Hello again? What's my excuse I hear you ask? None! I update when I get inspiration and when I want to write, however I will tell you now I will never abandon any story of mine, but getting back into writing can take a while for me.

Disclaimer: I don't own Merlin, I wish I did, I would change the shitty ending to season 5!

Merlin woke up far too hot, there was also pressure bearing down on his waist and for a fearful moment he thought he was back in one of Cenred's makeshift prisons meant to torture him. A loud snore broke the silence and Merlin grinned as he remembered everything from the night before. Turning over Merlin faced a sleeping Arthur who looked nothing like the strong arrogant king he made himself out to be. Instead, his mouth was open, his head was snuggled into Merlin's neck and his golden hair was messed up in a manner most unbecoming of a king.

Merlin was reluctant to wake him, but he knew he needed to leave; no doubt Will and Archer were going frantic looking for him. Using magic to make his touch so light Arthur wouldn't feel it, he lifted his arm from around his waist and slipped out of bed onto the cold floor, locating his clothes he quickly slipped them on and turned to leave, however the view from Arthur's window drew him to the glass.

Camelot at dawn looked very beautiful, even the lower town where parts were in disarray looked alive in the light mist that settled over the kingdom, Merlin using his magic sight saw the baker opening up shop; steam rising from his chimney and if Merlin closed his eyes he liked to think he could smell the freshly baked bread lightly dusted in spices. Servants were leaving their houses and were rushing to the more stately homes were their lords and ladies lived. Merlin realised this kingdom was a community in a way Essetir was not, the people all worked together in harmony, sure there was equality and problems as in any other kingdom, but there was an air of home about Camelot that drew Merlin to it. Sighing and turning away Merlin looked at Arthur and smiled, maybe it was the young king that made Camelot feel like home, the people loved him, and Merlin did too, very much.

He was startled by how much he loved Arthur after only a short time of knowing him, he knew they were bound together by destiny, destiny thought his life and been cruel to him but in this way at least, destiny had smiled on him and blessed him with love, a love so strong Merlin was willing to fight for it, to fight to change Arthur's views on magic and to fight to keep Camelot staying the proud kingdom it was. Merlin knew that the people of Camelot thought their king had everything firmly under control, what they didn't understand was how truly ruthless Cenred could be, he would tear Camelot to the ground and leave no survivors, and he would use Merlin to do it, unless he found a way to free himself, and soon. Cenred wasn't a patient man and before long he would be ready for Merlin to come back with the treaty so Cenred could sign his name on the dotted line.

With that thought in mind, Merlin firmly turned away from Arthur and set off to find his friends who he hoped were asleep and were not too suspicious as to his whereabouts.

"Where were you?" Archer thundered the minute Merlin set foot in his quarters.

"We were worried sick!" Will joined in.

Merlin moved to his bed to put down his things to gain time and to gather his thoughts.

"I went…I went to see Kilgharrah," Merlin said.

"Again?" Will questioned eyebrow arching in confusion.

"He's the last of his kind Will, I thought he could use some company," Merlin said.

"Oh" Will replied dumfounded, "Well you could have at least told us."

"I know, I'm sorry it was just a spur of the moment thing," Merlin replied.

"You have to be careful Merlin," Archer started "Arthur wants you watched at all times, sneaking off isn't going to make him trust you."

"Why does he need to trust me anyway, we're only here for the treaty after all?" Merlin said hating himself for lying. He told his best friends everything and lying to them now sent a course of guilt through Merlin's body making his stomach clench.

But he couldn't tell them; one he had not discussed it with Arthur whether they wanted people to know, and two Merlin didn't want to risk the information getting back to Cenred, he would kill him without hesitation.

"I thought you two had reached an understanding of sorts?" Archer questioned.

"Yeah, he did seem to be coming to terms with your magic," Will said.

"Magic and Arthur don't mix, it's in his blood," Merlin forced venom into his voice.

"You said he has a good heart," Archer said referring to when Merlin had initially looked into Arthur's soul.

"And he does, but magic will never be a part of that heart," Merlin said.

"Fair enough, I guess we'll just keep our guards up," Will said.

