AN: So, short last chapter. There really wasn't much to wrap up. Hope it's not too silly ;)

And thank you all so much for your support on this story. It was super fun to write with so many people reading! Well, at least more than most of my other stories. Anyhoo, I am still working on my Mirror Mirror like fic, if any of you are interested. When I finish that up I will start the Thief!Merlin fic, which actually has a plot now (gasp), well, in my mind it does. I still have to figure out an ending though...

As always, I don't own Merlin. But, as we know with quantum physics, everything is possible in some other universe, so maybe, some where out there, there is a me who does own Merlin. We may never know.

Chapter 6: The Path to Destiny

Merlin slept for most of the next day. Gaius said he woke briefly when Arthur went to speak with his father, but Gaius had given him another sleeping potion after he had helped Merlin eat some soup and soft bread.

Arthur spent as much time in the physician's quarters as he could without drawing too much suspicion. He had lied to his father, saying he had been slightly injured on the journey back to Camelot so he would have an excuse to spend all his time by Merlin's bedside. He was there the second time Merlin woke, and had made sure that he got the best foods from the castle kitchens. He was looking less and less pale as the days went by, and had promised Arthur he would be up polishing his armor by the end of the week. Arthur had laughed and told him that he wouldn't be leaving the bed until he was completely better.

They didn't have a whole lot of time to discuss their new relationship, seeing as Gaius was almost always in the room with them, but when he did leave, Arthur would lock the door and they would discuss how they could best keep their feelings a secret now that they knew the other felt the same way. A lot of this talking just ended up in long make out sessions, that would often be interrupted by people looking for Gaius, or Uther coming down to check on Arthur.

On the fourth day Arthur realized why it was so important he never left Merlin's side. Merlin had still been asleep, and Gaius had gone out to check on some of his patients who couldn't make it to his chambers. Arthur, wanting something to do, had decided to go out and refill the water bucket, so when Merlin woke he wouldn't have to wait for the water he still desperately needed. His cough was slowly going away, but he still went into fits that would leave him completely breathless, and nearly made Arthur sick with worry. When Arthur returned, caring the full bucket carefully, the door was a jar. He knew he had closed it completely; it helped keep the warmth the fire provided in the small chambers. He figured it was probably just someone waiting for Gaius to return, but his warrior's instincts kicked in, telling him to be careful, especially after what had happened to the last person he had feelings for. He set the bucket down quietly before edging into the room.

As he peered into the room he didn't want to believe his eyes. Morgana was standing next to Merlin, a blade in her hands. Merlin still looked like he was asleep, ignorant to the peril he was in. Arthur had to act quickly, he had to protect Merlin.

"Morgana," He yelled, grabbing a hold of the hand with the blade, "what do you think you're doing?"

Morgana looked absolutely terrified at him finding her here. She muttered for a second before saying, "I was just coming down to check on Merlin. I was worried about him."

Arthur could almost feel the hatred that was pouring out of Morgana and towards Merlin as she spoke. It seemed as if these words were almost causing her physical harm. Arthur didn't let go of her, and asked, "Then what was the dagger for?"

"I… I…, ummm, he looked so still, I was going to check for breathing." Morgana said, looking anywhere but at Arthur.

"Don't lie to me Morgana." Arthur said, dragging her back towards the door. "I don't know why you want to hurt Merlin, but know, that I will never let it happen. I do not want to have to fight you. You are like a sister to me, and I love you, but I promised Merlin I would stay by his side, and I will keep that promise. I thought Merlin was your friend as well, I hope you can remember that friendship and forgive him for whatever he has done to wrong you."

"No." Morgana said, glaring not at Arthur, but behind him to where Merlin was still lying. "I can never forgive him. Can't you see what he is? He is a liar and a betrayer. He would sooner kill his friends than risk his own life. Someday you will understand, Arthur, and you will wonder why you didn't listen to me when you had the chance."

Morgana tried to lung past Arthur, but he held her still, away from Merlin. "What happened to the girl I looked up to?" Arthur said softly. "You showed me how to fight for what is right, even when it meant disobeying my father. You've changed Morgana. And no matter what Merlin has done, I will not abandon him, and after all that has happened I do not believe he will betray me. He risked his life so I could be happy, the least I can do is trust him."

Morgana growled in response, but seemed to have given up on getting to Merlin, as she just turned and left the room. Arthur sighed, and grabbed the water waiting just outside the door before moving back into the room. When he turned around, he was surprised to see Merlin was sitting up, watching him.

"How long have you been awake? You didn't hear all that, did you?" Arthur asked, blushing slightly.

"It was rather hard to sleep with you two yelling over me. Thank you for defending me, Arthur." Merlin said, his voice still slightly weak.

"Do you think you can tell me why Morgana hates you so much?" Arthur asked, filling a cup with water and bringing it to Merlin. A pained expression crossed Merlin's face as he said, "I'm sorry, Arthur, but I don't think I can. Not yet anyways. Soon, but not yet."

"Alright." Arthur said, pushing down the small doubt that stirred in his stomach. Morgana had been his friend for almost all of his life, and he had only met Merlin four years ago. Could he really put his trust in this man and not in the girl he saw as a sister? But then he remembered how it had felt to go without Merlin. How small and broken Merlin had looked when Arthur returned. And he thought about how Morgana had been acting lately. He had seen the way she glared at both Merlin and Gwen, and had even caught that same glare in his direction at times. Some of the things she said just seemed so impossible, and he was pretty sure she was still wearing the bracelet she had received from the sorceress Morgause, who had tried to kill his father at least twice. Merlin must have a good reason for not telling him, and he would just have to accept it. "But, I do expect to hear it from you at some point, do you understand, Merlin?"

"Yes, Arthur. And I believe the day when I will be able to tell you is coming. At least I hope it is." Merlin said. He looked determined but also sad. Arthur found himself wondering how much he didn't know about the man he was in love with. He had always felt there was something special about Merlin, was this secret he had to keep something to do with that feeling?

"I trust you Merlin. And I love you. What I said to Morgana was true; I'm not going to let anyone hurt you." Arthur said, taking his seat by Merlin's bedside.

"Thank you, Arthur. That means more to me than I could ever say." Merlin reached out a hand and grabbed Arthur's. They simply stared at each other for a moment before Arthur cleared his throat and said, "Is there anything else you need? Food? More water? I don't think I can mix up any potions, but anything else?"

"No." Merlin replied. "Well, there is one thing, I need you to stay by my side."

"That I can do." Arthur said, settling into his chair and keeping a hold of Merlin's hand as they discussed what they hoped the future would bring.