his thinking.

"Hello Gaius. Are you heading out to gather herbs?" Arthur said, eyeing the basket in his hands "I could help if you like, I was just taking a stroll". There was no practice set for today and sword practice with his servant, George, is more annoying than helpful (he always collapses after the first blow) so gathering herbs might be the best way to ward away boredom. And let him think.

"Oh, no. I never really have to collect herbs anymore," Gaius said, then seemed to realize his words "I was just going to check on Mrs. Mosley. She injured her foot in an accident and I need to check how she was healing." Gaius quickly continued, seemingly wanting to change the topic.

I never really have to collect herbs anymore. Of course! Gaius doesn't have to collect herbs because Merlin periodically replenishes them. That's how he can get Merlin. If he hides and waits near Gaius's chambers at night, he will be able to catch Merlin when he comes with Gaius's herbs. A large smile grew on Arthur's face as he thought of finally catching Merlin.

"Thank you, Gaius. You've been a big help" Arthur said with a smile as he turned to swagger back to the castle, away from the confused Gaius, planning his stakeout.


Arthur had decided not to inform his father about his plan to capture Merlin. He didn't want to explain to Uther about Emrys and his father would send guards to wait for Merlin, which he may see. At least, that's what Arthur told himself. He would never admit to letting pride cloud his judgment. Because it doesn't, of course.

Arthur was hiding in the empty room directly across from Gaius's chambers. He entered the room at dusk. At 10pm, when the halls are mostly empty except for a few scattered guards and the occasional anxious citizen, Arthur positioned himself with his ear against the door listening for Merlin's light footsteps. At 10:30 Arthur sat, back against the door, going over his plan and reviewing all things Merlin. By 11:30 Arthur was lying in the vacated guest bed going over his plans for the next week, then month, then year, repeat. At 12:15 Arthur was blinking frequently and slowly, trying to stay awake but really wanting to fall asleep. At 12:16 Arthur heard footsteps.

It took Arthur a second to remember why he wasn't in his own bed in his nightclothes and why hearing footsteps seemed so important that it shook him from his dazed state, but when he did his eyes grew wide and he was totally alert.

The footsteps were growing slightly louder as the person grew closer. The footsteps were an odd mix of light and heavy, careful and clumsy. If Arthur didn't know better, he'd say they were the footsteps of two different men, stepping in tandem. They stopped when they seemed to be right in front of the door. Arthur got up from the bed in favor of standing right by his door, hand or the doorknob. He heard the turning of a doorknob and the creaking of a door opening. Arthur slowly turned his own doorknob and opened the door just a crack. Just enough so that he could see who was entering Gaius's chambers.

There! Dark hair, large ears, pale skin, unbelievable thinness—definitely Merlin. Arthur grabbed his sword and threw open the door. Merlin, startled by the sound of Arthur's door slamming against the wall, reflexively turned to face Arthur. Merlin almost went cross-eyed, trying to stare at Arthur's sword pointed right between his eyes, inches from his face.

"GUARDS!" Arthur shouted, sending a flurry of sounds coming from either direction down the stone hallway. Merlin was starting to look genuinely sad. Not worried or scared, but sad. The triumphant grin on Arthur's face faltered. Soon, guards were on either side of Merlin, grabbing on to his arms.

"Take this thief to the dungeon" Arthur muttered, almost surprised at how softly he spoke. Merlin looked at him. He almost looked… betrayed. Arthur felt a weight settle in his stomach and dropped his eyes to the floor. It didn't matter though, he could still feel Merlin's eyes burning a hole in his skull even as Merlin was being pulled away, and Arthur could still picture those eyes. Those eyes usually so full of mischief and delight now heavy with sadness and disbelief.

Arthur felt like he was hunting a monster, but he accidentally killed a mockingbird.


A/N I'm so proud of my little allusion. Anyway, does the story seem to be moving too fast? I feel like the story should be longer than this, but it's kinda hard to expound and detail (basically BS some things). Lemme know, thanks.