"I think that would be wise," Merlin said.

With that his two friends turned away from him and began to get ready for the day, Merlin sighed and sat back on his bed, now he felt like he was betraying Arthur as well, the person he loved most in the world. Merlin didn't want to hurt anyone, only last night he had thought the change in their relationship was the best thing to ever happen to him, but now it seemed, it caused more problems than it solved.

Merlin didn't regret it of course, being with Arthur and loving Arthur had been amazing and he wanted their relationship to continue, he wanted to explore his sexuality and learn how to love the man he adored, but it seemed he would have a long wait on his hands. Merlin was good at waiting, he had been waiting for his freedom his whole life, and he decided he could wait a little longer. Arthur was worth the wait.

Arthur woke up in bed alone and frowned, the indent on the pillow next to him showed him that Merlin had stayed the night, and he could feel the residual warmth left by his body in the space next to him. Why then had he left? Arthur questioned.

He felt a sting of hurt go through him, confessing to Merlin and professing is love had taken a lot of courage for Arthur and now he couldn't even have the decency to wake up with him and stay the night? Arthur frowned and considered that he was acting like a love sick maid, but then turned the thought from his mind.

Who cared? He and Merlin had something special and he damn well should have stayed the night. Arthur frowned and threw the pillow in question against the door which opened suddenly to reveal a shocked George.

"Sire?" he questioned nervously.

"What George?" Arthur snapped.

George didn't reply he could see his king was in a bad mood and did not want to be questioned so George calmly picked up the thrown away cushion and returned it to the bed and then went about his morning routine; opening the curtains laying out breakfast and Arthur's clothes for the day. George was a very good servant.

Arthur watched George with a pensive gaze, maybe Merlin leaving had been a good idea, waking up in bed with his enemy's right hand man wouldn't be seen in a good light. But Arthur resolutely decided that he could of at least woken him up to explain his decision instead of leaving, like what they had said to each other had been something shameful, they hadn't even done anything sexually, just a few kisses, what was there to be ashamed of.

Arthur had never loved more strongly, he wanted the world to know how much he loved this magical man, he knew that right now it could not be so, but he was determined that he would live through this war and would make that vision a reality. Same sex couples were frowned upon but nothing was ever said, soldiers on long battle sieges often slept together to get rid of sexual tension, Arthur had never participated in this, but he knew it took place. What would the public think if he actually married Merlin? He knew for a fact his advisors would be strongly against it.

Arthur forced himself to slow down, now wasn't the tie to be thinking about marrying Merlin, now was the time to be worrying about Cenred and finding a way to free his lover from his chains so they could take down Cenred together. Forcing a smile onto his face Arthur got changed and sat down for breakfast.

"Will that be all Sire?" George asked from where he stood to the left of the table with his hands clasped in front of him, the perfect picture of the perfect servant.

"Yes George thank you," Arthur said and watched him walk to the door, "George?!" Arthur called out.

George turned round with a questioning look on his face.

"I'm sorry for snapping at you earlier," Arthur said forcing the words out.

Arthur watched as his servants eyebrows flew off his face, not once had Arthur ever acknowledged wrong to George, it was not the kingly way of admitting wrong doing to servants. But Merlin was changing his opinion of things; Merlin would of undoubtedly apologised to the servant, Merlin seemed to value all life and above all respect no matter someone's station, Arthur realised that he would have to change to keep Merlin by his side and to make him happy, but it was something he was definitely going to do if it meant he could keep the warlock forever.

"No apology is necessary Sire, I understand your job as King is a stressful one," George said.

From anyone else Arthur would be sure that the words would be intended to be mocking, but in George's case Arthur knew that he was deadly serious, George took pure hearted too far Arthur decided.

"That will be all," Arthur replied and watched his servant leave with a smile on his face.

Moving from the table Arthur strapped on his belt and sword and made his way to the council room to where his knights and the Council Of Shadows should be. He was determined to confront his absentee lover about his escape routine and figure out a way to free him once and for all.

Short and sweet to get me back into the swing of things, let me know what you think reviews without a doubt make me update quicker.